[more tips]

Choosing Your Photographer
By Rhett Pyle
artisticphotography.com

Selecting the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your wedding. Be sure to choose someone who will capture your memories with expertise and with your style in mind. Here’s a short list of tips.

• Look at sample albums that include an entire wedding from start to finish, rather than just a few select shots. Try to view two or three weddings in this way.

• Look for consistent, technical quality (composition, lighting, exposure, etc.) and good variety, as well as whether the people in the photos seem at ease. Do the photos capture the excitement and emotion of the occasion and tell a good story?

• Be sure the sample work you see was done by the same person you’re considering hiring as your photographer. Many studios have more than one photographer and the sample work doesn’t always indicate this. Learn the differences between photojournalistic and traditional styles, candids and formal posed shots—and select a photographer who specializes in the style you want or will do a mix of styles. The same goes for black and white versus color photos. Consider both your personal taste and the type of wedding you are planning when deciding.

• Do you click? Personality is as important as anything else. The last thing you need on your wedding day is someone you and your guests don’t feel comfortable with. Make sure the person you’re speaking with is actually your photographer.

• Ask for references and call them. Past customers can give you insights you won’t get from the photo studio.

• Understanding how the photographer works and charges in detail is essential to effective comparison shopping. How long will the photographer stay? Will there be an assistant? Is back-up equipment available? Can you provide a list of specific photos you want taken? What exactly is included in the costs quoted? What about proofs and/or negatives? How long will it take to get your proofs and your album?

Choosing Your Officiant
By Kevin E. Knox Supervisory Chaplain for MDACCO
abeautifulceremony.net

Your first question is “What am I looking for in an officiant”? Do you care if it’s a minister or a notary? Do you have a particular image of their style, personality, gender, etc? They are going to be in your wedding pictures for the rest of your life-does the officiant have a good stage presence and smile? What are your expectations from them?

How much will they help with the organization of the details? Most brides will benefit from a wedding coordinator, but if you don’t have one will the officiant help organize the line up of honored guests, groomsmen, bridesmaids, etc.?

How did they get involved performing weddings?
Their answer will help you in getting a sense of their motivation for performing weddings. Do they do weddings just for an income or do they have a real passion and love for what they do? (Will you be just a number to them or will you be treated as someone special?)

If you’re interested in a minister are you interested in asking about their schooling or training? Listen to see if they get defensive-they may have received their ordination on the Internet instead of a traditional church endorsement. Listen to see if they have any training regarding wedding protocol and etiquette.

Inquire about what resources and ideas the officiant has for the ceremony content. Will it accommodate your style and taste? How flexible are they? Are they open to your material or writing your own vows, etc.?

Do you feel connected or comfortable with the Officiants?
The officiant helps set the stage for the spirit of the ceremony. Will the person help you feel comfortable and relaxed during the ceremony? What does your instinct say?

Ask other weddings professionals for advice. Wedding professionals travel in a pretty tight circle. They know the scoop on each other. Ask your other vendors whom they would recommend. They would rarely speak badly about another professional but sometimes there are more good things to say about one than the other?