Heirloom Wedding Films

Interview With A Make Up Artist: Elea Blake Cosmetics

There are many people who are unknowingly an active participant in making a bride’s photos and video look amazing.

Obviously, a bride’s choice of a venue is going to determine the backdrop of her photos and her video.

A bride’s choice of dress and florist is going to help shape the colors, style, and feel for the photos and video.

Even a bride’s choice of her band or DJ is going to determine how fun and exciting her reception photos and reception video footage is going to appear.

But probably more important than any of those is the bride’s choice of a makeup artist (Or, as we in the wedding industry commonly refer to them as, an “MUA”).

Frankly, I don’t even film a bride’s face until she is about 90% through with having her makeup applied, an MUA’s job is just that important to my craft.
While all my brides are beautiful with or without makeup, most don’t want an eternal documentation of her without makeup on on her wedding day, so I let the MUA do their magic, and then step in and get some shots of the glowing bride.

An MUA’s work not only can determine the epic-ness of the bride’s photos and video based upon the craft and skill of the artist in covering flaws and extenuating the possitive, but a bride just feel good when she know she looks good and after being told for about half an hour “Oh you look so gorgeous! I love your eyes! Wow look at those cheekbones!” and so on, she’s on cloud 9! When a bride feels good about herself, she has this smile and look in her eyes all day long that can not be ‘faked’. And THAT is the look she wants immortalized in her photos and videos forever. Not the “Okay now, smile for the camera!” smile.

So today we talk to Darin Wright of one of Chattanooga’s most recognized group of MUAs; Elea Blake Studios in downtown Chattanooga. EB has clients not just in the Chattanooga market, but globally! Elea Blake not only provides make up artistry for wedding clients, they also manufacture and design their own products in their Chattanooga studio. They can even custom create colors not just for their in-studio clients, but their online clients also!

Darin Wright of Elea Blake in Chattanooga

Darin attributes her success not just to the quality of her makeup and services but to seeing the beauty in every client who walks through the door or purchases makeup online. Every Colorista is told on their hiring day to show each client how beautiful they truly are … with or without makeup. It is this mission, to empower women with color belonging, that continues to fuel Darin’s professional drive.

LET’S START WITH AN EASY ONE! TELL US WHAT ELEA BLAKE STUDIOS IS, AND WHAT YOUR ROLE IS?

I am the creator of Elea Blake cosmetics. I started the company 21 years ago with just a small line of mixable and customizable foundations. Now I have created over 5,000 different makeup colors in all mediums. A lot of people think because I am the owner I am not on the floor with the rest of the Coloristas (what we call our makeup artist) but that is my favorite place to be!

WHEN DID YOU KNOW A CAREER IN BEAUTY WAS FOR YOU?

Growing up, I always loved beauty! Back then a career in makeup and beauty was seen as a crazy pipe dream. I actually started selling makeup at 16, going door to door with Avon products. It was at that time when I realized how limited makeup colors were for people. I always felt terrible having to sell people so many different products just to get the right foundation shade. That is where this whole journey started!

HOW DO WEDDING MAKEUP TRIALS WORK? DO YOU OFFER THEM?

Our studio makes trials mandatory for brides. We do this because planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful and the last thing you want to do on the day of is try to communicate a makeup look. Oftentimes what people communicate isn’t always what they end up wanting. For this reason, we insist on a bridal trial. You come into the studio and show us ideas you want, a picture of your dress, or just give us the gist. We match your skin and write down your foundation formula, write down all the products we put on you and make a face chart of your look. You approve the look or have us change it until you are happy. That way the day of the wedding there is no surprises. You know exactly how you will look and can sit back and relax, (or try to haha!)

DO BRIDES HAVE TO COME TO YOUR SALON OR DO SOME OF YOUR MUAS GO ON LOCATION?

All of our MUAs are available to go on location with our special EB studio to-go kit and the notecard with the bridal look information on it.

HOW LONG SHOULD BRIDES ALLOW IN THEIR DAY OF SCHEDULE FOR MAKEUP APPLICATION FOR THEM, AND FOR EACH MEMBER OF THEIR WEDDING PARTY?

