WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
WWW .B R O O K R U D O L P H .C O M
H E L L O L OV E LY ! WELCOME TO THE BRP WEDDING FAMILY Hey, I’m Brook and my heart is overwhelmed with joy that you’ve chosen me to photograph your biggest day yet! With that said, I know that choosing a wedding photographer is a huge deal. After all, these portraits will out live you and that is a substantial weight to bare. While you may not know it yet, I intend to put my heart and soul into capturing and creating beautiful lifelong memories for you and your future family. A few important notes you should know about booking with me: 1) Know that I’ll be as much your friend during this process as I am your hired photographer. 2) Expect a photography experience that’s a bit less traditional and virtually stress-free
MY HISTORY I was born and raised in small-town USA (Denver, NC) and I love anything that sparkles, the smell of bonfire on my clothes, and a chilled glass of Duplin wine. I play many roles as a photographer, a daughter, a sister, a mom to a puppy named, “Booger,” and a fiance (saying “I Do” on October 8, 2016). I began my love affair with the camera 8 years ago when my grandparents (also former wedding photographers) gifted me my first DSLR as a high school graduation gift. After falling in love with the art form, I started my business in 2011, just one year before graduating from UNC Charlotte with my bachelor’s degree in studio art & photography. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of having thousands of beautiful people step foot in front of my lens for an assortment of reasons. All the stories and moments that I’ve photographed have molded me into the person that I am today and makes me appreciate the small moments more than ever.
MY APPROACH I’m a photographic story teller with a very stylized approach. This means I think things through from start to finish, from head to toe, from foreground to background. Why so thorough? Because I believe details are exceedingly important. For that reason, I work closely with my clients to ensure they look and feel amazing the day of any and every session we have together. It isn’t your job to come to any of our sessions together and act like a model... It’s my job to make you look like one. I want you to have photos that you’ll be dying to share with friends & family, photos that you’ll display in your home proudly, and photos that you’ll whip out to share with your future grandchildren. I believe in investing time in getting to know my clients, because after all, I don’t want “clients.” I want to create REAL relationships with beautiful couples who are head over heels in love and who care about having, creating, and capturing REAL moments of their love story. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to do just that.
XOXO,
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Brook Rudolph
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brook Rudolph
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WELCOME TO THE FAMILY: learn about your photog
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ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS: everything you need to know
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OUR TIMELINE TOGETHER: From saying“Yes”to“I Do” MUST-HAVE SHOT LIST: ideas to inspire you
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COLLECTIONS AND PRODUCTS: what we offer
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BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY what to expect
BRIDAL PORTRAITS 5 reasons why you should say yes
VENDOR LOVE wedding folks I like a lot
“Then we sat on the edge of the earth, with our feet dangling over the side, and marveled that we found each other” - ERIK DILLARD
Coordinating every last detail of your photo session in the midst of planning a wedding is no easy feat. Don’t worry. I’m are here to help! The information in this planning guide is meant to help you through all of your photography and related questions, so you’re relaxed and excited on your big day! We have also included some of our favorite vendors in the area to help with finding exactly what and who you need for your wedding day! If you should ever have any questions, feel free to send over an email to B.Rudolph8@gmail.com or call/text to 704.578.7073
Brook Rudolph
PHOTOGRAPHY
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MUST-H AVE SHOT LIST This is a list of the shots that we photograph at every wedding (provided that time permits)
PRE-CEREMONY Detail shots of bride’s dress + accessories Candids of bride getting hair + makeup Candids of bride + groom getting dressed separately Bride with Bridesmaids + her parents (group shots + individual shots) Groom with Groomsmen + his parents (group shots + individual shots) CEREMONY Groom waiting at the alter Bridal party + guests of honor entering Bride walking down the aisle Groom seeing bride for first time Father giving bride away Exchanging rings Lighting of unity candles or other tradition Guest speakers Exchanging Vows The First Kiss Bride + Groom exiting with final kiss at end of aisle FORMAL PORTRAITS Bride + Groom with each other’s families Bride + Groom with Flower girl + Ring Bearer Entire wedding party Intimate + creative portraits of Bride + Groom alone RECEPTION Detail shots of food, cake, decor, venue Wedding party entering the reception Bride + Groom’s First dance Toasts Special dances with guests of honor Cake cutting Bouquet + Garter Toss Guests dancing + mingling
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OUR TIMELINE TOGETHER Here is where your wedding photography experience begins to click with this typical timeline of when we’ll be reuniting for your portrait sessions.
