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Bridal BFF comes from The Lumen House, a wedding venue just outside Charlotte, so we've had a front row seat to a whole lot of wedding planning. Each week, owner Britt Loukos and some of the top experts in the wedding industry tell you what they'd tell a friend over coffee: how the money works, what to ask before you sign anything, and the parts of planning nobody warns you about. No gatekeeping, no sugarcoating, just real answers from people who do this every day.
Hey, Christian. Hi. How are you? Good. So happy to be here. Perfect. We can just hop right in. So obviously you own a photography and content creation company. You started out as a photographer, but you're also getting married here, which is really fun. So really to jump right into it, what led you to get into photography? What led you to be where you are now?
Yeah. So I like to tell this story to start, like I didn't have a lot of plans for myself in high school. I ended up going to a Christian school. I was really into the church back then. And then I did not end up finding jobs in the church. I was working in restaurants and Kohl's and all these things. And I really hated it. It was just really hard. I went into sales next. It was just a lot, very draining.
And I just, it was hard to get up and drive 30 minutes to work every day and back as I'm sure a lot of people can relate. So I was like, there just has to be something else.
Yeah. Something that I can make a living on and also enjoy. So I happened to have a friend from church who was also a wedding photographer. She had been doing it for 10 years and she saw in me that I, you know, was willing to learn and to get into it.
Mm-hmm.
Why did you make that investment to create that? And what were you seeing in the industry that needed something like House of Willingham?
As the wedding photographer, you get a lot of clients that are like, do you offer video? And now content creation is a big thing. And I would often just be like, no, but I have great recommendations.
Sure.
And so I felt that need there, but I never wanted to like just hire somebody. Like I wanted, I knew that my living was being made in my business.
Yeah.
Totally.
No other options. And so I had to really protect that. And so thankfully when I got engaged, it all kind of like all this transition just kind of gave that energy to do something new.
Mm-hmm.
I also have associate photographers I really trust. So with that, going from Christian Reyes photography to a whole team of people, it just didn't make sense to just be.
Sometimes that works for people, but I didn't want to be the face anymore.
Totally.
So my new last name will be Willingham. And so I was like, it's got to be like House of Willingham or something artistic and like something that'll draw you in.
And House of Willingham just sounded very strong and regal.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It makes sense for our team now. We have a great team and we are a house of creatives rather than, you know, just Christian Reyes.
Yeah. I love that. Are you seeing personally that shift in community in the industry where it once was just you, Christian, and now you do have like a team and a sense of community?
Tell me about like how you've experienced the culture change almost in the wedding industry.
Yeah. Well, it definitely feels better when you show up to networking events and stuff like that and be like, I want you to meet my team.
You know, like being just yourself is great, obviously, but it definitely did something in me that gave me a, you know, felt more established.
But yeah, it's definitely something I had to learn. Like I said, I've been in business for 10 years and your first years of business, you're like, how do I show people that I exist?
Yeah.
How do I take good photos? How do I go viral on Instagram? That hasn't happened for me. But, you know, these are the things you're thinking about.
Yeah. But you really, in order to make it long term, you really have to network and get into community.
And not just like, you know, I'm a business and I'm going to network with you, but actually making friends with people.
You know, not that we have to hang out every weekend, but like I trust you, you trust me.
We see that creative spark and also that commitment to our job.
Yeah.
So that's definitely something that I've really valued over the past few years because you find those people that you really click with and you get to work with them.
It makes your job easier and more exciting. And yeah, always be willing to meet new people, but also finding people you just love to work with.
Yeah. And just connect. And yeah, that's awesome.
So moving into like the booking process where you are client facing, bride facing, tell me about a time, and I'm sure you've had many, where a couple didn't see the value of investing so much into their photography and videography.
And then they did. And like what that ended up looking like, what the couple ended up feeling and was it worth it in the end? Right.
I mean, obviously we all have budgets and, you know, we, we come to planning a wedding and most of us have never planned a huge event like this before.
So we have no idea what things cost. We try to, you know, find quotes online and sometimes it's still way off. Pricing is everywhere, but to build the value.
And a lot of people come in knowing that photography and videography is important because they're documenting your day, the things you're going to take home.
Totally.
To have for the rest of your life that you can share with your kids and your grandkids.
So a lot of people know that that's important. So I guess I'll talk from that point.
At least the first five years, people would be like, you know, we, you're our biggest investment because we know how important photography is.
And, you know, it kind of hurts like, you know, as a bride myself, it hurts putting that money forward sometimes, you know, we all have different budgets.
