Vendors

Event Venue: Race and Religious | Beauty: Jillian Marie Beauty | Dress Designer: Savvy Bride Boutique | Photographer: Hilary Koon Photography LLC

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From The Bride

The best thing I did for my wedding was hiring Robb as our photographer. From the start, he was professional and so easy to work with. I find myself constantly looking at the pictures he took of our wedding because I simply can’t get enough of them. He gave us timeless, gorgeous wedding pictures and I will never be able to thank him enough for that!

Associated Vendors

Event Venue: WatersEdge Event and Conference Center | Reception Venue: The Renaissance Hotel | Floral Designer: It’s Your Day Wedding and Events | DJ: Encore L’Amore Events | Bridesmaid Dresses: Henri’s Cloud Nine | Cake Designer: Cindy Patrick Cakes | Photographer: Robb McCormick Photography

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Associated Vendors

Shoes: The Pillow of Stones Boutique | Invitation Designer: Pickle Prints Custom Paper Creations | Hair Stylist: Twig and Sparrow Salon by Ana | Cake Designer: Cooper and Lu GF Baking | Dress Store: Sophia’s Bridal and Tux | Etsy Designer: Chival Jewelry | Floral Designer: Satin and Stems | Reception Venue: Laurel Hall | Photographer: Heather Sherrill Photography

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Is it time to hire your wedding photographer? The photographer that you chose will have a big impact on the quality of your day, as well as the memories that you will hold onto for years to come. Here are seven expert tips for hiring your wedding photographer.

1. Consider Personality

You might be tempted to hire a photographer based on their past work alone, but don’t! Personality, and how well you get along with your photographer, is just as important.

According to award-winning Toronto wedding photographer Calin Ardeleanu, the images turn out better when the couple and photographer have bonded. He says that every bride and groom should “make sure there is a good fit between you and your wedding photographer. If you don’t feel comfortable in front of her camera, it will show in your wedding photographs.”

2. Reach Out To Past Customers

Don’t rely on public, perhaps photographer-supplied reviews alone. Instead, dig a little bit deeper. Reach out to past clients if you can, and ask specific questions about their experience.

3. Consider The Rules About Sharing

You may have never worked with a professional photographer, so it is natural to assume that once you own photographs you’ll be able to share them freely. However, many photographers retain the rights to the photograph, and you may not be able to share them online without a watermark or citation. Check on this before signing a contract.

4. Meet The Team

Did you think you would only be hiring one photographer? These days, it is common to have a lead photographer as well as a second shooter so that not a moment is missed. Amy Lyn, a Certified Professional Photographer based in Ohio, says that a second shooter is key because “there are many parts of the day that happen at the same time and obviously your photographer can only be in one place at a time.”

When you have your in-person meeting with your photographer, ask if he or she will be the lead on the big day. Also ask about who will be assisting, and meet all parties if possible.

5. Hire In Advance

There are so many details to consider while planning a wedding. Your photographer should be towards the top of your to-do list. Try to book your photographer 18 to 12 months in advance, if possible.

6. Review Portfolios With An Artist’s Eye

You may not be an artist, but you can still look critically at images that you see as you compare photographers. Think about composition and lighting. Consider the vibe of the image… do the subjects look natural, relaxed, and joyful?

7. Be Realistic About Hourly Rates

One of the most important expert tips is that the art of photography takes time. It is common for a complex photograph to take five to ten minutes to create. The bridal preparation photographs may take two hours, and photographing the details may take about an hour.

This might seem crazy if you are used to snapping photos with your phone, but understand that professional photographers are are working on an entirely different level, and their work takes time to produce. Since your wedding photography prices will be related to hours worked, it is important to be realistic about how much time a great photography session will take. 

Though you may have never worked with a professional photographer before, these tips will help you understand what to expect, so that you can hire the best photographer possible. When you book in advance, and choose a photographer that you enjoy you will end up with much more natural, emotional shots.

Compare potential photographers’ portfolios with a critical eye, and be sure that you understand that good art takes time to create. Don’t book a photographer that can only work for eight hours, when you really need twelve! Did these tips help? Let me know in the comments below!

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We’re All About the Details

Extra Special Details

The Arizona State Fair happens annually and when it does, everyone comes out with an awesome Ferris wheel that acts as the highlight of the State Fair. 

The Prizes

Prizes are one of the biggest attractions in any fair and a very fun way to enjoy the State Fair experience.Winning a few of these fluffy toys are a thing but having fun while winning with your dearly beloved is far more awesome!

About the Photographer
We are Kevin & Suzanne, a husband-wife duo that specializes in wedding & engagement photography. Both originally from the Seattle area, we’ve lived in Phoenix, Arizona for six years now. Between the two of us, we capture in a style that is very clean, organic, and timeless. We want your moments to occur as naturally on-camera as they would off. We are available for weddings year-round both in Phoenix and destination locations. Feel free to send a friendly message through our website and we would love to get to know you as well.

