As a professional wedding photographer, I enjoy shooting weddings and helping families make memories.  We also like meeting couples who make it obvious that they are in love and this was one of those couples (I stated in my post about Lisa how we met).  The wedding ceremony was held at St Edwards Catholic Church in Spring, Texas and the Reception was held at Strack Farms Restaurant off Louetta Rd. in Spring, Texas.

I attended the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner was held the the Lasagna House off I-45/FM 1960.  I met Lisa's mother at the Bridal session and had the opportunity to meet the rest of the family at the rehearsal.  Both of these families were so nice and so sweet and made me feel so much like a part of the family and it was an honor to share this day with them.  the wedding was held on April 26, 2008 and while it will take me a while to get all of the images processed, I was so excited I had to share a few.

The happy couple at the rehearsal dinner:

Ryan with his mother:

Dinner is served (and it was delicious!)

Dessert - Czech Kolaches (made by Ryan's grandmother)

 

The Church:

The rings:

Shots from the Ceremony:

The Groom and his men (and Dads)

The Bride and her ladies:

and some shots from the reception:

See what I mean by "in love"?

Heading to the car:

        

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting this lovely lady at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza in January.  She was one of the winners of my door prizes and got a Free 16x20 Bridal Session.  While going over the details and meeting her fiance', Ryan, I was fortunate to also get booked for their wedding! (pics will be posted after this).  She loves columns and chose Rice University as her location and I had a ball shooting there!  She has the sweetest personality and one of the most beautiful smiles I've seen in a while!

This was her favorite shot from the session

 

She chose this image for the display at her wedding reception:

And here are a few more favorites:

        

 

OK, I know what you're thinking...."He's going to try and make me choose him."  Well, yes, but I also want you to know that it's not just about choosing me.  In fact, I can recommend several great photographers (see the link to the left about Wedfog -The wedding photographers' directory), but I mainly want you to see the difference between hiring a professional verses allowing that special friend or your Uncle Bob or Aunt Sally to be your wedding photographer because they just got a real nice digital camera.  I also want you to see why you need someone with experience over someone who just started shooting weddings last month.

Experience

 

I was talking to a friend of mine recently and she is getting ready for her wedding in a few months.  When I asked her how the wedding planning was going, she replied "great! and I found a wonderful photographer for my wedding!"  I was happy for her, but continued to inquire about the "professional wedding photographer" and found out a few things that worried me.  First, the person had never shot a wedding before.  The photographer was a portrait photographer and according to the bride, had some wonderful portraits on her site, so they should be able to shoot a wedding.  While this sounds good, it's not always the case.  I am a portrait photographer as well and when shooting a portrait, you can control the client, the poses, the environment (in some cases), and the lighting.  Second, they had no albums to show her.  How can I know how "great" a job you're going to do for me if I have no proof of it?  Third, they were restrictive in what they were offering.  My friend wanted an image to place in a newspaper announcement and wanted to choose it herself, but the photographer wouldn't allow it and they insisted that they had more experience in choosing the proper photograph.

Shooting a wedding is completely different.  Each location is different.  The ceremony location may have large windows, or no windows at all, high ceilings with lovely lights, or low ceilings with ceiling fans.  The wedding photographer may be able to use flash, but some places, especially Churches do not allow flash photography during the ceremony or any photography at all and the wedding photographer with experience can adjust to those conditions whereas someone who has never shot a wedding before may not be prepared.

When you meet with the wedding photographer, make sure you are able to view samples of their work from any wedding they have shot.  In fact, that should be one of the first questions that should be asked - how many weddings have you shot?  In this new digital age, many people are becoming "professional wedding photographers", but you have to ask yourself, do you really want someone to get their feet wet at YOUR WEDDING??

