Maybe She's That Girl: Chestknots Studio

One of the wedding suppliers that we're very sure to partner with for our wedding is Jayjay Lucas who heads Chestknots Studio. After nailing down the church and date, I contacted Chestknots for their packages and booked them on the first bridal fair we attended.

Side story, while booking them sometime February 2013, we took some photos, took our receipt and Mr. & Mrs. Jayjay Lucas happily sent us off. While walking around the fair, Person A touched his pocket and asks "Why do I still have the money for the photographer?" As it turned out, the 10% downpayment was not collected and nobody noticed. We went back to Tin Lucas and handed her the money. It was an opportunity for us to "save" on cost but I don't think that's how things should be done with your wedding partners. Also, what goes around, comes around:so kids, it pays to be good and nice, okay?

With the husband very interested in photography while I want dreamy photos to show my grandkids, the photography team is a priority on our list. We narrowed down the list to 5 and talked to some of them and here's the reason why we chose and are recommending Chestknots Studio:

1. Generally, Chestknots photos are very fresh, light and relaxed - pretty much how we wanted to showcase our day. Nothing is staged, emotions are raw and the approach is journalistic with that dreamy, whimsical feel. We want to have photos showing our crooked faces smiling from ear to ear rather one heavily-photoshopped worthy of a page in high-fashion magazines.

2. It only takes a talented bunch to be creative in arranging hangers, coins and the bouquets to give that oh-so-cool pictures. Yes, they're very easy and fun to work with. For non-models like us, only simple instructions were given and it resulted to my Pinterest-kinda-wedding photos. "Magtawanan kayo" ==> you get the iconic tawanan sa damuhan shot, "walk towards us, parang nagddate lang" ==> you get the skip hop photo "rest your head on Nestee's chest" ==> you get my I-am-super-kilig-even-with- my-eyes-closed portrait. Yes, they have non-intrusive shooting style.

3. Reasonably-priced. Chestknots have increased their price from the time we booked them but I believe it is still considered average in the industry.

What are our key takeaways for couples who are searching for their wedding day photographer:

1. Decide on the feel of the photos you want to have: (a) light, fresh, raw and Pinterest-worthy (b) dramatic and fashion magazine-worthy. We chose the former.

2. Shortlist photographers according to the shooting-style you want and check out their blogs, Facebook page, Vimeo links to see if they are consistent with the style you are searching for.

3. Check if the rate suits your budget.

4. More importantly, meet them and see if you have that working rapport with them. You don't wanna be stuck with a bunch of people - that you paid for - who you don't like. Really.

Finally, we are recommending Chestknots Studio because they delivered and exceeded our expectations. The photos in my previous posts and what you'll see below are proof that they can deliver Pinterest-worthy photos while making us feel at ease. Most of the locations in the shoot were chosen by them, so please trust and give your partners room to decide.

Book them, they're worth it.

Pink socks never look this good and manly

On to some crazy shots. My husband looking dapper and handsome while I... I am being myself.

I can remember Yakie directing her Ryza Mae poses here that's why we were laughing hard with the girls still looking very lovely

We do have a few (maybe 1?) proper portrait shot

I love, love this class photo by the steps of the Chapel

Now on to the what really happened during our day - capturing the raw emotions of the people at the wedding. I noticed 98% of the attendees were photographed with their biggest smile on -(",)-*wink*

The hug of brother bear