You just got Engaged! Congratulations! now its time to plan your nuptials and your thinking where do I even begin? I know EXACTLY what your thinking, I have been there with my own wedding and didn’t have a clue then! I wish I knew what I know now from being a Wedding Photographer, because I think things wouldve made it a little easier on the ole ticker! HA!
Finding the right Photographer |
Booking a Wedding Photographer is supposed to be like adding a friend to your Christmas card list, at least thats how I like to think of it. I want to take beautiful photographs for you, make your experience something you will always remember and be your friend! This is one of the most intimate relationships you will have with one of your vendors because I will be capturing your WEDDING DAY, one of the most special days in your lives. It is so important to have a great relationship with your photographer and it all begins with a conversation or a meeting in person.
Are you only basing your selections on price by emailing to get package and pricing info? or do you actually want to meet with Photographers to see if they also mesh well with you and your fiance? I know staying within a budget is important and I’m not saying to book just anyone you connect with, I’m saying that is just an essential key to getting fabulous wedding photography as well. If you have a few Wedding Photographers picked out for the style of Photography you love, then next would be to contact them via email or phone and let them know your budget and then set up a meeting with them in person to go over all the details and to get to know one another. You will know once you meet with your vendor no matter who it is, which one will work for you and your fiance.
Some of my fave vendors |
If you are looking for an amazing Wedding Coordinator, you MUST call Becky with No Ordinary Affair she and her team not only design amazing weddings but they are also the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever met! and I have said it before, but it is so important to not only have a talented planner but also have a wonderful connection, and you will get both with them! No Ordinary Affair was also chosen for Best Of from Oregon Bride Magazine last year!
If you are looking for a Super fun and talented videographer, you MUST meet Ryan with Focal Point Digital Media he will knock your socks off with his finished product along with his personality!Ryan was voted Best Of From Oregon Magazine last year as well!
Flower arrangement is a must for most couples and I would like to recommend Francoise Weeks from Francoise Weeks European Floral Design I adore her beautiful way of connecting life outdoors to beautiful works of art. Francoise is an amazing person to work with!
Are you looking for a SUPER fun DJ for your Reception??? Sean from Event Team Entertainment is your man!! hes professional, always looking snazzy in his tux and knows how to entertain!
On to an amazing team of VERY talented Hair & Makeup artists, Face Body Beauty rocks it like no other!
I have two favorite local designers in the Portland area and they are completely different from one another which is why I am mentioning both, Love June Bridal Boutique is known for their soft, elegant designs which I adore. Secondly Urchin redesign; a Portland Bridal and event gown Designer who re-constructs vintage pieces into beautiful works of art.
I know every bride loves to add a piece of simple yet elegant piece on their heads! may I suggest Tessa Kim Bridal Adorns, she offers beautiful birdcage veils and feather and floral fascinators for every occasion, and her designs are a favorite of mine!
As for wedding locations, honestly I have so many favorites but they are all around the country, so I cannot narrow it down to one or two, so I will give you a few tips on booking your wedding venue/church.
Choosing a Venue |
A few things to think about when deciding on a great location, One is, what it looks like during different times of the day, lighting is very important for the style of photos you are looking for. If you will be having an evening wedding, make sure you think about a professional lighting set up to make it even more fabulous, you can get that through a place like West Coast Event Productions, Inc. , If you are looking at an indoor location during the day, I suggest finding a location with large windows that bring that beautiful light in, high ceilings are great as well. Choosing an outdoor location during the summer you think would be easy and always has the best situation for all lighting! well actually wrong, think about the time of day you want to get married, where you and your spouse want to be facing during that time of day, you dont want the sun blaring in your eyes when your trying to look at one another or blaring in your guests eyes while they try and watch you. Ask your wedding planner and your photographer for advice on time and placing if you want the best possible situation. Trust me it helps to ask, that’s what we are here for!
When looking for vendors, remember to ask questions, meet them in person if you can, book 6 months in advance, dont wait last minute and then settle for someone you probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. These suggestions of vendors that I have talked about above are simply who I have enjoyed working with and who have received rave reviews also from the couple and the families of the Bride & Groom. I wouldnt suggest any of these if I truly believed they were not fabulous. I know planning your wedding can be an eye-opener, and you dont even know where to begin!
Last minute tips |
Don’t forget to ask questions
Get referrals, theirs nothing better then hearing about personal experiences with your friends or family member’s wedding vendors.
Meet your vendors in person if you can, if you are out of state, chatting on the phone or skyping is also a great way to “meet”.
Book your vendors as far in advance as possible to ensure you get what you are looking for
I hope by posting this feature, it will help you get atleast a jump start on your planning. Cheers to your Engagement!
| Deyla
and because posts are so much fun with photos, heres to some of my favorite pics of the couples I worked with last year |
Hi Deyla! I just wanted to thank you for this post. I think your philosophy on photographer selection specifically is spot on. We feel the same way. Great post!