Most brides consider their budget for their wedding right from the start. Of course, one of the biggest pieces to nearly any budget is photography. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want every single beautiful moment captured to enjoy back home? One of the biggest challenges for destination couples is balancing the importance of budget along with the desire for breathtaking photos. Wedding Concierge Ashley debunks some of the common myths about photographers and explains the top 9 reasons for hiring a stateside photographer for your destination wedding.
1. Budget friendly
Oftentimes the initial thought behind hiring a stateside photographer for a destination wedding is that it will completely break the bank. We are here to tell you this is absolutely not true. Resort wedding photographer packages can be a range of prices, but we’ve seen them as high as $5,000 for full day coverage. We suggest finding a stateside photographer who has a passion for adventure; chances are they will be in it more for the experience. If this thought intrigues you, we suggest checking out one of our local Milwaukee favorites, DeGroot Film Co.
{ Photo by DeGroot Film Co. }
2. Avoid feeling underwhelmed by resort options
Nearly every resort will have an in house photographer; it’s something we can pretty much promise. What we can’t promise is that you will be blown away by what is offered. Oftentimes the photography packages offered are stale, and a bit underwhelming in terms of creativity or quantity. A traveling stateside photographer will be more willing and able to create a customized package that is unique to you, without so many limits!
{ Photo by DeGroot Film Co. }
3. Create a lasting relationship for the future
Having a traveling photographer from the states can not only benefit your wedding day experience, but can also be a great resource for upcoming life events. If you are looking to start a family in the near future, or even have another relative who is taking a trip down the aisle soon, you will have the perfect person to capture those moments.
{ Photo by Be Photography }
4. Build trust
We cannot express enough how important it is to build a friendship and establish trust with any photographer. A talented photographer will utilize the foundations of the relationship you have built to gain your trust. Stateside photographers go above and beyond when it comes to communication whether it means meeting in person prior to the meeting, picking up the phone to call, or outlining information clearly in email. Take it from Katie Guth, Owner and Operator of DeGroot Film Co., "When a stranger comes in that you have never met or bonded with, you will automatically have walls up. Those walls prevent professionals from being able to witness and capture some of the most emotional and intimate moments- moments that truly represent your wedding day. We always want our couples to bond with us and really let us into their love so that they can get the best out of their photos and videos."
{ Photo by DeGroot Film Co. }
5. After-the-fact service
The trust established before and during the wedding doesn’t just disappear. Stateside photographers are fantastic when it comes to continuing the excellent service you experienced on your wedding day. Expect clear and quick communication after the fact, as well as the ability to send in special requests.
{ Photo by Be Photography }
6. Opportunity for engagement photos
Working with a photographer from home means you also have the opportunity to cross engagement pictures off of your to do list. While there may be some nay-sayers, we are 100% for having an engagement photography session. What better way to document the start of this new chapter? Plus when all is said and done, you will get to have a variety of scenery for your couple portraits between having engagement photos at home and wedding photos in destination.
Weddings by Funjet Concierge Tip: If you do opt for hiring a stateside photographer for your destination wedding, be sure to consider having a local engagement session to build a relationship with your photographer. Having the opportunity for your photographer to get to know you and how you and your fiancé act together naturally will result in a more personalized experience on your wedding day.
{ Photo by DeGroot Film Co. }
7. Get both quantity and quality
One of the biggest struggles with resort photography packages is that there is a limit on the number of photos couples receive. We know exactly what you may be thinking: How exactly can 40 photos capture my entire wedding day or wedding weekend? Quite frankly, it doesn’t. Hiring a stateside photographer for your destination wedding most likely means that the number of photos you will receive are practically endless. Of course, most photographers will sift through and be sure to send you only quality images. You may miss a few, but you will undoubtedly end up with more pictures than you can count. Worried about the quality? Have no fear because you won’t be sacrificing this either. A talented photographer will ensure that you aren’t doing any cheesy staged poses as if you are at your junior year high school prom. Quality shines through when the photographer is able to capture the natural movements, natural life, and moments filled with love.
{ Photo by Be Photography }
8. Let your guests relax
So you have an uncle or lifelong friend that has a nice camera and a knack for taking pictures? Cool. But, as nice as that is, drop it! Remember, you are asking your friends and family to travel for your wedding. Let them relax and unwind with no strings attached. Hiring a stateside photographer not only allows for this to happen, but it will also allow your family to unwind and be their true goofy selves. A traveling photographer will most likely be with you for the duration of the wedding weekend and will get to know your guests. They will ultimately have the ability to capture the raw moments of your guests' experience, such as afternoons at the swim up bar or wild nights out at the discotheque.
{ Photo by Be Photography }
9. Easier access to information
A stateside photographer will likely have more information available for you to sift through. Whether it’s a complete portfolio of previous work, or even referrals from past brides, you are sure to get the details you’re looking for. May we also mention that you won’t have to worry about long distance calls, time zone differences, or delay in email responses? The benefits of a local vendor can be endless.
{ Photo by Be Photography }
Ashley loves to combine her passion for planning dream weddings, with her love for travel and adventure, to give couples the experience of a lifetime. She works hard to create a connection with every couple to provide them a memorable and fun planning experience. Contact Ashley to start planning your destination wedding today!
