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When we started planning the wedding, we decided to mentally go through our lists of “must-haves” and things that we were just sort of “meh” about. I believe some people call this “prioritization.” On the top of Mr. French Fries’ list was an awesome reception — something that would be full of really good food and plenty to drink. We drove from venue to venue, weighing options, per-person prices, package prices, the whole deal. In the end, we picked our venue with the confidence that people would go home happy (and full!). To us, I guess, food = love. We’re good Germans like that.
Now, on the top of my list for the wedding? Photography. Amazing, take your breath away photography. To me, it was one of the few things that we would have after the wedding, other than… you know, the marriage. And our wedding bands. Even before I had met Mr. FF, I had always loved looking at wedding photography (and photography, in general). I quickly discovered that there were different camps in the world of wedding photography — the traditional camp, and a more artistic, exciting, amazing camp (in my humble opinion). Obviously, it’s no big secret which one I enjoyed more. I thought to myself, ‘When it’s my turn, I absolutely do not want pictures of me at the altar, half turned around facing the camera with my bridesmaids’ bouquets laid strategically on my train. I do not want the picture of our hands on top of each other, showcasing our new rings on top of my wedding bouquet. Do not want.’ Not that there’s anything wrong with those pictures. They’re exactly what some people want for their weddings, and that’s great! However, that’s just not my style.
So, like many other wedding-related decisions, I made a matrix of all of the photographers that we were interested in. I compared hours that they would shoot, whether or not they included an engagement session, if they included post-processing on the pictures (or if they give them to you raw), and whether or not they included an album. It was an extensive worksheet, I promise you that!
When we met with Molly of MThree Studio, I knew right away that our personalities clicked. And, since I had been following her photography blog for a long, long time, I knew that our artistic styles definitely clicked. We talked for well over an hour about what we were looking for in a photographer, what her shooting style was, and how our wedding day would work. We drew up a tentative itinerary for the day, and discussed such options as a first look, cocktail hour vs. receiving line, and the like. It was a great meeting, and very informative (and not just about photography!). So, it’s extremely exciting for me to announce that Molly will be capturing our wedding day!
A taste of some of her work that has been featured in the Weddingbee PRO Folio:
Seriously beautiful photos. Waiting until June of next year is getting harder and harder… good thing we have an engagement shoot to look forward to!
Did you have an idea of what you wanted in your wedding photography? Are you having an e-shoot in addition to wedding day photography?
Ooh, those photos are gorgeous! We also get an engagement shoot with our amazingly talented photographer, and I can. not. wait.
those pictures look incredible! we’re still looking for a photographer. It’s definitely at the top of our list of priorities too… so i should probably start being a little more proactive about finding one… asap!
Photography was our top priority too! We’re having the whole shebang for our package. Engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, unlimited wedding coverage, smilebooth (!!!), and other stuff that I can’t remember. <3 OLoL
Our e-shoot will be on Nov. 8. I’m pretty excited… and nervous. :p
Photography is right on the top of my list! It’s always been a passion of mine (stemming from my mother, I presume) and I suppose that’s probably why I value it so much. You’re right, it’s one of the few things you’ll have forever from the wedding … and being able to remember every detail is so awesome! GL with your engagement shoot - can’t wait to see the pics!
Really pretty photos–definitely artistic, like you want. So exciting!
One of things that I really want in our wedding photography is pictures of us with out families. Weddings in my family are big events that everyone shows up to and I really want a photographic record of everyone being there. Then beyond those specific photos I just want a nice documentation of the day and the mood of the day. We had our engagement shoot this week past Monday and are waiting not very patiently for them to be processed!
Photography was important to me as well. Our package has our e-session (we are waiting for the snow before doing it) and all day coverage. He will also do a trash the dress session after for me too if I want.
I also adore artistic photography. I am also a Wisconsin bride (Madison) and our photographers have the same style as yours 
We are SUPER happy with how our engagement pictures turned out!
http://www.thekrakoras.com
look for Ashley & Chris
We wanted something great and budget friendly. We loved the pictures from a friend’s wedding and we found out their 2nd shooter was opening his own studio. We snatched him up at an amazing introductory price so it really worked out great! We absolutely love him!
Wow! I agree photographer tops the list. Yours looks amazing! We are very happy with the artistic and quirky photographer we found- so excited that we did engagement photos right away after getting engaged.
PS When it’s my turn, I absolutely do not want pictures of me at the altar, half turned around facing the camera with my bridesmaids’ bouquets laid strategically on my train. I do not want the picture of our hands on top of each other, showcasing our new rings on top of my wedding bouquet. Do not want. the mister and i couldn’t stop laughing… we approve.
photography is top of my list [along with cake]. i want pictures that i always want to look at, ones that take my breath away. i really hope we’ll be able to find that!
Love that last photo. It makes me want a thunderstorm on my wedding day! Hahah! Photography was pretty much at the top of my list too.
oh my goodness, photography is #1 on our list too!! I’ve already started a crazy spreadsheet comparing and contrasting about 30 different photographers now, and it’s getting overwhelming. Would you be able to give some pointers on what your fantastic worksheet looks like? I would be forever grateful!!
@Jess1054: I don’t have the spreadsheet anymore (unfortunately!) but I do remember how I broke it down. I organized it into the following sections: name, location, travel fee (if applicable), number of shooting hours, whether or not they had an assistant or 2nd shooter, how many locations they would travel to (some photogs only went to a max of 3 shooting locations, I found), whether or not they included an engagement session, if they had a product credit / allowance for an album, if they would give you a CD of the images/rights to print the images, their total package/fee price, and how much extra they charge per hour if you go over your allotted time. Hope that helps!
Wow, these are great. We did have a couple of inspiration photos that we shared with our photographer, so we were on the same page with our “look”. We didn’t do engagement photos and now I totally regret that. I think it would have been helpful for us to get used to having our photos taken–especially so I could have figured out that apparently, I can’t make a “serious” face.
The photos are beautiful! I think photography is important to a lot of people because it is the thing that you can look back on in 30 years and relive those moments of your wedding that took your breath away.
photography was DEFINITELY my top priority! our number one was already booked (over a year in advance!), but we landed a pretty amazing photographer anyway. i’ve been meaning to put some of our e-pics up, come to think of it. i cant wait to see your (and our!) wedding pics!
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Mrs. French Fries, Milwaukee Age and Occupation: 27, Paralegal Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Investments Advisor Engagement Date: September 20, 2008 Wedding Date: June 2010 Venue: Ceremony: Catholic Church, Reception: Hotel Ballroom About Me: I'm a Midwestern girl who longs to live in a warmer climate (my feet would be happy in flip flops any day!). I love travel, impromptu napping, grilled cheese sandwiches, my iPhone, singing with reckless abandon in my car, and Mr. French Fries.
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