Samantha Purea Photography magazine Issue 1

Weddings 2017
ISSUE 1 FREE
WEDDINGS
SAMANTHA PUREA PHOTOGRAPHY
LET MY LENS TELL YOUR LOVE STORY
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
About Your Photographer
NEED HELP PLANNING?
Recommended
Vendors
Voted Top Ten
Wedding
Photographers in
“SHE SAID YES”
FROM “YES” TO “I DO” - AND WHY SAMANTHA PUREA PHOTOGRAPHY

The next chapter of your love story

Interview by Amanda Hunter
WHO IS
SAMANTHA PUREA
When it comes to choosing a photographer, you want to
make sure to select someone that fits your needs, style
and personality. We sat down with Samantha purea to
find out more about her and her photography.
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting
Samantha Purea in an online photography
forum. Since that time, Samantha and I have
become close friends and colleagues. I sat back
and watched over the years, as Samantha found
her true passion in Wedding Photography. I have
seen her love of photography shine through
every image that she creates.
So when she mentioned to me that she was
trying to create a new avenue to connect with
her clients, I wanted to sit down with her and
ask her a few questions about her & her
Wedding Photography. As we sat and talked, her
love of capturing images for her clients was even
more apparent.
Hi Samantha! How are you?
Samantha - I am great, Thank you! I am so excited to be
here with you.
I am excited too. I wanted to ask you a few questions so that
future clients can get to know you and your business a little
better. Would that be ok?
Samantha - Of course!
Great! Let's get started.
First question... When it comes to a wedding,
Brides and Grooms always want to have the best
photos possible, and want to know that their
photographer knows what he/she is doing. So,
how long have you been a wedding
photographer?
How many weddings have you photographed
since starting in the wedding photography
industry?
Samantha - OH Hmmm lets see... 15 full weddings so far
in my first full season in weddings with another 17 on the
books for this year! WOW I just realized that is going to be a
great wedding season!
Wow! That's an amazing year!
Samantha - Yes. I'm very excited to have so many
amazing weddings to photograph already this year. And, I am
happy to say, I also have inquiries for next year as well.
Ok. Every photographer has their own style. if
you could use 3 words to describe your
photography style, what would it be?
Samantha - I try and describe my style in three words
Romantic, Fun, & Modern.
I can definitely see those words in your images.
And it's always nice to know that Brides and
Grooms can expect to not only have romantic
photos, but they will also have fun.
Do you have a portfolio of recent weddings that
you have photographed?
Samantha - I have several weddings where the galleries
are available to review. Stahre wedding & Hanna wedding just
to name two.
I took a little peek at the Stahre wedding album.
Gorgeous work!!
Samantha - As a wedding photographer, I am only going
into my second full season, but I started photography as a
hobby in 2007. Everything I have done up until this point has
been self-taught.

What do you think makes your
work distinct?
Samantha - I think, it is how I
connect with my clients. I try to take
time to get to know each one. Learn
what makes them smile, or reach for
their partner and pull them in just a
bit tighter. By doing this, I get
natural connections that truly is
THEM!
Natural connections are so
important! And having that
connection with your Brides and
Grooms is so nice to have. Must
make your job fun.
Samantha - Oh definitely! I love
each and every one of the couples I
have had the pleasure of
photographing!
How do you make sure that all
special moments are captured?
Samantha - Oh I am a CANON
girl. My first camera was an
Olympus, and honestly I loved that
camera, but didn't have a CLUE how
to use it. I then got a Canon T3i from
winning an amateur photo contest.
From there I went to the school of
Youtube and Google to learn
everything I could. I just recently
upgraded to my Canon 6D (full
frame) and OMG I LOVE IT!!! I still
have my other camera as Back up if
needed.
That's always good to know. Extra
equipment is always important to
have on hand.
Samantha - Yes! You never know
when something could be needed so
I make sure to bring everything with
me.
Samantha - I work with each
couple, from the time they call me, to
their wedding day - We go over what
is important to them, from key
moments to the people their to
celebrate with them.
What have you learned over the
last year to make the
photography experience better?
Samantha - OH wow, well there
are quite a few things I have
learned, but there just isn't enough
time to explain it all. The biggest
thing I can say is..... TO BREATHE
and to take my time. In the past I
was a " hurry up and shoot it all"
kind of girl. Mostly because I was
in fear of missing a moment. I've
learned to let the moments happen
and I won't miss them.
Great advice! I am so glad that
you "just breathe", because it
really shows in the images that
you are able to capture.
What kind of equipment do you
use, and do you have backup
equipment?
“The biggest thing I can say is..... TO
BREATHE”

