TerraDawn

What do I luuuuuurve more than $1,000,000? My job. Yeah.....seriously. I LOVE my job. If someone handed me $1,000,000 tomorrow I may take a quick vacation, but I guarantee I would be back to work a few weeks later. And why would someone love their job as much as I do? First off, I've been a photographer for waaaaaay longer than it has been considered my job. Photography has been my hobby, my passion, and my life for nearly eight years and I can't imagine EVER not picking up the camera again. Secondly, and I exaggerate not my friends, I adore my couples. I work with couples who love the things I love. That being said, I would love to share with you a little information on my favorite brides. Don't worry! I'll be brief! I swear it will only take you thirty more seconds to read.... I love a bride who loves dogs (I have three!!), Who has great taste in music (I listen to everything from Garth Brooks to Iron and Wine), Who loves to talk (I love to talk. I talk a lot. I don't take "Shut up, Terra." as an insult.), who has a sense of humor (to make up for mine! I have one of the worst sense of humor's known to human kind. Check out my blog!! That should explain a lot....), and, of course, who loves to travel! Sounds more like a personals ad, huh? I guess it is!! I don't just photograph a wedding, I fall in love with the bride and groom. I am ecstatically happy when they exchange "I Do's" and ALWAYS tear up during the father daughter dance. (Never fails!!) I am at every wedding to work, but also to celebrate! I've attached a .jpg that describe an abroad wedding with me as your photog! So, if you want to get to know me a bit better (we could always go for long walks on the beach, but that might be a bit awkward) or have questions about my photo love, check out my blog, or drop me a line!! Did I say I love to talk? Because I luuuurve to talk.

Stunning job!! I love the first image and the veil image. I've seen the technique done badly...but man, you gots it down!!! These are georgeous!!!!

Awwwwww.....that seriously made me go all jelloid and talk in a "that is so cute" tiny voice!! I would have tackled him too. Sometimes, you don't need the moonlight and the beach....just the luuurve. Congrats to both of you!!! (You know in the theater, they always say if the dress rehearsal goes wonky, the actual show will go perfect!! I bet your wedding and life together is going to be perfect.)

How fun are those!!!? I love the images you used in the background. They make me want to go to Jamaica for some sun time. On another note, I was born in Bryan!!! My parents (and whole family, actually) are Aggies. Gig 'em Ags!!!!!! Good luck with all of the rest of your plans!!! Post all your ideas!! So far they look great!

(I know this is an older post, but I wanted to pop in and say good luck anyways!) You're from my neck of the woods (VA, anyways....) so I'm excited to see how your wedding comes along! I hope you don't mind, but I added you as a friend. Good luck with everything, and I'm excited to hear more about your planning as it comes along!! (Positano!! Seriously.....best decision EVER.)

Morgan's work is gorgeous!!! You guys are definitely set!! Congrats!!

I usually tell the bride "Dress the way you would on a first date." It's usually a good rule of thumb for E-Sessions, since it is pretty representative of your personalities. Would you wear jeans? A cute skirt? Etc. Try to stray away from unless you guys are shooting as the sun is going down. If the sun will be overhead, white is one of the worst things you can wear. Other than, that, it's hard to say without knowing what your style of photographer is. If it is going to be a playful shoot...I recommend bringing some fun props. Balloons and parasols have been pretty popular lately. Photographer's love to play. If you guys come all dressed up and ready to have fun...your photog will be STOKED. Have fun!!

I had the chance to check out a Lucite cover a week or so ago, and i am not too huge of a fan. They are a bit bulky and heavy. You would definitely have to keep the book on a coffee table. I mean, i guess you could store it on a bookshelf, but it is a SUPER thick cover. Remember that you are going to have this book to give to your children and grandchildren. It needs to be representative of your personality. What is cool right now, may be really out of date later. If you want something more creative than leather, ask your photographer if any of the companies he works with use silks or canvas. Those are edgy but timeless. As far as metallic goes, I LOVE the metallic finish. I definitely only recommend them if you have a lot of reds a blues and yellows. The metallic is a finish for the ENTIRE page. So, every color (and black) in your image will have that metallic sheene...even the backgrounds of the album spreads. Again, though. I believe metallic is really awesome, but think of how the album represents you and will you love it 20 years from now? Good luck!! I hope this helped!!

