Hello from beautiful Las Vegas!  Due to my tendency to wake up early to go to the gym and the three hour time difference, I got about 4 hours of sleep last night.  I’m in our hotel room, looking out at The Strip as the sun peeks over the mountains.  Despite all the hustle and bustle below, this city is pretty spectacular at sunrise.  Vegas is very special for me.  A certain someone got married here almost four years ago.   The full story is coming soon to the Southern Weddings blog (with pictures) on my anniversary, March 18th.  I’m here for WPPI, the largest wedding and portrait photography convention.  Last year was my first year here and it was a big turning point.  I met the people I now call my best friends and made connections that have blossomed into significant business leaps.  I have no idea what will transpire this year, but I can tell you that it will be nothing short of epic with this line-up:

Last night I enjoyed dinner and some Vegas exploring with great friends: Sandi, Jory, boy Jesse, girl Jesse, Whitney and a good friend from home, Ben.  We took a private tour of the secret venue for Sunday’s party and it is unreal.  I’ll be honest and say it was a little more than humbling to see.  I never imagined when I got married here that I’d be back four years later to throw a massive party in [secret venue] for my closest friends (and new friends that I can’t wait to meet)!

Today, despite my lack of sleep and bags under my eyes, I’m very excited to do a shoot with Jory Cordy.  I need new pics for the next issue and some promotional stuff… and we’re going to play a little and have some fun!  The last time I shot with Jory was on Venice beach last April and it was such a great experience for me.  He is so warm, kind, easy to be around and a brilliant photographer.  We just updated his images in his rep gallery- take a look.  Whitney, Sandi and I will also be doing lots of party prep, waiting for Jefferson Starship to arrive, and getting prepped for…

Sunday: MTH2010 Las Vegas!  It’s going to be a really great group.  I’m very excited to announce the scholarship winners later today.  Stay posted to twitter for the announcement. Oh, and then right after MTH we’ll be getting gussied up for this little shindig.  Be there.  I’m about to have to close down ticket sales.

Monday: So excited to be a part of this with two of my favorite people…

Tuesday: I’ll be perusing the tradeshow, taking some meetings and speaking at Garrett Nudd’s sold out masterclass on getting published with my good friends Stacie Francombe of Get Married, Rebecca from The Knot, Blair and Christy from Junebug Weddings and several others. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to meet everyone who is attending.

Wednesday we head out for MTH2010 Denver and a weekend in the snow.

Get the most out of WPPI. There are lots of events, parties, and classes, but be sure to focus on building relationships and meeting new people.  I can’t even begin to tell you how the friendships I formed last year have affected me.  I feel so blessed to be here again and can’t wait to meet new faces!  I also have a very big assignment while I’m here- choosing our next cover photographer.   So, please come say hi to me.  Or tweet at me so I can come say hi to you!  This is what Sandi and I look like, so there’s no excuse not to come say hi….

AIRHORNS!!!

xo

lc

Something big happened on Monday.  A shift.  Like earthquake magnitude 5 kind of shift.  I am still processing it and will blog all about my thoughts on the first Making Things Happen 2010 Intensive shortly.  As Ashley Baber said, “What an amazing and inspirational day with such passionate, talented, honest people. We all cried, laughed and got FIRED UP!” There is something big happening here, friends.  People aren’t settling anymore.  The energy in that room was palpable… and it keeps doubling by the second.  OK, I have to stop.  More soon.  I’m fired up, hopeful, beyond blessed and completely in awe at the strength and power of the people I met this week.. like Emily.

