Hazy Lane Studios

HAZY LANE STUDIOS

wedding guide

SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE PAGE 12

FAQ COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED

VENDOR ADVICE

Do you know how much cake to order?

TIPS & TRICKS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY p.11 Wedding Guide | 1

welcome to the family Thank you so much for trusting in Hazy Lane Studios for your wedding day photography. It is a true honor to be with you before, during and after your day. As you move forward with your wedding planning, regardless of where you’re at, don’t forget that I am here for you.

Whether you need vendor recommendations, a neutral party to bounce ideas off of, or just someone to talk to, I’m always available. I look forward to working with you in the months ahead!

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your engagement session

wedding day prep

after your wedding day

Perfect engagements sessions require a bit of planning — I’ll share some tips!

The final weeks prior to your wedding don’t need to be stressful.

You had a beautiful wedding and I was lucky enough to capture it. What’s next?

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vendor advice

Some of my favorite vendors share their best planning tips.

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frequently asked

I’ve answered some of the questions most commonly asked by my clients.

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our future together I’d love to work with you beyond the wedding day and capture life’s big moments.

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Love letter Karey was so amazing from beginning to end. We were referred to her by a family friend. She was extremely responsive and so helpful.

She took time to get to know us and understand what we wanted. I had no idea what to do about our timeline. She made it so easy by guiding us and creating one for us. When it came time for the big day, I was so comfortable with her, I didn’t worry about a thing. She was gracious but firm when she needed to be so we could get the pictures done quickly so we had more time with our guests. We could not have been happier with the outcome. The pictures were beyond perfect! We have so many favorites! She is so talented!

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Love letter We had our engagement photos done with our wedding package and it was a great experience. Karey made us feel very comfortable posing and looking our best but also natural. I also had a boudoir photo shoot and she captured beauty I didn’t even know was possible.

The little black book that was created was exceptional and is a gift my husband will cherish forever!

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your engagement session A perfect engagement session does not happen on its own — it takes a bit of planning!

Here are a few of my best engagement session tips.

BE ON TIME I’m a natural-light photographer, so the sun dictates how long I can photograph you. Please make proper considerations for traffic, hair delays, and fashion emergencies! An average shoot lasts 1-1.5 hours...if you show up 30 minutes late, the session is not extended, but, rather, ends at the regularly scheduled time. Please don’t think ill of me...I just want to be honest in advance and let you know I want the BEST photography experience for you. And being on time achieves exactly this!

VIEW PAST SHOOTS I’ve discovered that when the prospective groom views a slide show in advance, it helps him feel comfortable in front of the camera. Girls are usually more likely to model or what I lovingly refer to as “work-it” in front of the camera. Guys, on the other hand, are sometimes not. However, if they see some of my images and poses beforehand, they know that I’m only there to make them look extra handsome.

Here’s a specific link to my blog that’ll bring up only engagement sessions: http://hazylanestudios.com/engagement-portfolio/

BRING MEANINGFUL PROPS I view every engagement session like a mainstream shoot — complete with models and props and scenery. I want every engagement shoot to look like it could be in a magazine, so feel free to bring things along that really reflect your fantastic personalities. For instance, I’ve had a couple bring along a baseball because they met at the Giants homecoming parade and played on a team together. Another couple bought champagne and a picnic basket had fun together. The list is endless! Suggestions: Bikes, Polaroid camera, a favorite journal, magazines you like reading. Anything! Don’t hesitate to bring anything that truly reflects you individually or as a couple.

CONSIDER A PRACTICE HAIR & MAKE-UP RUN Some girls will have their practice run regarding hair and makeup for the engagement shoot. This helps them feel a little more ‘done-up’ for the shoot and boosts their confidence. I’m not saying you should do this at all! However, what I can say is that in my experience shooting engagement sessions, girls want to feel pretty and confident...and sometimes spending a little extra time getting ready achieves just that. If you’d like recommendations, I’d be happy to pass a few along who’ll take amazing care of you!

