Today we’d like to introduce you to Cacky Rivers.
Hi, Cacky. Thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been interested in birds/birding because my dad was an avid birder and outdoorsman. My focus on birds and wildlife changed when my dad became sick and could no longer go bird watching. I took it upon myself to find and photograph birds for my dad. I had a “kit camera” easy point-and-shoot at the time. I would download what I photographed and text them to my dad. He loved seeing the photos, and we would talk about each bird. The more I photographed birds, the better I became. My dad noticed and mentioned to me that I was onto something. My husband invested in a better camera for me, and my photography took off. My dad was thrilled and would share my photos with friends. We were asked to write a book together, my photography and my dad’s words, and my dad agreed.
Sadly, soon after, my dad passed away, and it was up to me to do both. I accepted the challenge, went through all of his text messages, and put my first book together in 2021, “Grounded in Flight.” in memory of my dad. And now, with a little nudge from heaven, my dad suggested I put a second book together to help the birds. Specifically about nesting birds. Birds that travel near and far to nest on the SC coast and how important their habitat is. This book is Born and Raised and will be released in late December. This has been the most incredible journey of exploration and discovery, and I am so grateful my dad led me down this path.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been smooth, but mastering photographing birds in flight is always challenging. But this is one of the reasons I love it. If it were easy, anyone could do it.
We’ve been impressed with Cacky’s Bride+Aid, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have 2 lives with Cacky’s Bride+Aid and now Cacky Rivers Photography. 15 years ago, I started Cacky’s Bride+Aid “Your Wedding Day Lifesaver.” I take care of brides on their wedding day. This means planners hired me to accompany the bride on her wedding day. My services include:
- Steaming of the bridal gown and bridal party
- Dressing the bride
- Styling her for photos
- Getting her down the aisle
- Fixing anything that pops
- Rips
- Breaks or tears (personal MacGyver) and finally bustles her before her first dance.
At that point, my services are no longer needed, and then I load out or say, “Bustle and Bust!” But there is more to what I do. When I arrive on site, I connect with the bride, making her feel safe, comfortable, and less stressed. This also goes for the mother of the bride as well. Having me onsite with them on their wedding day is like an extra insurance policy in case anything goes wrong. It is key to a smooth wedding day to see problems before they happen or quickly solve problems (calmly) when they arise. Being a “Bride+Aid” to hundreds and hundreds of brides is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The best part was when my two worlds collided. I was working a wedding near Pawley Island, SC. The planner introduced me to the bride and the mom when I arrived. The mom looked at me funny and said, “Wait, I have your book on my coffee table. You signed my book for me!” And then she said, “But why are you here?” I told her, “Well, I have 2 lives, and they just collided. Today, I am Cacky’s Bride+Aid, and tomorrow, I am Cacky Rivers Photography!” The best part of this story is that I gained an incredible friend that day who I talk to weekly. I am truly thankful for all the paths I have sent down.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Kindness matters most to me. If you are kind, amazing things happen. To be corny, kindness makes the world go around. If you are kind to the person you pass in the grocery store, the stray dog on the side of the road, or the spider trapped in your house, kindness fills your heart and makes the world a better place.
Pricing:
- 65.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cackyriversphotography.com/
- Instagram: cackyriversphotography, cackysbrideaid
- Facebook: Cacky Rivers Vlcek
Image Credits
Cacky Rivers Photography
