Vendor Spotlight: Aline Marin Photography

How did you get into photography? Are you self-taught or formally trained?

Well, long story short, a few years back I was living in Seattle and took a street photography class at Seattle Center Community College. That was the start for me. But for the main part, I am self-taught. Having a background in history as I do and being a historian who loves traveling, these two things brought photography into my life. I had the amazing opportunity to travel around Europe for months and visit 20+ countries while there. Photographing my travels became an obsession. When I moved back to the States, a friend invited me to tag along and help her in a wedding she was the lead shooter on. Until then, I focused on fine art photography. After photographing a wedding, it got me hooked. In 2016 I became super busy and went full-time in the wedding industry, leaving my other job behind. This was the best decision I have ever made. My husband was very supportive and my carrier just took off!

Describe your style in one sentence.

I’d say it’s a type of real and raw documentation of love.

What’s been your favorite experience as a wedding photographer?

Definitely my couples feedback. It brings me so much joy to hear back from them and their families. Making people happy by documenting their day and delivering something to treasure over the years to come is something extraordinary.

What do you love most about photographing weddings? Why do you photograph weddings in particular?

I love first looks and speeches the most. These are times that I often cry while watching people being so vulnerable and sharing something special between them. I believe it reminds me of how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful person and how much I believe in love! I believe in growing old together and creating special long-lasting bonds. It’s something we should really fight for.

Where is the most interesting or unique place you’ve photographed a wedding? Was there anything especially challenging about it?

Yes! I loved photographing in a Theater which was vintage looking and incredibly cute but also super challenging for its lack of natural light and the way of it’s designed space. Still, one of my favorite weddings up to date.

Do you have a favorite, must-capture moment for every wedding?

I love when parent’s see their daughter dressed up and I like to ask them to share an intimate moment or childhood memory with the bride. It’s usually a very moving moment.

As a photographer, what has been your biggest wedding day challenge?

Time can be challenging. Sometimes people don’t understand what to take into consideration as far as the time needed to cover an event as grand as a wedding. If you don’t have enough time, it could become very hard to get the job done. I have been blessed with amazing couples who know all I do is for their benefit and educating my clients to build a perfect timeline has been life-changing.

What piece of advice would you give brides and grooms to ensure that they get wedding photos they love forever? (This can include tips about preparation, choosing a photographer, or anything else.)

When choosing your wedding photographer, having a connection and trust, is key. You should love the style of photography and you shouldn’t expect that they can change everything just for you. Look your photographer’s website and the various galleries. If you love what you see, then they will deliver the same to you. If you’re hoping your wedding will be completely different, you should continue to look for a photographer. This may apply to every other vendor as well! So, my biggest advice is for you to feel comfortable and happy with your vendors.

What are your favorite wedding trends to photograph right now?

Huge bouquets and flower crowns.

How do you think an app like Joy can help make weddings better?

By helping you stay organized for sure!

If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be doing?

I would focus on a different type of photography. I enjoy boudoir and portraits just as much as weddings! Maybe in the future, I will own a dedicated studio space just for it.

At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?

If you read all of the above, you can see I am a big believer in love and family. Of course, the joy from your wedding will last forever. You’ll share your pictures with your friends, kids if you have them, and you’ll look at your wedding album 40 years from now. You’ll still remember the same feeling you had when saying, “I Do”. It’s a day that marks a starting point in life that changes everything forever, for the better.