Wednesday, January 7, 2009
It is with great pleasure that I officially introduce Phindy Studios (formerly Thornton Photos) to ABG readers. They launched a brand-spanking new website today and it rocks!
I have been following Mindy and Phil, the dynamic duo, for over a year. They are the authors of one of my favorite Nashville wedding blogs and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of their fabulous wedding photos from their Nashville weddings.
Their style is so unique, vibrant and rich and they have mastered the art of storytelling.
Check out my interview with them to learn more about this fabulous photography team.
Vendor Spotlight: Phil and Mindy of Phindy Studios, a Nashville wedding photography duo.
How did you get started in weddings?
It really wasn’t deliberate. At first our passion for photography was directed to more of a fine art aspect. About three years ago we began shooting weddings for friends and family and we realized we loved the industry.
It was about a year after that, we made a conscious decision to dedicate ourselves to wedding photography full time.
What do you like most about weddings?
Phil: I like cutting up with the guys while they’re getting ready, getting great candid shots of people enjoying themselves and those little quiches at receptions.
Mindy: I love details..the flowers, shoes, rings. It also never gets old seeing two people that much in love on their wedding day. Having only been married three years myself, I remember that feeling of nervous excitement and I love capturing those moments between the couple, especially when they first see each other.
What’s your favorite wedding pic and why?
Mindy: Right now, it is a photo from our latest bridal portrait session. It is one Phil took up close of Amanda and her veil and it shows her nose ring. I love it when brides have unique style.
Phil: My favorite photos seem to always be ones Mindy shot. Favorites constantly change and are usually just from the last session we have done, which happens to be the same bridal session Mindy is talking about. My favorite right now is this bouquet shot with great sun flare. I loved it so much we just ordered a huge canvas for our home studio.
Mindy: Don’t you love how we both copped out and didn’t choose our own images??
What is your service philosophy?
We pride ourselves in developing a personal relationship with clients and delivering a product tailored exclusively to them. We strongly believe in always being available to our clients and responding to their questions or needs in a timely manner. At the end of the day we want to do whatever it takes to make sure our clients had a great experience working with us. We want to create a relationship that will carry through for the rest of their lives and continue photographing their family as it grows. We don’t want it to end at the wedding.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
We believe that our work and the photos we produce are our biggest strength. We work hard to deliver a high end product to our clients. We also work as a husband/wife team which allows us to split up and tell the story from the bride and groom’s perspective separately until the ceremony when they meet. During the ceremony and reception we are very “ninja-ish” (like a ninja). Many of our shots are candid and photojournalistic because of our “fly-on-the-wall” approach.
Couples hire us because of our incredible wit and charm. That is what really matters right? But seriously, our couples hire us because we connect on some personal level and they love our work. We think that is what matters most.
Who are your favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
- Simply Stunning Events - Kristin is great to work with. She is incredibly organized and takes great care of her brides.
- A Delightful Day - Mary Alice is super cool. She has great taste and puts together absolutely incredible weddings for her couples.
- Holly Brown (professional hair & makeup) with Eye Candy Salon - Holly is incredible. She is available in the salon or on location. She has impeccable style and we completely trust her with our own hair.
- Old Natchez Country Club - We had our own wedding reception here. The food is great and the atmosphere is fun and laid back but still classy. Debbie Valentine, the coordinator, is awesome to work with.
- Loveless Cafe Catering - Super yummy food. The Loveless Cafe is no secret, it’s known worldwide, but their catering is amazing.
- The Sweetest Day - The Sweetest Day made our wedding cake. It was beautiful & delicious.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit? (Similar category/style/budget)
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
We pretty much read every bridal magazine out there…we love picking these up at the grocery store. Mindy spends about an hour each day reading tons of wedding related blogs for new trends and style inspiration. Phil also pulls a lot of inspiration from the fashion and commercial photography world via websites and various other magazines.
Which trend do you love?
What we love most about current wedding trends is the lack of trendiness. That might sound confusing but the greatest thing is showing up to a wedding that is completely unique, and we are seeing this more and more. Not too long ago weddings were pretty much cookie-cutter events with a color change. Now we see exciting new twists. That being said, here are a few cool things we have seen lately:
Suits in general instead of tuxes…
… and Seer Sucker Suits
Bride’s shoes in color!
Which trend do you hate?
Photos that are overly photoshopped and really dark/dirty.
Is there a trend that you’re glad is gone?
4 bazillion posed family portraits…people seem to be more open to creative candid photography; White feathering and vignetting; Glamour shots (Mindy totally had glamour shots even though she will deny it); Boring “insert photo here” wedding albums; Photos in black and white but with one thing in color, like a black and white portrait with only the roses red.
What about a trend that you’re sad is gone?
We honestly can’t think of any. We are really excited about the way we see the wedding industry going.
What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find?
Ashleysbrideguide.com, of course!
Style Me Pretty
Mindy and Phil (shameless plug)
Southern Weddings
just to name a few!
Advice for brides?
Plain and simple, our advice to our couples is always: Book the photographer who’s photos you love because your photos are the only thing you have after the wedding day. Couples sometime settle because they get wrapped up in the pressure of purchasing extras and products and feel like they have to get everything now. Products are great, but our couples can add prints and albums at anytime down the road. Also, look for vendors that genuinely have your best interest in mind and you should have a pretty stress free wedding day.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Congrats, Mindy & Phil!! The new site and blog are amazing!! And good choice, Ashley on your vendor spotlight. These guys rock!!