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wedding day preparation Your colors are finalized, invites are out, and all of your vendors are booked. Now what?

This list will help you in the final weeks before your wedding.

6-8 WEEKS OUT You will receive an email and questionnaire from me. I will be requesting that you fill out your vendor information and a shot list. The list itself will guide you on the necessary information I need and will have additional space to write in special requests. Basic things like, “rings” or “first dance” do not need to be placed on the shot list. The list is meant to be more in depth, providing family names/dynamics and very specific shot requests. As a photographer, I heavily rely on this list to help guide me throughout the day. Day-of requests, although can often be accommodated, can also hinder the other special requests and can take time away from other aspects of your wedding. So, please make sure you both take time to complete the list together. After the questionnaire is completed, we will need to have a final meeting either in person or on the phone.

2 WEEKS OUT • Finalize seating chart/tables • Finish favors • Finalize Wedding Day Timeline and email to all vendors • Write vows • Complete vendor meetings and phone calls • Haircut for the groom • Designate bridesmaids/groomsmen/family for week-of or day-of duties as needed.

1 WEEK OUT • Get rings professionally cleaned and store in box* • Self clean any day-of jewelry* • Place 2 full invites and all paper products in a baggie* • Create a day-of tote: deodorant, razor, sewing kit, scissors, etc.

• Finish vows • Mani/Pedi appointments • Drink lots of water, avoid sugar and sodium • Pack bags for your honeymoon *Please place these items in a bag or box. I will need them when I arrive for necessary detail photos.

YOUR WEDDING DAY • Relax!

• Drink water!

• Enjoy!

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Love letter Karey was such an amazing photographer to work with. I booked her for my wedding after working with her when I was a MOH in a friend’s wedding. She was an absolute joy to work with. The day of, she is super efficient and makes the day go as smoothly as possible. She’s excellent at getting the wedding party’s attention and is also so down to earth and makes the whole process comfortable and fun. Our wedding album is truly a work of art and we didn’t change a thing. Everyone we have shown it to is absolutely amazed. The authenticity of Karey’s work gives her something that other photographers don’t. Here photos are absolutely breathtaking and she really knows how to capture anything perfectly.

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Love letter While I was planning my wedding, I knew that pictures the most important to me; I wanted to be able to re-live that very magical day. Which is why it was also very important for me to find the exact right photographer. I am so happy that through a series of events I was referred to Hazy Lane Studios. Karey was wonderful to work with from the very beginning. She put me at ease right away, answered any and all questions I had, and was very sweet. She guided us through the whole process before the wedding and the day-of stuck to the schedule. She paid very close attention to detail which was really important to me and which I really appreciate now that I look back on that day. These pictures are what I am left with from that day. These pictures are what my future children will look at.

These pictures make me feel like I am living that day every time I look at them.

Thank you so much for capturing my memories so beautifully.

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on your wedding day Your wedding day will be over before you know it. Make the most of those precious moments by following some of my advice below. Above it all, have fun. Have lots and lots of fun.

FORGET YOUR PHONE. Leave your phone at the door… Or in your purse… Or in the bridal room. You don’t need it.

HAVE TOUCH-UPS HANDY. Brides: Keep your lipstick, powder, and a few bobbie pins in a clutch. Have your MOH hold on to this.

DITCH THE WALLET. Grooms: Keep your wallet in a safe place - just not on you. Nothing worse than an inappropriate bulge in your first dance photos.

WATCH YOUR INTAKE. Drinks before the ceremony? Sure, just limit it to one or two. You don’t want your vows to be a fuzzy memory.

LOOK UP. As the ceremony begins, eyes up! Might seem obvious, but nerves can get the best of us and our eyes tend to shift down. Lock eyes on each other as soon as possible.

FOCUS ON THE GROOM. Brides, I know you’re excited as you walk down the aisle and you’re seeing everything possibly for the first time, but keep your eyes on your groom. Do not worry about saying hello to the guests in the aisle or what the flowers look like.

LOOK AT YOUR ESCORT. On that note, right before you walk down the aisle, spend a few moments looking at and smiling with your father, mother, or whomever is escorting you.

