Ready for some real talk on wedding photography? Buckle up, because in this special crossover episode of Get Wedded in Wonderland x Wedded Business Digest, Wendy El-Khoury (Founder, Wedded Wonderland) and Shayben Moussa (Director, Siempre Weddings) serve up more than just pretty pictures. They’re here to blow the lid off fashion-forward fluff and remind us what truly matters when you press that shutter button.
“Trendy Photos Will Break Your Heart Later”
“All of the social trends, they won’t be relatable in the long term. Real photography is what you are going to hold on for life” Shayben quips. “Professional photography brings the vibes”
Forget the ‘#InstaWedding’ craze. If your photos feel like they belong in a time capsule titled Trends That Didn’t Age Well, you’ve missed the point. Instead, Shayben urges couples to lean into what makes them unique, tell your story through the images.
Storytelling through Wedding Photography
“If the photographer is having fun then the person being shot will have fun,” explains Shayben. “A lot of the time, they trust my vision and tell me just do your thing. Letting my creativity flow is when the best results will come out”
And that creative freedom helps him capture the emotions rather than just a picture. And paint a story.
In his early days, Shayben nearly traded a candid moment for a pristine portrait. Luckily, he trusted his gut. That unplanned snapshot went on to become the bride’s treasured heirloom.
- Emotion trumps polish: A droplet of rain on a gown can speak volumes more than flawless backdrops.
- Sequence over singles: “There needs to be a story behind it” said Wendy. Think of your gallery as chapters in a romance novel – the opening scene, the heartfelt confession, the joyful climax.
Siempre Weddings’ Timeless Recipe
Wendy grills Shayben on the magic behind his brand’s longevity. Here’s the three-step manifesto that keeps Siempre Weddings ahead of the pack:
- Timeless experiences captured – “Siempre means forever in Spanish, and the idea is that the memories we capture don’t age,” confesses Shayben.
- Have fun and enjoy the process – “If I’m shooting a wedding or if I’m shooting anything, I try to have the most fun the entire time.” he laughs, “so you are having fun, they are having fun.”
- Curated Story Galleries – Editing is as much about what you leave out as what you keep.
“When couples revisit their photos, they should gasp ‘That was us!’ not ‘That was trendy!”
Finding Your Wedding Photpgraphy Soulmate
Stop swiping through highlight reels and start stalking full-length galleries. Here’s a no-nonsense checklist:
- Authenticity Audit: Do these photos feel like you, or like someone else’s fairytale?
- Vibe Check: Are you the life of the party or the secret-smile duo? Pick someone who gets your tempo.
- Passion Meter: If the photographer does not get excited about your story, move on. “You want someone who cheers louder than Aunt Mabel on the dance floor.”
Building a Business That Feels Like Joy
Finally, Shayben reveals how he turned his craft into a kindness machine:
- Culture of Storytelling: “The images from the start to finish need to tell a story, when you look at the images and the videos you want to get goosebumps” he says.
- Client Care First: Forget rigid schedules. “If you burst into happy tears, I’ll hand you tissues before snapping a shot.”
- Values-Driven Partners: Align only with brands that share your ethos because nothing says sell-out like a sponsored bouquet when you’re all about heartfelt simplicity.
Why You Can’t Miss This Episode
Whether you are finalising your vendor list or dreaming of your next business pivot, this conversation is a masterclass in authenticity. Wendy and Shayben don’t just talk gear and glamour – they challenge you to rediscover the joy at the heart of every wedding.
“The truth of the matter is when it comes to photography, the photos really are basically what you are left with,” Wendy sums up. “They last forever.”
So pour yourself a cuppa, press play and prepare for some no-nonsense inspiration. After all, in the world of Wedded Wonderland, real magic happens when you stop chasing trends and start capturing truth. Want a world-class photographer or a vendor for your luxury, cultural and destination wedding? Sign up for the Wedded Wonderland concierge service and be matched with a global network of leading wedding professionals to make your wedding day a forever kind of thing.
