What you are FORGETTING to Ask Your Wedding Photographer?

Alright, so you're engaged looking for a photographer to capture your newly announced love, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. You need this person to stand by you on the BIGGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. And, besides that, they need to be able to capture every moment on that day so you can relive it day after day,  until forever...

WHOA! THAT'S A BIG DEAL! So what are you forgetting to ask your wedding photographer? We've partnered with one of the best wedding photographers, Brian Davis from Brian Davis Photography. He is not only a talent, but SO experienced and so easy to work with. Take a look at what you're forgetting to ask.. 

 Do their packages fit into your budget?

Price is probably the thing people think about first when selecting a wedding photographer. While it is an important factor,  it’s not the only one to consider. However, you should make sure that your wedding photographer falls within your budget. Sometimes, working with your budget to allow room for investments is one of the most important convsersations to have. With anything, you typically do get what you pay for. As you move up in price, you should notice an increase in not only the QUALITY of work, but also the quality of the EXPERIENCE as well. Do some research, reach out to your wedding planner, seek out review sites that may help you get a better idea of other bride's experiences. The experiences of your wedding day is worth something too. Don't forget to factor that in. But, price does not always tell you everything. Ask questions, get to know the photographer a little and find one who speaks to you. And don't forget, photos are one of the best things you get to take away from your wedding day so remember to consider them an investment.

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Does Their Style Fit into your Vision? 

Always look at the wedding photographer’s portfolio and the work they share online. You want to love their style. Take note of specific things you love about their work, is it bright and airy or more natural? Does their editing style stay the same or does it change constantly? Are their shots more posed or candid? Paying attention to their stylistic details will help ensure your satisfaction with your end result.  Each photographer’s editing and shooting style is unique, it is their art. Make sure you allow them to do what they do best and fall in love with what they are already doing. 

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Does their Personality Mesh with yours? 

The personality of a wedding photographer is an important (and often overlooked) factor when selecting someone to document your special day. The best way to get to know your vendors, is speak to them. Ask to schedule a call or coffee date. Not only will this help you get to know how well your personalities mesh, but it will also allow them to get to know YOU. Serving you, will be uniquely designed for you. Allow them this privilege so you both can start to trust one another. This trust will be reflected in your images. I mean, who doesn't want their true personality captured fully on this special day?  

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What does their package actually include? 

 Wedding collections can be complicated and confusing. Write a list of the top things you ABSOLUTELY want covered and then read through each package. Are the things that matter the most to you included in what they offer?  Are you getting the coverage you want? Are you seeking digital files or prints? If you are going with digital files, do you have printing rights or do you need to continue ordering prints from the photographer and incurring extra expenses? Does your wedding day coverage come with added extras such as engagement sessions, wedding albums, etc.? If nothing lines up, go back to your budget and see if there is room to move things around. Prioritize your photo must-haves and then re-look at the photographer's offerings. Speak with them about what you really want and need and never be afraid to ask for clarification. A conversation goes a long way. 

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What kind of Service Should you Expect? 

How do you gauge service before you actually receive it? Service starts with your initial consultation. And there are a few things you can pay attention to from the very start that will give you a great evaluation on what kind of service they provide. Are they responsive in answering your emails quickly? Do they make themselves available to you if you have questions or concerns? If you ask them questions about your wedding day, do they have good, effective ideas to share from their experiences? And finally, are they open to producing the shots you are looking for? A wedding photographer that is not working for you from day one will more than likely not be working for you on the day of your event. Remember, you can always ask your wedding planner for recommendations, and support when meeting and speaking with any wedding vendor. 

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Each wedding vendor is unique. Fall in love with that they do best and enjoy this experience! After all, this is the best day of your life!

Casey & Chris Orlando, Florida

Casey is an old friend of mine. She and I lived together in Florida after college. She is one of the strongest and kindest people I've ever known. She and I had moved away and life seemed to just be going. Then one day, she called "I've met someone." 

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Chris and Casey met online. They immediately shared a connection that Casey had never described to me before. '"He loves everything about me." 

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I did get the pleasure to be apart of their event both behind the scenes and in front. Casey had originally just asked that I be apart of her wedding day as a bridesmaid. She wanted a simple, family oriented day with just a few loved ones around her. But, after planning out every detail, she had found out that friends who had committed to helping her on the big day dropped the ball. There were tears streaming down her face as she and I sat outside her bachelorette dinner. "What am I going to do?" 

The wedding planner in me set a plan in motion. I asked if she minded that I step up and ensure her day was exactly what she had planned. Right there, we created a plan and a timeline. I cannot imagine what it must have felt like thinking all the hard work you have been planning for may not even happen. 

Well, of course the day was beautiful and smooth! We loved the simplicity of their special day. Because it was filled with just so many answered prayers, tears, and laughter. This day really was her dream come true. 

Take a look at the beautiful Orlando, Florida outdoor wedding. 

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Images By: The Way We Were Photography 

Design and Planning By: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

"Becky is one of my dearest friends! I asked her to be a bridesmaid and she was so much more than that!! She jumped right in and went right into full planner mode when I needed her in an unforeseen circumstance. Everything turned out more beautiful than I could've imagined it! She saw my vision and ran with it in less than a 24 hour notice! Girls with upcoming weddings--you NEED Becky!" - Casey

Country Lane Lodge

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Small town Iowa doesn't seem just as small anymore. Driving through Adel, IA you would never know the venue of your dreams is hidden behind a timber of trees. What was once a cow pasture has now been transformed into an event venue holding up to 400. The venue includes a dreamy BRIDAL SUITE with every accommodation a girl imagine! And of course, gentlemen your space is equip with couches, TVs and it is only a few steps up from the bar.