It really depends on false lashes. It usually takes us about 30 minutes to replicate the approved look but if lashes are involved we recommend 45 minutes for each person. As for a member of the wedding party, it depends on whether they come in before the wedding, but it usually takes 45 minutes. It is also worth mentioning that we offer touch-up services throughout the wedding day.

DO YOU OFFER ANY OTHER BEAUTY SERVICES BESIDES MAKEUP?

We offer lash extensions, waxing, facials, and Personal Color Analysis. The Personal Color Analysis service has a bridal specific service that can be purchased separately that finds you best bridal white. It can also help you choose the wedding color scheme that will make you look incredible!

DO YOU ALLOW A BRIDE PROVIDE HER OWN MAKEUP?

We find that this has never been an issue as all the brides we have worked with love our long lasting reliable makeup. We would be hesitant to use other products as we know our foundation will last, won’t melt off the face in the heat, won’t get on clothing, and will last all day. The few touch-ups needed would be lips, if eating things that tend to get a bit messy, and maybe some finishing powder if you get a bit dewy.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR BRIDES TO REMEMBER/KNOW REGARDING THEIR WEDDING DAY MAKEUP?

As we do a bridal trial we relay most of this information way before the day of. I will say that something a lot of people overlook is if we are hired to do the mother of the bride or the bridal party, it is important for the bride to relay to her party if she wants a specific look and perhaps remind her bridal party that they are the support cast to her. Sometimes we have a bridal party member who forgets that the bride is the star and that can be incredibly awkward for everyone involved if she tries to monopolize the makeup artist’s time. (JBV’s note: Yes, yes and YES! We’ve seen this happen more times than we’d like and our timeline’s often suffer as a result. The wedding day is the BRIDE’S DAY!)

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A BRIDE WHO IS ON THE FENCE ABOUT HIRING A PROFESSIONAL MUA FOR HER WEDDING DAY?

Honestly, if makeup isn’t your thing that is fine. Just keep in mind that if you have a photographer or videographer on that day, you have already spent a good bit of money on remembering the event. You don’t have to have makeup that makes you look like someone else, we can do natural makeup that will just make sure you look dynamic and like you appear in person. The camera can be really harsh to the face and pores and alter how lovely you appear in person. We make sure you look how you want, no matter what that may be.

FOR SOMEONE OUT THERE WHO IS REALLY INTO MAKEUP ARTISTRY LOOKING TO MAKE IT A CAREER, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR THEM?

Learn how to read the undertone of a person. The biggest mistake I see in makeup artists is 1. They don’t listen to their client or 2. they put colors on that do not flatter their client. Make sure you know how to perfectly match someone’s skin tone. Altering the skin tone will easily date your makeup application. Showing someone that their skin tone is beautiful and worthy of being matched is the most essential aspect of any look.

Check out this little video made IN HOUSE (I need to hire them to work for me!) at Elea Blake that gives you a better idea of their philosophy and passion!

Thank you so much Darin! You rocked it! In my opinion, an MUA can make or break a timeline and as such, they pretty much set the tone and rhythm of your entire wedding day. Obviously, there are factors an MUA can’t really control (Like, as Darin mentioned, that ‘one bridesmaid’ who kind of monopolizes the MUA’s time), but a good MUA can either give your videographer and photographer some extra padding in your timeline (Making the day MORE relaxed) or can take up more time than they promised and cause you to be rushed for the rest of the day to squeeze in all your photos and video.

Interview With A Wedding Cake Designer: Dan “The Cakeman” of Cakemakers Etc

This week we talk about the good stuff, the reason everyone stops dancing, eating, drinking and chatting at a wedding. The one thing that gets every kid to gather in one place for a few moments… CAKE!

Believe it or not, this is a gluten-free wedding cake! Dan does that too! Photo by Melody Hood of Innamorata Photography – www.innamorata.com – 423-315-2092

If you’ve worked in the Chattanooga area as a wedding professional for any length of time, you have no doubt heard of “Dan the Cakeman”. He’s a legend locally when it comes to wedding cakes and other goodies you’ll find at a high-end wedding.

