THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE
"Planning a wedding is stressful and can be a lot of work. Few choices are as consequential as the photographer you choose. Many of the details of the day will fade over time, but the moments depicted in photographs will endure forever."
i can't wait to work with you.
Not to freak you out, but getting married is a big freakin' deal! I started photographing weddings at a relatively young age, so I don't think it really hit me until I got married myself. Marriage is a HUGE commitment, and your wedding is the manifestation of you and your fiance's love for each other. Whether you bring together 250 guests or you have an intimate elopement atop a mountain, your wedding is something you'll cherish forever, and I am so grateful to be chosen by so many people as the one who gets to document this very special occasion for them. Photos are important, perhaps even more so than you realize now. Because 10, 20, 50, even 70 years from now, as the memories get foggier and the stories begin to fade, all you'll have left of your wedding, besides your love for each other, is your wedding photo collection. These are the photos that will bring you right back to one of the most special days of your life together.
Okay, now that the sappy stuff is out of the way, let's talk about your wedding photography experience! This short guide will tell you basically everything you need to know about working with me as your wedding photographer.
the proposal
95% of the couples I work with are already engaged when we first get into contact with each other. And that's fine! But if you're not that far yet, I'd love to be the one to capture your proposal. Strictly speaking about photography, this provides a great chance for us to get to know each other before you choose me as your engagement and wedding photographer. Photography services aside, it's really special to have these intimate photos that you can share with friends and family.
With proposal photos, most couples also opt to include a short photo session afterwards with friends and family, or just the two of them. All of your edited photos will be available same-day with an online download link, and you'll have full print rights to them as well. Because proposals typically require extensive planning and location scouting, I price these on a case by case basis. Most end up around $200.
booking your wedding package
So you've proposed and set a date for your wedding. Great! Now it's time to pick your wedding photographer and think about pricing. You're here right now because you're either in the process of booking a photographer or you've already booked me for your big day. Either way, that's a big step!
Pay close attention to what your wedding photographer includes in their package. Photography services can vary greatly and remember, you get what you pay for. For reference, my standard wedding package includes your engagement session, eight hours of wedding day coverage, and all of your edited images available via download, with full print and reproduction rights.
You'll also want to pay close attention to the payment schedule your photographer requests. Some photographers require a couple hundred dollars down, some require 1/3 and some require half or more, and the fee is typically non-refundable. I know how difficult it is to budget for a wedding, especially if you're young, so while I do require a deposit and then the remainder by 14 days prior to your wedding, the amount of that deposit and subsequent payments are entirely negotiable.
the engagement session
If you were already engaged when you booked me, this will be the first time we get to work together! My goal for your engagement session is to have as much fun as possible while also encouraging vulnerability and collaboration.
I am always down for an adventure, so if you want to travel somewhere cool for your engagement session, great! Want to plan a picnic or go take a dip in a nearby lake at sunset? I'm game!
Your engagement session is where we get to know each other, and it's so so so important to have these photos done so that come wedding day, you're comfortable being in front of the camera.
Your engagement session will be available online within a week, but I typically have most, if not all, of your photos available within 24 hours.
approaching the wedding day
As we get closer to your wedding day, you'll start to hear from me regarding final payments and an itinerary for your big day. But don't worry - you won't have to make anything from scratch. There are specific details I need to know, so I'll send over a questionnaire in the final weeks leading up to your wedding. In the questionnaire, you'll be able to detail times and locations for photos, contact information for the day-of (because trust me, the last thing you want on the morning of your wedding is your photographer calling), and you'll have the opportunity to list out any formal family portraits you want to make sure are taken.
Once that's complete, I'll send back any suggestions and you can relax! Filling out this questionnaire takes a huge weight off you and your wedding party, and it allows me to go through the day without having to bother anyone, so you can focus on getting married and having fun!
the wedding day
aaahhhhh!!!!
It's finally here, your wedding day!
My goal for your wedding day is for you to not even realize I'm there. You and I will have sorted out the schedule and timeline for everything ahead of time, so you can devote your full attention to getting married. For the few times you do notice I'm there (bridal party photos, couples photos, family shots, etc.), I want to make sure it's easy and fun for you. Here's a look at some of the many things I make sure to capture throughout the day.
getting ready
Repeat after me: I will not neglect my getting ready photos.
I cannot stress this enough. It seems silly, but these photos are SO important. I absolutely adore all the photos from my wedding, but the ones I find myself looking back at frequently are the photos of my groomsmen and I getting ready for the day. Same with my wife - during her getting ready photos was when her parents presented her with the most heartfelt gift.
Pro tip: Try your best to choose a place that's not too cramped, and has plenty of natural light.
your first look (if you choose to do one)
I understand this isn't for everyone, but I absolutely love the idea of doing a first look. The photos are great, it allows you more time to enjoy your reception, and I'll be honest - it's basically the only alone time the two of you get until the end of the night.
the ceremony
I'll move quietly to several angles throughout the course of your wedding ceremony to capture every intimate detail. Every wedding ceremony is unique, so be sure to let me know if you're planning something special like a sand ceremony, candle lighting, etc.
your first photos together as a married couple!
Let's celebrate, you're finally married! This is the part of the day in which a huge weight is lifted off your shoulders. Sure, you have to cut your cake and have your first dance, but the nerve wracking part is long gone.
bridal party & family photos
These can be done before or after your wedding ceremony (depending on whether you do a first look). Since we already worked out our list beforehand, we'll fly through family photos and the formal bridal party pics. If time allows and if you want, we'll take some time to get some fun shots of you with your bridal party.
reception & details
Throughout the day, I'll be sure to capture all the tiny details that go into making your wedding uniquely you. At the reception, I'll get the cake cutting, all the formal dances (first dance, mother-son, father-daughter, etc.), and a few shots of everyone dancing. Usually by that time, our eight hours is up and I've gotten more than enough images that encapsulate everything about your perfect day.
after the wedding
I ran a very busy studio full-time for five years so I know how it goes - most photographers are MIA and take four to six weeks to get you your photos back after your wedding.
I deliver a handful of feature photos of your big day within 24 hours, with the full album available online within a week.
From your album, you can like, share and download any and all images. They're yours to keep, with full print and reproduction rights. And once you receive them, that's that! You may hear me reach out for a review after some time has passed, but otherwise, feel free to reach out to me if you ever need photos again in the future or just want to say hey! I also make sure to send little gifts if you refer a friend to using my services :)
As I'm sure I've already told you in an email or phone call, I'm a photographer, a craft beer connoisseur, and a soon-to-be dad. But I'm also a storyteller. I can't wait to help tell yours.