WEDDING DAY MEMORIES

You are planning your dream wedding, putting extensive thought and effort into every detail. It is going to be a day to remember for the rest of your life, and before you know it, it will be over. The great thing is that years from the wedding, you will have the moments, emotions, and memories captured by your photo team. Hiring a photographer is at the top of the list for your wedding day. Your wedding photos will be with you forever. They can be brought out anytime to relive your day and of course, your future children will relish looking at their parent’s wedding pictures. If you are getting married at a resort or venue where they offer most everything, they probably have a list of photographers who have worked there in the past. The benefit of hiring a photographer that has worked at your venue is that you can see full weddings captured by that photographer at your venue, the different shots, and places they have taken photos. Your photographer will know the venue, the layout, the best places to go for those intimate shots of just the two of you, they will know where to capture the best shots for any group photos, or when you enter for your reception. If your wedding is taking place at a beach, a house, the woods, etc., you will need to get referrals from friends, check websites, and then check out the work of the photographer. Plan on hiring your photographer at least eight months to one year in advance, especially during these times when postponed weddings are back to planning. Budgeting can run from $1000 to $5000 depending on what you are looking for. Most photographers offer several wedding packages in which to choose from. You can always find one that will work for you. The key is to find a photographer and their work that you love, it is also important to make sure you have a good rapport with them too, and that you feel comfortable and relaxed around them. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel with them, the more relaxed you will feel when having you photo taken. This makes for more natural and fun photos, if you feel awkward then it will show in your photos. A photographer is a must have addition to your wedding but how about also hiring a videographer? Your photos capture each moment, your day literally flies by, and the addition of a videographer gives a different perspective of reliving those special moments, to be able to hear laughter, speeches, vows, and see the smiles, dances, and walks down the aisle in motion.

With so much technology available at our fingertips these days, it is easy to think about having a friend or family member take some video. But wedding videography is so much more than that. A professional videographer has the equipment and the know-how to capture your day in a way that evokes the best emotions, looks beautiful and lasts a lifetime. Like photographers, they are the experts in angles, lighting, and locations, and can truly tell a story through

film. You can expect to spend just as much on a quality videographer as you would a top-notch photographer, so be sure that is factored into your budget before you begin your search. Some photographers also specialize in videography, and vice-versa, so it is possible to get a package deal! Once you have found a videographer you feel a connection with, it is time to ask a few specific questions. Look thoroughly through the contract and make sure expectations are clear about turnaround time, in what format will they deliver your video, and is it a format that will allow as much longevity as possible? Think about the important what-if questions, bad weather, a reschedule, or if the videographer cannot make it for some reason? If your wedding requires the videographer to travel, which costs are you responsible for? Do they only use legally licensed music and songs in post-processing? These days wedding videos range from documentary to very cinematic. Make sure that you see samples of work that align with your style. A cinematographer that exclusively focuses on documentary style filmmaking may not be the best fit if you are looking for a cinematic wedding video. Remembering your wedding day on film is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Do your research, ask for referrals, and take your time making your decision so you know you have made the right one and you wedding day can come to life always.