I get asked these questions all the time so here is a breakdown of frequently asked questions.

1) My venue is dark.  Is this going to be an issue?

No.  We are equipped with professional external flashes to compensate for dimly lit venues.  In addition, our cameras and lenses have low light capabilities to be able to photograph in situations where we may not be allowed to use flash, such as during a Catholic ceremony.

2) Do you touch up all the photos?

We will cull the images and select the “best of”.  We’ll include basic touchups such as adjusting for white balance, skin tones and highlights for those selected images that are delivered to you.  Images selected for your album will receive extra touch ups.  If you have a special request such as removing a bridesmaid’s tattoo, that is considered a custom edit and is quoted separately.

3) How many hours do you suggest that we need?

Our average bride usually books for 6 or 8 hours.  If you desire a lot of pre-ceremony photos or if your ceremony and reception are at two different locations we recommend that you book at least 8 hours. After we learn more details about your wedding day we will be able to give you a more specific recommendation on coverage.

4) How many images do we receive? And how long does it take to get them back?

Since every wedding is different, we do not guarantee a set amount of images.  There are several factors that affect the amount of images shot at your wedding including the amount of hours you have contracted us, activities you have scheduled and the number of people in your party.  As a guideline you can expect approx. 55-65 images per hour of service that you contract. If you have two photographers the number increases to approx 100 images per hour of service. My turnaround varies depending on the time of year but I strive to deliver the finished gallery within 6-8 weeks.

5) Can I show you samples of photos that I like?

It is helpful to see samples of images that represent the style you are looking to achieve in your wedding images.  You may e-mail some sample images that you like or send us a link to your Pinterest planning board. We do our best to replicate images in our own style, but do not guarantee specific shots.

6) I have lots of downtime between the ceremony and reception.  Will we be charged for that?

Our hours of service are calculated from when we arrive at your ceremony venue to when we leave the reception. Although the schedule

may appear to have some wedding downtime there may still be activities going on that you will want documented to help tell the complete story of your day.  Oftentimes it’s during the downtime that we are able to catch the most candid moments.  It’s a great time to do group photos as well, or to get a photo with that friend or relative who may have missed the pre-ceremony group photo session.

7) What happens if things run late and we need more time?  We provide a courtesy 10-15 minute grace period just in case things run a little late and you haven’t got to the cake cut, etc… If you know early on that you are going to need additional coverage it’s best to inform us prior to your wedding day.  Any time added on the wedding day is billed at our hourly a la carte pricing, which may be higher than our package rates.  So if you think you may need more hours, it’s better to book them ahead of time. Sometimes your family surprises you with a horse and carriage ride or Bucky and the timeline for the day has to change.

8) What happens if I lose my images?

We keep backup digital files of our images on two servers.  In case of an emergency we can send you a downloadable link.  The first time is complimentary. You will be charged a fee for any additional retrieval requests.  There is a fee for all replacement usb flash drives in addition to any shipping costs.

9) What is your photography style?

I shoot with the perfect mix between documentary and beautiful magazine quality portraits. I watch for real moments during the day, artistic couple’s portraits, fun wedding party groups, family photos, and still-life details (rings, decor, flowers, dresses, and shoes). Mix all these together, and you have a perfect compilation of timeless images to cherish for a lifetime.

10) What happens if there is an emergency on our wedding day and you can’t make it?

I haven’t missed a wedding in the last 17 years. But, if something were to happen, I am part of a large network of photographers in Madison who will step in at a moment’s notice as I would do for them. I also have several associate photographers on speed dial that I work with all the time.

 

 

 

When Genevieve and Alex told me they were going to have a vampire wedding, I burst into flames…

Well, if I was vampire, and depending on whether we are talking about Anne Rice or the twilight sparkly vampires, or maybe I got a special ring from a witch so I can go outside during the day, (Can you tell that I love vampires?). I could have exploded like Vampire Bill before he became all powerful! Sookie!  Luckily, I just got super excited and put on my all black outfit and got ready to take some dark gothic photos of very willing subjects. And, they showed up on film!

The wedding cake was so pretty and so very black. The theme went above and beyond with beautiful deep velvety reds that matched the bride’s blood thirsty lips. The Madison Club was such a perfect venue for this and the bartender smiled while pouring the signature cocktail into glasses with vampire teeth and enough alcohol to make you rise from the dead.

One of my favorite moments of the evening was when the best man talked about how he and Alex watched Twin Peaks at a sleepover when they were young and got completely freaked out. If you know, you know. The owls are not what they seem and my arms bend backwards.

Ok, well, now you have had a peek into some of my freak mode nerdy fandom, here some lovely photos that I took with my wonderful friend and talented second photographer extraordinaire, Heidi Johnson.  Enjoy!

 

Artist Cred: Venue: Madison Club | DJ: Jukebox Bandstand

One of the greatest things about photographing a friend’s wedding is that I get to spend the whole day with them and make sure to get the most personal, intimate, and real photos I can get. Kelly was so wonderful to work with! I loved how every time Brian said something funny to her, she would have this full on, head thrown back laugh that was just contagious. I got my first taste of this during their engagement session in the spring. I had not met Brian yet so had no idea what I was in for. He is one of the funniest and sweetest men I have ever met. We had the best time and when the wedding came around, I knew we were going to have a wonderful day and was ready for it.

