We have milestones in life. Moments that feel…well, monumental. I know that in a short time, I’ll be facing such an occasion when I marry Billy. It will be the most important thing I will have ever done up to this point, the most important day of my life so far. Obviously photography is a priority for our wedding, there are very few equals on the list. Hiring a professional isn’t a question for us, it’s a must. I have to take a deep breath here, because I have more opinions about weddings than a hill full of fire ants. Aside from the heart full of wonderful memories and a frozen cake, the only thing that remains after this day are your photos. It baffles me when people overlook how important these images are. From a bride’s perspective, these photos will carry the legacy of my wedding day, this defining day, to my heirs. My album will hold a place of honor among them for many generations to come. I know this to be true because my grandparents album did, and my parents album did. They are cherished parts of our history as a family.

I have plenty of friends who are photographers. Dozens, hundreds probably. I’m hiring a professional wedding photographer, paying them, signing a contract. Why? Certainly not because I’m rolling in dough…. I am the ultimate bargain hunter… trust me. I am doing this because there is a big difference between the mentality of a paid contract and a friend. Friends can turn into enemies quickly when it’s over something as precious as your wedding photos. Friends can take their time on editing your images, or not edit them at all. Friends can relax and have a great time at your wedding, and not capture those critical moments. Friends can leave earlier than you thought they would because you didn’t have it in a contract. Not to mention every single technical aspect that is ignored by a non-professional. I’m telling my photographer and friend when I sign their contract, that I respect them, what they do, and expect their respect of my day in return.

There is a HUGE difference between the mentality of “casual friend” and “client friend” from my perspective as a photographer. I don’t take “casual friends” wedding photos anymore. Everyone gets the same client experience, we’re the best of friends but business is business.

Sunday I was a guest at a wedding where said situation took place. Thank goodness I was there. Nothing hurts my heart more than a bride with tears of sadness in her eyes. And thank goodness all of my gear was conveniently in my car fully charged. The bride pulled me aside and told me her “photographer” just told her she had to leave early. Bride in tears + angry = not a good scenario. So I put my photographer cape on, and saved the day. This is why you shouldn’t trust a friend with a camera on your wedding day. It’s always going to end in heartache. I get why you do it, but trust me, DON’T. Maybe you don’t have a $100,000 wedding budget, maybe you don’t even have $5000.00, find a professional that is willing to work with you in some capacity. Make sure you sign a contract. Know what the outcome will be. There is no duplicating of this day, of all of the hard work you’ve devoted to it for the last 12 months. Place the responsibility of your memories in capable hands, PLEASE.

If you do, you’ll look like this your entire wedding day. Happy bride, not sad bride.

Love always,
Laura

PS> More photos of this wedding to come, deservedly in it’s own post!

Yesterday wasn’t a typical day here at the office of Laura Marchbanks Photography. It started out that way, honestly it did. I rolled out of bed, avoided the mirror (oh internet, if you only knew), made my daily gallon of coffee, and settled in for my morning email. In my mind I have “office hours” of 9 to 5, but if I take a realistic eye at my day I’m working from the moment I wake up to the moment I lay my head to rest.

Hi my name is Laura, and I’m a work-a-holic.

It’s been 4 years (or more) since I took a real vacation, and most days I know more about what my twitter friends have done than my fiance. I have a really hard time detaching from my work. My business is me, and I am my business. I am under this illusion that if I work hard now I can enjoy life later, which is true! To a degree, HOWEVER, all this hard work is for what? Loving the resentment I feel when I get phone calls at 8 at night to do something that must be done immediately? Realizing that I was so busy over the summer I didn’t take the time to pick the tomatoes in my garden? Or hang my laundry on the line? Taking time for ME, my life, the things that feed my soul? no, no, no.

I digress.

Yesterday started out like many others, but the afternoon ended quite differently…. Am I building suspense yet? A few weeks ago I signed up for a workshop put on by my new BFF’s Justin and Mary Marantz called Spread the Love. Ok maybe we’re not BFF’s yet, but I know… I can feel it. We’re destined for BFFdom. I can really relate to them as a couple, their dreams, their values, their blogging. Signing up for Spread the Love wasn’t about the workshop, I knew it would be awesome, but had very few expectations about how it would impact ME, my business. I’m so incredibly thankful to them for putting this tour together. Their message is a simple one, love the life you live, and if you don’t – take the necessary steps to make that happen. We spent the entire evening talking about goals, dreams, financial freedom, career and life success. Yesterday was exactly what I needed in this immediate moment. I knew that going into 2010 I had all these changes I wanted to make in my life, but deciding exactly how they should be executed is quite a different matter.

This year is all about taking charge of my life, and my business in a whole new way. I have PLANS people! Thanks for tuning in, and if you’d like to get coffee with me and talk about life and love, let’s do it!

****And because everything is better with a picture, here is a little diddy of my Ladybug (who I am insanely missing this week because her grandparents decided it would be a good week for a visit at their house).

The Higgins Family, well… they’re like family to me. Amy is the cousin of my bestie Marie, and when I planned a trip tto visit Marie I knew I had to get them in front of my lens. Their adorable daughter Ella is one of the most unique captivating babies I’ve ever seen. I’ve taken a few snapshots of her over the years, from 3 weeks to now, and she remains one of my favorite subjects.

We headed to this beautiful little farm tucked in the hills of Portland, unsure of whether or not we’d be able to shoot there. The property owners weren’t home, but the sheep were! Funny thing about trespassing, somehow it always ends in lots of fun and beautiful images. My motto is “it’s always easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission”. Although I always attempt to ask permission before I kamikaze a location.

Amy and Brennan! Thanks for being outlaws with me, seriously…. ANYTIME!

No babies were actually hurt during the making of this photograph, just a little spill… and some of the most beautiful giant tears ever.

STUNNA! For reals.

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Thank you so much to everyone  who took the time to nominate someone for my free session giveaway. I feel very blessed to be able to pass the gift of photography on to someone who really deserves it. It was SO hard to decide! Your nominations were heartfelt, funny and very thoughtful. Every person you nominated certainly deserves to win.

I couldn’t decide on one, and Billy was no help either. SO I chose 3. Christiana, Kaycie, and Justine check your email. Details are coming your way! Congrats!

If you’re entry didn’t win, don’t worry I have something for you too so check your email.

Much love to you all!

XOXO,
Laura photo courtesty of the lovely Amy McMullen.

Today I am LOVING this song. The lyrics, the whirlwind melody.

I feel romanced by it. Thought I would share. I hope you can wrap this song around you like a warm blanket, that’s what I’ve done. Makes me want to kiss my beau.