Loverly says “no pay to win placements” but sells paid placement
Lovely dropped their 2026 list and my feed is full of badges. They call it handpicked, editor curated and then say vendors are spotlighted for quality, not ad spend. But they also sell paid “boosted placement” and “top placement in search.” They even market “no pay to win placements.” I’m not saying the list is bought. I just think it gets a little murky when paid placement and editorial recognition are all happening in the same place.
Why are people still sharing play by play travel updates on stories??
Why show couples what they already know…shit happens and traveling is a mess these days. I don’t understand showing them the possibilities that can affect their wedding day or even low vibey stuff in general. Those stories are so much better suited for close friends stories or personal IG. Keep business and the chaotic separate 😅
how to lose brand trust!
I find it really unnecessary and unprofessional to share behind the scenes travel, equipment, and what have you type drama on IG stores! 🫠 Are you trying to give your clients a heart attack?! The stories of almost missing your flight, the flat tires on the way to an event, the lost gear. This doesn’t provide comfort or assurance. They know shit happens but like why broadcast that? Personal IG’s exist for a reason, DAMN. The bar for many is much too low. 😅
Even though it’s on me to develop the timeline it’s your job to thoroughly review everything that is in connection to your job
And bring up any edits early! I can’t tell you how often a vendor comes to me on the wedding day with an issue with something that was already set in the timeline and they’ve had it for weeks. If something doesn’t work for your part, say it before we’re all in it.
Sometimes being a good collaborator means getting out of the way lol
Not every issue needs multiple bodies jumping in. Sometimes the best thing you can do is offer help, let them know you’re there if needed, then let them stay in their flow and do what they’re there to do. Everyone being self sufficient, knowing their role, communicating what actually needs to be communicated and not constantly inserting themselves is such an underrated wedding day skill.
The marketing should match the business model. Own which one you are, don’t hide it
There’s a difference between a designer creating a bespoke gown by hand and a brand offering a set collection off the rack. Both are fitting for different customers. And same with photo/video. Not every couple wants a super custom, artist led experience. Some want something straightforward and consistent. Nothing wrong with either. It gets messy when a studio model is marketed like every part is personally created by YOU. Clients should know what they’re buying.
You’re not an artist
If you’re hiring an associate then sending it out to be edited, outsourcing someone to shoot film or super 8– You’re not an artist, you’re a business person and your website should reflect that. Is the client hiring you for your creative eye? Your editing style? Your name recognition? what do you actually want to be hired for and why?
Texts like this:
“She shoots really high end weddings so I’d say it’s demanding. I think she gets overwhelmed and relies heavily on her seconds and thirds. I think communication beforehand can be better” But keeps getting booked because her bestie is the planner. Is this actually doing what’s best for the couples or for the planners personal Agenda? Planners how do you separate out your personal biases?
Who am I trying to please anyway?
My couple hired me because they want the focus on them and their people, and made it clear they don’t care about tons of detail photos. But their planner cares, and I want to deliver for them too because I’d love to work with them and their future clients again. So now I’m taking time away from my paying client’s priorities to serve someone who technically isn’t my client. Do all those extras belong in the couple’s gallery? This push and pull has been harder to navigate lately.
Sometimes there's no benefit in creating tension with someone I'll work with again!
BUT, if a client asks me privately whether I recommend them, for them, that answer might be very different. There's a layer of feedback that doesn't reach the vendor for sure. As planners, we do this all the time.
If you asked another vendor what it was actually like to work with you, do you think they’d answer honestly?
I get why they might not. Referrals, relationships and not wanting to make things awkward. But I feel like there’s SO much value in knowing how we actually show up for other people and where we could be better. Or do most of us already know where we fall short and just…not do anything about it…not want to address it?
Sometimes the most talented photographers aren’t the best fit for most of my couples
I’ve been wanting to say this to the quieter types for a while 😭 As a planner I’ve worked with insanely talented people who are more quiet, less assertive and just not super people people. For a lot of my couples, that honestly isn’t the best fit. These are intimate jobs & big investments. People want to feel a connection and like you’ve got them. Yes, you’re creating art, but part of the job is showing up in a way that complements the energy of the couple in front of you 🫶
How do you calculate your hours for your assistants in wedding days?
If I hire someone from 12 to 8, I expect them to arrive early enough to park, unload, use the bathroom, get situated, sync up me etc. and be ready to work at 12. But if I specifically tell them “meet me at 11:45,” should I be paying them starting at 11:45 or is that just the name of the game? I know we’re talking 15 mins but you get it…