Tag Archive for: wedding planning

Common wedding planning mistakes and how to avoid them!

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Wedding planning mistakes and how to avoid them

Having attended quite a few weddings as a wedding photographer, and also having had gone through the process of being my own wedding planner for my own wedding within 5 months last year, I’ve put together a little list of common wedding planning mistakes that I see happen all the time.  It’s not an easy task planning a wedding, and it certainly isn’t a cheap one either. Combining these two aspects causes a lot of stress and quite a few of these common mistakes!

Planning a wedding is made up of dozens of little jobs that range from super important things like choosing and booking a venue on a wedding date you like, down to the simple things such as choosing the groom’s socks. All put together makes a monumental task. Just remember however that with so many things happening, something is bound to not go to plan so try not to make it impact your day too much.

Reception setup

Common wedding planning mistakes

Budgeting mistakes

Perhaps the most common mistake that people stress over on their wedding party is how much everything adds up to. I myself was guilty of this, spending around 30% more than our budget allowed. But planning a wedding is expensive. Try to factor in what you can afford along with what your family are willing to pitch in, then prioritise what is the most important for you. For me personally the most important parts of our day was the wedding photographer, and the reception venue. For other wedding vendors it may be the bridal dress, perhaps a videographer?

The point is, dont go cheap with the most important parts of your day, then you can go a bit cheaper with the parts that don’t matter as much. There’s always going to be some hidden costs too, so when working out your budget in your planning process – add a little to it so there are no surprises. The goal is to save money, not jeopardise your weding style!

Mum with the money

Letting others organise your guest list

Your parents probably have a bit of a dream in their heads about what their perfect wedding for you looks like. Hell, they’ve probably been planning it in their head and their own wedding guest list since you were born! So cut them some slack when they insist of inviting family members like second cousin three times removed just because they shared a carrot when they were growing up. But on the other hand make sure they are clear on your budget restraints and that the day is your day, not theirs.

A wedding day is supposed to celebrate your own personal love for one another with your closest friends and family. Just make sure everyone knows your intent in regards to your guest list upfront and you’ll avoid one of the most stress-inducing common wedding planning mistakes.

Group photo

No plan ‘B’ for weather

Now living in Adelaide, we tend to be very lucky when it comes to the weather during our wedding season. Adelaide is the driest city in the driest state on the driest continent in the world. It doesnt rain much here, and when it does it doesnt stay long. But it does happen, and if you have no backup plan for your wedding ceremony or your reception, it can be devastating. The best venues I’ve found actually have a plan B set up for just an occasion, but other locations it just may not be possible. Marquee hire is a common backup plan for locations where there isn’t a convenient building to use.

The only good thing about having a wedding in the rain is that it’s supposed to be good luck, and you get some great unique photos out of it! 😀

Wedding lighting

Look after your guests

The common timeline for a wedding day usually calls for a 1-2 hours photoshoot in between the end of your wedding ceremony and the start of your reception. This means that your guests are left to entertain themselves for that period of time. If your venue is out of the way, this may cause some distress with your guests. Try to entertain them with something, give them something to do! Be it lawn games at your venue, or makes a game of it like a scavenger hunt, with a prize given out at your reception?

At the very least suggest a local attraction or a nice pub for them to visit while they wait for you. Some wedding websites can provide insights on hotel rooms and ways to help guests to arrive, or perhaps deal with too many guests. Just remember you have the final say on everything, and your guests may either like or not like your desicions, so act wisely 🙂

Spray tanning, or changing your look too much

Please, please don’t suddenly decide to go get a fake tan for the first time a week out for your wedding! If you’ve had a spray tan before, and you were happy with the result, then go for it, but only if you go back to the same place. Nothing worse than being an oompaloompa in a wedding dress! Same goes for dying your hair, or drastically changing your makeup. Always trial it all several months before your wedding to make sure you’d be ok looking like that on your wedding day.

Eating

Crash dieting in the weeks leading up to your wedding day can cause sickness and just isn’t a great idea in general. The idea is to be as happy and healthy you can be on your big day, so try not to do anything to jeopardise this. Same goes for eating on the day. Often nerves get to brides and grooms on their wedding day, which causes a loss of appetite, but eating and keeping your fluids up (not alcohol) is very important!

