I’d like to give you an idea of how we would work together:
Getting Started:
Our first step is an initial meeting, whether we get together in person or set up a Skype session. This is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, to start building towards a trusting relationship. I will ask you all about your plans and why you chose your venue, details, etc. I want to hear about all of it. Tell me your love story and what you want your marriage to be. This is the foundation for everything that follows.
We will establish your style, get familiar with each other and answer any questions you may have. We will go over the entire process so you’ll know exactly how things will be handled. There will be time to look at albums as well, to help you picture the Family Heirloom already in the making.
When you are ready to get started, we will work together to select the Collection that best suits your style and your needs. We can always create a custom Collection to really make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for and nothing else. There is no one-size-fits-all, every wedding is different and each couple creates what they love.
The Planning Process:
As we get to know each other, I’ll get a better sense of who you are as a couple and how the wedding day will unfold, as well as a better understanding of which details matter most. I’m happy to accompany you on your venue walk through to get a sense of how things will look and how the day will be scheduled.
About 6 weeks before the wedding, I will send you a Client Questionnaire. Examples of what it will include:
“Do you plan to see each other before the ceremony?”
“How many members are in your bridal party?”
“What time will your reception start?”
“Are there any sensitive family issues I should know about?”
Your answers will help me to build a Timeline to make sure we capture everything that matters most. This will also help us stay on track that day, and will be finalized in conjunction with your venue and other vendors (ex: catering team, DJ or band, hair and make up team, flower delivery, rentals, etc). If you are working with a planner or coordinator, we will work together to create the Timeline.
One the Day:
On your wedding day, I will arrive about 30 minutes early to scout the venue if I’ve not seen it before. First, I will check in with your Coordinator/Planner and with the couple, typically starting with the bride. I will introduce myself to the bridal party and any family members who have arrived. At this point, I will collect details to be photographed, such as important family heirlooms, the rings, the dress, shoes, paper goods and flowers.
Most couple want to include the “getting ready” portion of the day in the coverage. Often times, I will photograph the bride and her entourage, while my husband Scott photographs the groom. I love to capture the anticipation before the ceremony! Everyone is emotional and there is so much excitement! I do prefer to give the couple at least a 30 minute break before the start of the ceremony to allow for personal time and reflection. Of course that is up to you.
Some couples want to see each other privately before the ceremony. We call this the First Look. Personally I’m a huge fan, but only if it suits the couple. If you want to include this, we will collaborate to find a private place for this to happen. We can also accomplish all of the bridal party and family formals before the ceremony so you can go directly to your cocktail reception. If you do not want to include a private First Look, we will plan to finish all the formals after the ceremony. Typically, formals can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 40 minutes depending on the amount of people included and the various combinations. I like to work with the couple last so they can enjoy their time without an audience. This works perfectly for couples who want to be announced to their guests at their reception.
During the ceremony, I will be quiet and respectful while still capturing every important detail. I will always find out of your Church or Venue have any restrictions for photographers so I can arrive prepared and keep things running smoothly. Every ceremony is different. Your Questionnaire will tell me about each moment and what to expect so I can always be sure to be in the right place at the right time, leaving nothing to chance.
During the Reception I will be near you and always within sight. When you are greeting your loved ones, I will be there to capture the embrace and the expressions of love. I understand that each guest is there because they matter to you and you want to share your celebration with those that matter most to you. Often times photographers miss the guests, while photographing editorial details. I will make sure there is plenty of time for both so you get the best of both worlds.
At the end of the night, I will check in with you and your family to make sure there is nothing we missed. If extra coverage is needed, additional hours can be added to your collection on site. You will receive an invoice for the extra time, after the wedding so you won’t have to deal with payment on site.
After the Wedding Day:
All images are delivered after being professionally edited. This process takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Your image files will be delivered online via a private link. You can use this link to share your photos with friends and family, as well as to order prints and make selections for your album. If your Collection includes an Album, we will set up a time to talk about the process and to see examples if needed. If you Collection does not include an Album, one can always be added after. Many couples choose to purchase an Album for their First Anniversary, allowing them plenty of time to set aside funds and make selections. I will create a PDF version of your album so that you can make sure every detail is perfect. This process makes revisions painless and simple. Albums take up to8 weeks from the date they are ordered. Duplicates are available at a 10% discount, perfect for Parents. For more information on products and gifts, please read about Heirlooms or contact me directly.