After the event

Do we get all the digital negatives from the sessions and wedding?

YES! You will get your images on a USB and via dropbox. All photo sets will be edited. Photos labeled “faves” will have received an extra amount of Photoshop attention.

When can we see or receive the wedding photos?

Your USB and via dropbox including your digital negatives will be sent to the email address/mailing address you provide 1 month after your wedding.

Now that our wedding is completed, when and how do we start on our wedding album?

Once you receive your wedding photos, fill out the wedding album form and either email or mail me your preferences. It usually takes 2 - 3 months for your album designs proofs to be emailed your way.

After you approve the album pages and the corrections have been made, the publishing of the album takes 1 - 2 months.

You have one year from your wedding day to get me your wedding album form, and then to also complete your corrections. So, please do not delay!

Our wedding is not in the Dallas or Fort Worth area, what are the transportation fees?

WEDDINGS

If you are getting married in the DFW area, there are no transportation or hotel fees. If you live in the Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Abilene or Lubbock area (or any small towns within that radius) it’s $0.35 per mile from Trophy Club, TX.

If your wedding city location is further than a 5 hour drive from DFW flying is prefered. Client is expected to cover: transportation (plane ticket, rental car, checked bag fees, airport parking), 1-2 nights lodging, and food ($10 per meal, three times daily. If the average meal at a resort is higher than $10 a meal, the fee will adjust accordingly).

FIRST LOOK & PLANNING YOUR DAY

How much time do you need for photos on the wedding day?

The wedding day time lines vary depending on whether you choose to do a “first look” or not.

WITH “FIRST look”:

BEFORE THE CEREMONY:

Bride & Groom Photos: 30 minutes

Wedding Party Photos: 45 min. to 1 hour
(Bride with bridesmaids, Groom with groomsmen, Groom with bridesmaids, Bride with groomsmen, Bride with individual bridesmaids, Groom with each individual groomsman, Bride & Groom with entire wedding party)

Family Photos: 45 minutes
(Bride & Groom with her parents, Bride & Groom with her immediate family, Bride & Groom with her parents & grandparents, Bride & Groom with both sets of parents, Bride & Groom with his parents, Bride & Groom with his immediate family, Bride & Groom with his parents & grandparents)

AFTER THE CEREMONY:

Extended Family Photos: 10 minutes
(Bride’s side of extended family, Groom’s side of extended family)

WITHOUT “FIRST look”

BEFORE THE CEREMONY:

Bride’s Side: 45 minutes
(Bride with bridesmaids, Bride with groomsmen, Bride with individual bridesmaids, Bride with immediate family)

Groom’s Side: 45 minutes
(Groom with groomsmen Groom with bridesmaids, Groom with individual Groomsmen, Groom with immediate family)

AFTER THE CEREMONY:

Wedding Party Photos: 15 minutes
(Bride & Groom Wedding Party, Wedding Party with House Party & Ushers)

Family Photos: 30 minutes
Bride & Groom with her parents, Bride & Groom with her immediate family, Bride & Groom with her parents & grandparents, Bride & Groom with both sets of parents, Bride & Groom with his parents, Bride & Groom with his immediate family, Bride & Groom with his parents & grandparents)

Why consider a First look?

When I got married, I learned that my photographer only photographed “first look” weddings. Originally, I was completely disappointed. However, after the wedding I realized that the “first look” was the event that we enjoyed most from the day. Now, we have amazing photos of us on our wedding day along with great memories of our first meeting.

That is the main reason why I am an enthusiastic supporter of this concept. Here are other reasons why people decide to do the “first look”:

1. The bride and groom are not stressed after seeing each other, and they get to have private moments together.

2. We don’t have to play hide and seek with the groom before the ceremony (meaning: less stress)

3. We are able to take all photographs before the wedding, this allows for wedding party and guests to arrive at the reception together.

4. The couple gets to see each other for the first time alone, instead of in front of hundreds of people. They can say things to each other and hug like they wouldn’t be able to if they saw each other for the first time at the altar.

5. The groom normally has a more genuine and breathtaking “look” on his face when he doesn’t have three hundred guests staring at him as the bride walks down the aisle. This makes for wonderful photo opportunities.

6. In order to have beautiful, clear, crisp photos, we need natural light. If we wait to take the photos after the wedding, the time we will need in between the ceremony and reception is at least 45 minutes. Most people hire me for my ability to capture photos of the bride and groom on their wedding day, and if we don’t have the time or natural light, I am not able to do this as well as it could be done. Also, the couple is normally disappointed with the one “traditional” picture they have of each other, and often end up wishing they had more of a variety.

7. I understand this option is not for everyone, so if you don’t have the time it takes, I would suggest an After Session. This is when the bride and groom dress back up the day after the wedding and we have an entire session dedicated to getting creative images without the pressure and demands of the wedding day.

How does the first look work?

We keep the couple separated until they are fully dressed and ready. Once the couple is ready, we send the groom to an agreed upon location where he has his back towards the bride with no one else in sight. She walks to him and tells him when he can turn around to take his first look at her in her stunning dress. This is where the magic happens. The tears, smiles, words, and relief are always a beautiful sight.

