EAN CUENCA | GA & DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

@cuenca.creative

Destination Wedding Photographer šŸ‡µšŸ‡­ • For the Wild & Carefree • Lover of Jesus & of ALL People | LGBTQ+ Ally šŸ¤™šŸ½ • People, Good Morning America, NYFW
Followers
15.6k
Following
3,414
Account Insight
Score
56.37%
Index
Health Rate
%
Users Ratio
5:1
Weeks posts
YOU KNOW WHAT RIPPPPPPSS DUDE? THIS MONTH MARKS 5 YEARS OF BEING A FULL-TIME BUSINESS OWNER ✨ Thankful for so many who have journeyed with me in this process and have helped shape me to who I am, how I run this business and the clients that have trusted me with one of their most important seasons of life! For those who are new here - Welcome to the Fam! I share a lot about whats happening in my heart as well as stories from some really rad people I get to meet on this journey! I hope this space feels so inclusive, loving, and just full of life. // & I know no one is asking, but out of tradition… dis me: 1) I’m 32. My brain is 21. My lifestyle is 26. My body is 53. But on the dancefloor, somehow my knees are 18. The next day I’m 93. 2) I’m ADHD but have learned to use it as my superpower. We don’t focus on anything until we do. Then we laser focus on one thing for a long time. Pro Tip: learn what triggers your hyper focus and create THAT environment when needed šŸ˜®ā€šŸ’Ø 3) Love Personality Tests. I’m an Enneagram 2w3. Aquarius. Yellow/Green. ENFP. Otter. Type B with plans. Type A with organization. 4) I’m not religious. But I love studying it. I love psychology, philosophy, and sociology. Pretty much anything that discovers the ā€˜why’ behind people. 5) I’m married to the absolute baddest of baddies @shelby.cece & to know her is to freaking love her. She’s the exact opposite of who I am so if you want to get to know her, just read the opposite of this list. 6) I’ll probably say ā€œI love youā€ way sooner than you’re prepared in our friendship. Take it personally. Life’s way too damn short to not be loving on people. But don’t worry, that’s not me asking for it back. 7) I love Jesus. The thought of who he’s been could easily bring my 260 pound ass to my knees in tears. No, I’m not MAGA. I’m a child of immigrants. I’m a BIPOC welcomin’, LGBTQIA+ celebratin’, women advocatin’, non-evangelical Christian who believes the gospel is for ALL people. I love meeting with new people! So DM me & let’s connect! Yes. I run my own social media, so you’d be talking to me 🫔 let’s catch a vibe! LOVE YA! MEAN IT! šŸ«¶šŸ½ Shoutout to @stephpowellcreative for the headshots!
248 70
2 months ago
✨ WE’RE MOVING BACK TO ATL ✨ Being a Filipino kid who grew up being ashamed of being ā€œdifferentā€ - the older I’ve gotten the more I’ve desired to cling onto my culture an celebrate my skin, my culture and my upbringing. In the process of celebrating it within myself, I’ve begun to see so much beauty in that diversity that’s it’s become something I’m making a value in my own life and fighting for. On top of that, family and friends have unfortunately been in the back burner in my life behind ambition and career and I’m wanting that to also be a shift in my 30s. With that being said, WE GOING BACK TO THE A! šŸ¤™šŸ½ To my guys, gals, and non-binary pals getting married in late 2026-2027, Atlanta will be home, but I’ll continue to travel to wherever you’ll have me! This just means my meetings with my Atlanta couples can be over dinner and drinks rather than a zoom call šŸ˜‰ — Atlanta Based Travel Wedding Photographer, Charleston Based Travel Wedding Photographer, southeast wedding venues, destination elopements and travel weddings, GA & SC Weddings, Filipino Wedding Photographer, LGBTQ+ Ally, BIPOC Inclusive, Immigrant Welcoming Wedding Vendor
271 169
3 months ago
I’ve had a lot of my atheist and agnostic friends lately asking me why I still consider myself a Christian even when I’m frustrated with the landscape of religion, the glorification of choosing the ā€œright theologyā€, the absolute disobedience of the command to love others as ourselves, the rise in Christian nationalism and the incorrect usage of the Bible for an oppressive agenda. The answer for me is simple. It’s Jesus. I’ve come to notice that Jesus looks nothing like the diehard republicans or diehard democrats. He looks nothing like our Christian influencers or famous pastors. His mission was to never make any singular country great again, but to talk about a kingdom that’s beyond our own - one where people from every nation, tribe, people, & language are welcome. He was a threat against the ā€œright theologyā€ of the religious Pharisees & the ego & powers of political leaders. Often I see Jesus in the tired, quiet friends of mine. The ones too scared to speak about where they stand on things when the whole world demands you share their opinion. I see Jesus in the content ones who are simply wanting to love people without an agenda, and who only want to