Sadly, this story doesn’t have a happy ending but the message is clear.  You only have one shot at getting great wedding photos.  Do your homework and make it count.  Krisstin, owner of On the Go Bride (she is also an archaeologist which we find just way too cool), has laid out her dirty laundry in the form of some not so stellar photos of her wedding.

Blog Repost from On the Go Bride

This is an important topic not enough people touch upon. I’m sure you have heard stories. Do you have that one friend or relative who did not get the best service from their photographer? How about the person who spent a lot of money to end up with less than quality photos? Or worse, the friend that ended up with blurry photos or the photographer’s fingers showing in not one, but multiple photos. This happened to me. This happens to a lot of us. So how come more of us aren’t talking about it? Why aren’t we sharing our experiences to educate each other and help more couples on this topic? Well, that is exactly what I would like to do today. I want to share my experience and educate others on how to find a quality wedding photographer for their special day. Because when your day is over, the photos are what you will have left.

Let me start with my experience. Planning my wedding was my first introduction into the industry. I had no idea what to do or where to look. I was also an on-the-go bride who traveled a lot for work, so my “in town” time was limited. Logically my first stop was the wedding faire in town. Makes sense, right? One location, multiple vendors; I was sure to find everyone I was looking for or would ever need. Boy was I wrong. Here is a little secret I learned later. A lot of the great photographers don’t do wedding faires. Now that is not to say you can’t find amazing photographers at wedding faires. They are there. I’m just trying to encourage you to look outside the box as well. Don’t let the wedding faire become your be-all and end-all for local vendors.

I am not going to give the name of my photographer or all the details, just a few of the important ones. I did find my photographer at a wedding faire. The work displayed in their booth was gorgeous! I was drawn to the style. I liked the modern, fashion, magazine-ish flair. The style worked for me and my interest was piqued. I had heard all the warnings about having a family member take your wedding photos as well as going for the cheapest photographer. I had decided in the beginning I was willing to pay for quality. My wedding was in 2010 and I paid $3800 for a 6-hour package. By no means is that price at the highest end of the spectrum, but in my mind it was a fair amount to expect quality work. Without going into all the details of ignored emails, missed deadlines, and not producing everything that was paid for…I will just show you the end product. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So here is a great example of what I got. The photo on the top is from the professional photographer we paid for. The photo on the bottom is from my husband’s uncle who has a nice camera. Now I don’t have a photographer’s eye, but I can tell you which image I think is better of the two. I was pretty bummed when 95% of my “professionally edited” images seemed dull and missing all the color.

The photos I received looked nothing like the work I had seen. It looked nothing like what I thought I would be getting. I started to question if the work I had seen was really this photographer’s work? I also started to question what I had missed and where I went wrong? Through this experience and educating myself I discovered what I should have done and the questions I should have asked. That is what I want to share with all of you today. There are a couple important topics I would like to address and I am also including a wonderful questionnaire you can print out and take with you when you interview your potential photographer.

Your Photographer’s Work

There are a couple key issues that really go together. The first is verifying the work you are shown is actually that of the photographer. So how do you verify work? This one can be a bit tricky. There are a couple ways you can go about this. When looking at a photographer’s work, you want to pay attention to the style of all the photos. Do they all match? Do they all appear to be from the same person? One way to check is by asking to have the contact information for a few of the couples whose pictures you like. If it is the photographer’s real work then they should be able to give you contact information. This also doubles as great references. What better way to find out about your future photographer than to ask couples for their likes and dislikes of the service they received? Another way to verify the work is to ask your photographer to see the entire collection of photos from a specific wedding photo you like. If this is the photographer’s real work, then they should have all the images.

This also leads us into our second key issue. You want to make sure your photographer can produce quality photos in all different settings. Your wedding day usually spans many hours. When you look at albums or see photographer’s work at a wedding faire, you are usually seeing the single best image from multiple weddings. The truth is everyone gets lucky. Every once in a while everyone takes a good picture. By asking to view all the photos of a single wedding you are able to see the quality of photos that photographer can produce for an entire event. It will also show you if the photographer can shoot just as well outside as they can inside. If you have an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception, these are important things to look at and good questions to ask.

