Okay guys this week’s blog is a long one BUT A GOOD one! 

A little while back I had my former wedding clients turned friends, Kaley and Jordan, on Instagram live to chat all about their wedding. It was such a fun and soul filling conversation, so I wanted to put it in a blog, that way if you aren’t the type of person to watch interviews, that is okay because I have the whole thing transcribed below! 

Kira: You guys are so adorable. Okay, so first things first. Whenever I have calls with people, I have to warn that my cat occasionally makes appearances on the calls. She’s currently sitting behind me, but she’ll probably jump in at any second now because that’s just what she does. She likes to be included.

Kaley: That’s so fair.

Kira: Oh, my gosh. Well, I am so excited. Like I told you guys this morning, I’m also really nervous, but we’re going to have the best time, and it’s just going to be a really chill, fun conversation. I really have no expectations of answers or anything. I just wanted to chat and hang out. Okay, so this isn’t on the questions I sent you guys before, but I think before we get started, I would love to talk about how you guys found me because I think that’s just the coolest story ever. And I want everybody in the whole world to just know.

Kaley:  Yeah, I agree. It’s so funny. So I was scrolling through Instagram and I was looking at my cousin’s Instagram and she had taken graduation photos or something. And I was like, oh, I’m going to need a photographer. My boyfriend is going to need a photographer. He’s going to propose. And so I found Kira.

Kira: I loved it. Jordan, when you inquired for your guys’ engagement photos last summer, you remember it? I remember this because it’s the first time it’s happened. In the form, you were like, My girlfriend’s obsessed with your work and says you have to do our engagement photos or it was like, moving along those lines.

Kaley: I was like, we need Kira.

Kira: I just wanted to know what’s really funny about the day I did your engagement photos. I was on the phone with Gwen. For people who don’t know, Gwen is my best friend, but she’s also Kaley’s cousin, now Jordan’s cousin too. We were on the phone and I was driving to Santa Barbara to take your guys’s photos. And she was like, Oh, my gosh, Kira, I was just on the phone with my mom and my cousin got engaged, and I’m so excited, blah, blah, blah. I was like, Okay, cool. I’m at my session now, so I’ll just have to call you later. And then I meet with you guys and you’re like, So do you know Gwen? And I did not put it together that you guys were cousins until that point. Yeah.

Kaley: So random! It’s so funny.

Kira: Such a small world, but I love that. I love it so much. While you’re scrolling through Instagram on your cousin’s page, looking at photos, what initially drew you to my work, specifically? What about it stood out to you, exactly?

Kaley:I just feel like your photos, the way that you edit them is just very timeless and very cinematic. The lighting is very just natural, I don’t know, very bright, but it didn’t seem overly edited and all the candid photos in there. So it was just everything that I was looking for all in one.

Kira: I love that. And Jordan, I’m assuming that you at least somewhat liked my work?

Jordan: My criteria was it can’t look bad and Kaylee has to be proud of it. Immediately, you had her approval, and I liked how it looked. 

Kira: I genuinely like you guys. And not that I don’t like my couples, but I feel like we talk pretty often. It’s just through DM’s on Instagram.

Kaley: I genuinely enjoy watching your stories. I’m watching your stories. I’ll be like, Oh, look Kira posted what’s she doing?

Kira: Oh my gosh. I feel like my stories are always so chaotic. And yeah, I’ve just genuinely loved getting to know you guys. It helps that we already had so many connections before we even met just through Gwen and that whole family. It’s been just such a gift to get to work with you guys, especially following from the engagements to the wedding and now post-wedding. You guys are just really cool too. Just genuinely cool people. You even got a headband on, and I’m like, I could never rock a headband. Going back to your wedding day, specifically, and this doesn’t even have to be photography related, what was your favorite part of it? Because your wedding was really fun, and I feel like everybody there was just having a good time, and everyone was just so happy to be there, too. And not that that’s never the case, but there’s just genuinely so much joy in the whole, as I say, room, but it was outside.

