I’ve had years where my reputation was stronger than my actual business (these last 2 years included)
People assume I’m doing well because of my reputation and awards. Meanwhile, I’m fighting to keep momentum, swallowing my pride, reaching back out to people, following up harder and going back to basics. I’m taking work I don’t really want and cutting prices for kinda not my vibe weddings. It’s humbling when your reputation is stronger than the actual health of your business 🫤
Feels like the “luxury market” is less about serving the couple and more about serving the planner.
Being incredibly responsive, anticipating what they need, making their job easier, showing up for their events, hyping them up and making sure they know you value them, but somehow doing all of it without giving desperate “please refer me” energy. At a certain point it feels like I have two clients, and the planner might actually be the more important one. How true does this feel in the luxury market?
feels like $ decides “the best” venues, not taste
Wezoree just posted their “10 best LA wedding venues” and the list feels like resort or brand partnerships lol. To me, these aren’t actually the best venues. Also while we’re here: does anyone else find Pelican Hill gaudy? 🫤 It's considered iconic but that rotunda has never done it for me. It feels very faux Tuscan and, honestly, ugly to me!
What takes up A LOT more time than it should?
😅
Content should be last priority
If the cutlery and chairs aren’t straight and the candles aren’t lit, whyyyy are we filming content before the room is ready?
As a photographer I want my hands available/free and nothing is wrong with that
This weekend the MOB made me feel shitty because I wasn’t offering to hold the bouquet or the brides dress/veil That’s not my job! And not in a way like I’m not up to serve…but in a way that I need my hands free to do my job…I shouldn’t be standing next to the bride through transitional moments. I like to “teach” my brides how to hold their dresses themselves so I can capture the transitional moments and the other partner carry a bouquet if needed
When a new wedding inquiry comes in, how quickly do you usually respond on average?
Across all 7 days of the week! Automated or instant confirmation emails don’t count.
Sometimes my best work isn’t with the couples I vibe with most on a personal level
Of course I want there to be a connection. That matters. But I’ve realized there can almost be too much of it. When we really vibe, couples want to talk, have me hang around, and include me in decisions and moments almost like another maid of honor. That comfort can create really sweet moments, but I actually prefer a little energetic space. I do my best work when I can step back, observe, document, and not be so involved in the story.
More than ever I feel like posting on IG doesn’t mean shit
I feel it used to be but I don’t notice it converting sales or growth. It’s kinda just current work and that’s it. Went back through old posts…5 years ago +…I had more engagement then!! Is IG as valuable as it was for you years ago?
I think it's the planners responsibility to send the vendor lineup tags to everyone for IG
Are your planners doing this?