I’m currently sitting in my kitchen writing this while I watch my mother cook up a Christmas storm.  The doors are all open and the crisp Florida winter air is breezing through the house.  Ari is working in Chapel Hill today unfortunately (Thanks so much for the gift, Ari. See you tomorrow!), but I’m happy to be here with my funny grandmother, mom, dad, brother, and my brother’s friend Alberto from Brazil.  If you follow me on Twitter you know I am also donning my special Christmas suit.  It was a gift from my dad many years ago that never ceases to get a collective belly laugh.  I have a very special Christmas gift for you, but first, I want to introduce someone who has been a gift to me this year… Mr. Jeff Holt aka “Holt”.    image below :: nick onken

I met Jeff at WPPI this year and life hasn’t been the same since.  I started following Jeff on Twitter after being introduced to him through a shoot he produced with Fred.  Jeff, who lives about three hours west of me in Charlotte, sent me a message just before WPPI telling me he’d love to meet me and say hello.  Long story short, I had a fab private dinner for the photographers who contributed to our premiere issue the first night in Vegas.  I didn’t know Jeff at the time and little did I know he was off having McDonald’s by himself.  Yes, I constantly remind him that he will be the VIP guest at my dinner this year to make up for that!

I twittered something about being done with dinner and inviting everyone to join us at Diego.  Jeff popped his head in the door and we instantly became friends.  Harmony, Jeff and I shared a cab to Sara France’s party at Luxor and talked our faces off till the wee hours of the morning with all of our new friends in tow.  He probably forgot about this, but Jeff, Kyle and I started a “secret society” that day.  I’m not exactly sure what this secret society was all about but something to the effect of world domination… in the wedding world.  We had a handshake and everything.  Since then, a whole slew of people have joined this not-so-secret society called Lara Casey Reps.  I owe the birth of LCR to my first client who brought the idea to me not even a week after WPPI, Jory Cordy, and to Jeff and Kyle for fostering and encouraging its growth.  WPPI was, for all of us, the tipping point.

I flew to New York to visit Jeff and Nick Onken this summer and to ask Jeff to come on as one of my rep clients.  I clearly remember him saying, “Really?  Me!?  Lara, I’m just not ready… are you serious?”  I saw serious potential in him.  If he could motivate me to start a brand new business, he could motivate himself to become the best photographer he could possibly be.

Jeff has been my great encourager through so many business hurdles.  Best of all, I’ve watched him grow from a fresh-on-the-scene photographer to a budding superstar almost -what feels like- overnight.

From concept to reality, the Winter Shoot images you see here are all his creation.  Styling by Shannon Sewell, hair and makeup by… well, me.  PS- you have to see Shannon’s images too.  Have to. Much more to come from the Winter Shoot. For now, enjoy this exclusive preview.

Moments after Jeff took the images above, he came to show me the previews.  Such a proud moment for me to see him beaming with pride.  He was pretty nervous that morning.  He had put his all into this shoot and his hard work paid off.   image below :: jesse ryan

Jeff has not only photographed stunning images for me, but traveled the world with Nick Onken this year helping to produce some of the most mind-blowing shoots I’ve ever seen.  I think Nick and I see the same thing in Jeff… he makes things happen.  He never says “I would like to” do something.  He always says “I will.”

When I review portfolios, the number one thing missing is always details.  Brides want to know that you will take great care of the little treasures they’ve worked so hard to create.  Photographers always say to me, “Lara, I just need someone to put the details in front of me and I’ll do the rest.”  Well, friends, why not create them for yourself or partner with a designer to bring them to life?  You can’t wait your whole career for that one bride to come along and change everything.  You have to literally make it happen.  You get what you give, so give brides a peek at what you are really made of and they will flock to you.  Make the shoot reflect who you are and what really fires you up.  Remember, if you aren’t excited about your work, no one will be.  Do whatever it takes to get fired up again in 2010.  When Emily and I started planning the Watercolor shoot, we knew exactly what we wanted for Jeff.  The results were magical.

Location: Watercolor, Styling: Joy Thigpen and Ashley Odille, shot for the latest issue of Southern Weddings.

SO lovely and these details really reflect who Jeff is:  grounded, fun, earthy, and warm.

