At the Table with Miguel Garcia

“At the Table” is a series of interviews and spotlight conversations with people I admire from within and outside of the wedding industry. These conversations focus on topics related to building an intentional, relationship-first business alongside a present, connected, values-driven personal life.

I met Miguel at a wedding in Charleston—I was photographer, he was videographer, and we quickly realized that we have a very similar approach to our craft and our work. We have since had the privilege of attending several Engage events together, and while we are on opposite coasts, we are loud supporters of each others work.

Follow Miguel’s work via his website and IG.

→ First of all, tell me in your own words what you do for work, and why you do it?

I am a wedding filmmaker who specializes in luxury events, creating cinematic films that honor family, storytelling, and emotional connection. My work is rooted in intentionality and experience, giving couples and their loved ones a refined and memorable journey from start to finish. Since high school, I’ve been fascinated by the power of cameras to preserve meaningful moments, and that passion continues to drive my commitment to excellence in my craft.

→ What does a typical day look like for you?

My day begins with family. I get my oldest child ready for school and spend the morning with my 3-year-old while my wife works. In the late afternoon, we switch roles and I transition into the business side of my day—client communication, editing, production planning, and creative development. My routine allows me to be present for my family while staying disciplined and consistent in my work.

→ In her book Dare to Lead, Brené Brown says that every person has just two core values that shape everything else that they do or believe. Do you agree with that idea? If you could boil your values down to just two, what would they be? How do those influence how you do your work & live your life?

If I had to narrow it down to two, mine would be hard work and honesty. Hard work is how I show up for my family, my clients, and myself. Honesty keeps me grounded—whether it’s in communication, expectations, or how I run my business. These values guide my decisions daily.

→ The British author Alain de Botton has this famous quote: “There is no such thing as work-life balance. Everything worth fighting for unbalances your life.” I tend to agree with this idea, that work-life balance is an unhelpful goal, and we should instead think about aligned values and healthy rhythms in all spheres of life. What do you think about the phrase “work-life balance?” How do keep healthy rhythms & momentum going in both work and personal spheres?

I don’t believe in perfect work-life balance—I believe in seasons. There are seasons where I’m home more and fully in family mode, and others where I’m traveling and filming back-to-back weddings. What matters to me is staying present wherever I am and protecting what matters most: my family and my faith.

→ Some people argue that a focus on people and a focus on profit are competing priorities, but I love talking about the ways that running a relationship-first business aids in building more profitable, sustainable businesses. What do you think about this idea? Are they competing ideas? Why or why not?

I don’t think they compete—I think people come first, and profit follows. Building real relationships with clients and vendors creates long-term success. I love what I do, and staying connected to people keeps me from burning out and keeps my work meaningful.

→ What are some ways that running a people-first business has benefited you? How has it benefited others?

Leading with people has brought clarity, client loyalty, and long-term partnerships. It builds trust before strategy and connection before transaction. It creates meaningful experiences for clients and a strong foundation for sustainable business growth.

→ Our culture and our industry is fast—trends come and go in the blink of an eye, and there’s just so much noise, especially on social media. It can be tempting to believe that the only way to stand out is to add to the noise, to follow trends, to make a bigger flash than our competitors. But what if you’re a quiet brand? I have written about the difference between Fireworks and Fireplace brands here. Would you say that your business is more of a fireworks display or a fireplace? How does that influence how you market?

I would identify my brand as a fireplace. It’s steady, intentional, and built for longevity—not quick attention. My marketing reflects that through thoughtful storytelling, reputation, and consistent value rather than trends or noise.

→ How do you stay authentic when it often feels that “fake it ‘til you make it” energy is rewarded?

I remain grounded by remembering how I started-- with just a camera and a dream of being able to "do this" as a living.

→ What is bringing you joy in your work right now?

Right now, I’m inspired by integrating 16mm film into my work. It has reignited my creativity and brought a new level of emotional texture and intentionality to my films. After 14 years of filming weddings, getting in touch with a younger version of me and the way a camera and art inspired me is just what I needed.

→ If we were to meet here a year from now, what do you hope we would be celebrating?

The launch of my wedding filmmaking course. I’ve taught smaller workshops for years, and I’m finally building a full program to help new filmmakers grow with clarity and purpose.

→ Final question: what is the number one book you recommend to every creative entrepreneur?

I haven’t read a book in years 🫣. But if I had to, I would recommend Love Does by Bob Goff. More of a life and living book, but worth the time.