ASSOCIATES ANSWERS

Dear [Couple’s Names],

Thank you so much for reaching out to us and for considering us to document such a meaningful chapter of your story. It truly means a lot to be thought of for a day as special as your wedding.

Unfortunately, after carefully reviewing our calendar, we realized that we are already committed on your wedding date and won’t be able to personally be there with you. We never take these messages lightly, because we know how important it is to find the right team to trust with your memories.

That said, we would never want to leave you without wonderful options.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of building close relationships with an incredible community of photographers—artists we genuinely admire and trust with all our hearts. We’ve personally curated a small circle of associates whose work, professionalism, and care for their couples reflect the same values we hold in our own studio.

We’ve already been in touch with a few of them regarding your date, and we are delighted to introduce them to you. Each of these photographers is exceptionally talented, brings a unique artistic style, and has many years of experience capturing weddings with elegance and sensitivity.

Most importantly, they are not only extraordinary professionals, but also dear friends whose dedication to their couples is something we deeply respect. We feel completely confident that any of them would take beautiful care of your day and create images you will treasure for a lifetime.

You’ll find their names and contact details below, and we warmly encourage you to reach out to them directly to check availability and see whose vision resonates most with you.

[Associate Photographer Name]
[Website / Instagram]
[Email]

[Associate Photographer Name]
[Website / Instagram]
[Email]

[Associate Photographer Name]
[Website / Instagram]
[Email]

Your wedding deserves to be documented with artistry, heart, and intention, and we truly believe you’ll be in wonderful hands with any of these photographers.

Thank you again for thinking of us—it genuinely means the world. We’re wishing you the most beautiful celebration and an unforgettable wedding day filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments.

Warmest wishes,
[Your Name]
[Studio Name]

M

SECOND EMAIL

Hi |NAME|,

We hope you’re both doing well

We just wanted to follow up, as we haven’t heard from you in a little while. Your date is still reserved on a pending basis, and we’re currently reviewing the dates we have on hold to ensure we’re honoring each couple’s plans before opening them to someone else.

We truly loved the way you described your vision for your day and could genuinely picture how beautifully it would translate through our lens, which is why we were so excited about the possibility of working together.

When we shared our proposal, it was meant not only to outline the investment but to give you a glimpse into our artistic intention and the experience we carefully create. We hope it brought clarity and inspiration as you explore your options.

We’d simply love to know where you are in your decision process. Is there anything we can clarify? If it feels easier, we’re always happy to schedule a quick call to talk things through.

Here is a link to explain to you why you perhaps contacted us in the first place:
https://www.ericrenepenoy.com/second-email-wedding-and-elopement

If the investment isn’t fully aligning, please know we completely understand. We’ve built a trusted associate program with photographers we genuinely believe in and would be happy to recommend someone who may be a better fit for your budget and vision.

If your plans have shifted or you’ve chosen another direction, a short note would truly help us manage our calendar thoughtfully. If we don’t hear back by [DATE], we’ll gently release the date to another couple who may be waiting.

Looking forward to hearing from you either way

Warmly,
Eric Rene and Maria Penoy
Photographers and Videographers at SOUL MIND HEART LDA.

NEGATIVE ANSWER

Hi [Names],

Thank you so much for letting us know, and truly, for considering us to be part of something so meaningful in your lives. We never take that lightly.

We have to say, we were genuinely a little disappointed — especially because we kept thinking about [their venue / a detail they shared / the feel of their day], and how beautifully that could have translated into something really natural and meaningful for you both. We felt a real connection to what you’re planning, and could clearly see how we would have approached your day in a way that felt completely true to you.

That said, we completely respect your decision. We know how personal this choice is, and how important it is that you feel entirely comfortable, understood, and excited about whoever you choose to document your wedding.

If you’re open to sharing, we would really value a little insight into what helped you make your final decision — whether it came down to style, connection, budget, or something else. It’s something we’re always reflecting on as we continue to refine the experience we offer, but of course, there’s absolutely no pressure at all.

It really was a pleasure getting to know you both, even briefly, and we’re so grateful to have been considered. We’re wishing you the most incredible wedding day — one that feels effortless, joyful, and completely yours.

If anything changes at any point, or if you’d ever like to reconnect, we’d always be happy to hear from you. And equally, if you need any advice along the way — timelines, planning, or anything photography-related — our door is always open.

Warmest wishes,
[Your Name / Studio Name]