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Country Lane Lodge may speak to the small town look you've been dreaming of for your wedding day. But, make no mistake this venue is high powered with a outlets and USB drives on every corner for your and your guests; also equip with flat screens to showcase any technological experience you have envisioned.


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The chandeliers lining the ceiling will draw an elegance to any event and allowing any mood to be set. So if you're just a small town girl looking for THAT place to make your dream wedding come true. Country Lane Lodge in Adel, IA is just that. 

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Late this summer I joined a team of some of the best Des Moines area wedding vendors to showcase this space for you! We wanted you to experience and see the birth of your dream day come to life. Our styled event at Country Lane Lodge featured a small ceremony, dinner and of course dessert! What is any event without cake?

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We feature some of the best photo opportunities available to anyone who chooses to make Country Lane Lodge their memory. Come dream with us as we take you through a dreamy whimsical boho-chic inspired wedding day. 


Dream Team of Vendors who helped create this beauty:Floral, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs.  Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Hair: ElevenCherry. Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Groom’s Attire: Jacket: Michael Kors, Bow Tie: Two Guys Bow Tie, Boots: Tradehome. Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography.


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Working alongside our team of creatives was truly an honor. An honor we hope you cherish, enjoy, and scroll through time and time again. 


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Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Florals, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair: ElevenCherry. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography. Website | Facebook | Instagram


 

Christopher & Niza - Southwest Florida - La Casa Toscana

Between my love of travel, the white sand beaches and this gorgeous couple; do Florida events get any better? I had the pleasure of getting to know Niza and her family at their Southwest Florida home. Although we had a connection through Niza's sister, I had never had the pleasure of meeting either Christopher or Niza until the weekend of their event. 

Planning destination events has been one of my favorite parts of my business. When I started my event planning career 99% of my clients were from over 500+ miles away.

Destination events are where my roots are planted.

The distance in planning did not make them skip a beat. The moment I met Chris & Niza I knew this event would be beautiful. (I mean look at them!)

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But, their taste was flawless, their spirits gentle, and their family was so welcoming. With this combination, I knew this event would be one of the best yet! 

AND THIS SPACE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

I am so honored to share a little of their story with you. 

Tucked away in the Bride's family home in Southwest Florida, La Casa Toscana is one of the best kept secrets in SWFL. I drove up to the house and met Niza for the first time. Her first words, "Wow you're so pretty!" Are you shocked, I was too. But, it wasn't just the first impression that stuck with me. It was what Chris and Niza had built their relationship on; the love of others. Every single vendor and every single guest felt wanted and welcome. It is no surprise when Niza asked if I would help with her last minute floral emergency, my team and I jumped on the opportunity to serve them. There was a hiccup the night before the event and Niza was in need of someone to put together the 2,800 long stem roses and 30,000 white rose petals! Bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and ceremony decor all had to be done in less than 24 hours. 

Although, I am NO florist!

My team and I did our best. (Pardon my cell photo in the garage).

Bride's Bouquet. The final product!

Bride's Bouquet. The final product!

The evening was closing in and we were wrapping up our floral design for the evening when a piece of floral wire flung into the air and poked me in my left eye! It hurt so badly! Like I said, I am NO florist. Although, I could still see it did not stop the eye from swelling shut. The day of the event, I was shall we say, Pirate Wedding Planner? YES! I had a eye patch and no make up on half of my face. I figured there was no need to have streaming mascara too! But, when I say Niza and Chris loved everyone they really showed me so much love even in my pain. I was showered in items from CVS and constantly given anything I needed to help ease some of my discomfort. I was so impressed with their selflessness on THEIR big day. They really are something special. 

And if I am being truly honest, if they would not have been so gracious I am not sure how we could have made it through. Besides, the normal to-dos of a wedding day, we have the instruction of a one-eyed wedding planner, pouring rain on our ceremony and dinner set up, unseasonable heat of the upper 90's with about 100% humidity, and film crew trying to make Mostly Becky's promotional film. Even reliving this day I still feel some of the pain. Like I said, Niza and Chris were SO gracious to us. But, we think it turned out stunning! I mean see for yourself. 

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Another iPhone picture.

Another iPhone picture.

So what do you think? We loved how it turned out so much we wanted to create a film to show it off. You can see it here. After this event, we have never been more certain that people are worth more than any detail. When you are surrounded by the love others exemplifying Christ everyone will be successful. Thank you Niza & Chris for sharing your day with us! If we could, we'd do it ALL over again. 

Can you believe that this venue is now available for rent? We couldn’t be more excited to share in this beautiful space serving the people of South West Florida! Come check us out!

 

Thanks to Echo Cinematics for their beautiful film and patience! 

And a special thanks to Maria Glassford Photography for allowing us to show off her beautiful images! 

Becky was amazing to say the least! I had an outdoor wedding in Florida, and of course it poured. my reception area was a disater but Becky and her team made it happen! It looked beyond perfect... So perfect I didn’t even know that everything was knocked down or that things had broken till after the wedding that the photographer shared that with me! I love Becky and her team so much, not only are they professional but they go above and beyond in all areas and really strive to make your day perfect!
— Niza