Snap! Happy! Photography!

I believe meeting the right photographer should feel as powerful as finding the perfect dress. When I look at photographer's website, I need to feel a connection with their work. I also feel chemistry is important. FI and I want someone who will understand our vision. After all the person we choose to be behind the lens on our wedding day will be by our side for the good, the beautiful, the unforeseen, and the deeply intimate - like those last anxious moments before I walk down the aisle.

The fact is our wedding day will lasts just a day but our photos will endure for generations. So we are willing to splurge a bit and cut back in other areas. Of course finding the right photographer proves to be a challenging task for us. There is an amazing pool of talent in our area. And while we don't want to skimp on our visual memories, we don't want to go over the budget we set aside for photography. FI and I made a list to help us decide on potential photographers.

1. The Rights to our images - It's important we own our wedding pictures especially since we plan on printing them ourselves to save on cost.

2. All images on CD retouched/edited high resolution files- post production is just as important as shooting style and technique.

3. One main photographer and an assistant - Since we have a good size wedding, we want to make sure all the angles are covered so no one is left out.

4. Complimentary slide show of images to view online for friends and family

5. Engagement Session - We are going to use the pictures for our guest book and at the same time see our photographers in action

6. Style - Photojournalism with an artistic edge. We want a more modern approach to wedding photography. I want the formal portraits too but I prefer the candid moments, they truly tell the story.

As for our current picks of photographers, these are the ones that best match what we want within our budget. Listed in no particular order.

1. Avenna Studio

www.avennastudios.com

2. Joshua Behan

www.joshuabehanphoto.com

3. Sweet Jane

www.SweetJanePhotography.com

4. Erica Lyn

www.ericalynphotography.com

5. Lisa Rigby

www.lisarigbyphotography.com

6. Shang Chen

www.Shangchen.com
7. Brad Smith Wedding
http://www.smithbrad.com/
8. Birch Blaze Photography
http://www.birchblaze.com