Life Happens

There is no better way to say it…life happens. The important part is how your photographer handles the unexpected. What does your photographer do if a family member dies the day before your wedding? What if they go into labor or are in an accident? This is an important question to ask, and one that did not dawn on me until it had already happened. My photographer did not show up in their best form on my wedding day. The months preceding, they became almost non-existent. To this day (almost 2 years later) we still have not received everything we paid for and I doubt we will. I learned shortly after my wedding day that the photographer was in the process of getting a divorce. One that dealt with young children and I’m sure assets. I imagine that is not an easy thing to go through. Taking the chance that I don’t sound too selfish here… We never get our wedding day back. And that is how I honestly feel about the situation. We paid for a service we did not receive. I think on some level if the photographer knows they can’t be on their A-game the day of your wedding they should have a backup plan. Perhaps a few photographers they can contact to fill in for them?  

Trust Your Gut

The best thing you can do is trust your gut. I had a bad feeling about my photographer after the engagement session. (Side Note – this taught me the benefit of an engagement session is getting to know your photographer). When I voiced my concerns to my mother and suggested finding someone else, she talked me into staying with him. I can’t blame her; we had already put down a significant deposit. But sometimes moms do not know what is best. She wasn’t there for the engagement session and I was. I should have went with my gut feeling and I would have been much happier with the outcome. When you meet with your photographer, is it someone you can picture yourself hanging out with? Do they try to get to know you as a person or are they all about business? Do you feel confident that they will give you their best on their big day? I can’t stress this point enough…trust your gut.

Printable Photographer Questionnaire

This post includes some of the major lessons I learned about finding a wedding photographer during my wedding planning process. I wanted to share these with you and I hope they help others. I hope they help you to find your wedding photographer that you will be happy with, by making sure to ask the right questions. To go along with this post I want to provide a questionnaire I created to help you remember to ask some of these important questions. Just click on the pdf below, print it out, and take it with you to each photographer you interview. And remember…trust your gut!

NOTE:  Firstlight Photography also recommends that you make sure your photographer shoots all photos in RAW format.  This allows for the most flexibility during the editing process!

Be sure to visit On the Go Bride on Facebook.

Times are a changin’ and many cities are seeing these mobile restaurants as an asset and an economic development tool.  The stigma of the “roachcoach” is long gone.  Now food truck offerings range from comfort to  cuisine  items.  And let us not forget the spectacular desserts and ice cream options.  Lunch workers can stalk food or dessert trucks via Twitter and food truck vendors offer specials and updates to loyal followers.

Customers clamor for the latest food truck creations that they have heard about from friends, colleagues and their social media network.  Food trucks deliver delish food and a fun experience – they are serving up a food mob.  Finding your favorite food truck is exciting – and a challenge to be sure to time your arrival so you actually get to buy your nosh.  Hanging out with people that appreciate good grub and enjoy the thrill of the chase is also part of the charm.

So, with the “food”tainment value it makes perfect sense and adds that homegrown element to weddings.  Seeing a food or dessert truck roll up to a wedding is truly spectacular.  Last summer we were photographing a wedding on a private Camano Island beach.  When we saw the shiny silver Skillet airstream trailer pull up we squealed with glee!  Skillet can provide street food style (right out of the truck) or family style catering at weddings and events.  A combination of both services is a good option for larger weddings.  We were treated to the fanciest gourmet burger ever and we can’t forget the seafood taco sliders.  We were delighted to see their pink lemonade garnished with jalapenos – yes.  And it was quite delish and refreshing.

Some couples are also going the way of the dessert truck.  You can still have your cake and eat it too.  Most cupcakeries / bakeries have a variety of other treats on the menu and can provide the traditional cake top for brides and grooms (as photographers we love the cake cutting shots).  Having your cupcake truck roll into the wedding creates a great buzz.  People can mingle and self serve. It is a surprise treat that reminds many of their days chasing crazed ice cream truck drivers around the cul-de-sac!

The Piccadilly Bakery is the first Kitsap County mobile bakery / cupcakery truck. Calling it a truck is somewhat of a disservice for it is more like an art truck.  The owner is from the UK and her desserts show inspiration from across the pond as well as traditional US fare.  Her cooked frosting is, in one word, divine.  She has just the personality to delight wedding guests – and just wait until you hear that fab accent.