Many brides fall into this trap – hopefully your bridal party can help out – as that’s what ther job is!

Food

Seating arrangements

Perhaps one of the hardest part of planning a wedding is sorting out where everyone is sitting at your reception. It’s one of those common wedding planning mistakes that can really cause people to get upset if they are sitting next to someone they despise, or something. One big problem people overlook is placing all the single guests on a ‘singles table’. Having everyone single at a table together is rather uncomfortable for them, so try to mix them about on other tables, hopefully with guests who share a common interest.

Guests having fun

Sort out your clothes in the days prior

Another one I’m guilty of. To all the men and grooms to be out there, get out your shirts and wear/iron them at least once in the days leading up to your wedding! Shirts come with an ugly crease through them brad new and need to be ironed! Brides out there, pick out some comfy undies, preferably white so that they can’t be seen through your dress! I can’t count how many times I’ve had to awkwardly point out that your black panties can be seen in your photos. It’s one of those small common wedding planning mistakes you don’t often think about.

If you’ve sorted out what you’re wearing you hang it up and not think about it until the day right? Ladies put on your dress as often as possible too, make sure it’s comfortable. If you’re wearing high heels and planning on having photos done at the beach or in a forest, perhaps pack a change of shoes too.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Perhaps the most important thing of all, don’t let small issues dominate your thoughts. Remember what the point of the day is – to get legally married. Things are bound to go wrong, that’s life, but don’t let it phase you. Just be thankful you don’t have to contend with a cyclone, or fires on your wedding day. Enjoy yourself!

Same goes for wedding traditions. If they don’t mean anything to you, dont think they will magically ruin your life just because you don’t follow something! Then again if it is important to you to have the perfect wedding – by all means plan for it – don’t expect everything to just ‘happen’. Worrying too much about stuff like this is how so many couples can lose sight of the end result and caught up in the small stuff.

Willunga Peacock Farm Wedding photography

5 Wedding Myths You Should Not Believe

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  • Engagement ring

 

Wedding Myths that you should try to ignore

You’re probably planning your wedding by now and maybe feeling a bit panic-y about everything. Breathe and relax. That’s okay. What’s not okay is believing in these wedding myths our culture imposes on brides and grooms. They are not helpful nor encouraging, that’s why I figured I’d write about them in this article

To help you relax, we’ve compiled a list of wedding myths and help you understand why you should not really worry about them

You Should Not Believe These 5 Wedding Myths

Myth 1: To save more, try DIY – FALSE!

DIY crafts are indeed a good way to add a personal touch to your wedding, and might seem on the surface as a way to cut down on your budget. However, while you think you can save costs from buying all the materials yourself, know that in doing this, you also have to factor in the skill, time, and other back-up supplies in the sums.

Sometimes, hiring someone else to create your invitation for you can cost you less than the total expense from creating it yourself. You’ll even get quality output in a shorter time. Unless you have people willing to help you out, DIY is usually not the most budget-friendly option.

Invite

Myth 2: Stay true to the traditional format of weddings – NOT A MUST!

Just because everyone else runs their wedding day to a similar schedule, doens’t mean you have to! usually the wedding ceremony is first followed by the grand wedding reception at a grand hotel. Why not have a breakfast wedding if you really wanted to? No one will get mad if you don’t follow any of these “rules”; in fact it’d probably be a point of conversation for years to come!

Remember that your wedding is your once-in-a-lifetime union as a married couple. You can tweak the itinerary and celebration by how you want to experience and remember it. Nuts to anyone else!

Make the celebration as close to both your personalities as you want. If you want a simple brunch in the backyard after the ceremony or dinner for just the two of you, there’s no problem! Follow what your heart’s desires.

Bride holding a wedding sword

Myth 3: Not inviting some friends can cost your friendship – FALSE

One of the biggest challenges an engaged couple encounter during wedding preparation is determining who makes it to the guest list. Unless you have unlimited money, your guest list will definitely have a limit.

Stop thinking that it is a test of friendship. Real friends will understand and be happy for you no matter what. Stick to your budget and choose only the special people whom you want to witness your union.