There are several wedding photography "companies" that have started up recently, that claim to have the best photographers on staff.  Some of them even provide you with a list of those photographers who also have their own studios as well.  The down side is that if you book with one of these companies, the chances are slim to none that you get any one of the wedding photographers on the list they showed you.  the chances are greater that you would end up with someone with little or no experience in shooting weddings.  Even worse, you won't find out who your photographer is until it too late to do anything about it!  I've spoken to some brides that didn't know who their photographer would be until the day of the wedding!

You also want someone who understands that this is YOUR WEDDING DAY and not their creativity project.  the wedding photographers' job is to make your memories and not theirs.  your wants and wishes should be the priority. 

Equipment

Wedding photography is far different from most other types of photography and the equipment that the professional wedding photographer carries is essential.  Brand name doesn't matter (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, etc..), but make sure that the wedding photographer has the proper camera bodies and lenses to take care of you.  If they are shooting film (yes, some of us still shoot film), make sure they have enough to cover any issue that may arise.  If they are shooting digital, then they need extra data cards as well.  While not mandatory, it's always good for the wedding photographer to have at least one "spare" camera as a backup in case something happens to the primary camera and most non professionals only carry one camera body and only one lens and if either breaks or fails to work, then you are left without wedding memories!

This, in a way, goes along with experience, but needs to be addressed separately as well.  As technology advances, the cost of equipment goes down so much so that almost anyone can afford the latest and greatest "digital toy".  I shoot freelance sports for local local publications and while on the sidelines, I notice a lot of parents with equipment similar to mine and in some cases better!  Often, even with the better equipment, they do not know enough about to be able to adapt to the different lighting or environment issues that come up in weddings (dark churches, candlelit ceremonies, different types of light at the reception, etc.) and therefore can't make the necessary adjustments on their camera to compensate for it.

Along with shooting digital, professional wedding photographers have the computer equipment, software, and knowledge necessary to produce a good final result, whether in print, album, or CD.  the latest 8-10 megapixel camera, the fastest computer, or the latest software program is no good unless the person knows how to use them properly.  Professional wedding photographers have experience framing, cropping, retouching, and enhancing your images to give you just the look and feel you want.

One thing to consider also when hiring friends or family to shoot your wedding:  they are your friends and family!  During the ceremony and especially during the reception, they could lose sight of the fact that they are "hired" and forget about taking pictures and start having fun.  A professional wedding photographer is there to serve and work for you.  You will only have one opportunity to make these memories and they are too important to trust to someone without experience.  There are wedding photographers in every price range and in every budget so please do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not you have someone there to make your memories all that they should be.  We photographers have a saying:

The food and cake will be consumed before the evening is out

The reception hall will be left behind at the end of the night

The flowers will all be dead by the end of the week

But the Photography lasts a lifetime.. plan for that part first.

and in your planning, plan on getting a professional!

        

So you saw an earlier post about this very dear family, here are some highlights of the wedding.  The wedding ceremony was held at the New Mt. Calvary Church in Northeast Houston and the reception was held at the Renaissance Houston Hotel in Greenway Plaza.

From left to right:  the Matron of Honor (younger sister), the Bride, the mother of the bride, and the Maid of Honor (1st born sister)

During the ceremony:  I love the backlighting from the decorations on this shot:

The happy couple before leaving for the reception:

You just can't have a wedding reception without cake!

The father daughter dance always tends to get a little emotional:

        

This is a wonderful couple that are members of my Church and are getting married in June of this year.  He works for an Electronics retailer and she is currently a teacher.   When I shoot engagement session, I always try and make the couple as relaxed as possible so the images are as natural as possible.  This couple hardly noticed me

 

Hard to believe that in all my years of shooting near Hermann Park, I never noticed this wall before!  I absolutely love it!  Yes, you will be seeing more of this wall in shots to come!

        

I had the pleasure of being the wedding photographer for the daughter of a family that is very special to me.  This is the middle daughter who got married late in March, but here are a few pics from her Bridal session that was taken at Mecom Fountains and the gazebos near Hermann Park.

