Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh and Michelle Beller. They share their story with us below.
FOR THE LOVE: HISTORY
Josh and Michelle met at a house party in Pacific Beach, San Diego in 1997. It was Michelle’s sister’s house to be exact and not only did she introduce them, but she made them photograph it as well. The irony of that situation is not lost on them as they keep it as the base of their relationship today.
By 2000 both Josh and Michelle had departed for higher education; Josh to Loyola Marymount to study TV & Film and Michelle to Brooks Institute of Photography to study commercial photography and portraiture. Over the years they stayed in touch through friends (Facebook did not exist yet!)
FOR THE BUSINESS: MI BELLE EST. 2005
Finally, in early 2005, Josh and Michelle were re-introduced yet again by Michelle’s sister. Only this time their intention was to start a photography company. In April of that year (Mi)chelle Ferry and Josh (Belle)r opened Mi Belle, Inc. which focused primarily on weddings. In their first year, they completed 80 events and were excited for more! They re-adjusted their business plan, brought on a few associates and headed out for more. Somewhere along the way their “business meetings” started to feel more like date night and eventually the two fell in love. No one thought this was a good idea, especially their lawyer. However, they have managed to prove them all wrong.
Josh and Michelle were married in 2009 in Los Angeles. Their first son, Weston, arrived exactly 9 months later. Their second son, Izzy, soon followed in March 2011.
FOR OUR FAMILY: THE COLLECTIVE
We consider our associates and co-workers to be our family. We spend countless hours with them driving to and from weddings, photographing weddings, talking about photography, and life in general. Our kids play together, we photograph each other, and we laugh together. We talk shop, but also lean on each other through life’s challenges, acting as support for one another when needed.
Maria is our longest tenured COLLECTIVE member. When not shooting her own MI BELLE wedding she shoots as a 2nd with Michelle or Josh. Our other featured COLLECTIVE members, Anna and Andrea, also shoot in either a lead or 2nd role. They
also help MI BELLE with blog posts, social media and color correction.
In addition to our core COLLECTIVE team, we have a close-knit bunch of photographers that we lean on and use to help us achieve success on each and every wedding we have the honor and pleasure to document.
We, collectively have a mad obsession with IN-N OUT burgers. If you need us in the hours before your wedding you will find us at the IN-N-OUT closest to your venue.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no, as with all small businesses, when it rains it pours. When it’s going well it’s amazing. When you hit bumps in the road, it presents challenges, but you just roll with it. Our particular business has so many elements that can cause issues, from computer/technical issues, to freelancers that work with us being unavailable at the last minute, to brides being “emotional” about the stress of weddings. Throw in the dynamic of working with your spouse and it’s amazing we still love what we do!
Mi Belle Photographers – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mi Belle Photographers specializes in capturing beautiful images. We love documenting weddings, family photos, babies, and all special life events. We are known for creative imagery, mixed with a journalistic style, while also blending in a sense of traditional, timeless imagery.
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, and making each and every client feel like they are the only ones in the world, especially on wedding days.
Another source of pride is being established since 2005 and still going strong. In a very competitive world it’s not easy to last and deliver consistently, year after year.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Being featured in national magazines and blogs. And longevity in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mibelleinc.com
- Phone: 818-706-1965
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: mibellephotographers
- Facebook: mibellephotography
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