We are excited to be growing our legion of Thursday Therapy hosts! Bethany Fritz, owner of Maypole Studios, will be joining the fabulous team of Joan Cinquegrani and Kelly Marie Thompson in Chicago. We like Bethany’s creativity and energy. And we are so excited to partner with her!

Bethany shared with us a little bit about her business and the wedding industry in Chicago.

Tell us about Maypole Studios…

I started Maypole Studios Photography 5 years ago, I have been photographing weddings for over 10 years (although it wasn’t a full time gig until 4 years ago), I shot my first wedding in Staten Island for a friend’s cousin… imagine me running around with 6 cameras dangling from my neck and a bag full of film… 48 rolls later and I was hooked! Coming to Chicago from NYC has been one of the best decisions, not only is this city wonderful, but my clients absolutely wonderful. I “create toe-tingling, grin-inducing, totally love-inspired photos” for couples that are crazy in love!  {note from Michelle: I LOVE THAT!}

What is the wedding industry like in Chicago?

Chicago has a great support system for all those in the wedding industry. Not only is a friendly environment (we like each other! I have yet to experience any rudeness or competitiveness), everyone seems to realize that we are stronger as a collective than solo, we help each other out by referring each other and working together on projects. I suppose we feel there is plenty of work to go around, even in the photo community we chat online and get together, we send business to each other and help each other out with technical questions, and even client relations (we have hosted our own workshops for lighting tips, exchanged ideas on software and gear, and applauded each other on our successful images and press). I was really nervous when I first started my business, I had no idea how I would acquire clients and break into the industry. Not only have I been able to achieve a steady flow of business but I have made some wonderful friendships in the Chicago wedding industry.

Why did you want to become hosts for Thursday Therapy in your market?

I think networking in the wedding community is incredibly beneficial, to all genres. Thursday Therapy provides a terrific outlet for wedding professionals to get together, and I love that it happens every month so it gives everyone plenty of time to come along at least a few times a year. I have always had a great time at the events, and being a host is just the icing on the cake.

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

Because it’s fun! Truthfully, it is the number one way to meet a handful of people in the wedding business all in one night, many of which may have heard of you but haven’t worked with you yet. People can put faces with names, not to mention that sometimes you don’t always meet all the vendors at each wedding (stationary and flowers, for example, are usually behind the scenes) so it’s great to actually have a chance to meet and chat.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

There’s nothing to be afraid of! Quite often I hear people say they are nervous about attending, or maybe they just started out and are afraid to come if their business cards aren’t quite ready or even their website. I think they should jump right in! It might be easier to bring a friend, or better yet make a point of connecting with one other wedding professional online (Facebook most likely) that will be attending so you can look for them and say hi. There is nothing wrong with asking to be introduced to someone too. Check out the TT Facebook page and look at few photos of past events, find out who the hosts are so you can introduce yourself, and of course all of us are more than happy to introduce people to each other. It’s super relaxed, no need to be nervous. 🙂

Thanks Bethany!