Talking guests at sundown

Myth 4: Wedding planning is a full-time job – NOT REALLY

Wedding planning will require effort, yes, but it doesn’t need to be that stressful. If you work on the requirements, decide, and book everything ahead of time, you’ll have fewer headaches.

Whether you hire a wedding planner or do things on your own, the planning can be manageable as long as you focus your energy on things that are important. The last two weeks before the wedding can be super busy, but early preparations can help you handle the situation well. I’ve even put together a number of blogs to make it easier for you to plan a wedding.

Guests having fun

Myth 5: Your wedding day will be the best day of your life – YES AND NO

Yes, wedding days are indeed memorable, especially when you are surrounded by your loved ones. When you look back at your wedding photos, you’ll remember how you were able to gather and celebrate with all the important people in your life.

Is it the best? It is unforgettable, but there are many more days ahead of you and your life partner. You can create more memories and create more best days of your life, so don’t put too much pressure on the day. In fact often it’s the case that a bridal couple just want it to be over a done with 😛

Just enjoy it and make good memories to reminisce.

Bride and groom through the window

Being aware of wedding myths is important because it helps you focus on things that truly matter. More importantly, knowing that these wedding myths aren’t necessarily true can help you move forward with your wedding planning with less stress. Remember that your wedding is yours. Plan it like how you want it to be remembered.

4 Questions to Ask During Last-Minute Wedding Planning

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  • Grooms watch on ties

 

Last-Minute Wedding Planning

Let’s face it: love can be a whirlwind experience. One day, you may just go out on a date, then tomorrow you find yourself walking down the aisle because your heart is ready to say “I do”. Because of this, you are forced to go through last-minute wedding planning, which can easily be pulled off if you know what you need and find the right people to help you.

To get started, consider the following questions you and your soon-to-be spouse should ask yourselves:

4 Questions to Ask During Last-Minute Wedding Planning

  • Do you have the necessary itinerary for your friends and family for your wedding? 

If you plan to do a destination wedding, which means holding a wedding in a beautiful location of your choosing, you have to ensure that everyone you care about is there to watch you get married, like your friends and family. While it may be fun to think everyone is available, that is always not the case. particularly with travel restrictions due to COVID.

Since time is of the essence here, you first need to check who can make it to your big day, include them in your group travel plans, have the necessary accommodations ready, and coordinate with them about the fine details. This part of wedding planning can be the most exciting yet tedious, so ensure you get the help you need from either your partner or a planner. 

It’s been a common occurrence – particularly in the past year for couples to have a tiny ceremony, and perhaps plan for a family celebration later

Santorini Couple Shoot

  • What do you want to eat during your reception? 

The reception is what your guests would look forward to the most on your day, since you and your guests get to mingle and meet your partner. You do have to take note of the activities, like who will perform or give their speech, but the highlight of the reception will always be the food. It’s a way to entertain your guests and showcase your tastes as a couple by selecting the menu options you want. 

Eating the food

  • Have you bought the rings yet? 

As surprising as it might be, many people overlook the need to purchase rings when last-minute wedding planning! It’s just something that is taken for granted and as it doesn’t effect anyone but yourselves, is something people forget.

The rings are a reflection of your tender bond as a married couple, so it’s not something that you should ever forget to shop for when you are planning your big day at the last minute. Luckily, you can always purchase them online and find favourable options within your budget. You don’t necessarily have to go for luxury-looking pieces; it really boils down to your preferences as a couple. 

Wedding rings on tie 2

  • Did you hire a wedding photographer and plan your photo ops already? 

Ok, as a wedding photographer this may be a little biased, but your photos are the only thing you will have to document this whirlwind portion of your life after the big moment!

The best way to do so and document every lovely moment is to hire a wedding photographer right away! Also, you may want to set up your photo ops, like the creative shot or group shot, which are the quintessential wedding photos to have. These pictures can serve as gifts for your guests while reminding them of your special day and how they were a huge part of it! 

The fun thing about last-minute wedding planning is that you may have to plan for a smaller wedding – which means you can have all the time in the world to travel to some funky spot for your photos. this cannot always be done on a typical wedding day.

bride and groom in the water

Wedding planning traditionally takes months or even years to accomplish, but who’s to say you can’t say do so in a few days? After all, if your heart is in the right place and you have your life partner by your side, who else is there to stop you? Thus, ensure you start now, consider the following questions mentioned above, and tick off “find a wedding photographer” from your list because we’ve got you covered!

