Love & Story Collective

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Love and Story was born from our love of the romantic and the grand stories we hear from our brides. We're a fusion of that: romantic and epic, editorial and intimate. We're also best friends and have way too much fun together so our couples always feel at ease to be themselves around our goofy selves. While Love and Story is fairly new, we've been in the business of photographing people for over 10 years.

How did you become a wedding photographer?

We each fell into it in our own ways. Vania came from it from the fashion editorial side because everyone knows fashion doesn't pay but there's room for that epic, cool, artsy shots in weddings. Martine started with photographing families and it was only natural to begin at the start of the family with the couple's wedding. We love being part of their milestones and cheering them on.

How would you describe your style?

We are a little romantic and a little dramatic. We aim to have a balance of the sort quiet moments and then some epic dramatic photos. We like to go from Awww to Oooh.

What are the most common questions that couples ask you at the first introductory appointment?

We appreciate when couples ask us for help with their timeline and take into consideration our input on location and best use of light. It's great to have a sunset wedding but it's even better to get those beautiful portraits during sunset, too. It's a balance and we're happy to discuss what's most important to them and how we can best capture everything.

Why is wedding photography important?

Your wedding photos last forever. For. Ever. And picking the right photographer is just as hard as picking the right dress or venue. But the right photographer can make an OK place look great. The best photographer captures not just the moments but everything in between and tells the story of your day. And there's nothing more beautiful than being able to turn the pages of your album when you're 50 and enjoy your day all over again and feel transported to those moments. It's not just an heirloom but a time capsule.

Why do wedding photographers charge so much?

Where do we begin? At the beginning of it all is a simple truth that it's a business and things cost money. But in truth Love and Story is TWO lead photographers with an incredible amount of experience and expertise. We are more and so we do more for our couples. We want them to feel not just part of the family but also that they are being taken care of every step of the way. We are their guides, their cheerleaders, their friend, their concierge and then their photographers.

What makes a wedding photography session a success?

Communication and trust. Tell what you want but also ask us what we think. Give us time to be creative and not rush. We can create magic if you let us.

What are your thoughts on having second shooters at a wedding?

It's a must. You get a safety net, you get a different point of view, you get a chance to get more. Love and Story is two lead photographers first and foremost. So our couples get the best 2ith us both.

What was the most memorable wedding you photographed?

I would say probably the first wedding we worked together. It wasn't anything crazy complicated or difficult but more so because we walked out of there thinking "we work really well together". We also had a really good time at Summerour Studio with a couple who's bridal party was so fun (the groom was a baseball player and his friends too) and the couple was gorgeous and easy to work with. They put thought into their detail and moments and we had a blast capturing their day at a venue that was beautiful, too.

If you could ask one thing of the grooms and brides that would make your job at their wedding easier, what would it be?

Relax. And trust us.