I've included this detailed outline of wedding day info for those interested in getting nearly every last bit of information that I can give without actually speaking with you. There's a lot here, and I don't want this to be overwhelming, but these are just things that always seem to come up during the course of the day. Over the years I feel like I have inadvertently become a bit of a mini-wedding planner, as I have seen so much of what works, what doesn't and what people fail to consider (since in most cases you haven't done this before!)

HOW I WORK

While they all follow a basic timeline, every wedding will vary greatly, and so I try to approach each one differently, based on my discussions with you. I want to hear what your likes and dislikes are, and what is most important to you. In choosing a photographer I believe that you should base your decision not only on their work, but how you feel you would get along with that person. You basically have to spend the day together - so hire someone you'll enjoy being around, whoever that may be. I know everyone says this, but I really love shooting events and weddings - there is so much opportunity to capture so many amazing moments. It's SO satisfying to watch peoples reaction to the end results!! Be sure to check out my blog or Facebook for recent wedding updates!

After the ceremony / receiving line when it is time to take the remaining formal shots, we can either do them at the church, reception site or someplace in between. In my experience, it is always a better idea to try to take the formal shots in a spot where there are no guests around. If you try to shoot right after the ceremony or at the reception site within the vicinity of guests, you generally end up with mayhem. Everyone is so excited to greet the newlyweds as well as each other, that the distractions add an unbelievable amount of time to getting the shots completed. You also frequently lose members of the wedding party as they go off to grab a cocktail or say hello to friends. Being away from that allows us to take the shots faster and for you to get to the reception and start having fun!

This past year more than ever before, more brides considered doing a First Look than I could have ever imagined. A First Look is where you see each other before the wedding (OH NO!!) which is setup as a very special moment. The element of surprise is STILL there, it's just not happening down the aisle. It is an EXTREMELY practical approach, especially if you have everything in one location, or limited time between. It allows MUCH more time for photography (as opposed to the 45 minutes you might have doing it the other way) , as well as a chance for you to take a breather and go to your cocktail hour (imagine THAT?!). I hate it when I see couples rushing around not enjoying the day they planned for so long, as this is one way to prevent that. This is something we can talk about more when we meet, but give it some consideration.

And as much as you may hate to think about it - Always keep an indoor backup for foul weather in mind! (believe me, i'm hoping it doesn't rain as much as you are..)

It's a good idea to find out ahead of time if your church has any photography restrictions, since that can possibly limit or change the way I have to shoot during the ceremony. Such restrictions seem to be becoming much more commonplace, and alter my ability to work the way I might like to. If you intend on taking photographs in the church after the ceremony, be sure to ask if they will need us to leave by a certain time.

I spend most of the night 'roaming' around shooting candids. I do not do posed table shots (hate 'em) unless a group asks me to do so and try to avoid shooting while people are eating. Having been a guest at far too many weddings where the photographer was terribly obnoxious and pushy, I go out of my way to be as invisible as I can be. I am there to capture the day as it happens, not to force people around into uncomfortable situations.

If you've chosen a package with my Associate Photographer Jay, everything here applies in the same fashion, except HE will be photographing your day rather than me! If you opt for an engagement session, he will shoot that so you can get to know each other (makes sense, right?). However If you choose an album or guest book, I will personally do that design.

Once we're booked, we are yours for the day and will not schedule any other events.

I have a list of vendors I love working with HERE if you should need any suggestions in that area.

As the day can run quite long, it would be nice if a hot meal similar to that of the guests be provided, so please check with your caterer (it's not automatic). If a meal is not to be provided, please inform me in advance so that I may make necessary arrangements. If you're told that a 'vendor meal' is provided, you may want to ask what that actually entails, as that can mean anything from an actual entree to a soggy cold sandwich made 3 days ago. Know what you're paying for! You may want to read my hot-button blog post about that very topic...

TIMING CONSIDERATIONS: The Bridal Time Machine

I think one of the most important aspects of planning the day involves discussing not only your wishes for photography, but for timing issues. By that I refer to certain points during the day where couples sometimes fail to plan accordingly for how long things actually take. I am very flexible when it comes to where and when we do things, but there are 2 key points during the day where scheduling enough time is vital:

#1) After the ceremony and between the reception is traditionally the time we shoot most of the 'formal' shots (unless you'd like to do the First Look) Now the actual amount of formals we shoot I leave up to you, so I always ask couples to jot down a list of all the shots they may want beyond what I call "the basics" (no need to send me a Google Photo List containg requests like "bride walking down the aisle"...oh yes, i do indeed receive those!) We can use this as a checklist, or simply as a reference. Everyone's concept of 'a lot of pictures' and 'not too many' pictures is different, so I want to see what you have in mind. This can not only determine how much time need, but also if there are possibly too many combinations for the time you've allotted. When you're thinking about this, ask yourself "What will I use this photo grouping for afterwards?" What sounds like great when you're planning out your photos can in reality become a huge time waster if you go crazy with combinations.

