I Love Weddings!
I just love weddings! Is it the romantic in me? Maybe it is a deep passion as a hopeful artist. Or maybe it is just weddings remind me of my own wonderful wedding day almost 3 decades ago.
I want you to have the most perfect day imaginable, just like my own wedding day. The photography is important because it captures your memories. But I think the experience is more important. My goal is to help you make the best memories and not just capture them. So I am committed to do whatever it takes to give you the best experience I can. In a recent wedding I fixed the groom’s pants, taped up a bridesmaid’s shoes, bandaged a cut, helped the DJ with music and even played with the couple’s kids. I also took some awesome pictures!
About Me
I am a certified “people” person who loves spending time with my clients and their guests. I really enjoy making your day as special as it can be. I have a lot of years experience and can easily adapt to all the chaos that a wedding day can produce. I’ll be there for you no matter what! As an older person I especially enjoy working with older or more mature couples. I’ve also done more smaller intimate weddings the past few years and really like that vibe!
Weddings are about being prepared
Anything can happen on your Wedding day! It could rain or snow or storm. Or maybe it is too hot (or way too cold). And someone is always behind schedule. The only defense against the potential chaos is to be prepared. I use only the top of the line Canon cameras and lenses. That means they are build like tanks and super reliable. I carry spares for everything! If something breaks I just grab my extra camera body or lens and keep on shooting. I have a paranoid backup system so I should never have to tell a bride “I lost your wedding pictures”. Even my cameras have 2 memory card slots so 2 copies of every picture!
Pricing and Packages
I offer four levels of wedding packages. Each package offers some flexibility so we can customize to fit your dreams and budget. Pricing begins at $986 for a basic wedding up to $2530 for my most complete package. All packages include a “get to know one another” coffee meeting, an engagement session, a photo gallery hosted on my site and social media and print ready final proofs. While most of my work has been in the Fox Valley I am willing to travel anywhere! I am still waiting for someone to claim my “Free” Greek Island wedding package!
Higher level packages include longer coverage, the rehearsal, medium format film shots, travel expenses and just about any custom options. Please contact me with any questions! All of my packages can be found in Pricing and Packages.
Need More Information?
Would you like more information? There are so many things to consider when looking for a wedding photographer. Here is my detailed guide on How to Find The Best Wedding Photographer
Wedding Portfolio – My Favorites
Below you will also find some Frequently Asked Questions and my answers.
The internet has lots and lots of wedding ideas. Here are some of my favorite wedding sites:
Nancy Ray’s blog – Nancy is a film only photographer or weddings and families.
Whimsical Wonderland Weddings – for all kinds of unique weddings and ideas
Happy Photographer Shopping
There are a lot of great photographers in the Fox Valley to choose from. I hope that we can work together but I more wish that you find the right photographer to make your day as wonderful as possible.
I would love to hear from you! Fill out the contact form below and let’s connect!
FAQ
For me, your wedding starts a few days before as I charge batteries, clean equipment and finalize a checklist of what I might need. I usually show up early in the day to start pictures of the rings, dresses and accessories and then the “getting ready” pictures. This includes time with the Bride and her party and the Groom and his party. Once the bride is ready we often get away for some quiet portraits. Sometimes we do a “first look” and maybe some quick pictures of the wedding party. Then it’s off to the church or wedding location. The ceremony is usually followed by family pictures and then some first pictures together with the new couple. I then get pictures of the reception decorations and space followed by the wedding party introductions. Dinner is a time to catch my breath and replenish my energy (nobody likes their picture when they are eating). Then it’s after dinner activities. Later, I love to get the couple alone for a few minutes and do some pictures together. My day ends only after I and download and backup all the pictures!
It’s always up to you. I do include a free session because it gives us a little time together to get to know one another. I will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day and the engagement is a chance to build some trust and for me to find out anything special I should know before the wedding.
First, professional cameras, lenses, computer equipment and film (especially film) are expensive. I have backups for everything including cameras and lenses. Insurance, taxes and other expenses add up. I typically spend 1 to 2 hours in preparation and editing for every hour I spend shooting – a 10 hour wedding can add up to over 30-40 hours total time! I also do a number of free shoots every year, mostly charity events & churches. But sometimes I do free weddings & portraits for deserving people – giving back has always been important to me and my family!
My pricing reflects my time for the shoot. I don’t use high markup prints or other products as a way to make money. I do offer professional quality prints and albums at my cost plus enough to cover my time, but you can also print any of the proofs yourself.
Earlier is usually better if you have a firm date. I limit my number of shoots so I can better focus on my clients so I could be booked on your date. However, feel free to call with short notice and if I am available I will do everything I can to make you wedding.
