Welcome
and thank you
Wedding planning can be overwhelming and time consuming. I hope this guide makes it a tad easier by answering many of your questions about wedding photography from the planning process, through engagement photos, the wedding day, and all the way to ordering your wedding album. Thank you for taking a look!
Never hesitate to reach out if there's anything at all I can do to help. I've shot hundreds of weddings, and I'm happy to answer questions, provide information, solve a problem or connect you with someone who can. - Esther
Engagement sessions allow us to get to know each other, helping you understand that my style of shooting is easy and relaxed, natural and authentic. I give guidance every step of the way from what to wear to how to interact in front of the camera.
Together we will choose the perfect time and place for your shoot. You are welcome to bring your pups ... and I am happy to help you find a handler if we need help holding their leashes.
We normally schedule the shoot soon after you book. That way we can more easily find a date that works for you, and you'll have images to use for "Save-the-Date" cards. (I shoot engagements on weekdays. Sometimes I can do a Friday or Sunday, depending on my wedding schedule.)
Just as for weddings, I also travel for engagement shoots.
Engagement Session
Full Engagement guide
Many of my clients choose to do bridal portraits. (Honey, back in the day, a Southern bride ALWAYS did bridals.)
Of course the portraits make beautiful art for your home. Bailey Lou, pictured here to the right, chose to display one of her portraits at her wedding reception in Dallas.
Bridal portraits also help you be fully confident in your choices for your wedding day. Looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial is quite different from actually seeing how it looks and lasts in photographs. Nearly all of my brides make some tweak to their look - how they wear their hair or a small alteration to the gown - based on how everything looks and feels in the bridal session.
If you're considering a bridal portrait session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. We typically spend 1-2 hours shooting at bridal sessions.
Bridal Portraits
gorgeous keepsakes and a practice run for the big day
When I say it rained on Brian and Katherine's wedding day, I mean it STORMED and did so ALL weekend. It also rained out their first engagement session. And it rained the day we shot Katherine's bridal portraits.
If it rains out part or all of your wedding day, I offer a wedding portrait shoot, either a day or two after the wedding or on a return visit.
What if it rains?
For Brian and Katherine, we chose to start their shoot in the historic home where we we also shot her bridal portraits.
Then we finished in Monterey Square and the historic neighborhood surrounding it. FINALLY, we had a gloriously sunny, warm day!
The unthinkable - the loss of wedding day images - has never happened because we think through every circumstance. We have backups for backups!
My cameras have two card slots. Every shot is recorded to both cards, just in case one fails. (I've never had a card fail, but it COULD happen.)
I always shoot with two cameras in case one fails. I have multiples of lenses, batteries, lighting equipment. If one fails, I have more at the ready.
No matter what time I get in from a wedding, I start to download the images immediately. I have a cloud back-up system running constantly so images are stored on a hard drive and in the cloud. Once images are delivered, my clients are responsible for archiving.
I've never missed a wedding. Never. But what if I got very sick or had a family emergency? I'm an active participant in the community of wedding pros. We all understand that weddings are a command performance.. Over the years, I've stepped in for fellow photographers in emergency situations. They would do the same for me or any photographer you hire.
IRREPLACEABLE
because wedding images are
we take extreme care
What if I get sick?
PLANNING
a greaT day starts with a great plan
My studio manager and I work with our couples - and their planners - to create a highly detailed photography timeline for your wedding day. It's based on years of experience and hundreds of weddings.
I urge my clients not to set their ceremony time in stone before we complete this step. Here's why: You want to be certain you have enough time to finish the ceremony and post-ceremony portraits BEFORE sunset.
Family photos are SO important. Everyone is together, all dressed up and looking fantastic. And honey, somebody has invested to have a great photographer, so let's do this right!
My studio manager uses an online questionnaires to gather the names of your family members, and from that, we create a detailed list of each family grouping with the first names of each person in each group. This helps us take family photos in an orderly, efficient way so everyone can get to the party, my dear!
photography timeline
family photo list
TIP: I start with the large, extended family groups first, allowing all but the immediate family to leave for the reception. Then I do grandparents so they can finish before getting overly tired.
"I started my professional career as a journalist, and I still shoot in a documentary way, capturing all the emotion of a wedding day as it naturally unfolds. I'm always looking around 360 degrees so I capture not only the big moments but the small, quiet ones, too." - Esther
Your Photographer
my shooting style is
classic
candid
documentary
dreamy
my editing style is
clean
vibrant
light infused
contact esther
1. How would you describe your shooting style?
Documentary, journalistic, authentic.
I started my career as a journalist, and I still shoot in a documentary style, capturing a wedding day as it naturally unfolds. Even during the portraits part of the day, I capture the couple as they authentically are by giving them natural things to do that create interaction and evoke real emotion. However, if I see a way to elevate a shot by making a tweak, I will!
2. What about your editing style?
My style is clean and vibrant. I shoot in a way that creates light- and color- infused images, and then I edit with a light touch. I’m often asked if I shoot film because my images have that classic look. I don’t do extensive retouching, but I’m happy to provide a quote based on the number of images and the work to be done.
