As many of you know, I just got married. I'm posting this to give some advice to brides as they make the very import decision on choosing their wedding vendors. First I must give a big shout out to my amazing wedding vendors! Matt Brodie - Photographer, Cara Christensen - Makeup/Hair, Lee Edwards Entertainment - DJ Services, Costco - Flowers & Cupcakes (cupcakes not available in all Costco's), CVI Photography - Photo Booth Rental & Wild Dunes Resort - Venue. When choosing your wedding vendors, choose quality over quantity. Do not choose a vendor based on price alone. You may end up very unhappy. Communicate, communicate, communicate! Let me say this again- COMMUNICATE! Vendors cannot read your mind. Plan out what you envision your day looking like or how you would like it to flow. With photographers, be specific & let them know the shots that are important to you. If your great aunt flew in from 3,000 miles away and you want her in several of your portraits, vocalize that to your photographer. Make a list of shots you would like. Meet with your vendors if you can. The computer can do a lot for photos. You need to physically see the photos and if possible ask to see enlargements. This is extremely important. You also need to meet with your photographer to see what kind of personality they have. I've been to several wedding where the photographer was just "doing their job." Meaning, they are just there to take the shots and go home. Photographers need to interact well with you and your guests or you'll end with fake smiles. I remember during my reception I looked up and in the middle of the dance floor stood my photographer with his camera in the air and a huge smile on his face! That told me he was enjoying his job and that made me feel more confident about the ending results. I love my photos! If you are in the Columbia, SC area, look him up!
My makeup artist, Cara, was amazing. She didn't miss a beat. We had a consultation a few weeks before the wedding. She did a trial run on my hair and makeup. This is important so that you are completely aware of the look you will receive on your wedding day. I just recently photographed a wedding where the bride was very unhappy with her hair. She looked at my camera during her wedding and told me she was so unhappy with her hair that she didn't feel like herself. That is something you never want to feel on your wedding day. Cara, who is also a friend, followed us around during our wedding photos and did touch ups the entire time. She did an amazing job at making sure we were always camera ready. Please look her up! www.carachristensen.com
My DJ service was amazing. Another vendor that was smiling the entire time! The entire wedding reception was up and moving to the beat! This kept the bride very happy :) In addition to the DJ service, we hired someone to run & supply a photo booth. This is a growing trend among wedding's & was a huge hit. This is something Kira's Photography may invest in the future, but for now I would suggest looking through google to find a photo booth rental program in your area.
I could go on forever about how wonderful all of my vendors were, but I'll break down a list here of things you should look for.
1) Make sure they have a significant amount of experience & preferably references.
2) Meet with your vendors in person & keep the communication going.
3) Ask for photo samples (photography & makeup)
4) SIGN A CONTRACT!!!! Please oh please, sign a contract! Don't end up in small claims court later!
5) Have Fun!!
I hope this was helpful!
xo- Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer
