Cincinnati-based destination wedding photographer Cassandra Zetta has always been a creative soul. “My adolescent years were spent with a pencil and paper in hand, drawing my way through life,” the artist tells EW. After graduating college with a BFA in graphic design and subsequently landing a wonderful job, but not quite having the creative freedoms she craved, Cassandra discovered her love of wedding photography and had what she calls her “light bulb moment.”
“The ability to document one of the most magical and important days in someone’s life lit me up. I have always been a hopeless romantic, and in love with love, so it only makes sense that I capture weddings as they’re filled with pure emotion, joy, and of course, love.”
Cassandra’s shooting style is natural and documentary yet rich with emotion. “I strive to capture the authenticity of the personalities and emotions of the couple, and of their day,” she says. “I want the images to feel just as the day felt. I want the viewer to feel joy, happiness, love, and more—and hopefully evoke a tear or two. When shooting weddings, I capture the day as it unfolds, trying my best not to alter the day, as it would be without me there.”
Planning a same-sex wedding in an otherwise heterosexual dominated industry is intimidating and can be quite stressful.
Cassandra’s eponymous photography business shines in Ohio for its work within the LGBTQ+ community, especially because it’s a holdout state with no marriage equality. “As part of the community, I’ve always wanted to work with other LGBTQ+ couples,” she says. “After I married my wife in 2012, I overhauled my entire business to focus on same-sex/LGBTQ+ weddings. Planning a same-sex wedding in an otherwise heterosexual dominated industry is intimidating and can be quite stressful. Gratefully we were well received, but still for us, reaching out to new vendors was a nervous and anxious experience. My hope was and remains to create a safe place for couples to love and be, openly, and without worry. For there to never be the question ‘Are you open to working with same-sex couples?’ but instead, there would story sharing and understanding.”
CASSANDRA ZETTA’S 5 EXPERT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
1. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Photographers know the best poses and directives to help the couple look their best and to capture stunning moments.
2. GREAT LIGHT—ALWAYS.
While a great photographer will be able to work under any lighting situation, natural light is my favorite (along with many others’) and most flattering. When getting ready, make sure it is in well-lit spaces. Have an outdoor ceremony (with shade), or a great indoor space with lots of windows/natural light.
3. BE AUTHENTIC.
Let your true emotion shine. Your wedding day is one the happiest days of your life, so enjoy every moment, and dazzle the day with your smiles! They photograph beautifully.
4. DRESS FOR YOURSELF.
Your outfit (dress/suit/other) should reflect your own style and sense of self. If you feel good, your confidence will show, and the photographs will be even lovelier.
5. HIRE A PRO FOR HAIR + MAKEUP.
If you are planning for hair and/or makeup, do a test run for both before the big day so that you both know the look you’re getting and wanting.
This is a sponsored post. Learn more about Cassandra Zetta at cassandrazetta.com. Follow her on Instagram. Like her on Facebook.
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