Meet Derrick Cabico | Creative Director & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Derrick, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My end goal is to build a legacy rooted in storytelling, human connection, and creative freedom. With Wandered Stories, it started as a way to capture love stories in a meaningful way—but over time, it’s grown into something bigger: a platform that celebrates the beauty of life’s moments and the relationships that shape us.

Professionally, I see myself stepping more fully into the role of Creative Director and mentor—guiding a team of talented artists who share my passion for storytelling while empowering the next generation of creatives through education and community. I want to continue creating visual work that moves people, but also build businesses that make space for others to thrive.

Ultimately, I hope that by the end of my career, I’ll have helped not just clients preserve their stories, but helped fellow creatives believe in the value of theirs. I want to look back knowing I built something that outlived me—not just in photos or films, but in the people I inspired and the stories I helped bring to life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is rooted in storytelling and human connection. As the founder and creative director of Wandered Stories, I’ve always believed that art is more than just visuals—it’s about emotion, intention, and the legacy we leave behind. I document weddings and love stories not just as events, but as deeply personal chapters in someone’s life. What sets my work apart is the focus on raw, authentic moments and crafting a narrative that truly reflects each couple’s journey.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Like many creatives, I’ve faced burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure to “keep up” in an ever-changing industry. But each challenge has helped me refine my vision and stay true to my why. I’ve learned to value depth over speed, purpose over perfection, and to surround myself with a team that shares the same heart.

I’m most proud of how Wandered Stories has grown into a brand that people connect with—not just because of the work we produce, but because of how we make people feel. That’s what I want the world to know: that this isn’t just about photo and video. It’s about preserving moments that matter and helping people feel seen, valued, and celebrated through our art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA for the week, I’d build an itinerary that blends creative inspiration, laid-back hangs, and unforgettable views. LA is a playground for artists and dreamers, so I’d want every day to feel intentional and full of wonder.

Day 1 – Creative Fuel + Sunset Views
Start with brunch at Republique—the vibe, the pastries, the architecture… it’s iconic. Then head to The Broad for some soul-feeding art. We’d wrap the day with golden hour at Griffith Observatory, watching the city light up as the sun dips below the hills.

Day 2 – Venice Vibes + Studio Energy
Morning coffee at Great White Venice, then a stroll down Abbot Kinney for shopping and people-watching. We’d rent a studio for a mini content shoot—maybe FD Photo Studio or RV Studios—to create something fun together. Dinner would be tacos from Gjelina Take Away and a beach walk.

Day 3 – DTLA Storytelling Day
Explore ROW DTLA, hit up Maru Coffee, then walk through the Arts District to see murals and stop by Hauser & Wirth. Grab ramen at Daikokuya, and maybe hit a rooftop bar like Perch to watch the skyline come alive.

Day 4 – Hidden Corners + Chill Day
Slow morning at Morning Service Coffee, then a visit to Echo Park Lake for a paddleboat moment. Stop by Stories Books & Café in Echo Park to wander through books and ideas. Evening dinner at Night + Market Song in Silver Lake—vibes always deliver.

Day 5 – Nature Meets Nostalgia
Hike Temescal Canyon or do sunrise at Runyon. Afterward, reward ourselves with Dialog Cafe in WeHo. We’d explore Melrose Trading Post if it’s a Sunday, and catch a movie at New Beverly Cinema for some old-school Tarantino-curated vibes.

Day 6 – Arts & Culture Deep Dive
Museum hop: LACMA, then across to Peterson Automotive Museum or Academy Museum of Motion Pictures depending on their interests. Evening walk through The Grove and dinner at Erewhon’s hot bar (if we’re being LA about it).

Day 7 – Reflect & Recharge
Start the morning journaling with coffee at Verve Coffee Roasters, then a quick drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. Maybe stop at Malibu Farm for brunch, and end with toes in the sand watching the waves crash. It’s the perfect way to close out a week full of creativity, connection, and California magic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I could have built Wandered Stories into what it is today without the people who have walked beside me through it all. First and foremost, my family—especially my parents—for their quiet strength, sacrifices, and unconditional support, even when the path I chose wasn’t the most traditional. I also want to shout out my team, the incredible photographers and filmmakers who believe in the mission just as much as I do. They’re not just talented—they’re intentional, kind, and driven by purpose.

A huge thank you to the creative community that continues to inspire and uplift, and to the friends who remind me to rest, dream, and never stop creating from the heart. And finally, I want to recognize the couples who’ve trusted us with their most intimate stories. Your vulnerability is what makes our work meaningful. You’ve helped shape not just the brand, but my life.

Website: https://wanderedstories.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WanderedStories

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/wanderedstories/