There’s average wedding cakes, there’s great wedding cakes, then there’s Dan’s works of art.
And the “icing on the cake” is that Dan is a super nice guy; if you can’t walk away from meeting Dan with a grin on your face, then something’s wrong with you.

In keeping with my “Meet a Vendor” series here on the blog, the first name to pop into my head when I thought about wedding cakes was Dan!

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO CAKE BAKING AND DECORATING?

Our family business was Cakemakers Fantasyland. We sold cake and candy supplies for the novice to the professional. This was my mother’s hobby since I was 10 year. So I have been involved in the “business” for 36 years. It’s hard to admit that since I’m only 39 HAHA!!!

Another year of Dan “The Cakeman” enjoying his “39th” birthday cake!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE WEDDING BAKERY BUSINESS?

I have been in my present location 21 years as CAKEMAKERS, ETC – Wedding Cakes & Catering. While we also do food for receptions and events, I am best known as Dan “the Cakeman”

WHAT EVENT PROMPTED YOU TO WANT TO START UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

Our family closed the supply business in 1992. I ran away from my “calling” for about 5 years. People kept telling me that I was not doing what I was “supposed” to be doing. Aa generous gentleman who thought we should be back in business offered me and my sister Debbie an open door in early 1997 and the rest is history!

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

I suppose that all so-called “artists” in the wedding business EAT, SLEEP, and DRINK there particular “calling” 24/7/365!! Honestly it is mainly talking (emailing, texting) to potential clients from 11am until about 6pm. Then I start the actual work on producing specialty birthday cakes, and my real passion; WEDDING CAKES!!!

Sunday is generally recovering from the previous week.

Monday begins the list prep and supplies buying for the week.

Tuesday is a continuum of Monday.

Wednesday begins the baking process for the wedding cakes generally.

Thursday is fill and ice as many cakes as possible.

Friday is finishing day.

Saturday is busiest delivery day of making a brides cake dreams come true. Honestly, I cry a lot while setting up a wedding cake. I am very aware that Cakemakers is a “special” thread in the fabric of a couple’s life. And what an honor and privilege to be trusted and chosen as a brides wedding cake baker!

WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU COULDN’T FUNCTION WITHOUT?

I just can’t pick 1: Mixers – 6 cake batter mixers and 2 very large icing mixers.

And 1 very large professional oven that allows me to bake an average of 3 large wedding cakes all at once. What a time saver!

Chattanooga wedding cake by Dan Carey of Cakemakers, Etc

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?

For many years it was from mainstream bridal magazines. I or a bride-to-be would come across a picture and follow a design from that magazine.

Many times it was my “interpretation” or “inspiration” of a picture I came across.

I describe myself sometimes as being an “impressionist” designer. Not exact copy but really emotionally and creatively inspired by many elements, not just pictures of another’s cake designs.

Since the internet came along and speciality wedding programs on cable, most brides will show me their favorite cake at the beginning of the appointment/consultation process. I will challenge her much like an eye doctor asks;”Now, is this better….or is this better?” It’s a neat process offering versions of her initial favorite design to see if she is really sold on it.

FOR FOLKS STARTING OUT IN THE BAKING INDUSTRY (MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE WEDDING CAKE MARKET), WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM; BOTH TECHNICAL AND INSPIRATIONAL?

They should be prepared to spend more money on equipment that the local Health Dept requires. It’s not just an oven and a sink and a table. Rules and regulations attempt to snuff out most “beginner’s” desires. However, if you have a “gift” and a desire to proceed beyond the rules and regulations to do what inspires you, giving one’s best to every client, then go for it! This is not for the weak or faint of heart! Inspiration will take one through many long and hard hours to finish. But the payoff of tears of joy and “thank you” cards and emails and texts from pleased clients helps in the hard times.

Chattanooga wedding baker Dan Carey of Cakemakers, Etc creates beautiful masterpieces like this each week!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BAKING?

Taking bags of ingredients I’ve spent two days shopping for and ultimately crafting them into a client’s vision for a wedding cake. Each bride has put her trust in me to bring to fruition her “special” day cake and display in a style that elevates and even exceeds her expectation!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT?

An old fashioned 10 super-thin-layer white layer cake with cooked chocolate fudge icing, very thinly between each layer and iced in the same wonderful goodness!

