Maureen De Vries for Precious Pics: Talking about Photography Art, Wedding Trends,Planning & Vendors
Maureen De Vries joined Precious Pics just as the pandemic started. She's since become our senior manager — still shooting, still chasing light, still pushing the creative team forward. She's featured on Fearless Photographers and World's Best Wedding Photos. This conversation covers her favorite inspiration, the mistakes that cost couples their best photos, and how to pick a shooter when your budget forces you to pick one.
Hi, I'm Maureen. I joined Precious Pics just when the pandemic started — so you could say in crazy times. When I'm not working, you'll find me taking photos, at a CrossFit class, or cuddled up with my dog (who I think is the cutest dog ever — but so does every dog owner).
What inspires you most in wedding photography?
Three things, usually:
- The couple. Each one is unique. It's about capturing who they actually are.
- The venue and surroundings. They set the visual rules before I pick up the camera.
- Other photographers. I study work I admire constantly.
There isn't one thing I can pin it down to. I enjoy how everything is linked.
Why Precious Pics?
Two real reasons I'd say to anyone shopping photographers.
First, when you book, you get a wedding consultant. I can't stress enough how useful this is. They'll be honest about your timeline — whether you need more time or have too much. Take the advice. They do this every day and there's a reason they share it. The worst thing that can happen on your wedding day is feeling stressed or rushed. It shows on your face, and then it shows in the photos.
Second, the backup team. I think the worst thing that can happen to a couple is their photographer canceling weeks before the wedding. It happens more than people expect — an accident, a pregnancy, a better deal somewhere else. If you have to find a replacement yourself, it adds stress, and the photographers you'd actually want are usually already booked. On top of that, it costs more last-minute.
What are the most common planning mistakes that affect the final product?
It's time. Almost always.
What trends should couples expect in the next few seasons?
Smaller, more intimate weddings have stuck around. Earthy colors are still trending, vintage design is coming back, and a natural feel is what couples want right now.
Nothing too over-edited. Nothing too heavy-handed with filters or color enhancement.
Romantic, intimate, and above all: candid. Nothing staged. That natural feel is the most important aspect couples are asking for.
Where should couples find inspiration?
A lot of things set the tone:
- Your dress style
- Your color palette
- Your choice of flowers
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration because it's easy to pin and refer back to. Maureen's Inspiration Pinterest Board is here if you want to browse. Bridal magazines are fine, but 9 times out of 10 you're looking at models and staged shoots — not real weddings. And it's important to be real.
When you look at a reference image, ask yourself three things:
- Is this similar to my venue?
- Does this go with my color palette?
- Does this portray me?
How should couples pick an editing style?
Some reference is great. But you're booking a photographer because of what they show in their portfolio — not what you show them on a mood board.
You wouldn't book someone who shoots dark and moody if you want bright and airy, and vice versa. The best reference you can give is the portfolio of the photographer you want.
How do you set up good communication with photo/video vendors?
I like to know the couple's story.
- How long have you been together?
- How did you meet?
- What was the proposal like?
- What's your favorite thing to do on a day off?
- What do you love about your partner?
Photos and videos tell a story. It's not just documenting what happens on the day. While you talk about who you are as individuals and as a couple, you'll probably find something you have in common with your photographer. That's where the magic happens — it's easier to feel comfortable around someone when you have a point of connection.
You should also cover the day itself: timeline, hopes, expectations. But don't skip the human side.
How do you feel comfortable in front of a shooter you just met?
Hop on a call before the wedding. A quick Zoom so you can see each other and get a feel for each other — it's the best thing you'll do.
Some moment during getting ready or the photo session might trigger something you talked about on the call. It makes it easy to pick up a conversation again, and it feels like your shooter was meant to be there. You don't want to be strangers on the wedding day.
Guidance vs. silent documenting?
Every shooter should give guidance to a certain extent. What we see through the lens can only be seen by us. So we'll move to get the right angle, and give small direction:
Relax your shoulders. Chin up a little. Say something silly for a real laugh.
Even the "natural" shots have light guidance — it's how you get the best outcome. But there are moments where the shooter should blend in: ceremony, speeches, first dances. That's when to disappear.
How do you get the best deals on a limited budget?
Prioritize.
Let's say you want both photo and video but your budget isn't quite there. You have two options:
- Grow the budget (not always easy)
- Prioritize one over the other
In 10 years, you won't have your flowers, your decor, or your venue. You'll have the photos and the video. Build the budget around what you'll actually keep.
If it were your wedding, how would you plan it?
Venue first. It sets the mood, gives you a date, and lets you pin down every other vendor from there.
Then the dress — some take a long time to arrive, and alterations take time. Then invitations. Then photo and video.
I'm organized. I'd have a checklist, a spreadsheet with every vendor and every price, and everything locked in well in advance. I hate last-minute stress. If you're the same, build in that runway.
Want to know if Maureen is available for your date? Get in touch.
