“If there was a fire in your house or apartment, what would be one of the most important things you could save?” That was a question posed to the brides who were attending a bridal fashion show. Most of the responses were their spouse/SO, a family member, or a beloved pet. But many answered “our wedding photos.”
And why not? Your wedding photos are forever and last long after the ceremony and reception. Besides your memories, what part of your wedding day lasts forever? Your photos (and video). That makes choosing the best you can afford an important part of your planning.
It’s critical that you select your photographer and videographer with great care. Work with your wedding planner to find the right wedding photographer for you and your wedding. Look at their work and talk with them about how they plan to shoot your ceremony. Does their photography style fit what you want from your wedding photos? Will they be shooting any pre-ceremony activities (such as your first look, or getting ready with your wedding party), or does their time start with the ceremony? What form will the “final product” be (a finished album or photos on a disk)?
Besides your memories, what part of your wedding day lasts forever? Your wedding photos!
Wedding photos are a highly personal look at the beginning of your new lives together so it is essential that you feel comfortable with your photographer. If you aren’t comfortable with the person behind the camera, it will show in your photos!
Be clear about what kind of photos you want taken. Provide your photographer with a list of “must have” people to include. Enlist someone to help round up guests to make sure that the people on your must list are available when the photographer is ready to shoot their photos.
Before the wedding day, check with your officiant to see if there are any restrictions. That way, if there are, you and your photographer can make an appropriate “game plan” in advance of the actual day.
There are other photo options you may want to consider. You may want to have a video playing during the reception which captures the “essence” of you and your new spouse. Some couples record a video message to their guests and have it playing during the cocktail hour or early in the reception. You can also have your videographer do interviews with guests that could be included in the final product he/she provides.
Because the photographic record of your special day is so important, we urge you to pay serious attention to every aspect of this segment. Hire the best you can afford because after the food is gone, the music is done playing, and the flowers have dried up, this photographic record of your wonderful event will be with you.
May you never have to rush into a burning building to save them.
What are some of your “must have” wedding photos? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Gilbert-Noël Sfeir Mont-Liban via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
Some great advice! 16 years later and I still love mine!
Thanks Lori. Other than our memories, (and our marriage), photographs (and video) are the only things that will last well beyond the wedding day (and become a family heirloom too).