Planning a wedding is a full time job that no ones tells you about, no one pays you an hourly wage, and outsourcing this once in a lifetime opportunity sounds like the worst idea ever for us type-A personalities (ahhhh!!!). BUT it's the chance for you and your fiancé to create a day that focuses totally on you as a couple and celebrate your marriage! The planning definitely pays off the moment you're walking down the aisle, you lock eyes with your soon-to-be spouse, and everything else around you fades. Oh I get chills thinking about walking down the aisle! Nothing else matters after that. Making sure you planned well up to this moment and have a great vendor team to back you means that you can focus on the day. Let the professionals take care of all those little details that you don't need to stress about anymore! Professionals = peace of mind.

where should i look for wedding photographers?

DO NOT skimp on this!!!! Your neighbor may have a tent you can borrow, the tween you used to babysit may be able to play one song on their violin during your ceremony, but I repeat, DO NOT skimp on photography. Uncle Bob and his "fancy camera" just won't capture your wedding day the way that a seasoned pro will. (And do you really want Uncle Bob downing beers on the dance floor when he's supposed to be shooting your reception? I swear this happened at a friend's wedding when I was a guest.)

So, where should you start your photography expedition? Instagram is a good place because there are a bazillion options when you search #weddingphotographer. This approach works if you are clear on your style, what you like/don't like, and can weed through feeds quickly. What if you don't know your style preference, or you want more of a connection with the person behind the camera? My advice- ask those brides that have gone before you! Referrals are the NUMBER 1 way that I book new couples. Past brides are quick to tell you all the details of their photography experience plus it's coming from someone that you trust and has your best interest in mind. Or if you've been a bridesmaid you have firsthand experience with some photographers and how they roll on wedding day. Ask around in your circles and hear some past experiences!

what am i looking for in regards to photography style, vision, & approach?

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this. There is only "what fits you as a couple?" Be honest with yourself. You don't HAVE to book the same photographer as your sister, y'all have different tastes. Since there is a huge range when it comes to style and approach I'm just going to help with some keywords. Choose the ones that stand out to you and pay attention if a potential wedding photographer mentions your keywords on their website or in your meeting. I've highlighted my style and approach below.

traditional natural light

photojournalistic studio light

candid dark & moody

posed light & airy

editorial true colors

dramatic retouched/ photoshopped

clean, minimalistic true to the moment

photographer directs scene photographer blends in

stylistic storytelling

things to notice when viewing a portfolio or wedding gallery

Now that we've talked about style, let's talk about photography elements in a portfolio. Again, this is also your preference and every photographer has their own shooting twist.

What do they concentrate on? Wide shots, close up, details, people, decorations?

How do they crop? Full length, mid length, close up, is anyone missing limbs or half a head in final images?
What angle do they shoot from? Eye-level, from the ground pointing up, from overhead pointing down?
Composition- are the images empty, clean, feel like they have the right amount of breathing room, or cluttered?
Do they use a filter on everything or change the color cast?
Are the colors adjusted or how they look in real life? Pay attention to the greens, oranges, and blacks.

inquire with a few photographers

Congratulations! Now you know exactly what images speak to you and what kind of photographer you're looking for on wedding day! Time to reach out.

Most photographers have a contact form on their website with the need-to-know details. Please, please answer all the questions on the contact form. It helps us get to know you and how we can serve you. Filling out all the little boxes may seem tedious but it will get you a lot farther along than leaving it blank. And we love hearing those details, it's exciting for us! Every photographer does a happy dance when they get an inquiry form. If they say otherwise they're lying....

Since you have a trained eye now I would suggest inquiring with your top 3-4 photographers to see if they have your date available. You've done your research about the best fit, you don't need 15 different quotes.

aspects of a wedding collection or photography quote

I like to work with every couple to hear about their photography needs and photo wish list. My collections are customized for each couple because I know that one size doesn't fit all. After an initial phone call with me I put together a few sample collections for us to start with and then tailor a collection to fit your budget and needs. I love my "work together" approach and knowing that my couples are getting exactly what they want! This phone call is also a great time for you to ask "what are the pros and cons of having that?"

engagement session
bridal session
rehearsal dinner coverage
bridal luncheon
send off brunch
hours of wedding day coverage
second photographer
wedding album
parent albums
guest book

book your photographer and do a happy dance!

Booking your photographer is a BIG step on the to-do list. You should feel confident and thrilled that you chose the best photographer for your wedding day! I hope this post helped you weigh through all the options and gave you clarity on who you want to work with.