Meet Pasha Vorotilin | Founder / Creative Director

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

Hi Pasha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I moved to Los Angeles from Europe, where I’d been immersed in TV and event productions, I was excited but also knew I faced a new beginning. The energy and opportunities in L.A. sparked a lot of ideas in me, especially about how I could merge my past experiences into something fresh and fulfilling. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and capturing moments, so wedding photography and videography felt like a natural step. It was this sweet spot where I could use my skills in a meaningful way, creating memories for people on one of the most important days of their lives.

But, I didn’t want to go it alone as a freelancer. I envisioned something bigger—a team that shared the same passion and commitment to quality. That’s how the idea for BigDayMemories came about. It was about finding like-minded individuals who wanted to make a difference in this field, bringing together our talents to provide something truly special.

Of course, realizing that vision meant we needed a space to call our own, to collaborate and meet with clients. That led to setting up Solar Space DTLA, our studio, headquarters and creative hub. It wasn’t just about having an office; it was about creating a home for our creative endeavors, a place where we could bring our best ideas to life.

Starting BigDayMemories and Solar Space DTLA wasn’t just a business decision; it was a personal journey. It was about taking the leap, blending the best of my background with the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, and hopefully, making a bit of a difference in the process. It’s been an adventure, one that’s taught me about the value of teamwork, creativity, and staying true to your vision.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting BigDayMemories photo&video was like diving into this huge, vibrant ocean of the SoCal wedding scene. From day one, it was all about bringing something new to the table, something that really clicked with what couples wanted for their Big Day. I think what makes us stand out as a team is that we put our hearts into it, Despite having started just two years ago, our drive and dedication have already marked us as a significant presence in the industry.

Building this team – it’s been one of my proudest moments. We now have over 20 incredible folks on board who are as passionate about capturing love stories as I am. And obviously getting there wasn’t a walk in the park. We’ve had our share of late nights, running on coffee, pushing ourselves because we believe in what we’re doing. We changed 4 social media managers, 3 project managers, hired and let go multiple editors. Staffing is not an easy task honestly.

Yet the biggest hurdle has got to be making our mark — getting BigDayMemories known. We’re still on that journey, but seeing our hard work pay off, through amazing shoots, killer promotional stuff, and just getting out there networking, it’s all starting to click.

My personal biggest takeaway from all this? Invest in your people and never stop investing in yourself. That’s the gold right there, I think.

What I really want people to get about us is this: BigDayMemories isn’t just about taking photos and videos. It’s about capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments and turning them into memories you can hold onto forever. We’re in it for the stories, the laughter, the tears, and everything in between. It’s not just business for us; it’s about being part of those moments that couples will look back on and smile about. That’s what we’re all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Showing my best friend around SoCal? I’ve got that down to a science at this point, with all the pals I’ve hosted over the last couple of years. The plan’s pretty much set: dive into the local flavors and soak up the unique vibes this place has to offer.

We’d kick things off with street tacos in LA – there’s nothing quite like them. My favorite ones are al pastor from Tacos El Venado. Then, we’d head down to Pho Alley in Cypress for some of the best pho you’ve ever tasted. And because we’re talking about a week-long adventure, we’d definitely make a pit stop in Encinitas for oysters, not to mention indulging in some incredible Italian cuisine in San Diego’s Little Italy (my personal favorite spot is Zama).

But it’s not just about eating our way through SoCal, right? 🙂 Beyond the usual tourist spots, I always take my friends to South Bay. It’s got this unbeatable vibe. We’d hang out at the Redondo Beach pier, catch the sunset at the San Vicente lighthouse, and dive into the Hermosa Beach nightlife. And of course, we can’t miss Manhattan Beach for breakfast – it’s the best way to start your day.

No shade to Koreatown and Santa Monica, they’re amazing in their own right, but they come in second and third when I’m playing tour guide. South Bay, with its mix of laid-back beach days and cool spots to explore, just tops the list for me. It’s the essence of the SoCal lifestyle, and I love sharing it with my friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To Masha, Ana, Alex, Anton, Dennis & Helen.

Website: bigdaymemories.com

Instagram: @bigdaymemories

Image Credits
All photos by @BigDayMemories team