GIVE YOUR GUESTS SOME LOVE. Visit with your guests at their table. This is an expectation of most guests other than your bridal party. Although you won’t be wearing a watch on your wedding day, you’ll need to be conscious of time. I advise visiting with the older guests (they often leave before the dancing starts) and the guests that traveled from out of state first. Please make sure you visit together and do not spend too much time talking to any one person or any one table. Try and give each table equal time.

HOLD HANDS. Hold hands during your reception, especially when visiting tables or when you’re not on the dance floor. Guests will try and pull you apart (with the best of intentions) and before you know it, you have no idea where your other half is. Your reception is your first few hours as husband and wife, make sure you spend them together - not looking for each other. Bonus, everyone with think it is super sweet.

SAY THANK YOU. Don’t skip or forget to publicly thank your guests. This is often done in conjunction with either toasts or directly following the cake cutting. It doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to be done.

GET SOME ALONE TIME. During the reception, make sure to take some time for each other. Take 5 or 10 minutes while everyone is dancing to simply walk away. If you’re inside, step outside and watch your guests from afar. As wild as it may seem, no one will notice you’re missing (well, if you’re gone for more than 10 minutes they might) and those moments will remain vivid in your mind for decades to come.

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wedding day timeline Timelines can be intimidating. Where do you start? Is there enough time? What if things run late?

The best you can do is put together a timeline that offers a little cushion and plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the party.

this timeline is for sample purposes only

2:00 PM

3:30 PM

3:45 PM

4—4:30 PM

4:30 PM

4:45—5 PM

detail shots

bridesmaids dressed

bride gets dressed

bridesmaid portraits

bride touchups

groomsmen portraits

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5:30 PM

6:00 PM

6-6:15 PM

6:15—6:30 PM

6:30—7 PM

7-11 PM

the ceremony

cocktail hour

family portraits

bridal party wrap-up

couple portraits

reception

TIMELINE OPTIONS Traditional: No first look. Nearly all photos completed post ceremony during cocktail hour.

First Look: The bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. A majority (80%) of couple and bridal party portraits are completed at this time. Family and a few bridal party (as needed) and couple portraits are completed post-ceremony, on location.

First Look, complete: Everything is completed prior to the ceremony at a designated location. In order to maximize time, this location should not be the same as the ceremony site. This is recommended for weddings November – February.

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after your wedding day Whew! That was one heck of a party. Now what?

SNEAK PEEKS In the weeks following your wedding, you’ll see some sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram. Please feel free to tag yourself and share. I just ask that you do not alter or crop the images in any way. A few weeks before your gallery is finalized, you may see a blog post or a few additional sneaks. Galleries are traditionally delivered within 6 to 8 weeks after your wedding. During heavy wedding season (April/May and September/October), it may take closer to 8 weeks.

GALLERY DELIVERY Once ready, your gallery will be delivered via email. The gallery can be shared with friends and family as you wish. All print, canvas, and albums orders placed within two weeks of gallery delivery will be eligible for a 25% discount (start measuring those walls). If your collection came with a USB, it will be delivered with your album.

As you’re exploring your gallery, please start “starring” your favorite images. When you log back in, you’ll have the option to view only your favorites, as well as the full gallery. This will help tremendously when finalizing your images for your album. By the time you receive your gallery, life is back to normal, work and your social calendar is starting to fill up again — but please do not go radio silent! If you’re enjoying your gallery, please say so! If you have questions, please ask!

PUBLICATION After your gallery has been delivered, I will put my favorites together for magazine and/or blog publication. Sometimes couples get very anxious about this and send me a list of recommendations or try and submit their wedding themselves. Please do not worry — with over 100 publications in print and online, I know the process very well. Publications may or may not have specific guidelines and deadlines and not all weddings are a fit for all publications. Please trust that I will submit your wedding to places that I feel are the best fit and have the best chances for publication. Sometimes weddings are published within a week of submission, sometimes it can take up to a year. I will keep you (and your vendors) notified of all upcoming publications.