#2) It is also important to figure in the time needed for a receiving line (if you are doing one). A receiving line with 175 guests can easily take 30-45 minutes in reality. If you don't work that into the equation of pictures as well as time required for driving to your reception, you are likely to end up either not getting the photos you want, rushing to the reception, missing most of your cocktail hour, or all of the above. (dare I mention once again, the First Look?...)

So avoid what I call The Bridal Time Machine...where many couples underestimate the amount of time actually required for wedding day events, so don't be afraid to add a little extra time so you will be able to do things at a more leisurely pace and enjoy your day even more. Believe me - the day rushes by very quickly!

PROOFS, INTERNET POSTING , ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS AND ALBUMS

Your full resolution digital files will be provided on a flash drive (if included in package) At most weddings I shoot around 2500 images to start and edit that down to somewhere around 900. These edited images are the ones that go online (and on your drive if package includes). I typically choose about 150 favorites that go in their own folder, which are the ones I consider the best from the day. The editing and posting online is complete typically within 21 days, and stay online for roughly a year. Guests and family can place orders directly through the web site, with a password you will be provided with. The Quicktime slideshow with music consists of around 50-60 images from your day. A copy of that goes online as well as on your flash drive (in 3 sizes).

Packages DO NOT include albums but I strongly suggest your considering ordering one, as nothing beats a completed album to showcase all the photography from the day...it kinda brings it all together!

Generally, about 80 images is a good number to shoot for and I will work closely with you to make this process as easy as possible. Albums are $1,900 if ordered at the time of booking, $2400 if ordered after the fact and turnaround time is typically 1-2 months once the design is agreed upon and ordered. You can choose any size, cover option, leather, fabric etc etc you like. Most people end up with a book in the 9X12 or 12x12 range (not too huge, not too small) There will be roughly 30-36 pages (which equals 15-18 'spreads', which are both pages side by side - as they need to be designed as a large single image that 'becomes' 2 pages--hope thats not confusing!) I prefer to let the album design flow for the best layout - which is why I have a page RANGE rather than a set amount. We could end up with a few more or less depending on how the layout works! I don't want to nickel and dime you over page cost and for me, designing with a page limitation is very difficult.

Parent albums are beautiful, simple leather books with 20 pages (10 'spreads' as explained earlier) I suggest choosing no more than 30 images for those, and they cost $375. These usually take just a few weeks for delivery, once the design is agreed upon and ordered.

Consider this - an album tells the story of your day with beautiful FINISHED, retouched, photoshopped images that I personally design (these do NOT get sent out, I do them right here myself). These are not images grabbed off the disc and slapped into a pre-existing book. It is a fun, creative and time consuming process. After all the planning you have done with your wedding, please don't do the $100 'Shutterfly' route...why even hire a photographer then?

heres a link to a creative gallery of album options from Finao

If you decide on an engagement session, it's a great way to not only get to know each other better, but for you to have some real 'camera time' before the wedding. You'll find you're more comfortable with the idea of being photographed on your wedding day after we've had some time to goof around in front of the camera! They usually take 60-90 minutes and consist of us meeting at a location, and kind of 'roaming' around looking for cool spots to shoot ( sounds random, I know..but its a lot of fun). Custom made guest books ($225) utilizing the photos from your shoot are available and a great way to share your photos with everyone the day of the wedding. Shoots are $700 in CT, $850 out of CT [ you know--within reason, not in South Dakota...]

FEES AND DEPOSITS

For a full breakdown of available packages and prices - see HERE

All prices and packages do not include any enlargements, albums, rush shipping or processing, retouching, parking or any hotel fees that may be involved.

I ask for an initial payment of $500.00 to reserve the day, which is non-refundable in the event of postponement or cancellation.

1/2 the remaining balance is due roughly 6 months between booking and the wedding date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. (I'll email to remind you and use that time to go over times, directions, last minute changes etc)

Should you choose to cancel the day or switch dates to one I am unable to do, any payments made up to that point will not be refunded.

No digital files are released until balances are paid in full.

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