Have you won any awards for your
work or recognition that makes you
stand out in the photography
industry?
Samantha - Oh Boy! Well, yes I Just
recently received the 2017 Wedding
Wire Couple's Choice award. I also
recently came in 6th in the 2016
Cleveland Hot List in Wedding
Photography. I've received a few
publications in INSPIRE Digital or Not -
Fine Art Photography Magazine, Snap
Society, Top 30% in Newborn
Photography on Shoot-n-Share,
Viewbug, GuruShots, and a few others.
Wow! You've done really great over
the course of your Wedding
Photography career so far!
Congratulations!
Since weddings can be hectic and
require multiple photos in different
areas at the same time, do you have
other photographers that help you
cover larger weddings to ensure all
moments are captured?
Samantha - I Have a team of
photographers I work with. They know
me and my style and are capable to
match it.
What type of experience can a
bride and groom expect to get with
you as their wedding photographer?
Samantha - Personalization!! I
don't do cookie cutter. When a bride
asks me to duplicate an image she
found on Pinterest... I find inspiration
in the image, but I will not duplicate it.
MY COUPLES are their own person
and cannot be duplicated, why
duplicate someone else?! I want them
to look back on the images I give them
and see themselves, not a Pinterest
board.
Do you feel confident with your
photography skills in most weddingphotography
situations? (low
lighting, bad weather, upset wedding
party, crying children, etc)
Samantha- I won't say it doesn't
get stressful, because I would be lying!
I will say, I've shot a wedding in 7
degree weather, I have had the
children crying, I've had the wedding
party that partied too hard, but in the
end the Bride & Groom remembered
their day with smiles, joy & laughter.
Wow! You've had a wide assortment
of situations to work through it
Thank you so much, Samantha
Purea, for taking the time to sit
down with me and answer a few
questions. I can't wait to see
what the future has in store for
you!
Interview by - Amanda Hunter

VENDORS
Choosing your vendors can be hard…
Here are some of Our Favorites
FROM PLANNING TO DJ’S, WE HAVE SOME AMAZING
VENDORS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
Apparel
Bill Blystone / American Commodore Tuxedo
The Shoppes at Parma 7867 W. Ridgewood Drive Parma, OH,
44129 (440) 845-2889 parmatown@actux.com
Kim Zanke / Consider the Dress 5900 Ridge Road, Parma
Ohio 44129 - (216) 926-2897 www.considerthedress.net
Planning
Kim Zanke / Consider it Done Events 5900 Ridge Road, Parma,
Ohio - (216) 926-2897
Meredith Masaveg / Rain Wedding Planning 6970 Callow Rd,
Painsville, Ohio 44077 - (440) 231-4095
Lindsey Kernya / Heart to Home Events - (440) 731-5744
Flowers & Design
Cherie Meadows - Smith / Amour Events & Design - 5636
Ridge Rd, Parma Ohio 44129 - (216) 577-3386
www.amourneo.com
Make-up
Stephanie Walkiewicz - Makeup Artist
www.stephaniewakiewicz.com
Marta Motter/ Lilli B. Airbrush Artistry (216) 534-3859
Dj/ Emcee & Officiants
Nick Duve / Rock The House Entertainment 7809 1st Place,
Cleveland, Ohio 44146 (440) 232-7625 www.rthgroup.com
Joanna & Austin Squires Castle - Engagement Photos
Wedding June 11, 2017
Steve Fiederer / Stu-dio Entertainment Painsville Ohio 44077 -
(440) 487-7837 www.stu-dioentertainment.com
Marcus Smith / Innovative Blends Entertainment 8280 Fairfax
Dr. Mentor Ohio 44060 (440) 342-0771 www.innovativedjs.net
Bill Allen - Wedding Officiant (Emcee/DJ Services available) PO
Box 42116 Middleburg Hts, Ohio 44130 - (216) 212-0165
Katrice Jones / Officiant & Planner (216) 287-3422
katrice219@hotmail.com
Custom Items
Destiny Mollard / Designs By Destiny Customs Signs & More
(440) 669-8935

