So, you've got engaged! Whoo hoo! You've booked your date and your venue, so probably the next thing you need to do is secure your wedding photographer (as we are often booked up or taking bookings around a year in advance)
Maybe you have a particular photographer in mind already, you love their style, you enquire and they are available so BOOM! your photographer is sorted and booked. Or, maybe you have never researched wedding photographers or have never given it any thought and don't know where to start, so, if this is you, here's what to do next.
We are all a bit different and all have our own styles, so it's really important to take your time to check out a few and get a feel for the kind of photography you would like on your day. Google local wedding photographers, take a look at wedding venue Instagram accounts, they will always credit the photographer who took the images, ask friends if they recommend any, and find out which photographers are recommended by your venue (you will usually find these under suppliers on your venue's website)
Once you have a few in mind, visit their websites and social media accounts, have a good look through their portfolio to get an idea of the type of images they create, you will just get a feeling about one or two who just feel right for you. Do check that their images are form real weddings (all of mine are) and not styled shoots which use models and are taken with plenty of time to get the correctly posed shots. Don't just leap to the price and skip past them if they are over your budget, maybe if the photographer you love is a little too expensive for your pocket you can look at ways to save a bit here and there on some of the other parts of your day, or talk to them about ways they can shoot without the larger price tag - for example you may be able to book them for reduced hours of coverage - after all the photographs will last forever and so they are definitely worth investing in.
Finally, get in touch with those photographers you have selected, either through their website contact form, or give them a call or arrange a video chat so that you can get a good idea of what to expect from them. I am always very happy to arrange a call or chat to talk about how I work and to discuss the plans for your day as I think it's really important for couples and myself that we feel a connection and that my couples are clear about the process and what to expect from me. I do this job because I love weddings and so naturally I absolutely love hearing from potential new couples and hearing about their plans and answering any questions they may have.
So get researching, enjoy the process and I hope I get to hear from you one day soon,
love Cat XOXO
all images by Catherine Regan Photography