We had the good fortune of connecting with Coley Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Before being a wedding videographer, I worked as a nurse. Nursing was definitely much more of a stable job than free-lancing because of the steady paycheck and hours. However, I wasn’t happy in that career. So I could either continue to do something that drained me but had predictable pay and benefits, or I could take the risk to be self-employed and start my own company. I’m so thankful I chose the latter. I have nursing to thank for providing me with that stability as I was transitioning to doing video full-time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started making videos of my friends in college for fun. I was asked to film a wedding a few years later and was so nervous but decided to go for it. I thought it was so special to be invited in to witness such an important day for someone. As I’ve done it more and more over the years, I’ve developed more of a personal style. I like to focus on the unplanned moments that aren’t posed. I also incorporate super8 film to give my videos a nostalgic and retro feel. As I continue to do this job, I realize how much of a privilege it is to be at each wedding. This couple has chosen me to be a part of this celebration and I want to continue to recognize and be thankful for that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I could plan a whole weekend in Nashville, a lot of it would revolve around eating and being outside. My favorite spots for food are Mas Tacos, Tempo, Ladybird, Il Forno, and City House. (I clearly like tacos and pizza oops). For drinks, I love the Wedgewood Houston Area. I would have us bar hop from Never Never to Bastion. If we were feeling crazy, maybe we would end the night at Flamingo. During the day, I love to be in nature and would take my dog on a walk to either Radnor Lake or McCabe Golf Course.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my mother. She worked as a freelance oil-painter and artist all my life. I think seeing her work hard to be able to do a creative job gave me further encouragement to go for it.

Website: www.coleyspencer.com

Instagram: @coleyspencervideo

Image Credits
Headshots are by Shannon McLaughlin @shannonmclaughlinphoto

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.