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR AS A PROFESSIONAL?

In all honesty – I HATE paperwork!! I am a creative person!

I prefer to “live in the clouds” of creativity and dreams of my next great and beautiful production!

And not in the restrictive hours of paperwork that is dull and boring (to me).

One of Cakemakers, Inc’s beautiful cake creations overlooking the Tennessee River while on display at the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, TN

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST REWARD?

The countless numbers of moms, daughters, dads and sons I’ve been privileged to serve over all these many years.

And the great number of the “grand cakes” I’ve done for a bride whose mom’s cake I did as well. That was a hard pill to swallow when I did my first one about 18 years ago. But what a compliment to my business and gifting that I impacted someone that I would be blessed with that kind of referral!

One of Dan Carey’s (Dan “The CakeMan”) amazing wedding cake creations. Cakemakers Etc, cakemakers.com

Thanks so much to Dan “The CakeMan!” for taking the time to talk with me for this blog about his wedding bakery and wedding cake business!
You can reach Dan at (423) 629-2248 or by going to his website at http://cakemakers.com/

Also a thanks to the amazing Melody Hood of Innamorata Photography for providing her amazing photo of the gluten-free wedding cake! You can see more of her work at www.innamorata.com or reach her by calling 423-315-2092.

Interview With A Wedding Venue: Walnut Hill Farm in Dalton, Georgia

If you’re planning your wedding then you know how crucial your wedding location is. Some couples don’t even set a date in stone until they have booked their wedding venue. You HOPE that your top choice has availability on your wedding date, but if they don’t, you either have to shuffle your date around, or choose another venue.

In my 10 years of doing weddings, there are about 3 or 4 venues that I consider my “regulars” but if i had to call one my “home field”, if would be Walnut Hill Farm in Dalton, Georgia.

In the years that I have been doing weddings in this region, Walnut Hill Farm has changed owners once, but the hospitality and professionalism must be a part of that property because no matter the owner and management, Walnut Hill Farm weddings run like a well-oiled machine.

Matt Barrett of Walnut Hill Farms takes a short break from taking care of business at a wedding to pose for a photo with me!

Today, Matt Barrett makes sure that machine runs like clockwork and he does a killer job. Matt has become a friend over the years and has championed my work over and over again. So for this week’s Meet A Wedding Vendor blog, we will be chatting with Matt!

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT WALNUT HILL FARM?

I am the General Manager. I oversee all operations for our estate.

IT WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT FOR A LLAMA FARM RIGHT? WHAT’S THE HISTORY THERE?

Joe and Nannette Yarbrough first started developing our property about 30 years ago. While in the planning of the farm Nannette took her grand kids to a petting zoo where she first met a baby Llama. It was love at first “pet” and the history of Walnut Hill began. 12 years ago the Yarbrough’s converted our spaces from hosting animals to host the finest of events. With well over 55 acres of managed gardens and meadows, Walnut Hill sits in a unique spot to overlook the Appalachian Mountains.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP THE STYLE OF THE VENUE?

Southern Elegance and Appalachian Hospitality.

Walnut Hill Farm has multiple ceremony options (5 different set ups that I have seen) and can accommodate virtually any size wedding, and the property is so large that it can accommodate multiple weddings on the same day without the either even being aware of the other! Greg Beasley Photo, Inc, www.beasleyphoto.com, all rights reserved, 706-937-2458

DOES WALNUT HILL FARM SUIT OR CATER TO A PARTICULAR STYLE OF WEDDING?

Walnut Hill offers a beautiful canvas to which a bride can design her dream wedding. From low key and casual affairs to high end formal celebrations, we are flexible to any style.

HOW HAS WALNUT HILL FARM GROWN AND CHANGED SINCE IT FIRST WAS USED AS A WEDDING VENUE?