3. Do you deliver color and black-and-white images?
I do convert some images to black-and-white if I think the image is stronger in black-and-white. If you want an image in color or in black-and-white, I’m happy to convert.
4.If we hire your company, who will shoot my wedding?
I will. Honey, I'm not going to miss the fun! I shoot and edit every wedding and engagement session I book. If you book me for rehearsal coverage, I MAY use an associate photographer, but that is the ONLY part of wedding coverage that I would allow an associate to shoot on his or her own.
5. How many weddings have you shot?
Hundreds. And you can see from my 5-star reviews that I bring my very best to your best day ever. It's an honor, each time, to be invited into such a sacred space as two people begin their lives together.
6. Can you customize a package to my unique needs?
Yes, of course. Maybe you don't need an engagement shoot, but you do want a bridal session. Or perhaps you want to add coverage for the day-after gathering. Maybe you are thinking about whether you need a second photographer on the wedding day. Just let me know, and we can create a custom package.
questions for your
photographer
and answers from me, honey!
7. Do you charge for travel?
I primarily shoot weddings in Savannah, but I also shoot on St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Sea Island, Georgia. I also shoot in Atlanta as well as in Charleston, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This is the area that I consider my home base. My clients reimburse me for travel / accommodations associated with weddings I shoot beyond these areas.
8. When, what and how do you deliver after the wedding?
I deliver a preview gallery within three days of the wedding. The full gallery is delivered within 12 weeks of the wedding. I deliver high-resolution digital images in an online gallery that you can share with friends and family.
9. Do you have insurance?
Yes, honey. You never know what may happen so I have insurance on my equipment and liability coverage on my business.
10. How far in advance do we need to book?
Clients typically book a year or more in advance; however, I sometimes have availability in a shorter time frame, especially on Sundays or Fridays.
11. If we have ideas for photos, can we tell you?
Of course, my dear! I love when my clients share inspo photos in advance. And on the wedding day, my associate shooter and I are always happy when guests ask for a photo to be taken!
12. How do you feel about other people taking photos at my wedding?
Many people ask their guests to put away phones during the ceremony. That’s completely your choice. I can usually find ways to work around guests who may be grabbing a quick photo.
WHAT MY COUPLES HAVE TO SAY
KIND WORDS
"Esther was fantastic! Not only was she kind, excited to share the day with us, but also extremely talented. Her aesthetic very much captured the love we felt during the day and the charm of Savannah."
- Catriona
READ REVIEWS HERE
My WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN and honored by THESE PUBLICATIONS:
Awards & Press
Published in: Southern Living, Carats and cake, Tacari Weddings, how they asked, what if we elope, Bustld, honeysuckle brides, Carats & Cake, Inspired Bride, Loverly
Wedding Wire: Couple's choice award
The Knot: Hall of Fame
junebug weddings: World's BEst List
Style Me Pretty: Little Black Book
Pricing & Booking
Pricing for weddings starts at $7500. Please contact me for a custom proposal. Most couples spend $9500 - $11,500, including engagement and bridal sessions and coverage of welcome parties and send-off brunches, as well as heirloom albums and wall art.
My clients secure their wedding date by signing an online contract and paying the deposit.
I divide payment into five equal installments, with the first due at signing as the deposit. The four remaining payments are spread between signing and the wedding.
My clients receive email reminders as their payments come due. My clients can also log into their client portal page at anytime to review their contract, invoice, photography timeline, family photo list and client questionnaires.
contact esther
first look?
Should you have a
1. It's YOUR choice. I'll tell you the advantages, but those never outweigh your wishes for your wedding day. One interesting note: in my experience, if a couple chooses to follow tradition, it's often the groom who feels strongly that he wants to see his bride first as she walks down the aisle.
2. If you choose not to have a first look, make sure you have enough time after the ceremony to get all photos taken before the sun sets. The sun sets earlier in winter than summer and in winter, I find it's often overcast, so I like to finish photos at least 30 minutes before sunset. This means that with no first look, ceremonies need to start earlier in winter than in summer.
3. Sometimes couples feel seeing each other first during the ceremony will be more emotional. I find men allow themselves to be more emotional during first looks, especially if the first look happens in a private, secluded setting/
4. I think there are a few advantages to having a first look:
- Couples have two opportunities for photos, both before and after the ceremony. If it rains on your wedding day, you have two opportunities to catch a break in the weather.(Although, remember, I offer a "redo" session!)
- Couples can get to their cocktail hour. With most photos taken care of before the ceremony, you get to actually enjoy more of the party with your guests.
- Couples tell me that finishing most photos before the ceremony allows them to relax and really enjoy the rest of the day. WHEW!
Should you see each other before the ceremony or follow tradition and see each other first as the bride walks down the aisle?
Sample Timeline
I'll create a custom, detailed photography timeline for your wedding day.
here's an abbreviated sample.
12 - 2 p.m.
2 - 2:30 p.m.
2:30 - 3 p.m.
