WEDDING NOTES™ - Photos are Forever

I remember a group of brides being interviewed at a huge Bridal Fashion show event that I worked.  The interviewer obviously guided the questions and made sure that all brides got a chance to speak.  But I've never forgotten the answer they gave to the interviewer's question - "If there was a fire in your house or apartment, what would be one of the most important things you could save?" Many said their spouse and/or a beloved pet, but a significant number of them said "Our Wedding Pictures".

This reinforces the view that photographs are forever and that long after the ceremony and reception, you have memories AND you have your wedding photos.  That makes choosing the best you can afford an important piece of your planning.  It is critical that you  select your photographer and videographer with great care.   You need to look at their work and talk with them about how they plan to shoot your ceremony.  Get referrals.  Wedding photos are a highly personal look at the beginning of your new lives together so it is essential that you feel comfortable with your photographer.  Make sure that your officiant is comfortable with the photographer's plan.  If he/she has any restrictions be sure you know what they are well before the actual day .

 Be plain about what kind of photos you want, and provide the photographer with a list of "must have" people to include.  Offer to provide an assistant who will work with guests to make sure that those people on your must list are available when the photographer is ready to shoot their photos.  The person who managed your guest book might be an ideal choice for this job - or someone from the groom's family who can round up the "must haves" on the groom's photo list.

Other photo options are available:

You may want to have a video playing during the reception which captures the "essence" of the couple themselves.  A collage of family photos and a record of the courtship transferred to a video tape or disc along with the music that matters to the couple could be playing early in the reception.  Some couples record a video message to their guests that can play during cocktails or early in the reception.  Maybe the videographer could also tape interviews with guests that could be included in the final product he/she provides.

Because the photographic record of your special day is so important pay serious attention to every aspect of this segment.  Hire the best you can afford because after the food is gone, the flowers have dried up and daily life goes on, this photographic record of this wonderful event will be with you.  May you never have to rush into a burning building to save them.