Kaley: That was so much fun. Besides getting married. Besides all that, I think my favorite part was the dancing because I didn’t expect it to be as fun as it was. We weren’t sure what the vibe was going to be like because it was outside at a ranch house. So I was like, this could either be really awkward or really fun. And it was really fun.

Kira: Dance floor was absolutely popping. I feel like a significant amount of your gallery was just the dance floor photos because I was like, I can’t possibly cull this down anymore. 

Kaley: No, it was fine! We loved it!

Kira: Jordan, was it the same for you or did you have another favorite besides the dancing part?

Jordan: I think Yeah, it was just the ceremony. I really enjoyed a lot. I feel like, I don’t know. I expected the ceremony to just be stressful and it was 90 degrees out. So I was just like, in my mind, the ceremony was me trying not to pass out, but I really ended up enjoying it. I feel like that’s probably my favorite memory.

Kira: I really loved your ceremony, too. Visually, it was beautiful because you guys had hills in the background and all these other ranches. And also it was so beautiful. And your guys as friends officiated, right?

Kaley: Yes. My dad was his youth pastor, and then he was my youth pastor, and then Jordan ended up working for him.

Kira: So many family connections. Yeah. He did a really good job. If I wasn’t doing photos, I probably would have been crying during your ceremony. But crying and taking photos at the same time is really hard. I love that, though. Yeah, I really loved your wedding day, except for the fact that it was 90 degrees outside. It was still fun though! If you could go back and change anything, would you change anything?

Kaley:Like, we’ve thought about this a lot and I honestly like, can’t think of anything. I thought it was so fun and everybody was like, oh, they’re going to be things that went wrong. And I didn’t notice anything. So. Well, that’s your planner’s job to notice when things go wrong. So I’m really glad you didn’t notice that. Yeah. So I thought it was great. Yeah. Jordan?

Jordan: Yeah I agree. I think I mean, it’s hard to think of anything. I think if I were to do anything different, I think trying to talk to more people, I think there were so many people there that I like, I don’t even think I spoke to my grandma, you know, like I saw her the day before, but I don’t even think I talked to her the day before.

Kira: Aw poor grandma.

Jordan: Um, yeah. I mean, it was just, like, so all over the place. I am really thankful, though, as part of not talking to everyone, we did spend a lot of time, like talking together and like, we spent a lot of, like, even, like, getting some one on one time and, like, stepping aside, like, because it was insanely hot outside and stuff like that. Like I’m grateful for those moments. 

Kira: I’m always a huge, like, advocate for couples. Like taking time away on their wedding day to not talk to people because, I mean, it does feel like a little rude, like, oh my gosh, I didn’t talk to so-and-so. And oh my gosh those, like, photos right before you guys went and like, had a few minutes alone where you guys were like, freaking out with like all your friends around you are my photos from the whole gallery. And they’re just so cute because you guys, like AHHH, and all your friends were like AHHH. It was really cute. 

Kira: Okay, so when you got your gallery back and I know it was a really big gallery. Um, I think it was, what, like nine? Was it 900 photos? Oh, it was like 800 photos or something like that. I just couldn’t cull down anymore. But what was that kind of experience like for you guys? Like just seeing all your photos for the first time and, like, seeing your wedding day. 

Kaley: Yeah. No, I was super excited. I remember we were both at work and you sent over. We made, like, a little night out of it. I remember you sent, like, a playlist over to, like, listen to. So I thought that was really sweet. So we did that and, like, looked through it all, and then we were like, let’s look through it again. So we did it all again and put on like we found our playlist that we had from the wedding. So we listened to that and it was just super too sweet and we made it. Right after we figured out how to, like, put the gallery on our TV. So we have, like rotating on our TV. 

Kira:That is so cute. Oh my gosh. Was it like, okay, you guys, you have to be honest with me on this one. Was it overwhelmingly big? Like, were there too many photos? 

