Tips and Advice:

[CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER] 

Many times a friend or family member will generously offer to photograph a couple's wedding as their 'gift to you'. This is very sweet but often times a disappointment since that person is sometimes swept away with visiting people they haven't seen for a long time - missing important shots or forgetting their function altogether. The friend is not able to truly relax and join your celebration if they are in fact recording your memories as they unfold. I have also found that the end product naturally tends to yield more photos of the people they know intimately than 'the other side of the family'. I encourage brides to graciously accept their offer by saying "Thanks for offering - can you just cover our engagement photos? We'd like you to celebrate WITH us that day." This is the best recommendation I can make on your behalf when it comes to getting the best photojournalism into the end product - YOUR WEDDING ALBUM! A professional photographer is unbiased, there for the sole purpose of catching your GOLDEN MOMENTS.

[WHY HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER?]

Often times there are friends or elderly relatives who are not able to attend the most important day in your life. While photos are an effective tool for sharing, they cannot replace film and sound footage of the ceremony itself as you are handed to your husband to be, the smiling, the giggling that happens as you exchange your vows, the embrace, the first kiss, the goofs you make exchanging rings and the tears and relief of being pronounced man and wife.  It is a joy for the elderly to watch a film of their dear ones dancing, hear the special toasts, and watch the cake being cut ... these are precious moments not only to you but to your loved ones who cannot be with you on your day. Lastly, you will find such delight in showing your children a live movie of their parents being married, being YOUNG and vivacious ... it is also a wonderful way to preserve your loved ones - I once had a bride thank me for urging her to get a videographer - 3 years later her Uncle passed away ...  the footage shot of his comments about how they met, behaved while dating and the future he saw in store for them were so dear to her ... to be able to feel close to him in some way now that he is gone was priceless. GET A VIDEOGRAPHER!