Mr. Holt sets his mind to something and stops at nothing to get it.  It’s his drive and perseverance that motivated me to ask him to join the MTH2010 Tour as my support and to tell his story.  This whole thing was his idea in the first place!  I called him one day last month (yes, this all just started a month ago) overwhelmed with a slew of new client inquiries and he said, “Lara, you have so much to share with people.  You should just travel to do workshops so people can experience you one on one.”  I knew he was right, so I didn’t waste any time.  That day, the Making Things Happen Intensive Tour was born.   I’m thrilled to introduce Jeff to you today and can’t wait for you to meet him on the road.  In two short weeks, we start a marathon of stops including Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago.  After that, we’ll hit Raleigh, Vegas, New York, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, and Hawaii. I will be announcing the phenomenal list of guest speakers soon, too. Let me tell you, I can’t wait to learn from them as well! This tour is sure to be nothing short of life-changing for the attendees and for me.

In 6 short days –January 1st– the MTH2010 rate will increase, so jump on it folks.  I learned a lot from the first workshop and increased the time from 3 to 6 full hours (we talked till 1am at the last one it was so exciting!) and decreased the amount of attendees to 20 per city.  The most valuable time for me was my one-on-one sessions after the group intensive.  I plan to keep that same level of personal attention throughout this tour.  Register now while there are still a few seats left.

Without further ado, my Christmas gift to you…  Leave a comment here telling me what you want to make happen in 2010 and I’ll give you a special code for a $20 credit toward MTH2010 registration.  The code is only good till the New Year and you have to leave a comment by New Year’s Eve.  One lucky commenter, to be chosen at random, will also get a copy of my favorite new book by Gary Vaynerchuck, Crush It!.  Merry Christmas, y’all!

xo

PS after the overwhelming response to the MTH2010 scholarships, lots of folks have been asking me if I will be offering another scholarship opportunity.  I’m going to say this now so you know… I’ll be offering one more scholarship seat.  Just one, not twelve.  I won’t tell you when it’s coming, but not anytime soon.

PSS my dad got me a really meaningful gift that lifted me up today.  Wishing you all bold, joyful, purposeful steps as we move into an exciting New Year.

We’re back with a brand new Branding Beauty, and this time around it’s Caroline Colom Vasquez of Paloma’s Nest.  Unlike our last two, shall we say, branding sleeper hits (Lisa Lefkowitz and XOElle), Paloma’s Nest is almost as famous for its beautiful branding as it is for its beautiful products.  It was truly a delight to read through Caroline’s interview, and I think when you do, you’ll agree with me that the amount of love and thought she puts into her business is inspiring.  Without further ado…

Please describe the different elements of your branding.

Paloma’s Nest creates Handcrafted Modern Heirlooms.  Our pieces are made of the highest quality natural materials available, and are designed in a timeless, pure style.  We do this to ensure that the pieces will last and be enjoyed for several generations.  In our packaging and branding, we incorporate this same philosophy.

Natural materials and a simple color palette, both of which mimic and share qualities of the product collection itself, are used throughout all of our branding.  Our signature kraft boxes are hand stamped with our logo and filled with a hand formed “nest” in which the product perches.  Some designs are wrapped in natural cotton bags, and others in translucent vellum envelopes (made of 100% recycled materials).  Every package is tied with beautiful cotton cord, a shimmery gold thread, or a chunky natural ribbon.  In both our products and our packaging, we try to allow the natural characteristics and beauty of the materials to shine through, while also holding strong to our commitment to Heirloom Quality.

What inspired your branding’s design elements, look, and feel?

The company name, Paloma’s Nest, is the source of inspiration for most all that we do.  The origin of the name is a whole other story, but was chosen on a whim (and named after our daughter) and it stuck!  It was only later that we realized with much relief and delight how perfectly the name matched the collection and product line.  A “paloma,” which means “dove” in Spanish, is such a powerful symbol of peace, tranquility, hope, rarity, treasure… all elements that we hope come through in the products themselves.  We are also inspired by how the most simple of materials and designs can be the most bold and elegant.  We selectively edit in all that we do so that there is a small hint of timeless elegance in every piece and every package–without it being overpowering.

Do you keep your company’s “look” cohesive across multiple branding platforms (i.e. your website, store, blog, business cards, stationery, collateral sent with purchases)?  Why or why not, and how?

