February is Black Futures Month and in celebration, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible Black business owners in the Dallas wedding industry. Up first, photographer Misha Wynn of Lavishly Lux. In 2008, Misha’s love of visual aesthetics led her to begin photographing weddings. She was no stranger to the arts—her college degree was in architecture—but Misha’s passion for creating eventually developed into photography.
In 2015, her photography studio, Lavishly Lux, was formed. With over a decade of experience, she has built her company on the promise of being able to capture the raw emotion wedding days bring. Four years after the creation of Lavishly Lux Studios, Misha brought on additional associates, creating an all-female team of wedding photographers and videographers.
Q: Can you tell us how and when you got interested in your field and how you got started?
“Well I originally attended Prairie View University to study architecture, and eventually I just fell in love with photography. After I was out of college, I was working in architecture when I got the idea to go into photography. I actually knew that I wanted to do weddings when I started my business.” –Misha Wynn
Q: What inspired you to start your company?
“While my background is in architecture, I would say my love of art made me want to start my photography business. I love everything that’s art related, so anything that’s artsy. I’ve always loved weddings, so it was definitely a passion I built upon.” –M.W.
Q: What does your company specialize in, and how does it distinguish itself from others in the industry?
“I think that we are really good at capturing the moments that tell a love story, and we genuinely enjoy doing it. I love being behind the scenes—it adds to the buildup of a couple’s moment and helps us get a feel for what we are going to photograph.” –M.W.
Q: What makes you love what you do?
“I love that it allows me to tell the couples’ stories. Everything that they love joins together, and it helps me to capture their day. So far, my favorite wedding was one where they incorporated a lot of personaldetails including popcorn, cotton candy, and pizza! Seeing how everyone expresses their love through their own unique wedding is really special.” –M.W.
Q: Who or what has motivated or inspired you?
“My mom has been one of my biggest motivations. She recently passed due to her battle with Alzheimer’s, which caused her to lose her memory. Knowing that I can capture memories and moments that will last a lifetime for couples and families, has really helped me be the best photographer I can be.” –M.W.
Q: What has been your experience as a Black business owner in this industry?
“I have been able to experience photographing many couples of color and multicultural couples. A lot of them come to us because they feel like we’ll have a true skin tone editing technique and style, which is true. We always make sure their photos capture the true essence of who they are. I like that they trust us with that.” –M.W.
Q: What are some difficulties you have had to overcome?
“One of the biggest challenges we have faced is trying to reach as many people as we can and make special moments for all types of couples! I want them to know they can trust us with their wedding. I try to combat this by encouraging other vendors to diversify their referral lists.” –M.W.
Q: What are your long-term goals for yourself or your business?
“Like I was saying previously, I would really like to experience all cultural weddings. It’s kind of a big goal but I would really love to photograph a wedding on each continent—except Antarctica of course!” –M.W.
Q: What is some advice you have for those wanting to pursue the same career?
“The biggest piece of advice I have to share is to make sure that you truly love what you’re doing. If you do that, everything else can fall into place if you work hard enough. Another piece of advice I have would be to make sure you really research the wedding market.” —M.W.