Those are absolutely gorgeous!!! I love the pearl paper. I just ordered some new promo material on the blue pearl. I love the seashell touch, too!! Really really beautiful!! On another note.....Hi from another local!! I'm from the Northern VA area. Have fun in Italy!!!

Yay!!! Her work is gorgeous!! You are going to look stunning! Congrats on the find!

Congrats and welcome!! I wish I had info for you! Have you tried contacting a travel agency? They may be able to book group rates for your guests. That can sometimes be a huge discount!! Good luck and have fun!!

Congratulations!!! Have fun on the forums and in your planning!!! Dreams Tulum is stunning....a great choice!

Whew!! 1st step: Do you have a glass of wine and a fav movie popped into the dvd player while you search the forums. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP!! lol. 2nd step: Just breath. You'll be fine!!! You're planning something exciting and all about you and your fiance. I recommend going with the date and venue first. Most photographers can not book you until you have those two things. After those two are done, then yup...I photographer is definitely a great continuation. Good luck!! Have fun with it!!

oh goodness, I can see why you can't choose!! lol. At least it's a good choice. Good luck with everything and welcome to the forums!!

Congratulations!! Wow! That's going to be beautiful!! I just found these forums as well, and no doubt they will be super helpful for you. Good luck, have fun, and congratulations!!!

Excellent article!! And bravo to the writer who posted her images next to the other shooter's. She definitely has a talent in writing!! lol. Very fun to read and informative.

Check out Boudoir Divas as well! They have some awesome inspiration!! I recommend coming up with a list of 10 different ideas you would like to do. Of course, you probably won't do all 10, but if your subject doesn't feel comfortable with a pose, you can move right along. I shot a fun boudoir idea a few weeks ago. I'd be more than happy to share!! lol. I went to staples and bought a white binder and some paper and colored markers. When I got to the studio, as I was setting up, I had her draw on the paper things like, Mrs...blah blah. You know, like when you were in high school and used to scribble your first name with the last name of the guy you were crushing on? I thought it was cute. Feel free to steel it, if you like it. As far as what they should wear, their outfits for the honeymoon are obvious, but I also recommend she bring two shirts from her fiance's closet. A work shirt, game jersey, t-shirt, jacket....anything will do. Guys love seeing their girls wearing their clothing. lol. High heals in a neutral color and also a fun color are usually a great idea. Also, find out what she likes to do in her spare time. If she plays guitar, have her bring her guitar. If she loves to paint...do something with a canvas and paint brushes. I love shooting boudoir!! It's one of my favs.... Good luck and have fun!!

I second the Hay-Adams suggestion. Absolutely stunning! I shot a wedding there a couple of weeks ago. You seriously have the perfect view of the white house on the roof. I've also, personally, always wanted to see a wedding in Meridian Park. I always thought it would be amazing...with all of the water falls and ponds. I don't know how you would go about procurring that location, though.

Oooo....I second the Japanese Suggestion. It's fun, and different and taaaaasty...(I think I know what I may be getting for lunch today!).

Picture : ruptured

Another thing to consider, when deciding to choose a photographer either close to you, one who works at the location you are having your wedding, or coming in from another state is the ease of working with them AFTER your wedding. Just b/c you are married, doesn't mean your work with your photographer if finished. You will still have to look through your images to order prints, let them know your favs for the album, and even possibly use them for future needs! Also, the more comfortable you are with your photographer, the better your images will come out on your wedding day. GUARANTEED! A huge part of being comfortable with your photographer is your engagement shoot. If you hire a photographer in Tuscany, and you live in Chicago, you won't meet your photographer until the day of the wedding. They may take great photos, but how do you know your personalities won't clash. Remember, you have to hang out with your photographer ALL DAY. (Sometimes for three days!!) So, a local photographer is definitely a benefit for those reasons. You may have to pay for their travel and lodging, but it will be worth it just for the ease of communication, face to face meetings, and your photographer really can become your friend. All of this does tie in to pricing...I swear. lol. Their are benefits to hiring locally, from the wedding destination, or from another area altogether. I just really promote locally, as a great photographer will always value the clients as both clients and friends. So, the extra money towards travel and hotels is worth it. If you do decide to hire a photographer at the wedding location, I recommend making sure you can determine the personality of the photographer through his/her blog, website and emails. It really is super important. Good luck!! Terra Dawn