You know, Craig and I were talking the other day about anxiety and different social fears that we have had, have grown from and still struggle with as we continue to learn through our business. It’s pretty crazy how little photography is part of our business. Yes, that’s the “product” that brings our clients to us, but in the end, it’s not really that in my opinion… it’s the experience. In this business, you are thrown into social conditions in ways that no one could really imagine. For example, the majority of our clients are people that we have NEVER met in our lives UNTIL their WEDDING day! Now, if you think about that for a moment, that’s really a big deal! We are not a cake vendor where we just drop it off and then go home. We have to spend the ENTIRE day with them! In fact, the photographers are the only vendors that they have to spend their whole wedding day with. A bride and groom will spend more time with a photographer than even with each other! The groom is not there to get ready with his bride… but, we are! We have to make them feel comfortable from the moment they see us until the end of the day… we have to make them feel like we are their best friends for the next 10-12 hours. WHOA! I remember being so nervous my first few weddings until I realized…. “Hold up. I have to overcome those fears if I’m going to continue doing this and succeed. I’m the professional here and need to act that way. I want our bride and groom to know that I do care and that I do want to give them the best day of their lives and that I do feel responsible for that.” Once that clicked, It’s been quite a journey…. here we are now over 500 and somewhat weddings later still doing what we do and continuing to grown and learn. Now, honestly… there are some clients who are harder than others. Of course! Because we are all different and we can’t expect “ideal” clients every time. And then, there are days where you meet folks like Alex + Andrew… Ya’ll… they made us think, “Is this real life?” “Is this a real wedding?” “How can it be this easy?” Really… We felt like there was no work involved… we felt like we didn’t even have to try. From the moment we met our bride and all the bridesmaids who were just spectacular and FUN, the day just flowed smoothly… everyone was so cooperative and kind. The authenticity of the emotions from their wedding day is what I will never forget. The way they looked at each other during the ceremony still makes me go, “wow!” when I see their photos. YES! That is what wedding photography is about… capturing those true, real moments that makes weddings so worthwhile. That is what sets wedding photography apart from all others. They made us feel like we were just taking photos of our brother and sister. Yeah, for those 12 hours or so, we felt like family and for that, we are truly grateful. Alex + Andrew, you guys are the real deal! Couples like you give so much hope to our world. Thank you for being you! Loved seeing you guys happy and celebrate! CONGRATULATIONS! It was an honor and by the way… your night time portraits on the river were DOPE! Thank you for willing to go in the water and do whatever it took to get the shot! Have the most blessed marriage, guys!
With much love,
Craig + Unchong
