A Pro’s SecretsAmarillo wedding photographer learns the tricks-of-the-trade and shares them.
A quick peak in Beth’s closet says it all. Blue ones, lace ones, hideous ones and a few pretty ones. Yes, Beth was, as you know the saying, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” It was shaping up to be the story of Beth’s life. That is until prince charming came along. Before Beth could even blink, she had a big smile on her face and a big sparkler on her left ring finger. Pleased as she is, Beth’s thoughts soon begin to drift as she contemplates, “Now what?”
The task of planning a wedding might feel overwhelming. Some have participated in dozens of weddings as Beth has, while others are the first amongst their friends to tie the knot. Regardless, something changes when it’s actually “your” big day. Whether planning a wedding event on a million dollar budget or a small ceremony to cost several thousands, the problems and the pressures are the same.
It is a familiar scene for Photographer Davy Knapp. In countless pre-wedding consultations, he’s watched as newly engaged couples sit on the brown leather couch in his studio, perplexed with all sorts of questions. Their inquiries oftentimes have nothing to do with photography and everything to do with florists, limousine services, and DJ’s to name a few. “I’m not a wedding planner. I’m a photographer, but after shooting more than 300 weddings over the years, my clients have determined that I might have some specialized knowledge on the subject. They want a cheat sheet based on what I’ve seen work and what I’ve seen that didn’t work so well.” The brides were seeking the secrets, answers, and professional advice. Knapp appreciates that, as a photographer, he and others like him are in a unique position to observe countless ceremonies and notice how hundreds of moving parts can be orchestrated so as to flow together seamlessly.
A Business Solution
Knapp understood the need to provide a tool for brides. In doing so, he developed a collection of tips, original ideas and insider-advice that isn’t readily available at your local bookstore. Knapp calls it the ProSecrets binder. It’s sold at his studio, online and at bridal shows for $145. Complete with some of his beautiful images throughout the binder, the creation not only assists brides but markets his business to prospective clients and complete strangers.
“The beauty is in how it has served as a powerful advantage for our brides as well as a priceless resource for couples who may not be able to utilize our studio for their wedding,” said Knapp.
The binder is straight forward and to-the-point. Its contents include 16 different ideas on everything from making itineraries for the wedding party to exiting the reception in style. ProSecrets also offers some proven ways to curb wedding day anxiety, something Knapp sees countless brides struggle to control. “Even as a photography staff, we take steps before each wedding to relax and develop the right mindset, but many brides spend their big day in complete stress.” The binder reminds brides to find time for the little things that can have a powerful impact on their wedding day demeanor. ProSecrets also addresses one of the most common questions couples ask, “Should we keep the guests waiting as we’re taking all those group photos after the ceremony?”
Expanding Horizons
ProSecrets has been employed as a true survival guide for brides planning destination weddings. The stress and decision-making of wedding planning encourages many couples to opt for an easier way. However, relying on a resort to take control has its downfalls. Couples forget to ask the resort’s wedding staff about the details; It is those small details that often personalize the ceremony. Unless specified, cookie-cutter contracts often fail to include the details that make the day a special one. Unique exit transportation for the couple, a sentimental type of flower, or a special picture of the family’s heirloom Bible from the ceremony may be overlooked. “That’s unfortunate,” according to Knapp, “because those details often turn out to make the couple’s most treasured pictures and memories.”
When planning a destination wedding, Knapp encourages couples to go beyond the check-list style resort ceremony. A common complaint fielded by Knapp is that couples often feel rushed because the resorts have a strict wedding schedule to attend to. Knapp says there are usually other options worth investigating.
The Brady’s once visited Knapp’s leather couch as they started planning their wedding in St. John of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The newly-engaged couple imagined a tropical wedding on the beach at sunset, but they expressed concern about the 90-minute time frame the resort allowed for the ceremony. After some conversation, Knapp suggested they look into the possibility of private beaches located near the resort that would be available the entire evening. Just days later, the Brady’s had found their private beach. The resort still handled all the arrangements, but the event was moved for a unique and individualized paradise wedding.
A ProSecrets Difference
It is far too common for the Davy Knapp Photography studios to receive phone calls from distraught brides who are complete strangers to their business. They want to talk to Knapp about their regrets. Many times, the bride has just returned from her honeymoon only to find the photographer failed to capture the candid moments of her “dream” wedding. She wishes she had hired Knapp. She wishes she had more true moments and less staged group shots. She wishes she could do it over again.
Knapp believes ProSecrets can help eliminate the disappointment by guiding couples through the details. In today’s wedding, a balancing act exists where established wedding traditions are weighed against personal wishes. ProSecrets offers suggestions on how to manage both. The tough decisions ultimately belong to the bride and groom. However, the binder encourages couples to ‘think outside the box.’ Even more important, according to Knapp, is that he leaves wedding clients with the impression that his studio consists of true professionals who care about the success of their big day. “Potential clients exit the office with more than a price quote and a handshake; they leave with the knowledge that our staff goes the extra mile to help couples achieve their dream wedding.” With ProSecrets, couples are educated on how to do just that.