Her sister (the Maid of Honor) liked this shot:

Her mother (the mother of the bride), liked this one:

This was one of my favorites:

and this is the one the Bride chose:

Overall, it was a great session and we had even more fun at the wedding!

        

The wife of a good friend of mine is part owner of a dance studio and academy in North Houston called Rhythm Studio 1.  Rhythm Studio 1 Dance Complex and Performing Arts Academy is one of Houston’s finest dance studios and academy for the arts. RS1 was established to promote an appreciation and love for the performing arts with a core focus of dance expression. You can contact them on their web site Rhythm Studio 1

        

There is a very nice golf club in my neighborhood, off Hwy 290 and Barker Cypress called Houston National Golf Club.  I had the pleasure of meeting the the Banquet Manager at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza in January at the George R. Brown and we got to discussing their facility and I was contracted to shoot their location during some of their recent wedding receptions.
This is an excellent place to hold a reception.  The location is just a few miles off the highway and the staff is great.  Their main ballroom holds at least 200 people with room for a DJ or band and a dance floor.  The food is great and the chefs are excellent!  You can contact Houston National Golf Club from their web site: Houston National Golf Club
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

I know this may seem like a strange question to be posted on a photography blog, but, the music played and the way it is played can make or break a wedding reception and music also sets the mood/attitudes of those attending the wedding reception which has an effect on the pictures taken at the wedding reception.  So let's looks at the benefits of each one:

iPod:
less expensive
guaranteed to have your music selections
portable/lightweight
no embarassing DJ

DJ
Human interaction
Experience
Someone to assume liability

These are just a few reasons, but lets look at them in detail. 

Less Expensive

Yes, an iPod is less expensive, but, by the time you download all the music you want, take the time to organize the music, and rent the sound system to connect the iPod to (you can't use those little speakers that are on your computer), you may come out cheaper hiring a DJ

Guaranteed to have yor music selections

" Since it's my iPod, I know the music will be what I want to hear."  I've worked with DJ's over the years and I've have yet to meet one that does not play the music that the bride and groom want played.  When you interview the DJ (just like you interview the wedding photographer), You need to see if their personality is a match to yours.  If you are the "laid back" type, then a DJ that is "wild and crazy"  would not be a good fit.  If you like Jazz and Classical, then a DJ that plays Rap and Hip Hop would certainly not work for you.  One of the things you should do during the interview process is have an idea of the music you like and see if he already has it in his collection.  Just like with everything else on your wedding day, the DJ works for you and therefore should be ready to play what you want.  Yes, he can offer his opinion, but the ultimate decision is yours. 

Human Interaction and DJ Experience

Hiring a DJ with experience is better than using an iPod because the DJ can survey the crowd and determine what will keep people on the dance floor.  If you have an older group at your wedding reception, then playing something from MTV will either keep them in their seats or help them find the door.  On the other side of that issue, if you have a younger crowd, playing something by Frank Sinatra is a sure fire way to empty the dance floor.  With a professional DJ, you also get someone who can make announcements and help with the flow of the wedding reception.  From the entrance of the bride and groom, to the first dance, to the bouquet toss, to the exit, a professional DJ and keep the evening flowing and consistent. 

With an iPod, you have to get someone to "man" it and that person will not have the experience to properly work the sound system and may not have the personality to interact with your audience.  The DJ can also do a better job of mixing/blending the music to keep people on the dance floor without the "dead air" you would get from waiting on the next song on your iPod. 

Liability

When you hire a professional DJ, you are getting someone that gives you one less thing to worry about that day.  You won't have to worry about your friends that want to surf your iPod and argue over which song to play next, or who has more experience with the iPod.  You also don't have to worry if the battery you thought you charged goes out in the middle of a song or if the iPod itself stops playing.  Consider this as well; what if one of the speakers on that rented equipment were to blow out or fall over?  Who is going to cover that?  The person that rented it!  the professional DJ is insured and takes care of that for you.

