You're Engaged! ~ Choosing A Wedding Date

The most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are informed of your engagement is "When is the wedding?" Choosing a wedding date is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help you pick a perfect date for your wedding. 

If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, especially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked very quickly.

Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal attire choices.

Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christmas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too much for some people.


Are there important people in your life that you feel must attend the wedding? While there will always be people who will not be able to make it, some people may be higher on your priority list than others. For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date with these important people to avoid any problems.

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How to Plan Your Wedding Photography - 4 Steps to Memorable Wedding Pictures

 As one of the most important decisions you will make concerning the big day, planning your wedding photography should be considered with care. Follow these four steps to ensure your wedding pictures capture these priceless wedding day memories.

1) Select Your Photography Style

How do you envision your wedding photographs? Wedding Photographers generally fall into three stylistic categories: traditional, photojournalist, or a combination of both. Traditional photographers are practiced in obtaining great portraits and posed shots. For more candid shots that document the day's emotions and all the behind-the-scenes action, you may lean towards the photojournalistic style of photography (a hot trend for today's weddings). For brides who simply cannot decide, seek a wedding photographer who can offer the perfect mix. (that’s us) J

2) Consider the Cost

This really is one area in which you should avoid cutting corners, as your photographs will be one of the few keepsakes you can actually take from your wedding. Expect to allocate at least $1000 to your wedding photography budget (the bottom line in metro areas will be higher). If budget is a concern, consider ordering the most basic package, but avoid hiring an inexperienced photographer to save money.

3) Hire your Wedding Photographer

Do your research, and compile a list of potentials and commence the "meet and greet." When meeting with potential photographers, be sure to review his or her work and remember to consider the importance of personality. Your photographer will capture some of the best shots behind the scenes, so you must feel comfortable in working with this person and inviting them backstage. Trust your instinct: if you find anything disagreeable about working with this person, keep looking. And don't forget to get everything in writing.

4) Plan the Wedding Pictures

Well before your wedding day, make sure you have considered the must-have photography shots and their execution. You should discuss these details with your photographer so that he or she will be familiar with the site location, the VIPs of the wedding (attendants, parents etc.), and the best and most un-obtrusive way to get these important shots.

Consider every aspect of your wedding day and how you would like it captured. From the pre-ceremony preparation, to your walk down the aisle, to your "I Dos," to your first dance and finally to your departure, make sure to discuss the perfect shots for each special moment. Throughout the planning process, be in the lookout out for images that catch your eye, and consider bringing clips to your photographer. Browse this gallery of creative wedding pictures for inspiration.

Now that you know the basics, this complete wedding photography guide will walk you the rest of the way towards planning your wedding day pictures.

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Wedding Photography ~ Why Choose A Professional? It's the Personality, Customer Service, & Experience

It’s All In The Personality!

It's a wedding, not a photo shoot. Personality is important. You will spend more time with the photographer than anyone else during your wedding day. If you don't think he or she is relaxed, funny, or will get along with your guests, etc., keep looking. It's nothing personal; it's just all about you. When looking at a photographer's website, I go straight to the gallery. NOT THE PRICES. Look at the photos. If you like the style, the colors, the B&Ws, the feel of the photo, then go check out the rest of the site.

Always meet with the photographer and meet with more than one photographer. This way you can compare not only their styles but most importantly their personality. (The last thing you need on your wedding day is a bossy/rude photographer!

Remember, you’re being “interviewed” too. You are not only deciding if you can work with the photographer but the more often than not the photographer is also deciding if they can work with you!

It may sound mean but, I do not accept every wedding that comes in the door. I don’t do bridezillas!

It’s Not Just the Equipment!

The camera doesn't make the photo. The photographer does. Every year I see guests showing up with amazing cameras, (I love the ones who stand right next to me and say “you have the same camera I do”) Some guests are great photographers. But you're not hiring me for my camera. Because truth be known, I can pull off an award winning image with a $600 camera just as good as I can a $6,000. 

You're hiring me for how I see a wedding. For how I feel it. For how I edit it. For my experience in knowing the pace of what will happen next, for my patience when things don’t go off on time or as planned for you and the wedding party, and the ability to adjust without flinching when something unexpected turns into something amazing.

It’s About Customer Service!

Customer service is a huge thing for me and how I run Crystal Image Photography.

My simple philosophy: Treat your customers they way you would want to be treated if you were doing business with that company.  (Now, that doesn’t mean I agree with the “customer is always right” statement.) 

I have seen it time and time again and even experienced it first hand from several local businesses their rudeness toward customers.  It is my customers who have helped make Crystal Image Photography what it is today and that I never forget!

You Get What You Pay For!

Remember, you are not just purchasing a service from a wedding photographer you are also in most cases purchasing a product.

Be sure to ask your photographer how long it takes to get your images, albums, etc. Here at Crystal Image Photography our turnaround time from the time we photograph your wedding until you see your images is 1 to 2 weeks MAX!

It was just recently that I heard a horror story of a bride not even seeing her images until 5 months after the wedding. That’s just crazy. I’m here to tell you that it does not take months and months to edit and print images.

When I heard this story I felt so sad for the bride.  She chose not to have us photograph her wedding. Why? Because of the cost, we were “too expensive”.

Expense was a issue for another couple we talked with last year. They chose to have a friend photograph their wedding for free.  Three months after the wedding they finally see their images and the bride frantically puts out a request to anyone who was at the wedding to post any wedding images because their “professional” pictures were so bad.  

When dealing with your wedding images, remember you get what you pay for or in these cases want you don’t pay for!

When deciding on a wedding photographer and a photography budget, remember, a rude photographer will only make you and your wedding party uncomfortable and a cheap photographer will produce not so great images and/or poor customer service.

When your wedding day is over, the cake and food is gone, the flowers are dead, the guests are gone and all you have left are memoires and your photographs.  

Engagement Photography Tips ~

Engagement Photography Tips ~

With the holidays now behind us here at Crystal Image Photography have begun to receive requests for engagement photography sessions. 

With that request always comes the questions of what to wear, where should we take them, what kind of poses will we do and the list goes on. 

Here's a few tips for our couples:

Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don't feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don't look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

* Find a photographer who fits your style. If you're a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you're reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want.  My advice: Stay away from these photographers because in the end you will not get what you really want!  I believe when a couple chooses a photographer they should get the type of images THEY are looking for. After all who’s paying the bill?  

* Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren't entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

* Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there's a good chance you'll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

* Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

* Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don't make for interesting engagement photos.

Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don't want to look back at these photos in the future and say, "What was I thinking?" 

For more info on Engagement and Wedding Photography contact us. crystalimagephoto.com