BEFORE WEDDING
BEFORE WEDDING
3 MONTHS
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING
BEFORE WEDDING
Book your wedding date with me by paying your deposit and signing contract
Decide on a location for your bridal portraits + boudoir session
Finalize all dress alterations
Book your engagement session date
Contact your venue to see available dates for bridal portrait session (typically photographed between 1.5-2 months before wedding)
We’ll meet for our final consultation and your total balance is due for your photography coverage. During this meeting we’ll discuss last minute details of the big day, your shot list, and your wedding day photo timeline.
9+ MONTHS
Receive your wedding welcome packet in the mail
9-6 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
Photograph your engagement session, send out Save-The-Dates, make another payment toward final photo balance
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Contact me to schedule your bridal & boudoir portraits Contact your hair + makeup artist to confirm appointments for bridal and boudoir sessions Make a payment toward your final photo balance
Photograph your bridal + boudoir sessions Order large bridal portrait(s) for display at your wedding Select images to be used for your boudoir album Schedule a date with me for your final consultation
4 WEEKS
2 WEEKS
YOUR BIG DAY! Just let it all happen, soak it all in, smile often, and know that happily ever after starts on this day!
BEFORE WEDDING
4-6 WEEKS
Receive your final consultation packet to fill out and have ready for our last consultation.
Receive your wedding photo preview, decide on photos for your album.
AFTER WEDDING
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Because every moment matters...
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THE ENGAGEMENT SESSION View an engagement session as insurance. Chances are that one or both of you are a bit nervous about being photographed, but think of this session as practicing for the main event. First, you’ll learn how I give direction and second, I’ll learn more about your unique love story, how you two interact with one another, and what I’ll likely expect from you two on the day of your wedding (and vice versa, of course). Life is about making connections and this will be one way for you and your fiance to revisit your first connections with each other. I encourage you and your fiance to choose a location that has meaning to your relationship. Maybe that place is the coffee shop that you first met, vacation spot that you travel to often, or your wedding venue where you’ll soon make amazing memories. The point is that you’ll want your photos to not only be pretty, but you’ll want them to connect you back to a memory of happy times. After our session, you’ll be able to utilize the photos from this session in a few different ways. Many couples opt to use these images for their save-the-date cards, local newspaper wedding announcements, wedding invitations, a wedding guest sign-in book, wedding programs, displayed images for the reception or rehearsal, and/or thank-you cards for wedding shower gifts.
12 TIPS FOR YOUR SESSION
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Choose a location to means something to you and your fiance.
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Try your best to match. No, I don’t mean a white top and jean bottoms, but using the same color palette is a great idea.
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Bring more than 1 outfit and make sure that any props you may bring match your clothing selection.
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Check the weather and dress accordingly. No one likes pictures of themselves with goosebumps or sweat droplets.
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If you’re considering using props, think about using things that describe your story together. Are you guys sports lovers? What do you guys love to do in your free time? Remember to communicate with me about props, especially if one of your props is an animal!
When choosing outfits, don’t be afraid to go with a theme. If you and your groom are the casual outdoors type, roll with it. If you want sparkles and heels, maybe he should wear a tie. A starting point is to consider your wedding theme.
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Accessorize! Wearing fun jewelry, headbands, scarves, hats, or jackets are great ways to add variety to your images.
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ALWAYS remember to make sure your shoes match. This is especially important for guys. Just say, “NO” to the grungy tennis shoes. Boots or dress shoes are a better option for this shoot.
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Wear your makeup heavier than you normally would and consider having it done professionally. False eye lashes and a little lip color always adds more to your professional photos.