Four years ago Kasey & Julie Carpenter purchased the property and began renovating and updating our spaces. With the addition of air conditioning and a commercial kitchen we were able to increase our guest’s experience. Today Walnut Hill Farm is equipped to welcome over 30 overnight guests and events of 600 guests or more. While the Yarbrough’s surely developed the land, gardens and buildings into beautiful spaces in which to enjoy the perfect day, the Carpenters brought world class food. Restaurant people by trade, Kasey and Julie began a culture of food and hospitality that is simply unmatched in area venues. Our team of chefs help to develop and execute menus custom tailored to our clients taste. Our floral stylist and wedding coordinators work tirelessly to make sure every detail is perfect. Coming to Walnut Hill is an escape from the hectic nature of the day to day grind. The perfect place to rest, reflect on the beauty of God’s creation, and enjoy a glass of wine.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT WALNUT HILL FARM THAT MAKES IT STAND OUT APART FROM OTHER NORTH GEORGIA/EAST TENNESSEE WEDDING VENUES?

There are so many wonderful venues and places to host weddings in our area. What breaks Walnut Hill away from the others is our concierge style of service. We custom tailor all of our weddings to specifically reflect the brides choices and desires. All of our meals are prepared onsite by our executive chef. Our coordinators walk you through your timeline, ceremony and even pack to-go food for you when you exit. Jennifer, our baker, creates the most delicious and beautiful cakes we have ever seen while Amanda, our floral stylist, will deliver flowers so fresh and amazing you will swear they were cut from our gardens. While we do offer so many services and details in house we also love to work with our industry friends. This area has so many local artisans and professionals we love being a part of that large community.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS WALNUT HILL FARM OFFERS COUPLES?

Our couples first option would be location. Walnut Hill is blessed to offer two separate venues with two different atmospheres to choose from. Dependent on your guest count and desired mood for your wedding would help determine which venue you choose. Walnut Hill offers so many different options. From planning your menu to designing impeccable floral pieces, each bride has every available option and choice.

WHY DOES WALNUT HILL FARM ONLY ALLOW IN-HOUSE CATERING?

We are food people by trade. The preparation of our food and the execution of our service on our passion. We want every guest of Walnut Hill to be captivated by the beauty of their surroundings and perfection of their meal.

TALK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SPACES WALNUT HILL FARMS OFFERS FOR WEDDING PREPARATIONS, CEREMONIES, AND RECEPTION

Walnut Hill hosts two venues both complete with event space and bridal suites. Outdoor ceremonies can happen anywhere on our 55 acre farm. The most popular views are of the pond and mountains.

CAN WALNUT HILL FARM HELP WITH PLANNING, COORDINATING, AND EVEN CATERING?

The team of professionals we have gathered together at Walnut Hill will assist you with every detail of your wedding. From setting the tables and floor-plan to designing the perfect centerpiece our team is here for you.

WHAT WEEKS OF THE YEAR IS WALNUT HILL IS THE MOST BUSY?

Our September through mid November usually book 18 months in advance. By far our Spring and Fall seasons are the busiest.

The views of the mountains from almost anywhere on the property is breath-taking! Photo by Chattanooga Wedding Photographer Greg Beasley Photo, Inc, www.beasleyphoto.com, all rights reserved, 706-937-2458

HOW MANY WEDDINGS DOES WALNUT HILL FARM HOST IN A TYPICAL YEAR?

We were so blessed to have had 44 weddings this past year.

WHY DO YOU THINK WALNUT HILL FARM IS SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE TO TIE THE KNOT?

It is hard to deny the beauty and goodness of God when you come out to Walnut Hill. Once you pass through the gates you can feel the stress of the day decrease. It truly is a special place, one that you don’t want to leave.

Water features, mountains, barns, trees, and wide open fields. WHF has virtually every sort of backdrop a bride could ever want! Photo by Chattanooga Wedding Photographer Greg Beasley Photo, Inc, www.beasleyphoto.com, all rights reserved, 706-937-2458

TELL US ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS YOU’VE SEEN OCCUR DURING A WEDDING DAY AT WALNUT HILL FARM.

One of the most memorable ceremony events happen when two of the sweetest couples I’ve had the please to meet began to read their vows. The groom went first and lost it immediately. You could hear the passionate all consuming love they had for each other. It took each of them a while to get through their vows but I’ll never forget just how sweet and pure the raw emotion was. That couple are preparing for the birth of their first child now.