Sometimes it's not that bad, but it was great seeing my clients who ended up booking with me, you know, trust me.
I get to work with them. We vibe together. We create art. We have fun.
I capture the moments of, you know, their grandparents and all that stuff.
And they tell me later, they're like, you were totally worth the investment. We're so glad we picked you.
And that does come with, you know, rapport in the community, the vendor community, where venues feel comfortable referring you.
Planners feel comfortable referring you.
Your past clients, they will refer you because they loved working with you.
So, yeah, it's definitely a big take, a big thing to take on when you're planning your wedding, you're meeting your vendors.
You know, vendors are important, certain more important than others to different people.
It's just nice to be that presence that feels trusting and experienced and fun.
Yeah. And I think you make a good point, too, right?
Like, yes, you're paying for beautiful photos, but you're also paying for that connection day of your wedding.
Your photographer, I would argue, is someone that you're spending the most time with.
Right.
And so, like, truly actually liking them and having a connection with it.
And it's tough.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, like, on discovery calls, you're probably a little bit sounding like you're selling yourself.
Because you are. Like, it is Christian that you are booking with.
And so how do you approach conversations with couples without basically being like, my work's great, I'm great, book me?
It is interesting to not come off as, like, arrogant.
Yeah.
But, you know, you do want to, you know, lay that groundwork.
I'm thankful that I've been able to do this for 10 years.
I've learned a lot, made great connections.
I have a team that I trust and I know them from those connections.
Yeah.
So it's kind of just more like a, instead of I'm selling myself, I'm saying, this is why you can trust me.
Yep.
Absolutely.
And so, like, that feels more, like, friendly.
And like, yeah, I do want to find a photographer I trust or a planner or whoever it is.
Because that's going to take the stress off of you.
I love that.
I think this is a good question.
What is the worst outcome you've seen when a couple went with a photographer that wasn't the right fit, that they went just because it fit the budget?
Tell me about what you've experienced with making the wrong decision in your photographer or creative.
Yeah.
Thankfully, these are only stories I've heard of others.
But the thing is with our industry, and it's a great thing, and it also can, you know, cause some trouble, is that anybody can jump into.
You learn how to, you buy a camera.
You watch a few YouTube videos.
You learn how to do it.
You're a nice person.
Some people are really good at selling themselves, even if they don't have a ton of experience.
Yeah, the thing about having someone who's done weddings for a while is they know what to expect.
They know, like, the typical things people expect.
I still do vision calls, which I think is something I learned to do.
It wasn't something I was doing year one.
But having a call with your clients saying, what's important to you?
This is what's normally important.
These are all things that come with time in weddings.
Shooting wedding days, connecting with clients, dealing with, like, the aftermath of, like, did they say I missed something?
Or, like, was there something they preferred they had more of and stuff like that?
These are all things, information you gather the more you do it.
And so when I hear about a client or I hear from a planner or someone else that, you know, the photographer wasn't a great fit, it's often because maybe they didn't give enough guidance.
So it felt awkward.
Or, like, they didn't know that, you know, you have to do group pictures and we should be prepared for that and stuff like that.
Or they don't know how to work with tricky lighting.
You know, like, these are all things we have to learn.
Totally.
And, like I said, because anybody can start a business.
Unfortunately, that doesn't work out for some people.
Maybe they are cheaper, though.
That's, you know, that's why they're priced that low is because they're learning.
So that's the thing.
I mean, like, as planning my own wedding, I definitely have a budget.
And you have to see what works for you and definitely go by word of mouth.
If you're choosing someone that's a lower cost, that's maybe a newbie, at least pick someone that people know and, like, have referred to you.
And you're like, how do you do that as not a wedding vendor?
Ask your venue.
Ask your planner.
Look at their Instagram.
Like, go through their tagged pictures.
Like, definitely dive into it.
Word of mouth is great.
If they're new, we're definitely deep dive into their portfolio.
Absolutely.
I love that.
Speaking from Christian, in your experience, why does it matter for you personally that photography, videography, content creation, things of that nature is done well and it's done right.
And, like, why is that important to you?
Is that because it's innately in you or is that something that you've had to learn over time?
Yeah.
So, obviously, like, the cool, fun shots, like, Instagram is always super fun.
But the things that have stood out to me, the feedback I've gotten from clients is when, like, hey, this person just passed away.
They were at our wedding.
Can we have a photo of them?
And you happen to have the only photo because nobody else, you know, got a phone picture of them or whatever.
