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.

 

 

 

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

 

 

It was a glorious day for a trip to the zoo to see some penguins…

Emily had one thing she really wanted to do on her wedding day and that was to see some penguins in her wedding dress. It was about 90 degrees and humid but they hung out in their cute little cave in the background and made her penguin dreams come true!

I also had my dream come true taking photos of Michael and Emily in front of the giraffes! And boy did they come out to play! We got some great laughs walking around and hitting up some of the classic spots too. The one with the giant polar makes me laugh every time I look at it. It’s like he is watching over them with loving eyes! Hahahaha, awesome.

Their ceremony took place on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. As Emily and her father walked down the isle, I panned over to see Michael trying to hold back tears but by the time she got up there, it was full on. The groomsmen were also letting loose with the emotions. I love such a close group of friends and family. Everyone was so friendly and sweet and we just had the best day ever.

There were so many moments I could write about like the friendly guy giving us money at the zoo or the other very friendly guy giving Michael pocket snacks but the one that really stands out was during the reception. They had everyone sing happy birthday to Grandma and one of their close very friends, who coincidentally shared their birthday that very same day with my mom and brother! Both of them were very surprised and even more when they each received a special birthday cupcake! I definitely had a tear in my eye!

My favorite part of the evening was when my second shooter, Heidi, and I got to go up to the rooftop with the bride and groom for sunset. We had just enough alone time with them to get some truly beautiful and intimate shots. What an incredible place to have your wedding! In all my years of doing this, I don’t think I will ever get tired of taking photos on that rooftop. Cheers!

It was such a beautiful day and these two did an amazing job planning it. There were so many amazing vendors to make this day so perfect!

Venue: Monona Terrace  Ceremony on Rooftop and Reception in Community Terrace  //  Getting Ready: Hilton Madison Monona Terrace  //  Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses:  Elaine’s Wedding Center //  Grooms Attire: Nedrebo’s Formalwear //  Floral: B-Style Floral  //  Wedding Cake: The Looking Glass  //  DJ: Jukebox Bandstand  //  Hair and Makeup: Arch Apothecary  //  Travel: Wayne Ace  //  Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson

 

Ben was making Julia laugh the entire time as we quickly ran through the field at Owen Conservancy before the rain hit. The clouds were looming which made for some truly beautiful golden hour light. And with their lovely gigantic smiles, we were able to get lots of beautiful shots in before we were drenched running from the unpredictable Wisconsin weather.

Tomorrow, is their wedding day in downtown Madison and I am closely watching the news with the big fire at MG&E. All of the Isthmus is down without power and the temperatures are rising. The Madison Club is their reception venue which is only a few blocks away from the source! I hope they work quickly and safely to get power restored for all of the people living and working downtown in this crazy heat. And for the bride and groom, hopefully there are some backup generators!