Selecting a Photographer

(Videographer)

This will be the one vendor you have that is responsible for recording

the history of your wedding. You will have these photographs for years

and you want them to be the best. They should reflect all the memories

of the beginning of your married life. You will look at these photographs

with your grandchildren and you want them to look as though they were

taken yesterday.

Shopping for the Photographer

Search for a photographer is looking for the memories. You want a

photographer that will ensure the pictures will turn out, as well as

create the uniqueness of your relationship on film. It is important for

you to have an open relationship with your photographer. As a couple,

you should meet with the photographer so they may understand your

personality and capture the special moments for you. When you begin

to look for a photographer, it is necessary to research their reputation.

You may do this through the Better Business Bureau and past wedding

customers. Find out as much information as you are able to.

Engagement Pictures

Have engagement pictures done far in advance of the wedding. Be creative

with these. You should have outside shots, formal shots, candid shots

and anything else you choose. When you see the proofs you will be able

to decide if you want to have this professional photograph your wedding.

Pre-Bridal Portrait

The pre-bridal portrait is also known as the "Gown Session." Consider

this a "dress rehearsal" for the wedding day. You should schedule an

appointment with your hairdresser and make-up artist. This will not only

allow you to see what you will look like on the wedding day, but your hair

dresser will be able to estimate how long it will take to do your hair and

provide an opportunity to make sure it is the style you want for your

wedding day. You will also be more relaxed because you will be able to

fix anything you do not like and you will get used to wearing your wedding

attire. Many brides display one of their portraits at the reception. This is

usually displayed by the guest book.

The Wedding Day

On your wedding day, you may want to appoint a good friend or relative

to assist the photographer with important people at the wedding. The

photographer should have a list of all the attendants, parents, relatives,

and important guests. The photographer will then be able to ask one

person to locate the persons involved in the next photograph. The list

should also have "not to miss" photos. If you would like particular people

to have their picture taken, inform them ahead of time and then have them

remind the photographer. Many couples now place disposable cameras on

the tables of their guests at the reception. This fun idea allows your guests

to be funny and goofy and it forms a memorable album for you to enjoy. It

is wise to appoint one person to distribute the cameras and retrieve them

after the reception. This person may also drop them off to be developed

while you are on your honeymoon. You will also find many guests snapping

their own pictures and sending them to you months after the wedding.

Photos - Before or After

No matter which you choose, you, your parents, friends, guests and

photographer will all have to make sacrifices. From a photographic point of

view, probably the best time is before the ceremony because gowns, tuxedos,

flowers, candles and the wedding party as a whole all look fresh and new. This

does however, create some problems. First, you have no choice but to see your

spouse before the wedding. Second, you, your family and the wedding party will

all need to be at the church and ready to photograph at least 2 hours before the

wedding is scheduled to begin. Special arrangements with the church and florist

may need to be made in advance. Third, if you want to have the candles lit during

the formal photographs, you will need to bring an extra set for the ceremony.

Shooting the photographs after the wedding has few advantages other than that

the bride and groom won’t see each other before the ceremony. Disadvantages...

first, if the reception is held at a location other than the church, the photographs

must be taken prior to the departure of the wedding party and families. This can

delay your arrival at the reception for up to 1 1/2 hours, depending on how quickly

the participants can be found. Secondly, every ones attitude changes from

excitement and anticipation before the wedding to one of "lets hurry and get this

over with". Occasionally, important participants must be left out of photographs,

creating a great deal of stress for the bride, groom and photographer.