Image courtesy of Randy Ahart/Photo Pink NYC
A sense of relief begins to set in once you’ve booked your venue and set the stage for your big day.
Michael and I felt extremely accomplished once this task was completed, almost as if we finished
a marathon. (Dramatic, I know, but visiting 13 venues takes a toll on you…). A few weeks later, we
consulted our trusty budget and decided on the vendor to book next. Photographer and videographer
made the most sense to us since we were relying on these individuals to document one of, if not THE most important day of our lives.
I immediately started asking friends and family for referrals. I eagerly visited recommended
photographers’ websites, only to be disappointed by the ultra-posed photos (not my cup of tea) and
astronomical price tag ($10,000+ for eight hours of work?!). Needless to say, I was discouraged. That was until the Wedding Bee led us to the website of the photographer of our dreams. (Again, dramatic, but I wasn’t sure if one of my sisters would be stepping in as photographer for the day).
Image courtesy of Photo Pink NYC
Photo Pink NYC, based in Brooklyn, is a group of extremely talented photographers who “Combine documentary style wedding photojournalism with an editorial fashion edge, making stylish, beautiful, and memorable images." (It was written so beautifully on their website, I couldn’t resist lifting that right off of there). I e-mailed the company and moments later received a very timely and friendly message containing pricing, which led Michael and I to schedule a visit with the photographer we selected (Shout out to Randy!). Upon meeting Randy, it was evident to us that he was a true professional who was as legitimately excited for our wedding day as we were. I knew right away that we were in excellent hands and we booked then and there. Photo Pink then referred us to the highly gifted videographer, Leslie, of Kiss the Bride Films. Again, we experienced the same professionalism and enthusiasm and booked right away.
BG Brides, curious to know how to tell if you’ve found the right photographer or videographer for your wedding? Check out my tips below to make sure you’re in good hands…
Image courtesy of Liesl Henrichsen/Photo Pink NYC
1. Personality and Attitude: It’s super important that your personalities mesh with your
photographer’s since you will be spending anywhere from eight to ten hours with this person on
your wedding day. Look for an individual who is open minded, excited to hear your suggestions
and ideas, and, most importantly, thrilled to be a part of your wedding day!
2. Portfolio: Your photog or videographer will have a portfolio available for you to review. Take note as to whether there is a variety of images or if you are looking at the same pose over and over again. You want your photographs to be just as unique as you and your fiancé. Here's an insider tip: A good sign that you love your photographer’s or videographer’s work is if you find yourself wishing that you were the couple pictured in the film.
3. Sample Album: Ask for completed wedding albums and/or videos so you can see the finished
product. It is important that you know exactly what you are paying for prior to signing a
contract.
4. Insurance: Most venues require that all vendors entering the reception hall have some form of
insurance. Be sure to ask your photographer or videographer if they are insured so you don’t
run into issues later on.
5. Reviews: Always search for vendor reviews online to guarantee that they are as reputable as
they appear to be!
Image courtesy of Konrad Brattke/Photo Pink NYC
Crista asks: What resources have you relied on to find your wedding vendors?
P.S. Like what you see from Photo Pink and Kiss the Bride Films? Feel free to contact them at
P.P.S. Check out Kiss the Bride Films’ Vimeo Page. I kill some serious hours on there!
— Crista Camerlengo
All images courtesy of Photo Pink NYC.
Crista Camerlengo is a real bride and the co-founder of Style She Wrote, who will tie the knot in July 2012 with Michael, her fiancé of six years. This chic NYC couple describes their wedding style as “modern romance"—fitting for a pair who had their first date at a quaint seaport and became engaged in the same spot, overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. This fashion-forward blogger loves to infuse her traditional taste with unexpected contemporary accents.
