Hello beautiful people! I hope you are enjoying this chilly, icy, snowy, Wednesday – I am not as I don’t really appreciate the cold BUT that is neither here nor there. (Also it’s caused my travel plans for this weekend to be cancelled already so I’m a little bitter). I refuse to let it ruin my happy go lucky spirit so here I am in Starbucks getting my caffeine fix for the day – waiting for my little one to get out of his appointment – and I’m going to tell you about one of my favorite people!
Something I’ve always wanted to do was give the spotlight to my favorite vendors and people. As a planner, I am NOTHING without my vendors and I really value everything they bring to this industry. Over the past 5 + years, I’ve learned there are people who I really love to work with and I want to spotlight them so that y’all can see how amazing they are and maybe one day work with them!
So without further ado, I want to introduce you to the one and only Shalae Byrd! Shalae and I have only known each other a short time but instantly connected and haven’t looked back. She’s not just a vendor to me but one of my best friends. She’s got this incredible spirit and personality that the world really needs to know about. I sent her over a couple of questions to help y’all get to know her a bit! World, meet Shalae!
The woman behind the camera!
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m 27, wife, mom to a crazy toddler, and full-time photographer! I’m a big music lover (my major was originally vocal performance) and I sing and play piano, flute, and percussion. I graduated from BYU with my bachelors in Anthropology with double minors in communications and Africana Studies. I love people and learning about different cultures!
How did you get started in photography?
After Michael and I got married, I picked up my mom’s old canon rebel camera and just started taking pictures for fun! Then when I graduated college, I couldn’t find a job in my field of marketing/event planning so I decided to jump in and turn my photography hobby into a business! I told myself for years that I would never shoot weddings because they’re too stressful, but I just love weddings too much and am focusing on just weddings and branding now!
What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer?
My favorite thing about being a photographer is creating joy that lives on in imagery. After becoming a mom, I’m a firm believer in capturing the memories as they are, not as we wish they were or could be.
What is your favorite moment during wedding days?
My favorite moments of wedding days are details, first look, and bride and groom portraits! However, a specific moment I absolutely love is when mom is helping the bride get ready. I usually ask the mom if she has any advice for her daughter and it’s always such a beautiful, tender moment!
What is the craziest thing to happen at one of your weddings?
I can’t think of any super crazy moments with clients or guests, but I did almost pass out at a wedding this past fall and that was crazy! So now I make sure to leave buffer time and extra time to drink water on wedding days so I don’t pass out haha!
Do you have any advice for current brides?
The best piece of advice I have for couples is to hire a planner and enjoy being engaged! It goes by so fast and is such a fun season of life with planning a wedding! (Did I mention she was super smart too?)
What’s next for Shalae Byrd Photography?
More international work (Portugal and France are happening this year!) Hopefully adding film soon and possibly videography to our offerings!
Fun Facts
Check out more about Shalae Byrd Photography!
