When searching for your wedding photographer, it’s important that you find a professional that you connect with on a personal level. Over the last decade, Ari of Ari Reynolds Photography has made it her mission to provide top-notch service while delivering photos couples will love for years to come. Get to know Ari below and meet her in person at Twin Cities Bridal Show!
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: I am a wedding photographer, but I am so much more than just a photographer; I am a coordinator and best friend all rolled into one.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: South St. Paul, Minnesota, Facebook, Website
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: In 2010, I picked up my first camera when my first child was born and the rest is history. I found a passion for capturing moments in time. Taking pictures of anything and everything. Fast forward to 2015, I became a second shooter, which opened up a whole new world to me and I fell in love. Working with a multiservice vendor, I serviced 500+ weddings a year. This allowed me to experience and master every aspect of weddings, not only photography.
Q: What makes Ari Reynolds Photography unique from others?
A: The experience I gained from working for that vendor gave me the tools to assist my clients in every aspect throughout their special day. From the very first point of contact, I become my client’s best friend. This completely shifts the energy and elevates their experience of working with me, which shows in my work. My goal is for my couple to be very comfortable with me before their wedding day, thus allowing the genuine love and connection between them to shine and be captured fully in the moment as if I wasn’t even there. On one of your biggest days, your love should not be withheld.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: Within the 10 years I have been in the industry, I have watched the ideal wedding day shift from the traditional wedding with large guest lists to smaller, intimate weddings. I have enjoyed seeing what various ages of couples value and incorporate into their wedding day.
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: My weekdays consist of power hours working on sales, marketing, and editing. My favorite part is networking with other vendors. On weekends, my wedding day routine starts with coffee, loud music, self-love, and to energize and set my mindset for once I step out my front door to be the best me I can for my clients.
Q: What would you want couples searching for wedding photography needs to know?
A: I would tell clients to spend time interviewing and connecting with potential photographers, not simply asking about their prices and jumping to book them. Just as not all photographers’ photo styles are the same, not all photographers’ personalities are the same and the connection you have with them will impact the final result.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: Preferably, a couple should book 12 months in advance to assure their desired date is available. The earlier the better with all vendors.
Q: What’s one wedding trend you wouldn’t be sad to see fade out?
A: I wouldn’t mind receiving lines fading out and being replaced with individual table greetings during the receptions. This allows the couple to have time to really talk to their guests, rather than the very brief chit-chat and trying to catch guests while everyone is leaving. It also ensures you will have a photo with each of your guests.
Q: What’s trending in wedding photography right now?
A: Sparkler send-offs, small and intimate weddings, creative/editorial styles rather than traditional posing, direct flash photography, film photography, and the glamorous black and white style.
Q: Describe your photography/videography style.
A: I want my clients to love their photos for years to come, even as trends rise and fall, so my style is very true to color, traditional, and timeless.
Q: Do you ever travel to shoot weddings? If so, what has been your favorite destination so far?
A: I do travel for wedding shoots! My favorite destination by far has been The Gloss Mountains and The Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: What show are you binging right now?
A: Chicago 911, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill
Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?
A: P!nk
Q: Gold or Silver?
A: Rose gold
Q: Black Tie or Casual?
A: Black tie
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Sweet
Q: Favorite board game?
A: Board game nights are a thing in my household! Anything that I can play with the kids and spend time with them.
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: Wedding Solutions by Alan Berg and The Sean and Sax Show by Sean and Sax Whalen
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Mountains
Q: If you could choose any celebrity or public figure to sit next to on a plane, who would it be?
A: P!nk, hands down!
For more info on Ari Reynolds Photography and Ari’s range of photography offerings, check out her website!
All images by Ari Reynolds Photography