Kaley: No, it didn’t even feel like we had 800 photos. It didn’t feel like it that was that many. It was perfect.

Jordan: It was so nice too, because it was like the since the wedding, we had been just, like, trying to, like, remember every moment. Yeah. And so, like, going through and being like, I can’t even, like, there was just so much stuff we didn’t even see. Yeah. Like, even, like some of the details. Like we, neither of us saw much of, like, the charcuterie boards or anything like the cocktail hour. 

Kira: Oh right you didn’t get to eat because I took you away for photos! 

Jordan: So I was like, oh my gosh, that looks really good. So that was also fun to see. Like all the random moments, like watching my uncle talk to, like my friend from California and like, when did this happen? Yeah, seeing stuff like that.

Kira: I really love your guys getting ready. Jordans photos in particular were some of my favorites because we were all trying to figure out how to, like, tighten your vest, I think?.

Jordan: That photo always cracks me up because, like, none of us could get it.

Kira: I think there’s one like where I took what your friends are, like watching a YouTube video and, like, it took us a solid, like, ten minutes to figure this out? And Kaley your photos were also iconic because your bridesmaids literally moved tables for the shot. 

Kaley: And like, my dress took up all the room!

Kira: Okay. Your dress was so was literally so beautiful. Like the bows in the back. Iconic. It’s not that you didn’t look good, Jordan, but Kaylie’s dress was so beautiful. 

Kaley: Thank you!

Kira: And all the pictures of, like, your sister. Like watching TV on her i-pad. That was the funniest one. 

Kaley: So funny. She’s just like such an iPad kid sitting there like she was so iconic. Like, the whole day. 

Kira: Oh, my gosh, and your other sister, Ally, she made your other sister made the cake, right? 

Kaley: Well, kind of. We we were going to have her make the cake, and then I was like, I don’t know if I want there to be, like, a bunch of cake stuff in the kitchen. So I was like, why don’t we just go to Gelson’s? And we got like a plain white cake. And then we ordered they had these, like, edible flowers from Anthropologie. And so she iced it. And then like, put these fake flowers on and found this little like just married sign. And it was cute. She did a really good job. It was really cute. 

Kira: It was beautiful. I love how you went to Anthropologie for the flowers, too. Like, that’s so nice of you. I would have just been like, Amazon, but you said no. We’re a step above.So I know we just talked about, like, a lot of different moments from the wedding day, but do you have, like a favorite photo or a set of photos that you guys loved or stood out to you?

Jordan: I think for me, like the confetti photos, like walking down the aisle, those are like my favorite because like, we forgot that we even, like, did confetti. Like we turned around and we’re like, oh heck yeah. Those photos all turned out really cool. Like, it’s my lock screen on my phone.

Kaley: I really liked those! I also really liked all the dancing ones. I think that was just so fun. Like all the different moments. Like, there’s one of my friend, there was some ABBA song and she, like, got on her knees…

Kira:I know what you’re talking about. It was so cute. I was, like, so stressed out trying to get that. I was like. And like, my camera wasn’t focusing because it was dark outside. And I was like, I must get it. So I was really happy that, like, came out!

Kaley: So I was so glad you did because he didn’t see it. And I was like, do you remember when Savannah was like on her knees? And he was like, what? Like, do you remember what my friend was proposing to me at my wedding? 

Kira: Oh, I love those ones, too. Um, for both of those sets, actually, because, like I said, your guys’ whole day was just iconic in every way possible. Do you have, like, having done the wedding planning process, gotten married, received a gallery, all the fun things. Do you guys have, like, a photo that you recommend all brides and grooms kind of add to their, like, shot list for their photographers? 

Kaley: Yeah, I definitely like love the confetti photos. Like getting a photo of you. Like walking back down the aisle and like. Like seeing y’all be so excited and like that. Like it’s like genuine emotion. Like, right after the ceremony. So I think that’s, like, super key to have. 