Paloma’s Nest has a very cohesive look across all of the branding platforms we use, and feel this has been one of the keys to our success.  From the very early days of the business, we have always aimed for consistency in our photographs and collateral.  When the business began growing rapidly, we luckily had already established our brand.  As our images spread throughout the internet and in print, they (and the products featured in them) quickly became recognizable as belonging to Paloma’s Nest.  This has been so valuable in establishing the company as the “creator of the original Ring Bearer Bowl(TM)” and our collection of Modern Heirlooms–all of which bear our signature style.

What is your favorite part of your branding?  What part would you most like to change?

I love to challenge myself when creating new packaging or collateral.  How can we push our concepts further?  How can we introduce a new material and make it cohesive with what we already have?  Marketing and branding are two of my favorite parts of being a businesswoman.

We have some big surprises in store for the New Year which include some significant changes to our packaging.  Our goal with these changes is to take our packaging from being “temporary” wrapping to something that is a more permanent “home” for your Modern Heirloom piece — that the packaging will be saved along with the piece as it is passed on to future generations, not only to protect the piece for years to come, but to also help create a living history of the origin of the artwork.

What advice would you give to another wedding professional looking to improve their branding experience?

Be sure that the materials you use reflect who you are or what your company offers.  A while back, I created my own personal “branding board” — an inspiration board of sorts, that I share with graphic designers, web designers, or anyone with whom I am collaborating with on a business project.  This ensures that your team of professionals will share your vision for your branding, and that what they create for your business will reflect the marketing you already have in place.

You can make your own “branding board” by simply gathering up the collateral you already have in use — your business card, letter head, gift packaging, etc.  Step back and take a look.  If something is out of place, chances are it is not reflecting your brand the way it should be.  Pay attention to the details, too.  If you use low-quality images or paper, or a ribbon that is not the perfect color, realize the huge impact that these over-looked details can have on your brand; even if they seem like small things, they have the power to tell your audience so much about who you are as a company.

Thank you, Caroline!Once again you’ve proven you are even more lovely than your branding.  Look for more from Paloma’s Nest in the November issue of Southern Weddings, coming to a newsstand near you on November 10! (and we can’t wait to finally meet her in person this weekend at our launch party!) A little sneak peek of Paloma’s Nest in SW…

For even more Paloma’s Nest goodness, you can visit Caroline’s site here, her shop here, and her Twitter here.

And as always, if you or someone you know would make an excellent Branding Beauty, please send me an email: emily [at] laracaseyreps [dot] com.

One of my favorite clients, and a dear new friend, Caroline, from Paloma’s Nest sent me this special keepsake above last week. I was in such a rush to get to the airport to go to Vegas that I brought my mail with me.  Opening this was such perfect timing and exactly what I needed.

In all transparency, going to Vegas for Engage was horrible timing for me.  I knew I should be here in my office working.  Emily was supposed to come with me, but we decided at the last minute she should stay here with Katharine and Whit to hold down the fort.  I wasn’t going to miss Engage for the world though and I’m so glad I didn’t. I met some incredible people that I can’t wait to connect with after this print rush is over. You can read my mini-recap here.

Back to reality, I stepped off the five hour return flight from Vegas and immediately called Ari.  At midnight: “Hi, just letting you know I won’t see you for a few days.  I’m locking myself in my office.  Love you.”   That’s not an easy call to make after already having been away from each other for two weeks (he went to LA then I went to Vegas).  Learning to deal with these intense time periods has made us stronger and made me so appreciative of him for his patience.  So, I locked myself in my office all weekend and cranked out as much layout as possible.   (Yes, I publish this magazine and lay it out too. We’re small y’all. It’s me, two fabulous full-time genius women, one part-time fabulous assistant and two sometimes interns.)

I’ve got 48 hours left. 48 hours to be wildly proud of a huge investment. After showing Ari, Kath, and Em the whole thing today –missing a few bits here and there– I’m very proud. Finishing touches are next and then off to the printer. This is the hard part…

I love when people say “Oh, how great, you’re sending it to the printer, so now you can relax!” Not so fast, y’all. “Off to the printer” means linking thousands of high res files, getting them uploaded to their FTP, a bunch of technical mumbo jumbo that would bore you to tears, then we get draft proofs, press proofs, FEDEX them back, more press proofs, FEDEX them back, revisions, FEDEX them back, color check once, color check twice, and that’s just the beginning.

