It’s Spotlight Day! Where we introduce you to incredible Orlando wedding venues and vendors, and the stories behind their companies who help Wedding Venue Map couples have their best wedding day.
It gives us great pleasure to introduce Michael Fried of Sonacity Photography.
What did you do before you did this?
I got my degree from UCF (Go Knights!) in web and graphic design. I knew I wouldn’t be able to teach myself web design because coding was never really my thing but I thought it would be good to know a bit about it since we all live on the internet. However, I did love graphic design, the colors, finding the right pieces to fit into a logo or an ad, it was a challenge but a fun challenge. To me, web design wasn’t fun. I couldn’t picture myself sitting in front of a computer for hours on end looking for a comma that I accidentally hit 4 days ago. Big shout out to my web and graphic designers! I love that you love it and you are great at it. We thank you!
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
Funny story. I was getting my hair (what little is left. lol) cut and I was telling the haircutter that I did photography. She said she was getting married and was looking for a photographer. I ABSOLUTELY told her I had not photographed one before but would be honored to capture those memories for them. During their wedding, I fell in love with photographing this big time in a couple’s life. There is so much joy and happiness, dancing and drinking, and all-around fun and crazy shit that goes on during the wedding day.
What motivates you to do this every day?
There’s a super short moment when people see their photos for the first time and you can see true bliss. The first second someone lays eyes on images they love and being able to be part of that happiness is what motivates me to do this every day. Also, I am one of those people that has to write everything down, Google Calendar is life. Photos help me remember and put me back in that moment. They just don’t bring back the memory of that moment, but the feeling, and I love love love doing that for others.
How did you decide on the name of your company?
Sonacity was born in college like all good companies are. A friend and I used to make music in his dorm and we had the grandiose idea of selling that music and becoming stars. That dream didn’t last long but we had a great time doing it and during that process, Sonacity came to be. We shortened the word sonar, sound, and combined it with the city. I loved it so much I decided to keep it and use it for my photography business.
What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?
Communication is huge! This is a relationship that grows and communication is the water to that relationship plant. Sorry, my wife and I really got into plants during quarantine and now all the metaphors are plant-based. I’m also a night owl, so I tend to answer texts and emails at 11 pm too. Sleep?
Why do couples hire you?
Couples find my work and contact me after falling in love with the bold colors and a mixed style of photojournalistic and cinematic photography. Couples hire me after our initial consultation because they see that I’m not only their photographer but a friend and helping hand during the process and on the wedding day.
Most couples have not experienced someone taking photos of their intimate moments. My number one goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you to display your love for each other while having fun.
What does your most popular package include?
My most popular collection includes 8 hours of wedding day coverage. You get 2 fun photographers that love to get creative and that work well off of each other’s energy. After the wedding, you will get the edited images from an easy to use downloadable gallery, design consultation for wall art or an album, and $200 credit towards those heirlooms!
The best piece of advice for brides or grooms.
Enjoy every part of the day. It’s true what everyone says, how the day goes by so quickly and I realized that at my wedding. I tell all my couples at some point in the day to take a step back, see what’s going on, see who’s there, and take in the moments. It’s a fast-paced day and you need that time to just watch for a second and enjoy.
Also, relax on the tequila.
Tell us 3 venues you enjoy working at and why.
Paradise Cove is off the hook and definitely one of my favorite venues. Aside from it being a beautiful outdoor venue, it has its own beach! Also, there’s an amazing option that the groom can come in on a boat entrance and it is my favorite entrance of all time. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful and some of my most fun weddings have been here. Paradise Cove is a beautiful venue and I highly recommend that you check it out.
Bella Collina, real talk, this place is GORGEOUS. I remember the first time coming to this grand and luxurious venue and my mouth stayed open for 20 minutes. The staff is so friendly and wants to give everyone the best experience, even the vendors which makes it really nice 🙂 The entire venue is photogenic which is perfection in my book.
Orlando Science Center. This venue I haven’t photographed at but I got married here and it was an amazing experience. My wife and I wanted a unique experience and OSC delivered! It’s a day we’ll never forget and we loved every minute of it.
Here is what some previous couples had to say…
“Very impressed with the quality of the photos! Mike was very responsive to our requests and also shared multiple ideas of his own which we utilized. He kept consistent contact with us up to the event and afterward and quickly responded if asked a question. He was also available to speak on the phone whenever I asked. On the day of the wedding, Mike made me feel comfortable and our other photographer Derek was also fantastic and energetic! They made sure to get amazing shots of all the most important moments and important detail photos. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND!” – Stacey & Joseph, Opal Sands
“Sonacity did an AMAZING job at my wedding! Michael is award-winning but extremely humble. He is creative and brought his great idea into my wedding, which translated into great photos and a video we will cherish for years to come! See for yourself.” – Kim & Cody, Lake Mary Community Center
“If Sonacity Productions are available to cover your wedding, BOOK THEM!!! Oh my gosh, they were absolutely amazing! Not for a second did I worry, they made everything smooth and easy. We just enjoyed our wedding while this team took gorgeous photos of our event. Half of the time we couldn’t even tell they were there! And now we have beautiful photos to remember one of the most important days of our lives! THANK YOU!!!” – Egle & Steve, The Acre
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