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Laura Weatherly and the team at Engaging Affairs are just the best at what they do.  Gracious, elegant, and polished weddings are the result of her own unique blend of style and experience.   Laura and her team provide wedding coordination at venues throughout the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. region. That’s why we are proud to introduce Laura’s post as our first guest blog — stop back by for more  info that brides are sure to benefit from.

By Laura Weatherly
President, Engaging Affairs

Over the past 15 years as a wedding planner in Washington, D.C., I’ve worked with lots of wedding photographers. And I do mean lots! Sure, I’ve work with some shooters multiple times but after working on over 500 weddings, it’s safe to say that my photographer encounters are well into the triple digits. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the painfully bad, and I’ve learned what is important to me in a wedding photographer.

As the bride’s advocate, I’m looking out for her best interests but I’m also noticing things that she never would only because she’s usually a bit preoccupied on her wedding day. And some things are things that only someone like me (who has hung around hundreds of weddings) would notice. But all are things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a wedding photographer.

1) I love wedding photographers who go with the flow. Even the most painstakingly planned wedding can go off schedule. Good photographers will take it in stride and still get the shots without becoming frazzled. You can tell if a photography team is easygoing usually the first time you meet them.

2) I love wedding photographers who realize that they are just one part of the day. Sure, a very important part, but still just part of a whole experience. (The same goes for bands but that is a whole different story.) It’s important to me that photographers capture the day as it unfolds rather than stopping the action to repose or recreate a shot. If a photographer starts telling you how your day should go and insisting on things you aren’t comfortable with, run the other way. Professional suggestions are one thing. Trying to hijack your wedding day is another!

3) I love when photographers pay attention to the details of the day. The bride has usually spent months agonizing over the perfect shoes, the letterpressed menu cards or the cute-as-a-button favors and loves to see photos of them.

4) I love when photographers have fun! This is (usually) a joyful business so I appreciate photographers who enjoy their job and are happy to be there. It certainly can be tough and tiring (and I’m not always Pollyana after 12 hours on my feet) but no one wants a photographer who clearly doesn’t enjoy weddings.

My list could go on and on but the most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a wedding photographer is personality. Do you genuinely like the people who will be shooting your wedding? You’ll be spending a lot of time with them on the day so it’s crucial that your personalities mesh. A great wedding photographer who loves weddings, is easygoing and captures the spirit of the wedding day is truly worth their weight in gold!

Laura Weatherly
Engaging Affairs, Inc.
Office 888.481.5156
Fax 866.326.7255
5443 Broadmoor Street
Alexandria, VA 22315
www.engagingaffairs.com
Check out the bubbly fun at www.bridalbubblyblog.com!
Voted “Best Overall Wedding Planner”by Washingtonian Magazine 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010

Winner of Capital Award for Best Wedding of 2008!
The Knot’s “Best Of” Weddings 2007, 2008 & 2009 Selected for Style Me Pretty’s “Little Black Book”
Featured on Grace Ormonde’s Platinum List and on Luxurious Weddings

Author of “Stop! Don’t Plan A Wedding Without This Book” and the award-winning Annabelle Archer series