Yes, this is fun. It’s hard, fun, exciting, scary, powerful, crazy, exhilarating, and just plain awesome all rolled into one.

Thanks to all of my friends and family for so much support and sweet words this week.  Thank you photographers who have submitted your incredibly inspiring work to us.  Thank you brides for sharing your love stories that make this all worth it.  Thank you Katharine, Emily, and Whitney for being you… brilliant, beautiful, and the engine that keeps me going.  We’re in the home stretch and can’t wait for our big launch party in Atlanta on November 6th! (details to come)

You can follow the next steps in this crazy process with me on Twitter, if you dare.

Making things happen (with a whole lotta prayer, love support and laughter),

lc

PS- want a sneak peek at our cover?

It’s not hard to fall in love with Jory Cordy’s work.  I can see why clients fall in love with him too. Spend an hour with him and you will experience belly laughs, comfort, calm, excitement, inspiration and wonder all balled into one.  His images really do speak for themselves and I’m so honored to call him a client and good friend.  Jory has gone through quite a transformation this year, moving from digital to film, and breaking out as a solid, confident artist in the luxury wedding market. His new wedding site launched today and I couldn’t be more excited! Be sure to check out the new wedding site, his commercial work, blog and follow his hilarious tweets. Without further ado, the first in my new revealing interview series… Mr. Jory Cordy. [photo above by Michael Chan]

[photo by Fred Egan]

Controversial question first:  who would you chose to shoot your wedding (vow renewal) and why?
A Bryan Photo. I love the film documentation from Bryan Johnson and Caleb Chancey and the Super 8mm coverage from Branden Lower. They are amazing guys to hang with and very talented photographers.

You’ve made the leap from digital to primarily film this year.  Tell us about the process of that transition and what motivated it.
There is an undeniable characteristic to film that we all love, whether we are aware of it or not. The process really fits into what I’m all about and the experience that I want my client to have. An honest and organic product. Honestly, I was bored with my digital gear. The transition to film gave me a fresh perspective on my approach to shooting and interacting with my subjects. It slows down my shooting process. It allows me to break and give my mind a minute to breathe, while I reload film. Also, shooting digital creates the temptation to overshoot, since there is no time or cost issue involved. Shooting film has allowed me to concentrate on creating stronger but fewer images. I imagine only having about 20 images to tell a story, like I show in my portfolios, and it challenges me to find those magic moments to photograph in order to create a strong visual story. I am simply a fanatic over the results shooting film produces.

You also moved from Texas to L.A..  Tell us about that.
Dallas was a stepping stone to where I was trying to be. L.A. was always on my mind, I just wasn’t sure when I would get here. I kept booking tickets to L.A. to shoot a few friends and music artists. After spending some time here I was confident about my decision to move. I left Dallas in freezing rain and arrived to 65 degrees and cloudless skies in California. Smooth move.

[photo by Michael Chan]

Tell us about your new site and branding materials:
My new website is in no way innovative, but the design is well thought out, clean, and free of elements that would distract from the images. I want to be able to express myself and style in a very subtle yet attractive way, through my branding and physical branding materials, without speaking too loudly. The punch is in the photos. The same goes with my branding materials.

You have a strong commercial brand as well. Tell us about why you decided to separate your commercial work from your wedding work and how that’s strengthened both brands/will strengthen them.
I enjoy both sides of my work greatly but for very similar, but completely different reasons. Shooting for a commercial client, whether it be for a record, a magazine, an actor, or a personal test, is where my creative heart lives. (It’s a place that looks like the inside of the Keebler tree house) I am shooting to create a few solid images to meet the expectations of my client and still retain a creative consistency of my vision. It’s an amazing process. This is what I lose sleep over. Dreaming of what I want to shoot next, who I want to shoot next. With a bride and groom I essentially have the same goals, but my artistic vision is spread over a couple hundred photographs that realistically tell the story of what happened that day. I want the body of photographs to contain a continuity with no obvious disruptions, caused by too many details or portrait session adventures. I want every photograph that comes off of that roll to have significance in the story. I save my elaborate production and direction for the talented souls that play music and pretend for a living. The two styles of shooting definitely inspire each other. The experiences I take away from shooting weddings keep me on my toes during a commercial photo shoot, and my commercial eye lends itself to certain situations during a wedding day. However, the commercial and wedding photography industries are on two different sides of the street, and I want each portfolio to truly represent myself for the respective clients. Art buyers, publicists, and music management need to see exactly who I am and what I am capable of. I don’t want to showcase love and romance, in the fashion of weddings, in my commercial portfolio. I also want my wedding portfolio to be focused, and put together to inspire potential brides. Therefore they remain disconnected, and I believe it creates a stronger brand for both.