We are awaiting the day that Seattle based Bluebird Microcreamery shows up at a wedding we are shooting.  This isn’t just because they make Elysian Stout ice cream (they are neighbors with the very talented Elysian Brewing Company).  Their product is fabulous and it is served up from a retro ice cream truck – a perfect back drop for wedding candids.

Things to Keep In Mind When Hiring a Food Truck

If you are considering food trucks for your wedding you are after something different and perhaps a bit whimsical.  Keep this in mind when reviewing menus.  Food trucks aren’t a good match if you want traditional wedding fare.  If you want something different food truck fare by no means sacrifice taste – just the pomp and circumstance.

Most vendors are very savvy about permits and requirements needed to operate in a certain location (jurisdiction, private venue) but be sure to coordinate with your venue and the catering / food truck vendor to see if street permits (if parking on a public street) are in place.  Some private locations might also require permits depending on the jurisdiction.  Do you homework to avoid any red tape issues on the big day.

Work with your caterers to devise a menu that offers some variety but keep it simple.  If you are planning a wedding of 100 + you might want to consider an additional food truck or one with catering options to avoid long lines.

Consider a dessert buffet in combination with the dessert truck.  It makes sense for larger weddings; the table is ready to receive extra cupcakes and treats when it is time for the truck to leave.  Or, have a food cart greet guests as they exit.  They can easily be given treat favors – not only is this a green wedding practice, but who doesn’t like to leave with an additional treat?

Food trucks are like water coolers.  They provide a unique activity that gets guests mingling.

Share Away!

As a husband and wife photography team  {Firstlight Photography}, we met the owner of Rein Fire Ranch back in January at the West Coast Bridal Showcase and it was like at first sight.  Unlike any other Washington wedding venue we have shot before, we both realized the ranch was something we needed to see.

Nestled in the serene Sugar Loaf Mountain valley the ranch feels incredibly serene and remote but it is less than an hour’s drive from Seattle and Tacoma – making it the ultimate wedding venue.  We arrived at the ranch a few hours before dusk.  What captivated us the most, besides owner Rich’s bountiful smile and hospitality, was seeing the quality and color of the light and just how it moved and bounced off the mountains.

Rich has owned the 45 acre horse ranch for 11 years.  Last year he began a capital improvement project to develop 10 acres into a spectacular rustic chic outdoor wedding venue.  During our stay we toured the barn which, by the way, has a great external stairwell that could be used for quite the dramatic bridal bouquet toss.  The bottom floor includes the stables and up above it is phase two of the renovation.  The second floor provides a large open space that is perfect for your wedding reception – with all the rustic chic wedding details at hand.

Rich showed us where the wedding reception tent will be placed.  From that area, guests will have a superb view of the property and mountains.  The wedding venue is designed to accommodate carriage access (yes, brides can make a grand entrance in a horse drawn carriage) and what was once a loping shed (you know, the horse’s hang out pad), is  being transformed into a cocktail cabana with a pergola.  A  gazebo that will work great as a wedding ceremony pavilion, is next on the construction list and from the designs we saw, it is going to be spectacular.

This wedding venue is also equipped with a bridal suite  (don’t worry the groom has a secret hideout location too) that has a special place to hang your dresses for photos (gosh we love this detail!).  Oh, and did we mention it is BYOH.  Yep.  Bring your own horse to help assist in your wedding.  Really, how cool is that?!?

What we really appreciated was that Rich shared with us his vision and passion for his wedding venue and he even asked our opinion on a few elements.  As wedding photographers we can’t wait to schedule our first wedding package here.  And, maybe, just maybe, Rich will give us some more of his farm fresh eggs?

And, you might be wondering just why there is a dragon statue lurking about.  It makes sense once you get to know Rich.   He is not the average ranch owner.

So, who do couples turn to?  For those planning a church wedding this is a no brainer.  For some it is finding a friend that is outgoing and ready to take on the challenge and responsibility of pulling off a ceremony (and often times getting ordained online).  And, for others, couples are searching for an officiant to help pull off the day.

As wedding photographers we get invited to the best parties throughout the year.  Each is different and unique.  Sure you have all of your decorations and centerpieces, but there are several things that will stand out.  Your ceremony is one.  And, well, as photographers of course we’re going to say another is the photos!