see people win. I see Jesus in the ones who aren’t overly public with their faith, but you see through the way they look at the difficulty of life with so much grace - as if there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. I see Jesus in the ones getting deported who are simply trying to make a living to feed their kids. I see Jesus in the LGBTQ community who hunger for Jesus but are too scared to step into a church community. I see Jesus In the ones who aren’t threatened by other religions but are able to find wisdom through all humans. I see Jesus where Jesus often did his ministry - with the poor, the marginalized, & the unclean. He is SO good. Even when the world looks like absolute shit. Concept/Host: @_daniellephotog Models: @byalanimarlene / @alani_mg Harp: @haveharpwilltravel Florals: @colebuys.design Venue: @stonehavenweddings Makeup: @kspannimal Hair @styledxpaige Dress: @selkie Planning/Assistance: @jlt_events — GA / SC Based Wedding Photographer, Stone Haven Wedding Venue, Bridal Portraits
3,071 280
5 months ago
This one was a little scary for me to share. Usually the most common responses I get are from: 1. Christians patronizing me with ā€œI’ll be praying for youā€ or treating me like their own personal project pushing sermons my way as if I didn’t go to college for theology and biblical studies and am still passionately digging into it daily. Some outright block me as if I’m some sort of virus they’re attempting not catch a cold from. And I’ve even had close friends genuinely worried we were partaking in witchcraft and instead of disclosing it with us, just ghosted us. - Or - 2. Atheist who are celebrating me for no longer ā€œdrinking the Kool aidā€ while mocking the Jesus that I still deeply love. They mock Christianity as a whole as if we were ALL misogynistic, racist, and homophobic Bible thumpers who don’t know how to have a humanist perspective whatsoever. - And - 3. I’ve noticed there’s a 3rd group who are often extremely quiet, extremely vulnerable, and extremely exhausted Christian’s who don’t feel like they belong in either camp. Jesus not only shaped their entire life but see the humanism in the teachings of Jesus. They’re angry with nationalists who taint the character of Jesus and they’re tired of seeing the Bible weaponized. But they’re scared shitless to speak up. They’re fed up with mega churches and some are uncomfortable with ANY church. They’re lacking community, but crave it so much, but simultaneously terrified of it. As Christians, we’ve got to get better at letting others go on their own journey and supporting others through it no matter how different it may look and feel. And if someone else’s journey is a threat to your beliefs - then maybe it’s time re-evaluate the fragility of your beliefs. At the end of the day, we’re all trying to do our best to figure out life, spirituality, and everything in between. And if God is that good, then trust Him - let him do his thing in people’s life and stop getting in the way. — If you’ve been feeling alone in this, wherever you are in your spiritual journey or lack thereof, please reach out. We don’t have to do this alone, nor were we ever meant
289 53
4 days ago
The word ā€œintentionalā€ feels extremely overused. And in many cases, depending on what circle of people, work, or lifestyle you find yourself in, it IS so overused that it’s lost any sort of weight or meaning. When I showed up to CJ and Whitney’s Rehearsal Dinner as a guest, that word ā€œintentionalā€ was used so much in the speeches to describe both CJ and Whitney. And in any other given space, I would’ve lost my shit. But I didn’t. Because in this case scenario, there really was no better word to describe these two. Two years ago, they took me to their favorite spot in Atlanta when we first met. They didn’t ask how long I’d been doing photography for - they asked about my dreams and what I loved outside of photography. They got to know me, not as a photographer, but as a person, a husband, a Filipino, and a person of faith. On their wedding day, their party favors / seating chart was a coffee table book of photos I had taken of them. In this book, they highlighted ALL of their vendors. They had short blurbs written about almost every single person. As small as it sounds, we as the vendors got to eat at our own table rather than eating dinner in the back room of the venue. On top of all of that, there wasn’t a period of the day that they wouldn’t periodically stop to check in on how we were doing. Their whole being was geared to serving others well and making them feel so loved with the deepest level of intent. CJ. Whitney. Thanks for loving us so damn well that it just makes the word ā€œintentionalā€ feel completely inadequate. Honored to have celebrated you both alongside your beautiful tribe šŸ«¶šŸ½ — Newlywed: @cj__malone & @whitneylewismalone Planner: @georgiasfinestevents Venue: @ventanasatl Photo: @cuenca.creative Photo Assist: @valeriedetterphoto Video: @roosefilmco Beauty: @raemacsalon @liz_hair_salon @kellytoninamakeup Floral: @latebloomersflorals Rentals: @glasswingrentals @atlantadancefloors @party.bound @bbjlatavola Stationary: @hartsydesigns Entertainment: @rylan_lavery @rplentertainment — Atlanta Based Wedding Photographer, Atlanta Skyline Wedding Venues, Urban Weddings, Interracial Couples, Editorial Luxury Wedding Photography
