CONGRATULATIONS!
Getting married is a big step in life, and I’m honored that you have considered me to tell the story of your big day!
You’ve probably been planning this day since you were a little girl, or you may have been like me; who had gotten engaged, had three months to prepare for it, and never thought about planning my wedding day in advance. If you’re like me don’t worry it’s going to be a wonderful day and I’m here to help in any way that I can!
So I’m sure you have some questions. What can you expect from me as a photographer? This is one of the most important days of your life, and documenting this day is essential. These are photos that you will pass down from generation to generation, which is why I take all the details into consideration and do my part in making this a wonderful experience.
I like to start by sitting down with you and your significant other to go over the things you have planned so far and to get to know you and how you two met. Once we go over the wedding day plan I will go over your options for the services I can provide for your special day. With that decided I will request a schedule of the wedding day, and a shot list of the photos you want to be taken that are most important to you.
(Example: a photo of you with a family heirloom, or someone special to the family.)
Let’s answer some questions you might have.
Do I Travel?
Yes! I’m most definitely willing to come to whatever venue you have planned to use. I travel anywhere within an hour of Scottsville KY. Anywhere outside of that hour please contact me for pricing.
Retainer fee?
I do require a 25% of the total as a retainer that secures the day you have scheduled. I can not guarantee that day for you until it is paid. This is non-refundable after your date has been booked and the contract is signed.
The total amount is due 3 months before the wedding day. If your wedding is in 3 months or less the total is due 3 weeks before the wedding day.
When will the photos be ready?
I'm so glad you asked. I take great care in your photos and I am very critical of my work. Looking at each photo in fine detail and precision to make it the highest quality it can be.
In this process it takes an estimated 3 to 5 weeks to deliver your photos. Wedding albums generally between 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
Why do I need a schedule?
Now, I know this seems unimportant, but it is crucial to making the day go smoothly and the best way to be prepared. From getting ready to the reception, to saying goodbye. Creating a schedule lets everyone know where to be and when to be there!
Suggestions and Recommendations
First Look
Personally, I'm partial to the first look in weddings, and I did one for my wedding.
The first look isn't for everyone and I respect anyones decision to do their wedding traditional. The benefits to doing a first look are that it's less pressure on you as a couple, it's more intimate, and from a photographers stand point it give your more time for your bride and groom photos, unless you specifically set time away from your guests after the ceremony.
Unplugged Ceremony
I feel very strongly about this one. As you can see in the photo from my own wedding above, simply having a sign saying "unplugged wedding" doesn't always do the trick. Not everyone sees the sign and therefore you get phones out and cameras in the background behind very special moments in your ceremony.
Having someone whether it be your officiant or coordinator announce to your guests that you have a vendor to document this special time during the wedding and you want them there in the moment with you ensures to keep this from happening. It's not full proof but it's definitely more influential.
Wedding Coordinator
Again this is not a requirement, but it's simply a recommendation. Having a wedding coordinator takes off a lot of stress off of you, your partner, and your family.
Wedding coordinators are there to ensure everything stays on track for the schedule, that vendors arrive on time, and your family is there for formal portraits.
I have worked with family friends as the wedding coordinator and I have worked with professionals as is their trade. I myself had a family friend and it didn't go as smoothly and was more stressful than it would've been if I had hired someone who could handle the pressure and get things under control.
You really need someone good at solving problems.
Second Photographer
Having a second photographer has the benefit of double the coverage, the advantage of getting multiple angles to one single moment. It's impossible to be in two places at once so choosing to have a second photograph helps ensure you get that special shot, and the candids you never thought of getting.