While they all follow a basic timeline, every wedding will vary greatly, and so I try to approach each one differently, based on my discussions with you. I want to hear what your likes and dislikes are, and what is most important to you. In choosing a photographer I believe that you should base your decision not only on their work, but how you feel you would get along with that person. You basically have to spend the day together - so hire someone you'll enjoy being around. I know everyone says this, but I really love shooting events and weddings - there is so much opportunity to capture so many amazing moments. It's SO satisfying to watch peoples reaction to the end results!! be sure to check out my blog for recent wedding updates!

After the ceremony / receiving line when it is time to take the remaining formal shots, we can either do them at the church, reception site or someplace in between. In my experience, it is always a better idea to try to take the formal shots in a spot where there are no guests around. If you try to shoot right after the ceremony or at the reception site within the vicinity of guests, you generally end up with mayhem. Everyone is so excited to greet the newlyweds as well as each other, that the distractions add an unbelievable amount of time to getting the shots completed. You also frequently lose members of the wedding party as they go off to grab a cocktail or say hello to friends. Being away from that allows us to take the shots faster and for you to get to the reception and start having fun!

And as much as you may hate to think about it - Always keep an indoor backup for foul weather in mind!

It's a good idea to find out ahead of time if your church has any photography restrictions, since that can possibly limit or change the way I have to shoot during the ceremony. Such restrictions seem to be becoming much more commonplace, and altar my ability to work the way I might like to. If you intend on taking photographs in the church after the ceremony, be sure to ask if they will need us to leave by a certain time.

I spend most of the night 'roaming' around shooting candids. I do not do posed table shots (hate 'em) unless a group asks me to do so and try to avoid shooting while people are eating. Having been a guest at far too many weddings where the photographer was terribly obnoxious and pushy, I go out of my way to be as invisible as I can be. I am there to capture the day as it happens, not to force people around into uncomfortable situations.

I also like detailed directions in advance from every location to the next, as well as phone numbers for every location as well.

Once I'm booked I'm yours for the day and will not schedule any other events.

I have a file of bands, DJ's, florists, caterers, bakers and videographers I have worked with in the past, if you need some suggestions.

As the days can run quite long, it would be nice if a hot meal similar to that of the guests be provided, so please check with your caterer. If a meal is not to be provided, please inform me in advance so that I may make necessary arrangements. If you're told that a 'vendor meal' is provided you may want to ask what that actually entails, as that can mean anything from an actual entree to a soggy cold sandwich made 3 days ago. Know in advance what you're paying for!

I shoot with a digital SLR. YES, I do indeed bring backup equipment, and occasionally use an assistant.

Your full resolution digital files will be provided on a DVD's, and you'll receive that along with your proofs. From most weddings I shoot around 1200-2000 images to start and edit that down to somewhere between 800-1000. From those I separate 400 of my favorites into a "best" folder on the disc. It is these shots that I proof into 4x6's (if you find others on the CD you'd like to see as a 4x6, just let me know and I will print those as well) These 400 images are also the ones that will be posted online for viewing by you as well as guests. The posting is complete typically within 7 days, and stay online for roughly 3 months. Guests can place orders directly through me if they wish. I also include a slideshow with music consisting of around 50-60 images from your day, that will be posted online as well.

I'm often asked, "What do you mean by proof?" The proofs you're provided with are 'real' photos printed on photographic paper similar to what you would get if you dropped a roll of film off at a lab or (god forbid) the drugstore.

Turnaround time on wedding proofs is normally only 1-3 weeks, depending on how busy the lab is at that time.

I DO NOT include albums in my initial fee since every single album package deal I have ever seen had some aspect to it that I would want to change. More or less prints, larger or smaller etc. So what happens then? You move over into the "ala-carte menu" and start changing this and that. In the end, you have essentially done your album from scratch anyway.

I try to approach albums the way I would want someone to do them for me. I will show you what is available and what your options are and let YOU decide what you will physically end up with in your hands at the end. It can be as small, large, simple or complicated as you like --- and it will be your decision. I have had couples feel that 20 photos were enough, while others can barely edit them down to 140! Generally I would say that something around 70 would be an average quantity, and I will work closely with you to make this process as easy as possible. You may want to do an album shortly after the wedding day, or you may choose to put it off a year. Some couples are happy just framing several shots and living with their proofs. Again, the choice is yours.

The advantage to designing your album this way is you will really end up with something that is all your own and very personalized. The disadvantage, is that it is virtually impossible for me to tell you in advance an exact cost until we put all the pieces together. I've had albums completed for $400 and as high as $3,500 - as it really depends on what you put into it, and what type of album you prefer. The average album runs around $1,800.00, and turnaround time is are typically 1-2 months once ordered.

Here is a link to some more info and photos of album choices

I include an engagement sitting as I feel it's a great way to not only get to know each other better, but for you to have some real 'camera time' before the wedding. You'll find you're more comfortable with the idea of being photographed on your wedding day after we've had some time to goof around in front of the camera! Custom made guest books utilizing the photos from your shoot are available and a great way to share your photos with everyone the day of the wedding.

I think one of the most important aspects of planning the day involves discussing not only your wishes for photography, but for timing issues. By that I refer to certain points during the day where couples sometimes fail to plan accordingly for how long things actually take. I am very flexible when it comes to where and when we do things, but there are 2 key points during the day where scheduling enough time is vital:

#1) After the ceremony and between the reception is traditionally the time we shoot most of the 'formal' shots (unless you'd like to do them before, which is always a GREAT idea) Now the actual amount of formals we shoot I leave up to you, so I always ask couples to jot down a list of all the shots they may want beyond what I call "the basics" (no need to send me a list containg requests like "bride walking down the aisle"...oh yes, i do indeed receive those!) We can use this as a checklist, or simply as a reference. Everyone's concept of 'a lot of pictures' and 'not too many' pictures is different, so I want to see what you have in mind. This can not only determine how much time need, but also if there are possibly too many combinations for the time you've allotted. When you're thinking about this, ask yourself "what will I use this photo grouping for afterwards?" What sounds like great when you're planning out your photos can in reality become a huge time waster if you go crazy with combinations.

#2) It is also important to figure in the time needed for a receiving line (if you are doing one). A receiving line with 175 guests can easily take 45 minutes in reality. If you don't work that into the equation of pictures as well as time required for driving to your reception, you are likely to end up either not getting the photos you want, rushing to the reception, missing most of your cocktail hour, or all of the above.

So avoid what I call The Bridal Time Machine...where many couples underestimate the amount of time actually required for wedding day events, so don't be afraid to add a little extra time so you will be able to do things at a more leisurely pace and enjoy your day even more. Believe me - the day rushes by very quickly!

For a full breakdown of available packages and prices - see HERE

all prices and packages do not include any enlargements, albums, rush shipping or processing, retouching, parking or any hotel fees that may be involved.

I ask for an initial deposit of $500.00 to reserve the day, which is non-refundable in the event of postponement or cancellation.

Should you choose to cancel the day, that deposit will not be returned even if I re-book the date.

1/2 the remaining balance is due roughly 6 months between booking and the wedding date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. (I'll email to remind you and use that time to go over times, directions, last minute changes etc)

No digital files are released until balances are paid in full.