Have you ever met someone and just knew that person was supposed to be part of your life? It’s an amazing feeling that I’ve learned to trust and go with because it almost always leads me to someone who rocks my world. That’s how I met photographer, Parris Whittingham
If you read this blog, you’ve heard me say how important it is for wedding professionals to know and express their unique quality. You can’t just say you’re a wedding planner who gives the bride a stress-free day or that you’re a wedding photographer who captures the memories. In a crowded market, that just won’t do. You have to have a concept and a clear vision that excites you in a way that’s palpable to brides. That’s why I love Parris’ work. He’s a photographer, but don’t try to box him in as a wedding photographer. He’s so much more.
A Proposal Love Story
We met on Twitter and scheduled a quickie twenty minute chat. Little did either of us know we’d spend two hours talking about what great things happen when you follow your dreams despite what the world would say. Parris left a successful life on Wall Street to express himself and his values in a variety of mediums including photography. (I was a SVP/Ombuds for a major financial institution before leaving to advise small business owners on being more in charge and happier at work) and the nature of love.
What really struck me about Parris and his work is that he has a clear perspective. As he says, ‘he’s on a quest to document extraordinary love stories and the people who make them possible.’
I LOVE this idea. He recognizes that the wedding isn’t the beginning or end of a couple’s story together. It’s a part of their love story. Sometimes I think wedding pros forget that. From a business perspective, thinking of a wedding as a milestone in a long love story creates more opportunities to serve your couple. Who says a photographer couldn’t document more life events like moving into the first home, sharing the news of pregnancy, etc. Smart guy, that Parris.
During our call, I looked at his photos and began to cry. I could see the love stories unfold, especially in his proposal photos. I’m showing a couple here, but to really do him justice you have to visit his website, which is sophisticated and very approachable.
Another Proposal Story
The answer is yes!
