Searching for your wedding vendors can be overwhelming, but we’ve got ya covered! We know there are a lot of questions racing through your mind as you google search and hunt Instagram for ideas and inspiration. Reading reviews, praying they are available for your date, and wondering what in the world to discuss and ask before you book. It’s a lot to juggle.
When it comes to picking vendors and what you need to know, we are here for ya. There’s a whole list of people who will help bring your day to life, and there’s no doubt it takes a team. But what do you ask? What is it that you need to know before you book? What should you consider? Look no further.
Photo credit: Heather Marie Photography
One of the key players on your wedding day will be your wedding photographer. We all know how important your photographer is! Raise your hand if you’ve already been thinking about your first wedding anniversary. Can you picture yourself sitting down with your forever love reminiscing about the sweetest day? When this comes around, it may seem like your wedding day was so long ago and what remains from that day is your love for each other and the photos. Flipping through your photo album, you remember the smiles, the bold laughter, the tender first kiss, and all the moments in-between.
All this is great, but in order to get to this point, you have to actually find the photographer for you. You have questions and we have answers. We reached out to our friend, Heather of Heather Marie Photography to give us the skinny on everything you need to know about your wedding photographer and things to consider as you make this ever important decision. Here’s what she had to say (and check out some photos from her weddings (we can’t claim credit) along the way):
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become a wedding photographer?
Hey all! I am Heather with Heather Marie Photography. I am a wedding and senior photographer based in Lancaster, PA but serving up and down the east coast. I am obsessed with ice cream and my two puppies! I officially became a wedding photographer in 2018, but fell in love with it almost immediately after my own wedding day back in 2016. I had a minor in photography from college but never ever thought it would go anywhere. It wasn’t until my wedding day when I was turning around during my first dance that it all hit me. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is so true. I was looking at all my guests standing around us, and then my photographers came in to view. Instantly I thought how special it was that they were able to capture these memories of all the people the bride and groom love in one place at one time, and it will most likely never happen again. That was when my love for wedding photography began. I wanted to give those same memories to each of my couples so they could cherish them for years to come.
2. What is your photo editing style?
I am a light and airy wedding photographer. I love the true to color feel while still adding a little bit of brightness to the day. It just feels like a timeless style that can last for generations!
3. What’s your favorite thing about shooting weddings?
My favorite thing about shooting weddings is my COUPLES! Seriously, they make my job the absolute best. It is no joke when I say that I want to feel like one of your best friends by the wedding day. I try to get to know my couples as much as I can and be there for them in any way possible! It is your special day and I want to help make it as perfect as possible. You shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable with me around, I want to feel like we have been friends for years so that you can feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera and get all the incredible photos you deserve. On a wedding day, I would have to say my favorite time of day to photograph would have to be sunset. The way the sun changes to a soft orange glow is just beautiful and creates epic sunset photos!
PHOTO CREDIT: HEATHER MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY
4. How far in advance should a couple book you as their photographer?
To be honest, almost right after you nail down your venue. Or, if there is a photographer you absolutely LOVE, I would even encourage you to reach out to them before you officially nail down your wedding date. That allows you to make sure the photographer is available before you lock it in. Then you can work with the venue and photographer to find a date that works for everyone. The earlier the better no matter what. I am already booking out for 2023 and it’s barely even 2022! I absolutely hate having to say no to a couple because their date it already taken, it breaks my heart. So please reach out ASAP!
5. What should a couple look for when selecting their wedding photographer?
This is an absolutely great question and I could probably write a novel on it. My two biggest things would be style/end product, and personality. Style and the end product are very important. Do you love the way they edit their photos? In five years, will you still love it? All great questions to ask yourself as you look between photographers. There are tons of different styles out there so make sure it is one you can fall in love with over and over again. Also, see what is included in their packages as the deliverables. Are you getting the photos in an online gallery, or a USB? Does it come with a wedding album? I am a HUGE fan of wedding albums. Your photos deserve to live outside of your computer screen and a wedding album is a perfect way to retell the story and pass the memories on to your kids and grandkids! The other side of it is do you like their personality. It is crazy to think, but you will be with your wedding photographer longer than you will even be with your spouse on your wedding day. So you deserve to find someone that you get along with easily and that they just fit into your family and friends perfectly. It makes a world of a difference when you feel comfortable around them!
Photo Credit: Heather Marie Photography
6. What practical advice do you have that will help a bride or groom feel comfortable in front of the camera on their wedding day?
Just focus on your significant other. Laugh together, smile at each other, make memories! In a sense, ignore us once you’re in a pose 🙂 Your photographer will make sure you look absolutely stunning! So just let those thoughts go about how you should stand and what you should be doing every second and just be in the moment. We will direct you if we think anything should be slightly tweaked, so you don’t need to worry about that. We got you! However, if there is something that makes you self conscious, ex. your arms or a certain way your hair lays, let your photographer know before the wedding day so we can pay close attention to it, but you don’t need to me focusing on it on your big day. You deserve to have fun with your spouse and all the people that came to celebrate with you!
7. Do you have any recommendations that help a wedding day run more smoothly?
Hopefully your photographer or planner will do this, but have a timeline that breaks down not only the big parts of the day, but also all the different types of photos and how long each will take. For example, getting the dress on, bridesmaid photos, family formals, first look, reception details, etc. laying this all out makes sure that there is enough time built in between the main events to get all the photos in that you would like. Be very open and communicative with your photographer BEFORE the wedding day so that we are aware of all the important photos you want and can make sure their is time for them! We want you to have every memory from the day, so letting us know ahead of time allows us to make a list of the essential photos so nothing gets missed!
In case you didn’t notice, Heather is super helpful! We hope her expertise and helpful hints will make you feel a little more at ease as you prep for your big day 🙂 You deserve to feel confident as you enter your marriage and wedding! Don’t hesitate to reach out to see how we can roll up our sleeves, help you build a rockstar vendor team, and bring your day to life!
And don’t forget to follow Heather and connect with her on her website, Facebook or Instagram.
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