What most excites you about the months ahead?
Learning from people that are better than me, taking on new projects to expand my creative boundaries, and shooting lots and lots of new pictures.

Favorite moment you’ve had shooting a wedding recently.
I just shot one of my best friend’s wedding this summer. “Capturing moments“ takes on a whole new meaning when you’re photographing someone close to you. I just played the tears off as sweat. Mid summer in south Louisiana, no problem.

Favorite moment shooting something other than a wedding:
I was shooting an artist, this year in L.A., visiting from London. One shot for himself that he had to have was “near” the Hollywood sign. In an effort to get as close as we could to the sign, we came across a private road and a young jogger that was so excited to have found us searching for the sign. He insisted on walking us up his tried and true route to the sign to touch and take photos on. We did indeed touch and take photos ON the Hollywood sign. It was insane. However, this was seconds before: the alarm sounded, the gentleman instructing us to run down a hill that was impossible to walk down, being chased into hiding by helicopters and evading a squad of L.A.P.D.. (No dramatization)

[photo byJeff Newsom]

You’re a Mammoth Man and have close friendships with some phenomenal photographers.  Tell us how those relationships have helped you, future projects, etc.
Relationships with your friends, that you respect as artists, is a privilege. Through these friendships I’ve developed a true band of brothers, as well as learned some priceless skills. Surround yourself with good people.

Tell us a funny photography story.
Long before I switched to shooting film, I showed up to shoot a friend in Laguna with what I thought was my digital Canon. It was not. In my defense the 1V looks identical to the 1Ds. I was forced to shoot a roll of film in a camera that I did not load properly. Clueless of the error, I proceeded to shoot the roll. Fortunately, we shot plenty of photos on a digital Leica he had brought with him, because the roll of film was obviously blank. I like to think Jason Cohen and I are still friends.

Dream celeb client: Bob Dylan.

Describe your work in one word: Existential.

Finish the sentence: I’m dying to shoot a 20×24 Polaroid camera.

What you feel good at: Taking pictures.

What you feel bad at: Interviews.

5 favorite wedding images you’ve shot and why:

1. The color and texture in this image blow my mind.

2. This is my favorite summer wedding image.

3. I really like b&w photographs.

4. I love Ben Rector as a blur, and the golden backlight on these guys.

5. The only thing happening in this photograph is the subtle motion of the water. I like that.

5 favorite commercial images you’ve shot:

1. This is one of my favorite shots of Alex Beh from the Mosley Tribes shoot.

2. Days Difference right under the Hollywood sign. You don’t get many overcast days in L.A., that’s why I like this image so much.

3. This is an out take from a shoot with the Writer of Peach Plum Pear. It’s my favorite shot from the shoot.

4. This is a polaroid of Mat Kearney and Trent Dabbs. Fun moment in the studio.

5. Mark Brooke diving from 30 ft, pretty epic.

Favorite travel memory this year:
Park City, Utah with my friends this past winter was insane. I’m an aspiring pro snowboarder (sarcasm) and during a break, (muscle cramp) mid-run, I sat in the most amazing spot on earth watching snow slowly burry me. It was a chilling, quiet noise and could have fallen asleep if not for the frightening thought of being snowed over and rode over by Matt Sloan on his speed board. I got up and tried to finish my run, but kept having to break again. The first experience was inspirational, the third was annoying, but the finish was victorious.

