A Few Thoughts on Wedding Photography

By Katie Martin

I am in love with the moments that happen at a wedding.  I think everyone knows that there is a certain kind of magic that a wedding weaves.

You can plan every last detail or have a wedding planner plan and design your day…but no plans can control the magic.  A good photographer will capture these magical moments.  Don’t cut corners in this department or your memories will be settled into mediocrity on a disc or online forever.

All of your wedding planning and excitement leads to one day.  Typically your wedding will last 8 hours from start to finish (give or take 1 or 2 hours).  The thousands of dollars you will spend are all about these 8 hours.  Do you want to leave those 8 hours in the hands on an unseasoned wedding photographer?

These photos just reminded me again, how important photographers are to me as a wedding professional.  At the end of this year, we would have done over 125 events (for both wedding planning and floral designs).  As of today, I probably have less than 50 events that the photographers have actually sent me photos of (even after asking for them).  Do you want a photographer that does not collaborate well with other event professionals?

photo by Documentary Associates

The above question is probably one that gets missed most often by couples when they are selecting their photographers.  An additional question should be popping into your head.  If a wedding photographer does not work well with a wedding planner, how will they cooperate with you after the wedding?

These questions are of great importance if you are getting married.  You will have a team of people putting your wedding together while you are getting ready on your wedding day.  If just one vendor does not “play well” with others – how can your wedding day go smoothly?

Planning a wedding can seem like a complicated labyrinth of money, emotions and questions.  It truly does not have to be if you just ask the right questions as you go!    You should also know that there are a slew of other questions that you should be asking your wedding photographer before you hire them. Happy Planning!

Katie Martin owns Elegance & Simplicity, Inc. and is the editor of Elegance & Simplicity – Engaged & Green Blog.  She is currently writing two books in addition to her first book, The Everything Mother of the Bride Book, 2nd Edition