Kira: I think that’s a good one. Definitely down the aisle moment after the ceremony. What about you, Jordan? Do you have a different one or yours kind of the same?

Jordan: I think something that I didn’t think about, like I didn’t think much of, like getting ready photos as, like a groom. I was like, no, we want that for Kaley. Like, we don’t need that. And then, like, since we had the two photographers, like, being able to split up and do that was cool. But like those, those were really good photos. I’m really glad I got them. They were just like they were. One is just nice. It’s fun to like, look at those pictures. But also they’re just like insanely funny to like, watch us, like trying to figure out the coat or like trying to come up with, like, funny ideas of things to do for a picture messing around.

Kira: And I really liked your getting ready photos. I liked how we got some like, bro shots where you guys are just like hanging out. And I think those are the photos where like ten years you’re going to like, look back and be like, that’s pretty cool. When we couldn’t figure out how to tie my vest. And to be fair, vests are hard. I couldn’t even figure it out.

Jordan: I think you were the one getting it at the end, which was funny! That was. I was so thankful you were there, because none of us could get it. We’re going to have to, like, go get, like, my mom or something.

Kira: If your mom was there, that would have been a really good photo, too. I think about those, like, laugh sometimes because it was just so random and funny and like, we had you guys in the kitchen like, what?

Kira: Okay, moving on from that, even though I don’t really want to, because that was funny. Um, when you guys were wedding planning and, like, doing all, all the things and kind of figuring out your priorities for the day, what was, would you say, like, the most important thing for you? 

Kaley: Um, I think like feeling comfortable. I think because it was such, like a hot day and it’s such like, like the most important day. Just like being comfortable. And it’s like we’re going to take photos, like, all day. So, like having someone that you were comfortable with also was super helpful. Like, it didn’t feel like I had someone, like, in my face, like all the time, um, was super important. And it was just like we were with our friends. Our friend officiated it. We were at a familiar place, so it was all just, like, very comfortable and happy, like a stress free day, like, you know, making sure that, like, you know, you didn’t have to, like, I don’t know, run around with people you didn’t know and like, do things that you didn’t really want to do and like, you know, have all your people around you.

Kira: What about for you? Was there, like, one thing for you that, like, really stood out as being a priority on your wedding day?

Jordan: I think just trying to be present. I think everyone was like, oh, it’s going to go by so fast. And, like, you know, everything’s just going to feel like a whirlwind. And so like trying to like, be present and like, enjoy the moments. Um, I don’t know. I think being mindful of that, like going into the wedding was helpful, like, because then I feel like I can like remember things and it went a little slower, but it even still like at the end of the wedding, we were driving away and I was like, I feel like that was not five hours long.

Kira: Yeah. Oh my gosh. Yeah I love that too. And I feel like you guys were really good at staying present throughout the day. Like when we were doing photos, you were doing photos, but when you were with your people, you were with your people, and you were just there to hang out and have a good time and like, celebrate, you know. Mhm. I love both of those. Those are really cute answers. Do you guys have any planning tips for couples who are planning their wedding now? Any dos or don’ts or just anything like that? 

Kaley: Yeah, definitely get a planner. Because we were like we did like mostly DIY. Like, I feel like because we had to bring in everything for our venue. Um, so like, I feel like up until, like a couple months before the wedding, we were like, oh, like, we got this. We could we could totally do this. And then when we got to it, I was like, we don’t want to be doing all of this on the day of, like, having the florist text us or having to, like, be like, where are you guys? So it was super helpful to have a planner just to like, take care of everything and know where everything is supposed to go, know where everybody’s supposed to be there and be like the point person for the whole day. So that was just like a huge, like weight lifted off so that we could be present for the whole day.

Jordan: Yeah I agree. Like, I was there that morning to try and help set up because like Kaley said, it was a lot of DIY. So it was like me and my groomsmen were there setting up chairs at like 9 a.m. and Kaley’s dad, we were all, we’re all there like early in the morning setting up chairs. Um, and like not having to be like the point person on the day of like, I don’t know if anyone had questions, they weren’t coming to me, they were going to Paulina. Anytime anyone came to me I was like, I don’t know, ask her. Like I had no vision. I had no idea where to put chairs down. Yeah.

