We recently connected with Marcia Ibay and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marcia, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
Hindsight is 20/20! If I were to relaunch my photography business, I’d prioritize seeking guidance from established photographers. Their experience could have saved me tons of trial and error. While I mastered the technical aspects (lenses, settings, lighting), the business side was a mystery. Learning from those who’ve built successful businesses would be my top priority – hiring a mentor early on would have been invaluable. Networking and building relationships with industry vendors would also be key. The power of collaboration can’t be overstated. Oh and have someone else build your website, you will spend hours, weeks, days, months obsessing over it (and your logo/branding) because as creatives, that’s what we do. Give the power to a professional and focus on meeting people in real life! Without couples ready to book you, you have no business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I used to work in hotels and real estate and that’s where the whole elopement photography business idea came from! It all started when a bunch of couples kept asking about using the hotel courtyard I worked at for their tiny micro weddings. Most of the time, we couldn’t make it work for various reasons (not enough revenue for the hotel to make sense, keeping the space private, etc.), but a lightbulb went off in my head – I could solve this problem for them!
Working in the hotel and real estate industry definitely came in handy – as it taught me all about unparalleled customer service and customer retention. That totally helps when couples come to me clueless about New Orleans or local wedding vendors. We basically hold their hand through the whole thing with our all-inclusive packages offered. We always tell them to just show up with your clothes, rings, and paperwork, and we take care of the rest! Perfect for couples who are stressed, tired of wedding planning, and want something way more chill & fun than a giant party.
Elopements are ALL we do! Like, seriously obsessed. With over 10 years of experience, we’re the experts at helping our couples ditch the wedding drama and get married in a totally unique way. We don’t just want to be another vendor – we want to be their partner in elopement crime! We’re all about capturing the love they share and making their New Orleans elopement beautiful, easy, and unforgettable.
Oh, and we’re New Orleans natives! We know this city like the back of our hand – from hidden bayou gems to the stunning coast. We find the best vendors for our custom packages, so they can just relax and enjoy their special day. We’re not just about getting the job done – we see opportunities everywhere and capture those real, emotional moments our couples will cherish forever. We might offer a few gentle suggestions along the way, but ultimately, we want them to be completely themselves on their elopement wedding day – and capture that beautiful authenticity! It’s simple, they are in LOVE and we offer a simple, stress free way for them to legalize their union.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
As mentioned earlier, one of the things we are most passionate about is the level of attention we give to every couple. In this industry, it’s what keeps us relevant. It boils down to genuine kindness and sincerity. We truly want to help couples have the elopement they’ve always dreamed of. That means responding to every single inquiry, even if they don’t ultimately choose us as their photographer. We believe in going the extra mile and helping any way we can.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Probably cliché but it’s definitely true: seeing your vision come to life: There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from taking an idea you have and transforming it into a piece of art for them to cherish a lifetime. It’s a validation of your artistic creativity and a testament to hard work. When you come up with an idea, pose/get the right composition/lighting and guide your couples for the pose. Then you see it in post processing come to life! It feels really good and reminds us that we are in the right place! Oh and as wedding photographers, many times we hear from our couples that this is the first professional photos they will have! We love sparking emotions from our couples through our photography.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elopetonola.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elopetonola/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibayphotography
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elopetonola/
Image Credits
@ibayphotography