In this special edition, we’re proud to introduce Anna Laskev, the visionary photographer behind the visual identity of LaLaWed magazine. Since 2019, Anna has been our trusted collaborator—and more than that, a true friend. From our very first project together, it was clear that Anna’s perspective on photography was anything but ordinary.
With an artistic eye shaped by her education in New York and a career that spans Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Anna has developed a unique photographic language that transcends cultural boundaries. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into her work as a destination wedding photographer in Italy and beyond, exploring how she captures moments that are both deeply personal and universally emotional.
Anna, you’ve worked across continents—from New York to Tokyo, from Paris to Rome. What does it mean to be a wedding photographer in such culturally diverse environments?
Anna Laskev: Every wedding is a reflection of the couple’s culture, personality, and emotional world. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve learned to listen with my eyes. European weddings, especially in Italy or France, often have a timeless elegance and refined style. Couples here value editorial storytelling with a soft, romantic aesthetic. In contrast, weddings in the Middle East or India are vibrant, layered with rituals, opulent colors, and a strong sense of community.
Yet despite the differences in traditions, decor, or pace of the day, one thing remains constant: emotion. Whether I’m photographing a lakeside ceremony in Lake Como or a beach wedding in Santorini, love always speaks the same language. My goal is to document that shared humanity in every image.
You work in luxurious venues, often with clients who expect both artistry and discretion. How do you balance cultural sensitivity with maintaining your artistic vision?
Anna Laskev: It starts with empathy and research. Before every wedding, I spend time with the couple—learning their story, family dynamics, and cultural expectations. This is especially important when working with multicultural weddings, where traditions from different parts of the world are beautifully intertwined.
While I adapt to cultural nuances—like being mindful of modesty in some Middle Eastern ceremonies or understanding the symbolism of Asian rituals—I never compromise on my style. I use natural light, focus on raw emotion, and pay attention to fleeting moments like a father’s silent tears or a bride’s nervous laugh.
Artistry and sensitivity are not opposites; they complement each other. That’s where the magic happens.
Many of your weddings take place in Italy—Lake Como, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast. What makes Italy such a powerful destination for weddings?
Anna Laskev: Italy is a dream—not just for couples, but for artists. There’s an innate poetry to the landscape: golden light, historic villas, cobbled streets, the smell of citrus in the air. But beyond the aesthetics, Italy has soul. It encourages intimacy, whether it’s a luxurious celebration at a lakeside villa or an elopement in the Tuscan hills.
As a photographer, Italy gives me every tool to tell a romantic story. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about belonging. Every time I work here, I feel like I’m not just capturing a wedding, but a chapter in someone’s personal myth.
Do you approach traditional wedding moments differently from more personal, unscripted ones?
Anna Laskev: I always begin with the essentials: ring exchange, vows, first kiss, first dance. These are milestones in every wedding album. But what gives the album life are the unscripted moments—the bride fixing her mother’s hair, the way a groom’s voice breaks during vows, the siblings hugging when no one’s watching.
Emotion is the true heirloom. In twenty years, couples won’t remember the table settings—they’ll remember how they felt. That’s my job: to photograph feelings, not just faces.
You’ve documented weddings from Tokyo to Istanbul. Have any traditions surprised or stayed with you?
Anna Laskev: Many! I remember the elegance of a Japanese wedding, where every gesture is ceremonial and precise. The Chinese tea ceremony always touches me deeply—when the couple kneels and offers tea to their elders, it’s a moment of humility and gratitude that transcends language.
In Europe, vows and first dances are profoundly emotional. There’s an unspoken depth when couples look into each other’s eyes and declare their love. No matter where the wedding is, I always leave with a deeper respect for how love is celebrated differently—and yet so similarly—around the world.
Multicultural couples often bring different expectations to their wedding photography. How do you meet all their needs?
Anna Laskev: Flexibility is key. For example, some couples want an editorial, fashion-style shoot, while others prefer candid, photojournalistic coverage. I never impose a fixed approach. Instead, I ask, “How do you want to remember your day?”
European couples often prefer a fine art documentary style. Asian clients may want more guided portraits. Middle Eastern weddings often emphasize grandeur and opulence—gowns, floral installations, and architecture. I study these expectations closely and adjust my approach without losing the essence of my own artistic identity.
You have a talent for disappearing into the background, even at large events. How do you manage to be both present and invisible?
Anna Laskev: It’s a dance. I move like water—quiet, observant, never intrusive. I use silent shutter modes, long lenses, and know where to stand without interrupting the moment. But before that, I build trust. I introduce myself to the couple’s families, chat with the wedding planner, and review the timeline in detail. When people feel comfortable with me, they relax. That’s when the real moments unfold.
After all these weddings, do you think photography can pass something down to future generations?
Anna Laskev: Without a doubt. A wedding album is not just a story of two people—it’s a family archive. It will outlive us. One day, a child or grandchild will look at those photos and say, “This is how they loved. This is where I come from.”
The best wedding photography is timeless, not because of trends, but because of truth. It captures the way love looks in real life—messy, emotional, tender, radiant. And that’s something worth preserving.
Anna’s Message to Future Couples Planning a Wedding in Italy
“If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, remember that this isn’t just a celebration—it’s the beginning of your story. Find professionals who understand your vision and who will honor your culture, your values, and your uniqueness. Let go of perfection and allow space for joy, spontaneity, and real emotion. Your love deserves nothing less.”
You can explore more of Anna Laskev’s breathtaking photography and editorial work in every issue of LaLaWed, or visit her portfolio online. Whether you’re planning a villa wedding on Lake Como or an intimate elopement in Florence, Anna captures the essence of every couple through light, laughter, and love.