With film, that is. Aside from booking the church and reception venue, booking the photographer was the most important thing for us. Mr. Dahlia and I both spent a lot of time looking at various photographers in the Cleveland area. Having determined that we wanted photos done with more of a photojournalistic approach, and figured out our budget, we basically narrowed it down to three. (In Cleveland, as I’ve mentioned before, you don’t necessarily have the panoply of options that you have on the coasts). One other important thing for us was a disk of the high resolution images, so that we could reprint all the pics we wanted.I now present to you the runners up in this pageant. 
Rob Rife- you can view his blog here
His rates are on the lower end, with two packages: $1,400 or $2,100. The main difference is whether you get printed proofs and an engagement session, or just a disk. Even the cheaper package is for 10 hours at unlimited locations.
Steven Mastroianni- visit his blog here.
As you would expect, his prices are higher. Packages range from $1,500 for six hours at one location and a disk of the images to $4,450 for unlimited locations and time, 4″x6″ proofs of the images, and a professional coffee table style album. The same package minus the printed proofs and album is $2,750. The images on his website are very polished and magazine ready.
Now, we didn’t actually meet with either of these photographers, as we wanted to meet our first choice first. And as they say, the rest is history. Stay tuned to find out who the mystery person is.
I think I might have a guess… looking forward to seeing who you’ve chosen. I’m still going back and forth on my decision. Are you having videography? We’d like to document our day but don’t want corny graphics etc.
I made the mistake of asking how much the albums are…because I love them, but man, $900 is a lot of money…it does explain the difference in the packages…
Your first photographer mentioned was booked for our date - but close friends of ours booked him. I found someone great - same qualifications you’re looking for - and same price range. Let me know if you want his info.
Tiffany, could you please post your photographers info? I’m still on the prowl for one in NE Ohio. Thanks!
We booked Rob at RAD Productions - http://www.radproductions.org. He does great work and is a down to earth guy. I found him at the bridal show at the IX last January. Good luck!
[...] Earlier, I blogged about the photographers who didn’t make the cut. Now you must be wondering, “Miss Dahlia, those photographers were awesome!!!! Rob is sooo affordable, and I can’t get over how amazing Steven’s photographs are?! Can your photographer actually be better than either of those?!!!” [...]
Ms. Dahlia, Detroit/Cleveland
Age and Occupation: 24, PhD Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, IT System Administrator
Engagement Date: December 31, 2006
Wedding Date: May 2008
Blogging Since: September 19, 2007
Venue: United Methodist Cathedral & historic downtown hotel in Cleveland
About Me: I enjoy cooking, dancing and swimming. I am a geek and apply game theory to my everyday life. Winter is my favorite time of year, especially when spent curled up with good coffee and a book by Madeleine L'Engle.
Hmmm. I wonder if it’s the same as ours. Perhaps you recommended him to me? I asked for recommendations from the beehive and that’s how I found mine. Interesting!