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Make sure your groom MANscapes before the shoot. (neck shave, hair cut, nose hair trim, etc.)
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While you’re at the photo session, don’t be afraid to make suggestions. I LOVE suggestions!!
Consider your nail color. We’ll likely do several close up shots of your new bling and you’ll want to make sure that your polish looks great and matches your outfit. Natural nails, french, or solid colors work best.
Brook Rudolph
PHOTOGRAPHY
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YOU BEING YOU, BUT TOGETHER
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BRIDAL PORTRAITS 5 REASONS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD BOOK A BRIDAL SESSION
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GAIN AN EXTRA CONFIDENT STATE OF MIND
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BECAUSE A PHOTO IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS
LIFE IS TOO SHORT
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Seriously, when your big day arrives the time will go by so quickly and because I’m a photojournalist, I’m going to want to photograph you all day while you experience every moment that passes by. Sure, I’ll make time for you and your groom to have creative photos taken together and separately. However, you may want more than what I can physically provide for you on your wedding day. For this reason, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to have a photo session dedicated solely to you that is set up either before OR after your wedding day.
YOU CAN EXPERIMENT
You’ve considered wearing that amazing headpiece or you aren’t sure if hair up or hair down is the style you want to go for. This is the perfect opportunity to go a little crazy. Rock that floral crown or that fur shawl. Try out those shoes. Wear the red lipstick. Toss glitter in the air. Bat your false lashes that were professionally applied by your MUA.
TWIST THE TRADITION
As Kate Spade would say... Skirt the rules. Who says you have to have a portrait in front of a splotchy backdrop in a studio? Who says you have to “say cheese”? Throw those ideas out of the window. On this day, we’re making the veil blow. We’re surrounding you with flowers. We’re bringing in your horse. And we might even hire a stylist to create the perfect outdoor backdrop for your look. We’ll get the traditional shots along with the creative ones. Please, please, please let me know if you would like to get a little more creative with this session.
Gone are the days of, “But I’m so awkward in front of the camera,” because you know your photographer is going to help you and talk you through your session. On this day, your a model. No, you don’t have to “know how to pose,” because that’s not your job. It’s mine. I’ll style you pretty from every hair on your head to the way each of your fingers curl. The more you get comfortable in front of me and my camera, the more confident you will be with cameras following you around for hours on your wedding day.
I’ve swooned over my mom’s bridal portraits my entire life. She’s kept her wedding album in our living room and I’ve flip through the pages oohing and ahhing over how ridiculously long her train was, how puffy those early 90s sleeves were, the lace and beading for days, and her veil that wrapped around her head full of tiny white flowers. And the BIG hair. I can’t forget about the big hair. My mom has always been the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, but those portraits make my heart swell for everything that it represents. Wedding portraits are going to be your very first family heirloom and it’s going to mean the world to you in a few decades when you look back at your baby face in your portraits. Just like my mom’s photos, your children will be grateful that you did this session for yourself, because chances are you are going to behind the camera far more in the future than you are in front of it.
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“This morning, with her, having coffee.� - Johnny Cash
(when asked for his definition of paradise)
B O U D O I R P O RT RA IT S a gift for your groom Over the past 4 years in business, Brook Rudolph Photography’s Bridal Boudoir portraits have become increasingly popular, and with good reason! After all, what guy doesn’t want to see the woman he can’t wait to spend the rest of his life with in lingerie just for him? Here are a few ways that my Brides have found ways to personalize their Bridal Boudoir Portrait Session.
BRING A FRIEND
We always find comfort in having our best friend around. Bring her along with you for reassurance and piece of mind.
GET FABULOUS
On the day of your boudoir session, you’re going to want to look your best. My job is to pose you in flattering ways, create beautiful lighting for you, and to make you feel comfortable. Aside from those details, you’ll also want to make sure your hair and makeup are flawless as well. My best advice would be to hire professionals for this!