5

You are Engaged,
What Next?
- Meredith Masaveg / Rain Wedding Planning
There is so much information literally thrown at engaged couples that they don’t know how to separate
the information they receive at countless bridal shows, in magazines, on websites, along with family and
friends buzzing in their ears on what they should be doing, and how they should be doing it. First and
foremost we want you to remember that this day is about you as a couple, YOUR WEDDING, YOUR WAY!
We truly believe that an educated bride is a happy bride. It’s okay not to know all the answers, and to
have questions, lots of questions. So, we have put together this guide to educate you on the most common
MYTHS, MISTAKES AND QUESTIONS associated with planning a wedding; along with helpful and easy to
use worksheets to keep you sane during your planning process.
Let’s dive into what you should first do when planning
your wedding; if you have not done this yet, there is NO wrong
time to do this essential step in your planning process.
…You’re Wedding Budget
A wedding budget is absolutely essential to planning your wedding.
Here we offer a practical step-by-step guide to help keep things
sailing smoothly toward your big day. Setting a wedding budget
is the best way to manage spending as you plan your wedding.
Use our Budget Breakdown sheet to help guide you in where
you should be spending your money, and where you can find
wiggle room to get the things you’re REALLY want
Step 3: Verify if others plan to
contribute to your wedding expenses
Families of the bride and groom will often offer to pay for some
—if not all—of the wedding expenses. If you’re uncomfortable
asking your parents for cash, how about requesting them to
purchase certain items like the wedding cake, or let them pick
up the tab for the rehearsal dinner? Whether your family pays
a portion of your wedding costs or foots the entire bill, having
others contribute to your wedding budget will certainly relieve
the stress of limited cash flow.
Step 1: Take a Realistic Look at Your
Finances
If you and your fiancé are handling to the bulk of the wedding
costs, figure up how you can each comfortably contribute to
the budget without going into the red (starting a marriage in
debt is not a wise decision!). Money is a touchy subject, and
being honest and upfront about how much you have to spend
on your wedding will not only eliminate confusion, it will also
lay the foundation for how to resolve money issues once you’re
married.
Step 2: Be selective with the guest list
An important step in setting your wedding budget is to
determine how many people you will want to invite to your
ceremony and reception. The guest list dictates the amount of
space you’ll need to accommodate your well-wishers, the
quantity of food caterers must prepare for the reception meal,
and other key budgetary considerations. Besides, it’s a nobrainer
that the less people you invite, the less you’ll need to
spend!
Continues on Page 10

Destiny said...
“Samantha has an amazing talent; she captures
all the moments you want to cherish on your
wedding day. She captures all the moments
you never want to forget. Most people are
very formal and have no fun with taking the
photos and getting those candid shots that
mean the most; she gets all those and more. I
cannot say enough positive things about her
and her work. She's fun, positive and very
energetic. I highly recommend Samantha.”
REVIEWS
“a fun and memorable
experience…”
Michelle said...
“I am not a very confident person and
Samantha made sure to take every step in
making me feel like I was the most beautiful
bride that she had ever worked with. My
wedding day was everything I had dreamed of
and I can't wait to see all of the pictures that I
will have to remind me of that day! I will
definitely use Samantha's services again and
highly recommend her to anyone in need of a
photographer, great pictures and lastly a fun
and memorable experience!”
Monica said...
“I absolutely love Samantha , she is so great to work
with such a positive attitude. I can't say enough good
things about her . Great energy Her photos are fabulous
highly recommend her …"
“5 stars across the board”
Michael said...
“My wife and I used Samantha and her team
to photograph our wedding in September of
2016. The pair of them were absolutely
perfect and the pictures turned out beautiful.
She did an amazing job keeping us on track
and was captured every photo that we had
asked for and then some! After the wedding,
Samantha immediately began sending us teaser
pictures while she finished editing the full
album- which was sent to us swiftly. It was
great seeing how the pictures were coming
along during the entire process. I can't
recommend using Samantha Purea
Photography enough. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR EXCELLENT WORK!!!!”

