Wedding industry is for passionate people, the disenchanted need not apply.
From time to time I know I have been guilty of using my blog as an unchallenged forum for voicing my own opinions and maybe sometimes my opinions are not always popular. In my own defense I would have to argue that the purpose of having a blog is to voice one’s own opinions. Well in any case something happened that has motivated me to speak once more.
While attending a gathering of local wedding vendors earlier today I was quite literally shocked beyond words when another professional in my field decided to speak up and encourage all of us to “lower the bar” because (in their words) “this generation of brides does not care about quality”. Following on the heels of that was “it’s better to have inferior work up (like on your website) than no work at all”. Honestly, I nearly choked on my lunch and I could see others sitting around me also glowering in disapproval.
It is my opinion that perpetuating the notion that brides don’t care about quality is very literally the kiss of death to the wedding industry as a whole. My studio, Dry Heat Photography, is from the school of thought that says “come big or stay home”. I know for a fact, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that brides and grooms, in all budgets, most certainly care about quality! I know something else to be true as well; people respond to the way you treat them, you get what you give. If I approached my clients with an “I know you don’t really care about this” attitude, I would certainly bet that they would respond in kind by doing exactly what I expected – not caring. Well folks, let me tell you Rick, Angela, Kristina and I all care very passionately about what we do. Our goal is to be the best. What does it mean to be the best? To us it means to do everything that is necessary to facilitate the best possible experience for our clients and, of course, to create the fantastic, once in a life time, photographs that people come to us for. I have no doubt, because they tell me directly, that our clients care about quality.
The wedding industry is very specialized and highly competitive. There are many talented people who earn their living by pursuing their passion, (working their butts off) and giving 100% to the special couples we all care so much about. There is no room in this field for the disenchanted.
-DeAnna Dimmitt
Dry Heat Photography
DeAnna – I was wondering if I was the only one completely confused about the conversation going on about “lowering the bar”. I thought the industry as a whole should be raising the standards and bar so that we have no disappointed couples because they get sucked in by an incredibly low price but receive poor quality service and photos afterward. We’re here to provide couples with the “perfect” wedding that they’ll remember for a lifetime – not something that satisfies the couple momentarily. Glad you said something! – Shauna Pointer, Publisher of the Perfect Wedding Guide
Thanks Shauna!
DeAnna,
I just want to let you know that Derek and I know for a fact that all of you guys care deeply about what you do- it is so obvious! You all do an amazing job and we could not have asked for anything better for our wedding!! Thank you for being awesome!
Well said Deanna, Sounds like I missed a an interesting meeting….
I totally agree with you DeAnna!
Dear Deanna,
I, too, was shocked by the comment at that meeting. I don’t understand how anyone could give less than 110% to a bride and groom. We are all lucky to be included in their special day and it’s our job to offer our best.