Are you looking for a Houston wedding photographer? If so, you’re likely newly engaged! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time for you, your fiancé, your family, and friends. If you’re planning on hosting a big celebration, you likely have a long to-do list ahead of you. From picking the perfect venue to hiring the right caterer, florist, and more, there are certainly many things on your wedding planning checklist! In this blog post, we’re covering twelve things your Houston wedding photographer wants you to know!
For those of you stopping by our blog for the first time, welcome to Madera Estates! We are a luxury Spanish & European inspired event space located in Conroe, Texas. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the area, Conroe is about 1-hour north of Houston. We often host wedding celebrations for those living in the Houston and surrounding areas! If you’re looking for a wedding venue, we encourage you to book a free champagne tour of our facility! Now, let’s dive into the twelve things your Houston wedding photographer wants you to know!
1). You Pay For Experience & Expertise
If you’ve never planned a wedding before, you’ll likely be surprised to learn that the average wedding photographer charges between $2,000 and $5,000+ for their services! Not to mention, you’ll be stunned to learn that there is a wide range in pricing from one photographer to the next. You’re ultimately paying for experience, expertise, and professionalism! Just because two photographers have the same camera does not mean they have the same skill level.
Before signing a contract with a photographer, look up reviews, and ask to see completed albums. If you’re torn between a few photographers, take a good look at their night photography skills! This is often a great way to scout out the pros from the amateurs. Once you book a photographer, relax knowing that you’ve done the research and are in good hands!
2). Have Details Ready To Go
On the morning of your wedding, have the details out and ready to go. This will prevent your photographer from having to waste time tracking down your belongings. Some details to have on hand include your invitations, rings, perfume, bouquet, shoes, and other accessories.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to get a pretty hanger for your wedding dress! Those standard plastic ones can be an eyesore.
3). Make A Wish List, But Don’t Obsess
If you see a photo on Pinterest that you’d like to recreate, by all means, let your photographer know! However, don’t send oodles of examples to your photographer. They’re an expert and will do an incredible job posing everyone! Some of the best photos happen in the moment, so don’t obsess over trying to plan every single shot.
4). Book An Engagement Session Before The Big Day
It’s a great idea to book an engagement session with your photographer before the big day! This will help subside any awkwardness, as it will allow you to get to know your photographer better! You’ll also learn which poses you like best of you and your partner. This will make posing on the wedding day that much easier!
5). Your Timeline Is So Important
Your wedding day timeline is so important! Your photographer will likely help you make the wedding timeline so that they can map out the hours of coverage your event will require.
6). More Locations Isn’t Better
So many couples want to drive all over the town to get a variety of photos. This is NOT something we recommend! Not only will you spend a small fortune on transportation, but you’ll also cause more stress and chaos. If your venue offers a variety of beautiful scenery, stay on-site! You’ll get more photos and have a much more relaxing wedding day experience.
7). First Look Means More Photos
Do you want more photos? Consider a first look! First looks allow you to knock out wedding party photos before the ceremony. Not to mention, a first look allows you to have a quiet moment alone with your fiancé!
8). Family Photos Should Be Organized
Most of the time, family photos will occur after the ceremony. If you want to get to your reception as fast as possible, make sure your family is prepared! Tell family members ahead of time to stay put after the ceremony. In addition, make a shot list of all the family photo combinations you want.
9). Golden Hour Is A Must-Have
Be sure to carve out time for sunset photos! This is often when some of the best and most romantic photos get captured! Let your photographer know ahead of time that you want sunset portraits taken. You might have to eat dinner quickly, but the outcome will be well worth it!
10). Great Photos Can’t Be Rushed
When the wedding day is over, be patient! Wedding photos take weeks and even months to perfect! Before you sign a contract with a wedding photographer, ask them about their turnaround time so you know when to expect the photos.
11). Sometimes The Imperfect Moments Are Perfect Photos!
Not everything will go according to plan on your wedding day, and that’s okay! Let moments happen naturally. Some of the best photos are captured on a whim!
PRO TIP: Wear a wedding gown that you can move and have fun in! Also, don’t be afraid to walk through the grass. You only wear it once, after all!
12). Trust Your Photographer & Relax
Finally, trust your photographer! You picked them for a reason! If you love their portfolio, they have great reviews, are kind and courteous, then don’t worry about it! Enjoy your big day, and let your photographer handle the rest.
Still Searching For Your Wedding Venue?
We hope you enjoyed learning about the twelve things your Houston wedding photographer wants you to know! Are you still on the hunt for a perfect wedding venue? Madera Estates would be honored to help you host a once in a lifetime celebration! We offer optional all-inclusive packages to help your wedding planning experience be a breeze! From the venue itself to the catering, cake, DJ, bar, photo booth, rentals, and beyond, Madera Estates is proud to offer a one-stop shopping experience for our customers!
Once you set foot in our venue, you’ll instantly fall in love with the exotic, resort-like, atmosphere. Our couples love that our venue is extremely versatile! You have the option to host your ceremony in the temperature-controlled Hacienda Ballroom, outside near the Grand Fireplace, or in the lush wooden grounds of our property! Your reception can be hosted either indoors or outdoors depending on your preferences. We also have two luxury suites for you and your wedding party to get ready in. You’ll love having all the amenities you need all in one place!
We are located at 3201 N Frazier St, Conroe, TX 77303. For more information, fill out this form on our website or give us a call at (936) 441-9337. You can also get started by booking a free champagne tour! Be sure to follow all the fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Happy wedding planning!