Step 4: Open a separate "wedding" account
to track spending
Once you’ve pulled your wedding funds together, you’ll want
to place them into a bank account solely devoted to paying
wedding expenses. This way you won’t mix everyday money
with your specially allocated funds.
Step 5: Determine where you want to spend
the most/least
Some wedding centered items and services automatically
come with a hefty price tag. Point blank. Period. But
knowing where to shell out the big bucks and where to cut
costs can make all the difference in your planning. Create a
list of wedding services that you don’t mind spending more
money on, and those that you’ll be fine with scaling back
from. For example, you might want to hire a pricey, but
renowned wedding photographer to snap every moment of
your wedding day, but opt for a beer and wine only reception
instead of an open bar. No matter where you choose to save
or spend, it should be something you can both agree on.
Step 6: Pick a financially-feasible date
Certain times of year are more expensive for having a
wedding. Holidays generate the most money in the wedding
industry (Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving and Christmas/
New Year’s). Vendors are also in higher demand, so expect
an up-charge in services if you’re setting a date around these
times. However, if you’re able to show flexibility with your
wedding date, you’ll find some great deals. And never be
afraid to negotiate—many wedding vendors are willing to
work around your budget.
Step 7: Resist the urge to splurge
It’s easy to get swept up in all thing opulent when dreaming
of your wedding day. You want everything to be perfect, but
not at the expense of a small fortune. As Step 5 states while
it is OK to pay a little more for big ticket items, you should
still remember to impart good judgment with your spending.
Remember to shop smarter when selecting items for your
wedding; you’ll soon find that most everything under the sun
has a less expensive counterpart.
- Meredith Masaveg / Rain Wedding
Planning

Make-up - Stephanie Walkiewicz
Taylor Lin - Model 7

WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM SAMANTHA
PUREA
PHOTOGRAPHY
“SAMANTHA PUREA PHOTOGRAPHY
WILL BE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF
THE WAY.”
Congratulations on your engagement!! You have set your budget
and have began your search for vendors, which lead you here. I
have to say I am quite glad you are here.
I found my passion in wedding photography a couple years ago
when dear friends asked me to photograph their wedding, I was
quite reluctant and full of fears of messing up. However, once I
got there, grabbed my camera , I found my rhythm. I LOVED
every second of it. By the time the end of their short wedding
came, I had my epiphany, I knew at that moment that weddings
were where I needed & wanted to be.
I know you are asking " Why would she share this" or " what is
the point of this". Well I what you to know that I am right where
I am supposed to be. You see, I feel as that the Wedding for the
Wards was my wake up call. I found things about myself and
where I needed to be. Since that wedding I have gone on to learn
and grow quite quickly. I have built a reputation with brides and
grooms, peers & colleagues, and received a few recognitions and
awards.
From the time we meet until your first anniversary, I am there. I
work with you to ensure that you have not only a friend but a
vendor your can count on. Let me explain ....
OUR FIST MEETING
When you call to schedule our first meeting, we will get to know
each other a little bit on the phone. I will send you a few sample
galleries for you and your fiancé to look over. When we actually
meet in person I will find out about you two by asking about
how you first met, how he or she proposed, what do you envision
for your wedding. Just to give you an idea.
From there I will ask you which images from the galleries you
were drawn to. This will give me an idea of what is important to
you... i.e. The details, the guests, the emotions, etc. Knowing this
information allows me to focus and customize your images to
completely capture your day for you.
We will also go over packages, options & pricing. Once your
package is chosen and required deposit is made, we can then
schedule your engagement session,
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Your engagement session is scheduled, we've spoken about the
concept, locations & outfits. You are both so excited but
concerned because one of you hates getting their photos taken.
NOT TO WORRY. Once you arrive we will talk for a few
minutes, and maybe pose you in a few silly ways to break the ice.

WHAT GIRL DOESN’T
LOVE A PAIR OF
JIMMY CHOO
SHOES?
OUR TEAM WORKS HARD
ENOUGH SO YOU CAN
LOOK BACK ON YOUR DAY
AND REMEMBER IT IN
DETAIL.
Rhianna’s Details
WE WORK
WITH ALL
YOUR
VENDORS TO
CAPTURE
EVERY DETAIL
OF YOUR DAY.
Janie Hanna 9/3/16
9

