The Splendid Five asks the same five questions of a different wedding or creative professional each Friday.
This week we're meeting Lindsay Orr, co-founder of Paperweight Films, a wedding cinematography studio that celebrates laid-back luxury: authentic, easygoing, exceptional experiences.
Name: Lindsay Orr
Company Name: Paperweight Films
Wedding Industry Segment: Cinematography
Years in Industry: 7
Location: Northern California
Website: paperweightfilms.com
Instagram: @paperweightfilms
Hope and Manu’s wedding at the Rainbow Room in New York, New York.
1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?
My husband and co-founder, David, had an extensive background in film, and began freelancing for a wedding cinematography company in NYC after we got married. I was looking to transition out of a career in dance, and after collaborating a few times, we realized that we worked really well together. Like most couples post-wedding, we were so moved and passionate about how irreplaceable our wedding day memories were. We knew we could document them in our own way that we didn't see much of the time. We decided to start our own business, moved out to California, and haven't looked back!
Candice and Matt’s wedding at Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, California.
2. How has the industry changed since you started?
In general, the role of social media in business has completely changed. For me, being able to communicate with other wedding professionals and make a community on social media is beyond what I thought possible when we started. In the wedding videography arena specifically, I've seen the quality of wedding films grow exponentially. Wedding films are becoming more of a must-have, rather than a last minute addition.
Katherine and Chris’s wedding at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, New York.
3. What was the biggest lesson you learned early on in your business?
Starting out in the wedding industry can feel very romantic at first because it's so personal. We learned very quickly to establish boundaries within our business together, and with our clients. It's crucial for longevity . . . no boundaries and well-established protocols equals burnout!
Allie and Constantine’s wedding at Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford, California.
4. What is the biggest lesson you've learned in the past few years?
I've learned that while it's crucial to set goals, it's also important to be malleable - when you've been running a business for a long time, your definition of success changes, and that's ok. I tend to be very rigid when it comes to sticking to a plan, and running a creative business has forced me to welcome surprises and change.
Olivia and Tyler’s wedding at a private estate in Newport, Rhode Island.
5. What one piece of advice would you give to another entrepreneur on sticking it out in a competitive industry?
Keep doing you! It can be hard to find the balance of looking to industry peers for inspiration and keeping yourself focused on staying true to exactly what you do best, especially with the influence of social media. Find the strength in what makes you unique, and stay true to it.
