Daily Skimm Weekend: Bridal influencer Lauren Ladouceur on being a wedding content creator.

Photographer? Check. Videographer? Check. Wedding content creator? Yup, really. Turns out, a growing number of brides are hiring professionals to capture, edit, and even post photos and videos of their big day on social media. To learn more, we spoke to wedding content creator and bridal influencer Lauren Ladouceur…

Q: What does a wedding day typically look like for you?

I’ll be on site for 10 to 15 hours ... My husband works with me, so I’ll go with one person and he’ll go with the other ... That’s when we start capturing those very candid, natural moments that happen as everyone is getting ready. I want to see your friends’ reactions when they show up at 8 am. I want to see if you exchange letters, if you’re crying because you’re so happy or if you’re playing cards and taking shots. That’s the side of the day that isn’t always captured ... We’ll also get detailed shots showing how [the venue] comes together. There [are] so many things on your wedding day that you don't get to see — but you’ve spent hours planning and talking about ... From there, we’re ingrained into your wedding day ... I’m not only capturing what’s going on, but I’m also live editing and posting ... And that’s just the beginning of my day. To be able to turn something around within 24 hours means we’re editing all night. [Keep in mind] that’s the bare minimum. A lot of times, we’ll do welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, after parties, and brunches.

Q: Are most of your clients already super connected to social media?

About 80% of couples do not have a social media presence at all — they are private on every platform … [For them,] I think the value is the level of immediacy. You’re getting all the photos, videos, and edited content within 24 hours of your wedding ... so it provides an intermediary while you wait for [photography and videography]. Also, you’re getting these short, digestible clips that allow you to see your wedding from a different perspective ... And I treat my clients like influencers. In all my packages, I offer Instagram takeovers. I just shot a wedding in Cabo, and afterwards, the bride was like, ’I’ve never felt more love than when you took over my stories.’ So I think for the couple, they’re spending so much time, effort, and money on their wedding day, why not showcase all of that in real time?

Q: How do you ensure that what you’re posting feels authentic to each couple?

If I’m taking over your stories, no one should know it’s me … When you’re working with a vendor, there should be a vibe there. There should be someone that feels really natural and who’s going to put their heart and soul into making your wedding the absolute best. For every couple I work with, I create a guide that delves into all sorts of questions so when I’m posting, I’m essentially a ghost poster. But even if you don’t want anything posted, that element is still there.

Q: Between guests and vendors, there are so many people trying to capture the big day. Is it hard to carve out your own space?

I always tell couples, obviously your friends want photos, and I’ll be the first to make sure they have that fire picture to post on social media. I get it — I love that. But this allows me to be the person dedicated to making sure you have all of this ... I’m not just getting photos and behind-the-scenes moments of the couple. I’m also focused on their bridal party, family members, and things like that. So this lets people 100% enjoy themselves and still know that we’re going to get those photos and videos.

😊 In culture…

Thanks to “The Beanie Bubble,” ’90s kids may once again be checking the value of Patti the Platypus. Looking for something new to collect? Consider Froot Loops-inspired nail polishes that smell cerealously like the real thing. Oh and if you can’t afford to live out your “Montecito Mafia” dreams (same), here’s the next best thing: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Airbnb listing.

🎶 In music...

Olivia Rodrigo will soon spill her “Guts.” Can’t wait to dive into new tunes? Then check out Halle Bailey, who’s jumped out of the sea with her solo single. Or Doja Cat’s new song that’s painting the town red. Plus, from Billie Eilish to Karol G, check out who else is taking the stage at Lollapalooza.

🍴 In food…

As some diners say ‘ciao’ to burrata (a curveball, we know), more restaurants are apparently embracing darkroom-core. Meanwhile, smash burger tacos are, well, making a smash, and ice cream may be the coolest celeb collab. Plus, one delivery app is looking for a Pizza Influencer.

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Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Sunburn relief products, plus soothing skincare to use all the time.

You + fun in the sun = not always the best of friends. These products are here to help.

2. Earrings so comfy, you'll forget they're there.

These earrings went viral on TikTok. We’re big fans of the cult-favorite hoops, which we’ve slept, showered, and exercised in.

3. Must-haves at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Pick up the stuff you can't live without before the sale ends Sunday. Get to it.

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape.

If Gigi Hadid’s farm summer has you daydreaming about an escape to the countryside, here’s some good news: You don’t need a country home to do so. In fact, a taste of the wide open spaces may be closer than you think. Here’s how...

• Go horseback riding. Many national parks have trails you can explore and some (like the Great Smoky Mountains and the Great Sand Dunes) even offer guided rides. But for something even closer to home, look up “horseback riding tours near me” online. 

• Find some best buds. Across the country, sunflower fields are in bloom. If there’s one near you, make it a field day with some friends. Or, take your pick at the local farmers market and create your own bouquet with dahlias, carnations, and daylilies — which are all in season.

• Stock up on fresh produce. Speaking of in season, many local farms and orchards allow you to pick your own fresh fruits and veggies. And right now, the time is ripe for blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries — ideal for making a berry pie, sorbet, or jam.

• Find some peace and quiet. It might sound simple, but an afternoon or evening spent sitting on your porch or in your backyard can do wonders. So make a batch of sweet tea, grab a page-turning summer read, and take it all in. (Worth noting: For those in the city, a balcony or rooftop and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can also do the trick.)