We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Greene recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
We are Brandon & Michelle Greene, a destination micro wedding and surprise proposal photo and video duo. Our passion is rooted in a story-first approach that honors our clients voice and vibe. Our respectful unobtrusive presence lets any intimate day unfold just as it’s meant to: authentically perfect. We provide a calm guided process that takes the stress out of planning and shooting.
As a team, we live to document the big and the small love stories & the precious in-between moments someone didn’t think to remember, and to then allow them to be re-lived and re-felt over and over and over again. We exist to create time portals and works of art that people feel something from, to create a novel way of revisiting the memories forever and a day after they happen. We are a skilled team of observers with an eye for anticipating moments, capturing emotions, and when needed, providing natural guidance that doesn’t feel intrusive. This blend of candid storytelling and editorial direction results in photos that are an artistic yet authentic representation of any day.
Why devote ourselves entirely to this passion? Because we are intimately acquainted with the stress and lack of recognition experienced during the preparation for significant events. We understand the apprehension that arises when the supposed support system, intended to provide guidance and assistance, fails to deliver.
Before we go any further, let me tell you about our wedding. It was absolutely beautiful! We had our closest family and friends there, and we celebrated all night long. But the stress leading up to the big day, and the unprofessional vendors after, really solidified our desire to do better. We wanted to create a wholesome and unforgettable experience for others.
First, our officiant overstepped his boundaries and stepped on our coordinator’s toes in front of us. Then, our dream photographer announced a few weeks before that they were leaving because of stress. We knew we had made a mistake in choosing them. And rightfully so, we were exhausted dealing with their nonsense.
The final straw? Our best man had to tell the officiant he was in the wrong, and we were “reassured” that he wasn’t. And guess what? Our marriage certificate was denied because of improper highlights! We paid for his mistakes. He didn’t even offer to fix it; he just called to let us know it was denied, and we had to make our own arrangements to fix everything. Can you believe that? It was just so frustrating!
Fast forward to present day, and we have been immersed in this dream career for six years. During this journey, we have captured numerous fleeting instances of connection and joy that elevate the love story of our clients. However, we recognize that we are more than just a photography and videography team. We strive to maintain a harmonious balance amidst the chaos of life. When someone requires poetic inspiration, we provide it. When someone needs additional support to nurture their intricate dreams, we offer heartfelt guidance to alleviate any stress. We are a collaborative force that empowers adventurous couples to curate the ultimate custom wedding day experience. Together, we weave the allure of wedding planning into an elegant display of poetic intimacy.
Michelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
We are Michelle and Brandon Greene.
Soulmates from the start, and partners in just about everything, we are true believers in the power of love and connection. We are dedicated to curating timeless art through authentically candid, heartfelt connections.
In response to the disappointments we encountered with a few of our wedding vendors, we made a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for couples who are overwhelmed by the process. We hold immense value and believe that every meticulously selected element contributes to the overall success of a wedding. Whether handmade or handpicked, these details hold significant importance and serve as a true reflection of the couple’s individuality. They serve as a unique showcase of their love story. Our unwavering dedication lies in meticulously documenting every anticipated moment as it unfolds.
When someone hires us, they hire a team dedicated to pouring their soul into dreams coming true.
We aim to curate custom, intentional experiences for adventurous souls. Whether through a surprise proposal on the beach or an intimate elopement in the mountains or through the unfiltered love of a family session, we are here for it all. Photographs preserve it all and prove time and time again to be the lifeline of timeless sentiments.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
For years, my days were a blur of legal documents, client calls, and the relentless ticking of billable hours. It was a stable career, one I’d pursued with diligence, but the truth was, a part of me always yearned for something more, something creative, something that truly captured life rather than just documenting its legal complexities.
Then COVID-19 hit, and the world as we knew it ground to a halt. The bustling law firm emptied, replaced by the eerie quiet of remote work. Suddenly, the long hours I once spent meticulously organizing files were now filled with a different kind of quiet. This unexpected pause, this enforced introspection, forced me to confront that yearning I’d long ignored.
During those early months of the pandemic, with weddings being downsized or postponed indefinitely, a new trend began to emerge: elopements. Stripped of grand celebrations, couples were choosing intimate, meaningful ceremonies, often in breathtaking outdoor locations. It was a beautiful shift, and as I scrolled through countless articles and social media posts, something clicked. This was it. This was the intersection of my desire for creativity, my love for capturing authentic moments, and a real, growing need in the market.
I had always enjoyed photography as a hobby, capturing landscapes and candid moments with friends. Now, I saw a path to transform that passion into a profession. I devoured online courses, invested in better equipment, and practiced tirelessly, learning about lighting, composition, and storytelling through images. I started reaching out to local officiants and wedding planners who specialized in smaller ceremonies. Michelle Prieto, from The Ceremony Place, was one of the first people I connected with, and her enthusiasm for collaboration was incredibly encouraging. She even sent me resources on booking 8-hour elopements and business coaching for elopement photographers.
Leaving the stability of a law firm was a huge leap of faith, especially during such uncertain times. But the thought of capturing the raw emotion and beauty of these intimate celebrations filled me with an excitement that legal briefs never could. I started building my portfolio, focusing on natural light and genuine interactions. My first few clients were incredibly supportive, and each successful shoot fueled my confidence.
Since then, my business, Michelle Renee Greene Photography, has steadily grown. I’ve had the privilege of capturing Santa Barbara Courthouse elopements, Santa Maria Courthouse Elopements, numerous engagements and surprise proposals, a Winery Wedding in Los Olivos, and even a wedding and reception in the Hollywood Hills for folks I now consider close friends. The work is fulfilling in a way my old job never was. Instead of poring over legal contracts, I’m now helping couples preserve the precious memories of their special day. The pivot was unexpected, born out of a global crisis, but it led me to a career that finally feels like home.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an elopement photographer brings an unparalleled sense of happiness and joy. There’s something truly magical about witnessing two people declare their love for each other in an intimate, personal setting, often surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements strip away the elaborate fanfare and focus on the raw, authentic connection between the couple. As a photographer, you’re not just documenting an event; you’re capturing genuine emotions, quiet moments, and the unique story of their commitment. This often means working with couples who are deeply in love and consciously choosing a path that resonates with their true selves, leading to incredibly fulfilling and heartfelt experiences for everyone involved.
The joy of being an elopement photographer also stems from the deep connections formed with clients. Because elopements are so personal, photographers often become more than just vendors; they become trusted confidantes and witnesses to incredibly private and significant moments. This closeness allows for a level of creativity and spontaneity that might not be possible in a larger, more structured wedding. Each elopement is a new adventure, whether it’s hiking to a secluded mountain peak, exploring a charming city, or standing by the ocean as vows are exchanged. The ability to travel to stunning locations, collaborate with adventurous souls, and create timeless memories for couples who value experiences over extravagance is a constant source of inspiration and profound satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellereneegreenephotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellereneegreenephotography
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/michellereneegreenephotography
- Other: threads: @michellereneegreenephotography