SMART SCHEDULING I know, I know... you’re thinking “Well that’s one more day that I’ll have to hire a hair stylist & MUA. One more date I’ll have to schedule on top of all of my other wedding related appointments.” Consider this... What if you took your Boudoir photos the same day as your Bridal portraits? Genius, right?
BE CLEVER
Think of a couple hobbies that your fiance is into and consider incorporating that hobby into your session. For instance, I’ve photographed women in front of (and on top of) their guy’s hot rod. It’s the one photo that your guy will beg you to blow up to hang on the wall in his mancave.
WEAR CONFIDENCE You don’t have to be naked to be sexy. Wear what you’re most comfortable in. Maybe that’s lingerie, a T-shirt and panties, wrap yourself in a white sheet, or wear a vintage night gown. When you book this session, we’ll send you a tip guide that will give you ton of wardrobe ideas plus where to shop for specific items.
TALK TO ME
Every single female that I have every photographed for this type of session has walked in with nervous butterflies in their stomach and walked out a more confident woman. Although we all have insecurities, we also all have parts of our own body that we actually really like. Fill me in on both sides. Let me know what you are most self-conscious of, what you’d like enhanced in your photos, and what your fiance really likes.
BE YOURSELF
Some of these ideas that you’ve read over may have scared you a little. Remember that these are just suggestions. Although I am here to create a fantasy session for my Brides, know that we can keep your session as conservative or as over-the-top as you want. We like to keep it “Clexy” (classy & sexy) around here.
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V E N D O R L OV E FOLKS WE LOVE WORKING WITH AND WHY
VENUES OBVIOUSLY, I’m all about the venues with the views. The more variety for backdrops, the better! Here are some of my faves.
BUFFALO BAKER CREEK Cherryville, NC
If you’re looking for a rustic venue with a ton of space, this is the one. This venue has a vineyard, a barn, a fire pit, a covered dance floor, gorgeous views, and can accommodate for a big crowd.
BROWN MOUNTAIN BEACH RESORT Lenoir, NC If your groom is a mountain man and your a beach chic, this is the best of both worlds. You can get married on a beach next to the John River with breathtaking views and you’ll each get your own cottage to get ready in.
THE LABORATORY MILL Lincolnton, NC
Located right beside the South Fork River, this venue gives off vibes of both industrial and rustic styling with the interior filled with brick facing, huge windows, wood beam ceilings, and white lights.
VESUVIUS VINEYARDS Iron Station, NC Obviously I love this place... because this is where I’ll be getting married! The owner, Jay, is super laid back, the bridal and groom suite are spacious and comfy, there is plenty of room to accomodate your guest list, and the layout makes you feel at home.
VIDEOGRAPHER CROWN ALLEY FILMS Charlotte, NC Allan knows what he is doing and does it well. His films are creative and classic.
CLT PRODUCTION Charlotte, NC Curt’s work is beautiful and affordable. He is also my future videographer for my wedding!
DJ CHONG LOR of Audio To Go He knows how to get the party started, is well organized, and ACTUALLY goes by your playlist that you send him. Not only that, but all of Audio-To-Go’s DJs must go through an extensive 12 month training period to even be considered with a full-time position. Also note that I only have 1 DJ service listed here... for good reason!
PLANNERS MERYL MCGOWAN Indian Land, SC merylnorkett@yahoo.com If you’re looking for a coordinator that cares, Meryl is your go-to lady. Her outgoing ambitious and tentacious personality is why nearly half of my brides choose Meryl as their day-of coordinator. I firmly believe that day-of coordination makes or breaks a wedding... Email her. It won’t hurt for you just to have a chat with her to discuss your wedding ideas that she can help bring from fantasy to fruition.
MONIKA CAGNETTA Charlotte, NC vrabelbridal@gmail.com As one vendor to another, I can’t emphasize enough how impressed I’ve been working with Monika. She truly knows how to rally her troops and create a seemless wedding day experience. Her organization skills are outstanding, and she is yet another vendor that I am using for my own wedding.
