Why do I need to hire a professional photographer for my wedding when friends can take pictures with their cameras or the disposable cameras I plan on putting out on the tables?

There are several excellent reasons why you want a true professional photographer at your wedding. To start, only a trained professional will understand all of the aspects of a wedding and capture the beauty and emotion of the day. Typically, a professional photographer will have much better equipment and photography training, plus access to superior labs and albums.

A full-time, full-service professional photographer will also have the expertise to create a stunning storybook of images for you, instead of a scrapbook full of snapshots.

When it’s all said and done, your photographs will be the principal means for you to relive the beauty, emotion, and excitement of your wedding day. Do you really want to trust your memories to anyone other than a professional photographer?

Who should be invited to our wedding and reception?

A wedding invitation that is accepted obligates the recipient to send a gift. For this reason it is appropriate to invite only persons you think would really want to attend. The best wedding guest lists are made up of people who love you and your spouse-to-be. You may invite a couple and not invite their children. If children are invited, their names should be listed separately on the invitation. It is kind to permit your single friends to bring a date, but not absolutely necessary if your budget does not allow. To do this, simply address the invitation to Ms. Jane Smith and Guest. For those you cannot invite, an announcement serves as a lovely momento and obligates no one any further.

Can you give us a timeline for last-minute details?

In Texas you may get your marriage license from the County Clerk. Call the clerk’s office for hours and cash amounts needed. You both need to appear before the clerk, bringing proof of identity and age (a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, etc). Also bring your social security numbers. You may get your license within a 30-day period before your wedding, but you must have it at least 72 hours before your ceremony. Last-minute (a couple of weeks prior) decisions include: final guest list for your event; checking final travel clothes, essentials, and documents; checking all items needed for your ceremony and reception; verifying hair and makeup appointments for wedding party; and asking for help. Your friends and family will be delighted to take much of the last-minute burden off you and your groom. Let them!

Michael & Penny Story - Reflections on Spring Creek

I know what the bride needs to do, what are some things the groom needs to do?

Often the groom thinks that buying the ring, paying for the license, finding a best man, and planning the honeymoon  are his only duties. Actually he needs to do several other things, including chose wedding clothes for the groomsmen and fathers; pay for the bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres, and mothers corsages,  choose gifts for his groomsmen, and choose a special gift for the bride. Also don’t forget to pay the clergyman a few days before the wedding or give the fee to the best man to pay the minister before the ceremony.  These are just a few of the groom’s duties.  Any good wedding planning manual can give you a complete list.

Michael & Penny Story - Reflections on Spring Creek

Do I really need a wedding consultant or coordinator?

Yes! The consultant or coordinator will be directing and overseeing every detail of your wedding to make sure things are done according to your wishes. You’re simply enlisting the services of someone with experience, organizational abilities and budgeting resources to ensure that you and your loved ones will enjoy every minute of your special day.

Jane Salos
Certified Wedding Consultant

Why should you hire a makeup artist?

For stress free perfection on your day to be a princess.  An artist comes to your location, trained and aware of elements such as texture and lighting, which is imperative for the one day in your life you will be photographed the most! Film is sensitive, and even for the most natural look an artist is aware of how to deliver that flawlessly, so you do not seem washed out in print. Also, the aisle is your runway, Ladies, and a uniform look among your bridal party emphasizes you and completes the grandeur of your big day.

Hollie Taylor
Saucy Pussycat -Makeup Artistry for Classy Gals.