Andrew and Shelby’s engagement session was an extra special one for me. My husband and Andrew went to college together and are fraternity brothers. My husband and I were in a long distance relationship when he left for school. When visiting for the weekend, Andrew was always made an effort to include me in their social events and talk to me. We bonded over our hobby of photography and Italian food. A favorite memory of Andrew in college was his ability to make the BEST mozzarella cheese sticks (something many of us love reminiscing on).

Andrew and Shelby are high school sweethearts, and there was no way their wedding day would not be a huge celebration of their 13 years together. To know them is to love them. To know them is to also know they are perfect for each other. Andrew’s extroverted self brings Shelby out of her introverted shell. Shelby is wonderfully artistic and encourages Andrew in his hobbies and random knowledge (if you need deep details on wine or watches, he’s your guy). I was truly honored they asked me to do their engagement photos, and I’m so excited I had the opportunity to work with such great friends.

Andrew and Shelby were married on April 12th at The Community House, on their 13th anniversary together.

The Best Wedding Advice

While I was their chosen photographer for engagement photos, I was not their wedding photographer- and I’m actually so glad! This is the first time I’ve attended a full wedding as a guest in awhile.

Here’s the thing about weddings: when I’m working a wedding day, I’m hardcore working that day. Even though my job is to take photos, I’m also helping to fix any last minute issues and constantly looking out for moments to capture. I’m assessing lighting and plotting my next portrait. I love my job dearly, and Andrew and Shelby wanted me to be there as their friend first. I totally supported that decision.

Here’s my deal with friends and family: I never expect them to reach out and book me; I never expect them to ask for referrals; I do expect them to know I’m here if they need a friend, but I will never bug them or push myself onto them. I was pleasantly surprised when they asked for a referral for photography and I happily sent them over to my friend Savannah.

This is all leading to the best advice I could give any couple and that’s to hire a vendor team you whole-heartedly trust. These vendors are working their butts off to give you the best day ever, so hiring ones you trust will allow you to enjoy the day without any worry. Planners will plot out an amazing guest experience and fix any last minute issues on the day of. DJs can sense the vibe of your guests and will adjust music accordingly throughout the night. Photographers and videographers are pros at capturing all the candid moments. There are so many other vendors that make the day special, but if I keep going this post will be much longer.

The point is, all vendors work hard to execute your vision for the day. Hiring a team you trust will allow you to enjoy the day. Andrew and Shelby had a kick-ass vendor team, so as a vendor-friend I wasn’t worried at all. I actually get asked often if its hard for me to attend weddings as a guest rather than work it, and my answer is no. I trust in the vendors and spend my time enjoying the moment with friends. And boy did we have a blast. We made memories with friends we’ll be talking about for years.