What should you consider when choosing your photographer and your photography package…..

How do I choose the perfect wedding photographer for me?

Your photographer is one of most important vendors of your wedding day.

Weddings are so much fun, and they pass by way too quickly. Your photography, on the other hand, lasts for the rest of your lives. Think how many times you’ll open your wedding album or pass by those beautiful images on your wall? Thousands. So choose wisely, these images are priceless.

It’s always a good idea to chat with someone either on the phone, by face-time/zoom, or over coffee to get to know their energy and make sure you all vibe and get each others sense of humor.

Ask how long they have been shooting weddings, what their style is, and ask to see some full galleries of their work.

Your photographer will be with you both a lot on your wedding day, and it’s important they know how to gently give direction, they are friendly and easy to be around, and know countless jokes about vegetables (like me!)

 Should I do an Engagement session?

If you can, do an engagement session with your photographer.

It allows them to get to know you, you to get to know them, and both get used to and comfortable with each other. It’s a great time to fill them in on all the details of your wedding, and to make sure you feel relaxed and  get used to having your photos taken together.

During my engagement shoots I get to study all my couple’s best angles, how they vibe as a couple and teach them how to move and fun silly creative to do to make their images amazing.

All before the actual wedding…

How many hours of wedding photography coverage do I need?

Each wedding has it’s own unique timeframe. Your photographer should help you choose a package that has enough hours of coverage to capture all your main events, without feeling rushed. A good photographer will know how many hours it will take to ensure you aren’t wordily glancing at your watch before the cake is cut.

Make sure you give them all the details of your ceremony and reception, wether you would like getting ready photos, are having an end of night send off, a church ceremony with a break before your reception, etc.

The general rule of thumb is that elopements and very small weddings work with 4 hours, small weddings without many getting ready images or a long reception, lunch time weddings or courthouse weddings with a simple dinner can use 6 hours, and everything else needs 8 or more.

If you’re having a full sized wedding and want to capture all the special moments of your day, it’s a good idea to book at least 8 hours.

Do I need one of two wedding photographers on my day?

Not all weddings need a second photographer, but all weddings benefit from them.

Having another professional photographer there is an insurance policy that ensures nothing important ever gets missed, as things tend to happen all at once.

They are especially useful for church ceremonies that allow for limited movement or weddings with multiple locations that require I be two places at once, Plus, you get the unique artistry of two different photographers.

Should I invest in a wedding photography album?

The last thing you want to do is let your gorgeous wedding images sit on your computer forever. Imagine showing your photographs to your granddaughter- on your computer!

Having a printed, tangible collection of your memories to hold is incredible and worth the investment- it may be the favorite thing you take away from your wedding.

I create custom designed wedding albums that perfectly showcase the images from your day.

How much should I pay for my wedding photography?

Last of all, choose a photographer that fits within your wedding budget.

The investment you make in your photography lasts a lifetime and shouldn’t be the thing you skimp on, as you can’t take the flowers or decor with you, but you take these images away forever.

If your working with a tight budget, consider getting married in the off season, on a weekday, or an elopement!

There are many ways to make your budget work for you and still have the images you’re dreaming of. A great photographer can make even the simplest wedding look incredible and the experience fun and amazing.