How far in advance do brides book your services for their wedding day?
It varies from year to year, but summer and fall dates usually book 6-12 months in advance for June, July, August, & September. Dates for other months typically book anywhere from 4-9 months in advance. I recommend booking as soon as you have your venue and know your date. We do have some that book a month or two in advance so be sure to ask even if it's a closer time frame as we may still be available.
How many hours of coverage do I need?
6 hours is the ideal amount of coverage for most of our brides. We are able to capture you getting ready, the formal portraits, heirlooms, family photos, ceremony, & reception. If it is going to be a large wedding and there is drive time from the ceremony location to the reception location then we would recommend adding an hour or two which can only be done to our 6-hour package.
Do I need a first look?
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First Looks are our favorite new bridal tradition and are so much more than the bride and groom just seeing each other before the wedding ceremony. If you aren't sure read on before you make your decision.
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First Looks are an opportunity for the bride and groom to share some private time together before they say their “I Dos” and to catch their breath amongst the hustle and bustle of the day. When brides and grooms do not do a first look, they may not even get a chance to talk to each other until well into the reception! We have never had a bride and groom regret doing a First Look. In fact, the couples that do a First Look usually love the photographs that are taken during that moment the most. I have had couples do a "first touch" as well, where they don't actually see each other until the ceremony, but both back up to a door, a wall, a tree and just hold hands for a moment.
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The second benefit of doing a first look is that it allows us to complete all bridal party and family portraits before the ceremony, meaning everyone can head to the reception after the ceremony is over. This not only gives you more time with your guests, but it also makes the day feel less rushed, giving you the opportunity to savor and enjoy your wedding day. Still uncertain about a First Look? No worries! Although we strongly recommend First Looks and many couples love this new tradition, you choose what is best for you!
Are you available for travel or destination weddings?
Yes! We will travel anywhere you need us. We have done weddings in Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado & North Dakota, but some of our favorite venues are located right here in the Black Hills with the incredible scenery and backdrops that are available. Some of our couples are local & others are traveling to the Black Hills to get married. We have a pretty even split of those that grew up here and those that have vacationed here and then decided to plan their wedding in the area. We will do a customized quote for any wedding which requires us to travel and stay overnight.
Do your packages include digital images?
Absolutely. All of our packages include high-resolution digital images and a print release stating that you can make copies for personal use.
Who will be my photographer & do your packages offer a second shooter?
Linda will be the main photographer, and all of our packages include two photographers and a print release. If we don't need a videographer then sometimes there will be three of us shooting depending on location & if it's a large or small wedding. You don't "need" a second shooter but we have found it works out well to have images from different angles & to have someone that can work with the groomsmen while someone else is capturing images of the bride or heirlooms, etc. It works out especially well when the venue is spread out so that one person isn't trying to run to several locations within the venue to get various shots.
Can I meet with you in person before I book with you?
Of course! We LOVE meeting with our brides (and grooms if they want to come) for a complimentary consultation or a phone call if you prefer. We are happy to walk you through a typical wedding day timeline & answer any questions you may have. Since I still work FT as a 911 dispatcher sometimes a video chat or phone call work better for initial contact.
How many images will I receive?
The honest answer is that it varies! In all the years we have been doing this I have never quoted a certain number of images nor is it in my contract because each wedding is unique & there are so many variables that play into your big day it's hard to determine a set amount. We do shoot in rapid sequence because people have a tendency to "close" their eyes or be looking elsewhere so hopefully after going thru 5-6 of the same images I actually have one where everyone looks great! If I had to say I would estimate it's roughly 100-125 images per hour and you receive all edited images. If that's "truly" something you need to know, let's talk and see what we can come up with to put your mind at ease.
Do you offer videography services?
We do! Videography is included with our "Best Day Ever" Package and includes an 9-10 minute video of everything during your big day, sometimes longer. You may add videography services to any of our packages for $800 but it will be a 4-5 minute video. I also create a special gift for all of our couples which incorporates music that you used as well as photos and some short video snippets put into a video slideshow.
Do I need a personal attendant or is a Maid of Honor enough?
In our experience, you don't necessarily need a personal attendant, however they can be a HUGE help not only to you but to your photographers. Usually a personal attendant is familiar with both families or has gotten to know them at the rehearsal dinner, etc. This person can be very beneficial to photographers who are "missing" someone for a specific photo as well as helping organize the groups and keeping things flowing smoothly. We have done weddings without a personal attendant and ones that have amazing personal attendants so my recommendation would be if you have enough people in your family or friends to choose from, HAVE ONE...you won't regret it!