Weddingbee

Photography was the most important decision about my wedding (next to my choice of groom of course)! When we first got engaged, we were looking for locations and vendors in the CT/NY area so I spent hours (and I do mean hours) searching wedding photographer’s websites. I started with the Wedding Photojournalist Association, which is a fantastic resource. I quickly realized for the kind of quality and feeling I was looking for, there was no way we were going to spend less than $3,000 on a photographer. This was discouraging, since we were working on a respectable but not crazy budget.

I did find someone who I thought was too good to be true - his price was great: by the hour, no huge packages, and the photos on his website were stunning. But when he sent me a CD of photos (over 800 images) of one couple’s wedding, I swear I couldn’t find 15 images that I would have put in an album.

So it’s really important to see a couple’s complete day (or at least 40+ images from their wedding). You’re not looking for the lucky photo, you’re looking for consistency, artistry and competence - documentation of your whole wedding from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to contact the photographer and ask to see one or two couple’s complete day.  Also - meet with them if possible. You can learn more about someone in person than via email. 

After searching in CT/NY for a location and vendors for four months, I was so discouraged I almost wanted to elope. I think EVERY bride must have this feeling at least once in their planning. Then we decided to get married in Burlington, Vermont and I had to start all over again.

I found a great site for Vermont brides called Vermont Vows. It’s a wonderful publication, and they have a ton of great resources for planning a Vermont wedding. Then I came across Daria Bishop Photography and that was it. She was just what I was looking for. She took some engagement photos for us in October (Click “Engagement Slide show” HERE to view sweet little slide show with a song from my CD of jazz love songs as the soundtrack). Here are some of my favorites from our morning together:

For me, photography was my big priority. For some brides it’s the venue, the food, the florist, the dress. Whatever your priority is, work that item into your budget first, then work from there. It will make the rest of the planning so much easier. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut on this choice either. It’s very personal - not only the images they will shoot, but their presence in your day. The photographer will be with you when you get dressed with your girls, the first time you see your fiancé, while you’re taking your vows, while you’re sharing your first dance etc. So make sure it’s the kind of person you’ll enjoy having with you all day.

Good luck in your search for the perfect photographer for you!