Anyone who is familiar with Gracylu Originals knows the beautiful work a photographer can do with owner Tristian’s headpieces. One such photographer (and Tristian’s personal friend) is Mark Eric of Mark Eric Weddings. He specializes in capturing once-in-a-lifetime wedding moments. Mark was kind enough to give us some insight into his work and his relationship with Gracylu Originals.
SARAH: What led you into the wedding industry as a professional photographer?
MARK: I worked for a bank for several years. I took up photography as a hobby around 2000. At the time, my passion was shooting youth sports (action shots—not cheesy team portraits).
One of our good friends from church asked me to shoot her wedding. I wasn’t sure if weddings were something I wanted to try my hand at, because with weddings you only get one shot as a photographer. They are once-in-a-lifetime events. There are no do overs.
I captured some very emotional images at her wedding, which made me realize that wedding photography is something that I could do that could have a positive impact. I soon developed a strong passion for documenting weddings. I was able to leave the bank 5 years later to continue my photography career fulltime—it’s been a wonderful experience to follow my passion and produce work that people will treasure throughout their lives.
SARAH: When did you discover Tristian and Gracylu Originals?
MARK: We met Tristian through a client. One of our brides wore a Gracylu headpiece to her engagement session. She shared the images with Tristian afterwards. When Tristian contacted us to see about using the images for her website, we realized that she was from the same area as us (even though she lives in Houston now). We became instant friends! We love her work, and we absolutely adore her sweet personality.
SARAH: Do you work together often?
MARK: Several of our brides have since worn Gracylu headpieces. One day, we hope to work with Tristian on some sort of inspiration shoot as well.
The Gracylu Original headpiece chosen over Kleinfeld's
MARK: Tristian’s headpieces are so beautiful. One of our brides actually saw one of Tristian’s headpieces at our office before her wedding. She loved it so much, that she chose to wear a Gracylu piece instead of the original headpiece she brought from Kleinfeld’s to go with the dress she purchased from Kleinfeld’s.
SARAH: Wow, that’s cool. You mentioned “we”. Can you expound on your team?
MARK: My team consists of myself, my talented wife (Heathermphotography.com) and a New Orleans photographer, Eddie
Marriquin, that I use to 2nd shoot with me at times.
SARAH: What does a bride need to know before contacting you about her upcoming wedding?
MARK: We just need to know her date and the location of her wedding so we can check availability. We travel throughout the United States, but shoot most of our weddings around the Gulf Coast.
SARAH: Thank you Mark, for allowing us to showcase you on the Gracylu Originals blog!
For more on Mark Eric Weddings, visit his inspiring photo blog: MarkEric.com
With GracyLove,
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Special Message from Tristian:
For the entire month of June I’m offering any new bride to be (new meaning hasn’t contacted me before) a free custom garter set (up to a $40 value, additional charges may apply) with any bridal headpiece order.
Email for more details at gracyluoriginals@yahoo.com and be sure to put new bride/free garter set in the subject line.
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