Marcela Suter is a Colorado Elopement Photographer. She helps couples design the elopement day of their dreams, by kicking obligations to the curb, and crafting a unique, intimate experience. Marcela aims to create honest moments of intimacy and laughter so that her couples’ images are filled with raw emotion rather than stiff and awkward poses. She is all about the real love stuff - the playful laughter, the booty grabs, the tender embrace, the vulnerability, the soulful moments, and the sweet nothings that define your love.

·       Can you tell our readers about your background?

I grew up in Florida and received my undergraduate degrees in photojournalism and political science. During my undergrad years, I worked with a wedding photography team. I loved using my journalism background to tell the story of the couple’s love through film but often felt like this got lost in the hustle and production of the day. I eventually left the big wedding industry and got my master’s in education. I also wanted to escape the heat and humidity of the south and moved to a small island in Alaska to teach history. I befriended my handsome neighbor who eventually became my husband. We moved to Colorado where I continued to teach until I began my own business. 

·       What inspired you to start your business?

My own wedding experience inspired me to start my business. My husband and I knew we didn’t want our wedding day to feel like a big production and we wanted to focus on our love and connection. We opted for the radical idea of eloping. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t your average Vegas/Elvis impersonator elopement, this was a day curated to what made us feel alive and brought us joy. Being adventurous at heart, we decided to climb a mountain at 3 am and share our handwritten vow on a mountain ridge as the sun rose. This experience starked an excitement and energy in me to help others kick obligation to the curb and have an intimate and unique wedding day experience.  

·       Where is your business based?

My business is located in the beautiful state of Colorado. We are blessed with such an abundance of diverse nature - snow-capped mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, sand dunes, canyons, wildflower meadows, hot springs, arches, and canyons. You could choose to say your vows on a mountain top, or go hiking all day to reach an alpine lake where privacy is cherished and the world feels all yours. 

·       How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

When I started my business, I tried to save money by doing everything myself. I wanted to learn every skill because I thought it would make me self-reliant and unstoppable. Instead, I felt lost AF. I read so many marketing books, listened to countless hours of podcasts, joined every Facebook group there was, and incorporated all of the advice they shared but I still felt like I'm grasping at straws. At the end of the day, I realized there wasn’t any ‘me’ in my business. I had ingested and regurgitated so much of everyone else that I lost sight of myself. I finally decided to invest in myself and reach out to the experts.

I had a 1-on-1 with an established photographer in my area and was given a lot of great starting points. From there, I joined multiple workshops that introduced me to all the technical aspects of starting my photography business (applying for a sales license, writing engaging copy on my website, purchasing the best gear, pricing my packages…) I built up my portfolio with styled shoots and took courses to learn how to create connection during shoots and capture raw emotions. I also hired a few coaches who help me find my why, fine tune my SEO, level up my marketing, and increase my sales. 

·       What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness for my business has been improving my SEO through keyword research and blogging. I still use paid advertisements through Google ads but I have seen a huge influx in viewers and clients through organic searches.

·       What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is fighting perfectionism. Like I mentioned before, I love learning new skills but struggle to implement them until I’ve perfected them. I spent the first year of my business in a state of analysis paralysis and didn’t want to share my work until it was absolutely right. Whenever I’m in these moments, I remind myself of these two things: done is better than perfect and there’s also no such thing as perfect! 

·       How do you stay focused?

I stay focused by creating daily tasks to complete. I have a laminated sheet and I check off each task as I complete them. There’s something about scratching out an item on a to-do list that makes me feel accomplished. I also hop on zoom calls with another photographer where we set goals and have check-ins with each other to make sure we are on task and talk through struggles we may be facing. I am also learning to give myself grace for the times when I don’t fully accomplish all my tasks.

·       How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

From the start of my business, I always knew I wanted to have an epic client experience. Not only do I work hard to help my couples design the elopement day of their dreams but I also help my couples deeply connect during their wedding day. It’s easy to feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of the camera and that’s the last thing I want my couples to feel on their wedding day. I help them slow down, express their love, and dream of their future.

·       What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Hands down, my most effective marketing strategy has been social media. Instagram and Tik Tok reels have grown in popularity and are a great way of sharing my work.  

·       What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don’t try to do it all. Reach out to the experts, outsource what you can to those who know what they’re doing, and focus your time and energy on what you enjoy.  

·       What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite books are anything by Bill Bryson. The way he weaves history, information, and humor in his travel stories inspire to me. It reminds me to not always take everything so seriously and to find the humor in life even when it’s hard. 

·       What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business tools are my amazing Sony cameras and lenses. I often say that me camera is a tool to help couples deepen their love and feel more connected. Without them, I couldn’t do my job. 

·       Who is your business role model? Why?

My business role models are those whole help make a positive change not only within their company but also outside. Because of this, I’ve been inspired to donate 5% of each of my elopement packages to local Colorado charities. 

·       How do you balance work and life?

Balancing work and life has always been a struggle for me. Whenever I’m focused it’s hard to step away from the computer. But I make a point to take time for my pups and my husband. We’ll go a long walks with the dogs or enjoy an evening out at dinner. 

·       What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is to get out of my office. I love taking day trips and doing something adventurous like snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, or off-roading. This is also a great way for me to check out new elopement locations for my couples.

·       What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am working on an elopement planning book that will be published in the next 6 months! If you’re wanting a non-traditional wedding but don’t know where to start, check it out!

·       How can our readers connect with you?

Website - https://capturedbymarcela.com/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/capturedbymarcela/ 

Tik Tok - @capturedbymarcela

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/capturedbymarcela