Kelly had a vision that was so beautiful and inspiring. First of all, the First Unitarian Society is one of my favorite ceremony venues in Madison. Not only because it is unique and the architecture is beautiful (Hello Frank Lloyd Wright!), but also for what they stand for. All inclusive, non judgmental of any faith,  unbiased and spiritual. During the ceremony Kelly brought in “The Blue Brigade” which was all of their young relatives, and had them each bring her a flower at the beginning of the processional to create her bouquet. It was such a sweet way to include everyone and since there were so many young people, it was only right to have the reception at the Children’s Museum downtown! The design of all the flower arrangements was done by the insanely creative bride and then given out to guests at the end of the night as favors. I even got to take one home and I just love it! It is a centerpiece in my living room right now! It had a very tropic vibe and the cake was amaaazzziiing!

Her look was magazine worthy from her gorgeous dress from Vera’s right down to her sparkly butterfly shoes by Badgley Mischka. As I was taking photos of the rings, I noticed the inscription inside of Brian’s ring that said “Per Aspera, ad astra” and then something else that I couldn’t quite make out. But what I do know, is what Per Aspera, ad astra means: “through hardships to the stars” in Latin! How cool is that???

By the end of the night, I had a chance to sit down with a couple of long time friends and play some pong and enjoy a delicious beer. I just know these two will have an insanely wonderful life together. With all that laughter, how could they not?

I had a hard time narrowing down to just a hundred images for this one. So, you get to see quite a a bit of this wedding. I hope you enjoy!!!

Awesome Vendors Involved:

Ceremony:  First Unitarian Society  //  Officiant: Reverand Kelly Crocker  //  Reception: Madison Children’s Museum – Coordinator: J Belmont  //  Cake:  Trish Figueroa  //  Catering: Blue Plate Catering  //  Bar Service: Roman Candle  //  Donut wall: Cedar and Spice  and Greenbush  Bakery  //  DJ: Kuhl Entertainment – Patrick Archer  //  Flowers:  Felly’s Flowers  //  Wedding Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals  //  Grooms Tux: Jazzman  //  Brian’s Ring: Boundless Bands on Etsy  //  Kelly’s Wedding Band: Blue Nile and Engagement Ring designed with Trisha and Brett at the Diamond Center

 

 

When I asked Rebecca what her theme was for her wedding, she said “If Great Gatsby went to Europe.” Glitz and glam, sequins, headbands, feathers and beads. Beautiful golden swans topped the wedding cake and also on Jeffrey’s wedding band. They each had accents of emeralds on their rings which, I believe, they found in Dublin. They added so many unique touches to this wedding making it entirely their own!

It was a whirlwind of a day with everyone in their finest flappery. I couldn’t stop staring at some of these incredible golden sequined dresses! And the guys did not disappoint either. Check out the boy in his sweet mustache! Jeffrey wore a fantastic velvet suit-coat that I’m sure everyone wanted to pet and Rebecca’s dress was a gift from Jeffery that she found after her first dress wasn’t the perfect one. She actually wore it for part of her boudoir session earlier this summer. It was so gorgeous with all the shoulder and back beadwork. Daaaammnnn!

I’ll just let you see for yourself how incredible this wedding was. Their vision was poetic and beautiful. And the day went couldn’t have gone any better. Especially with the help of all these amazing vendors:

Venue: Lake Windsor Country Club //  Dress: Thelma’s Bridal //  Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal and Elegant Occasions  //  Hair and Makeup: Sondra Koenig  //  Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse  //  Cupcakes: Gigi’s  //  DJ: Scott Mueller  //  Rings: Neal Conway and Jim Creashak 

 

 

Julia and Ben met in undergrad at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He is actually originally from Germany but lived around the United States for some time before coming to Madison to meet his future bride. It was really neat hearing so many guests speaking German and even during Ben’s speech, he spoke to them in their language.  I didn’t know that some of them didn’t speak english and asked one of the kids to listen for our knocking when we went outside for sunset photos outside the Madison club. It was pretty funny when I realized they had no idea what I was asking!

The happy couple cited their vows at the First Unitarian Society on July 20th. We barely escaped a crazy storm inside the Capitol and heard sirens going off with warnings but luckily it passed and the light was so beautiful the rest of the evening that we were able to take some really incredible photos outside the Capitol and on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. This was the first wedding I have shot at the Madison Club since their basement renovations and WOW is it beautiful! The ceiling is all glass! The entire setting was just beautifully set up by the staff and also Kennedy Turner running the show from Blueprint Events. She doesn’t to a ton of weddings but she should! Everything was perfect!

My favorite part about the evening was when Julia got up to have her dance with her dad and the song she chose was Kermit’s Rainbow Connection. This is one of my all time favorite songs! I get all emotional when I hear it. Don’t you? I tried to pull out my Muppet voice earlier to get a laugh and had no idea that she also loved the Muppets. What a great day!

Here are some of the amazing vendors who helped create such a perfect celebration!

Ceremony: First Unitarian Society  //  Reception: The Madison Club  //  Floral: Generations Wedding Flowers and Photography  //  Cake: Clasens European Bakery  //  Officiant: Adam Tierney Eliot  //  DJ: Josh Kuhl /  Kuhl Entertainment  //  Piano Player: Brian Schultz  //  Event Planner: Blueprint Events, LLC  //  Wedding Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals  //  Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie  //  Second Photographer: Klara Krause