wedding couple standing in front of a white barn and silo in Tiffiin, Ohio

Planning your wedding with the one you love is so thrilling and exciting! There’s a good chance you’ve been already thinking about this day long before you found your soulmate. Even though it’s a lot of fun hiring vendors and deciding the delicate details, it can be overwhelming. It’s no different when choosing your wedding photographer because there are so many choices and options. Therefore, I want to make sure that future couples remember a few things when looking for the perfect person to capture their entire day. After shooting over fifty weddings and serving so many couples, I’ve learned some valuable tips and advice to pass along to engaged couples. I’ve put together a list of the top 5 things to look for in your wedding photographer.

Learn About Your Photographer!

Wedding photographers can be expensive depending on your budget, but remember WHO is BEHIND the camera. It takes experience, passion and an “eye for it” to make your wedding day come to life. Choosing someone who is just starting out, who hasn’t shot a wedding, may not be the best choice. Yes, photographers all start somewhere, but the education and knowledge it takes to be a professional wedding photographer is important to keep in mind.

floral bouquet sitting on top of a white mat and pink ribbon next to sandals and ring box

Research Someone’s Style and Portfolio

Search for a wedding photographer based on their color and style. This may surprise people, but if you don’t like their “style” or they edit their photos – you will regret your wedding portraits. Be sure to look through their wedding photography work (or portfolio) on their website and ask to see a full wedding gallery or two before you book.

bride and groom's two dogs at wedding ceremony at Arlington Acres

Your Personalities Have to Match Up!

You need to LIKE your wedding photographer! That seems so simple, right?! I’m going to tell you, not every wedding photographer has the same personality. You need someone that is not afraid to be bossy, but professional, but also friendly; someone that isn’t afraid to tell “Uncle Bob” to take off his hat for family portraits and one who knows that it’s very likely that a wedding day timeline MAY go out of order or even run behind. However, your wedding photographer will know how to handle the busy day under stress and make sure everything runs smoothly.

dad walking the bride down the aisle at Tiffin Ohio wedding venue

A Wedding Photographer is There to Serve You

A wedding photographer will be someone who is there to SERVE YOU first hand. When I was in college, I had an eye opening experience that NOT EVERYONE has leadership like I do. When it comes to weddings, I make sure YOU are taken care of your entire day. From the minute you inquire about my services to holding your dress as we’re walking to your first look with your forever love, I’m there to serve you in any way I can! This day only comes once and it goes by fast, so I will do my very best as a professional photographer and your friend to make your wedding beautiful!

You can have the absolute best portraits from your special day by following these top 5 things to look for in your wedding photographer!

Amanda and Austin had a gorgeous wedding day at Arlington Acres in Tiffin, Ohio! I absolutely love shooting at this venue because of the beautiful and spacious outdoor grounds for the ceremony and portraits and the indoor layout for receptions. Their wedding was outside next to the corn field with the reception and dancing taking place under the tented area and on the patio.

This sweet couple met when Austin was actually dating Amanda’s friend at the time. Amanda and Austin knew each other in high school and later found their way back to each other three years after they graduated. They both enjoy traveling and doing fun activities with their daughter Callie. She was so precious at the wedding!

They had so many fun elements and details during their wedding day! Austin had a funny fake first look when one of his groomsmen wore a wedding dress and surprised him outside LOL. Amanda had a special first look with the groomsmen by bringing out two cases of beer and they all had a drink together. During cocktail hour, wedding guests were able to grab a special crudité bouquet from a faux hedge wall. Austin and Amanda shared their special first dance with their three year old daughter Callie. Everyone enjoyed the remainder of the evening dancing outside!

Congratulations Amanda and Austin on your gorgeous wedding at Arlington Acres! My wedding schedule is getting very busy already for 2024! Please send me a message if you need a wedding photographer for next year!

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Arlington Acres

Wedding Dress: Belle Amour

Day of Coordination: JK Coordinating Service

DJ: DJ J-rock

Cake: CoCo Beans

Caterer: City BBQ

Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Decorations: Party Dreams Toledo

Hair: Gabby Houghtlen at ‘a la Chic Salon

Make Up: Bella by Hilton

Grazing Table: For the Love of Grazing LLC