CANDACE PRIMM Cornelius, NC candaceprimm@gmail.com
HAIR + MUA EVA RUDOLPH | Hair Stylist of Salon Utopia in Cornelius, NC www.salonutopialkn.com Well, she’s my mom, so of course I trust her with every strand of hair on my head. She’s fab, but if for any reason she is unavailable for your wedding, I’d recommend anyone from Salon Utopia.
KRISTA SCOTT | Mua Charlotte, NC kristascottmakeup.wix.com Krista was trained in makeup at a cosmetology school in Hollywood (no joke) and currently works for MAC. Her style is flawless and perfect for those who aren’t affraid of some extra flair.
CATERERS CHILLIN N GRILLIN Denver, NC If your looking for BBQ these are the guys to go to. They won’t nickle and dime you and deliver exactly what they tell you.
BEST IMPRESSIONS Charlotte, NC
Phenomenal presentation and professionalism. Dinners start at $30 per head.
TRUE CRAFTED Charlotte, NC It’s dinner food truck style. They are happy to accommodate all budgets and are able to provide buffet style as well as plated dinners.
FLORISTS SPRINGVINE DESIGN Iron Station, NC
She has created beautiful masterpieces for almost half of all the weddings I have photographed. On top of that, she’s been featured in close to a gazillion magazines. She works straight from her own home so her overhead is much less than most of the leading floral shops. Her floral packages begin at $2,000.
ALBERTINE’S FLORALS Denver, NC Freaking gorgeous. That is all!
DRESS DESIGNER KIMBERLY GLASS DESIGNS Denver, NC
If you’re picky about your attire or want something for yourself, your bridesmaids, or your flower girls that is one-of-a-kind, go talk to Kim. She’ll help you pick out the material, talk to you about unique styles, and custom design a dress that fits your body and style to perfection. She’s made 2 bridesmaid dresses for me and has made two of my best friends bridal gowns + veils. One of my friends even made her dress convertible, so that she had one look for the ceremony and a completely new look for the reception. Kim has been featured in Carolina Bride magazine and has designed for multiple celebrities.
BRIDAL SHOPS NY BRIDE AND GROOM Charlotte, NC
This shop, by far, has the most options to try on and has an extensive collection of bridesmaid gowns. What I also like about this shop is that they actually let you go out and look for a dress on your own and let your gang go out and sift through as well. No need to have a consultant hovering over you at all times. The front of their shop is also completely dedicated to sample gowns, allowing you to try on dresses that are discounted by up to 75%. Bridesmaid dresses can be ordered for $100 down and bridal gowns are purchased 100% upfront upon ordering.
MECKLENBURG BRIDAL GALLERY Charlotte, NC
This shop is a bit smaller, but is all the more personal. Two of my very best friends have found their gowns here in the last year and have both raved over the shops consultants. Ask for Ms. Barbara when you come in for an extra special experience. Bridal gowns can be ordered here with a 50% deposit of your bridal gown purchase.
POFFIE GIRLS Gastonia, NC
It’s true when I say that almost half of my brides have purchased their gowns from here. As soon as I notice a pink garment bag hanging in the bridal suite, I know that I’m working with a Poffie Girl bride.
CAKES CURLY’S CUPCAKES Maiden, NC She specializes in gluten free desserts, but can make anytype of cake that you’d want. She’s affordable and talented! I’d recommend Curly’s to anyone looking for a cake for their rehearsal dinner, engagement party, or bridal shower.
WOW FACTOR CAKES Charlotte, NC Wow Factor has provided cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops for many of my wedding clients. I’m eager each time I see them on the vendor list, since I know they will be bringing a cake that will both look impress and taste amazing.
SOUTHERN BAKERS BOUTIQUE Lincolnton, NC When you photograph as many weddings as I do, you notice a trends. I happen to notice at an overwhelming amount of weddings that I photograph have hundreds of dollars worth of cake thrown away after the reception. So, here I suggest something a little less tradtional. How about a dessert bar ful of homemade pies? Call on these ladies for your unique southern style treats!
RENTALS RIVER KISS WEDDINGS Huntersville, NC Molly, the owner, has a vivatious personality and is amazingly talented. Riverkiss offers unique rentals for your shabby-chic or vintage styled wedding. She is also availble to help style any of your unique events leading up to your big day. Visit her website at www.riverkissweddings.com.
