We recently connected with Derrick Cabico and have shared our conversation below.
Derrick, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Our mission at Wandered Stories is deeply rooted in our passion for capturing authentic, heartfelt moments that reflect the unique love stories of the couples we work with. It all began with a simple realization: every couple has a story worth telling, and these stories deserve to be preserved in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.
From the very beginning, we have been inspired by the power of storytelling. We believe that a wedding is not just a ceremony, but a tapestry of moments that weave together to form a narrative of love, commitment, and shared dreams. Our mission is to document these moments in a way that allows couples to relive their special day over and over again, feeling the same emotions they experienced in those fleeting instances.
The journey to this mission was personal and transformative. As we delved into the world of wedding photography and videography, we found ourselves moved by the intimacy and vulnerability of the couples we met. Each story was a reminder of the beauty of human connection, and we felt a profound responsibility to honor these stories through our work.
Our mission is meaningful to us because it is grounded in the belief that love stories, in all their diversity and depth, deserve to be celebrated. We are committed to creating visual narratives that resonate with the true essence of each couple, ensuring that their legacy of love is preserved for generations to come.
At Wandered Stories, we are not just photographers and videographers; we are storytellers who are passionate about capturing the moments that matter most. Our mission drives us to continuously refine our craft, seek out new ways to tell stories, and connect with couples on a deeper level. It is a mission born out of love, fueled by creativity, and sustained by the joy we see in the eyes of the couples we serve.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me and How I Got Started
As a child, I was a dreamer. Movies provided a form of escapism, allowing me to explore other worlds and universes for hours on end. This fascination with the creative arts eventually led me to establish Wandered Stories in 2020. My passion for storytelling naturally transitioned into a love for capturing weddings and elopements worldwide. I revel in the opportunity to combine my visual perception with creative storytelling to capture authentic moments in people’s lives evocatively. What started as a solo endeavor has now blossomed into a passionate team of storytellers dedicated to documenting love in its most genuine form.
Our Work and Services
At Wandered Stories, we specialize in story-driven photography and videography services. We emphasize a documentary-based approach to capturing wedding days. Our belief is that the most memorable moments of a wedding are not the staged pictures or perfectly set-up shots, but the in-between moments—the spontaneous interactions between the couple, the laughter shared with friends and family, and the genuine presence in the day. These are the moments that personalize a couple’s wedding gallery and film, making them authentic to their unique story.
Our Approach
As a team, we prioritize documenting rather than orchestrating moments. We strive to capture the day as it naturally unfolds, ensuring that the technical aspects like composition and lighting are optimal without turning the wedding into a full production. This approach allows us to create a visual narrative that is true to the couple and the essence of their special day.
Proud Achievements
One of my proudest achievements is scaling Wandered Stories from a one-man band to a full-scale team. This growth has enabled us to connect with incredible couples who resonate with our work and values. Seeing the impact of our storytelling on their lives and knowing that we’ve preserved their precious memories in a meaningful way is immensely rewarding.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets Wandered Stories apart is our dedication to authenticity and storytelling. We believe that every love story deserves to be told in a way that is both beautiful and genuine. Our commitment to capturing these stories with honesty and creativity is what drives us every day.
At Wandered Stories, we are not just photographers and videographers; we are storytellers who are passionate about capturing the moments that matter most. Our mission is to create visual narratives that couples will cherish for a lifetime, allowing them to relive the magic of their wedding day over and over again.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
It all began during my college years when I picked up photography as a hobby, focusing primarily on landscape images. Friends soon began asking me to take their graduation photos, which I initially did for free. As more people requested my services, I started charging and realized this could be more than just a hobby.
The turning point came when weddings piqued my interest. I assisted a friend at a wedding, which led to opportunities to assist other photographers and companies. During this period, my clientele grew steadily as I gained more experience documenting wedding days.
A significant milestone was at the beginning of 2023 when I decided to run a promotional ad. This ad led to an influx of clients, enabling me to book out the entire year. The success of this promotional push allowed me to leave my full-time job and dedicate myself entirely to Wandered Stories. Today, I’ve grown from a one-person operation to a full-scale team of talented photographers and videographers, all passionate about capturing love stories around the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the profound impact our work has on people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to tell a story through our lens and know that the photos and films we create will be cherished for generations. These visual narratives not only capture the essence of a couple’s special day but also become a legacy that outlives us. Knowing that our work will be passed down and continue to evoke emotions, memories, and stories for future generations is truly rewarding.
Additionally, our work often serves as a source of inspiration. We receive messages from couples and other creatives who are moved by the authenticity and emotion in our storytelling. It’s gratifying to see how our visual narratives inspire others to embrace their own love stories more fully or to pursue their own creative endeavors. This ripple effect, where our art encourages and uplifts others, adds an extra layer of meaning to what we do. It’s a reminder that our work goes beyond mere documentation; it has the power to inspire, connect, and evoke a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
Moreover, inspiring other creatives is particularly rewarding. Seeing how our work motivates fellow photographers and videographers to push their boundaries and explore new depths in their craft is immensely satisfying. It fosters a sense of community and shared passion, where we all strive to elevate the art of storytelling. Knowing that Wandered Stories can be a beacon of inspiration for both our clients and peers makes every moment behind the camera worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wanderedstories.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderedstories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderedstories?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-cabico-6974832a7
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wanderedstories?si=rIQYPbZVDOa5iQbE
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@derrickcabico
Image Credits
My personal image is taken by @waterandwhimsy on Instagram. All the other images are my team and I’s work.