Photos By SOTE — Local services in Las Vegas

When we first received our wedding photos from Photos By Sote after our ceremony at the Little White Wedding Chapel, I was thrilled. The images were beautiful, and I initially felt confident we had made the right choice. Unfortunately, that feeling didn’t last.

When we got our wedding video a couple months later, it was immediately clear that it was not what we had agreed to. The video was just over 3 minutes long—less than half of the 6–8 minutes promised in our contract. Even more disappointing, there was no audio from our ceremony or vows. Not a single word. She even made a comment that our vows weren't "special" even though we had two sets, the standard ones and Elvis themed ones, since our wedding was officiated by Elvis. Elvis even sang three times, and she didn't add any of it to our video. She claimed this was due to "copyright issues" but the thing is, our wedding video is a personal video. Copyright only comes into play for her as a businessperson using the video as promotion or putting it online. My husband and I wanted our vows captured for ourselves and to show our future children, not to further our photographer's business ventures. Instead of our heartfelt vows and music, we got generic music and an odd filter that gave the whole thing a weirdly impersonal vibe.

When I expressed my disappointment—genuinely and respectfully, SOTE became defensive (with a truly massive text) and shifted the blame to me. She claimed the audio issue was because she had me take my microphone off, but her microphone strap didn’t fit on my leg, and therefore couldn’t be used. (To my fellow plus-size brides, take note.) She assured us that my husband’s mic would still capture our audio. That clearly didn’t happen, or at the very least she decided not to use it.

She also blamed the video's short length on us “running late,” even though the delay stemmed from her decision to have our first look shoot at a garden at Mandalay Bay—far from our rooms. As out-of-town clients booking remotely, we had no idea the Delano and Mandalay Bay were in separate towers, and that this choice would eat into our limited chapel time. That detail was never discussed in our initial planning calls, and we just trusted her guidance as a professional. Also, we had plenty of raw video. I know because I've watched all of the footage myself.

When I followed up again, hoping for a solution, she refused to edit or extend the video and stopped replying altogether. Her only “solution” was to send us the raw footage on a USB, which was already included in our contract. She simply hadn’t done it until I asked. And finally in a really immature move, she blocked me on Instagram.

In the end, I had to re-edit the video myself to create something remotely meaningful. The version she delivered felt more like a promotional reel for her business than a record of our wedding day.

I know writing a review like this opens me up to being labeled a “Karen,” but I’m sharing it because I wish someone had warned me. If you’re a bride, especially one who doesn’t fit in the straight-sized body type, please be aware. You deserve better than to have your wedding memories turned into an afterthought. If you have the time, read through the screenshots. I feel that her behavior is truly upsetting and...

Finding the perfect photographer for our Vegas Wedding was one of the most challenging parts of our wedding planning, especially since we’re not from the US (we’re from Germany). But it was so worth the effort when we found the amazing Kim Willoughby (@photosbysote).

After our elopement, we booked a 3.5-hour photoshoot around various iconic spots in Las Vegas with Kim. Not only does she have an incredible and unique style, but she also goes above and beyond for her clients. Kim provided invaluable advice on the best times of day for lighting, which even influenced when we scheduled our ceremony. She complemented our location ideas with her own fantastic suggestions, all of which we incorporated. Leading up to our big day, we had two Zoom calls to go over the planning and final details, which really helped us feel confident and relaxed. We knew Kim had a clear vision and that all our wishes would be taken into account.

One of the standout moments of working with Kim was the detailed questionnaire we received ahead of time. It asked about our preferences and ideas and included thoughtful questions about us as a couple—such an impressive and personal touch! When the day finally arrived, Kim made us feel completely at ease. She kept us relaxed, provided continuous tips, and had creative ideas that resulted in stunning photos. Her editing style is beautiful, and each photo felt personal and unique. Despite the many clients and similar themes (and there’s only so many photo spots in Vegas), Kim ensures that each couple’s photos stand out and don’t feel generic. It was totally tailored to us and special!

We had an incredible time, felt comfortable throughout the session, and are absolutely thrilled with the results. Choosing Kim for our elopement photoshoot was one of the best decisions we made, and we highly recommend her to anyone looking for exceptional photography!

PS for all potential future international clients: The Zoom calls, emails for planning, and the detailed questionnaire were especially helpful for us, as we obviously couldn’t meet in person beforehand with us not living in the US hahaha. Booking Photos by SOTE is a fantastic choice for international...

Kim is truly a sweetheart! Working with her is an experience everyone should have at least once! She has THE eye and the talent for costuming the best shots of the best moments of your life! She has such a gorgeous style when it comes to editing! But my favorite part is when you hire her… you get to have her by your side for the whole day which is such a blessing because she is so helpful and fun to be around!!!! Definitely the perfect wedding side kick for any brides looking for their go to person for the day… SOTE IS IT!! Thanks for being so awesome girlie! Your shots of me in action doing what I love are by far my favorite!!!! Can’t wait to work together again soon!

As a vendors perspective.. Kim was so kind and good at thinking outside the box. Even when expecting a little one soon she offered to lend me a hand with anything I may have needed when I was in a pinch. That was huge and so rare to find in a vendor! Forever my friend this one!!! Hope to get bookings together again soon!!!! Take care and BEST wishes in your business journey!!

Also, check out her...