FINALLY, WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

Being able to join a family in the celebration of two uniting as one is pure joy. Getting to know each family and inviting them into our home is a wonderful honor. We treasure each and every relationship we make here and love when those friendships continue long after the celebration.

Thanks so much Matt! To schedule a meeting or a tour with Matt at Walnut Hill Farms, go on over to their website and click the “Contact” link!

Here’s a wedding film I shot at Walnut Hill farms in the early Spring!

Another special THANK YOU to the Amazing Greg Beasley of Beasley Photography! Greg provided all the photos for this post! Check him out at www.beasleyphoto.com

Meet A Wedding Photographer In Chattanooga: Rich Smith of Rich Smith Photography

If you’re planning a wedding, you probably already know that the one group of vendors that you have a MULTITUDE of professionals to choose from is the Photographer group.

A statistic by the Bureau of Labor suggests that in America there are over 48,000 people who identify their job as a “Photographer”. That doesn’t take into account all the people who do it part time or are just starting out.

Unless you know a photographer personally, have worked with them before, or have a family member or friend who can attest to their skill, ability, and professionalism, it is virtually impossible to know if you are choosing the right photographer for your event (And for your personality).

I have worked with many photographers in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. I’ve managed to become friends (and champions) of many of these photographers. As a result, I have sometimes been asked to provide brides with a list of photographers that I feel suits their personality, vision for their day, and photography style,
One of those that I recommend quite often is Rich Smith of Rich Smith Photography.

Rich and I like to be goofy together when we’re able to work the same wedding! This bride got us both our very own personalized water bottles!

Rich is goofy, easy going, friendly, and super professional. His photography style is very much like my film style; Natural, intimate, ‘free-spirited’. If I could boil my impression of Rich’s work down into one sentence, it typically looks like he just happen to catch the couple being “in love” rather than posed.
It feels very real.

This is a style that some brides love, and some brides don’t. Like any of the vendors you choose, you are choosing solely based on what style you like. The greatest photographer on earth may be great, but if their style doesn’t move you, they aren’t the right photographer for you.

So, since most people on Earth aren’t fortunate enough to know Rich as well as I and others in the Chattanooga area do, I felt it was my duty to the people of the planet to share this little interview I conducted with Rich Smith that is keeping with my blog series of “Meet A Wedding Vendor”!

DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE IN 3 ADJECTIVES.

Authentic, Energetic, Meaningful. My passion is to capture, as closely as possible, the essence of a couples relationship! The biggest compliment I can receive is when friends and family tell me that I documented the spirit of a couple and captured exactly who they are!

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU GOT INTO THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?

I was working full time for a mechanical and electrical engineering firm as an Auto Cad draftsman! In a cubicle. Not meeting new people. Turns out it wasn’t my calling. 🙂

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO TAKE THE LEAP AND GO FULL TIME INTO THE WORLD OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

I’ll never forget the phone call I received from an emotional (very happy) mom after my very first photo shoot. I’d done a lifestyle session in their home with their new baby, and through her tears, she thanked me profusely for documenting that special time in their lives. It made me come alive, and I felt that I was doing something with purpose that would enhance the lives of my clients. And something that would increase in value over time. One of our best God-given gifts in this life is our relationships, and to be able to do something that reaffirms the value of those connections; that is pretty awesome to me!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT BEING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

I’m absolutely an extrovert, and working with my clients, hearing their stories, and being around their passion and energy, that is my favorite part!

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF A WEDDING FOR YOU?

The most challenging aspect of a wedding is when a wedding coordinator has not been hired and that job becomes mine. Rather than focus solely on the photography, I become, by default, the person who has to keep things running smoothly.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING IN THE EAST TENNESSEE MARKET?

I love living and working here because the people are incredible (I love my clients!) and we have beautiful scenery all around!

Rich and I discuss our plan of action before a ceremony begins at the amazing Walnut Hill Farm in Dalton, Georgia!

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SHOOT NEXT?