Sven Studios can provide you with the best wedding photography Adelaide has to offer, allowing you, your partner, and your guests to have picture-perfect moments worth revisiting. Our team of professional photographers can take you through different creative shots and produce high-resolution wedding photos. Download our price list and determine which option fits best for your big day! 

20 Common Things Couples Forget During Wedding Planning

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Bride and groom in the Sunnybrae wedding reception area

Things Couples Forget During Wedding Planning

Your wedding is the biggest day of your life. It has to be fun and memorable. However, planning a wedding is hard work that can be tiring and overwhelming. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail;” that’s a famous saying that has lasted for generations because it is true. You need a good wedding plan to ensure your wedding is indeed a blast.

Regardless of how great you are at organising things, there are still some details that you can forget. They are sometimes so small that even the best couples forget about them. We want your wedding to be beautiful and classy, which is why we’ve helped you put together this list of common things couples forget during wedding planning.

First dance at Krystal Function Center wedding reception

20 Common Things Couples Forget During Wedding Planning

Do you want your wedding to be perfect? Take note of these details.

1. Have a Contact Booklet

You must have a separate booklet to document any vendor’s contacts, including your maid of honour, mother-in-law, or anyone you would want to contact in case of emergency. Having your phone switched off can cause panic if you do not have a backup.

2. Decoration Restrictions

Research your wedding venue to avoid embarrassment where there would be restrictions on using candles, red carpet, or decorating on the walls. Confirm if there are no restrictions placed on the venue you will be using.

National wine center wedding Exit under sparklers

3. Have an Emergency Kit

Have a kit that contains your spare makeup, safety pins, plaster, and anything you think you could need on your big day. Give it to someone who is easily accessible and organised.

4. Backup Shoes

It does not matter if you bought expensive shoes for your big day or if you’ve tried it many times. You need comfortable shoes you can quickly wear to relax your feet and avoid discomfort.

Wedding shoes lined up

5. Have Extra Cash

Make sure you have extra cash at your disposal to make orders in case of an emergency. This way, you can avoid being stranded at the venue, especially when you want to make quick payments.

6. Assign Your Phone To Someone

Keep your phone away on your big day; it is a lifesaving hack. It will cause distractions; instead, assign your phone to someone you trust to capture the moments. You need not worry because it’s likely that all the people you text will be around.

7. Have Breakfast

It is normal to not have an appetite on your big day but make sure you have breakfast on the morning of your wedding. When you eat breakfast, it gives you strength throughout the day and keeps you active.

Of all the things to forget during wedding planning, keep this one at the forefront of your mind – make time to actually eat well on your big day!

8. Transportation

Consider your guests when you’re planning the transportation to and from your venue. If you are arranging their transport or a place to stay before or after the wedding, inform them so they can plan accordingly.

bride and groom with bridal party and cars

9. Gifts

If there are gifts to give to your guests, make sure it is ready a day before the wedding so that you would not end up forgetting to give them out. You want your guests to leave your venue satisfied and happy with the gift you offer them.

10. Have a Playlist

It is essential to have a playlist so that your band will know what you like. Also, it’s crucial to have a ‘do not play list’ to avoid embarrassing situations.

11. Pack an Extra Outfit

The bride needs an extra outfit that is easy to pull over her head after getting her makeup done. This would save her from smearing her clothes with makeup or messing up her hair.

12. Carry Your Bridesmaid Along

You need to inform your bridesmaid of all your arrangements and ensure the person can handle any situation where you need to reapply your makeup or adjust your dress.

13. Have a Backup Budget

Having a backup budget especially for an emergency will save you a lot of stress. You should have a budget for a contingency plan to handle unexpected situations.

14. Plan For The Weather

Do not depend on the weather forecast, also plan for unfavorable weather conditions because the weather can change anytime. It would be bad for your guests to be soaked on your wedding day, it will surely dampen the mood of things.

Lightning

15. Inform Your Suppliers If There Will Be Overtime

You need to inform your suppliers if they will work overtime. It may not work out if you tell them on the wedding day. It could be so bad that you might end up not having a band for the last hour. You would have to negotiate with them to avoid being stranded.

