Welcome back to the Shoot The Veil Podcast—created by wedding photographers, for wedding photographers. In this episode, Sam and Danny dive deep into one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) marketing strategies for building a thriving wedding photography business: serving and connecting with wedding planners.
Planners sit at the very top of the wedding vendor “food chain.” When they love working with you, referrals flow, opportunities open, and your business can transform overnight. But winning the trust of planners takes more than just showing up with a camera. It’s about service, generosity, and going above and beyond to make their lives easier.
You’ll hear stories of small but intentional moves—like offering headshots, creating reels for vendors, curating custom galleries, and collaborating on Instagram—that led to massive business growth. From being the “in-house” photographer at a planner’s studio to providing free marketing assets for DJs and florists, Sam and Danny break down how putting others first always pays back tenfold.
✨ Key takeaways for wedding photographers:
Why planners hold the keys to consistent referrals and how to position yourself as their go-to photographer.
Practical ways to serve planners: offering curated galleries, capturing behind-the-scenes content, creating timelines, and even shooting headshots on the wedding day.
How generosity with your images (instead of guarding them) builds trust and long-term value.
The importance of clear communication around timelines so you and planners are aligned, avoiding friction and stress for the couple.
Why treating all vendors with equal respect elevates your reputation across the industry.
📢 Calls to Action (CTAs) from the episode:
Download the Shoot The Veil App to access the full Wedding Planner & Designer Referrals Playbook. Use it as a step-by-step blueprint to grow your business with planners.
Print the playbooks or keep them on your desk as a checklist and guide for digital and relational marketing.
Curate and share a dedicated gallery for planners after every wedding—make it easy for them to use and share your work.
Collaborate with planners and vendors on Instagram—post reels, stories, and behind-the-scenes clips to cross-promote and stay visible to brides.
Offer free headshots or vendor photos as a way to serve planners and create sticky, long-term relationships.
Don’t wait—start applying these strategies today to see immediate growth and stronger referrals.
This conversation is a reminder that your network truly is your net worth. When you invest in relationships with planners, serve them selflessly, and give more than you expect in return, you’ll create a cycle of trust and opportunity that will fuel your photography business for years to come.
🎧 Listen now and discover how wedding planners can become the game-changing referral partners your business needs. Then head to the Shoot The Veil App to grab your free playbook and start putting these strategies into practice.
