So... You're Getting Married?

After a proposal a couple is filled with more emotions than they know what to do with. One of the emotions that overwhelm the couple the most is stress. Stress due to the upcoming task of actually planning a wedding, especially if this is the first marriage for the both of them.

So what next? Most people start by picking a wedding date, and a venue, and a dress, and so on and so forth. Most often, couples neglect how important it is to not only choose a photographer early on, but choose a photographer they love.

Most couples have NO IDEA where to even begin their photographer search, so they start on Google. Good Choice, but here are a few tips on finding the PERFECT photographer for your big day that you may not have thought of:

1. START ON PINTEREST. If you are a photographer reading this… please don’t kill me. Let me say this… start on Pinterest to find the STYLE of photography you are looking for, not necessarily EXACT photos you want to replicate. If you want something that looks very candid and natural, your wedding style would best relate to a photo-journalistic photographer. If you are looking for a natural, yet curated look for your day, look for a lifestyle photographer such as myself. Do some research and see what style you most resonate with.

2. LOOK AT PHOTOGRAPHERS’ BLOGS. This is where you will see ACTUAL wedding day photos, often from the start of the day, to the very end. You will be able to see how a photographer tells a story, and you will see if that is how you want your day documented. This is also a good place to get to know your photographer on a personal or professional level.

3. ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. This is always a great place to find advice. More often than not, you trust your friends and family regarding advice for important matters. Photography is a large purchase for your wedding. If you can have some justification from your friends and family on someone they already know and trust, it will be easier for you in the long run. Also, SOME photographer’s offer referral incentives to couples.

4. SET UP A MEET AND GREET. I absolutely love meeting my brides and their fiancés. Just meet up for coffee, a restaurant, or in a park with your dogs and have an informal chat. This is a good way to know if you and the photographer are a good fit. The photographer may bring some sample work, even if it is a few photos on their iPhones. The good thing about a Meet and Greet is that there is no pressure to buy and you get to know each other on a personal level. See if your ideal photographer is ok with meeting up.

5. INQUIRE EARLY ON. So once you have found the PERFECT photographer, make sure you secure the date with them as soon as possible. Most photographers book at least a year in advance and their schedules fill up very quickly. It is such a disappointment to find someone you trust and you love their work… but the date is already booked. This happens more often than you think, so inquiry quickly!

I hope these five tips will help you on your wedding planning journey. I hope you find the perfect photographer for your special day. Just keep in mind, you and your fiancé will spend the majority of your day with this person… so make sure they are the right one.

I am now engaged as of July 18th!!!!! :D So now I have my very own wedding to plan!!