A marriage proposal can completely turn a girl's life around, whoever she is. Even professionals who work with couples at weddings all the time may realize that they know nothing about their new status. Photographer Diana Vartanova, who takes photos under the Still Miracle Studio brand, shares her impressions of what it is like for a wedding photographer to suddenly become a bride.
When was the marriage proposal made to you and how was it?
I said "yes"! Not even said but nodded my head happily, because I absolutely did not expect this to happen in February 2021. My best friend, partner, lover and just the kindest person in the world Sergey Burnus offered me to marry him in Dubai after a romantic dinner with a panoramic mind blowing view of Dubai Marina. Our friends were with us at cocktails. They were wedding videographers. What an amazing coincidence, you might think. Now I have a truly vivid and vibrant video memory of this moment. Guys, I'm also a bride now.
What were your first thoughts after your engagement?
I suddenly realized that despite my experience as a wedding photographer, I have no idea what to do next. Probably about two weeks I came to my senses just to publish this news in social networks. I have an amazing future husband, but I could not get used to thinking about myself in the new status of a bride for a long time. I remember that the day after the engagement I googled "I was made a proposal and what to do now." All my professional skills melted into girlish happiness.
How does it feel to look at weddings from the other side?
I was sure that I knew everything about weddings, but during the preparation it turned out that I did not know the most important thing: how difficult it really is to put this whole puzzle together. And now, in consultations with my brides, I can safely say: I understand you. Naturally, professional skills are very useful to me: firstly, as a photographer and as a bride, I cannot imagine a real, stylish and organized wedding without a wedding planner. Even 6 years in the industry doesn't make organizing yourself any easier. Secondly, your wedding may have a million guises, but there is your format and style in which you can symbolically show your love. Don't just strive for beauty and aesthetics, strive for the wedding day to be “about you”.
How will you look for a wedding team, what to rely on and pay attention to?
The key word for our couple and our wedding has always been “soulfulness”. We really want us to have a quivering tender day, full of hugs and happiness, and therefore immediately understood that we want to literally create a “circle of love” with everyone who touches our day. Therefore, we chose the “near-family” circle of professionals. Of course, as a photographer, visual aesthetics, precisely selected sets and the ability to work in a team are insanely important to me, and I did not hesitate to choose my own team, which has been working with me for several years. And I'm wildly proud to entrust my Greek wedding to the London team. They are really amazing.
Do you combine wedding photography and preparation for your own celebration?
I did not interrupt the 2021 wedding season. And in order not to interfere with the 2022 season, we set the date for April. My couples are just as important to me as my own wedding.
Do you like the status of a bride and how do you feel being in this status?
I am happy and excited, and I also feel loved. A million percent. This is very inspiring.
What secrets of wedding photography have you learned as a photographer and can you use them now as a bride?
- Color and style: decor, images of the bride and groom, as well as the dress code of the guests should complement each other and play in the overall picture of the day. Imagine your wedding as if you are Michelangelo and draw the endless Sistine Chapel, which should fold into one masterpiece.
- You really have to know the answers to the questions: what kind of chairs do you like, how many musicians and what instruments they will play, you will have to roughly understand what kind of dishes and appliances to decorate the table and what tone the invitation should be. At first, I could not get used to it, and as a photographer, I was worried about timing and scenery, but then I felt like a director and started to really enjoy it.
- If you, like me, care about what the photos and videos will be, get ready. Work with your partner to create a script for the day to express your feelings. What will you do in the morning: dance to Queen or drink coffee romantically? And after the ceremony? Don't shy away from the responsibility of the photographer, no matter how professional he / she is, if you want the day to be 100% yours.
- I always tell my brides, and now and all the time I remind myself: something will definitely go wrong. But it is not important. Enjoy this magical day to the maximum, because it will definitely not happen again. And the little things that seem significant today will definitely be forgotten or will be even more important.
