Every wedding, I have an initial consult. Nine times out of ten I am asked, Why you? Why should we choose you? What makes your style different than the others? What type of photographer are you? I instantly find myself put on the spot and have no clue what to answer. Because truth is, I don't know.

So talking with another photographer friend, we dicussed styles and what our wedding clients should expect from us, and maybe that will help them decide which photographer they'd like to choose. 

The question shouldn't be, why should you choose me rather, why should we choose each other.

So here's a little bit about me...

When having me as your wedding photographer, I do the typical important shots, the professional side of things, put you as my top priority and everything you'd expect out of a photographer, because yes, that's my job. 

However I do more than that. I am with you 6-10 hours that day. Not to mention the consult, engagement session,  and pre wedding meeting that we have before the big day. So I'm not a stranger, I’m your teammate.

Back to the "why should we choose each other"

What you're going to see, is me being your friend. I will sit down with you, laugh with you, most likely see you in some of your most vulnerable moments. I am the only person who is with you for every part of your wedding day.

No, I'm not going to just take photos to look like I'm doing something. If its not capturable, its probably not going to spark joy for you in your gallery either. 

What is my style? Good question. My style, my editing, my photography, my vision. Is mine. So please don't compare me to others, or compare others for that matter. Photography is an art. Yes, this is a job, but this is also my creativity. 

When we have our initial consult, I am also deciding whether or not, I think we're a good match.  

Like I said before, I am with you 6-10 hours of the day. For one of the most important day of your life. So our connection is very important to me. I want to capture your day exactly how you dreamed, because at the end, all you have are your photos and memories.

My "style"

My style of wedding photography seems very simple, but to myself and my clients, I can understand it can also be very personal. Other than directing you to a good lighting location the getting ready photos are mainly lifestyle and candid. During the bridal party photos, bride and groom, groomsman, bridesmaids and family photos, I will do some posing. Example: Girls holding bouquet, girls smiling, girls laughing, groomsmen walking, groomsmen with hands in pockets, bridal party walking. etc. The bride and groom photos are semi posed, with a lot of laughter, and candid in between. Each pose usually leads to some natural posing on your own. I try to laugh with my clients to make things fun and up beat as much as I can. I want you to enjoy your day, and trust I will capture that joy.

Family photos are just typical everyone standing together. 

However, overall, I would say my style is mainly lifestyle, documentary, and free.

Timeline

Clients often ask me what the timeline looks like. Depending on if the ceremony is religious or not, it usually takes 20-40 minutes depending on where and who is marrying you. After the ceremony I like to head right into family photos, which if we are both organized with your family photo list, should only take about 20-30 minutes depending on size and organization of family. I usually ask my couples to let the family members who will be in the photos, to remain at the ceremony location until after photos are finished.

Bridal party usually takes about 20-30 minutes. 10 min with bridesmaids, 10 minutes with groomsman and 10 with bridal party.

I like to leave as much time as I can with my couple for scenery changes, different posing, and a more relaxed setting. I like to have my couple photos with just me and the couple. When its just the couple and I, I encourage my couples to take this moment in. This day passes so fast. Take a deep breath and truly enjoy this quiet moment you have with your partner.

We will go through timeline a few times before the wedding day to make sure everything blends well.

What else can you expect from me:
Although I capture your typical "groom see's bride for the first time," and "mom sees bride" etc. 
I have a shot list in my head that I go off of, and I find that works great for me. I do not provide you with a shot list. (other than a list of family photos example: mom, dad, bride. ... mom, dad, bride, groom. ) 

If I am worried about a two page shot list, I am not focused on your wedding day, I am trying to mentally check that list off. So please, trust that I am confident, and here to capture your wedding just the way you imagined it to be.

I hope this helped you see my side of things in a new light. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this page!

Mariah