What inspires you?
I find inspiration in the things I surround myself with daily. Music, photographs, fashion, films, amazing people and family, and the success of other creative people.

What is your most significant photography accomplishment thus far?
Coming to a realization of who I was as a photographer, and what I really want to shoot. Which has made it possible for me to create a foundation for the future of my portfolio.

What do you love about weddings?
I enjoy that the story is non-fiction, and not produced. There is freedom in spontaneity.

If you and Val got to have another dream wedding, tell us what you would do:
We would probably find a way to get all of friends and family to the spot where we honeymooned, Kauai. We had an amazing week there.

What’s in your camera bag?
Business cards, small black notebook and a Pilot Precise V5 ink pen (my favorite ink pen ever), sharpie for tagging rolls of film, a Contax 645, Mamiya RZ67, Yashica T4, Canon AE-1, Lomo AC-1, and couple prime lenses for the previously mentioned cameras. I randomly have grass, leaves and parking tickets tucked away in there.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I studied Fashion Design for 5 years. I spent most of that time studying fashion photographs and drawing up sketches of women’s garments that I conned my mom into sewing for me. She is 150% faster than me on a sewing machine and my garments were always due 24ish hours after the commission. My fascination with fashion photography is what drove me to start shooting people.

[photo by Fred Egan]

What is the Jory Cordy wedding experience?
Every experience is different for my clients and myself. I find ways to adapt to each couple and react to their personalities. I don’t want my presence to be overwhelming on the day of the wedding but I will definitely leave my mark

3 most valuable things to you in business:
Passion, honesty, and relationships.

Best advice for new photographers:
The best thing to do starting out is to shoot a lot of pictures and find a way to be unique. The rest is in your personality.

[photo by Jeff Holt]

Is it photography for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
As much as I love photography, I am really just an artist. I would like to start pushing myself into the film industry, producing and writing.

Add a question here for us: : )
Who writes these questions? Also, what’s the next project for Lara Casey?

Answer: I wrote them with love and care just for you Mr. Cordy ; ) Glad you enjoyed them. Next project: Conquering the world with you. Oh, and turning 30. That’s a project.

Have a question for Jory? Fire away…

Kyle Barnes sent me these images above today from our Watercolor shoot. My favorite is the little mason jar of simple red carnations in the gravel. I set a table up for Kyle one afternoon and left him to play. The images that came from it (you’ll just have to wait for the rest) are some of my favorites he’s ever shot. You can’t beat the image on the left. Imagine: playing croquet in your Louboutin’s and sipping French wine as the sun sets. Yes, please!

Oh Jory, this shoot makes us swoon! These film images above make me feel like I’m swimming in a sea of pretty pink vintage goodness. Y’all know I love French macarons. Jory Cordy captured these delightful sweets from Sucre and Paulette’s so perfectly. I love the bride and groom signs from Kristy Rice. So many details on this table I can’t wait to share with you in our print edition. I had to hold myself back from showing you my favorites!

One of the most beautiful women I know, inside and out, is Annette Thurmon. Annette is not only the model above, but a stellar custom wedding dress designer. Shot by Fred Egan with her husband, these images capture what Watercolor is all about- the brilliant sandy white beaches. Just magical, Fred!

OK, Jeff Holt melts my soul every time I talk to him. He encourages everyone around him to strive for greatness in their lives and be filled with sunshine. These images do just that for me too! Henry the dog, was such a good sport donning a Southern Proper bow tie. The decadent table details will make you melt too! Oh so much to come…

Styling for all the shots above by the incomparable Joy Thigpen and Ashley from Dolci Odille. Thank you, ladies, for your Midas touch!

I have some big surprises in store from my other rep client, the phenomenal Mr. Cowart. It’ll be well worth the wait folks.

Thank you, gentlemen, for always inspiring me and encouraging me too. I’m writing this post after having a long conversation with someone this morning about what makes me happiest in all the work I do. It’s working with you.

