I have had the pleasure of working with a few amazing photographers this year so far, and a few that make me so happy I have my own team here. I have been mistreated several times this year by photographers who don’t even take the time when they show up (about 5-6 hours after me) to introduce themselves. To combat this issue, I really like to call them before the wedding and chat with them about how they shoot and how we shoot. The problem with that is I will leave a message and never get the courtesy of a phone call back. So, as I continue to call them, I think the best way for you to be sure you will get amazing shots from your photographer and EWS, is to let them know who we are and what we do. Tell them that we are interested in making a great film for you and we need to collaborate with them on things such as first looks and ceremonies and even bride and groom prep.

It is so nice when we work with people we really get along with. People we have worked with for years such as Heyn Photography, Berry Photographics, John Arcara and many others. It is of course amazing to have 3 super talented photographers working for EWS now too. We always want the best for each couple and the way to achieve that is to have group of professionals around to help make that happen. Someone who works with us and not against us. So choose every aspect of your wedding wisely and with the thought in mind that, we have to be together ALLLLLLL day long!

I hope this post helps couples with the way they approach their wedding day and maybe they can help educate us about their other professionals too. We do care about them getting their work done correctly and hopefully you all can convey that to them and ask that they make sure to watch a film or check out the photos. We always look into people’s work to see how they shoot, and it is a big help, trust me. Thanks everyone!

My friend kristin is quite possibly the most talented event designer I have ever met. She pulls together a wedding like no other. Her style and knowledge combined makes her so successful. I have been able to get to know Kristin as a bride first, a friend next, and then as a truly talented event designer. Her company; Bella Bridal Consultants well take your wedding from “wow that wedding was amazing” to “HOLY COW! THAT WEDDING WAS THE BEST I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!” I know this, because I have personally seen it.

Kristin also has an amazing blog that is so worth following closely as it is real inspiration for real brides. I stole that. It is the tag line to go along with Bonafide Bride. The blog that just may help you find your way when planning your one, most important day ever. Bonafide Bride highlights professionals that Kristin and her team think exemplify the word amazing in our industry. From ideas for bridesmaid gifts to the perfect pair of shoes, Bonafide Bride will keep you abreast of the greatest possibilities to make your wedding a “HOLY COW” wedding.

Later on folks.
Greg..

First: Take note that 3 hours is not long enough. This is in the case that you are not having the wedding all in one location (ceremony, photo session and reception). If you are having the ceremony at one location then leaving to go to another for a photo session and then on to the reception hall, this is for you. 3 hours is not long enough. You have to factor in the drive from home to the ceremony site and the length of the ceremony. Also, please note that if you have one limo for the girls and the guys, then you need extra time so that the limousine can get the guys to the ceremony and then go to the girls, and get them there as well.

Some ceremonies take over an hour. From there, you may do a receiving line, which can take up to another half hour, and then family photos which can range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Most people fall somewhere in between there at about 15-20 minutes. Your ride to the location for your photo session is next. How far away is it? How important are amazing photos and video to you? If you are having any kind of images taken at your wedding by a professional photographer, we know it is important, otherwise you wouldn’t be paying for it. Why let a limo company take that away from you by rushing you? I consistently feel rushed when filming photo sessions because the limo driver (who is unfortunately the bad guy, not the owner) keeps telling the couple they need to hurry or be charged. I never enjoy seeing the look on the bride and groom’s faces when this happens.

I always ask the driver why they don’t advise the correct amount of hours for the bride and groom and they all have the same answer; “it is up the the owner.”

Finally, you need to remember the ride to the reception. That part is fairly simple.

Second: Do not let the limousine company tell you what you need. The whole reason they do what they do is because they charge more for overtime than they do for hours booked up front. Naturally they are looking to collect…a lot.

You have the power to say that you want an extra hour or two up front. Knowing what you have going on on your wedding day is the most important part of this issue. All you need is to plan your day well and you will be able to dictate the way you spend your money.

I hate having to call an entire industry out like this, but sometimes someone has to step up and do it. I cannot watch people get taken advantage of much longer. Hopefully, this will help you all plan your wedding.