Meet Alanna Guapo | Speech Language Pathologist & Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alanna Guapo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alanna, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My work as a wedding photographer is all about preserving the moments that matter most, capturing time standing still so couples can relive their love story for generations to come. Alongside my husband, who is a wedding filmmaker, we get to create timeless, cinematic memories for our couples and their families. These photographs and films don’t just document a wedding day, they become part of a couple’s legacy, strengthening families and preserving cultural traditions for years to come.

Beyond photography, I am also a speech-language pathologist, helping preschool-age children develop the communication skills they need to connect with the world. Communication is at the heart of every relationship, and by helping young children find their voices, I am giving them the tools to express themselves, build connections, and thrive in their communities. In many ways, both of my passions are about the same thing, ensuring that meaningful moments, whether through words or images, are understood, cherished, and never forgotten. Through my photography, I give couples a tangible way to hold onto their love story, and through my work as a speech-language pathologist, I help children find their voices to share their own. It is a privilege to serve my community in both ways.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about capturing love stories in a way that feels natural and timeless. I’m a wedding photographer in Southern California, primarily serving the Inland Empire, Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles, though I’m always happy to travel. What sets me apart from others is my relaxed nature. I’m a perfectionist, but I bring a calm, cool, and collected energy to my work. I believe that when couples feel at ease, the best moments unfold naturally, and that’s what I aim to capture: real, raw, and beautiful memories.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of my husband, Michael. He has been my constant cheerleader, my sounding board, and my right hand. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to build my business without him. He has helped me grow, encouraged me to chase my passion for wedding photography, and has believed in me every step of the way.

What I’m most proud of is the dedication and hard work I’ve poured into my craft, especially in such a saturated industry. It’s not always easy to stand out as a wedding photographer, but I’ve learned to stay focused on my love for photography and trust that the right clients who appreciate my style will find me. Every wedding I get to be a part of, every couple I have the privilege of working with—it fills me with pride knowing I’m contributing to one of the most significant days of their lives.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of staying true to your style and vision, even when the industry feels overwhelming. When I trust my instincts and stay focused on creating authentic, emotional moments, everything else falls into place.

What I want the world to know about my wedding photography is that it’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about telling a story. It’s about creating timeless memories that reflect the uniqueness of each couple and the love they share. My goal is always to capture those quiet, intimate moments that are full of emotion and meaning, leaving couples with memories that will last a lifetime.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d plan a fun and adventurous day filled with all the iconic spots and hidden gems that make this city so special!

We’d kick off the morning at Olvera Street in downtown LA. It’s such a lively spot with colorful shops, delicious Mexican food, and a lot of history. We’d grab breakfast at one of the stands and just soak in the atmosphere while exploring the market. It’s a great way to get a taste of LA’s roots.

Next, we’d head up to Malibu for some breathtaking coastal views. The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is always stunning, and once we get to Point Dume State Beach, we’d take a few minutes to enjoy the view of the cliffs and waves. It’s the kind of spot where you just want to take it all in and snap some photos.

From Malibu, we’d swing by Santa Monica to check out the pier and do some people-watching. It’s such a classic LA experience! We could rent bikes and cruise along the boardwalk with the ocean breeze in our hair, just enjoying the sun and the vibe.

After that, we’d head to Venice Beach to experience its unique energy. The murals, the skate park, the quirky shops, there’s always something fun to see. It’s the kind of place where you can just wander and feel like you’re in the heart of LA.

To wrap up the day, we’d grab a bite at Gjelina in Venice. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy yet chic dinner, with amazing food and a relaxed vibe to end a perfect day.

It would be a day full of great views, good food, and even better company, just the way I’d want to spend time with my best friend in LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my husband, Michael Guapo. He is my greatest supporter, my best friend, and my right hand in everything I do. Michael has not only stood by me, but he has also believed in my potential long before I saw it in myself. There were moments in graduate school when I doubted whether I was cut out for the path I had chosen, but he was always there, encouraging me and reminding me that I was capable of making a difference. He was the one who pushed me to take on my first wedding photography gig while I was still in school, believing in my talent even when I wasn’t sure if I was ready. That was a turning point for me, and it set me on the course I’m on today.

Because of him, I get to do what I love in both of my careers. His unwavering belief in me, his patience, and his constant encouragement have shaped so much of who I am today.

And, of course, my heart belongs to my three beautiful children—Ella, Kai, and Isla. They are my everything. My reason for living. My inspiration. My absolute joy. They remind me daily of what truly matters, and their love gives me the strength to chase my dreams. Every photograph I take, every story I capture, every moment I preserve, it all comes back to love, and they are the purest, most beautiful example of that in my life.

Website: https://www.guapofilmsandphotography.com

Instagram: @alannaguapophoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikealannaphoto?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/guapo-films-and-photography-rancho-cucamonga?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
ALANNA GUAPO