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Love letter Choosing Karey as our wedding photographer was the best decision we made throughout our entire wedding planning process. There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing Karey is as a photographer and as a person.

From the first time we contacted her, we knew she was the ONE! She is so friendly, genuine and talented. She has such a creative eye and attention to detail. She is able to capture love and light in a way that displays each couple’s uniqueness - you can see the story behind every single one of her photos. We had a vision of what we wanted our engagement and wedding day photography to be and she went above and beyond our expectations!

Karey gave us the most incredible, vividly beautiful photos that we will look back on and smile about for the rest of our lives!

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image selection tips Select equal number or bridesmaid and groomsmen photos.

Select similar number of bride and groom portraits.

Don’t skimp on the ceremony. Select at least 12 images.

Details! Select as many details as you’d like, I will use these as fillers.

Let me know what 3 -5 photos are your absolute favorite of the bunch.

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your wedding album Your album will tell the story of your day, from getting ready to the reception, and all of the love in between.

ALBUM STYLE I carry three types of albums — 20 page photo albums, 40 page linen fine art albums and 40 page leather fine art albums.

A 20-page album will hold approximately 50 images. A 40-page album will hold approximately 100. Additional pages can be added to any album up to double the original size. The Fine Art albums come with a storage box, the photo album does not.

Depending on the collections that you’ve chosen, you will be receiving an album. Please review your contract for your album specification.

Other upgrades such as size, finishes, and style can be done at any time. Upgrades to the initial album are not eligible during the two-week gallery delivery discount.

CREATING YOUR ALBUM This is truly one of my favorite things to do. I do not outsource my album creation — I hand create and place each image on to pages that will become your album. Each album is custom created for my couples, ensuring that no two albums are identical.

Your album will tell the story of your day, from getting ready to the reception, and all of the love in between. As the bride and groom, you alone are responsible for selecting images that you’d like to see on your pages. I do not dictate what should and should not go into your album, but I will be more than happy to make recommendations as necessary. Please keep in mind that you have six months from the date of gallery delivery to finalize your album. It sneaks up quickly.

After you have finished selecting your images, please email me! Your email will notify me that you are ready for me to move forward with creating an album proof.

Proofs take up to two weeks to create. Once they’re loaded into your gallery, I will let you know. I do my best to fit all of your favorites into the album, but occasionally, a few might be left out. These generally are not missed (or noticed) as the story is still complete.

ALBUM PROOF Please take some time together to review your album proof. Check spelling, dates, crops, etc. Revisit your proofs over a one week period, making notes as necessary. After you’ve reviewed the album, please email over a list of questions or changes that you have. Changes need to be specific – if you’re removing an image, tell me what you’d like to replace it with. If you do not like a layout, tell me how would you like to see it. Please list specific changes in order and reference the page number.

When you are happy with your proof, please notify me by email and simply say, “I approve the album proof.” Once you approve your album, you will have 24 hours for any last minute changes. After that, no changes can be guaranteed. If you notice an error, you will be responsible for the cost of reprinting the album. If you have upgraded or added pages to your album, payment must be made in full prior to order.

ALBUM DELIVERY Once the proof has been approved by you, it will take approximately 6 weeks for delivery. Delivery time might be extended during the holiday season. Once your album arrives, I will notify you by email. You can either pick up the album or I can mail the album via priority mail.

PARENT ALBUMS Parent albums are available and created on an individual basis. Parent albums are commonly 8x8, 20 page boutique albums. They are available with a linen cover and in a few select other fabrics. 10x10 photo albums are also commonly used for parent albums. You will use the same process for parent albums as you would your own.

Parent albums are eligible for a 25% discount when ordered within 2 weeks of gallery delivery.

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Love letter From consultation to choosing photos after the wedding, every moment was a dream! Karey puts so much effort into making sure your vision is captured through her photos and it truly shows with the finished product. She makes sure that you are comfortable but also guides you to pose in ways that will make for fun and beautiful photographs! She captures the emotion, joy, love and laughter in each photo. Seeing the finished product brought tears to my eyes. The best part of the package are the books she creates. They tell the story of your wedding and bring it to life again. We made the best decision with choosing Karey for our photographs — I couldn’t be happier!

