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

Hi Lexi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has played a huge part in my business and life. Ever since I was little I was always the risk taker, doing things differently, and taking the road less traveled by. I think that if you don’t take risks in life, you’ll never truly get to where you want to be. Yes, you have to put in the work and hours to reach your goals but you have to take those risks and have faith in yourself too. When COVID hit back in 2020, I was laid off from being an Executive Assistant to a multi-millionaire. It was a blessing in disguise because I had already been feeling like I was put on this earth for something so much greater but what could it be? It wasn’t until I was laid off and unsure of my next step that my best friend mentioned I should look for photography jobs because that is what I have always loved to do. I have taken photos since I could remember but not professionally. I had the natural eye for it but needed to learn the more technical side of things. We found an opening for a photography company that shot weddings, engagements, and bridals. I applied honestly thinking I would not hear back but I did! Instead of looking for another “job”, I followed my gut and my life was forever changed. Being with this company gave me the skills I needed to better my craft, make it my own, and eventually start my own business. It was the first stepping stone I needed to create the life I wanted to live. Since 2020 I have shot close to 200 weddings, if not more by now. I took a risk on starting my own business, not knowing if it would turn into anything but it turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done. I put in my own money for equipment, marketing and social media presence. I am now featured on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Last Minute Weddings, but mainly all of my clients are from word of mouth and referrals. I have been able to turn a hobby into a successful business in such a short amount of time. I have met so many wonderful couples and I get to capture their love. I have been flown out to Miami, Chicago, and Denver this year alone. If I would have never taken this risk and trusted in myself, I honestly don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing with my life at this moment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Wedding and Life Photographer! What sets me apart from others in my field is my personality and genuine heart. I don’t just take photos and call it a day. I am invested in you, your story, your background. I truly care. I can name each couple I have shot because I create a connection with them that turns from clients, into friends. Not only am I a wedding photographer but consider myself your life photographer because I want to capture it all for you! Your engagement, your bridals, your wedding, then your maternity photos, newborn, their graduation photos, etc! There has been many challenges along the way. I started out working for a wedding photography company that did not appreciate their workers like they should have. I had invested my time, my energy, my skills to this company and their couples loved me. Unfortunately, I was told that “I was nothing more than just a camera operator, I just operate a camera”. It was in that moment, I knew I had to take a risk and start my own company because no one deserves to be treated or spoken too in that way. I knew that it was going to be hard but it was time. I was not “just a camera operator” no. I care about my couples, I bring out their personalities and capture it, I learn about your love story and show it through photos and film. So I took the plunge and started buying all of the latest equipment I knew I’d need to succeed and provide quality photos and jumped. Lessons I’ve learned along the way: patience, giving back, and gratitude. Patience: It will come, things will happen. You just need to trust in the process and keep moving forward no matter what, and eventually you will get to the place you are meant to be. Giving back: It is so important to give back to the community and others and reap what you sow. Because I genuinely love what I do, my packages offer complimentary engagement and bridal sessions because capturing your love shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Gratitude: I have always had a grateful heart but even more so now than ever. You have to remember where you started and where you are now. That every single situation, good and bad, has gotten you exactly where you need to be. Always be grateful. I am truly excited about the future of my company and how far it will grow, and the lives I’ll be able to touch. The texts I get once a gallery has been delivered means the world to me. Knowing that I have captured their vision perfectly, that they felt comfortable with me, that the photos exceeded all expectations…that’s what it’s all about for me, their joy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sky Blossom Rooftop Bar has amazing drinks, food, and one of the best views of downtown Dallas. Rooftop pool at The Statler. Greek Isles restaurant for authentic Greek food in Dallas. (My fiance’s family’s restaurant) Klyde Warren Park. Fort Worth Stockyards. Buccee’s is now a must haha. Campo Verde, the food is just okay but you go for the all decked out Christmas decorations, located in Arlington. Japan House is an all you can eat Japanese buffet with a cool robot that brings you your food! Cidercade is such a blast, but go after 8pm, that’s when they kick out anyone under 21, cider and arcade games, can’t beat that! Hikari Sushi in Frisco has THE BEST sushi in my opinion, we take everyone there. Since I am a photographer, do a cute little photo shoot at either The Grapevine Botanical Gardens or Arbor Hills Nature Preserve! Jeng Chi restaurant in Richardson has the best soup dumplings! Ramen Hakata has such good ramen and the best gyozos!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh my goodness the list will be so long! I could not be here today, doing what I do without the love and support of the following people. First and foremost, a shoutout and thank you to the Lord above, for without him, I would not have what I have today.
To Alexandra Bilitzki and Henry Rosario, my parents and number one fans who support me in everything that I do.
To Jenese Bennett, who is the reason I was able to get into the wedding industry.
To Andrea Davis, who was the first person to give me a shot and let me do her wedding video.
To Jasmine Naquin, Reagan Landry, Ashley Martinez, Alex Gordon, Lana Dang, Angelica Massey and countless others that have supported me from the start, have booked me for their shoots and have referred me to everyone they know.
To Charlotte Wray and Wanda Webb who are not only my good friends but my life coaches and mentors. Through their words, leadership, and mentorship…you two have constantly reminded me that I can do anything.
To Matthew Paredes, my person. The one who sees every single day how hard I’ve worked and continue to work to build something amazing I can be proud of. To coming to shoots with me when I needed an extra hand, to capturing behind the scenes footage, to reminding me that I can accomplish anything.
I would not be where I am today without any of these people.

Website: www.foreverwanderluststudios.com

Instagram: ForeverWanderlustPhotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWanderlustPhotography/

Image Credits
n/a- all of my work 🙂

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.