149 23
8 days ago
In honor of Mother’s Day being right around the corner, we wanted to create space to celebrate you. There were moments of going above and beyond that may have gone unnoticed. There were moments where you put in the hard work even when the easy route seemed so enticing. There were moments it would’ve been valid for you to take a break and care for yourself, yet you chose otherwise. This week, we want to celebrate you - because one day just isn’t enough. We applaud you. & we’re in your corner. We love you, mom. — Bride: @devan_chavez14 Photo: @cuenca.creative — Greensboro GA Wedding Venue, Community Events, Local Coffee Shop, Local Garden, Mothers Day, Wedding Industry courses, private events, Georgia wedding venue, Lake Oconee wedding venue, Luxury Georgia wedding venue, Garden wedding venue, Atlanta destination venue, Lake Oconce weddings
96 3
11 days ago
✨ Immigrants Make America Great ✨ Happy National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month šŸ¤™šŸ½ This shoot was one that meant a lot to me. I wanted to celebrate the pride of the Filipino community by styling a shoot with @houseofmaganda , a Filipina dress designer along with @kaylaparam._ , a first generation Filipina American. I was so proud of this shoot and what it meant to me to see more representation of Filipino business owners and entrepreneurs, especially here in the southeast. — I found out the other day that the reason why modern architecture is becoming more bland, basic and simple rather than having any sort of personality (ie. all the new fast food buildings are now modern minimal boxes rather than iconic shapes like the old school red roof of Pizza Huts and outdoor playgrounds in McDonald’s, etc) is so that it’s easier to sell when it’s time to move on. We exchange practicality for personality - And we flatten style and remove identity. The more we learn how to celebrate diversity in others and not flatten it, the more we retain the beauty of each person’s individual culture, story and personhood, and the easier it is to remember that we don’t have to shrink ourselves in order to belong. But rather, we already DO belong. That maybe, we truly are uniquely, beautifully and wonderfully made. All bodies. All people. All races. All genders. All beliefs. All sexual orientations. Every tribe. Every tongue. Every nation. Mahal Kita šŸ«¶šŸ½ — Dress: @houseofmaganda Model: @kaylaparam._ Photo: @cuenca.creative Location: @thepeacockchs — Editorial Bridal Portraits, Large Bridal Gown, House of Maganda, Charleston SC Local Dress Designer and Owner, Filipino American Wedding Photographer, Pinoy, Speakeasy Bridals, Playing with Light, Bridals, Atlanta Based Wedding Photographer, Charleston Based Wedding Photographer, Georgia and South Carolina Bridals, Philippines, Filipina Bride
191 51
11 days ago
Maggie + Matt Sneak Peek ā™„ļøŽ 04.16.26⁠ ⁠ šŸ“: #lowndesgrove⁠ Photo // @cuenca.creative
252 10
12 days ago
Sometimes after I send the sneak peak photos, I’ll get reaction videos, other times I’ll get reaction voice memos, but honestly this one was a first 😭 This was the sweetest thing to receive after getting a chance to capture @sydneymadisontv & @connor_ingalls wedding last weekend, and I’m honestly so honored to have gotten the chance to play a small role in their big day 😭 This one was freaking cool! Thanks for the shoutout @abcnews Newlyweds: @sydneymadisontv @connor_ingalls Venue: @hotelemeline Photo: ya boi @cuenca.creative Photo Assist: @beckytaronephoto Planner: @cameronfaulknerweddings — Meteorologist, news broadcasting, Charleston SC based wedding photographer, Atlanta based wedding photographer, travel weddings and destination elopements, Hotel Emeline, Downtown Charleston, Coastal Weddings, Southern Bride Wedding Pinterest Inspo
138 16
23 days ago
