Meet Mike Guapo | Wedding Videographer

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

Hi Mike, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is to be myself.

For many years I worked in sales jobs and did things that didn’t truly fulfill my heart. I always had a creative side but I doubted my abilities my artistic instincts and even my musical talent. I worried that I didn’t fit the mold of what a professional should be. But through building my own business I realized that embracing who I am is my greatest strength. The things I once second guessed my artsy outside the box approach are what make my work unique and connect me with the right clients. When I stopped trying to fit into an industry standard and leaned into my passion and instincts everything started to fall into place.

Later on in life I learned how to monetize my skills and turn what I love into something sustainable. It wasn’t easy and it took a lot of trial and error but I decided to take a risk along with my family and bet on myself. Looking back I’m grateful I did because it allowed me to build something that feels meaningful and true to who I am.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I first started doing videography, my wife was in grad school. She had to quit her job to go back to school and I wasn’t in the greatest position myself. I was working in beer sales, grinding every day just to make ends meet. It wasn’t fulfilling but it was what I had at the time.

We had a few cameras lying around and I figured we might as well put them to use. I started shooting on the weekends for extra money just trying to make things work. At first it was just a side hustle, something to help out while we figured things out. But little by little with hard work and dedication things became more consistent. Clients started coming in and I realized this could be something more.

It wasn’t easy. There were long nights, self doubt, and plenty of challenges along the way. But we kept pushing, learning, and improving. Over time we built something we’re truly proud of.

What sets us apart isn’t just the work we create but the heart we put into it. We understand that these moments whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, or any milestone mean everything to the people we’re capturing them for. That’s why we give it our all every time.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that success doesn’t come overnight. It comes from taking that first step, staying committed, and believing that if you keep showing up and putting in the work things will fall into place. I’m grateful for the journey, the lessons, and the people who have trusted us to tell their stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d want to give them a mix of classic spots, great food, and some laid-back experiences that really capture the city’s vibe.

Day 1: Classic LA

Start with breakfast at Republique, then check out LACMA and the Griffith Observatory for city views. Grab In-N-Out for lunch, then head to Santa Monica Pier for sunset.

Day 2: Coastal Drive

Have breakfast at Teddy’s Red Tacos before heading to Zuma Beach in Malibu. Grab seafood at Neptune’s Net, then take a scenic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway with a stop at El Matador Beach. End the day with dinner at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Day 3: Downtown & Arts District

Start with coffee at Verve, then visit The Broad Museum. Grab lunch at Grand Central Market and explore the Arts District. Wrap up the night with dinner at Bestia.

Day 4: Theme Park or Getty

Spend the day at Disneyland or Universal Studios. If not into theme parks, visit The Getty Center. Finish with late-night Korean BBQ in Koreatown.

Day 5: Venice & Hollywood

Brunch at Gjelina, then walk Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice Beach. Check out Musso & Frank Grill for dinner and end the night at Sunset Tower Bar.

Day 6: Sports & Entertainment

Catch a Lakers, Clippers, or Dodgers game if there’s one. If not, go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or a comedy show at The Comedy Store. End with late-night tacos at Leo’s Tacos Truck.

Day 7: Relax & Wrap-Up

Have a slow morning with breakfast at The Rose Venice, take a last walk at Manhattan Beach, then grab a French Dip at Philippe’s before heading to the airport.

This would be a great mix of food, sights, and real local experiences without just hitting tourist traps.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to my family, my twins Ella and Kai, my little baby Isla, and my wife Alanna. No matter what, she always believes in my creative ways and goes all in with me on every crazy endeavor.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve had my share of doubts and struggles, but my family has been my biggest source of strength. They remind me why I do what I do and push me to keep going even when things get tough. Alanna especially has been my biggest supporter, trusting in my vision even when I wasn’t sure myself.

As a wedding videographer, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about the people who stand by you, lift you up, and believe in you when you need it most. I’m beyond grateful for my family, and this recognition is just as much theirs as it is mine.

Website: https://www.guapofilmsandphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeguapofilms/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeguapofilms?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/guapo-films-and-photography-rancho-cucamonga

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mikeguapofilms?si=Iztfmvp0_OOBxCOs

Image Credits
Alanna Guapo