Scotland, if we’re being ambitious! Truly, I’ve had the honor to photograph a wedding in Sweden, an engagement session in Hawaii, family sessions in California and Washington DC, and and as much as I love living and working here in the Chattanooga area, Heather and I also have a passion for travel and new experiences as a family.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A COUPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

I would suggest meeting your photographer in person to ensure that you connect on a personal level! It’s important to love the work of a potential photographer, but it’s also important to like them as a person, since you’ll be spending quality time with your photographer on your wedding day! I also highly recommend an engagement session, not just for the beautiful images from that season of your lives, but also to get comfortable in front of my camera so that by the time your wedding rolls around, we are friends who are truly enjoying the process! I love when my clients are willing to be themselves in front of my camera, and let me in on their joyful, intimate moments!

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE EVERY BRIDE AND GROOM TO KNOW BEFORE THEIR WEDDING?

Once the planning is done and the vendors are hired, I want my clients to relax, savor the moment, trust me to do a fantastic job, enjoy their friends and family, and have an incredible wedding day!

Rich does anything he needs to do to get the perfect shot, even if it means he may fall into the hot tub in the spa area of the Bell Mill Mansion in Ooltewah, Tennessee!

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARE WANTING TO TURN THEIR HOBBY INTO A WAY THEY CAN EARN A LIVING, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

I would recommend improving their craft of photography, of course (we are all lifelong learners!) but just as importantly, I would recommend honing their business and interpersonal skills. This is a wonderful industry to be part of, and much of our success is due to our ability to run a business (90% of what we do is workflow/business related; 10% is time spent photographing) and to be able to develop great relationships with local vendors!

SHOW US YOUR 3 FAVORITE IMAGES YOU’VE TAKEN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS!

Rich Smith Photography Chattanooga Wedding Photographer

Thanks so much to Rich Smith for taking the time to be a part of this blog post! Some of the venues shown in the photos in this post were Walnut Hill Farm, Bell Mill Mansion, and Howe Farms!

Meet a Wedding DJ in Chattanooga, TN: Keenan Daniels; MillionDollaMan DJPM

This week’s blog post is going to focus on one of the many amazing wedding vendors in the East Tennessee / North Georgia area; Keenan Daniels, otherwise known as The MillionDollaMan DJPM, based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Keenan is not only a great vendor to work with at a wedding, but I consider him a good friend and he is always on my list of recommended DJs for upcoming brides.

Keenan Daniels – Chattanooga Wedding DJ doing his thing at a wedding at wedding venue The Barn At Drewia Hill – photograph by Chattanooga wedding photographer Rich Smith

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU GOT INTO THE WORLD OF DJ-ING AND ENTERTAINING?

Like most men with a family I was working a job. One I had for over 14 years. During that time I got married, had kids, and I began to identify what I was good at which was interacting with people. Having graduated from the Center for Creative Arts, I was never the shy type but I didn’t know much about business and responsibilities. Working for that company helped me develop those skills.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO TAKE THE LEAP AND GO FULL TIME INTO THE WEDDING AND EVENT INDUSTRY?

2011 was the year I started to get my DJ feet wet. 2012 only produced three weddings for me and out of those three weddings I knew I loved what I was doing. I continued working my full-time job until March 12th 2015. During that time I would have frequent conversations with other DJs but only one guy was full-time and that was Steve Lyles. We are such a “See First – Believe Second” generation so after I met one guy that was full time, I believed I too could be a full-time DJ. So after 14 and a half years, I decided to take a leap of faith and go full-time with my company.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT BEING AN ENTERTAINER?

Seeing people come together on the dance floor; laughing, smiling, and dancing just flat out does it for me. I gave myself the title of an Entertainer but in all honesty, I’m just being myself. Getting the opportunity to take people’s minds off the everyday problems of the world is definitely needed. Music is the soundtrack of life and regardless of what race you are, having fun is universal and I love being able to give people that.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO PLAY THAT WORKS FOR ALMOST ANY TYPE OF CROWD?

70’s funk music has got to be the most universal music that’s ever been made. Earth Wind & Fire’s ‘September’ is definitely respected by young people and loved by the more mature crowd.

WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?

All the preparation that goes into every event that I do. Showing up for the event and DJing for 3 or 4 hours is extremely easy. It’s all the work I have to do off the clock that takes time from my family. Consultations, going out to different venues you haven’t been to before, mental wear and tear.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM MOST DJs?

