A Leap of Faith That Became a Calling

Minnesota Wedding Photographer, LKW Photography owner, Leah Welch

I didn’t always plan to become a wedding photographer.

Years ago, I was working in insurance sales and knew deep down it wasn’t where I was meant to be. One day I finally trusted that feeling. I walked into my boss’s office, quit my job, called my husband (who was deployed in Afghanistan at the time) and told him I had just done something a little crazy…

Then I went and bought my first camera!

What started as a leap of faith quickly became something much bigger. I’m completely self-taught, guided by a natural eye for light, connection, and the quiet moments that often pass by unnoticed.

On a wedding day, I have a strong sense for the rhythm and energy of what’s unfolding. I step in with gentle direction when it’s helpful, then step back when the moment deserves space. When the room fills with laughter, music, and joyful chaos, I’m right there with you cracking jokes, celebrating alongside you, and sometimes even letting out a squeal when I know we just captured something amazing. I love chasing the energy, making people laugh, and soaking up the joy of every moment, while still honoring the quiet, meaningful ones that need a little room to breathe.

Because the most meaningful photographs aren’t forced, they happen when you’re immersed in the celebration.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting weddings across Minnesota alongside incredibly talented planners and creative teams, capturing celebrations that are as unique as the couples themselves.

Expertise

With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings, I understand how quickly a wedding day moves and how many moving pieces are involved. My role is to bring both artistry and calm to the experience, whether that means working with changing light, adjusting when timelines shift, or gently guiding moments so everything feels effortless. You can trust that I’m not just capturing beautiful images, but also helping the day flow smoothly from start to finish.

Service

Great photography is about more than the images themselves, it’s also about how supported you feel throughout the process. Each couple receives my photography preparation guide, filled with helpful insight on things like what to wear for engagement sessions, how lighting impacts your photos, and how to prepare for scenarios like rain. My goal is to make sure you feel confident, relaxed, and fully prepared so you can simply enjoy the experience. You’ll also have access to a private client portal where contracts, invoices, and planning details are all organized in one secure, convenient place throughout the planning process.

Experience

Behind the scenes, I’m also supported by a small trusted team who helps ensure everything runs smoothly on the wedding day. A second photographer captures additional perspectives throughout the celebration, while my logistics assistant focuses on details like managing timelines and ensuring every image is safely backed up in multiple locations before the night is over.

One of my favorite traditions is sharing a same-day slideshow during the reception, allowing you and your guests to relive a few beautiful moments while the celebration is still unfolding.

Client Testimonial

A bride and groom holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony with a officiant reading vows, surrounded by friends and family, with green trees and cloudy sky in the background, taken by Minnesota Wedding Photographer LKW Photography.

Leah (and team) photographed our wedding and we STILL have such fond memories of working with her! She exudes this amazing light and joy from the moment we met her. Her excellent communication and attention to even the tiniest detail truly sets her apart from other photographers. Both my husband and I are not fans of being in front of the camera, but Leah made it all so comfortable and FUN for both our engagement session and wedding day! Her style gave us such an array of photos from our special day…including the super funny candid ones we still laugh about, the serious photos, and those precious moments with loved ones who are no longer here on earth, we love them ALL. I still have memories as a stressed bride, how Leah made sure to be the calm one through it all. Looking back there will always be things you think that could be done differently with your wedding, but I would NOT have changed going with Leah for our special day!

- Amanda + Kevin