And you have that photo and that's going to be the photo they use.
You know, that's kind of a sad way to look at it.
But, you know, things happen and these are very important moments.
And we don't always gather that often anymore, you know, we're technology-based, we video call people, but actually gathering and getting together, it's so important to capture those family connections.
I've also had a client say, Christian took a picture of our grandparents talking, like, the groom's grandpa and the bride's grandpa.
And it was so special to them.
But to me, it was just two people talking.
Right, exactly.
But you never know.
And that is so rewarding when our vision when we come on wedding days is try to get a picture of everyone.
You know, like, you try to remember there will be some people who are always in front of your camera, which is great.
And then there's going to be some people who kind of avoid.
Totally.
And so, like, you want to get at least one shot of them.
Absolutely.
Because you never know what they're going to want that photo for.
And who that person is to the couple or the family.
Yeah.
Right.
And you really don't know unless you're the planner and you're with them.
Exactly.
Before the wedding.
Totally.
But, yeah, you know, we've definitely taken photos that were very important to people.
And to us, it was a candid photo, you know.
Absolutely.
And you're just shooting, doing your thing.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
So that's what's important, you know.
Like I said, we don't gather that often.
So for weddings, it's definitely a big moment to get.
I have family in Puerto Rico.
I have family all over the states.
Right.
And I never get to see them, but I will see them on my wedding day.
Yeah, exactly.
Exactly.
Talking about wedding day, as a bride and as a photographer, when you walk into a wedding venue, what's the first thing you notice?
Oh, that's a good question.
Well, the challenging things with some venues is, like, the getting ready spaces aren't always well lit.
You know, I like to walk in.
I always notice that statement piece, whether that's, like, an arch, like, here or just, like, really beautiful architecture, really nice natural light.
And then I go and check out the situation with the getting ready space.
Thankfully, you know, a lot of the places I frequent have great getting ready spaces.
I feel like that's such a blah answer.
But, like, it is that, you know, we do a lot of photos in your getting ready space.
And so, like, if there's no windows at all or if it's, like, in a classroom, like I've done some weddings where they got married in a church and they got ready in a classroom.
You kind of just want to game plan how you're going to angle things.
But that's just, like, the practical answer.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love that.
Talking about the Lumen House for a second.
When you – and you haven't shot here yet.
No, I'm so excited.
Which is really fun.
And it's kind of sweet because you're getting married at a venue that you've never shot at.
Yeah.
Yeah.
But when you are working at a space like this, what catches your eye in this space?
What are you gravitating towards?
What makes a shot really cool here?
Oh, my gosh.
Yeah.
I could go on.
There's so many things I can say.
You know, from driving up, you see that it's a great expansive space so people can hang out.
You've got lots of natural light.
But, yeah, the windows, the greenhouse, I love that place.
Yes.
The natural light.
The chandeliers in there look really great in photos.
You know, obviously the – I know you all put a lot of thought into the architecture.
So, like, your permanent arch is really thoughtful.
And we – you know, as creatives, we just love thoughtful things.
Like, oh, this arch.
Yeah.
The huge windows.
Like, it is just – it's a dream.
I mean, this is why I chose this place because it has everything a photographer wants.
Do you have a favorite moment at a wedding, a favorite shot that you like to get at weddings?
Yeah.
So, the first one that comes to mind, I would say, is right after the couple, you know, kisses and walks down the aisle, I get to follow them.
Yeah.
And so, I get to see – those are some of my favorite shots, too, because they're so genuine in the moment.
So, I, like, position myself behind the couple.
I get whatever shots of them celebrating.
It's often, like, a kiss or, you know, a toast.
Like, wow, we really did it.
Yeah.
Yeah.
So, it's like it's just such a moment of, like, real emotions.
And then I position myself to capture the wedding party come and, you know, hugging them.
Yeah.
They look so excited.
And they're always such animated photos.
And, like, so that's definitely one of the big ones that I look forward to.
That's amazing.
It's so sweet.
It's just true emotion.
It's true raw emotion.
You don't even think about the people watching you.
You don't think about the people following you when you're celebrating.
Yeah, yeah.
It's just, like, wow, we are married.
No, it's truly –
That's so crazy.
Because there's definitely a lot of times in the day that you know someone's taking pictures of you.
Right, exactly, and you're on and you're, like, posed.
But to truly just walk out.
Yeah.
And it's just you.
Yeah.
You can't help but be like, oh, my gosh, I just got married.
