Weddings! They are so much fun and excitement and danielle, nikki, and I love shooting them. I get a lot of questions about weddings throughout the year and I decided to sit down and create this blog to answer some of your questions by talking about my packages, my process, how to get on my calendar, and some general questions and answers.

Some Info..


THE PACKAGES

My wedding packages are based on the typical number of hours I spend at a wedding. At the traditional wedding, we’re there no less than 6 hours and I don’t feel comfortable planning for less than 6 hours. Why? Because I really want to have enough to time to capture everything you want to remember and I don’t think anything less than 6 hours will allow me to do that. So, my smallest package is a six hour package and the largest is 10-11 hours. Of course, if you want us there for 12 to 14 hours, we can make that happen as well for an additional fee. The most commonly booked package, however, is my 8-9 hour package. In 10 hours, the couple and I can move at a more leisurely pace and we’re not rushing to get through with posed shots, etc. All the packages also include an engagement session which I insist we shoot. I like to use the engagement session to get to know my clients and make sure our personalities mesh. Plus, an engagement session is so much fun!


MY PROCESS

Okay – I love organization. I love a timeline. So, I do ask for an itinerary from the couple. I just need a basic idea of what is going to happen and when. I also know that most couples have never planned a wedding, so I either get this timeline from your wedding planner or I can help you create it. Timeline planning is part of all my packages. Using the timeline, I show up and get to work. I like to be there at least a few hours before the ceremony and before the bride gets into her dress. If you don’t want hair and makeup photos, that’s fine. If you want them, we’ll plan for me to be there when the hair stylists and makeup artists start work. Your timeline also needs to be based on whether or not you decide to do a first look, where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. I usually allow about an hour of extra time to make the first look and the bride and groom portrait session as special as possible. Then, I like to stay at the reception until the time the couple and I have agreed is good for me to leave OR until the end of the reception. We do take breaks throughout the day and we do eat when the couple eats. We also cry when your mom cries and dance at the reception when we think no one is looking. I’m pretty sure you don’t want to hear the details of how I edit but after your wedding that’s all that is left to do. Typically, you can expect a preview on Facebook within one week. Your full gallery takes about 6 weeks. During busy seasons, which range from May to July and September to November, it might take a week or two longer. I deliver your wedding images in an online gallery and on a print release USB drive. If you have any other questions about the way I work on a wedding day, please send me a message.


HOW TO GET YOUR WEDDING ON MY CALENDAR

First of all, send me a message that includes your wedding date. I will let you know as soon as possible if I am available that day. With the exception of major holidays, I currently only book Saturday and Sunday weddings. If I am available and you’re sure you want to book with me, I will first send over a quote and questionnaire. I need the questionnaire completed so I'll know what to expect and get a good idea about what all you will need. When the quote is accepted and the questionnaire complete, you'll get a contract and your invoice for the retainer. Once the retainer is paid and the contract signed, we'll book your engagement session!

FAQs


Do you offer video services?

Unfortunately, no. However, Maddy Jayne Photo + Film is my go-to videographer. She is such a sweet soul filled with creativity and talent. (www.maddyjayne.com)


What style(s) do you specialize in?

For weddings, I like a mix of classic and journalistic. I love to make sure you get portraits with all the important people and I like the little moments too. My editing style is a hair on the dark and moody side with rich colors and slightly warm tones.


Will the photos be retouched and color balanced? Is that done before I see them?

They will be retouched and color balanced. YES. And yes, that will be done before you see them. This lets me give you my best work.


How many wedding have you shot, and how many do you do in a year?

So... I've been shooting weddings for TEN years. The first several years I was hobbyist and had no clue what I was doing. I've only been shooting them professionally since 2017. In total, I have done about 85 weddings. I used to only take 6-8 weddings per year. Now, I am open to 20 or more.


What is your favorite part of the wedding day, and time of year to shoot?

My favorite part of the wedding day is seeing the newly married couple walk down the aisle after the ceremony. There’s so much excitement in that moment. I think it’s precious. I love to shoot weddings in the fall but any time of year is great for me. Winter weddings are also a favorite just because its cold and we might get lucky and see some snow!


Do you have backup photographers who will shoot the wedding if you’re sick?

Yes. I am part of a network of local photographers who would be happy to shoot in my place if they’re free. Of the 85 weddings I have shot, I’ve only needed someone to work in my place once – when I had COVID 19. I tell all my brides that I shot a wedding while passing a kidney stone. There isn’t much that will keep me from capturing your big day.


Will there be a second shooter or any assistants? Is there an additional fee for each?

There is ALWAYS an assistant. I cannot function without one.


How many weddings do you do in a weekend?

ONE! I can’t imagine two in one weekend.


Do you follow a shot list?

I guess you could say I do. It’s more of a mental shot list. Sometimes, I will bring a physical list if I know the wedding party is larger or there are lots of family members who need to be included.


What will you wear?

We typically wear dark colors. I prefer black. Usually, I wear black pants and a black top or a black dress. If you have any questions or preferences about my attire, please let me know. We can definitely change that if needed.