A few wedding seasons back we photographed three weddings with the same officiant.  Considering how many weddings are held in the Puget Sound region each year we realized this was not a fluke.  After the third wedding, Annemarie Juhlian noted that it was clear that our clients were looking for the same characteristics in wedding vendors.  So, just pinch us because we consider it a treat to get to work with Annemarie Juhlian.  Truth be told, she typically gets Mitzi’s eyes to well up at some point in the wedding ceremony.  She is telling a love story.  She is honoring those that are no longer with us.  She is showing just how much this couple truly loves one another.  And, somewhere along the way, when the ceremony gets a little deep or sentiments run high, she is able to artfully bring in laughter and helps showcase the joy of it all.  Her wedding ceremonies clearly show that she invests in her clients and designs a custom ceremony that is authentic and a solid representation of the couple.  Three years in we have witnessed (and yes, Mitzi has literally been a witness for an elopement couple) how each couple’s ceremony is a one of a kind and unique event.

In the wedding officiant world, she has the major “it” factor.  She can’t hide just how much she loves what she does.  As wedding photographers we connect with our couples on a friendship and trust level.  We’re a big part of the day.   Realize that you will spend  lots and lots of time  with your vendors so make sure they are personable and, even more important, you like them!  Picking the right wedding vendors is going to help set the amazing tone of your wedding day.

Get to know your potential wedding vendors.  They should be ready to hear you and make time for you.  They should reach out to your other vendors.  They too should inspire you and act as a sounding board as you plan your wedding details.  It is important to connect on a variety of levels.  Having confidence is key.  Having fun and developing trust really is paramount.  Your wedding vendor should be part of your team.  Build a team of professionals that help you define your vision and are invested.  Do your homework and ask oodles and oodles of questions.  And, don’t worry.  We won’t think you are a bridezilla.  We’ll think you are a savvy engaged couple that is building a team that will be an asset for all.

2012 WEDDING TECH TREND
There is one 2012 wedding trend we must point out.  I guess it would be more like a top 2012 wedding tool.  Out of the brides we have met at wedding shows this January, around 65-70% are on Pinterest and are using this tool to design their weddings – one electronic wedding storyboard at a time.

Saying I am Pintersessed {Pinterest+Obsessed} is an understatement.   As a wedding photographer, Pinterest (and another secret tool I will reveal in an upcoming blog post) has changed the way I organize my wedding ideas and inspiration.  It has helped me to better understand our brides’ visions.  And, in turn, brides can get some insight into Firstlight Photography by just looking at our pins and boards.

SO WHAT IS PINTEREST?
MAGIC I say.  If I am a bride I am surfing the web for sport.  I am on the hunt for all sorts of wedding inspiration.  I am searching engagement shoot concepts, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flowers (real, paper, fabric), centerpiece ideas, cakes, cupcakes, DIY, ETSY finds, wedding day photography poses and fun ideas, invitations, save the date ideas, trash the dress concepts, creative photo display/treatments etc etc to the infinity power.  But, as a bride, I get so overwhelmed and forget where I saw those amazing ideas.  And, since I am a bride, I am on super overload and I can’t be bothered to remember all these details.  I could go drop a paycheck on copious amounts of wedding mags and do a wedding poster board but who has the  time or desire?   Not our 2012 brides.  They are tech savvy.  They are busy.  This is why Pinterest is the perfect must have tool for every bride.  And let me be clear.  This is for us chicks.  My husband scratches his head about this whole Pinterest obsession.

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE ON PINTEREST
Are you planning a steampunk wedding? Great.  Pinterest has you covered.  Is rustic chic more your style?  Let me tell you, Pinterest has totally got you covered there too.  From offbeat to traditional weddings there is plenty to see.

IT SOUNDS GREAT.  BUT REALLY, I DON’T GET IT?
So, imagine a world where you can create a virtual wedding board.  For example, I have created a board called Wedding Hair.  I find photos on various blogs, websites and other Pinterest boards.  With one easy click, I can Repin this idea to my Wedding Hair board.  That great idea I just saw won’t be lost.  How cool is that?

