The wedding industry is brimming with potential—there’s so much room to grow, to elevate, and to lead. Here are a few mindset shifts that could transform how we work and what we stand for:
1. “Fake it till you make it” as a tool for courage, not pretence.
This phrase isn’t a license to deceive. It’s an invitation to push past impostor syndrome, to take bold steps and trust your ability to rise to the challenge. “Fake it till you make it” is not a license for misleading marketing. The key is integrity: do the work, keep leveling up, and let your marketing reflect the honesty of your journey.
2. Honoring the difference between workshops and real weddings.
Workshops are powerful tools for growth and inspiration, but let’s label them as such. A real wedding is messy, beautiful, and unpredictable—it’s not a perfectly lit editorial shoot. When we’re honest about the source of our images, we educate clients and set realistic expectations. Transparency builds trust.
3. Celebrating authenticity in publishing.
What if fashion magazines and wedding blogs became champions of true photographic merit? Paid ads have their place, but disclosing them doesn’t diminish their value. Instead, it creates a culture of honesty and fairness.
4 .Pricing with purpose and respect.
Pricing your services thoughtfully for destination events not only reflects your expertise but also supports the growth of local talent. By valuing your work appropriately, you create space for local professionals to thrive, while still offering clients a unique experience. When you price fairly, you contribute to the community’s growth and ensure that your services are seen as a luxury choice, not just a bargain. This approach fosters mutual respect between destination vendors and the local market, benefiting everyone involved.
Being a destination vendor contains inherent ethical responsibility to support the growth of the local talent.
The wedding business can be a beacon of creativity, collaboration, and integrity. When we choose honesty, clarity, and confidence, we build something that lasts—something as timeless as the moments we capture.
I really enjoyed reading this—it’s such a refreshing and inspiring take on the wedding industry! The emphasis on integrity and authenticity really struck a chord with me. It’s so true that success isn’t just about how things look or how much you make—it’s about building trust and offering real value.
The point about being honest with workshops versus real weddings really stood out. It’s such a great reminder that showing the real, messy, beautiful side of weddings can help set more realistic expectations for clients.
I also loved what you said about pricing. Respecting local talent and being thoughtful about your pricing doesn’t just benefit you—it lifts up the whole industry. It’s exciting to think about a wedding world where creativity, collaboration, and honesty are front and center. Thanks for sharing this—it’s such a great perspective!
Thank you Emily!