…until you answer these FIVE questions! I never fully understood what a task it was, choosing a wedding photographer, until I became a bride myself! There are SO many factors that go into such a huge decision. To help you along the way, I have formulated a quick checklist of questions you need to ask yourself before making a final decision! Am I the right photographer for you? Let’s find out!

1. Do you like me?

Seriously. This may seem forward and to the point, but that’s exactly why it’s the first question on the list! As much as I’d love to be everyone’s cup of tea, the reality is… I can’t be. You may not relate well to sarcasm, think my laugh is a little too loud and that the obsessions with Chick-fil-A and golden retrievers have been taken a little too far. If you can’t see us sipping lemonade, talking about dogs and planning all the details of your day… I may not be the photographer for you. And that is OK!

I never, ever want to be a photographer who shows up, completes a job, takes your check and never speaks to you again. I LOVE my couples. Seriously, I am borderline obsessed with y’all. Do any of your other vendors follow you around for an entire day and capture every moment as it happens? Do they order prints, purchase frames & hang up pictures of you all over their offices? Do they plaster you all over their Instagram feeds, more than their own faces? I didn’t think so. Truly, I love spending time with my couples, getting to know their families and friends, and having the opportunity to celebrate their love story.

Let’s face it… you will see me more than you’ll see your own wedding party on the big day. Heck, you may see more of me than you will your spouse! You’re basically marrying me… Just kidding. (kind of…) All jokes aside, you will be spending at least 8 hours of arguably the most important day of your life with ME. So you better darn well like me!

Building a relationship with your photographer also helps produce better photographs. When you’re comfortable with me, you’re comfortable in front of my camera, thus creating natural, genuine images. And that is what everyone hopes for, right?

2. Do you like my photographic style?

There are SO many incredible photographers out there, all with different shooting styles. I describe my style as documentary with a mix of editorial… meaning I will style the heck out of details and portraits but also simply adore when moments happen naturally. My images are frequently described as organic, romantic and joyful. So let me ask you this: are those words you may use to describe the vision you have for your wedding photos? My couples tend to be laid-back, happy, ridiculously fun, a little emotional and stupidly in love. And there is nothing I love more than capturing all their joyful moments on a wedding day. (Ugly crying & tears are encouraged because there is a 98% chance I will be doing the same behind my camera right alongside you…)

3. This is a big deal, right?!

Marriage is such a blessing. It is a beautiful, holy union and I do not take it lightly. You have waited your whole life to find this one person. Your wedding isn’t just a party, it is a celebration of deep, ’til-death-do-us-part love. It’s a ceremony that symbolizes two people, leaving their families to create their own with each other.

This day is the first of your forever together, and your photographer is responsible for capturing your first family heirlooms. Let that sink in. You might be showing your GRANDCHILDREN these images one day. My hope and prayer are that these images speak volumes of your love. That one day your family looks at them and says “Wow! Look how much grandpa loved grandma. Look how happy they were. Look how their love has stood the test of time.” Y’all…that is a pretty big deal. So entrusting someone with that responsibility is also a really big deal. It is important that you choose wisely!

4. Do you both (the bride AND groom) agree on the decision?

I know that for a lot of weddings, the bride does the majority of the planning. Of course, that is not always the case, but let’s face it… men don’t have that same affinity for Pinterest that us women do. He popped the question and feels that the majority of his work is done, but your photographer is one decision that BOTH of you should have a say in!

I always encourage couples to scroll through my portfolio and attend consultations together! This way you can both decide if we’d make a great fit! Men have a tendency to not particularly enjoy being photographed, so it is especially important that they feel comfortable with their photographer. And thankfully, my sweet better half, Jesse, usually comes to engagement sessions and weddings to assist me, too! He always has a way of relating to the groom, while I plan and talk all the details with the bride!

5. Does it feel right?

Honestly, I don’t have anything incredibly profound to say about this, but it definitely is something you need to ask yourself! If any potential wedding vendor makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, it’s time to MOVE ON! This is your big day and it is certainly no place for egos. With any person you sign up to spend a good deal of time with, make sure it’s easy to smile, laugh and say what is on your mind! Make sure it feels right.

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most difficult decisions I faced when planning my own wedding! I have been there, friends! But after doing so, I felt a huge sense of relief and overwhelming joy. You have found your once-in-a-lifetime person, so now it’s time to find your once-in-a-lifetime photographer! Ask yourself these questions. Take time to make this decision. And don’t you DARE hire me until you’ve checked every one of these items off on your list!

I can’t wait to get to know you more & hopefully work together so soon!
XOXO, Hannah