A RECAP ON PINTEREST TERMINOLOGY
Pins – images that you “pin” to your boards.  The act of pinning someone else’s image is called “repinning.”  You can leave comments on these pins.  A bride could say, “bridesmaids – tell me what you think about this hairstyle” or she could just profess her love for this style – because she can – and that is what Pinterest is all about.  In addition, with an easy click you can post your pin to facebook and Twitter.
Pinner – that is anyone that pins.
Follow – you can follow Pinners (all of their boards) or just select which boards you want to follow.
Boards – the virtual cork boards you create.

OK, I HAVE SIPPED THE KOOL AID – HOW DO I GET STARTED?
You can’t just sign up and get a Pinterest  account instantly.  You need to register (and this can take a while) or you can ask a friend to invite you (I am always available to get someone “using”).  Once you are in, you can start developing boards and pin away.  To provide the ultimate access, you can install Pinterest on your toolbar for easier full access pinning.

You can search boards, pins, keywords and by pinners you follow, popular pins…so basically you can slice it and dice it in a multitude of ways.

AND DON’T FORGET
You can use Pinterest to save recipes, gather organization ideas, design your dream space and find DIY project inspiration for that project you didn’t know you wanted to do.   It is addictive good fun.  It is actually a beneficial planning tool and it is totally free.

Happy pinning!

We sensed the couple was going to be fantastic to photograph. We met Andy and Alyson at their Seattle/Georgetown engagement shoot.  Since they are getting hitched at the Central Cinema in Seattle, we started there and then whisked off to the Georgetown Ballroom.  Both are amazing venues.

We feel so lucky to get to work with the couple’s that choose us.  We have really focused on our niche and we aren’t turning back.  And, yes, that is a hint for an upcoming blog about defining your clients.  Just another reason we LOVE what we do.

We have been doing our Little Black Book boudoir studio for less than a year but have built a great client base – mostly by word of mouth.  When the phone started ringing off the hook in December we were stumped but then a client told us  the Weekly Volcano’s Naughty and Nice Holiday Gift Guide featured us.  We hopped online, read the review and squealed with delight!

While many of our client’s were able to give the gift of boudoir for the winter holiday season, many are working on some pretty steamy Valentine’s Day gifts as well!  Do you still need a sexy gift for your special someone?  We have some open dates available but we have to do your shoot before February 2nd to ensure photos are ready!

In case you didn’t see the Volcano write up, here it is!  In our world, flattery will get you everywhere!  Thanks Volcano staff!

Way more flattering than your cell phone and a mirror
Want to give the gift of self in a more permanent fashion? “Little Black Book” boudoir studio by Firstlight Photography can capture the hottest side of you.  The husband and wife photography team create lasting images of beauty and grace for all shapes and sizes.  Elegant lighting, flattering poses and excellent customer relations make the experience of having your naughty bits caught on celluloid an exhilarating experience. Only as much of you will be revealed as you desire. Be it tasteful and subtle, or full-blown sexy and provocative, the results will be worthy of any bombshell or movie star. -  Ginger Knoxx

Photo Courtesy of www.etsy.com/shop/pixelstopaper

If there is one thing we are going to tell you to do for your wedding it is to make a schedule!  As wedding photographers at Firstlight Photography we know that, without a plan, bedlam will likely ensue.

We didn’t put together a detailed day of wedding schedule for the couple when we first started, but now it is just part of our wedding packages.  Some couples hire a wedding planner and that make our work easy.  We still communicate with the planner regarding our photography schedule.

If couples don’t go the way of a planner, we begin crafting a schedule early in the process.  Our couples have told us that it is a great exercise – one that makes them get their ducks in a row.  And for us, we have a schedule that we can use as our road map for the day.

Wedding Timeline Tips

1.  Be realistic about your wedding schedule.  Make sure you leave enough time for each segment.  If you have too much on your list, you may need to pare it down.

2.  Share your schedule with family and attendants at least a week before your wedding day.  Seeing things in black and white might help those slow pokes – you know, the friends that are always 15 + minutes late.  It is a great tool to make everyone accountable.  Don’t forget to share with other wedding vendors.  Having everyone on the same page is your secret weapon.

2.5  Make a a fun graphic wedding timeline to help keep guests in the loop as well.  We especially love the inspired Wedding Timeline Card by Pixels to Paper as seen above.

