There are A LOT of wedding photographers out there, and I’m sure you are looking for someone whose style you love AND will enjoy hanging out with for hours on your big day.
I have lots of reviews on WeddingWire, TheKnot, and here is a link for more Testimonials from past couples – using their words to explain the experience. And if you want to know more about my process for wedding photography, here you go!
BEFORE
I find email can be easily misunderstood so I prefer to meet or talk before signing a contract to make sure we are on the same page. I work with your schedule so we can meet just about anytime in my Newport News office, Panera, Starbucks, or one of your venues and I always arrive early so everything is laid out and ready when you arrive.
Time is precious so I don’t want anyone waiting on me!
Finding the perfect photographer is a big decision so there’s no pressure to sign a contract when we meet (but you can ;). I give you all the paperwork, offer advice or referrals, and can hold the date for you for a few days so you have time to talk it over with anyone involved with the decision that couldn’t make it to the meeting or call.
I ask a lot of questions to get to know you, your personalities, and get a sense of the photos you want.
Usually we meet 3 times before the wedding – before you hire me, at the engagement session (if you do one), and about a month before the big day. I help create a timeline (even if you have a coordinator), make notes on tricky family dynamics or special requests, and complete a portrait checklist to carry in my pocket on the wedding day.
DURING
I arrive dressed in nice suit, even in the heat of the summer – it never hurts to have extra pockets and I tend to kneel, climb on chairs, and do whatever it takes to get the best angles and moments.
Others have commented that I am also a walking bridal emergency kit – because I love to be prepared. I carry a mini sewing kit, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, even snacks. I always have 2 cameras on me and backup equipment. I look a little like a stereotypical newspaper photographer in a suit instead of a photo vest 🙂
Smile and the world smiles with you 🙂
I’m all about helping your wedding photography be easy & fun.
So I smile almost constantly, joke a little (my husband is MUCH funnier), and know a few tricks to get kids to cooperate during the portraits. I build a little wiggle room into the timeline so I can be flexible if things get a little off schedule and always have a Plan B.
First and foremost, I like to help keep everyone calm & having fun so your photos will be filled with natural smiles all day long.
AFTER
I now offer Same Day Edits for my wedding photography! Posting a few highlights on Facebook the day after the wedding and sometimes even faster!
In the weeks after the wedding, I edit thousands of photos down to the best angles, smiles, moments, and light. Leaving you with hundreds of great moments of people being themselves & having fun. And yes, I open EVERY SINGLE PHOTO to edit, crop, and generally make them print ready.
You end up with 50 – 75 great photos per hour, more if you have two photographers, and about 4 weeks after the wedding. I work with a lot of military families so I can also not post anything on social media upon request.
Check out the FAQ page for more details on my wedding photography or Contact Me today to experience the photojournalism difference for yourself!
