Experience

_____Many years of experience as a photographer.

_____Considers this his/her profession, not just a weekend hobby.

_____All editing and printing are done “in house”, not hired out.  (Verifying your Photographer has knowledge of editing and printing software.)

_____Can offer another camera during shoots.

_____Actual Photographer will be doing the shooting.

***Remember…..experience pays off and shows in your prints.  Look at your photographer as a long-term asset.  He/She is there as your family grows and kids carry on your traditions.

Equipment

_____Camera is of professional quality.  Ask to see his/her camera.  You can tell if it is quality.  If it is a “point and shoot” camera……RUN!!!!!

_____Adequate equipment to properly light an evening wedding or a dimly lit room.

_____Knows limitations of his/her editing software when exposures are concerned.

_____Backup options for prints  available in case of fire.

_____Knowledgeable of how big a print can go before it becomes “grainy”. (Great way to know quality of their equipment.)

***High quality equipment is not just for looks, it is vital.  KNOWLEDGE + GREAT EQUIPMENT = HAPPY PHOTOGRAPHER AND SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

_____Many options available to enhance prints……..burning, dodging, vignettes, etc……

_____Variety of professional printing….canvas, mental, watercolors, linen…etc…

Things To Shoot

_____Engagement pictures.

_____”Save the Date” cards.

_____Preliminary/Bridal Portraits.

_____Bridal lunches/groom gatherings (golfing, target shooting, etc.)

_____Church rehearsal.

_____Rehearsal dinner.

_____Getting dressed–hair and nails.

_____First Peek—For bride and groom only.  You and your soon-to-be hubby, see each other before the wedding.  You will be amazed how this relieves pressure and stress….Make great photos too!!!

_____Wedding.

_____Reception.

_____Thank you cards ***These are the basics.  If you want to add more options for photos, feel free to.

Location…. Location

_____Uses various backgrounds.

_____Utilizes grounds.

_____Offers timeless photos.

***Consider everything about your location.  You want many options with beautiful backgrounds, whether it is in a pecan orchard or you sitting on your Grandmother’s couch.  Better to have too many prints than too less.  Remember…..don’t date yourself.  Keep things simple for instance, no bell bottom pants, fad clothing, strange hair dos, awkward cakes, or big veils!!!Think about what will be in your prints.

Style of Shooting

_____Photographer has a personality.

** If you are not are not happy and having a good time while shooting, it will show in your prints.

_____Creative  (Not just straight forward, down the aisle shots.)

_____Incorporates details–flowers, earrings, shoes, backgrounds for other prints.

_____Captures personalities of your wedding party, family, friends, etc..

_____Allows bride/groom to “own” their wedding. Encouraging personal effects…shots with Grandma’s hanky, including the family dog, or the bride standing on a hay bale.

You must let your photographer know exactly what you want.  This will allow him/her to focus on details in your prints. (If you don’t want your prints to have your “red solo cups” in them, tell your photographer!!!!)

Time

_____No rushing.

_____No limited number of prints.

_____All events of the wedding are photographed.

This is your day!  Your photographer should be there—no matter how long it takes.

Final Product

_____Finished album—story book with flush mount pages.

_____Prints edited—all distractions removed—open eyes, sweat, stray hairs, power lines, exit signs, etc…

_____Your wedding uploaded to web site for preview and reorder.

_____Backups in case you lose your album/pictures.

_____Reprints of wedding books available. (Mom’s book, second album).

_____Framed prints available–various sizes and many mediums (premium photo paper, metal, canvas, linen) to choose from.

Price

_____Affordable price for creating lasting memories.

_____No hidden cost.

If you checked off this checklist….You should have yourself one awesome photographer.  Note to self…..your wedding prints are the only things that will ever matter again.  Cut corners on your dress, cake, and reception, but not on your pictures!!!  Photos will outlive you, your children, and your children’s children.  Make them the best!   Congratulations!!!!

Jay S. Cope

2801 Robin Lane
Texarkana, TX 75503
903-832-8997
photoarts@cableone.net

(Click here for a printable version of this list)

12-10 months

• Start a wedding folder or binder
• Start a budget
• Make an agreement for which items individuals are paying
• Create a guest list (doing it now will save you a lot of headache)
• Select a date (doing so early will ensure you get your desired locations)
• Order save- the-date cards
• Choose your wedding party
• Create your wedding website
• Interview and hire a wedding coordinator if applicable
• Arrange premarital counseling
• Book locations (ceremony and reception)
• Start looking for pictures of dresses you like so you have an idea when you shop
• Discuss where you both would want to honeymoon
• Start an exercise routine (you want to be in shape for dress shopping)
• Put announcement in local paper

