WEDDING
What to expect:
Looking to get your wedding photos done by me? Keep reading to know what steps you need to take and what a typical day is like with me!
First thing that you should know is that a contract is expected to be signed along with a deposit (it is NOT an extra fee, but is non-refundable). You'll need to choose a wedding package that best fits for you and your day and then we can go from there. Depending on where the wedding takes place, a travel fee may apply - lodging and/or gas. I do my best to keep traveling costs down, but it can't always be promised. I offer a variety of wedding packages, which is listed in the Investment portion of my website. I have 1 option for elopement photography and then 4 options for wedding photography. If additional coverage is needed, you will need to let me know because it is an extra charge per hour. Once we have figured out the wedding package you want, a contract has been signed, and deposit has been paid, then we will move onto our next step!
The next thing I will do is send out a wedding questionnaire. This helps me get to know you and what you want on your wedding day. It is important that you fill this out so that I can get to know you before your wedding day. In addition to this questionnaire, I like to have a meeting (either in person or over the phone) once it gets closer to your wedding date so that we can finalize the details of your big day. Communication is very important to me and it helps that I know all the nitty-gritty details about your wedding.
Wedding shot list(s), must-have photographs, and schedules are very important to make - it makes it easier on the both of us!
Depending on the package you selected, your wedding day can be different!
On your wedding day, I am ready for whatever might come. I have extra SD cards and batteries handy. I have a full-frame camera and two lenses. I also have a flash for indoor photography or for dark outdoor photos.
Whatever package you choose, whether it be the 4 hour wedding coverage or the 8 hour wedding coverage, you are in control of how you want to use your time.
For example, if you wanted to 8 hour package, but decided that you would rather have more coverage during the reception than with getting-ready photos, that is perfectly fine. Just communicate with me so that I know!
Also, when and where we do photos can depend on if you are doing a first look or waiting until your partner walks down the aisle. If you are doing a first look, we can do any photos before the ceremony (such as family photos, couple photos, wedding party photos, etc.) - this can help can all of the shots out of the way before your ceremony! But if you are wanting to wait until your partner sees you walk down the aisle, THAT IS TOTALLY FINE! These make wonderful and intimate photos just as much! We will just have to do things differently. I can do bridal party and groomsmen party separately so that the bride and groom don't see each other.
If I am doing getting ready photos, I also like to take detail shots and decor shots! I usually do these before we do getting ready photos (such as mom zipping up the dress, putting on veil, jewelry, etc.). I normally only take getting-ready photos of one partner (mainly the bride), since I can only be in one place at once. However, if you do want getting ready photos of your partner, please make sure that you schedule time for me to do that.
After I get pre-ceremony shots in, it's time for your ceremony!
I usually like to stay towards the front of the ceremony. I do my best to not be in the way, but I am not afraid to be in the way to get the shots I need. These are photos that you are going to look back on for the rest of your life, so I need to be nearby and in the front! I do walk around though and get different angles! I capture everyone who comes down the aisle, those at the alter, and then some photos of your guests. I capture important shots like your partner's reaction down the aisle, reading of vows, ring exchange, and first kiss. Then I capture photos of you guys walking back down the aisle together.
After the ceremony, I do any additional shots needed. This usually goes on during cocktail hour.
Your reception shots can be different depending on what you want me to capture. I can do the couple's entrance, photos of guests at tables before or after eating, I can get photos of the first dance, toasts, cutting cake, and so on. You let me know what you want! I do not capture anything when everyone is eating. It is my break, and also capturing photos while your guests are eating is not very attractive photos haha! But I will be back on after dinner is done and the fun reception events start! Depending on your package, I capture reception coverage from 2-3.5 hours. If additional coverage is needed for the reception (some like those late night party photos!), then please let me know! It is an additional charge per hour.
The editing process is my favorite part, everything all starts to come together! But it is a long process. I go through many photos (sometimes 2000+!) and choose all the best ones, then the editing process begins! I do my best to give an 8-12 week time limit, but it can take longer depending on if I am working or have to do extra editing. My teaching job will take priority, but I will do my best to get you your photos back within the set time frame.
If I start to go over my 8-12 week limit, I will be in contact with you and let you know when you may expect them by. Please be patient during this process. I like to send finished photos of the couple within a week or two after the wedding so that you at least have those to share with friends and family.
After I am done editing, I download all the photos onto my computer. Then I upload them on an online gallery that will be shared with you. You then can share your online gallery with friends and family members. Your online gallery will expire 3 months after the date that I give your photos back. You and your family/friends will need to have downloaded the ones they want during that amount of time. I will notify you one week prior to deletion. Please make sure all friends and family are aware of this so that they can do that!
In addition to your own online gallery, you will get a flash drive with all your photos on it! This will be mailed to you, so I will need a good mailing address!
Once you get your photos back, you are welcome to post them on social media! Please know that you will need to tag me so that I receive credit!
Ready to get started? Contact me!