I don't care who's around me right now.
I'm curious.
What is the hardest part of your job that couples don't normally get to see on wedding day or leading up to wedding day?
Hmm.
You know, any job becomes, like, a job.
And it's, like, you know, I have to drive to shoot this thing.
And, obviously, that only lasts on the drive there, maybe getting ready to leave.
Because by the time I get there, I'm, like, oh, my gosh, my job is so fun.
Right.
So I guess that – I travel all over the state.
So lots and lots of driving.
I do, like – we do about 30 weddings a year.
With the team now, it's going to be more.
Yeah, absolutely.
So that's – I do a lot in Raleigh.
And even in Charlotte, there, you know, a lot of the outskirts are 45 minutes to an hour away.
The traveling.
Yeah.
That's hard.
And it's a blessing and a curse, right?
Yeah.
Like, it's so fun that you are wanted all over the state.
Yeah.
Oh, my gosh, yeah.
And you're, like, okay, but I have to actually get there.
Yeah.
No, it's hard to complain about my job.
So even answering that question, I'm, like, what do I say?
Because you don't want to complain.
I mean, that's the biggest thing.
Yeah.
It's, you know, it's exhausting.
And socializing is so much.
I'm an introvert.
Sure.
So definitely need my two days after a wedding to recoup.
No double headers.
No triple weekends.
Right.
You know, I've had to rein those back.
Yeah.
But I love socializing.
But my body just, like, shuts down.
Absolutely.
And the next day I am in bed for a while.
Yeah.
I believe it.
I so believe it.
Yeah.
Couples take these photos with them through their whole life.
What does a great photographer give them that a good one doesn't?
Yeah.
So this kind of has been something that I've noticed in hiring assistants, like people to
help me on the wedding day.
I would say a good photographer will provide pretty pictures, you know, good lighting throughout
the day.
But the game changer for me was learning how to capture candids in a way that wasn't like
the side of someone's face chatting like this or like just the back of their head.
Like, you know, we're artists.
So we're like, how can I artistically capture this?
But there's ways to capture candids that make you feel like you're there.
Totally.
And like you're not disturbing people, but you're also like not afraid to be right there
with them.
Right.
Absolutely.
And I've learned that from I talk about Tommy all the time.
Even my fiance.
I'm like, Tommy has changed my life.
He's my go to second shooter.
I have other great ones as well.
But he really, you know, he was trained to be a second shooter.
So instead of having the mind of the main photographer, who's always like, OK, we have
these big things happening.
Yeah.
You know, seeing his work as I'm editing, I'm like, man, his candids really make you feel
like you're there and you really it just feels so inviting.
And so that's like something I try to teach other second shooters.
And I've also totally changed the way I shoot candids because it's like it's it's one thing
to have beautiful photos, which everybody at least wants beautiful photos.
But it's a you know, it's a better experience when they're able to capture the day.
Like like these are like cliche words we always say, but it's truly like when you look back
on your wedding day, you want to be like, wow, I wasn't there, but I feel like I was
there.
And like I love how my cousin is talking right there because that just is so them the way
they're talking with their hands or, you know, they got everyone laughing.
That is so my uncle, like, you know, and it's a really game changer.
So that's definitely my answer.
Yeah.
How you shoot candids.
Yeah, that's so cool.
And it helps.
I'm assuming you include a second shooter in majority of.
Oh, yeah.
I don't like to shoot weddings without a shooter.
Exactly.
And to have someone that bride and groom are obviously main priority.
Yeah.
But they are wandering around.
Yeah.
You're you're focused on bride and groom.
Yeah.
And that is who you're following around all day.
Yeah.
But they are in pockets of conversation and getting different angles.
And so, yeah, I love that.
And bride and groom don't just want pictures of themselves.
Right.
So it's like they want to know what how other people experience their day.
When they're off taking their formal portraits or when they're taking a break in the getting ready room and having a glass of champagne and sitting down and enjoying their cocktail hour of food.
Like they want to know what was happening.
Right.
Like how did y'all I plan this for so long.
How did y'all like it?
How did you experience it?
Yeah.
And also like when you're when you are doing like post stuff, it's nice when Tommy's around when like as a second pair of eyes because mom will be in the back recording you on her little phone or grandma will be.
And like they're cheering up.
But it's like those are the things you want.
Like, yes, you want to print the giant picture of you and your husband.
Right.
You and your wife looking fabulous because you paid a lot of money to look that fabulous.
Right.
Right.
But those those other moments are definitely going to be the emotional.
