How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

I had it all planned, the dress, the meal, the music ... the one big ticket item that was still missing: The Photographer.

Website upon blog upon magazine, nobody had quite what I was looking for. The dress was antique gold, the entertainment a live jazz band and the reception was upscale hors d'oeuvres with wine and champagne. It wasn't a traditional wedding and for the one day, when all the planning, excitement and vows of commitment would finally come together, I didn't have anyone that could capture the moments.

After 4 months of intense research, I found the perfect match. Personalities clicked, but most importantly, the photographer's style fit into the puzzle!

I wanted someone that will take non-traditional photo's, one that can think "outside the lens" and will have a no-nonsense approach when it comes to the subjects of the photos. That's right, a no-nonsense approach. Bridezilla wan't exactly my cup of tea, so I had to delegate some of those duties to the photographer.

What I've learned in my search for the right photographer:

1. Know your style (creative, traditional, romantic, comical).
2. Allow the photographer to direct the crowd. Even if you're the more controlling type, if they know what they're doing, it will be worth it in the end. 
3. Allow enough time to take photographs. We took ours before the actual ceremony with only a few afterwards with the wedding bands on. If you're not superstitious, then you can just wear the rings during the whole photo shoot!
4. Make sure that the photographer and you are comfortable with each other. The last thing you want is for personality types to clash. It's your special day and you'll remember the photographer, good or bad, every time you look at your pictures. 
5. Most photographers include engagement shoots in their wedding packages. Take advantage of that time to really get to know the photographer, ask lots of questions, for example:

• How much time will you spend with me (the bride) getting ready?
• Do I need to have the bouquets with me? (I actually didn't have it at the time of getting ready)
• Let them know of any special requests. If you have a special relationship with a family member, ask if you can have more pictures than just standard with them. Or if you have a special item, like an heirloom jewelry piece, be sure to let the photographer know! 
• Ask what their plan B is for location if it's outside. What do you do if they skies open up with torrential downpour? We ended up doing our group pictures in an empty greenhouse. It was amazing and completely unique. Some were still outside, but with beautiful large umbrellas. 
• Ensure that you know how long they will be staying for the night. Are they covering the whole reception or just a part of it? Are there any special events in the wedding that need to be covered like a garter or bouquet toss? 

When you return from your honeymoon and the pictures are ready for pickup, you'll be ever thankful that you spent the effort on making sure that the photographer was a perfect match for your perfect day. 

Photographs courtesy of Last Forty Percent