Kira: So I love that. And I loved Paolina. She did such a good job throughout the whole day. Like, I wish she was a full time wedding planner because I would love to work with her again because she was just so good. And anytime I had a question she knew the answer. I’ve worked with a lot of planners before and you know a wedding day can be so chaotic, and there are times when I might not know the answer to something or where to find it- but Paolina knew. 

Kaley: Yeah she was level headed, knew everything before we knew anything. 

Jordan: Yeah. 

Kira: And you want to know what else I loved about her? It was 90 degrees outside and ma’am did not look like she broke a sweat all day! She looked so good, and I felt like I looked like a troll by the end of the dancing. And she was still out there looking flawless. And I was like… tell me your secrets. I love when couples have planners, and I was really glad when you guys told me you had one. It makes the day so much easier, even when you are doing a backyard style wedding like you guys did. It makes everything go by so smoothly, because you know on a wedding day you don’t want to have to be like go set up the catering over there. It takes you away from things like, I don’t know, telling your mom you love her or something like that. 

Kira: And on that same line, when couples are looking for their wedding vendors, do you have any tips for what to look for? Just in general, not specific to any category of vendor.

Kaley: Yeah for us we looked for mainly smaller local vendors, because it felt more like a personal experience. I feel like you and our florist and everyone had great communication, it felt like you guys were genuinely excited about our wedding. Smaller vendors who are passionate about what they do helps a lot. 

Jordan: Yeah I agree. 

Kira: I love this you guys are on the same page about everything! And even when you guys don’t say the same thing, it’s the same vibe.

Kira: What would you say to someone looking to book with me? Or even just a photographer in general? 

Kaley: Choose Kira! I’m so beyond glad that we choose you because you’re so personable and so great. So on top of it, great communicator. Encapsulated everything we wanted for our day. And delivered above and beyond our gallery- it was just a fun experience. 

Kira: Okay Jordan what about you? Photographer in general, or me, or anyone I guess? 

Jordan: I’m with Kaley, if anyone is considering they should choose you. I think one piece of advice I would give to anyone would be , as long as you like the engagement photos go with the person who does your engagement photos. If you’re doing engagement photos. Because it was so nice to get to go with someone that we knew, and even on the wedding day how to do photo shoots and you would tell us “do airplane [arms]” and we know what airplane [arms are]. Knowing you are a person and a photographer was helpful on the wedding day for what Kaley talked about with like being comfortable. I don’t know. It was really nice. And then we knew what to expect with the wedding photos, or the gallery, because we know it’s going to be good quality. We know the style of photos and stuff like that. 

Kira: I totally agree! I think that having a chance to connect with your photographer while you’re doing your engagement photos is so important, because not that engagement photos are lowstakes but, you can go get those re-done if you don’t like them. You can’t redo wedding photos though. So knowing before hand that, yes we do like this photographer and it’s not just because she has pretty photos on Instagram. It is also because she works with us really well, and gets the photos that we like. Or he if the photographer is a guy. It is just knowing what to expect in terms of style. The photographer who says things like “go walk in a field” or “go spin in circles” is not the same photographer who is going to tell you to do airplane arms. That way you’re not like “oh youre doing this on my wedding day? That’s so weird”. 

Kira: Okay that is all the questions I have for you! Thank you so much! When I say that I absolutely loved your guys’ wedding, you can 100% trust that I mean it! 

Kaley: Thank you so much this was so fun! 

Thank you so much for reading this! I hope you were inspired and learned a lot from Kaley and Jordan’s wedding day story, and got some good advice from them. To watch the full video on Instagram (featuring appearances from my cat) you can click HERE. To inquire with me for your wedding day you can click HERE