I really don’t get the opportunity to go out and hear other DJs play. Over time I’ve gotten feedback and people have told me I’m different in the sense of how I interact with the crowd. No one taught me what a wedding DJ is supposed to act like and I think that’s worked in my favor. In my mind, if someone has paid me to render a service I should do it with 100% effort and do my best to try and connect with everyone in the room on a musical level. First, it’s important to create a party atmosphere and then after that, direct it: People need to be told what to do sometimes and after that, just stand back and let the magic happen.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS COUPLES SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN LOOKING FOR A DJ?

Of course they need to make sure he has his own equipment and can cater to their needs, however, find a guy that fits their style. Just because a client has a deposit in hand doesn’t mean I’m quick to take the event. They want to interview me and I want to interview them to make sure we have chemistry. Any DJ can stand there and play music but not all DJ’s fit every event. So clients need to do their best in researching the guy and not just book the cheapest or the guy that fits in their budget. Not to be insensitive, but you can’t put a price tag on a great experience.

MillionDollaMan DJPM warming up the crowd while at a wedding at the Tivoli in Chattanooga, TN. Photo taken by wedding photographer Ben Finch of Finch Photography.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A BRIDE WHO DOES NOT EXPECT MUCH DANCING OR PARTYING AT HER WEDDING RECEPTION?

Brides know the people that they’re inviting to their wedding reception. They know in advance if the people they’re inviting are party people or if they’re more reserved. With that being said they shouldn’t be too surprised either way. However if I’m there she knows I’m going to do my best to ensure all her guests have a great time. If she invites 200 and only 50 are on the dance floor, then party with those 50. Guests have fun in different ways.

WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO THE BRIDE WHO EXPECTS A LOT OF DANCING AND FUN AT HER RECEPTION, BUT PLANS TO HIRE AN AMATEUR DJ?

If you hire an amateur DJ please expect to have amateur DJ results. That doesn’t mean that the experience will be bad, however this DJ may not be able to accommodate all your wishes. I was extremely thankful for the three weddings I had in 2012 but at that time I could only accommodate three weddings. I only had one set up so after the ceremony was over I had to tear down a reset in a different location with the same equipment. Some Brides wanted elaborate up-lighting and I wasn’t able to accommodate that or lapels for the Groom and the Pastor. This amateur DJ may turn out to be decent at the reception but his equipment may have complications or his song selection may be questionable. All in all, just be patient.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS YOU GET FROM A BRIDE?

The way I market myself attracts a certain type of clientele. Most of the questions I get for my Brides are related more to what I’m willing to do versus what I can do. Will you travel? Will you stay past the quoted time in your contract? Will you make sure we acknowledge this person at the reception? When I first started it was more like… Do you have your own equipment? Do you have microphones? Do you play clean music? If any professional sticks with anything long enough, their reputation will answer most questions.

Keenan loves the camera! Photo taken by one of JBVFilm’s favorite photography teem in Chattanooga; Kenney Photography!

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO GET STARTED IN THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINING AND DJ-ING, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

The biggest piece of advice I can give anyone is to make sure they remain true to themselves. Don’t be like everyone else – just be you. In doing that you will stand out. There were so many people that helped me in many ways when I first got started. Staff of A Silverware Affair, my mentors at Pneuma Christian Center, Shaun Cox, Leslie Bailey Mayfield, Staff at The Church on Main, The Venue Chattanooga, Kris Cobb at The Barn at Drewia Hill, Southside Social, Decor 1601, Pro Sound of Chattanooga, Darrell Strickland, and many more.

You have to network with people and you have to give people a product they are willing to refer. Many people start businesses but feel like they don’t need to reach out to anyone and they want to do it on their own. That’s a major mistake. It’s like my Pastor always told me, “Find someone that’s doing what you want to do – copy them and make it your own.”

You can contact Keenan by going to his contact page found here.

And before we end, here’s a wedding I shot where Keenan was the DJ. The party starts around the 4:12 mark!

Photos on this blog post were used with permission by some of the best wedding photographers in Chattanooga, Tennessee: Rich Smith Photography – Ben Finch Photography and Kenney Photography.