As for our part, we take photos without interacting. Once the couple is ready, we go photograph them privately and then ease into the wedding party and family photos.

What if we don’t have enough time to take photos before the ceremony, but we still want you to photograph the exit?

There are three options, you can purchase additional hours for $500 an hour. This needs to be decided upon before the wedding day and paid in advance. Or we can do a fake exit, where we stage the exit with bridesmaids, groomsmen and immediate family. That way guests don’t leave but we still have a full looking exit for the photos. Make sure you have enough exit materials (sparklers, flower petals, bubbles, etc) to make this possible. The last option, the exit isn’t photographed.

timeline

When can we chat about developing the wedding day photo timeline?

Contact me to set up a time to chat, as soon as you know:

• What time will you exit the reception?

• Do you want to do a “first look”?

• What time will the ceremony start and how long do you think it will last?

• How much time does it take to drive between the ceremony and reception?

• Do you have a cocktail hour? if so, how much time do we have for photos after the ceremony?

What are things to keep in mind when developing your wedding day timeline?

• Photos must stop 45 minutes before the ceremony since guests will start to arrive.

• The flowers need to be present for the photos before the ceremony if you want them in the photos. Wherever you decide to have these photos, have the florist/family/friend drop off the arrangements at least 30 minutes ahead of time.

• Some venues do not let you arrive early for photos, contact your venue to make sure our time line and their rules are compatible.

• Make sure you are aware of any special rules, guidelines, regulations your venues have and email them over so i’ll be aware of them beforehand.

• The photo estimates are estimates. If people are present, ready to take photos, we can stick to the time line. Also, some of the time lines are slightly padded so if we are running 10 minutes late, we can still make it up. If we are running later than 20 minutes, we will need to do more bare minimum and cut out some of the creative photos.

• When developing the time line, it helps if work backwards from when you plan on exiting. For instance, if you are leaving at 10 pm, then the photographer(s) arrive at 2 pm.

What information does your photographer need to know for the wedding day?

• A time line that we can collaborate together if you prefer

• The addresses of where the bride and groom are getting ready (hotel rooms), the ceremony and reception.

• Any rules or guidelines pertaining to the photography

• What time you want us to start and what time we will exit.

For optional time for an outdoor wedding ceremony, what is the best time?

Depending on how long the ceremony lasts, it would be ideal for it to end 30 minutes before the sun sets. Although, if you don’t plan on doing a first look, I would suggest for the ceremony to be completed 45 minutes before the sun sets.

BRIDAL SESSION

When should I schedule this session?

As soon as your dress is expected to be altered. Photos have a one month turn around so you want as much time as you can afford to get your prints made for the wedding! So at least 1.5 months before the wedding.

Where do we take these photos?

This depends on your preferences. I strongly suggest we do them outdoors in green or urban locations. I have many locations in the Fort Worth area in mind if you have difficulty deciding. If you choose locations that are indoors, it will be your responsibility to do the research, make the reservation, and pay the sitting fees.

Will I get my dress dirty?

No guarantees, but we will try our absolute best not to get it dirty. However, a bridal session is an unpredictable/uncontrollable event, so inquire with your wedding dress supplier for suggestions of solid dress cleaners. Surprisingly, the car is the most dangerous place to get your gown mucked up, so be especially careful getting in and out.

must-bring: bridal session

• Come in your wedding dress (many places do not have locations to change)

• Heels to be worn on wedding day

• Shoes to walk in / boots for cold days (if heels are uncomfortable and to prevent your wedding shoes from getting dirty)

• Jewelry for wedding day

• Veil

• Flowers or bouquet (real flowers are preferred, if you are out of town, check my preferred vendors for florist suggestions)

• A white sheet (this will be laid down on potentially dirty surfaces, and is crucial in preventing your dress from getting dirty)

OPTIONAl ITEMS: bridal session:

• Props or furniture

• Bottled water

• Bring photos or inspiring ideas you like

• Create a Pinterest folder & bring your phone

• Depending on location, quarters for parking meters

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

When should I schedule this session?

Make sure to schedule your session at least 1.5 months before you need them. Photos have a one month turn around so you want as much time as you can afford to get your prints made for the wedding! Some people like to use them for their save-the-date so make sure you take them early enough!

Where can we change clothes?

In your car. It saves the most time, so if you don’t feel comfortable with this, we can drive to the nearest changing area (although it will take time out of the session).

What is the best time to take photos?

The 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset.

How long does it take for prints?

If you are interested in getting prints, I would suggest ordering your own through mpix.com. If you still wish to place print orders through me, there is a one month turn around.

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT TO BRING

• I recommend bringing 3 outfits

• Props are also great if you have something that captures your personality or represents something special about your relationship. I am completely supportive of anything out of the ordinary. If you want to play baseball, fly kites, or have a food fight, I love it all!

TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR

For engagement sessions be cautious of what not to wear, such as white shirts and jeans. Small stripes can also be troublesome. It’s good to keep color coordination in mind, but perfectly matching is not necessary. In fact, the photos will be more dynamic if you don’t exactly match.

Also, photos tend to turn out better the dressier you are. Details and accessories help tremendously such as hats, belts, necklaces, and heels. I LOVE heels. Although, whatever reflects you and your personality is always best!