2020 is all about taking steps towards more sustainable weddings, but did you know that your efforts can start with your engagement ring? Choosing from conflict-free, lab-grown diamond engagement rings helps to reduce the impact on communities affected by diamond mining. This is where MiaDonna comes in! Founder and CEO Anna-Mieke Anderson became passionate about the cause and set out to make conflict-free engagement rings crafted from lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, as well as 100% recycled metals, accessible and affordable to couples. Purchasing your engagement ring from MiaDonna is an investment in rebuilding communities negatively affected by diamond mining, helping to create a more sustainable and socially-conscious diamond industry.
If you couldn’t tell, we’re huge fans of MiaDonna — and not just for their incredible mission! MiaDonna’s ethically-made engagement rings are also beautifully designed so you can find the perfect match for your style. Whether you’re looking for solitaire, three-stone, or stacking settings for modern or vintage style engagement rings, their selection of gorgeous lab-grown diamond engagement rings has something for everyone.
Ready to find out which lab-grown diamond engagement ring is right for you? Take our quiz to find out!
Modern elegance is totally your style, which is why MiaDonna's Katherine Accented Engagement Ring is perfect for you. The Pear Cut diamond silhouette is timelessly beautiful -- and happens to be trending for 2020. According to MiaDonna, this low profile design is great for active lifestyles, so you never have to worry about sacrificing style or chasing your next adventure!
You've got a creative soul and a romantic heart, both of which are beautifully represented by MiaDonna's Elodie Engagement Ring! Just like you, this ring has a little bit of everything: a Cushion Cut center stone, accented by a single recycled earth-mined diamond on either side, all set on a smooth metal shank. You can't be put into a box and your engagement ring should be just as versatile!
With an affinity for all things vintage, MiaDonna's Grace Vintage Engagement Ring is your perfect fit! The Grace Vintage Engagement Ring features a lab-grown Round Cut center stone accented by natural recycled diamonds. With Art Deco influence and unique flower design, this antique-inspired beauty makes a big style statement while remaining versatile for everyday wear.
Like MiaDonna's Isla Three Stone Engagement Ring, you are fashion-forward with a little edge and not afraid of bold style choices! This show-stopping engagement ring features a basket set Emerald Cut center stone with smaller Emerald or Baguette Cut stones on either side. We have a feeling you're going to take more than one #ringshot to show off this beauty for your 'gram!
Much like MiaDonna's Willow Engagement Ring, your style is characterized by a delicate minimalism. You've got an appreciation for the little joys and an eye for detail, which is why you'll love the Willow ring's delicate single bar style of setting and natural recycled diamond accents.
When it comes to the topic of whether or not to hire a second photographer for your wedding, there’s a lot of information out there. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for advice from expert photographers around the world. We’ve put together everything you need to know about hiring a second photographer—including what they do, when you should have one, and when you probably can save that investment to use somewhere else!
The role of a second photographer (from a lead photographer’s POV)
You may be wondering, “What does a second photographer even do?” And, trust us, that’s not a bad question!
The second photographer is there to assist your lead photographer. Their main role is to capture moments from a different perspective and provide photography coverage during moments when the lead photographer can’t be in two places at once. For example, if you and your partner are getting ready in different locations, your second photographer will capture moments at one while the lead is at the other. A second photographer might use a different lens, photograph a different angle, or help the lead by providing a second pair of eyes to pay attention to details.
There’s a lot of talk about second photographers in magazine articles, wedding Facebook groups (have you joined ours?!), and among friends who have had their own wedding experience. If you’ve been wondering what info to trust, we’re here to help! Here are few common misconceptions about hiring a second photographer:
You need a second photographer if your wedding is over a certain guest count. Why it’s false: Guest count typically does not mean you need another photographer there. Your photographer will be able to capture guests enjoying candidly and dancing at the reception regardless of how many of them there are. Timeline, multiple locations, and special ceremonial traditions are more important to consider than guest count.
You’ll get double the photos. Why it’s false: While the second photographer will be capturing alternate angles and moments that happen simultaneously to when the lead is shooting something else, it doesn’t mean there will be double the images. Your lead photographer will pick the best photos from the second’s work and deliver those.
They aren’t experienced. Why it’s false: Your lead photographer is hiring—and paying—the second photographer to fulfill their duties. Professional photographers are likely to only work with someone they highly trust with capturing moments in the same way they do.
