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!

So you want to be an entrepreneur?

Today, the industry is flooded with people working for themselves. Making their own hours, working from home in their pajamas. It sounds AMAZING right?! 

Well, it is. But, there is always more to the story than just fuzzy slippers and your favorite mug every morning. I want to share some of the biggest secrets with you that every successful entrepreneur knows. 

Real Commitment Begins When Things Start to Really Suck! 

Working for yourself is an everyday, every moment commitment to yourself to stick with it. Most times, there is no one around to motivate you when the light at the end of the tunnel is disappearing. We get up, set our schedule, and do. Even when there is no immediate reward. There is no easy way around this. You have to make up your mind and STICK TO IT. 

Consistency = Influence 

Anyone can start. Most people will even try for a while. But, being consistence with the little things; the everyday things. That is when you've got something. The struggle is inevitable. The pain is inevitable and the DOUBT IS ABSOLUTELY INEVITABLE. But, when you choose to be consistent, in time, you will reap what you have sown. And boy, that is when it all becomes worth it. 

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Wish You were better

There will be moments of doubt. But, never has any  successful entrepreneur wished it was easier. When things get easier you stop growing. If you're not getting better, your business is not either. Never wish it was easier. Only wish YOU were better. When you grow you open opportunities for advancements, ideas and influence. You just never know where it may take you! 

They never lose 

Any successful person, especially entrepreneurs, never lose. They either win OR THEY LEARN. Each set back to them is praised. They take moments of struggle, opposition, and conflict to reflect. They use those moments to grow and create something new. Nothing is wasted. And honestly, those moments are usually the favorites. They become irreplaceable moments in time that leave a brand on us that will forever define who we are becoming. Entrepreneurs never lose. 

Exercise 

Results require effort. Period. There is not a single professional athlete who has not put in more effort than most can even dream of. They know that without physical excellence there is no mental excellence. And without an excellent mind, there really is no competition. As an entrepreneur they understand this basic and very simple principle. This simple act of consistent repetition cultivates HUGE results. 

Forgiveness 

When you blame others you are just wasting time which in return delays your growth. When you blame others it simply makes you stuck. Successful entrepreneurs know how to forgive and move on. They don't allow anyone or anything to keep them in the same place or take them backwards. Sometimes, that means moving on without someone or without a resolution. They forgive. They don't place blame. They above all endure. 

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They Set Boundaries 

The final point is one of the most important. Every single time you get serious about making a change you set boundaries. Most entrepreneurs find that especially in the beginning of their business they spent days, weeks, and nights justifying their decisions to those around them and unfortunately, most stop there.

But, when you get serious about living out your purpose you get serious about setting boundaries.

When you set boundaries with those who are a negative influence you start to dismiss unnecessary hurdles. You create a new growth and in return attracts a new tribe. Those who don't come with don't deserve where you're headed. Let them go. 

Photo Credit : Val Marlene

N A P L E S

We have some exciting news here at Mostly Becky.

SAY WHAT?

HOW CAN THERE BE MORE EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING AROUND HERE? 

Well, friends. There is. 

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We have relocated seasonally to the Naples, Florida area! We have planned events in Florida for the past two years, but have been so excited to finally reach this goal. I graduated from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL and grew up spending the winters in Naples, FL since before I can remember. Florida has always been my second home. 

Now, we could not be more excited to call Naples, FL home for part of the year! We hope the beaches, palm trees, and beauty of this area of the country inspire you as much as they do us. 

Stay tuned as we explore this city and all it has to offer. Plus, we may take this event thing to the beach! 

If you could relocate to anywhere in the world where would it be? 

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