This month, we’re launching a new feature in both our print issue and online that highlights locals with great style. To kick off the series, we chose Filipino-American wedding and portrait photographer Lyn Larson for her high-spirited fashion choices and her infectious energy. Her clients rave about her talent and her caring nature, which they say means that they not only wind up with stunning photos of their special day, but with a new friend—so it’s no wonder that she ranked as one of the top photographers in The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2019 issue. We quizzed this sprightly style savant on some of her favorite things.
How do you describe your personal style?
I love comfy fabrics and usually wear a maxi dress or jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are my thing.
Last, best purchase for yourself?
A pair of Rothy’s. I’m on my feet 12-plus hours a day when I shoot weddings. My joints and feet scream at me the next day. Rothy’s are magical shoes. I’ve walked the streets of Manhattan for over five days and my feet never hurt! One cool fact: the shoes are made from recycled water bottles. Unlike cloth or leather shoes, they don’t get scuffed. I can throw them in the washer and they come out looking brand new.
Favorite salon?
I love my stylist at Fresh Vintage Salon & Boutique. Kelly Teale has tamed my mane for 15 years. Even after all these years I love sitting in her chair. We talk about life while she makes me feel beautiful!
Most regrettable fashion or hair style you rocked?
Oh man!! I had ’80s bangs in the ’90s. I have a picture that is EPIC…glamour shot style!
Shops you love to browse?
HomeGoods.
First photo you ever took?
My first intentional photo was of my newborn daughter. I was an Anne Geddes fan back then, so I thought it would be fun to set up a scene and pose my 3-day-old baby. Looking back, it was the beginning of my purpose and my career.
Favorite part of your day?
Waking up. No matter how hard of a day it was before, even if I don’t want to get out of bed, I’m always excited to know that I begin with a blank slate.
One thing you can never get enough of?
The sound of my kids laughing.
Favorite place for coffee?
Symmetry Coffee & Crêpes. I like the vibe and ambiance of the cafe but, more so, their passion for sourcing the best ingredients and the heart behind their brand.
Favorite place to indulge your sweet tooth?
Walking into Ocala’s Chocolate + Confections shop downtown is a divine experience by scent alone! My kids love their ice cream and I love their chocolates and conversation.
Favorite restaurant?
I like to try new things, but I always find myself going back to Harry’s. I love to sit outside, sip a glass of cabernet and indulge in their Oreo beignets.
Signature dish?
Lumpia (Lumpiang Shanghai) is a traditional Filipino spring roll appetizer that always makes it to the table at any Filipino gathering. Its thin, crispy golden wrapper crackles with every bite, yielding a savory mixture of meat and minced vegetables. And when you pair it with sweet and sour sauce, it’s so hard to stop eating them! It can take several hours to make a batch but only minutes to devour. I keep my freezer stocked so I’m always ready to dish them out when family and friends come over.
Favorite day trip?
St. Augustine is my happy place. I love the city for its stories. The historic district’s charm and abundance of good eats makes me giddy. You can find out a lot from educational tours, but my favorite are the ghost tours. Once I took a picture of a “haunted house” and in the window was a face with hollowed eyes looking back at me. Creepy! (See page 50 for full story) St. Augustine is also pretty special to me and my husband, because we were married inside a castle off the coast, Castle Otttis.
Favorite place to do the outdoor thing?
I’ve always been drawn to water for play and reflection, so my most favorite place to get my “nature on” would be at the Rainbow River and surrounding springs. To swim in water that has fallen from the sky and been purified by the earth is like heaven for me.
Motto you live by?
Believing and practicing these words has changed my life. “What you think, you create. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you become.” – Anonymous
Best book you’ve read recently?
Wishes Fulfilled by Wayne Dyer.
Three words that describe you?
Hugger, dreamer, romantic.
To learn more about Lyn, visit www.mahalimagery.com. To suggest someone for Style File, email us at editorial@magnoliamediaco.com
