Engagement Session Tips Every Couple NEEDS to Know
Shoot the Vows
Your engagement session doesn't have to be awkward — promise. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sharing all of our best tips for getting the most out of your engagement session, whether you're doing photos, video, or both. From what to wear and how to prep to what actually makes the difference between stiff, posed shots and images that feel like you — we're covering everything you need to know before you step in front of the camera. We're talking about: 📸 What to wear — and what to avoid 📸 Why having your wedding videographer at your engagement session is a game-changer 📸...
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Everything Couples Need to Know About Wedding Catering
Shoot the Vows
Your food choices affect way more than just your guests' plates. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Creative Caterers at Glendoveer in Rochester, NY to talk about what really goes into wedding catering — and what most couples don't realize until it's too late. From how your menu impacts your timeline and flow to the biggest planning mistakes that lead to unnecessary stress, this conversation is a must-listen before you book your caterer. We're getting into: 🍽️ What couples get wrong when picking a caterer (and how it affects the entire day) 🍽️ How food...
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The WORST Wedding Advice We've Ever Heard
Shoot the Vows
"Just have your uncle shoot the wedding. He has a nice camera." 😳 In this episode of Shoot the Vows, Kalee and I are reacting to some of the worst wedding advice that's floating around the internet (and family group chats). From skipping vendors to cutting corners that will absolutely come back to haunt you, we're breaking down why this "advice" can actually ruin your wedding day — and what you should do instead. If you've ever been told to ditch the videographer, skip the coordinator, or not feed your vendors… this one's for you. We're not holding back. 🎙️ Connect with Shoot the...
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The Invisible Work Behind a Perfect Wedding Day
Shoot the Vows
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of a flawless wedding day? Spoiler: it's never as "effortless" as it looks. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with Eliza Jane from Eliza Jane Events — a luxury wedding planner and designer based in Rochester, NY — to talk about the invisible work that goes into pulling off a seamless celebration. From vendor management and timeline pivots to navigating family dynamics and room energy, Eliza shares what couples never see (and the wild saves they never knew happened). We're getting into: 🔹 Real problems that happened on...
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The Ultimate Guide for Guys Planning a Surprise Proposal
Shoot the Vows
Thinking about popping the question? This one's for you. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're breaking down everything you need to know about planning the perfect proposal — from the big-picture logistics to the little details that make the moment truly unforgettable. We're talking about why hiring a photographer for your proposal is worth every penny, how to plan an engagement session, and all the tips and tricks to make sure the moment goes off without a hitch. We're covering: 💍 How to start planning a proposal (and where most people overthink it) 💍 Choosing the perfect location...
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Why Planning a Wedding is so Stressful and How to Survive It
Shoot the Vows
Nobody tells you that planning a wedding can feel like a second job that also makes you cry. In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're sitting down with Ashley Statt from Statt Events to get real about why wedding planning is so overwhelming — and more importantly, how to actually get through it without losing your mind (or your relationship). From the mistakes couples make right after getting engaged to the hidden costs and decision fatigue that nobody warns you about, Ashley is sharing the honest truth about what to expect and how to stay sane. We're getting into: 💍 The biggest mistakes...
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Is your wedding DJ actually an Emcee?
Shoot the Vows
In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we sit down with DJ Tori Vee, VP and DJ/MC at Washburn Entertainment, to talk all about MCs and why the right one can completely make or break your reception. We cover what an MC actually does (spoiler: it's way more than just a DJ who talks), why personality matters more than anything when picking one, and what separates a great MC from a cringey one. Tori breaks down how your MC sets the tone and energy for the entire reception, things couples totally forget to tell their MC but really should, and when it makes sense to book a dedicated MC vs. having your...
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Do you REALLY need a videographer for your wedding??
Shoot the Vows
"I don't think I need a videographer." We hear it ALL the time. So in this episode, Caitlyn plays devil's advocate and puts Kalee in the hot seat. Budget concerns, the classic "am I even going to watch it?" debate, and every reason couples talk themselves out of wedding video... we break it all down. Whether you're on the fence or already convinced you're skipping video, this one might change your mind. Or not. Either way, you'll walk away knowing exactly what you'd be gaining (or giving up). —— 🔗 CONNECT WITH US: 🌐 Website: shootthevows.com 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/shootthevows...
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Are Wedding Expos the Ultimate Planning Hack??
Shoot the Vows
In this episode of Shoot the Vows, we're joined by Kristen DeBadts from New York Wedding Expos to talk all about wedding expos, what they are, why couples should attend them, and how to make the most of the experience. If you’re newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed about where to start with planning, wedding expos can be one of the fastest ways to meet vendors, discover new ideas, and get a jump start on building your dream vendor team. Kristen shares insider tips on how couples can prepare before attending, what to expect when they walk in, and how to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the...
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Wedding Receptions 101
Shoot the Vows
We're breaking down everything that happens after "I do," from grand entrances to last call on the dance floor. We're sharing tips on keeping your reception timeline smooth, your dance floor packed, and your guests happy, plus the common mistakes we see couples make and why you should never skip sunset photos. What We Cover: -Grand entrance and first dance tips -Toasts and speeches (keeping them short and sweet) -The dance floor (how to keep it packed) -Timeline flow (when to cut the cake, do the bouquet toss, etc.) -Common reception mistakes (too many formal events, not enough dancing)...
info_outlineEver wonder why some couples look SO natural in their wedding photos while others seem stiff and uncomfortable? The secret isn't posing tricks—it's CONNECTION.
In this episode, we're diving deep into why the relationship you have with your wedding photographer matters just as much as their portfolio. From what "friend-vibe" photographers do differently on your big day to how you can vibe-check a photographer before signing that contract, we're covering everything you need to know to find YOUR perfect match.
What we cover:
✨ Why comfort = better photos (the real reason connection matters)
✨ What sets "friend-vibe" photographers apart on a wedding day
✨ Chemistry vs. camera skills—why you need BOTH
✨ Finding the balance between boundaries and bestie energy
✨ How to vibe-check your photographer before booking
✨ Real stories where trust completely transformed the photos
✨ Tips for camera-shy and anxious couples
Whether you're newly engaged and starting your vendor search, or you've always felt awkward in front of a camera, this one's for you. 🫶
💬 DROP A COMMENT BELOW: What's more important to you when choosing a wedding photographer—their portfolio or how comfortable they make you feel? Have you ever had a photographer (or any vendor!) who just got you? We want to hear your stories!
🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM:
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5gdQT05rvXeV4dc9cUBSaz
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shoot-the-vows/id1850468898
📲 CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shootthevows
00:00 - Introduction: Finding Your Photography Style
01:19 - Welcome to Shoot the Vows
01:31 - Why Vibing with Your Vendors Matters
02:55 - When Awkwardness Shows in Your Photos
03:35 - Never Skip Your Engagement Session
04:52 - Understanding Photography Styles: Posed vs Candid
06:15 - Using Questionnaires to Know Your Couple
07:34 - Building Confidence Through Engagement Sessions
08:20 - Maintaining Professional Boundaries
09:36 - Professional vs Friend with a Camera
11:14 - Trust Your Gut: Jiving with Your Photographer
12:27 - The Importance of Reviews
12:42 - Budget Red Flags to Watch For
13:24 - Personality as a Determining Factor
14:29 - Communication is Key
14:40 - Finding the Right Style for Camera-Shy Couples
16:11 - Booking an Engagement Session First
17:47 - When Photographers Know How to Pose You
19:06 - Grooms Are Usually More Nervous
20:08 - You're Paying for Experience
20:44 - Wrap Up & Next Episode Preview