Photographs by Margaret A. Lemke
The number of engagement rings purchased and girlsfriends who say "yes" is at a high...now you are no longer a girlfriend but a...FIANCEE'. Wow! Your family and friends are thrilled, mom and dad love him almost as much as you do. If you think you're the only one who's been dreaming of your fairy tale wedding...think again. Mom may have dreamt of the day when you wear her wedding gown, or having a couture dress designed just for her special girl.
Now that you've spread the word, what's next? While many brides and grooms plan the entire event themselves, a large percentage opt to use the services of a wedding planner. A wedding planner not only sees to every detail to perfection, but can also recommend your other vendors by establishing personal relationships with them. Your planner will know who has the best reputation and will provide the best service to you to make sure your day is as memorable to family and guests as it will be to you.
As a wedding photographer who has been in business for several years, I've photographed weddings with and without planners. How can I tell the difference? For one thing, many of the weddings I have photographed have been pleasant, organized, on time, perfect details, a relaxed bride...guess which ones those were? Sometimes as the photographers, my staff and I have taken on the role of organizer, running errands, finding church staff, dictating when things will happen at the reception, chasing down last minute items for a ceremony that is 20 minutes late...guess which ones those are? While many brides are fully capable of doing all of it themselves, why would you want to? Your wedding day should be stress free, a day to be pampered and lavished with special attention.
Your assignment, brides and grooms, is to decide which way to go for your wedding day...do it yourself or be pampered and relaxed knowing that everything will be taken care of.
Next stop on the engagement train...budget time. Will it be a quaint country wedding or a lavish affair at mom and dad's club?
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Ready to consult with a wedding photographer? Give me a call at 404-384-7722.
