First things first, congratulations on your engagement! I know there are so many things you have to think about, so today is all about the booking process. Your wedding day is going to be one of the most magical days of your life, guaranteed! But the journey to “I do” can be overwhelming! You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize the last piece of a puzzle is missing from the box? When you were so close to seeing the full picture, but now, something vital is missing? From the moment I join your wedding vendor team, I’m driven to ensure you never, ever feel that way when you look at your gallery of images! By intentionally exploring the full possibility on your wedding day, I am able to document every piece of the puzzle.
Book Your Photographer Early
As you start to look for vendors, find a photographer will be early on. A photographer is one of the first vendors new brides look for two reasons! First, you will do your engagement photos around 3-6 months after your engagement, so it’s important to find your photographer sooner rather than later. Engagement sessions are not just a great way to get pictures, but it also lets us really connect, so you can see our style and get comfortable in front of the camera!
Second, wedding photographers tend to book up quickly especially during peak wedding season. So I’m here to tell you that if you’re feeling incredibly anxious about planning a whole wedding, finding the perfect wedding vendors, and everything else planning a wedding throws at you – I’m here to help any way I can, and not just by taking the pretty pictures! I can help you plan a wedding day timeline, or refer fellow vendors for all of your wedding needs. From catering to hair and makeup to bridal shops, I have a ton of recommendations!
Discover My Pricing
After you have had time to explore my wedding website, you can find my pricing under the “services” tab. If you fall in love with my style and I am within budget, *happy dance* the next thing you’d do would be to send me an email via the contact page! You can expect a reply from me within 24-48 hours (if it is over the weekend, please give me some grace!).
Say Hello
Once you reach out, I’ll respond and get our conversation started! In that email, depending on how much info I am given on the initial contact form, I may ask you more about your wedding, *hopefully* tell you I am available for your wedding date, send a more detailed list of my wedding services and explain how the payment and contract process will work upon booking. It’s THAT easy. The management software I use to send your contract and invoice allows you to do everything from your phone or computer! My job is to make the booking and inquiry process as easy as possible. And I’m here to answer any questions that you have!
Book and Plan Your Engagement Session
Once you book, it’s time to plan your engagement session! I’ll help you choose the perfect location, and send you some tips for a stress-free session. I’ll also help you wardrobe plan! The engagement session allows for up to two outfits. I always suggest my couples start with their dressy option. (maybe renting a dress from Rent The Runway and a suit for your guy) and then a more casual option (something that will look nice in photos, but something that’s also a little more you). I’m able to send outfit inspiration as well. Plus, I have a blog post all on tips to prepare for your session, which you can read about here!
Enjoy The Engagement Gallery
Your engagement gallery will be delivered the same way your wedding photos will be, via an online gallery. You can expect to have a sneak peak of your photos within 24hrs of our session and the full gallery soon to follow! And yes, you can definitely use these photos for your Save The Dates! (Send me one, too!)
After your engagement session, we may not have much contact until closer to the wedding unless you need some help with vendor recommendations. I have a list of vendors that I love to work with and I am always ready to share those names as you go through the planning process.
Wedding Day Details
As we get closer to your wedding date, I will send you a rather lengthy questionnaire. It may take you a little time to fill out but the more info we have upfront, the more prepared everyone will be on the wedding day. This is the questionnaire that helps me come up with our photography timeline for your wedding day. I will ask questions regarding what time hair and makeup starts, exact GPS addresses to the ceremony and reception, vendor information, and a really important one: your family formal list. This is one thing couples may not think about before the wedding.
After your ceremony is done, we will go straight into family formals. These are the photos of the bride and groom with parents, grandparents, and so on. It is crucial that we get names and relations of these people as my associate photographer will be calling their names from a list so we can knock these photos out FAST! (It’s all explained in the questionnaire). It’s also very important that you tell every person on that list that they must find you after your ceremony for photos. Your wedding day goes by so quickly, so we want to make sure we get all the pictures captured quickly so you can go celebrate.
With all the information from the questionnaire, I’ve come up with a really descriptive timeline for us. Everyone will be on the same page and it really helps make the day run seamlessly. After dancing our hearts out and as your wedding day comes to a close, We hug and say our goodbyes and wish you a safe and fun honeymoon!
Pop The Champagne and See Your Wedding Pictures!
Now what? When can you see pictures?? Believe me, I am just as excited as you are about your wedding photos. You will get sneak peaks within 24-48 hours of your wedding day! I will also make a social media post sharing your photos! If you aren’t already, make sure to LIKE and follow my Facebook page, here! That way when you see the post, you can easily share. You can even tag your family and friends so they can see as well! All of your guests are so excited to see the photos and I LOVE seeing all the comments pour in about how perfect your day was.
And then, about a month after your wedding you’re going to receive an email from me. Once you go through your photos once, twice, or even 20 times – I always love receiving an email back stating that you in fact did get your photos! I would absolutely be honored if you and/or any of your family members would be willing to write a review on my Facebook business page or on my google business for Andrea Cooper Photography.
Your words would be so greatly appreciated because it allows others in the future to know more about me and how you liked my services!
Let’s Work Together!
If you are a new bride, I hope you found this blog post helpful! I take pride in being an open book. Having laid all of this information out for you, I hope that you read it and connect with me about capturing your wedding day. Together, let’s ensure the best day of your life is one you’ll never, ever forget. And if you are ready to chat, reach out today! I would love to talk more about your perfect day and our booking process.
