We may be a little biased, but Colorado has some of the most incredibly talented vendors around— which got us thinking. We wanted to showcase some of our favorites in the industry with a little Q&A session over cocktails!
We’re kicking off our inaugural Insider Series with the amazing and talented Danielle DeFiore Photography. See more of her fabulous work on her website or follow along on her Instagram— we’re certain you’ll love her as much as we do.
Q: Tell us a little more about you, your business and what you do!
I tend to give people the following quick pitch: I’m a full-time wedding, family, and portrait photographer and a part-time homesteader living on three acres just north of Denver. I got my first taste of Colorado on a trip to Telluride in 2003, and it didn’t take long for me to make a permanent return—I moved up to the front range in 2007 and have been here ever since. I’ve photographed over 100 weddings in Colorado over the past eight years along with a handful of others across the country, but Colorado feels like my sweet spot. I’m deeply inspired by the never-ending natural beauty of this amazing state and the people and places connected to it. I’m a hybrid shooter—meaning I use both analog and digital film—and there’s no greater honor to me than to play a role in a couple’s celebration and help tell their story.
Q: Where would your dream wedding to photograph take place and why? The sky is the limit!
I would have to say Italy! I’m half Italian and a hold great nostalgia for old-world romance, so it’s always been a dream of mine to join a couple for a wedding in that part of the world. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, wine, and homemade pasta—does it get any better?
Q: What are some of your favorite trends you can share as we head into the 2019 season?
Color, color, and more color, with a bit of bold texture thrown in. While there’s certainly an occasion for minimalism, I love seeing couples make bold choices that express their personalities and the emotions of the day. I also enjoy when personal touches are added into a couple’s celebration, whether that’s incorporating a treasured family heirloom or finding a way to honor the story of how you met. You only get one day that’s truly, entirely yours, so take the opportunity to make it as meaningful to you as possible.
Q: I know we’re chatting over margaritas right now…..but what is your go-to drink of choice?
Haha, I think we are already sipping it! I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so a good margarita will always hit the spot. But if I have to mix it up, I love darker beers and red wine.
Q: What professional advice can you give to brides when it comes to choosing their vendors/photographer?
Pick a photographer not just for their portfolio, but for their personality, too. Your photographer will be present for the most intimate moments of your wedding day, and you want someone who will make you feel comfortable and wholly yourself. Additionally, I would suggest requesting full wedding galleries when comparing photographers to get a better picture of what you will eventually be receiving. Some photographers will feature more styled shoots over real weddings, but these don’t always indicate how they work under the constraints of timelines or complicated weather, how they balance those great candids with formal family photos, or what sorts of moments they will be looking for throughout the day.
Q: What makes you excited to come to work every day?
The energy of a wedding day is so powerful—from start to finish, there are so many incredible moments that all become part of the bigger picture. Those little, in-between moments are some of my favorites to capture! I also relish the opportunity to capture an important element of a family’s historical lineage. Portraits and photos of the guests present, the styles worn, the memories shared all become treasured heirlooms that we pass down from generation to generation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
Right now, I would have to say Greece or western Spain. My husband and I went to Barcelona last year, and I could have stayed and explored the country for at least another three weeks!
Below, you’ll find some of Danielle’s personal favorite photos.
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