Stahre Wedding
Location : Saint Noels Church- Mentor
Date : September 30, 2016

NATURAL LAUGHS AND EMOTIONS CREATE
THE BEST IMAGES.
I love to get you both laughing and just relaxed,
maybe have your fiancée whisper a joke in your ear,
while you are looking at me, or have you try to tickle
your fiancé. There are so many things to do but the
images will be you. Your engagement session is a way
for us to work together and work out the
awkwardness before your big day. I will learn what
you are comfortable with and what triggers your
emotions.
In a couple of short weeks you will receive your
engagement gallery to share with your friends and
family. This is usually where the excitement kicks in
for my couples. Time to pick your save the date image, and begin
narrowing down guest lists. It can really get real at this point.
TIMELINE & PHOTO LIST
Wow time is flying by! At about 3 months out I will send you
information about creating a timeline of your day. This is usually
coordinated with your planner ( if you have one ), your DJ,
Venue(s) & photographer. We all work together to ensure your
day is followed to every detail and nothing is skipped or missed.
Example -
9am Bride & bridal party arrive at salon
11am Bridal party returns to hotel to dress
12pm Groom Prepares for first look in courtyard
1pm Ceremony begins
2pm Family photos in church
3pm Off site photos with entire bridal party
4pm Cocktail hour begins
5pm Grand entrance
515pm Cake cutting
This is something that will be more detailed as you finalize your
day and the events, but this gives you an idea.
“I am not a very confident
person and Samantha made sure
to take every step in making me
feel like I was the most beautiful
bride that she had"
- Michelle Carson
us will step away to go meet up with your fiancée to grab similar
details of them.
From getting dressed, to the details of your flowers & jewelry, I
will ensure that you will be able to look back and remember it all
while also seeing things you didn't know happened.
While your ceremony happens, we will not only be detailing you
and your fiancée saying your vows, but will also capture the
reactions and emotions of your guests and witnesses. After your
ceremony, we will begin to photograph your family formals as
your list showed.
Load the bus (if you have one) it is time for offsite photos! This is
where you get time to celebrate with just your bridal party as we
have some fun with photos. From traditional photos to silly, we
have you covered. However, at one point I will ask your party to
go back to the bus or inside while I keep you and your new
Husband / Wife for some special photos. These will be just your
beautiful portraits to look back on your day.
IT IS ALMOST TIME TO PARTY
Back to the reception, the DJ is rocking your friends and family
while cocktail hour is winding down, your bridal party is getting
ready for the grand entrance.... AND HERE WE GO.
Cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son
dance, bouquet toss, garter toss (or any special traditions you
wish to include) & just your guest having fun celebrating your new
chapter. All will be part of your gallery that you will receive is
6-12 weeks (varies depending on peak season). But you won't be
with out photos the whole time. I love sticking up teasers on my
social media for you to share.
Let's not forget your Family photos... I will ask you for a list of
must have images with family members for immediately after the
ceremony. This usually includes, Moms, Dads, any Step-Parents,
siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc. It is your family and your day,
this list is solely up to you two.
We will go over these lists a couple of times before your wedding
to ensure all parties are up to date!
THE DAY OF YOUR WEDDING
We will arrive onsite at the designated time, working to capture
details of you and your party getting ready. At one point one of
ONE YEAR
It is your anniversary and wow a year has gone by. You mail
comes and it is a card from me. Just wanting to wish you HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY! I love to follow up with my couples to see how
they are and what is next.
My couples become friends to me, and I love to keep up with you
and see how your marriage is growing. I do my best to build
personal connections & lasting friendships. My couples, like you,
are not just clients but life long friends.
So let's Start telling your love story with my lens.

WALK THROUGH OF YOUR BIG DAY
HERE COMES THE BRIDE
FROM START TO FINISH - WHAT TO EXPECT

WE DON’T FORGET
THE GROOM
Greg Stahre - Sept 30, 2016
HE AND HIS
GROOMSMEN ARE
JUST AS IMPORTANT
AND WE ENSURE
THOSE DETAILS ARE
PART OF YOUR
GALLERY
WHEN DID THAT
HAPPEN?
WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR
GALLERY YOU WILL BE
SURPRISED BY THE
MOMENTS WE CAPTURED
THAT YOU HAD NO IDEA
HAPPENED.
13

14
Krista & Greg Stahre
DJ Service - Stu-Dio Entertaiment

Just
Married
15

Let My Lens Tell Your
Love Story
Samantha Purea Photography
4602 Wood Ave, Parma, Ohio, 44134
T : 216-323-0298
srpphoto2011@gmail.com
www.samanthapureaphotography.com