by Brian Lawrence
In the gorgeous coastal city of Portland, Maine, a unique photography business is capturing the essence of life’s most precious moments, one click at a time. Shado of a Rose, co-founded by partners Shado Congalton and Isabelle Rose Miner, stands out in the wedding industry for breathtaking photographs and a commitment to customer service. Shado of a Rose is a fixture of the New England wedding scene due in part to Shado and Isabelle’s ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
An extraordinary path from concert venues to wedding aisles paved the way for Shado and Isabelle’s professional and personal partnership.
A Meeting of Passions
Shado and Isabelle, the powerhouse couple behind Shado of a Rose, began their journeys toward wedding photography in an unexpected arena: music festivals and concerts. Both photographers started their careers capturing their adventures across the globe, translating their time abroad into stunning visual narratives. “Both of us began our work in photography during our travels,” they recall. “We loved capturing our adventures on camera, and that poured into our love for music.”
That shared passion for music led them to concert photography, a niche that presented an incredible opportunity to blend low-lighting, candid, and unfiltered moments into visual art. The couple first crossed paths in 2019 at a music festival in Burlington, Vermont. It was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a friendship. Drawn to each other’s work, mutual admiration soon blossomed into a romantic relationship that paved the way for their venture into the nuanced world of wedding photography.
From Concerts to Weddings
Transitioning from concert photography to wedding photography might seem like a giant leap, but for Shado and Isabelle, it was a seamless shift. The seed of the couple’s professional partnership was planted before their romance. “Shado of a Rose was an idea long before we thought about being in a relationship,” Isabelle reminisces. “ I was working for another wedding photographer in CT who wanted to expand his business into NH. I called Shado immediately and asked if he wanted to be a part of this growth.”
Soon after, Shado of a Rose was born out of the couple’s desire to get into the wedding business while fostering their relationship, inspiring the business’s tagline “A couple in love photographing couples in love.”
The Shado of a Rose Experience
Shado of a Rose officially launched in April 2020 at the beginning of a worldwide pandemic. It was difficult for many wedding industry businesses, but Shado of a Rose thrived because of a thoughtful approach that adapted to the moment. Since the early days of COVID, Shado of a Rose has provided couples with safe, exemplary service.
Wedding Photography
At the heart of Shado of a Rose’s services are their wedding photography packages, which often include two Google Meet consultations, a fast gallery turnaround, and 24/7 expert access. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing genuine emotion, Shado and Isabelle create timeless images that reflect the essence of each couple’s love story. Clients also enjoy flexible pricing that meets the needs of any budget.
Engagement Photography
In addition to wedding day coverage, Shado of a Rose offers engagement sessions for couples looking to capture their love story in a relaxed setting. These sessions allow couples to showcase their personality and unique bond against the backdrop of stunning landscapes. Shado and Isabelle work closely with couples to create a personalized session that reflects an individual style and vision.
For Shado and Isabelle, one thing became clear early on: They wanted to succeed without turning to too many wedding-focused marketing platforms for help. At the recommendation of another client, Shado of a Rose reached out to wedding industry marketing expert, Brian Lawrence, for a plan to boost their online presence and develop a more user-friendly website.
Brian has developed an SEO strategy that puts Shado of a Rose in a competitive position on search engines while attracting clients that align with Shado and Isabelle’s values.
Shado and Isabelle manage more than a photography business. It’s a story of love, art, and adventure. For those lucky enough to be captured by their lenses, the result is filled with the spirit of their journey and the joy of the moment. Any couple looking to capture the depth and breadth of their big day with authenticity should connect with Shado of a Rose.