The Square Life

Jonathan Canlas was an internship away from graduating in Japanese and Asian Studies from BYU when he decided to pursue his dream. “I had an internship lined up to go to Japan,” Jon says. “The day of the interview . . . it was like, ‘Don’t do it.’ ” Trusting his feeling, Jon declined the opportunity. Then he applied to the photography program.

Now, with hundreds of weddings under his belt, Jon’s an accomplished photographer with work in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, The Knot, and Southern Weddings. VEEDA BYBEE sat down with the guy behind the camera and talked all things wedding.

V.B. What advice would you give to someone looking for a wedding photographer?

J.C. Don’t have your friend do it. Look for someone that fits your personality, your style, and your budget.

V.B. What makes a wedding really original?

J.C. Small and quirky things. Stuff that showcases the bride and groom’s personality. For example, there was a wedding in San Diego that had great Latin flair. There was Mexican hot chocolate and churros. Everyone had these Vintage Spanish postcards where the bride and groom had written personalized notes for all 200 guests.

V.B. What can make a fun wedding?

J.C. The band. Bands can make or break your wedding. If they’re lame and no can get into the music, it’s like, what’s the point?

V.B. The most over-played wedding song?

J.C. “We Are Family.” “YMCA.” Right now I would also say it’s that “apple-bottom jeans song.” They play that in every wedding now.

V.B. Any advice for the bride and groom?

J.C. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t let things affect your day because it will show up in your pictures.