3.  Appoint a wedding time keeper.  This important job shouldn’t go to a close family member or any attendants as they have enough on their to do list.  Ask someone that knows both families to lend a hand.  A schedule is only good if someone is actually keeping track of time.

4.  Give your wedding photographer permission to steer the off course ship.  Did you know that your photographer is your right hand man/woman the day of?  We are your shadow and, therefore, are usually the first to recognize a time slip.  Have a discussion before the big day and let your photographer know it is A-OK to let you know when you have fallen behind.  The last thing we want to do is to stress you.  These agreements can really make your day go smoothly and will keep your vendor from feeling like a nag.

5.  Realize you can’t plan or prepare for everything.  You can surround yourself with loved ones and vendors that are in place to keep you calm and to act like McGyver when things might begin to go wonky.  Honestly, some of these things make for the best stories.

Most important – don’t forget why you are doing this in the first place!

Dress
Megin wanted to surprise Dan with the wedding dress so we hadn’t seen it either.  She rocked her gorgeous vintage inspired wedding gown by Brides by Demetrios in Bellevue.  Oh, and yes, she did leave him speechless!

Dude Duds
This will be no shocker…the groom and his groomsmen were looking dapper in their tuxedos thanks to the Men’s Wearhouse.

Officiant
What can we say?  Reverend Ray Van Winkle truly is passionate about his work as a wedding officiant.  Megin and Dan had said they had to pick him because he has been known incorporate Dr. Seuss into vows.  We loved his work but when we saw his website we knew he was “good people” when he shared the story of how he dressed up as Elvis for a Halloween wedding.

Caterer
When Dan and Megin sat down with us to conceptualize their wedding Dan was beaming about his ONE request – a cheese fountain as part of the wedding catering.  Yes, it was pulled right off the screen from Talladega Nights.  So, the kitsch factor was there but we never expected it to taste so fabulous.  Jen’s Catering classed up the cheese fountain.  Their food was amazing as well.

Venue
Pickering Barn is located in Issaquah and serves as a great backdrop for wedding photos.  Its landscaping is lush and there are many trees on the property.  It sports rustic chic details with all the modern amenities.  Construction of the original hay barn dates back to 1896 and the dairy barn was built in 1906.  Dan and Megin’s ceremony was held in the hay barn and the ceremony was in the adjacent dairy barn.  The venue used to host cattle, but now it can accommodate upwards of 400!

Flowers
Rented Elegance did a great job on the wedding flowers and the GINORMOUS hanging  candelabra.  Full twinkle power galore!  The flowers and decorated candles that lined the aisle in the hay barn were gorgeous.  Very vintage and super romantic.  They also helped the family set up all of the table scapes.

DJ
Sound Sational Music provided the wedding music and owner Ken served as the MC for the evening.  He announced the first dances, photo booth opening, bouquet and garter toss etc and he kept the party rockin’.  Ken did a great job keeping the wedding festivities on schedule.  As a photographer it is extremely helpful to have this level of organization.  

Cakes
There were lots and lots of wedding cakes at this wedding.  The bride and groom’s main cake was done by Mike’s Amazing Cakes in Redmond.  Not only was it beautiful but we snuck a taste as well.  Two thumbs up.  Each table had its own specialty flavor of wedding cake.  We’re talking red velvet, raspberry, lemon, chocolate and the list continues.  These individual cakes were baked by 3.14 Bakery in White Center. The bride and groom helped decorate the individual cake stands.

Photobooth
This was our most rockin’ wedding photobooth ever.  Mitzi was busy for 2 hours snapping shots.  Our photobooth experience has grown to include many props.  The most popular seemed to be the pirate hook, silly hats and dollar sign shades.  This was definitely a fun crew.

Wedding Favors
Each table included a decorated white paper bag  to be filled by CANDY!  The candy bar was hopping and had many great treats.  The mini chocolate bars had been painstakingly wrapped with wedding color paper and adornments.  Let us just say that the kids (and adults) were hopped up on sugar and loving that candy bar.

The wedding was fabulous and the vintage details were so fitting for the Issaquah wedding venue.  Dan and Megin had been collecting mason jars almost since they got engaged.  The candles that were placed in the jars as well as the fresh lavendar sprigs that decorated the tables really helped to tie everything together.

Congratulations Dan and Megin.  May you live long and prosper!