THE WHIMSICAL ROSE Huntersville, NC Heather specializes in genuine english chinaware, perfect for any shabby-chic or vintage style event. She and Molly (from River Kiss) often coordinate together to create breathtaking styled events.
COOKE RENTALS Cornelius, NC They can provide it all... tents, chairs, linens, dancefloor, chandeliers... everything!
HECK NOs It is unfortunate, but... As you can imagine, I do have a select few “heck-no-do-not-waste-your-time-on-thesevendors” list as well. I would never put these folks’ names in print. However, if you are curious, I’ll fill you in on the folks who my wedding clients and I can both agree were not worth the expense. After all, I absolutely want you to have the best wedding day experience imaginable! Always check reviews before booking any vendor. If they don’t have any, be sure to ask for references.
AFTER YOUR WEDDING When the big day is over and you sit back and reminisce, what’s going to be left of your day? Your wedding images. When you think about your day and want to bring yourself back, you’ll grab your iPhone, plug in the charger, connect to wifi, recall the website where you backed up your photos and scroll through... wait... no. That sounds terrrible. What sounds better? Reaching for your custom designed wedding album that you invested in just for this moment. The moment you begin to feel sappy and need to see yourself in that wedding gown, his teary eyes as he saw you walking down the aisle, or your grandma’s sweet good-luck hugs. You’ll reach for it when your daughter asks you about mommy & daddy’s “story”. You’ll appreciate it when your son flips through on his own will and tells you that you looked like a princess on your wedding day. You’ll want it close when you have family over for holidays. You’ll need it for a reminder of why you started this life with your spouse. You’ll want it in your hands to touch, feel, and flip through over and over.
THE PROCESS It’s really quite simple. It’s likely that I’ve already convinced you to invest in a wedding album and have included it in your wedding package. There will always be an opportunity for you to upgrade any album selection before your order. Upgrades include additional pages and larger sizes. The first step to designing your album will be to create a favorites list using your online gallery provided after your wedding day. You are also welcome to use your bridal portraits and engagement portraits in this album as well! The second step will be for me to create an album layout based on the images that you selected. At times, it may not be possible for me to add every single image that you add to your favorites list. I’ll use my best judgement to determine which of your favorites will truly help to tell you story in your album. After I’ve created your layout. You’ll recieve an email to reveiw and approve the album layout. At this time, we can determine whether it may be best to add more pages or rearrange certain images. Last, once you have approved your album, I will send it off for the printers. The album will be mailed to my home office for my final review and approval and then be mailed to you with extra love!
TIMELESS
WEDDING ALBUMS While digital photos are convenient in this day and age, there is something magical about holding a gorgeous album in your hands and reliving the story of your special day from start to finish. I highly encourage all of my couples to invest in a wedding album filled with the beautiful photos and memories of your best day ever.
FINE ART ALBUMS Small 8x8 Album (30 pages) $425 -Additional Small Album Pages: $35/per spread Medium 10x10 Album (30 pages) $465 -Additional Medium Album Pages: $45/per spread Large 12x12 Album (30 pages) $495 -Additional Large Album Pages: $55/per spread
All wedding albums are artistically designed and feature thick flush mount pages and premium archival photo paper. You’ll also be able to choose from luxurious leather or linen cover options, offered in a variety of colors. These albums are truly heirloom quality and are the perfect way to preserve the memories of your wedding day.
ADD ONS 5x5 Mini Parent Album (30 pages) $200 Parent albums are available as an add-on to full-size album orders. Thare are mini replicas of your full-sized album and make the perfect momento for parents.
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“When your wedding day finally arrives... own it. Let every worry or concern fade away and be prepared to have the best day of your life. If you feel like you’re happy, feel like you’re in love, and feel beautiful, I WILL capture happy, lovely, and beautiful images as a true reflection of a perfect day.” -Brook Rudolph
WWW.BROOKRUDOLPH.COM