We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurel Bice. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurel below.

Alright, Laurel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

Scaling my business wasn’t an overnight success—it was built through strategic planning, relationship-building, and a willingness to evolve.
1. Building a Strong Brand & Community
From the beginning, I focused on creating a cohesive brand that resonated with my ideal clients. Authentic connections with couples, vendors, event professionals, and most importantly, my community. These relationships helped spread word-of-mouth referrals, which became a cornerstone of growth.
2. Diversification & Expansion
I didn’t stop at photography—I expanded into LB’s Bokeh Effect (my mobile bar service) , LB Coordinating, My Studio Lively Glass House and collaborating with On The Edge Farm (a micro farm venue), creating a one-stop-shop for weddings and events. This diversification allowed me to serve clients in multiple ways while increasing revenue streams.
3. Strategic Marketing & Social Media Presence
I leveraged social media, showcasing not just my work but also my personality and behind-the-scenes moments. Engaging storytelling and client testimonials helped establish trust and attract a loyal audience.
4. Embracing Challenges & Learning from Mistakes
Along the way, I faced challenges—pricing adjustments, balancing work-life demands, and pivoting when necessary. However, each obstacle led to refining my approach and strengthening my business.

Scaling up was all about intention, adaptability, and consistently delivering value. Today, my businesses thrive because of the foundation I built—one that prioritizes exceptional experiences, strong relationships, and a passion for celebrating life’s biggest moments.

Laurel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m LB, and at my core, I’m a first a wife, and a momma to four,. I am an adventure-seeker, and an all-in kind of person. My life is busy, chaotic, and full of surprises—but that’s exactly how I thrive. I bring that same energy into everything I do, whether it’s capturing love stories, coordinating dream weddings, or shaking up cocktails at a celebration.

I’ve always been the outgoing, funny, spontaneous one—the friend who says, “Let’s make this happen!” That’s exactly how I approach my work. I love people, experiences, and moments that make life feel big, and my businesses are built around bringing those moments to life.

What I Do

I’m the founder of The LB Collective, a full-service event brand that includes:
• LB Photography – Capturing love, milestones, and authentic moments.
• LB Coordinating – Making wedding planning fun, not stressful.
• LB’s Bokeh Effect – My mobile bar trailer, because great drinks make great memories.

What Makes Me Different

I’m not just here to provide a service—I’m here to create an experience. My clients become friends, and their moments become my mission. What sets me apart?
1. Authenticity & Energy – I bring realness, fun, and connection into every event.
2. Creativity & Passion – I love making every detail unique and meaningful.
3. Adventure & Boldness – I’m not afraid to dream big, try new things, or break traditions.

What I’m Most Proud Of

Beyond my businesses, I’m most proud of the life I’ve built with my family. My husband and I are raising four amazing kids, teaching them to chase adventure, work hard, and love big. I want them to see that you can build a life around your passions and create something meaningful.

At the end of the day, I’m here to celebrate love, joy, and all the in-between moments that make life beautiful. Whether I’m behind the camera, planning an event, or mixing up drinks at a wedding, I pour my heart into it—because life’s best moments deserve to be unforgettable.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Before diving into entrepreneurship, I worked in mental health, focusing on suicide prevention—a field that will always have my heart. Helping others in that capacity was deeply meaningful, but when I became a mom, I made the choice to stay home with my kids. That’s when I picked up a camera.

It started with a basic Rebel 6 and kit lenses—just for fun, just to capture my babies and our everyday moments. Photography was a hobby, something creative to balance the chaos of motherhood. And then, like so many of us, COVID happened. Life hit pause, and in that stillness, I had a realization:

I was done playing small.

I love my kids fiercely, but being a full-time stay-at-home mom wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to give my kids all the benefits of having me home, but I also needed something that was mine—something that fueled my passion, kept me growing, and honestly, helped my own mental health.

And I’m an all-in kind of girl—so that’s exactly what I did.

One day, I made the decision: I was going to make this work. I was going to go all in, and failure wasn’t an option.

Since then, I’ve poured everything into growing my business, learning, evolving, and pushing myself every year. Now, I get to:
• Be home with my kids while building a thriving business.
• Create my own schedule and prioritize what matters most.
• Travel the world doing what I love.
• Party with my couples at their weddings on the weekends.

I built this career on passion, determination, and a refusal to settle. It’s not just a job—it’s a life I intentionally created, blending motherhood, adventure, and entrepreneurship. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

For me, photography isn’t just about capturing one moment—it’s about building relationships and telling a family’s story over time. It doesn’t just start with an engagement and end at a wedding. More often than not, I’m beside my clients through life’s biggest milestones—documenting their pregnancies, births, first birthdays, and growing families.

1. Building Genuine Relationships

From the moment a couple books me for their engagement session, I make it a point to connect beyond just the photos. I get to know them, celebrate their journey, and become part of their experience, not just someone behind the camera. By the time their wedding day comes, we’re already comfortable, and I’m capturing their moments like a friend, not just a vendor.

2. Offering Exclusive Client Perks

Loyalty goes both ways! I offer special perks to past clients, whether it’s priority booking for family sessions, anniversary discounts, or seasonal mini-sessions just for them. I want them to know they’re valued beyond their wedding day.

3. Social Media & Community Engagement

I stay engaged with my clients on Instagram and Facebook, celebrating their milestones even when I’m not behind the camera. Whether it’s commenting on a pregnancy announcement or sharing a past client’s wedding anniversary post, I genuinely love cheering them on!

4. Making Every Session an Experience

I focus on making every session, whether it’s a wedding or a family shoot, feel fun, personal, and effortless. When people enjoy working with you, they naturally want to come back—and they tell their friends about you too.

At the end of the day, my clients aren’t just clients—they become friends, returning customers, and part of The LB Collective family. Their story continues long after their wedding, and I’m honored to capture it every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.collectivelylb.com
• Instagram: @lbphotography.co

Image Credits

LB Photography Ink