Tips for Booking a Wedding Photographer

By Guest Blogger Sara Gray

Long after the guests have eaten, the gifts opened and a new marriage begun for a happy couple, there are a few things that remain. There are the symbolic wedding bands they wear on their fingers and there are the photographs that encapsulate all the planning and style and memories that a wedding day brings.
Wedding photographers are important vendors at a wedding, often spending many hours with a couple on one of the most memorable days of their lives. It's not only their skill with a camera that matters when choosing one, but their personality and their ability to see the important moments as they unfold. Here are some tips for finding the photographer that's right for you.

1. Consider style.
Inevitably, you'll be drawn to some photographers' work and not to others. Don't ignore that impulse -- the sign of the perfect photographer (for you, of course) is if you see one of their photos and can see it on the wall of your living room. Photography is art, and like all art, we all have our taste in it. It's important to choose someone whose style resonates with you, or else you'll end up feeling that there's something missing from your own wedding photo collection.

2. Always go pro.
There are many, many wedding photographers in Oregon. Many of them run their own businesses, making sure to be proactive and protect their photos. They pay their taxes, they pay for legitimate copies of the software they use and they contribute to their communities. There are also many who don't do these things. These are the hidden costs of doing business that many consumers don't see. Oftentimes, when a wedding photographer costs more, they're also running a legitimate business that you can go back to and trust to store and archive your precious photographs. Make sure you're working with a professional to avoid any heartache.


3. Ask for a recommendation.
The very best recommendations always come from unbiased sources. Your friends who got married last year will tell you every detail of what it was like working with their vendors. If there aren't any friends to recommend a photographer, ask your wedding coordinator or florist. Good photographers are usually known, and people who believe in them and have had good experiences will be sure to recommend them.

4. Book early.
Even though there are tons of wedding photographers to choose from, the really good ones book up fast, especially for the rare warm-weather months in Oregon. July, August and September weekends go very quickly. Book your photographer as soon as you've got a date and a venue set. If you're too late to get the photographer you want, ask them for a recommendation. They often know other photographers who they've worked with and would recommend. Many even have a similar style.

In the end, choosing professional wedding vendors that will handle your event with style and grace will save lots of time and stress. Spend some time to find those whose work you appreciate and get them on board to be part of your wedding team.

Sara Gray is a wedding photographer from Portland, Oregon. Her Web site is http://www.saragrayphotography.com.

Sara Gray Photography
http://www.saragrayphotography.com
sara@saragrayphotography.com
503.927.3077

Discover Oregon!

Great Pictures of Oregon!

Sunset Picture of Crater Lake
Daytime Crater Lake 
Freemon Bridge in Portland
World's Larget Wind Farm is in Oregon
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach
Punch Bowl Falls
Big Wave Surfing in Oregon
Trillium Lake and Mt. Hood

Vista Balloons

Imagine floating over Yamhill County's beautiful wine country in one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime.
Hot air balloon adventures happen just 40 minutes South of downtown Portland in a safe, supportive and fun environment. With seven state-of-the-art aircraft, Vista Balloon Adventures is the Pacific Northwest's largest hot air balloon company.
Their largest balloon can accommodate six to ten people, and they also have a special smaller balloon available for any who may be interested in wedding proposals. Vista Balloon Adventures' $189 package concludes with a catered balloonist brunch and a flight souvenir, and a flight refund guarantee demonstrates their confidence that each customer will treasure the experience.
After ballooning, customers are encouraged to treat themselves to a full day immersion in the culture of the Oregon Wine Country, combining the wonderful Northwest Cuisine of the local restaurants and delis with the great Oregon wines available throughout the valley. Between wineries, browse the antique stores or explore historic Champoeg State Park.

Pangaea Interior Design

Interior design requires a creative eye, along with the ability to understand the tastes of different individuals. Pangaea is one of those designers that can change a bland interior into a luxurious comfortable environment while keeping with a client’s desires.

According to Pangaea, "great modern design should feel timeless, while reflecting the client's taste and enriching their lifestyle". Unique home décor is achieved through the use of warm color tones, modern furniture pieces, and contemporary designs. Designs may include custom furniture, window treatments, art selections, and extra accessories.

Pangaea promotes hands-on involvement, stressing that the ability to share one's personality with a designer is important to creating an enjoyable interior environment. Each client is encouraged to engage in a collaborative process with their interior design consultant.

Other services include home staging and model home decor. Real estate professionals and home sellers alike have praised the designs of Pangaea’s model homes.

http://www.luxuryoregon.com/businesses/pangaea-interior-design/

Phone: (503) 816-4394

Website: www.pangaea-id.com

The Nines Hotel

In the heart of Downtown, the Nines Hotel is among Portland's newest and unique locations. Located next to Pioneer Courthouse Square in the old Meier and Frank Building, the Nines Hotel is a picturesque luxury hotel with all the amenities that a guest would want or need. The Nines occupies the top nine floors of the building while the first five floors is a Macy’s department store. On top of the Nines Hotel is a fancy restaurant called Departure. If you were to spend the evening at Departure, you would understand why they chose the name. The view from Departure creates a romantic and exclusive dining experience that will keep you coming back for those special occasions.

The most beautiful aspect of the interior is the rich color tones. The dark brown and beige are complementary to the Tiffany-Blue and dark red. The lighting fixtures that are carefully placed throughout the hotel also extenuate the colors in the hotel. Other parts of the hotel include a large fitness facility, a private library, wi-fi in the building, two restaurants, room service, and 14,000 square feet of eco-friendly LEED certified space. Efforts have been made to make sure that the newly re-modeled building had modern energy efficient functionality to it. The Nines Hotel is a testament to the progressive attitude towards sustainability.

From first impressions, it is the little things that make this hotel so unique. From the 419 different pieces of art that fill the building, to the small separated plates of salt and pepper. The Nines Hotel has focused its attention on making your visit a memorable one.