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vendor advice I’ve gathered advice from some of my favorite vendors.

Here’s to hoping you will find it useful!

Wedding coordinator

Florist

Makeup

BOOK IMMEDIATELY

BOOK 8–9 MONTHS OUT

BOOK 6–8 MONTHS OUT

“Don’t underestimate the value of a wedding wedding planner from the outset. They can save you time and in the long run money too by recommending cost effective options or passing on industry discounts that may mitigate their fee. Enjoy every minute of your wedding day instead of worrying about the details.

Let a professional planner sweat the details for you so you can be a guest at your own wedding.”

“Communicate your vision, likes, dislikes, and expectations but have a little flexibility and be comfortable with flower substitution. Knowing what you like is just as important as knowing what you don't like. Bring lots of pictures - it is the best way to help convey what you do and do not want your floral designs to look like.”

“The trial should be done as early as 8 months in advance. During prime wedding season (May through September), I am booked almost every Saturday, so depending on when the client's wedding is, will determine how far in advance they'll need to book my services.”

Mandy of Mandy Scott Events

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Laura with LC Floral Design

Adele with Makeup by Adele Nader

Hair

Cake

Rentals

BOOK 6+ MONTHS OUT

BOOK 3–4 MONTHS OUT

BOOK 2–3 MONTHS OUT

“A week to two weeks prior do your color service.

Always grow as much hair as possible and then we can trim the ends right before if needed. Day of service, always clean dry hair.”

“Only order 75% cake servings for the total guest count at their wedding. So if you have 100 guests attending, you only need 75 servings. The reason is that some people won't eat cake, whether it's because they're diabetic, don't come to the wedding, leave early, don't like cake, want to still fit in their dress, or simply don't like desserts, etc. Not only is this the most accurate way to figure out the budget that a couple needs to set aside for a cake, but venues also appreciate it because there's much less waste in the kitchen. If you will have other desserts, then you'll need even less cake.”

“However, during the slow season (January through March events) 2-3 weeks is sufficient depending on inventory availability. Delivery slots tend to fill up quicker than inventory being not available so please consider that when booking rentals.”

Missy Craig with Hair by Missy

Stacey with A Grande Affair

Negar with Ma Petite Maison Cakes

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preferred vendors I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of talented vendors. Here are a few of my favorites.

