The Most Important Day of your Life

We have milestones in life. Moments that feel…well, monumental. I know that in a short time, I’ll be facing such an occasion when I marry Billy. It will be the most important thing I will have ever done up to this point, the most important day of my life so far. Obviously photography is a priority for our wedding, there are very few equals on the list. Hiring a professional isn’t a question for us, it’s a must. I have to take a deep breath here, because I have more opinions about weddings than a hill full of fire ants. Aside from the heart full of wonderful memories and a frozen cake, the only thing that remains after this day are your photos. It baffles me when people overlook how important these images are. From a bride’s perspective, these photos will carry the legacy of my wedding day, this defining day, to my heirs. My album will hold a place of honor among them for many generations to come. I know this to be true because my grandparents album did, and my parents album did. They are cherished parts of our history as a family.

I have plenty of friends who are photographers. Dozens, hundreds probably. I’m hiring a professional wedding photographer, paying them, signing a contract. Why? Certainly not because I’m rolling in dough…. I am the ultimate bargain hunter… trust me. I am doing this because there is a big difference between the mentality of a paid contract and a friend. Friends can turn into enemies quickly when it’s over something as precious as your wedding photos. Friends can take their time on editing your images, or not edit them at all. Friends can relax and have a great time at your wedding, and not capture those critical moments. Friends can leave earlier than you thought they would because you didn’t have it in a contract. Not to mention every single technical aspect that is ignored by a non-professional. I’m telling my photographer and friend when I sign their contract, that I respect them, what they do, and expect their respect of my day in return.

There is a HUGE difference between the mentality of “casual friend” and “client friend” from my perspective as a photographer. I don’t take “casual friends” wedding photos anymore. Everyone gets the same client experience, we’re the best of friends but business is business.

Sunday I was a guest at a wedding where said situation took place. Thank goodness I was there. Nothing hurts my heart more than a bride with tears of sadness in her eyes. And thank goodness all of my gear was conveniently in my car fully charged. The bride pulled me aside and told me her “photographer” just told her she had to leave early. Bride in tears + angry = not a good scenario. So I put my photographer cape on, and saved the day. This is why you shouldn’t trust a friend with a camera on your wedding day. It’s always going to end in heartache. I get why you do it, but trust me, DON’T. Maybe you don’t have a $100,000 wedding budget, maybe you don’t even have $5000.00, find a professional that is willing to work with you in some capacity. Make sure you sign a contract. Know what the outcome will be. There is no duplicating of this day, of all of the hard work you’ve devoted to it for the last 12 months. Place the responsibility of your memories in capable hands, PLEASE.

If you do, you’ll look like this your entire wedding day. Happy bride, not sad bride.

Love always,
Laura

PS> More photos of this wedding to come, deservedly in it’s own post!