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Wedding Tips

The 3 P’s of Hiring the Perfect Wedding Photographer for you | Virginia Wedding Photographer

When I was engaged to Kevin, the one question I got from all my friends and family constantly was “How will you pick your wedding photographer?” Seeing that I’m a wedding photographer myself, my loved ones probably knew I would struggle to trust someone else with my wedding vision. It’s true that being in the business made it a little tougher to trust another photographer’s eye. But I think I had the same feelings any bride has. I just wanted to make sure all my memories were in capable hands. Hiring a wedding photographer is a tedious task, but an important one. It’s crucial to love everything about your photographer. So here’s a quick list of what you must know before you hire your wedding photographer.

The three top tips for hiring a wedding photographer for your wedding day. Virginia wedding photographer, serving Washington D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Richmond, and all of Northern Virginia. Also willing to travel to any location where love stories unfold!

Price point: Hire a wedding photographer that you can afford.

Weddings are expensive. There’s very little getting around it unless you plan to elope or do a courthouse ceremony. But, while price can be difficult to get around, you should also understand that higher prices should also mean higher quality services! You should take a beat to discuss with your fiancé how important quality photography is to you for your special day.

Photos are the only product from your wedding day that will last. Flowers die off and wedding dresses get stuffed in closets rarely to be worn (or seen) again. But photos tell a story for generations to come. So investing in a photographer truly is an investment in your family history.

You should know your budget for photography BEFORE you begin inquiring with photographers. Do a little research. Look at what the average cost of photography is in your market. Then discuss with a wedding planner what you should expect to pay for the kind of photography you’re envisioning. Be descriptive. Then let them guide you or do your research based on descriptive words you use to describe your ideal experience. Do you want light and airy? Fine art? Editorial? Documentary?

When you inquire with photographers whose work you admire, you should be prepared to hear their pricing with hopefully a little less sticker shock than you’d have if you went in to the process blind. If you are comfortable with their price point, book them! But if you have major doubts, you’re more likely to want to back out last minute which will cost you a non-refundable retainer in most cases and cost you more in the long run trying to find a cheaper alternative with a shorter notice to your wedding day.

Be confident in your decision before you make it!

Portfolio: Hire a wedding photographer whose work you LOVE.

A photographer’s editing and shooting style is much like a painter’s unique brush stroke pattern. We’re artists. We take pride in our work. So if you don’t love your wedding photographer’s editing style, chances are you won’t love your wedding photos. Make sure you hire a photographer whose work you LOVE and don’t want to change!

Remember, photographers are human. And what’s more… we’re creatives. Which means we put a lot of our heart and soul into our work. It’s a vulnerable thing to put our work out in public. Be kind, but also hire someone whose work excites you and speaks to you. If you can’t imagine yourself or your wedding when you look at their prior work, you might want to keep looking until you can.

Personality: You will spend a lot of time with your wedding photographer.

While you might be communicating with your wedding planner the most pre-wedding, you should know that the most face-to-face time spent on your wedding day is with your photographer. You’ll be hanging out with me ALL day long, so it’s important that you like me as a person as well as a photographer. You should feel happy to see me when I arrive. And hopefully you’re comfortable and yourself around me.

Now, nerves are normal. Especially when a camera is pointed at you. That’s why I offer a free engagement session for all my couples, so we can get to know each other and get you comfortable in front of the camera. But if you don’t feel connected to me during that initial discovery call, I might not be the right fit for you and that’s ok! You should be hiring a wedding photographer that you feel a friend-like connection with.

Do you like my sense of humor? My energy? My advice? My experience? My tone of voice? You’ll probably be able to make easy judgements of all of this on a Discovery Call with me, which is completely FREE. Book one now if you’re looking for your perfect wedding photographer to see if we have the right chemistry!

Next Steps

If you’ve found a wedding photographer that meets all three P’s for you, then it’s time to start booking! If I’m that girl for you, WOOHOO! I am doing a happy dance!! Here’s what the next steps look like for booking me for your wedding.

Just shoot me an email and I’ll set you up with a booking proposal. It will include my contract for you to review and sign. Then you can pay the non-refundable retainer to ensure your date is safe and secure on my calendar! From there, you’re officially an ENP Bride!

Inquire today to see if your date is available! Click here for more info. Hiring a wedding photographer may seem like a difficult task, but I promise to make this part of your experience as easy as possible once we’re official. I can’t wait to work with you to capture your special day!!

Also, now that you’ve hired your perfect wedding photographer, be sure to follow my Pinterest account for more tips for your wedding planning!

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Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side images of Spanish moss at a Savannah wedding venue

Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues

Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.

Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider

Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)

For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.

Wormsloe Historic Site

For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.

The Savannah Yacht Club

Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.

The Mackey House

Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.

The Ford Field & River Club

Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.

The Harper Fowlkes House

The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.

The Kehoe House

The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side photos, left side image shows a long rectangle table set for a wedding reception amidst live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; right side photo shows a set of gold wedding rings next to a strand of Spanish moss

Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues

  1. Consider Your Guest List Size
    Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
  2. Think About Your Wedding Style
    Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
  3. Factor in Logistics
    From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
  4. Book Early
    Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | photo shows a wedding couple kissing under the Spanish moss, wearing a light grey linen suit (groom) and an off-the-shoulder satin wedding gown (bride)

Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues

Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.

Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.

I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.

If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.

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