Selecting a Photographer Tips

One of the most important vendors that Bride and Grooms look to hire is a photographer. It is important to meet with different photographers to see their work, to see if your personalities match as well as their price point.

Before meeting with the photographer, make sure to look up reviews and speak to friends and family who may have used them in the past.

Make sure to communicate the most important photos that you want the photographer to capture. Also communicate when you want to stop formal photos and start with candid shots.

Lastly, a signed contract stating services hired for, start and finish time as well as must have photos is strongly recommended.

Wedding Ceremony Altar Style

I am currently working with a bride that has a few photography concerns for her ceremony. Her church is beautiful; however the pictures that we have seen during the ceremony are not the best backgrounds and will not complement her colors well. So as an alternative to dress up the ceremony and have a great backdrop for her pictures we decided to move forward with a Chuppah (Jewish tradition) which may also be known as a canopy. The side that will be to the back of the pastor will be hanging to have a clean crisp look in the pictures.

With so many choices available in colors, styles, fabrics, etc. there are countless ways you can create or design your altar.

Here are a few beautiful styles that we will be using and our inspiration and/or possibly choosing from.

Happy Planning!

Vendor Relationships - Who is right for the Team

Have you thought about the relationship you should have with your vendors?


There are different levels of relationships that you will have across that board. When you think about it…who will you be spending most of your time with?


Each vendor is important, however think about the time and expectations that you have for your vendors and realize that it is important to mesh well with them all especially your planner/coordinator, photographer and videographer. The florist receives your vision before hand and executes to your expectations. The stationery design company brings your vision to light on paper. When you think about the roles each play and logistics there are the many things to think about.


Consider the vendors whom are there for the entire day…don’t hire them at last minute, this should be a top priority vendor and listen to their response to your style and envision them on your day. After meeting with at least two to select from in each category review mental notes with you fiancé and determine if they will make the team for your wedding or special event.


Happy Planning

Shade on a Summer Wedding Day

If you are planning on having a ceremony outside, many people think about the chance of rain…..how about the chance of unbearable sun? Think about your bridesmaids as they stand in the hot sun and your guests while they are seated.

Pass on the boutiques, save on the cost of the boutiques and order personalized parasols for their use following the wedding. Having a personalize parasol can serve as a wedding day necessity to keep your bridesmaids out of the sun, for creative photos, and as a keepsakes. Check out some photos below from http://www.idooriginals.com/ and http://www.pamelasparasols.com/

Oh and don’t forget about your guests! Consider having a program fan to serve as double duty….cooling down your guests and informing them of the details for the ceremony & reception.

Tip: Immediately after the ceremony your coordinator should have water for the entire wedding party while your guests attend the cocktail hour.

Hiring Family Vendors-Caution

Hello all, I just want to start out by saying….it is not because I am an event coordinator that I am posting this blog.

I can’t count how many vendors that I have talked to recently that had a bad experience with family members functioning as their DJ, Caterer, Florists, Photographer and other vendors. We understand that the economy and other factors sometimes alter your wedding plans, however be cautious.

Whether you are hiring Cousin Joe to take your pictures or Aunt Sue to bake your cake, please make sure they plan to take your day seriously. One of the great points to working with a coordinator is that they are the glue to keep the puzzle together. Using a professional coordinator gives you the advantage to get a professional perspective of the entire day and the role of each vendor. Think about it ….your coordinator has worked with many brides, weddings, vendors, venue, etc…

Go to a professional coordinator and have them help you before things get out of control, consider their DOC (day of coordinator package). Most coordinators DOC is longer than the actual day of the wedding. Visit http://www.prestigiousoccasions.com/ to find out more about the services we offer.

If you choose to use family members, make sure there is a contract in place. All professional vendors should have a contract in place that outlines their role, services, date, time, cost and other items you have agreed on. Please be cautious, you can have a nice wedding on a budget but please remember that your family will want to enjoy the wedding also….will this affect their delivery of client service?

Contact us and we can offer a complimentary consultation of our services.

Choosing A Photographer Part II

Now that you have had the opportunity to view galleries from several photographers online or in person at a bridal show or from friends and family, it’s time to narrow down your top 1-3 photographers.

Here are a few things to think about:

1. Photographic Style- The pictures tell a story, are there photos that capture your attention and keep mesmerized?

2. Level of experience- Is your photographer a professional in the industry?
a. Does the photographer have experience at your venue(s)?

3. Personality- Do you “mesh” well? This is a person that may be capturing emotional moments and you want someone that will be calm and easy to work with.
a. Will the photographer be good at communicating from the consultation to the end of your wedding night?
b. Are you comforatble with the photographer?

4. Price Range- Everyone has a budget and this is respected within the industry, your photographer should be willing to work with your price range. While some photographers may be “expensive” this is one area where you don’t want to hire an amateur.
a. Is there flexibility to adjust some details in the package?
b. Are there services offered A la Carte?

5. Finish Product- How long will it take to view proofs and received the finished album?

6. Payments- What are the deposit requirements and payment periods?

7. Hours- How many hours of services will be provided and number of locations?
a. How early will they arrive to test the lighting and set up?
b. Will your photographer travel to the hotel/home while the bridal party is getting dressed?
c. To the ceremony?
d. To a specific destination to take pictures of the wedding party?
e. To the reception?

8. Appearance- Will they be professionally dressed for your casual, semi-formal or formal occasion?
a. Will there be an assistant photographer during the event?

Tip: It is customary to include your photographers in the guest count for meals during the reception.

Tip: Create a collage of some of your favorite photos and share with your photographer during the consultation. Your planner or family liaison for the day of your occasion can also “remind” the planner if necessary.

All the details that you discuss and agree on should be included in your agreement/contract.

Choosing A Photographer- Part I

Okay..... so now it's time to select your professional special occasion photographer for your special day, there are various elements to consider that will greatly affect the outcome.

How can you be sure which wedding photographer is the right one for you? There are several things that you may do to assist you with making your final decision.

• You can research online


• Visit bridal shows


• Recommended by friends


• Read local wedding boards & magazines

Are there pictures in their gallery that reflects your preferences?

Some photographers cost more than others, often this is for a good reason. Always remember the saying "You Get What Your Pay For" has its merits.

The most important thing is to educate yourself on the current trends in the market and know what you type of photos you would like to capture for the day.

There will be a few blogs dedicated to selecting your photographer as it is a very important topic, your photographer captures your entire day.

The next blog will cover narrowing down your photographer and agreement details.

Prestigiously your,

Kay