LAST PHOTO: Sorry @matthewknight1234 , I know you already got flamed by your bridal party on your wedding day for wearing Nike ankle socks but I felt like that wasn’t enough - so I’m putting your dogs on blast for the world to see. FOR FREE. šŸ˜‚ especially when you gripping the @veuveclicquot like that šŸ˜‚ - I remember meeting Maggie and Matt for the first time over dinner @fuelcharleston and immediately thinking to myself ā€œyea. These are gonna be my people.ā€ Matt kept telling me he wanted me with a drink in my hand all night long, and invited me to the after party with everyone. They didn’t take life too seriously - yet, they were so full of life. They cracked on each other, but were also brought to tears for each other. They not only welcomed me in the moment they met me, but I felt like I had been part of their family for years. @maggiedepaulknight & @matthewknight1234 , I love the ever living mess outta you two. Not to sound dramatic af, but life is better for so many people because yall are in it. Thankful I get to be in yalls corners. Thankful I get to know and be known by you. & thankful for the love you so freely give. Thanks for being a light, yall. Forever a Knight fan šŸ«¶šŸ½ HUGE SHOUTOUT to the best dang Second Shooter who just feels like she aligned with my style so much @loraleahmariephotography - not to mention, best BTS person, best creative collaborator, best technician, best feeder and hydrator, and all around best assistant ever šŸ» — Newlyweds: @maggiedepaulknight @matthewknight1234 Venue: @pphgevents (Lowndes Grove) Photo: @cuenca.creative Assist: @loraleahmariephotography Planner: @experienceholycity Content Creator: @alinicolecontent H&MU: @galyagornishka @kimkellymua Florist: @ag_curated Catering: @pphgevents DJ: @bunndjchs Saxophone: @dariusstarkssax Transportation: @lowcountryvalet — Lowcountry Weddings, Lowndes Grove Wedding Venue, Charleston SC, GA and SC Based Wedding Photographer, Atlanta based photography, travel weddings and destination elopements, coastal spring and sunmer weddings, waterfront venue, palm trees, outdoor wedding, Historic Wedding Venue
154 40
24 days ago
This was honestly a first for me - Building a relationship over Facebook messenger was not how I anticipated this friendship to start. I’m gonna be honest and say I’m horrible at even remembering Facebook is still a thing (sorry to those who attempt to interact with me on it and I never responded). But somehow, I ran into Sydney and we started talking about our faith, her job as a meteorologist down in FL, a surgery she went through, and everything in between. So when I got to meet Connor, their family, and their friends - it started to make sense. You could tell the relationship piece was incredibly important to them. They cared for traditions passed down from generation to generation. They cared about the subtle handwritten letters. They cared to linger a little longer with their people. Sydney. Connor. To know yall and be known by yall is an honor. Loved getting to celebrate you two šŸ«¶šŸ½ Newlyweds: @sydneymadisontv @connor_ingalls Venue: @hotelemeline Planner: @cameronfaulknerweddings Photo: @cuenca.creative 2nd Shooter: @beckytaronephoto Video: @luminous_event_films Florals: @studiodollyevents H&MU: @paperdollsweddings DJ: @mlevententertainment Stationary: @truly.engaging Rings: @statestreetjewelers @simongjewelry Dress: @maggiesotterodesigns @crystalbrideofficial Baker: @sugaredmagnoliacharleston — Hotel Emeline Wedding, Downtown Charleston SC Weddings, GA & SC based destination wedding photographer, Frannie & the Fox, Destination Elopement Photographer, Boutique Hotel Wedding Photography, Holy City Weddings, Storytelling photography, editorial wedding photographer
151 15
28 days ago
I randomly found @gracemillermoody.music ’s song ā€œOutta Your Leagueā€ on my feed and immediately fell in love with the vibes, the strength, and the ā€œIT girlā€ energy behind the song. When I found out she’s local to Charleston, I just had to hit her up, reach out and ask if she was willing to do a photoshoot concept based on the song. She said yes, so we planned a date and caught a vibe! But I wanted to get to know more of the why, so I asked her questions about what inspired her, and she sent me this voice memo. I didn’t think I could love this song more, but I was damn wrong. Hope it’s cool I shared this voice memo, Grace šŸ˜‚ I just feel like the world needed to hear your heart for it bc we need soo much more of this in the world. Getting to hear Grace’s heart for this song and how it’s never been about being the ā€œItā€ person on the outside for the sake of others, but rather being the ā€œItā€ person on the inside for the sake of ourselves, it shifted something in me that stirred my freaking heart. Grace, it is an HONOR to get some time to hear a bit of your life story, you why behind this song, and how behind the catchy, raspy, powerful and heated vibes of the song lies a softer, more subtle, but self-assured truth that carries more significance and strength than anything else on the external front. To know you and to learn from you is an absolute blessing šŸ˜®ā€šŸ’ØšŸ™ŒšŸ½ Shoutout to the best dang team to make this day a reality! Singer / model: @gracemillermoody.music Hair Stylist: @amyaloope Photo: @cuenca.creative Location: @thepeacockchs BTS: @amyaloope & @curatedbyemme Necklace: @jahdemade — Grace Miller Moody, Outta Your League, Single, song Photoshoot, Peacock Charleston SC, Speakeasy Inspo, Dirty Martini, GA & SC based Photographer, Creative Team, Editorial Photography
229 13
1 month ago