a bride's perspective

A few days ago I contacted Bethany Briscoe to get a Bride's perspective on the process of selecting a wedding photographer. I had planned on just asking a couple questions and a little feedback from her and a few others. I knew contacting Bethany would be beneficial because she's in the midst of her engagement season right now. Again, congratulations to her and Tyler on their engagement and this time in their life. It's exciting, and a lot goes into planning a wedding. Maybe the biggest, and toughest, part of the process is budgeting EVERYTHING you're going to need for the day. There's so much to think about; from the flowers, to the dress, the rings, the venue, the cake, the bridesmaid's dresses, the groom's tuxedos, do we a bar or not, should we eat or just do appetizers. There's so many things to think about. However, the one thing that Bethany and I DO agree on, is the importance of photography. 

The responses I received from her were so valuable to me I just wanted to share with you a bride's perspective on wedding photography. 

But first, a few photos I wanted to share with you from our shoot. 

ME: What do you look for in a photographer? 

BETHANY: I look for a photographer who doesn't just take pretty pictures, but captures a moment. I want to see life in the pictures taken. I look for somebody who has a different look to their pictures that not everybody has. 

ME: Why did you choose to go with the photographer you did? 

BETHANY: I picked my photographer mainly because my family has a close relationship with him and he has taken my picture many times in the past, so I feel comfortable while getting my pictures taken! 

ME: What do you think a wedding package is worth (includes engagement session, DVD of all edited images, 8 hours of coverage, and album)? 

BETHANY: I think photography is the number one important thing to spend your money on for a wedding. I wouldn't go over $8,000 and nothing lower than $5,000-$6,000. I'd rather walk down the aisle in a paper sack than have a cheap photographer. I want my kids to be able to look at my photos and feel like they were there. That's the "life" part of the photos that I love. 

ME: HAHA. Definitely something timeless and classic. Something you're proud of years down the road. After all, your photos are going to last a lot longer than your dress (not that the dress isn't important). Would you prefer a photographer who's more of a friend to you personally, or would you rather them stay on a more professional level? 

BETHANY: I'd like them to be on the more professional side! Of course, being friendly is a part of the package, but I don't need to be BFF's with my photographer. It would make situations awkward if I ever had a problem.

ME:  I completely understand. Although, shooting friend's weddings is definitely fun for me! Making new friends is even better! 

ME: What is your ideal wedding collection? 

BETHANY: I guess in between $6,000-$7,000 for pricing. That would include engagements, bridals, and wedding day pictures, from the time I start getting ready to the time I peace out, a giant print of a bridal portrait of my choice, and a nice album with a collection of great wedding photos. 

ME: Sounds good. I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for in wedding photography. 

BETHANY: Yep! I knew walking into this wedding process that a huge chunk of our budget would go towards photography. All the small details of a wedding fade away unless you have it captured in a photo.

Your dress goes in a box, your flowers die, your cake gets eaten... BUT your photographs are something you get to hold onto forever. 

How cheesy did that just sound? HAHA but it's just TRUE! 

ME: It is true! I always say wedding photos are like if you could only eat your favorite meal one more time in your entire life. You know how amazing it tastes, but if you can only do it ONCE, you're not going to settle for $2.99 Tuesday special. You're going out to the most expensive, best-tasting, most amazing place you can get your hands on to get the biggest, best meal of your life. No matter the cost. It's the only, and last, time you're going to be able to do it! 

BETHANY: Yes, totally! People who get the $2.99 special will also regret it when they get sick from food poisoning. AKA: CRAPPY PICTURES. 

ME: Yes, I agree. And then you're going to realize it's the one thing you didn't chimp out on. 

BETHANY: Totes. 

ME: This is just good feedback. I really appreciate your input. When is your wedding day? 

BETHANY: October 21st! And you're welcome. 

Thanks so much to Bethany for answering some questions. She's an incredibly talented graphic designer and blogger, and you can find her stuff here: Keepin' It Classy Love. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on wedding photography, ideal collections, pricing, and the importance of wedding photography. 

If you'd like to inquire more about what I can do for you on your wedding day, you can contact me here: SAY HELLO!