Welcome, friends, to a new series of blogs featuring wedding vendors from the Pacific Northwest. These vendors are part of our circle of dear friends and community members that make the PNW wedding scene so unique and fun. The first person we want to introduce you to is Taylor Ochoa of TM Inspired. She is lovely human who takes gorgeous elopement and wedding photographs. Learn more about her below!

What is your name and your pronouns?

Taylor Ochoa. She/her/hers

What are your favorite types of weddings or elopements to shoot?

Elopements and weddings where the couple integrates their relationship into their wedding day. Where it feels personal, unique, and away from tradition. I absolutely love traditional weddings as well, as long as it feels true to the couple. Without pressure of impressing family or friends. Wedding celebrations for couples that trust me as the witness to help tell their love story.

If someone walked away with one impression of your business, what would you want it to be?

That every love story can be seen as a fairy tale. That couples can feel fully seen, heard, and loved in everyday moments. When they view my work, I'd hope that they would see thoughtful documentation of precious moments and memories. Ones that make you remember. Ones that feel like you can step back into in an instant moment. Simple, romantic, and real.

What is one of the things you could live without in your job?

Pinterest, haha. It's great for inspiration and a general idea of a vibe. But most wedding inspo [that's] found isn't from real weddings. Most of it is filled with unrealistic expectations we put on the wedding industry. I recommend couples to use it as a tool, but to stop there. Reminding couples that your celebration [should] be wildly you.

What's your favorite thing that other vendors do?

Cheer each other on. We all understand the level of chaos we've all had to deal with since the start of 2020. There's nothing quite like connecting with the community who fully understands what you've been personally navigating. It's also inspiring to see how others choose to pivot their business as needed, and watching them really come into their own. Especially in an industry that can feel over-saturated, it's really nice to be seen and heard and supported.

Describe your style.

My style of photography is warm and cozy with a touch of magic. I joyfully serve couples who choose commitment and love. Celebrating love is what I do best.

What do you like to do that ISN'T wedding industry related?

I am a huge animal lover and am a total dog person. Growing up I was always a crafter. I would start projects and make creations that sparked joy. When I started photography in high school, that was my craft. I love to create and tell stories and push myself out of my comfort zone through photography. Last year I reached a point of burnout when I ultimately realized the only thing providing self care for me was my job being a full time wedding photographer. I honestly didn't know what self care was or how to separate the pressure I'd put on myself to create for work vs. letting myself create just for me. So recently, I've taken up crafting again. I've been painting figurines, I've been doodling, and allowing myself to create even if it's "not good." My husband and I bought a house last year and making our house a home has been really rewarding. I've also been teaching myself to garden and I love to cook.

What is the BEST part of your job?

Being the sole witness to some really key moments and milestones in a persons life. Being the one to help carve out time to not only allow them to sink into a moment,  but to document that moment so they can cherish it for generations to come. I also really love photographing weddings alongside of my husband, Nathan. Whether we're telling a story via photo, video, or both, it's really nice spending my days by his side and working as a team.

— Taylor, TM Inspired