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Wedding Ideas and Planning Tips from Industry Professionals here at Ybarra Events
Why Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer Matters
Choosing the right photographer for your wedding is more than just about getting beautiful pictures; it’s about creating a relaxing and enjoyable experience on your big day. With a little research and the right approach, you’ll find a photographer who not only delivers stunning photos but also makes you feel at ease throughout your wedding day.
At Ybarra Events, we’re here to guide you every step of the way to ensure you have the best possible experience while planning your wedding. Need help finding a photographer or comparing different options? Contact us today, and we’ll assist you in choosing the perfect photographer to capture every moment of your dream wedding.
updated: 12/10/2024
Wedding planners are more than just event planners. We're designers, problem-solvers, coordinators, budgeteers, part-time therapists, and friends to the couples and families who are entrusting us to help them with their events. Since we're on friendly terms now, here are some tips and tricks to the trade of navigating wedding planning!
How to Start Shopping for Your
Wedding Photographer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the perfect wedding photographer for your special day can feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you're in search of a local wedding photographer or looking for someone with a particular style, the right approach can make all the difference. At Ybarra Events, we’ve simplified the process to help you find a photographer who perfectly matches your vision and personality.
Our team has curated a collection of images from some of our favorite photographers, so you can easily compare wedding photographers and explore their portfolios. Each photo is linked directly to the photographer’s website for even more inspiration and details!
Step 1: Find a Photographer Whose Art You Love
The first step in finding your wedding photographer is to explore the work of various artists. Look for someone whose style resonates with your vision for your wedding day. Whether you prefer romantic wedding photography, vintage-inspired shots, or modern, editorial styles, make sure their portfolio feels like a natural fit for your day.
Step 2: Explore Their Website and Confirm Their Style
Once you’ve found a photographer whose work you adore, head to their website to get a better sense of their style. Look through their galleries and read reviews from other couples to ensure their approach aligns with your own. The photography style you choose will play a significant role in how your memories are captured, so take your time exploring their portfolio.
Step 3: Inquire About Availability and Pricing
Once you've narrowed down your choices, reach out to your top picks to inquire about availability for your wedding date. It's important to contact them early to avoid scheduling conflicts, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season. During this phase, also ask about their wedding photography packages and what’s included in their services. Be sure to confirm if they offer additional services like engagement sessions, albums, or prints.
Step 4: Compare Wedding Photography Packages
Once you have a few photographers in mind, compare their wedding photography packages. Look at pricing, what’s included (such as the number of hours, second shooters, and travel fees), and how their services fit within your wedding budget. Don’t forget to consider the value they bring with their experience, portfolio, and personality.
Step 5: Personality Check!
The most important step is the personality fit. Your wedding photographer will be with you throughout your entire wedding day, so it’s crucial that you feel comfortable and relaxed with them. Schedule an interview or consultation with your top three photographer choices to discuss your wedding vision and get to know them better. You’ll want someone who makes you feel at ease, ensures your wedding photos capture natural smiles, and helps you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. After all, no one wants their wedding photos to look stiff or awkward—genuine smiles and joy are key!
Is a 1st Look Right for You?
Weighing the option of doing away with the tradition of not seeing each other until walking down the aisle? Read about the pros and cons of a First Look from a wedding professional's persective
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60 Questions to ask while interviewing a Wedding Photographer
Hiring wedding vendors can be a daunting task. We have complied a list of our favorite questions to ask photographers when we are vetting them for your wedding. Not only is it important for them to be available for your date, you want their personalities to flow with yours too!
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Indian Wedding Traditions
Are you attending a Hindu Wedding Ceremony and not sure of what to expect? We're here to help, from what to wear, to what traditions take place.
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110 Must Take Wedding Photos
There are so many lovely wedding photo ideas out there, and Pinterest just adds to the wish list! If you'd like a quick and easy list of all of the photos you don't want to miss, we are happy oblige!
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What does a Wedding Planner do?
It's a common and fair question. You should always know what the tasks are for a vendor you're hiring, and it's probably the more common questions I am asked. What is it that a wedding planner handles throughout the day? Well, quite a lot! Every event is different, even between weddings, but I have decided to address this question on a more public level. Read more to see a breakdown of the tasks of a wedding planner on your wedding day.
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Wedding Flowers Checklist
It's hard to know what you should be asking for in Floral quotes if you've never planned a wedding. Here is a checklist of Flowers you should consider for your wedding day.
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More Weddings by Ybarra Events
Can't get enough? If you want to check out more Wedding Photos from our events, click the link below!
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What exactly is Eloping?
If you're like most wedding couples, you may not have much experience planning weddings. The terminology can be confusing. Tiny Wedding, Eloping, is there a difference? There is! Find out which is right for you.
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Advice for your Backyard Wedding
Getting married at home sounds like a great option if you have beautiful property, but there are a lot of logistics you should think about before making the decision. Is it right for you?
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Questions to ask a DJ or Band before Booking
Overwhelmed at the thought of interviewing another wedding vendor? We've got your back! We have compiled a list of our top questions to ask a Wedding DJ to see if they're right for you.
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About the Author:
Tara Ybarra, Co-Owner and Event Planner for Ybarra Events, has been in the Wedding Industry for over 20 years. From Photographer, to Wedding Cake Artist, to Florist, to Officiant, and now Wedding Planner, her accumilated experience, paired with her College Courses in Event Planning, have given her the experience she has today. Blogging gives her an opportunity to share that knowledge with her readers.
Ybarra Events is located in California’s spectacular Napa Valley. Ybarra Events are the pièce de résistance of wedding planners. Run by the dynamic duo of Tara and James Ybarra, they help couples organize, design, and plan their nuptials at some of the most fabulous and luxurious wedding venues in Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Beyond. Chat with them today to start planning the wine-country wedding of your dreams.
Wedding Blog: Tales of a Planner
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