Question for you wedding photographers???

[Lelasmama05]

I am planning my wedding for July of 2010 in Seattle. It's going to be outside on the beach wich I know is a nightmare for photographers... but I want to shoot for a later time so it'll be more towards sunset. Would shooting for 6 for the start of the ceremony be too early or would that be a good time? I want to have it so the sunset would be during the reception so me and my fiance can get some of our pictures with the sunset. I don't want it to be too late for people though. I figure the ceremony won't be very long but knowing my family we'll be there probably till 10 or 11 if we start at 6. What are your thoughts/suggestions???

[cdifoto]

I call dibs.

In Mexico, Kristen started the ceremony at 6. It was overcast-ish so the timing sun-wise was rather moot but we had plenty of light remaining for group shots and some fun stuff out on the rocks and such before heading in for the reception.

[TheHoff]

I'm sure your enthusiasm for porn helps bidding for jobs here :D

to OP: July at this latitude means 6pm is still pretty high in the sky. That would probably give you nice light for the after ceremony work. I'd plan more around your optimum schedule and your family's needs rather than the absolute best light for the photos, though. Anyone worth their salt will work with the light given.

[cdifoto]

I'm sure your enthusiasm for porn helps bidding for jobs here :D
It does! I make brides pounce on their grooms. Literally. :D

[cdifoto]

BTW - the ceremony was only about 15 minutes from walking down the aisle to first kiss. Last frame of the night was shot a few minutes past 10.

[TheHoff]

I call dibs.

In Mexico, Kristen started the ceremony at 6. It was overcast-ish so the timing sun-wise was rather moot but we had plenty of light remaining for group shots and some fun stuff out on the rocks and such before heading in for the reception.

Our light goes until 9:30pm here in July.

[lovebugg]

Don't let Cdi's porn fetish scare you, he's actually a pertty decent photographer.

[Lelasmama05]

LOL! doesn't scare me too much I'm pretty laid back... it just sucks b/c I won't be much fun. I can't stand for very long periods of time and I definitely won't be able to jump :confused: I was worried that it might be a little too early and the photographer wouldn't stay long enough for the sunset but I wanted to do it early enough for their to be enough lighting to do the group pictures and such without being too blown out and bright. I do like the idea of having a later wedding b/c we want to bbq and stuff so it will be a pretty laid back fun wedding, I just am scared it's going to rain. you never know here in seattle... so we'll definitely have to have a plan B. I'll have to check out your work and keep you in consideration ;)

[cdifoto]

You don't HAVE to jump. I already have a kick ass idea in mind for that. You WILL be fun though. I guaran-damn-tee it. :D ;)

I have condoms for my cameras so even if we get soaked, I'll be taking photos of y'all freaking out.


EDIT: Actually my idea might be kinda gay after all, but it's worth a try. :p

[Lelasmama05]

I'd be willing to try :D I love creativity along with tradition. The place I'm pretty set on is Golden Gardens bathhouse. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/reservations/GoldenGardens.htm I'll have the ceremony right there on the beach and then the reception in the hall. I thought the building with the brick was really pretty. I've been there but didn't get the chance to check out the building. I do have one other photographer in mind but it's not set yet so I'll definitely keep you in mind :D

[lovebugg]

Yeah the jumping photo's are fun, but you don't have to jump. You and the groom could be sitting or standing and the groomsmen and bridesmaids can be jumping in the back ground...that's all that is needed to make a goofy, fun and favorite image from your wedding.

Don, you're talking like you've already been booked, if so you're taking me along right? you'd better!

[TheHoff]

If you can't jump, cdi always has the trapeze.

[cdifoto]

I'd be willing to try :D I love creativity along with tradition. The place I'm pretty set on is Golden Gardens bathhouse. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/reservations/GoldenGardens.htm I'll have the ceremony right there on the beach and then the reception in the hall. I thought the building with the brick was really pretty. I've been there but didn't get the chance to check out the building. I do have one other photographer in mind but it's not set yet so I'll definitely keep you in mind :D
That'll be friggin' awesome. :D

[cdifoto]

If you can't jump, cdi always has the trapeze.
Yeah I'll just have to rinse it off.

[cdifoto]

Yeah the jumping photo's are fun, but you don't have to jump. You and the groom could be sitting or standing and the groomsmen and bridesmaids can be jumping in the back ground...that's all that is needed to make a goofy, fun and favorite image from your wedding.

Don, you're talking like you've already been booked, if so you're taking me along right? you'd better!
If you want to, sure! :)

[lovebugg]

Of course I want to...I like to travel! And its on a beach...lol!

[Lelasmama05]

LOL! that would be fun! Do you guys do a package deal together ;) :P

[cdifoto]

LOL! that would be fun! Do you guys do a package deal together ;) :P
I could bring her on as a 2nd & work you up a nice package. :)

We can talk all that serious business crap off here (ie telephone) once you're more set on the direction you want to take.

[lovebugg]

I am already talking to her...mwuahaha, I was thinking the same thing though CDi, possibly forming a package together. So she gets two photographers, and a great deal. But I'm with you...let's talk off the forum.

[randplaty]

Don't worry about the time. Let your photographer deal with the light. He/she should be able to produce great photos no matter what time of day or what kind of light. That's the consistency that marks a professional. We actually love doing outdoor beach weddings at noon. Sure the light is a bit harsh, but the beach is beautiful.

