I started this new series, The Vendor Says, wanting some of my favorite vendors in the industry to expound upon their working relationships with wedding planners and the importance of having an experienced planner for your most special day. In the first post of this series, with Exquisite Sounds Entertainment, that you can read here, speaks of how he got into the wedding industry and the importance of brides and grooms having an experienced planner at the wedding.
Weddings require a great deal of planning as there are many logistical elements, long before any vendors arrive on the wedding day. When there's a great planner to lead the charge and get all of your vendors to work seamlessly and harmoniously on your wedding day, you know you're in good hands. As mentioned in the previous post, having strong vendor relationships is key when it comes to orchestrating and executing your wedding day.
Next up in the series, we have one of the most laid back and genuine photographers I know, Afolabi Sogunro, more affectionately known as Fola, of Fotos by Fola, who's brilliant behind with the camera. Here’s what he had to say:
1. How did you get involved in Photography?
I've always enjoyed photography. I carried a small camera everywhere I went. One day my wife brought home a photography school flyer and I signed up to take classes. As they say, the rest is history.
2. Why did you choose to become a part of the wedding industry?
I love telling stories. Capturing emotions is something I truly enjoy and weddings allow me to be a part of this all the time.
3. How did you get into the wedding industry?
I simply photographed for a friend that was getting married.
4. What do you love about being a part of the wedding industry?
I love the energy. There is something special about being a part of someone's wedding.
5. What's your ideal bride or couple?
First and foremost a couple truly in love. Secondly, a couple that completely trusts me and understands my vision and style of photography. Lastly, a couple that understands the importance of having a good planner and Photographer.
6. Do prefer working with wedding planners and do they make your job easier?
I prefer working with a planner and they make my job easier. From a planning perspective they are instrumental in making sure everything runs effectively and plan for the unexpected.
7. Do you encourage your brides to choose wedding planners? Why or why not?
I encourage all brides to hire a planner. Having a planner allows you to actually enjoy your wedding day. By not having one they run it issues of stress and having a badly planned event which could end up costing thousands of dollars.
8. What's the best piece of advice you can provide to a bride?
Get a planner. Trust the planner to handle all the stress of wedding planning. Enjoy your day. Soak it all in as the day goes by so fast.
9. What has been the worst thing you've seen from a wedding when the bride and groom has gone against your suggestion of hiring a planner?
The wedding started 4 hours late. Family members were missing and the whole day was chaotic.