Take this Advice

Never be scared of using places that are out of the norm for your bridal session. Be creative and you will be so please with the end result! This session as done at the fair with tons of people everywhere and lots of bright colors. ~Kevin Lane/Photographer

Vendors

Photographer:  KSL Wedding
Dress Store: Lillian Lottie Bridal Couture
Other Location:Arizona State Fair

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Bring it In

One of the mistakes people make when trying to photograph venues and rooms is attempting to get all of the details into one photo. Rather than photographing the whole room, bring it in and focus on one small area at a time. This will capture gorgeous details that otherwise wouldn’t be seen. It also gives individuals a better idea of the venue or room as a whole.

Play Around with Different Filters

Don’t be afraid to play with different filters to make your photos look the way you want them. Add a nostalgic feeling to photos with black and white or sepia filters. This can be done with your camera or after the picture is taken through editing websites or applications. It’s a great way to get a more artistic look for certain photos, but be careful; too many filters or manipulations can result in a very amateurish-looking photo.

Don’t Forget Those Photos

Make a list of the photos you really want; the first kiss, the first dance as husband and wife, etc. Make sure you get a trusted individual to take these photos, or do what a lot of brides are doing and provide disposable cameras to each guest and create a list of shots you want. The guests take pictures and then deposit the cameras into a basket at the end of the night. This is a great way to ensure that you have all of the photos you want and plenty to choose from!

Also, Those Random Photos

Some of the most enjoyable photos of a wedding are those that focus on random elements. These often include champagne glasses, hors d’oeuvres, photos of the groom’s bowtie, etc. Make sure to get plenty of photos of the little elements of the wedding!

By following these tips, you can be sure to take some truly elegant and beautiful photos, even if you’ve found yourself suddenly without a photographer. Which of these tips is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

♥♥♥

Photos by Pixabay

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Bouquet

Cakes

Details

Nothing screams more elegant than a ballroom floor flashing your initials.

This kind of table setting will make you want to Instagram your dinner even if the food isn’t served yet.

If you have a destination wedding and your guests would be coming from all over the country, have them show their state pride by making them stick flags on this map. This will make you more grateful and loved that your friends and family took the time to travel all the way from where they live to celebrate your special day with you.

Aside from well wishes, why not ask for helpful ideas too? You may never know what treasure you can dig up from your guests. Bottles read: Date ideas, advices, and prediction for our future.

Wedding Dress

Shoes

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We love this photo because it’s very candid. The bridal party is laughing, smiling and cheering the bride and groom on as they share a special kiss on their wedding day.

Leave it to the groomsmen and the groom to be silly on the big day! This hilarious photo is perfect and shows off the silly personalities of the groomsmen.

This hilarious bridal party photo shows all the girls standing around with their smoking “guns,” and the boys laid out on the ground around them. It’s this kind of silly photo that you will love looking at so many times throughout the years.

This is so funny, and a bit of a play on the traditional bridesmaids photo where the bridesmaids would be holding up the bride.

We adore this “tough girls” picture of the bride and her bridesmaids. They’re complete with super cool sunglasses and hands on their hips!

This picture of the entire wedding party on the carousel is absolutely priceless! It definitely shows the silly group dynamics and how much fun it is to be all together.

These are just a few of the hilarious poses and photo ideas brides and grooms have come up with. Talk to your photographer about hilarious bridal party photos and come up with some of your own!

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Visit the Local Fair

This beautiful photograph has plenty of color and pizzazz because the couple had an outstanding background: a local carnival. Keep this in mind for your engagement photos.

This couple also opted for the amusement park backdrop, and it’s beautiful because they’re having such a great time. It’s a perfect way to get candid shots.

Get a Vintage Feel

If you’re going with a vintage inspired wedding, then this type of engagement photo is perfect! The couple looks as if they’re having the time of their lives, and the black and white photography combined with their clothing really gives it a vintage feel.

Close Up on the Rings

We love this picture because the focus is on the rings, but the couple is sharing a sweet kiss in the background. It’s not only a perfect engagement photo, but it’s definitely frame-worthy!

Beautiful Surroundings

This photo is really special because the surroundings are beautiful, and it works perfectly for a rustic or country-themed wedding. The couple seems to be in their own little world and the photo looks like it was stolen rather than being posed for.

Invite Friends

This is such a clever photo because it seems like the couple can’t keep their hands off each other, despite the friends standing by. The friends look amused and as if they’re trying to pass the time until the couple can stop smooching!

These are all great ideas for engagement photography and can inspire you to come up with your own super creative, super cute engagement photos.

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