WHY DO YOU LOVE PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS? WHAT’S YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?

I think that weddings are a celebration of a very sacred bond between two people. I feel honored to be part of every wedding I shoot and I always treat the day and the people involved with the highest level of respect and courtesy. I love love and I adore weddings. I love the beauty, glamour and emotion. I believe that my job is to capture the day in a dedicated yet unobtrusive manner that yields beautiful, timeless images. My focus is a journalistic style of photography, and my approach to photographing weddings is classic with a contemporary flair. I always try to find the perfect combination of fresh, pretty and classic photographs that show honest emotions and real moments. I document my clients’ weddings in a way that allows them to relive the day every time they look at their images; no detail is too small and no glance or embrace too brief. I work quickly to shoot the posed and formal photographs and focus most of my time and energy on highlighting the laughter, tears and love that you and your guests experience throughout the wedding day. I realize that every couple is unique in their style and personality, and I strive to deliver images that reflect that individuality. My goal is to always exceed expectations in everything I do, and I believe that my approach to photography represents the grace, elegance and style that is possible in today’s wedding photography.

DO YOU SHOOT FILM OR DIGITAL?

I shoot with a digital Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon 40D as backup. I have a variety of lenses, flashes and other equipment that I bring with me to every wedding. The creative latitude that digital lends is amazing, and I never have to worry about running out of film!

HOW SOON WILL WE SEE OUR PHOTOS AFTER THE WEDDING?

Approximately two to four weeks, but you’ll usually see a sneak peek on my blog within one week of your big day!

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL WE RECEIVE? DO WE GET A DVD?

Approximately 700-900 images for eight hours of wedding coverage. For portrait sessions, you’ll receive approximately 70-150 images. All of my wedding packages include a DVD and an online gallery. The gallery is great because you can easily share your photos with family and friends, and you can order prints – the vendor that prints my photographs from the gallery is a professional print-house, so the quality is great and because you’re not ordering through me the prices are good too!

SHOULD WE SEE EACH OTHER BEFORE THE CEREMONY?

I view the wedding day from a bride’s perspective before approaching it as a photographer. I know what it’s like to be in the dress – nervous and waiting with anticipation. I did not do a first look at my wedding and I regret it. I am not saying that it wasn’t special seeing my husband for the first time as I walked down the aisle, but it wasn’t what I needed in that moment. All I wanted to do was hug him and tell him that I loved him. I wanted to cry and not be afraid of smearing my makeup in front of everyone. I wanted more than anything for him to hold me, tell me he loved me and tell me that I looked beautiful in my dress. Afterwards, all I could think about was that I wished we could have had some alone time before the ceremony and more time for our portraits.

From a photographer’s standpoint, the benefit to a couple seeing each other prior to the ceremony is that it calms pre-wedding jitters and allows for a much smoother timeline for family pictures, the cocktail hour and photos of the couple alone. By capturing the ‘first look’ and formal photos before the ceremony, your family and bridal party can mingle after the ceremony, and it allows you to enjoy more time with guests at the reception. While incorporating a first look into a wedding timeline is great for some couples, it might not be the thing for you. I always suggest doing what makes you happiest and what is right for your beliefs and your relationship.

CAN I GIVE YOU A LIST OF PHOTOS/SHOTS I WANT?

If there are some specific photos you want taken or a few special family members/wedding guests that you want me to be sure and capture, please let me know and I’ll be more than happy to snap those photos. Generally speaking, I work best when I’m able to shoot freely throughout the day and capture moments as they happen. I have a mental list of images that I am sure to get at every wedding (for example, detail shots of the dress, photos of the grandparents, close ups of the cakes, first dances, portrait with the officiant, etc, etc, etc), and allowing me to focus on that list and moments as they happen naturally insures that you’ll have complete coverage of your day.

WILL YOU PHOTOGRAPH WEDDING GUESTS AND EACH TABLE AT THE RECEPTION?

I take candid photographs of many guests during the reception, especially as guests interact with the bride and groom as they mingle at the reception.  Posed table shots can be arranged if requested, but please keep in mind that many guests are only seated when they are eating or listening to a speech.  Most guests move around to mingle and dance, so table groups are often incomplete.  Photographing tables involves asking guests on one side of the table to get up and stand behind people on the other side of the table.  If posed table shots are a priority for you, I request that you participate in each group photo as guests will more quickly and easily gather for a photo with the bride and groom.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR A NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLE PLANNING A WEDDING?

Hire a wedding planner! You’ll save money, you’ll have someone who’s experienced at turning a vision into reality, and most importantly you’ll be less stressed during the planning process and the day of. If you’d like some recommendations, feel free to email me. I’ll send you a list of some awesome planners that I’ve worked with and love!

I’D LIKE TO BOOK YOU FOR MY WEDDING…WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

Fantastic! Email me, meredith@meredithmelody.com, or visit my website and fill out the contact form and we’ll set up a time to meet so you can see more of my work and the kinds of albums I offer. Once you’ve decided to hire me, I’ll send you a contract. After you’ve signed on the dotted line and mailed in your deposit, I’m officially yours!