3 - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 - 4 p.m.
4 - 4:30 p.m.
4:30 - 5 p.m.
5 - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 - 5:45 p.m.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m.
6:15 - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 10 p.m.
12 - 2 p.m.
2 - 2:30 p.m.
2:30 - 3 p.m.
3 - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 - 4 p.m.
4 - 4:30 p.m.
4:30 - 5 p.m.
5 - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 - 5:45 p.m.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m.
6:15 - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 10 p.m.
Ladies getting ready / wedding day details
Finishing touches as men get ready
Finishing touches as bride gets buttoned into her dress
First look / Bride and groom photos
Wedding party photos
Travel to ceremony site
Photos of ceremony details and guests arriving
Ceremony
Family photos
Bride and groom sunset photos
Reception details / Cocktail hour
Reception
TIP: If hair and makeup finishes on time, the rest of the day usually goes smoothly. If it runs late, the rest of the day feels rushed. So schedule the finish time 30 to 45 minutes earlier than needed and use the extra time to just relax and breathe!
TIP: Don't set your ceremony time until you check when the sun will set on your wedding day. This is especially important for November - March weddings, when the sun sets early.
Wedding Details
I start wedding days capturing all the "pretty pretties," the details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day.
The day before your wedding, I pack my styling kit, choosing vintage trays and dishes, velvet ring boxes, silk ribbons, and more, all selected to match your wedding colors and style. I'll also bring a vintage ornate hanger for photos of your dress.
TIP: Ask your florist for a few extra stems. I love using fresh florals in my images. And often I use a boutonniere or two. Their small size is perfect!
Dress
Dress hanger (I bring beautiful hangers, too)
Veil and hair pieces
Shoes
Rings (engagement and BOTH wedding bands; I bring velvet ring boxes)
Bouquet
Bride's Jewelry: earrings, necklace, other rings
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes; I bring vintage stamps)
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else that is special or sentimental.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist
I take photos of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Getting ready
Choose a getting ready space that has lots of windows for great natural light. I can suggest hotels and rentals that are gorgeous! I capture candids as the ladies are getting ready while I'm doing the detail shots. I generally wait until the ladies are nearly finished with hair and makeup before focusing primarily on them.
Near the end of the getting ready period, my assistant and I will do a quick cleanup, clearing clutter. We'll do shots in your pretty robes, and then you'll get dressed. I'll capture your finishing touches as you get buttoned into your gown and put on your jewelry, shoes and perfume.
TIP: I absolutely LOVE doing first looks with Dad and with bridesmaids!
FIRST LOOK
I first set up the groom, facing away. Then my assistant brings the bride. We carefully arrange her dress and train, and make sure she's holding the bouquet at just the right level to show off every beautiful detail of her dress.
Then we walk away, and let the bride tell her groom to turn around. Or she walks up to him and taps his shoulder. We are at a distance clicking away while letting the moment naturally unfold.
Wedding Party
You've chosen your wedding party with intention. These are the people who've loved you the longest and the hardest, through all of life that has led to this day.
I love capturing the connection between you and your people. We do group shots as well as individual shots. Serious shots and fun shots.
Ceremony
This is what the day is all about, and I make sure to capture every moment: the groom's face as he sees his bride walking down the aisle; the flower girls as they drop their petals, the parents and grandparents as they look on with pride.
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
Family photos
your entire family, dressed up and together, Formal and fun
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings and Families + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings and Families
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Both Sets of Parents
Bride + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings and Families
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
FAMILY Portrait Session Checklist
This list is just a starting point. We work with each couple to create a custom list.
Bride & Groom
This is my favorite part of the day. I encourage my couples to step away from family, friends, wedding party, everyone. I like this to be an intimate time, just the two of you.
I find that on wedding days, there is so much energy and emotion that I need to give little direction, but I am always giving feedback and prompts for natural, beautiful interaction.
Cocktail Hour
My goal during cocktail hour is the capture the food and drink and your guests having a great time.
If I'm doing post-ceremony photos, I send my second photographer to work the room. If we do a first look and we finish post-ceremony photos early, I join the fun.
We are NOT wallflowers! We will ask groups of guests to get in close for a photo. When we see people snapping selfies with their phones, we'll jump in and capture, too! And once guests see what we're doing, they'll ask us to get a photo of all the cousins, or all the sorority sisters, or all of Mom's sisters. We love it!
Reception Details
After post-ceremony portraits are complete and cocktail hour is drawing to a close, I slip into the reception area to capture all the details: the cake, the table settings and centerpieces, the entire room.
I love it if the bride and groom sneak in, too, and see how their vision has come to life in the most spectacular way.
Reception
Ah, finally, it's time to enjoy the party! From first dances to toasts, to cake cutting, to your best man taking your grandmother for a spin on the dance floor, to the grand exit, I capture all the beautiful moments!
I offer my clients the opportunity to preserve their wedding images in an heirloom album. These premium albums are printed on high-end matte photo paper with thick, lay-flat pages with custom linen covers with foiled letters.