Inspired,

lc

I’m thrilled to launch my new site and business blog today! The wedding market is a big mystery and navigating through branding, marketing, submissions, business strategy and perfecting the client experience can be a huge frustration for so many. My goal with Lara Casey Reps is to take businesses to their fullest potential so artists can focus on their art and wedding pros can focus on the client experience. I’m taking the guesswork out of business and helping wedding professionals get clear, focused, and put their energy where it matters most.

I have been so fortunate to work with some incredible artists over the last months. My clients blow my mind on a daily basis with their commitment to their work and their brides. Jory Cordy, Jeff Holt, Kyle Barnes and newcomer to the wedding world, celeb photographer, Jeremy Cowart, have filled my days with excitement and inspiration. I look forward to sharing more about them and how their businesses evolve here on LaraCasey.com. This blog will be filled with a lot of surprises– not only biz advice, but personal adventures, insight from my team here and top advice from the best of the best in the wedding industry. I also have a new twitter account specifically for Lara Casey Reps news and advice: WeddingRep.

A few FAQ’s:

Are you taking on new clients? Yes, but on a very limited consulting level only.  I am limiting our client list based on several factors: marketability, diversity in our client base, and dedication to being the best of the best in your market.  If you aren’t willing to work hard, I won’t take you on.  We’re not here to do things for you, but rather to help open doors for you by breaking your business down and examining it with a fine tooth comb.  Imagine that you have an entourage of professionals working for you… I would essentially be your manager, not your Ari Gold.  I don’t work on a typical representation system where clients pay a percentage of their profit.  I can’t book you the job like a commercial agent might, but in very concentrated consulting sessions, I will show you how your brand can attract them.  We’ll focus on how your business can become a powerful magnet for the client you are craving.  And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll bring someone onto your team that does.  So many people are “consultants” now in the wedding industry.  The truth of the matter is that we’re all completely different with a variety of skill sets.  You many not be the right client for me and you may be my perfect match.  I will know right off the bat.  It’s all about the big picture.

Are you only working with photographers? No, definitely not.  I’m currently consulting several wedding planners as well.  I’m open to working with any wedding professional who is dedicated to being their best self and will stop at nothing to get there.

Are you offering wedding PR? Yes and no.  I will offer marketing and submission strategy advice of course, but we will not act as a PR firm.  I’m happy to recommend a publicist to my clients.

How do you have time for all of this? Easy… I’ve been doing this innately for a long time.  It was after WPPI this past year that Jory called me one day and asked me if I’d consider working with him on a regular basis.  I thought, “I do this for people all day anyway…connecting people, offering advice, bringing the right professionals together to make magic happen”.  What happened was I fell into my “zone”.  I’m harnessing my background as a wedding planner, business owner, magazine publisher and speaker and using that very unique perspective/experience to help my clients flourish.  I am limiting my client roster though, to keep this manageable and elite.  If I take you on, you know I believe in you 110% and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure the world knows it.

What is the investment for consulting sessions with you? Drop me an email and let’s talk.  I’m keeping it pretty simple.

What’s the process like? Ask one of my clients.  It’s different for everyone because, well, everyone is different.  The process I’ve taken with Jory vs. Kyle is night and day.  Same goal: build their brand, grow the business.  Completely different strategy for each.  In general though, depending on where you are with your business, we’ll talk once a week for an hour.  These weekly sessions keep you accountable and always moving forward.  I will challenge you.  But, you have to bring something to the table.  I’ll lay out the expectations and show you the tools specific to your brand that help you meet them with flying colors.  Some clients need less than that, so we talk twice a month and correspond via email between.  I’m a pretty open book though, so I like when one of my clients calls out of the blue to ask a question or give me an exciting progress update.

Have a question?  Email or call and I’ll give you the scoop.

I have to thank Ross and the team at Flosites for being so patient with me during the creation of my sites. They are really one of a kind and a joy to work with! And thanks to Kyle Barnes for recommending Ross to me and to Kyle, Jeff and Nick Onken for helping me through the initial design/branding stages. Most of all though, thanks to all of my friends and encouragers who have waited patiently for my new sites since I first mentioned the concept on Twitter many months ago. Your belief in the integrity of the wedding world is why I do this!