It’s Spotlight Day where we introduce you to incredible Orlando wedding vendor Lori Barbely of Lori Barbely Photography and the story behind her company.
What did you do before you did this?
I’ve always been in photography! Once I picked up a camera as a child, I never put it down. In addition to weddings, I’ve worked in editorial travel photography and traveled around the world capturing images of stunning locales for magazines.
How long would you say you have been doing what you do today?
I’ve been doing photography since I was a kid. Got a camera for Christmas and the rest, as they say, is history! I took darkroom classes in high school, went to college, and got a Bachelor’s Degree in photography and have been working in the industry ever since! In 2007 I started photographing weddings and fell in love with capturing such an emotion-filled day!
Deland’s Bridle Oaks Barn
How did your work evolve to get you to where you are today?
I spent a number of years working in the photo departments for travel and lifestyle magazines and traveled to more than 25+ countries photographing travel stories. The fast-paced and multi-faceted nature of travel photography helped me develop as a photographer who is comfortable shooting everything from food to people to scenery to action.
What’s the best part of your job?
Wedding cake! Make mine red velvet, please!
Just kidding, it’s capturing a couple’s story photographically and then getting that excited text when they see their images.
Island Grove Winery at Formosa Gardens
What motivates you to do this every day?
I love seeing people get emotional and excited about the images I’ve created from their special day!
What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?
That when you book me, you get me. You get my artistic vision and I’m there with you every step of the way, from booking to your wedding day to delivering your album.
Deland’s Bridle Oaks Barn
Tell us about your favorite type of engaged couple.
I love couples who are passionate about life and open to sharing themselves and their story with me.
What does your most popular package include? Tell us briefly about some of your package options.
I have suggested packages as a starting point, but since each couple and each event is unique, I work with couples to customize a package that best suits their needs. Packages include an engagement photoshoot, eight hours of wedding day photography by me and a second shooter, and high-resolution digital images.
Lake Runnymede Conservation area in Kissimmee, Florida
Lori Barbely Photography shares some helpful information for engaged couples…
What current trends have you seen at weddings that you personally like the most?
I love seeing mixed-gender wedding parties. These days it’s not uncommon to see a man of honor or the best woman or even the best mate in wedding parties and, let’s be honest, the trend is the wrong word here. Your friends are your, friends, no matter their gender, and I’m so happy to see weddings breaking free of the single-gender wedding party tradition.
What is your best advice for someone who just got engaged?
Throw trends and what’s expected out the window! If you’ve never worn cowboy boots in your life, your wedding day is not the time to start! Plan a wedding that reflects who the two of you are as individuals and as a couple, no what you think it should be based on wedding blogs and Instagram!
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions that people have about your vendor category?
That all you really need is a good camera. And sure, equipment is important. But knowing how to use it and understanding light and composition is crucial; that’s why a professional photographer is important. Your wedding day only happens once, so you should entrust a professional to document it.
Bridle Oaks Barn, Deland, Florida
Name three unique venues that you enjoy working at and why.
I love the modern, industrial vibe of Trellis 925 and how smoothly events run there!
Dubsdread is another favorite! I’m obsessed with the property’s gorgeous trees, the catering is amazing, and the service is top-notch!
I also love Bridle Oaks! From the beautiful ceremony site to the gorgeous reception barn to the goats, it’s a wonderful spot for a wedding!
What some of her previous couples had to say….
“Lori was absolutely awesome! She rolled with the punches when plans kept changing last minute. She helped us when we had questions about how we were going to make it all work when we had to change our venue. “- Erin, The Jessie Brock Community Center of Winter Garden
“Lori was amazing! Josh and I were nervous doing our first photoshoot for our engagement pictures. It was such a relief when Lori helped us achieve greatness for both our engagement and our wedding photos! She was always there to take amazing in the moment pictures and was with us willing to help and answer questions throughout the whole wedding process. My wedding day was a breeze with Lori there!” -Gabby, Dubsdread
“There really should be a 6 out of 5 option for vendors like Lori. She was the second vendor we booked, only the venue came first. Why? Because in every picture I’ve seen of hers, the bride looks beautiful. There were other photographers who were artsier or edgier, but Lori’s photography really captures the emotion and beauty of the wedding day. She customized our package to our liking and was completely flexible with what we wanted. She listened to our suggestions and tweaked them to make them work. She’s a consummate professional. Oh… and did I mention our pictures are GORGEOUS? First the engagement pictures: The people who have seen them have said they’re some of the most artistic and stunning engagement pics they’ve ever seen. We shot at three different locations, and she captured the mood and tone perfectly at each site. And then… the wedding. Lori and her second shooter, Jeremy, captured the most beautiful images of our wedding. I literally got teary-eyed when I saw some of them on her blog. One of my friends saw them and said: “Those pictures look like they’re straight out of a bridal magazine.” She’s right. Lori’s got a great eye and knows how to frame a shot. And guess what? I, the bride, look beautiful in every picture she has up there. It’s a true testament to her artistry. So, if you want artistic (but not bizarre and weird) wedding pictures, and want to work with one of the sweetest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, check Lori out.” – Jessica, Maitland Arts Center Wedding
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