IMAGES THAT TAKE YOU BACK TO THE MOMENT.

FAQs FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS TO PHOTOGRAPH?

The unexpected ones - the personalities and moments that are unplanned. While I love organization and communication leading up to a wedding, I love a day that flows and feels easy, playful, emotional, and full of connection with minimal direction.

HOW DO WE START THE PROCESS?

Please fill out my contact form and I’ll respond within 24 hours. The more I know about you and your wedding, the better! We meet over facetime or coffee, then if it’s feeling good, I can put together a custom proposal

I’M NOT COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA! HELP!

You, me, and 99% of the world. We’ll spend time together before the wedding and during an engagement shoot. The best photos come from trust! I create an experience that’s casual, conversational, and comfy. I’ll give you thoughtful direction while allowing you to be you. I’m not one for cheesy prompts. I like to photograph you and your relationships as they naturally are. The more comfortable we are around each other, the more at ease you’ll feel on camera. I got you – the most rewarding thing to hear from clients is “Wow, that’s actually how we are together, that’s what we look like.”

I LOVE THE AISLE MOMENT, SO WHY WOULD WE DO A FIRST LOOK?

In my experience, the aisle moment is still magical, often the emotions are “warmed” up and flowing. It’s YOUR day and decision, but here’s a few reasons why I suggest seeing each other before a ceremony:

  • More time together during the day

  • Less pressure on the aisle - a calmer, quieter, slower moment for just the two of you can be nice

  • You can enjoy your cocktail hour! Any formal photos with families or wedding parties can be done before the ceremony. It not only gives you a chance to enjoy the drinking and merriment, but also you’re done with the formal photography (besides maybe couples photos) and can relax! The good stuff!

  • A good photo opportunity

  • A chance to give a gift, share private vows or note

WHY dO YOU REQUIRE A WEDDING PLANNER/COORDINATOR?

Planners/coordinators allow you to enjoy your day. I recommend letting guests be guests and let your vendors do what they do best. Good planners also support the vendors so that they can do their best job for YOU. If your photographer is telling people when to give a speech, they can’t also be capturing candid moments. There’s so much value that a planner adds to your experience! They’ll prepare you for the little stuff and guide you on the big stuff.

Highly recommended Oregon + California Full Service Wedding Planners:

Chloe Alise Events

Hosted By

Kayloe Bridal

Alston Mayger

Sideways + Co.

Hand Heart Events

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED FOR MY WEDDING?

I typically shoot for 8 hours on a wedding day. It’s important to me that you feel covered. Consider travel time between locations. Do you have a big wedding party or family shot list? Do you want coverage of dancing, cake cutting, both bride and groom getting ready? We’ll talk about everything and make sure you get exactly what you’re envisioning.

Here’s an estimated time frame for what a day could look like:

  • Getting Ready: 1-1.5hr

  • First Look: .5hr

  • Formal Photography (group shots): 1hr

  • Pre-ceremony (couple to themselves, people take seats): .5hr

  • Ceremony: .5hr

  • Cocktail Hour / Couples Photos: 1-1.5hr

  • Dinner: 45m

  • Speeches: 45m

  • Cake, First Dance, Dancing: 1hr

DO YOU OFFER wEDDING WEEKEND COVERAGE?

Absolutely. I take on a limited number of weddings per year which often makes me available for multiple days. More than half my bookings include welcome party coverage.

WHEN IN THE PROCESS SHOULD I REACH OUT?

Once you have a date, I would love to hear from you. Often your date depends on your venue, so lock that in first, then let’s chat!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR OUR COUPLES SESSION? AND WHERE SHOULD WE GO?

I’ve got a guide for you, don’t worry!

DO YOU TRAVEL? WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL COSTS?

Yes, but I’m limiting how many per year since having a little one:). I do an all included travel so you don’t even have to think about it.

I serve the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Seattle areas in addition to my home of Portland.

DO YOU WORK WITH A SECOND SHOOTER?

Sometimes yes! And I often work solo. I work with you on your timeline to make sure I have enough time to cover all the important moments, details, and the unexpected! We can discuss if a second person is needed. Generally, if you’re not doing a first look or you have over 100 people, I highly recommend a second photographer.

WHAT IS A HYBRID PHOTOGRAPHER? AND HOW MUCH FILM DO YOU SHOOT?

A hybrid photographer shoots a combination of digital AND film. I have really moved towards focussing on film photography, but I always shoot digital as well. I have more about film here and reach out about packages here!

Film loves light - so the amount of film may depend on the light that day, the venue, your preferences and what overall makes sense for your wedding. I typically shoot 20-40 rolls of film on a full wedding day.