Yeah.
Thanks.
And this might be a tough question.
But from your professional experience and perspective and not as a future bride who I'm sure is just so excited to get married, to be in the space, to design it the way you want.
And not as a friend of ours, but as a photographer and producer and content creator who spent a good amount of time for having not been at a wedding or had your wedding here yet.
But you spent a good amount of time here.
Yeah.
Yeah.
What is something that the Lumen House makes possible that you haven't seen other venues do or something that they don't have?
What is something that gets you really excited?
So the biggest thing I've learned and I do have a more specific answer, but I just want to say something that stands out specifically to you guys.
When you're planning a wedding, vendor response makes a huge difference.
And being able to get questions answered, there are vendors that they will literally give me one response a day and I have to wait till 5 p.m.
So they like respond to their emails at the end of the day and then you don't get another response until the next day.
Yeah.
And that is.
Oh, my gosh.
That was like the first frustrating thing about planning a wedding.
So connecting with you, having a phone call, you were, you know, anytime I've had a call or a question, you've been available.
And that's amazing.
And Britt is also, you know, I met her at a networking a bit before I got to meet her here.
Just easy to talk to, great people.
So definitely that.
I mean, just definitely like the thoughtfulness.
And this is something you mentioned on the tour day is that what was very important to Britt when, you know, getting this place design is like architecture.
Yeah.
Interesting spots.
And laps throughout this whole place.
Like as a photographer, I'm just like could not ask for more.
Like this like little, I know y'all can't see this, but like where the getting ready space connects to the reception space.
There's just a gap, but they made it.
So there's a fireplace out there and like there's beautiful stone and every bit is intentional.
And I don't think, I think some, you know, some venues, they're like, I have this property that I can turn into a wedding venue and they aren't able to customize things for a photographer, for a wedding gallery.
And we make those places work.
But when it's been thoughtful throughout, like from getting ready to the end of the night, y'all have put thought and you keep adding and improving.
So like, I'm so excited you have cabins now and the way the entrance is now done.
It's just like, y'all keep improving.
And I know the heart is that you want to make the space.
Yeah.
Fabulous and great.
Yeah.
Definitely love that.
It's so sweet because being a newer venue, we have the opportunity to grow and expand and continue to get feedback from couples and take that to heart.
We have never been a heart of, okay, one and done, opening day.
Yeah.
We're good.
Yeah.
And we're designing after this.
But it is really cool to hear from your perspective with the eye of a photographer, someone who works around wedding venues in the nooks and crannies.
And two, I'm sure it was hard to find a venue that you really love.
I mean, you were definitely my favorite, but I was like, I can't afford them.
And here I am.
And here she is.
Here she is.
What about this space do you feel like couples might miss or don't fully appreciate until you're actually in it or experiencing it on a wedding day or just walking through and actually, like, spending time in this space?
What do you feel like might go unnoticed or couples don't really, like, think about or they miss?
Yeah.
Yeah.
I mean, there's lots of little things.
And, like, I feel like I keep repeating the same thing because I just really appreciate a lot of the same things about your venue that I can't stop raving about.
But, you know, the little details, the accessibility to the bathroom, the landscaping.
I saw a Brit picking up pedals off the ground.
Like, y'all are so thoughtful of the space to make sure it's a great experience for everyone who comes in.
Yeah.
And then also just having that growth mindset.
So, like, when someone does say, like, oh, why don't y'all have this?
You're, like, a caterer, I'm sure.
Or, like, you know, like, I wish you had this.
Y'all are, like, noted.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
Might not have it next week, but it might be on your list of things.
And so, yeah.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Feedback is definitely very important to us.
Yeah.
And I love picking the brains of the vendors who work here and brides who are getting married here because, of course, like, I am just one person, Brit's just one person, and we work around this space so differently than a bride experiencing it on their wedding day or a photographer working around this space on a wedding day.
And so, like, there's so many things that we miss.
And it's so sweet to, like, sit here with you and get to know what you're looking for, what you're looking at, and different lighting and all these things that my mind just naturally does not go to.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I so appreciate you hanging out and sitting down and just sharing your time with us.
We're so excited for your wedding.
And it's been really sweet, too, like, having a friendship almost, like, bloom from just a bride getting married.
Yeah.
You know?
And I think that's what it's all about is, like, that personal connection and being able to, like, steal your time and have you sit down with us and share your experience is really, really sweet.
So, thank you.
We appreciate it so much.
Thank you for having me.
I feel so honored.
Yay!