16. Designate Someone To Be In Charge Of Your Gifts and Personal Items

You can put anyone who you trust in charge of your gifts and packages. The person will ensure that nothing is missing and that all the items are properly organised.

17. Food

Make sure you consider your guests when planning the food. Some guests have diabetes and would be careful about what to eat. Try to provide different options they can explore without putting their health at risk.

18. Feed Your Suppliers

Do not forget to feed your suppliers, they are part of your guests and you must treat them well. Without these people, your wedding would only be a disaster. Giving them food would keep them motivated and productive throughout your big day. This tip works like magic!

Mollydooker wines food

19. Practice Your Vows

Practice your vows by writing and speaking them out. Try to get comfortable with the details of your speech so your delivery can be smooth. You can also assign someone to give a vote of thanks after the wedding or just handle it by yourself. Whatever happens, don’t forget to thank your guests.

20. Arrange Your Chairs and Tables

Label your table and seats appropriately so your friends and relatives would know where to sit. It helps to keep your reception organised.

 

Of course this isnt an exhaustive list of things to forget when wedding planning, but should help free you from many unexpected incidents. If you are overwhelmed with the planning, you can always get a professional assistant. Make sure to keep a smile on your face throughout the day; it will keep your day bright and fun.

 

 

 

 

15 Essential Wedding Photos to Take During Your Celebration

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  • Bride and groom walking through long grass at Inglewood Inn

 

Essential Wedding Photos to Take During Your Celebration

Every spouse-to-be knows that wedding photos are one of the most crucial parts of the ceremony, as it captures the magic of the event and memorialises it forever.

To make sure you have a wedding album full of stunning shots and beautifully captured candid moments, it might help to have a list of must-have essential wedding photos in your mind to talk about with your wedding photographer.

To do this, look for a wedding photographer that is excited to discuss your ideas. You can then consult with them on the wedding shots that other couples ask them to do, giving you more concepts to consider. Together, you can put a list of your must-have wedding photos, ensuring they record each memorable minute and allow you to relive your special day several years later.

15 Essential Wedding Photos

Here are fifteen essential wedding photos to take during your celebration:

  • The Invitations

The first few wedding photos that many don’t think of are shots of your invitation suite. Most photographers will shoot them on the day of the wedding, think of this shot as something that won’t necessarily be hung on the wall, but more to remember something you agonised over for hours prior to your day.

It’s best to talk to your photographer about what you want out of this moment and if you want extra details, like flowers and other decorations, to be included in the photo.

Wedding invites based on uno
Wedding invite
Invite

  • The Getting Ready Montage

One of the most memorable wedding photos involves the getting ready moments, such as when the bride (and even groom) have their hair and makeup done. If you have an elaborate hairpiece, you’ll want to have a few photos of it. Include a shot of your maid of honour zipping you up in your dress, a picture of your wedding shoes, and other aspects you want to be immortalised in your wedding album.

Concentrating on makeup
Putting on makeup in front of window
Putting on Makeup in car at SC Pannell Winery
Putting makeup on

  • The Accessories

Traditional weddings involve the bride wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue. It’s a great idea to take photos of these, given the careful consideration you put into choosing the perfect items for your special day.

Bridal affects laid out on tabletop
Bridal Affects
Bridal affects
Bridal affects

  • The Veil

Many brides place significant importance on the veil, especially if they’ve chosen one with a complex, intricate design. Don’t be afraid of showing off your veil and have your wedding photographer take pictures from multiple angles to capture its beauty in full!

Bride with veil
Bridal veil in front of camera
Helping with the veil
Bride and bridesmaids having fun under veil on bed

  • The Individual Portraits

Who can forget the individual portraits? Weddings are usually when brides shine the brightest, so it’s crucial to take a few styled pictures. Grooms can also pose for some stunning photos to show off their sleek suit. These are the essential wedding photos everyone expects from their wedding photographer.

Groom waiting for bride
Excited groom
Bride looking pretty in front of big window
Bride holding bouquet

  • The Bridal Bouquet

Wedding bouquets are often made of stunning arrangements of flowers that deserve to have their own photoshoot. Be sure to take some photos of yourself holding your beautiful bouquet and allow your photographer to stage the shoot by having it in different locations that highlight the breathtaking colours of your blooms.

