It seems like there is a theme going around with people sharing their wedding photographer horror stories with me.  They say how so and so got married and their pictures were…or they knew somebody who had this one person shoot their wedding and they were so rude.  So my reason for posting this is that I just hope that people realize that your wedding day is not going to allow for a “re-shoot” or to reschedule if things do not go as planned on the photography end of things.  There are also some major things that you need to make sure you consider when booking your wedding photographer.

I was thinking today about my own wedding, the actual wedding day, not my marriage.  Yes, there is a huge difference.   I was actually going over some of my shots from the last wedding I shot when I started thinking about this.  I was looking at some of the details and some of the moments that happened.  I started thinking back to my own wedding seven (almost eight) years ago and there are so many things that I really don’t remember about it.  Of course I remember the most important things, but there are so many things that went on during that time that I don’t recall because they all happen so fast. 

One major focus in my photography is that I try to capture details that might be forgotten in a few years or really even in a couple of weeks.  Moments that the bride and groom experience are happening so quickly that they are done and over by the time they are being whisked into the next magical event.  I hope that this might reach just one bride and groom who are thinking that they will have someone “in the family who has a camera” or a person who does weddings from time to time with very limited wedding experience or even the proper equipment.  There is a huge difference.

I would highly suggest at least four things to ask your photographer before choosing them…1.  Do they have backup equipment.  This is a must.  2.  Are they insured?  Most venues will require proof of liability insurance before they will allow them to work there.  Don’t just assume this is something that every photographer has…3.  Do you click on a personal level with the photographer?  I have seen some photographers whose portfolio work is awesome.  They are also very hard to get along with for more than five minutes.  Go with your instincts and if you find that you are not agreeing on most things during your consultation that might also create some problems on your wedding day.  Sometimes photographers forget that it is your wedding and not theirs.  and last…4.  Their style…Do you see yourself in the pictures that you see from them?  Is their style of photography matching up with how you see your future wedding photos?

Hopefully this will give you some insight into what to ask or consider if you are choosing your wedding photographer. 

I was asked to attend the spring taste testing party at Continental Ballroom in Kokomo, Indiana this weekend, so I was more than happy to be able to shoot some shots for them, as well as to talk to some of my future brides.  Jennifer and Jo Ann Rozzi and their staff were on hand to answer any questions and make everone feel right at home.  They do such an awesome job.  Jeff Hodson from X-sight Music was there providing the dinner music.  It was a relaxing evening with awesome food and great people.

It was funny because I actually saw more grooms than usual at this wedding planning function, but then I remembered…FOOOD!  I think that was the one thing that I was concerned about ”detail wise” when I got married.  I just wanted to make sure that we had jumbo shrimp cocktail at the reception.  We did…It was awesome.  That made my day.   Grooms are so easy to please when it comes to weddings.

I took along my Canon 85 f1.2 lens, so I was shooting all over the place at f1.2 to f1.6 and most people didn’t even know I was there.  One of the luxuries of this lens is that I can shoot in amazingly low light.  It actually seems as though sometimes this lens creates light when there really isn’t any there.  I honestly can’t imagine shooting without this lens.  I guess you could say I am spoiled.

The Continental Ballroom staff getting things ready for the evening.

Jeff was busying getting all the tracks laid out for the night.

A groom helping in the wedding planning.

Mmmm…the chocolate drizzle from the cheesecake bar is awesome!

I caught Jennifer, Jo Ann, and Mama Rozzi in action during the evening…

I had to make use of the huge mirrors behind the bar.

I wanted to send you some information today before I head out for a wedding in Lafayette.  Here is another opportunity for future brides (and grooms if you are “nice” and want to please your future wife ) at the Elder-Beerman “Beautiful Beginnings” bridal event.  This will be today on February 2nd from 1-4pm.  Here is the list of wedding vendors who will be participating…

Blye’s Bridal & Tux Shoppe – Kokomo

Special Moments-Bridal Gowns

Lillian’s Bridal

Louie’s Tux Shop – Kokomo

Jill’s Wedding Photography

Piel Photography – Tipton

Wise Photography – Kokomo

Luxury Arrive in Style Limousine

Personal Travel

Sunset Grill Catering

Mr Pig Burlington Meats & Catering

Windmill Grill

Fazolies Italian Restaurant

Fran’s Bakery

Courtyard Marriott – Kokomo

Hampton Inn & Suites – Kokomo

I will not be able to attend this event, but my work and my information will be on hand for those of you who are interested.  Please let me know if there are any questions that I can answer for you.

Wise Photography – Wedding and Kid’s Lifestyle Photographer

Last chance to get everybody to come out to the Kokomo Bridal Show on Saturday, January 26th from 1-4 at the Pastariffic Casa Bella Ballroom in Kokomo.  Here is a list of the vendors that will be attending, so there will be all kinds of awesome people there to answer any of your questions. 

Free Tickets! Link

Wise Photography – Weddings Bridal Shows Brides