Keep in mind also that no matter how much you plan for, something else can happen to completely change those plans.  A professional DJ is prepared for almost any circumstance and can adjust because of their experience. 

Additional tips

If possible, check and see if the DJ has any video of a performance or wedding reception that he has done so you can see how he "performs".  Make sure that he dresses properly for the occassion as well.  If your wedding is formal, you don't want the DJ to show up in jeans and a t-shirt.

Some people also hire a live band that is familiar with their music choices, but again, make sure that you interview properly to insure that the group will be a good fit for the wedding reception.

As you are arranging you seating for the reception, it might be a good idea to seat the "older" guests farther away from the DJ so they are not too close to his speakers and possibly complain about the "noise"

A week or so before the wedding, it's a good idea to go over specific song selections (first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, etc.) to make sure they are available. 

        

Springtime in Houston is always a good time to start thinking about getting with your wedding photographer and getting your Bridal session done (actually, almost anytime in Houston is a good time!).  As you prepare for your session, here are a few things to remember:

Poses and Positions

Your photographer may have some ideas about poses or positions, but this is your session and it's best if it shows 'the real you".  check out some of the Bridal or Wedding magazines for ideas on poses and go with what you like.  You don't want a pose that doesn't flatter you or one that when people see it, they don't recognize you.  Above all, be yourself and allow your personality to show in the photos - if you are the conservative type, then you would probably not be comfortable with some of the "America's Next Top Model" type poses, but, if you are the carefree type, traditional poses might be too boring.  It's always best to get with your wedding photographer beforehand and discuss what you are looking for in the final portrait.

Location, Location, Location....

Houston and the surrounding Metro area offer some great locations for shooting Bridal sessions.  Hermann Park, Mecom Fountain, Rice University, The Downtown Theatre District, Historic Richmond Rosenberg, Helen's Garden in League City, and Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land are just a few places that come to mind that are popular spots for shooting.  some brides are even allowed to use the location where their wedding or reception will be held and those can be some very scenic locations as well.  The Bridal should also be personal so think about a place that may have meaning for you - a neighborhood park or clubhouse, your college campus, etc. - any place that holds a special meaning to you.

Hair and makeup

 

The Bridal session is also a good time to 'practice" with your hair stylist and make up artist that you will use on your wedding day.  You can try out the hairstyle you want and get an idea of how it will look as well as your makeup for that day.  When it comes to makeup, sometimes, less is more; if you are not a heavy makeup wearer, then it shouldn't show in the Bridal session, because it won't look natural.

Time of the Shoot

The best time to shoot is usually early morning or late afternoon for at least two reasons:  lighting and temperature.  During the early morning, the sunlight is not as harsh and gives a more pleasing look to your skin over hard, midday light.  Late afternoon also gives a warmer "glow" to the skin and is not as hard.  Both times are also good because it is not as hot and you won't "glisten" (see sweat) as much and will be more comfortable duirng the shoot.  It's also a good idea to have some bottled water or maybe eat light before the shoot.  Depending on the wedding photographer, most sessions last at least an hour and some last three to four hours depending on the number of locations and the style of the photographer.  another issue with time is how much time before the wedding the Bridal session should be done.  The session should be done at least 45-60 days before the wedding at the latest, but there are times when a session can be done two to three weeks before the wedding.

Company during the shoot

One of the recommendations I give some brides is to bring a friend or two or family member along to the session.  This sometimes allows the bride ot be more relaxed as well as making the shoot more fun.  they can assist the bride with her dress, help retouch her hair or makeup, give her water as needed, etc.  some photographers have their own assistants for this type of work, so check with yor photographer first ot make sure.  

Proofing usually takes a few weeks and the photographer will contact you to allow you to view the proofs so you can make your choice of print.  for example, I store my images online and offer my brides a private, password protected gallery so they can view their images and make their choices.  Above all, have a good time, this is one of those once in a lifetime events and you want it to be something you can look back on as something you enjoyed.