9-6 months

• Send save-the-date cards
• Book rehearsal dinner location
• Register (minimum of 3 retailers, be mindful of franchises that would be available for out of town guests)
• Begin looking at dresses, veils. (remember your stockings, bra, etc)
• Begin looking at cake ideas
• Begin your day of timeline
• Firm up honeymoon location and shop for pricing
• Look at floral options and price florists
• Book your florist.  Finalize contract
• Book your caterer. Finalize contract
• Book your photographer and videographer. Finalize contract
• Order gown and veil
• Have a girls lunch with your maid of honor and shop for the bridesmaids dress
• Book the honeymoon!!!
• Book your DJ/band. Finalize contract.
• Purchase your accessories (shoes, lingerie, purse, gloves)
• Choose your officiant and meet for ceremony ideas
• Reserve a block of rooms at 3 local hotels (in varying prices, close to reception venue) for out of town guests
• Book baker for bride and groom cakes

4-5 months before

• Browse wedding invitation styles and research proper wording
• Discuss menu with caterer
• Shop for wedding rings
• Decide what groom and groomsmen will wear
• Confirm bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and select accessories
• Have mother of the bride and mother of the groom get together and coordinate dresses
• Order invitations and book a calligrapher
• Purchase wedding rings and send for engraving if applicable
• Look for wedding favor ideas
• Confirm bridal showers and bachelorette party dates
• Begin registries before shower invitations are sent
• Reserve rental equipment, chairs, tables, linens, tents
• Begin to look for hair and make-up ideas
• Notify the people whom you would like to read, sing, serve as guest book attendants
• Give shower hostesses your guest list.
• Begin to get hostess gifts
• Update wedding website
• Consider wedding insurance

2-3 months before

• Finalize guest list and submit to calligrapher
• Book makeup artist and hairstylist
• Order wedding favors
• Purchase candles, baskets, ring pillow
• Finalize menu with caterer
• Purchase gifts for attendants, parents, and each other
• Confirm tuxedo orders for groom/ groomsmen/ dads/ grandfathers
• Prepare for honeymoon.  (shopping might be in order!)
• Finalize wedding transportation
• Business time: look into joint bank accounts, insurance
• Check on the marriage license requirements for your state (Texas Marriage license requirements)
• Select your music for the (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception)
• Make sure there are still options on your registry
• Update wedding website
• Finalize rehearsal dinner order invitations, escort cards
• Mail your invitations eight weeks before your wedding

1-2 months before

• Have gown fitting (remember your stockings, bra, jewelry, etc)
• Finalize ceremony readings and songs with those in the ceremony
• Finalize ceremony with officiant
• Order any beverages not covered by caterer
• Begin your vows if writing them yourselves
• Create a photo and video shot list for your videographer. (Make note of specific individuals to be included in each planned shot)
• Schedule bridesmaids luncheon
• Finalize cake design with baker if you haven’t already (if you have, touch base and confirm everything)

3-4 weeks before

• One month out!  Take a deep breath and enjoy this time!
• Finalize your something old, new, borrowed, and blue.
• Create a ‘must play’ and ‘don’t play’ music for your band/DJ
• Design and order or make your program
• Confirm honeymoon and travel arrangements.  Make sure to give family your itinerary in case of emergency
• Call guests who haven’t RSVP’d
• Make sure to get your wedding rings
• Get marriage license if you haven’t already
• Find out how to change your name if applicable
• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
• Have a practice appointment with your make-up artist and hairstylist

1-2 weeks before

• Have final wedding gown fitting
• Finalize wedding day schedule and share with your family, attendants, and vendors
• Confirm beauty appointments
• Confirm times, schedule, and addresses with transportation
• Pick up wedding dress and collect all your accessories together
• Pick up grooms tuxedo and gather all accessories
• Get hair colored and trimmed
• Confirm final headcount and give to caterer
• Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon
• Get a wedding box  (license, candle, pillow, guest book, basket)
• Get a reception box (guest books, cameras, toasting glasses, cake topper)
• Prepare wedding favors
• Finalize seating and submit to caterer
• Prepare escort/ place cards
• Confirm dates/ times/ locations with all vendors

Day before

• Prepare payments for vendors assign someone to be responsible for distributing
• Distribute assignment lists to ensure everyone knows their tasks
• Gather dress and accessories
• Get manicure, pedicure, and massage
• Rehearse ceremony with entire wedding party and officiant

Wedding day

• Take a deep breath and take your time to appreciate every minute
• Eat breakfast and drink plenty of water
• Wear a button down shirt to your appointments so your hair will stay fabulous
• Remember why you are doing all this (he’s at the end of that aisle)