Things at HereNorth have been (happily) ultra busy these last few months and it has been awhile since I’ve had the opportunity to write a blog post that isn’t specific to any one client’s wedding. Ahhh, to have a bit of time again!

I am so grateful for the support of friends, family and clients this year as HereNorth takes off in the full-time career world, and also thankful because all of the experiences over the last several months have given me insight on how I can help future brides. 

With that said, this winter I am focusing on a blog series of wedding tips for my 2017 (and beyond) brides, and this is my very first!

I don’t have to tell you just how important, momentous, amazing, emotional, and intimate a wedding day is. You’ll feel all of the feels since the moment of engagement until you slip the rings on each other’s fingers the day of, and the photographs of this special day will make you feel those feels over and over again each time you see them- from the posed to the most candid. 

Here is where my wedding tip #1 comes into play: KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. To know your photographer is to trust your photographer, to trust that she (or he) will be able to capture those moments that mean so much to you. 

Invest time in BOTH of you (yes, both) meeting your photographer- IN PERSON is best, but if distance or scheduling is an issue, do your utmost to set aside an hour to VIDEO chat. No phone calls only, no texts only, no e-mails only. Why? There is a lot to be said for being able to see the face of the person who is going to be so intimately a part of your big day. Seeing your photographer creates a connection and gives you an idea of how you really get along. Chemistry allows for flow, feelings of comfort and trust in your vendor. If the connection isn’t there, it might be a good idea to go the route of another photographer because a lack of connection between the engaged and the vendor will – I hate to break it to you – affect your photos. 

Another reason meeting your wedding photographer is a great idea is because you will get a more comprehensive idea of what your photographer offers as far as editing, scheduling, products, and more. You will know what to expect from your wedding photos, you will be able to IDENTIFY and COMMUNICATE your needs to your photographer, and best of all, you will feel CONFIDENT in your decision to proceed with her (or him). Again, all of this leads to trust which will make you feel amazing on your wedding day. 

The final reason that both you and your partner should absolutely meet and get to know your photographer is to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment, unmet expectations. The more you know and communicate with your photographer minimizes any potential issues that may arise, and IF they do arise, you can be comfortable enough to reach out to your photographer (or vice versa) to resolve the issue peacefully, already having established a warm history and relationship with your photographer. 

And that’s where I am ending my first wedding tip blog post!

Vendors: did I miss anything? Write it in the comments below!