Thrifty couples say ‘I-do’ to smartphone wedding album
BRIDES on a budget and eloping couples are snapping up deals with a new wedding photography business where the pictures are all shot using a smartphone.
Stacie Mackenzie says she launched We’re Just Yer Pals in response to demand from couples who wanted a more low-key, less ‘ photo shoot’ approach to their big day.
While couples can expect to pay around £1200 for a professional photographer, camera-shy couples can opt for a two-hour package for less than £400 with the wedding album available by the time the last glasses have been cleared.
Stacie, a hairdresser, who runs the Number659 salon on Great Western Road, says the service is also proving popular with eloping couples, with few or no guests, who want to keep their nuptials low-key.
Other couples with a bigger budget are choosing it as an added extra on top of professional photography and there is an added bonus for brides, as Stacie is on hand to make sure hair is picture-perfect.
The business has proved so popular that Stacie is now looking for other amateur photographers to join the team.
Stacie said: “Market research shows people on a budget often don’t have a wedding photographer and photo booths are now popular for the same price.
“I hear a lot of people say they don’t want a photographer and that wished their wedding could have been less ‘photo shoot’. A lot of couples aren’t into posing for pictures.
“We’ve had lots of amazing feedback.
“The difference is that couples have the pictures edited and in a photo album by the end of the day.”
Daren and Lisa Gray opted for the budget service for their wedding last month at Hartree Estates in Biggar.
Lisa said: “We chose We’re Just Yer Pals as an additional extra to our main photographers.
“With our tipi wedding being a bit different and alternative we loved the candid photography style with a vintage feel.
“The major selling point for us was that you didn’t have to wait weeks or even months for your pictures. My husband and I were able to lie in bed the morning after the wedding looking at all of our amazing images.
“Stacie is so good at what she does. Her artistic eye and creative flare allowed her to capture the most beautiful images of our wedding day.
“Overall, I cannot recommend We’re Just Yer Pals enough. If you’re working to a lower budget, having an elopement or just want a little additional extra for your photographs then it’s perfect.”
Nick Ponty, from Glasgow, who is a professional wedding photographer, said: “Good for her. I don’t really take the usual snobbery professional take on it. I think it is quite innovative, just think it might be hard to get people to pay a decent price for it.
“In an age where everyone wants everything instantly, it may prove to be a success.”