Welcome back to another installment of Real Weddings Magazine’s Partner Profiles!
This week we highlight Kate Holtzen, the creative eye behind Katherine Elyse Photography. If you’ve been wanting to learn more about Kate and Katherine Elyse Photography, now’s your chance! Take it away, Kate…
Katherine Elyse Photography
Tell us a little about your company? I started Katherine Elyse Photography to help folks from all over the Northern California area celebrate the love and growth that comes with marriage. I’m a hugely romantic person. I really love love. I’m notorious for crying during wedding vows (don’t worry, not enough that I can’t snap away!) and making the day light, fun, and less stressful. I think that’s what really drove me to pursue weddings. The moments you share with your friends and family on that day are incredibly precious and I want to make sure you have the perfect shots of them to look back on for the rest of your life.
When did you establish your business? I started doing photography as a hobby in 2007 and it slowly morphed into a full time gig that I’ve been building up professionally for the last two and a half years.
What sets you apart from your competition? I think my personality and attitude are what truly sets me a part. I won’t bark orders or pull you away from your day so I can take shots I want, I will let you be and quietly capture all the wonderful natural moments that weddings inspire. I’ll make silly faces for crying flower girls, I’ll pour you a glass of champagne when the last minute nerves set in, and I’ll have a smile on my face the whole time!
Where do you find inspiration? In the people I’m working with! What better inspiration than true love? It comes in so many forms and expresses itself differently with every couple. I’m inspired by every little moment you share.
What trend do you see coming for weddings this year? I can see a lot of unique vintage weddings. Shabby-chic is really in but I feel like people are going to start hosting in even more non-traditional settings, wearing colored and patterned dresses, and aspiring for a more relaxed atmosphere. I think casual weddings are coming!
Do you regularly blog? If so, what’s your blog site? As a matter of fact, I just posted my first blog on May 1st HERE! I’ll be blogging every Sunday on a new topic as well as posting photo shoots and stories on their as they come up.
Are you on social media? Yes! You can follow me on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, Twitter HERE and Pinterest HERE.
Can you share a funny/embarrassing/touching story about one of your clients? I have SO many wonderful memories with clients. I think one of the absolute funniest things that ever happened to me was on an engagement session. We had decided to go to Baker Beach in the Bay Area so they could get photos with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Well, little did we know that Baker Beach is a nude beach! AH! It was 45 minutes of trying to avoid all the beach patrons while still getting the views we wanted. Needless to say there were a LOT of natural smiles and blushing cheeks on all our parts!
What’s your favorite comment/compliment that one of your clients has given you? My favorite thing is when brides tell me that I made their day easier. I love that by getting to know you and your family, doing my job well, and being willing to help in other areas, I can not only capture but actually add to someone’s wedding day.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Zocalo! Mmmm, I could eat Mexican food for every meal.
What’s your favorite local charity? I volunteer with the Special Olympics which has teams and clubs wherever you might be located. It’s a wonderful organization that functions for a truly awesome cause!
What is your favorite fun thing to do locally? Walking around Midtown and sampling all the great food (and maybe some drinks!) is the most relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Do you have secret vice or indulgence? What is it? RE: “Could eat Mexican food for every meal”. Haha!
Do you have any hidden talents? I sing quite a bit. I don’t know how good I am, but I enjoy filling my drives with lots of music!
If you weren’t in the business that you are in now, what other business/profession would you have liked to have done? I would be an elementary school teacher. I love kids and I was very close to pursuing that passion before photography stole my heart.
If you were to plan your own wedding, or re-do your wedding, what element(s) would be most important to you? I always think about my top three most important for when I get married: 1. Beautiful Venue/Decor, 2. Perfect photography (duh!), 3. Incredible food and drinks for everyone.
What advice would you can give to couples getting married today? Make your wedding day special to YOU! Don’t let anyone sway your opinions and desires just because you want them to be pleased. It’s your special day, make it exactly right for you!
Anything else you’d like to share with Real Weddings Magazine’s readers? I’m so lucky to do what I do and I can’t wait to work with you in the future!
For more information about Katherine Elyse Photography, log on to www.KatherineElysePhotography.com.
Also, make sure to follow Katherine Elyse Photography on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE, Twitter HERE and Pinterest HERE.
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of Katherine Elyse Photography.
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