Closeup of bouquets in hands
Engagement ring in red bouquet
Bridal bouquet
Close up of bouquet on ground

  • The Bridal Party

Your bridal party plays a vital role in the success of your wedding, so they deserve gorgeous photos, too! These photos are also some of the most natural, candid, and joyous since there are many laughs involved. You’ll hold these photos close to your heart since it commemorates a special moment between you and your best mates.

Bridal party talking to one another
Bridal party on Grange Jetty
Jumping bridal party

  • The First Look

Some couples prefer waiting until the actual ceremony for the first look, while others don’t mind having it before walking down the aisle. Whatever you choose, be sure to communicate this to your wedding photographer, so they know where and when to position themselves. Capturing your spouse’s reaction on film when they first see you in your wedding garb will be something to cherish forever. 

Grooms first look at bride at Ingle wood inn wedding
grooms first look at beginning of ceremony
grooms first look at the National Wine Center
nervous groom waiting for first look

  • The Candid Moments

Nothing can beat the candid moments that are abundant in a wedding. Your photographer will always be on the lookout for these precious instances of unabashed laughter and broad smiles, but it will help to talk to them about it, as it’s easy to get lost in the beauty and magic of your wedding right at the moment.

Close up of bride and groom laughing 2
Laughing groom
Laughing bride as she’s carried
laughing groom during ceremony 2

  • The Dress

Don’t forget to take a photo of the dress before it gets put on! The dress is a symbol of the entire day and is bound to get a bit messy by the end of thit. It’s nice to get a shot of it in pristine condition.

Wedding dress hanging above bridal party
Bride walking towards her wedding dress
Hanging wedding dress in shed
Hanging Thorngrove Manor wedding dress

  • The Wedding Ceremony Site

Talk to your photographer about getting a few choice shots of the venue of your wedding. That way, you can capture the magic of the day and easily relive the moment you walked down the aisle to marry the most special person in the world to you. 

The Watershed Wedding Setup
Wedding setup
Wedding Ceremony setup

  • The Walk Down the Aisle

Another essential wedding photo to take is your actual walk down the aisle on the arm of your mother, father, both, or another person who played a massive role in raising you. This moment is another memory you’ll want to keep close to you forever.

Bride and parents approaching ceremony
Bride and father approaching ceremony
bride and father approaching the ceremony
bride approaches in front of Seagrass long Point

  • The First Kiss

What moment is more magical in your wedding than the first kiss? The vow exchange is when you officially become spouses, but nothing is as electric as when you first kiss each other. Be sure to talk to the officiant beforehand, so they know to step out of the shot for this unforgettable moment.

First kiss at ingle wood inn wedding
First kiss at Partridge House wedding ceremony
First kiss on Pennington Bay
First kiss

  • The First Dance

Your first dance with your newly minted life partner is easily one of the most common essential wedding photos you’d expect from your wedding, so it’s easy to feel nervous about your dance moves and how you look on camera. With your favourite song on, you’ll have an easier time relaxing, allowing the photographer to take pictures of all the fun you’re having with your spouse!

First dance at Ingle wood Inn wedding
First dance at JDF reception cernter
first dance in blue smoke
National Wine Center Wedding Photography

  • Exit

There’s no better opportunity to go out with a bang than by exiting the venue, especially when you have a creative setup, like confetti or sparklers. Make sure to talk to your photographer about capturing this to ensure they get amazing shots. You can also stage the moment if your reception will last well into the evening, making sure the photographer takes stunning photos before everyone starts retiring for the night.

National wine center wedding Exit under sparklers
Bride and groom exiting Sunnybrea wedding
Exit

 

Your wedding will be full of unforgettable moments that you’ll want to capture forever. However, in the flurry of activity, it can be easy to forget this when you’re overcome with the joy, support, and magic of your special day. By discussing these essential wedding photos with your wedding photographer, you can focus on enjoying your wedding without worrying about recording it!

SvenStudios is an award-winning wedding photographer in Adelaide who has captured the most beautiful wedding days since 2011. Whether you need cute engagement photos, a couple photoshoot, or an innovative cinematic wedding photographer, we can do it all for you. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!