[Lelasmama05]

I think this is the hardest part of planning my wedding for me :confused: I'm afriad I'm going to choose someone to do it in my price range and then they turn out not so good. I just hope I can afford someone who won't let me down... I only plan on doing this once LOL!

[fredlef]

Not to rain on your parade or anything but for cryin out loud you're talking about Seattle! Aren't there something like 10 major and 5 minor rainbelts that converge over Seattle? Seems like everytime I've been there it was a bit damp!

[Lelasmama05]

We usually have pretty dry summers, especially in July. That is why I said we have a plan B. It's almost 80 degrees right now and is supposed to be this whole week.

[lovebugg]

Trust your instinct, don't let the photographer you choose blind you with pretty words. Check out their work, it should speak for itself. Make sure you see samples, and a whole sample wedding if you can. You can always fool people with your best work but a full wedding will show how well you cope with different lighting situations and spur of the moment changes and the stress of the day.

But that's just my $.02

[DigitalSpecialist]

Hoff said it best, any photog worth their salt will make due. And you will be really pleased with your wedding pix!

[Lelasmama05]

I will definitely ask to see full weddings... b/c I'm sure just about anyone can get a good picture out of 500 and just pick their best ones to show... I want to see the whole thing so I can base it on how consistant they are. Thank you all for the tips. If you have any other tips on meeting with the photographers just let me know :D I have 2 years to plan ;) so I'd like to make the best of it.

[collierportraits]

The beach isn't a nightmare, it's a dream. Love 'em but July? Is the weather in Seattle nice? You don't want a 90 degree day do you? Having it later helps but here it doesn't get dark until around 8-8:30 so you could easily have a 7 pm wedding.

Whatever your time frame, I would shoot for an hour to an hour and a half before sunset. 15-30 min. ceremony still gives you time for formals afterwards! Congrats! (but why in the world wait for TWO years to get married???)

[collierportraits]

Biggest piece of advice is to find someone that CARES. Make sure it's not just another wedding to them. You should be able to discern that pretty easily...

[Lelasmama05]

July is really the only month that I think we'd have a better chance of no rain. Were waiting two more years b/c we don't have the money yet to have a wedding... and I know we won't by next year. We've been together going on 6 years and have been engaged for around 3 or so already. It's hard with our daughter to save money and I'm not making enough with my photography yet. Hopefully it picks up soon. I definitely want to find someone who cares... that is kind of hard sometimes. I don't want to just be another business transaction. Hopefully I can find some one who does...

[Aleksandras Babicius]

Will invite me, I like to shoot on a beach and at the bright sun. With pleasure I shall arrive. If I shall live till 2010. :lol:

[Lelasmama05]

Will invite me, I like to shoot on a beach and at the bright sun. With pleasure I shall arrive. If I shall live till 2010. :lol:

OMG! I would LOVE to have you shoot my wedding! Every wedding I've seen you do has been absolutely BREATHE TAKING!!! but from what I've heard it would be a pretty expensive plane ticket to get you over here :( On an everage how much do you charge? Or do you mind saying? If not I can pm you.

[Aleksandras Babicius]

Thanks. Yes, I think РМ it will be more pertinent. :)

[Apshiso]

If you are going to wait that long - and you have an eye for photography - I'm going to sat something that sounds contradictory but it is more like "which details are important". Look at the sun not only as a matter of where it will be at what time but where you will be. Use a sattelite image of your wedding spot and see if you can tell where the sun will cast- eother direct sunlight or shadow. East or west? - Will the sun be behind you as you are being photographed on the beach or will it be in your eyes?

That being said - don't worry too much about the details once everything is in place. Different issues will present themselves and you and your photographer will work through them.

I HIGHLY suggest you get involved with someones wedding between now and then and pretend as if you were planning it yourself. Take lots of notes - even write out what you see happening right up through the reception. Then see what really happens and adjust your notes.

If that doesn't give you a good idea of what to expect - what will?

I find many of the same things go wrong time after time - and it wouldn't take much to avoid it. If you haven't already - google wedding planning FORUM and lurk for a while or join to get the most out of it. GOOD LUCK!

[stathunter]

You are thinking along the correct lines--- have the ceremony at 6 or 7 pm --- the photos should turn out nice. I have done several beach weddings this year and LOVE them. I wished everyone did beach weddings--- tons to photograph!

[Lelasmama05]

Well the beach we'll have our back to the beach and at 6 the sun will be behind us and still slightly above. I'll want to do some group pictures right after the ceremony(so while it's still lighter out) and then again take some more while the sun is setting behind the water. I was going to be involved in my best friends wedding but they decided to throw all the plans out the window and their flying down to Vegas next week to just "get it over with" :rolleyes: so other than that I don't really know anyone getting married. My cousin just got married last year and her younger sister (who is like a little sister to me) pretty much planned the whole wedding with her in about a month and a half, and she is helping me with everything... I have been doing all the searching and check lists and budget helpers... they have a LOT of stuff these days that help plan your wedding. I will have to look for an areal view though...

[Lelasmama05]

Ok this is the map view of it I guess...
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll240/LelasMama/mw-goldengardensmap.jpg obviously
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll240/LelasMama/mw-goldengardensarielview.jpg
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