1. REGRET

I didn’t hire one.. I like to think not hiring one really created my desire to make sure no one makes the same mistake I did. Really, learn from my mistakes.. I didn’t hire a wedding photographer, we were young and on a budget. The words “free” or “cheap” were music to our ears. I took the DIY route with just about everything, which honestly I still am a firm believer in for most things, but some things you just shouldn’t DIY. (You can read about saving money on your wedding here).

I had my friend’s mom take our wedding photos, and believe me when I say, to this day I appreciate her willingness to take our pictures! But hiring a professional, who knows what to, takes the stress off of you, your family and friends. At the time I thought, I don’t need “fancy photos” or “I’m sure someone will take some” – but I didn’t know what I was missing out on until I didn’t have it.

We didn’t get a photo of “the kiss” or really much of anything, because I didn’t invest in what I wanted and honestly I didn’t know much about wedding photography at the time to realize how important it was. How can you know what you’d miss out on if you aren’t educated?
If I could go back in time I would have saved money in other areas, like décor, to have hired the photographer that I wanted.

I believe this happened so that I could grow a passion for wedding photography and help people realize how important it is.

2. IT TAKES PRESSURE OFF FRIENDS + FAMILY.

So many people think, “well, my family will be there and I’ll just have them take pictures as the day goes on.” You’re going to get cell phone pictures and probably not even the ones you’re hoping for. Your friends and family want to hang out and enjoy the day too. Sometimes you don’t realize what photos you want until you don’t have them and family members don’t quite know what you expect of them while also realizing they want to kick back and enjoy the day too. They don’t need the pressure of trying to grab photos for you, especially when they are busy celebrating and hanging out.

3. WE MAKE YOU LOOK DANG GOOD.

We pride ourselves on making sure you look like the best version of yourself. I know it’s in uncle Jim’s best intentions when he grabs a photo of you at an upward angle walking down the aisle, but even Beyonce has bad angles. As photographers we know how to show you how dang good you look. All. The. Time. #YouAreBeyonceAlways

4. DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS.

It’s in the details. Card boxes, lace, invitations, your grandma’s passed down pair of earrings you’re going to wear, cufflinks, the cake cutting knife. It’s little things like this that someone who isn’t used to taking photos isn’t going to think is important. Details may seem like just that, details, but it’s all the little things that make up the big day. Trust me.

5. YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE.

Photographers aren’t one size fits all. Some love posed images, fine art, documentary, candid, you name it. Most photographers will hold wedding consults to meet with you about what you’re looking for when it comes to your big day, such as style, timeline, how they shoot, finances, what they include in packages, what they are willing to do or not do, etc.

Choosing a photographer with not only a style that’s important to you but also a personality. If you are a stickler for everything looking flawlessly perfect when it comes to poses, I’m probably not your girl and that’s okay! If you’re wanting your day to go 100% as scheduled and get easily stressed, I’m probably not your girl and that’s okay too. Finding a photographer that fits your needs is so important and you have that freedom to do so! This is one of the many reasons I love consults and meeting with couples beforehand. Don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions to make sure the photographer you meet with is a perfect fit. After all this is YOUR WEDDING.