FLORIST

CAKE & PASTRIES

PHOTOBOOTHS

LC Floral Design www.lcfloraldesign.com

Ma Petite Maison Cakes www.mpmcakes.com

Slow Motion Booth www.theslowmotionbooth.com

Enchantment Floral www.enchantment-floral.com

Old Towne Danville Bakery www.danvillebakery.info

Fantasy Sound Event Services www.fantasysound.com

Delford West www.delfordwestflowers.com

CUSTOM INVITATIONS

Amos Production www.amospro.com/

VIDEOGRAPHY

Pacific Coast Concepts (Sarah) www.printpcc.com

DJ & MUSIC

Matter Video www.mattervideo.com

Sweet and Crafty www.sweetandcrafty.com

Fantasy Sound Event Services www.fantasysound.com

Swoon Films www.swoonfilms.com

Aerialist Press www.theaerialistpress.com

Spintronix Entertainment www.spintronix.com

Imperial Productions imperial-video.com

P27 Creative www.p27creative.com

Lucky Devils Band luckydevilsband.com

BEAUTY

PLANNING & COORDINATION

Hair By Missy www.hairbymissy.net

Eighteen Avenue Events eighteenthavenue.com

Beauty by LilyAnn Nguyen beautybylilyann@gmail.com

Carlie Rose Events www.carliroseevents.com

Girl with a Curling Iron www.girlwithacurlingiron.com

BRIDAL SHOP

Krista Strader, Harpist www.kristastrader.com The 415s the415s.com

LIGHTING Fantasy Sound Event Services www.fantasysound.com

RENTALS

J'aime Bridal (Jamie Zile) www.jaimebridal.com

SPECIALTY VENDORS

A Grande Affair www.agarents.com

Kinsley James Couture

MelodyWed www.melodywed.com

Pleasanton Rentals www.pleasantonrentals.com

Ju.Lee Chic (Custom Gowns) juleechic.com

Trunks and Tails www.trunksandtales.co

JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

Miranda St. John, chivari chairs www.miranda-st-john.com

Padis Jewelry www.padisgems.com

CATERING

Porter Gulch (custom made) www.portergulch.com

TeaDrops www.myteadrop.com Box and Bow www.boxandbowshop.com The Poetry Store thepoetrystore.net

Checkers Catering www.checkerscatering.com Culinary Excellence www.culinaryexcellence.com

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frequently asked questions You’re planning your wedding – of course you have questions. I’ve compiled a list to put your mind at ease.

If you have a question that isn’t listed below, please don’t hesitate to ask: weddings@hazylanestudios.com.

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE OUR PHOTOS? Your contract will state that all images will be made available 6 to 8 weeks after your wedding. I will often post a few teaser images on Facebook the following day and will potentially blog your wedding about a week before you receive your gallery.

DO I GET ONLY THE IMAGES I SELECT FOR MY ALBUM? No! You get all of the images that are presented to you in your gallery. Your selected album images and the other images in your gallery will all be placed on your USB or made available for download after you’ve approved your album.

LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY AND WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO SELECT IMAGES FOR OUR ALBUM, CAN YOU DO THIS FOR US? I know how wild life can get, especially after the big day! I’m more than happy to curate and select the images for your album. There is a fee for this service based on the style of album.

DO YOU WORK WITH A TEAM? Yes and no. If your wedding collection includes two professional photographers, then there will be someone with me. If it does not, then it’s likely that I will come alone. I am incredibly confident and secure photographing a wedding alone. Sometimes there will be an emerging photographer or student that wants to learn, that will come with me – but this is generally only for smaller weddings. It’s also something that we will talk about first.

HOW MANY TIMES DO WE MEET PRIOR TO THE WEDDING? I generally meet with each couple at least twice. Once at our initial consultation and again about one month prior to the wedding. This second meeting can also combined with a site visit if time permits. All meetings are completed at the studio, unless we are completing a site visit. I want to make sure that you’re comfortable with me and you clearly understand how I work prior to the wedding. If you do not feel the need to meet, that is okay too - I do not require it.

WE HAVE HIRED A WEDDING COORDINATOR, DO YOU NEED TO MEET THEM? No. I do not need to meet your wedding coordinator prior to the wedding. If they are available for our pre-wedding meeting, it would be great to have them there, but it is not required. Your coordinator and I will be in touch the weeks leading up to your wedding.

WE ARE THINKING OF HIRING A VIDEOGRAPHER, BUT YOUR CONTRACT STATES NO OTHER PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS. No worries. Videography and photography are two different mediums and therefore does not breech the contract. Your videographer and I will be in contact prior to the wedding to make sure we are both on the same page and that everyones needs are met. After all, we want to make sure you have the best photography and videography possible!

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Love letter Karey was a pleasure to work with and was always extremely helpful when we had questions leading up to the wedding. Her fun personality made her an ease to work with on the big day and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final results. The photos are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly captured our vision for the day. We also received the photos way before the contract required!

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our future together Welcome to the Hazy Lane Studios family.

As a part of the Hazy Lane Studios family, you are now a part of a fun group of couples and growing families! Moving forward, I hope that you think of HLS for your other big life events. As a thank you, all future regular sessions are provided to you at a 50% discount of the current rate. This includes maternity, Fresh 48, newborn and family sessions. During the busy season (September – November) it is advised that you secure your session date 4 to 6 weeks out.

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accolades and features We’ve been recognized by some of the largest names in the wedding industry.

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HAZY LANE STUDIOS hazylanestudios.com