Tis the Season!
There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into these shows. I’ve been creating new brochures, updating my wedding collections, and deciding on a special discount to offer couples who stop by my booth. I'm always striving for my booth to reflect who I am: romantic, bold, inviting and a little playful.
And while it’s my name on the banner, it’s truly a team effort that makes these shows possible. My kids help in all the little ways that count, from sorting materials to offering up their opinions (and sometimes snacks). My parents step in to help watch the kids during show weekends, and my dad helping build elements of my booth in the past. My husband Carlos, who is also my second photographer, has always been hands-on too. Whether he’s lifting, fixing, spray painting or giving me the “yes, that actually looks good” nod when I’m second-guessing a design. Everyone truly helps bring my ideas to life for me.
Carlos has been at many shows with me before, but this year is extra special because it’s our first wedding expo as husband and wife. We just got married in May! He’s calm and steady when the nerves kick in, charming with couples, and totally goofy with me, which makes the long days a whole lot more fun. I love that couples get to meet us as a real-life team, because that’s what we are both behind the camera and in real life.
I need to take more behind the scenes pictures, but I get so busy I tend to forget. But the snapshots I do have I love sharing because it gives more of a glimpse into my world. From setups, early mornings, last minute runs to walmart to all the beautifully chaotic moments in between. My booth is ever changing and constantly evolving with new ideas. It usually starts with me saying, “I’m thinking of switching it up,” and suddenly we’re rearranging everything and building something new. It’s creative chaos, and I honestly love every minute of it.
One of the highlights of show season is our vendor celebration night. Every year, the local wedding community gets together for an evening of recognition and connection. I’ve been so humbly nominated in both the wedding and boudoir photography categories each year that I have been with Metropolitan Weddings. But more than the awards that I have had the true honor of receiving, I just love the chance to dress up (this girl loves a reason to wear a gown or cocktail dress) and spend an evening with fellow creatives who pour their hearts into this work. We do it because we love our couples. And that night is a reminder of the passion and connection behind it all.
It’s a lot of work, a lot of planning, and a lot of passion. But when those doors open and the room fills with couples dreaming big? It’s all worth it. I feel honored to be part of those first conversations, the vision casting, and the big excited smiles from the newly engaged. So if you're planning your wedding, or just curious to see what the local scene has to offer, stop by and say hi. Let’s talk about your story, your vision, and how we can create something beautiful together.
See you soon,
💛 Candy
Candy B Photography
Here’s where you can find us:
📍 Springfield Wedding Expo
🗓️ Saturday, August 3rd | ⏰ 10am–3pm
📌 Springfield Expo Center, Springfield, MO
📍 Joplin Wedding Expo
🗓️ Saturday, August 24th | ⏰ 11am–2pm
📌 Joplin Expo, Joplin, MO
Tickets can be found at the Metropolitan Wedding website