Hi everyone! This week on Summer School, I’m joined by the team behind The Vendor Table podcast - wedding photographers Michael Cassara and Lauren O’Brien. With years of experience and hundreds of weddings between them, Michael and Lauren know the industry inside and out.
Together, they’ve built The Vendor Table into a go-to space for honest conversations, pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in weddings. In our chat, we talk about their journeys as photographers, why they decided to start the podcast, and how they’re using their voices to bring more connection, authenticity, and perspective to both couples and vendors alike.
Meet Michael and Lauren:
Mike Cassara & Lauren O’Brien are award-winning wedding photographers based in Long Island, New York. With acombined 20+ years of experience and over 800 weddings captured, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the industry.
In January 2023, they launched "The Vendor Table" Podcast, a show that highlights the chaos, thrill, and humor of being full-time wedding photographers. Their goal is to share their
experiences, provide tips and tricks for aspiring photographers and wedding vendors, as well as offer valuable advice to couples planning their weddings.
Since its premiere in March 2023, they have recorded 120 full-length episodes and released 300+ Reels/TikTok videos. Their influence in the industry has also led them to be Summit Speakers at the WPPI 2025 Conference, where they shared their expertise with fellow photographers and creatives.
With a combined 185,000+ followers on Instagram and TikTok, their content continues to engage and inspire a growing community of wedding professionals and engaged couples alike.
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Connect with Michael and Lauren:
Website: www.thevendortable.com | www.michaelcassara.me | www.laurenobrienphoto.com
Instagram (and all platforms): @thevendortablepod | @michaelcassaraphoto | @laurenobrienphoto
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