There is something special about a Low Country Wedding and often times it is the photography. Today we are featuring one of the Black Southern Belles who catches those special moments, Sirena White, founder of Aneris Photography. You can find her all around South Carolina shooting weddings, engagements, events and other special moments all while making sure her southern style shines through. Learn more about Sirena below and check out her beautiful work as well. Some great inspiration for a Monday!
Business Name: Aneris Photography
What You Provide: Photography Services (Fine Art Weddings and Portraits)
Where are you based? Charleston, South Carolina
Why did you decide to start a business? When I first started with photography it was just a hobby and something I simply loved! After some encouraging by friends and mentors, attend the WPPI Conference in Las Vegas, and a whole lot of praying and encouraging from my mentors and friends, I finally decided to step out of faith and just do it! I also, told myself that if I ever started a business that I would use the name ANERIS, which is my first name spelled backwards!
What is your favorite client story? There are so many, but my absolute favorite is my Surprise Wedding couple! This couple had been together for years and was planning their dream wedding, but their world was turned upside down when their child suddenly got sick. Their son was on the brink of death and through lots of prayers and some awesome doctors at The Medical University of South Carolina their son made it through! After this life changing event and with depleted funds the couple decided that what was really important to them was each other and those family and friends who stood by them through their time of need. They did not want to go through the whole hassle of a traditional wedding. They wanted to focus on their love and the connection with their family and friends. So, they decided to invite their family and close friends to an engagement dinner on Super Bowl Sunday at Hall’s Chophouse in Charleston, SC and surprised them with their nuptials on the spot! It was simply amazing and emotional!
What is your website? www.anerisphotography.com
Who are some of your business idols? I really admire Jasmine Star and Katelyn James.
Do you have any mentors? Yes, I’m extremely blessed to say that I have many people in my corner who inspire me! We even have a Lowcountry Shutter Ladies Group for female photographers where we chat about business and photography. My first mentor was Richard Singleton from A Click in Time Photography. Rich took me under his wing and guided me through learning my camera and even let me shoot a wedding with him and his team; my FIRST wedding! Then there is Tanya Hearn and Kim Craven who have played a pivotal role in my photography and business growth and development.
What is your favorite thing about being southern? There’s nothing quite like a southern girl! You can search all over, but nothing will compare to a Carolina Lady, Cajun Queen, Alabama Belle, or a Georgia Peach. There are excellent qualities in all people, but their nothing like that southern charm and having manners. I have learned that you can travel all over, but there is nothing quite like that southern charm. Oh, and may I add the food! You haven’t eaten until you eaten a true southern meal!
What is your favorite southern dish? Collard Greens with rice and Cornbread
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business? The most important thing I believe I have done to build my business is to provide exceptional customer service, in addition to a solid and consistent style. I am also a Certified Travel Agent, so I can now assist my clients with their honeymoon selections! During the wedding planning process things can become a little overwhelming with the number of vendors that couples have to contact. I want to help reduce some of that stress. Most of the time when I capture my couples and family I encourage closeness and connectivity and the topic of doing more together and vacations always come up, so why not capture the moment and start the honeymoon/vacation planning process!
What are your favorite southern brands? I grew up looking at Southern Living Magazine, so that’s the first thing that come to mind when I think of a southern brand! I still pull some inspiration from them! Since I’m a natural chick, I love CurlBox! They are based right out of Atlanta, GA!
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business? My coral Aldo shoes and of course my camera! teamNikon
We are so excited to feature Sirena on Black Southern Belle! No better way to start the week than some great wedding shots. They always put a smile on our face. We also love hearing Sirena’s story of following her dreams and showing creativity through her career, while also showing off her love of the South. Again, we may be a little bias, but there is nothing like a great southern backdrop and Sirena is here to show them off through her photography. Make sure to check her out for your next event!
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
Love seeing my fellow photograpHER Sirena + her work being showcased! Great feature!!
Sirena is amazing! Such a talent and so passionate and it shines through in the work she produces!
Thank you so much for the feature! It is truly an amazing and humbling feeling to have your art recognized and admired!!! Thanks again!
Author
You’re welcome! We were so excited to do the feature and show off your work!
Proud of you Sirena!!!