No Regrets: Why You Should Invest In A Great Wedding Photographer

Hey hey newly engaged beauties! I have talked to a lot of my married friends and family who have shared their wedding day regrets with me. And also just seen tons of these kinds of posts on Facebook from people who are wedding planning and you know what tends to be at the top of their regret list?….Not investing in a great photographer for their big day.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “But Mariah, we’ve got a friend with a nice camera who offered to take our pictures for free.” Trust me, I’ve heard it all before. I have BEEN that friend with a nice camera 😂 And while having a friend or family member take your photos might seem like a good idea, it’s often not the best choice in the long run. I was an exception I like to think. I photographed my first wedding for my best friend for free. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go so I didn’t feel comfortable charging them at the time but I think I did pretty dang good and I know they loved their photos! I will say say though, that is probably not the norm. If your friend has a lot of photography experience then hey, cool! That might actually be okay. But definitely ask them to see a lot of their photos so you know for sure that you like their style. A big part of being able to photograph a wedding isn’t even about how good you are at taking pictures though. There are so many aspects to weddings that the every day person or hobbyist photographer would know nothing about- like how the timeline should go for the day, how to plan everything out to make sure you get all the important shots, how to organize family photos, how to get good images in tons of different lighting scenarios, etc.

Wedding photography is an art form, and not everyone has the skills and experience to capture your big day in the best possible way. A professional photographer will know how to work with different lighting situations, how to get the best angles and shots, and how to make you and your partner feel comfortable in front of the camera (one of my main focus points). Plus, they’ll have the right equipment that will ensure your photos look stunning for years and years.

So, my advice to you? Make finding a good…no scratch that…a GREAT photographer a priority when wedding planning. Do your research, ask friends who they used, read reviews, and make sure you find someone whose style and personality fit with yours. Trust me, it’s worth the investment and it will not be something you regret at the end of everything.

And don’t just take my word for it. I know a handful of couples who didn’t prioritize photography on their wedding day and ended up with bad, awkward, poorly lit photos that they’re not proud to display in their home. I do not want this to be you. Even if you don’t hire me. Please find someone who is a great fit for YOU. I want you to invest in a great photographer and cherish your stunning wedding album years later.

Okay, there you have it, my loves. Invest in a great photographer for your big day, and you won’t regret it. You’ll have beautiful photos that capture the love and joy of your wedding day for years to come. And who knows? You’ll hopefully be that couple, who pulls out their wedding album every year on their anniversary and swoons all over again. Happy planning!