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As much as I wanted to hire a professional to capture our rehearsal dinner, the Bruschetta budget simply refused to allow this extra expense. Several weeks ago, though, I noticed a Weddingbee Classifieds listing for free portraits or engagement sessions in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
After a few private messages, I began emailing with the photographer — and imagine my surprise when we realized we attended high school together! Ted Nghiem, who (like me and the mister) sang in our high school choir, is pursuing his passion through Emerald Dreams Photography.
Ted agreed to extend his portrait-building offer to our rehearsal dinner (yea!), and met with me and the mister recently at Positano Coast to get a feel for the restaurant. After Ted checked out the lighting and layout, he snapped a few pictures of the Bruschettas.
We had a great time reconnecting with Ted (who hasn’t changed a bit since high school!) and can’t wait to have him capture the night before our wedding — a casual setting with our family and wedding party (and some gratuitous food shots, natch).
Are you having a professional photograph your rehearsal dinner? How many friendors are involved in your wedding?
Instead of doing an engagement photo session, I negotiated with our photographer to spend that time at our Rehearsal Dinner. I kind of regret the lack of professional photos of us but will probably be really excited to have relaxed professional photos of us and all our out of town friends and family.
Everything is negotiable! If engagement photos aren’t your thing and they are included in your package totally ask for other things. It worked out really well.
This is something I never thought of having a photographer for, what a great idea!
I love the idea of friendors. We were trying to use some but it just didn’t work out for various reasons, mainly location.
I love that last photo!
Thanks for the post! At least now I know I am gonna have to get before hand. Will there be free food for the friendor?
what a funny cooincidence!
we asked our photographers to shoot the rehearsal and dinner as well!
From the start we wanted a photographer to shoot our rehearsal dinner and we thought that we would not be able to fit it into our budget. But we went searching out on craigslist to see if there was anyone new starting out or just had reasonable rates. We lucked up and found someone at such a great rate that we booked him also the bridal shower! so we will have professional shots from all the major wedding events. YIPEEE!!!!!
This might be totally inappropriate but from one straight girl to another…your but looks great in that last picture. 
This might be totally inappropriate but from one straight girl to another…your butt looks great in that last picture.
Great idea! My brother is starting out in photography, so we’re having him take pictures at the rehearsal dinner.
These pics are great. You’ll have nice rehearsal dinner photos! We had our engagement party and luckily my grandmother thought to have a photographer on site. You really do cherish the memories of those pre-wedding gatherings!
Our Phototag shoots the rehersal for free as long as she doesn’t have a Friday wedding. My sister-in-law who is talented with a camera will probably get some pictures of the dinner.
Those shots are so cute! You and the Mr are SO CUTE! Ahhh I can’t take it!
P.S. I would love someone to photograph our rehearsal dinner… hmmm I should work on that.
What a super fun idea! Gotta love those “what a small world we live in” type moments!
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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student Engagement Date: November 30, 2007 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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