“The number one misconception that couples probably have about second photographers is that you get double amount of photos when you hire a second photographer. You will get more photos for sure but in my experience, it’s about 10 – 20% more photos, not double.” — Henry Tieu
“I think that people can sometimes underestimate the benefits of second photographers. Having a second photographer means having a second pair of eyes that capture things that the couple and the main photographer may have not even noticed. Having a second photographer has less to do with the number of guests you are having and more about what you hope to have captured.” — The September Company
Here’s when you definitely should have a second photographer:
There are some instances where we—and our expert photographers—agree you should absolutely hire a second photographer. Some photographers even include one if their wedding packages if they feel most comfortable shooting with someone else there! Your lead photographer will also likely recommend hiring a second in your initial conversations about the flow of your day. If you are getting ready at separate locations, have a tight timeline, or will be including many traditional elements or activities into your day, you probably should have another person there to capture all of the moments that are important to you. It’s also customary for a lead photographer to hire a second to come with them if they are traveling for a destination wedding.
“If the bride and groom are getting ready at locations that is far apart from each other, they would need a second photographer. Or if the wedding requires a lot of ceremonies or activities and lasts longer than 01 day, they surely need one. A second photographer is a backup plan to support the main photographer when the main one suddenly needs to go to the bathroom, or having an unexpected illness or in need of more cameras operation.” — Hipster Wedding
There are many instances in which you might not need a second photographer. Bonus tip: If you allocated budget for a second photographer and realize you don’t need one, you can allocate that budget somewhere else! Here are a few scenarios in which you likely won’t need to hire a second photographer:
Your lead photographer, who you trust is an expert in their field, feels confident shooting solo
You are eloping or having an intimate wedding
Capturing moments happening at the same time is very important to you and it’s not possible for your lead photographer to be at both of them (i.e. cocktail hour happening at the same time as family and couple’s portraits)
“Just because you have a bigger wedding size doesn’t mean you need a second photographer. You should ask your wedding photographer what they are comfortable with photographing. Personalities, comfort levels, experiences, and equipment are some of the important factors when it comes to whether your photographer need to have someone there with them or not.” —Henry Tieu
“I don’t think you should make your decision about a second photographer based off Google-ing things you need to have included in your wedding package. I shoot alone for the majority of my weddings—and, most of the time, I prefer it that way! Unless the wedding day requires a second photographer because of a tight timeline or multiple locations, then I will discourage my clients from spending extra and adding that to their package. Ultimately, hiring a second photographer is completely determined by how your lead photographer works and how your day is set up.” — Madeline Shea
At the end of the day, trust your lead photographer. We hope you have full confidence in the photographer you’ve selected to trust with all of the important moments that will happen on your special day. Have an honest conversation with them about the need for a second photographer. If finances are a concern, there are creative ways save in other areas so you can put more toward your photography budget!
“Second shooters are cheap insurance in my opinion, for a small fee you get double the coverage and make sure all of the moments are covered.” – Nikk Nguyen
“Always talk to your main photographer and get their opinions on this. There’s a reason why you chose the photographer or photography team that you did, so trust them and talk to them about any hopes for your photographs. They’ll help lead you in the right direction on whether or not a second photographer might be best for you.” –The September Company
Aïda and Ismael’s edgy Tabernas Desert elopement is pure rock star goals! We’re totally obsessed with how this couple brought their personalities into the mix on their special day. On the morning of their elopement, Aïda and Ismael got ready together at a rustic-style building that used to be part of a western movie set. It was a perfect, moody space that gave off all those vintage rocker vibes! If you think their pre-ceremony location is cool, just wait until you see the vast desert where the couple shared their vows—and ceremonial vodka shots—under the golden Tabernas desert sun. We can’t imagine a more perfect photographer pair for this rockin’ duo than The Quirky, who was there to capture every laugh, tear, and badass detail!
The Couple:
Aïda & Ismael
The Wedding:
Tabernas Desert, Tabernas, Spain
We’re not a traditional style couple, so when it came to decide about the overall look, it was obvious we wanted something non-traditional. I’m not really into the white dress look, so when I saw the blush color wedding dress I immediately felt in love. A part of me is a bit romantic, so the flowers on it were the perfect touch. We wanted to find a place that was original, so when we heard about the western movie venue, we thought that it would be the perfect place to mix desert background with an original vintage twist.
We totally trust our wedding photographer to plan everything. We didn’t know exactly about the planning so they were very helpful to get the best shots at the best light.
We wanted to stay in Spain and just having a time together. This place, Fort Bravo, is a desert, so it looks totally different from Barcelona where we live in. It looks like we were far away for home and had a destination elopement.
The ceremony pictures are my favorites because they remind me how emotional it was. And also some portraits of me where I’m laughing and playing with my dress. It makes me feel beautiful.
We wrote our vows the morning and because we love to party together we ended the ceremony with a vodka shot to drink.
photo by Brittany Boote Photography
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