August 14, 2017

9 Ways to Be A Kick-Ass Wedding Guest

August 14, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

As a wedding planner, logistics are a huge part of my job: timing the guest transportation to and from the venue, timing the catering staff, ensuring there is enough time budgeted for the "shot list" the couple provided to the photographer, etc.

If you are between the ages of 20 and 40, you've probably been invited to a few weddings, and if you haven't recently planned your own fête, there can easily be rules of etiquette you are breaking without even realizing it.

Here are some helpful tips to be a kick-ass wedding guest.

May 10, 2017

Woke Wednesday // Meet Richmond Photographer Nadiya Nacorda of Imani Fine Art Photography

May 10, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

If you find yourself questioning something that feels inappropriate or abusive, then it probably is. Do not "use" an interracial couple in a shoot just to make your portfolio more diverse so you can start seeming more inclusive to the industry. Start first with yourself. Take a step back, and look at the inner circle of people you see every month. Who are they? What do you all talk about? Are you discussing issues related to populations you have no experience with? Do you participate in tokenizing? Overall, if you share these values and want to start out in the industry, double and then triple-check yourself and your own life. Because if you're still participating in social practices that are damaging or harmful toward marginalized groups in this country, whether it be consciously or subconsciously, then frankly you haven't done the work.

March 23, 2017

Out of the Box Challenge // Richmond Association of Boss Babes AKA Girls! Girls! Girls!

March 23, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Our goal for this shoot was to have fun and highlight color and love! Our theme was Girls! Girls! Girls!, and we were able to put together an amazing team of women, The Richmond Association of Boss Babes. We thought, what would a real life couple do when they woke up together on the day of their wedding? Morning sex, obviously! Boudoir images are usually just of one woman, and even less often do you see images of lesbian boudoir featuring an actual couple. We wanted to capture our girls in their element, being themselves together, whether that was dressed or undressed.

March 10, 2017

Real Couples // A Long Time in the Making: Jennifer + Quinton

March 10, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Jennifer and Quinton's love story is that was a long time coming. In eighth grade he fell for her quickly; she took some time. They dated for a brief period before she called it off. He stuck by her, being a great friend and over the years, as these stories tend to evolve, she, as he says it, finally got it right! Their wedding was a celebration of not just a love story a long time in the making but a blending of families and friendships. Each person involved in the wedding, from the vendors to the wedding party, were people who had a place of significance in each of their lives and in the story of their love. From getting ready until they said "goodnight," it was not just about Jennifer and Quinton, but about family.

February 22, 2017

Woke Wednesday // Meet Shawnee Custalow of A Lovely Photo

February 22, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Meet Shawnee Custalow of A Lovely Photo, a queer wedding photographer in Richmond, Virginia, who approaches weddings with curiosity and delight.

February 15, 2017

Woke Wednesday // Jaime Patterson of Hidden Exposure Photography

February 15, 2017/ Catalyst Wedding Co

Meet Jaime Patterson of Hidden Exposure Photography, a woke wedding photographer in Richmond, Virginia, who believes that representation is critical, focusing much of her creative work on plus-size women.