Hey you! If you’re reading this post then there is a very good chance that you are planning a wedding {& likely looking for a wedding photographer}! First, congratulations!! This road that you’re on is pretty crazy, but it leads to the absolute best day of your life, and I am so so SOOO happy for you!

When I was planning our wedding, finding our wedding photographer was one of the items that I was the most excited for. I wasn’t a professional wedding photographer at the time, but I understood the importance of picking a photographer that you connected with. You and your groom will likely spend the most time on your wedding day with your photographer {as they capture every single moment}. I knew it was important to pick someone that I got along with, understood what was important to me, and made me happy {this was reeeeeally important!!}. I had several friends that were in the industry, and I was sooo happy when I booked the photographer I wanted the most! However, I know that finding and booking a wedding photographer isn’t quite as easy for every bride. It can be especially difficult if you don’t know anyone in the industry or there aren’t a lot of photographers in your area.

I wanted to share a few tips, tricks, and pointers for you to follow. You too can find the photographer for your big day!

• SEARCH: 

  Begin your search online by using keywords for your local area {i.e. St. Louis Photographer, Southern IL Wedding Photographer, etc}. If you live in an area that doesn’t have a lot of photographers, search again in large communities and cities. Most photographers provide services over a large area and are willing to travel for a small fee {like me!}. Besides using Google to find options, search on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

• PERSONALITY:

  One key to finding the best photographer for you is making sure that their personality is one that you’re comfortable around. I would highly suggest doing your research before settling on a photographer. Make sure to read through their bio and check out their social media profiles. Does this person seem like someone you would want next to you on your big day? Do you like this person’s style? I let my brides know that I’m going to be smiling all day long and cheering them along the way. I’m quiet in intimate moments, but I am great at directing large groups and making sure we keep everything on time. I aim to be friends with my brides and grooms. I don’t want to be just another vendor that shows up, does their job, and leaves. It is important that my couples know this going into the booking process!

• PACKAGE:

  Before you book, make sure you fully understand what each photographer is offering. My packages all include a free engagement session. I want to get to know my bride and groom, and I believe an engagement session is one of the best ways {plus, they are super fun!!}. You should double check on the hours of wedding day coverage, second shooter expense, and add ons like professional albums. It’s not technically included in my wedding packages, but all of my brides are welcomed in the #HNBrides family. This is a community of women who are in love with their husbands-to-be and can’t wait to spend forever alongside their best friend. This is just an extra perk of booking with me!

• REVIEWS:

  I think reviews are very helpful in today’s wedding planning world. I would highly suggest reading reviews of the photographers you are considering. However, I would also remind you to take each review as a grain of salt. You never know the full context of a review, and it important to remember that the person leaving a review might not be sharing the full truth!

• URGENCY:

  Okay, this might be a given, but once you’ve found someone that sounds like a great match you need to book immediately. I’m not kidding! Find out if they have your date open and book as soon as possible. Many photographers don’t reserve dates without a signed agreement and deposit. If you are interested in having them a part of you day, do not wait.

______________________________________________

If you’re looking to join the #HNBrides family, contact me today! Happy Planning!!

xoxo,

I LOVE my #HNBrides & Grooms!!