“…..  But she’s got a great personality!”

In the last 5 years I have been very fortunate to work with some of the best photographers in the USA let alone NJ.  At one wedding the photographer was very concerned that the bride didn’t have the type of  personality he needs to make his photos work.  “You know me Kath” he said, “I need personality, someone who’s going to relax and let go.  You know how I work.”   At the time I knew what he meant – the bride was a little stiff.  However, being the pro that he is, he worked well with what he had and the pictures were amazing.

His comments got me to thinking about how the personality AND style of  your wedding photographer should match YOUR personality and style.  Say you’re looking at samples of a photographer’s work and you see some photos that you like.  Think about what those subjects had to do to get that shot (“OK John lean in like you’re going to kiss her but don’t kiss her – hold it right there.  No, don’t close your eyes, look right at her but softly – don’t blink.  Sorry, I know the sun is in your eyes….   Hold it, hold it.  Good!!”).  Some great shots are done without the subjects knowing there’s a camera anywhere near them.  Others are  set up and made to look like no one was holding a camera anywhere near them.  Are you willing to do what it takes to get that shot done??

Right now I have a core group of photographers that are my “go to” shooters.    Each one has a different personality and photographic style.    Tell me what type of person you are and what kind of photos you’re looking for and I’m confident I can find the right photographer for you at the right price.

Your photographer is going to be with you all day.  Make sure the person behind the camera is someone you want to spend that much time with  otherwise it’s going to be a really L O N G day for everyone and both of you might not like the results.

Let’s Go Shopping!!

I have a client who bought her dress, accessories, and bridesmaids dresses from a nationally known wedding dress shop.   I am working with her to try to return an accessory item that she purchased months ago that turns out to be too big for her to use.   No one at the shop gave her any advice as to what might be a good fit for her – she picked everything out, paid for it and walked out of the store.  After striking out with the store manager and a corporate customer service manager I am now waiting to hear from the district manager.

Apparently “no” and “can’t” are big words in their vocabulary.  No they can’t take back the item since it was purchased months ago.  No they can’t take back the item – it’s been discontinued.  No they can’t take back the item – the sales receipt is stamped all sales are final.  No they can’t issue a store credit – if they do it for me what will they do for everyone else that they say “no” to everyday???

I really don’t care what they can’t do for anyone else – my concern is for my client.  IMHO it’s not that they “can’t” do it – policy, shmolicy – it’s that they won’t do it.  To me the answer is really a no brainer – issue some kind of credit so she can get something else and not go to another store (and have her wedding planner blog to the world about the poor customer service!).

I had a consultation the other day with a lovely bride who is in the process of looking for her wedding dress.  She had already been to one of my favorite local salons (and this one I will name) – The Barefoot Bride in Fair Haven, NJ.   She was hesitant to buy the dress and thought she would look at other shops.  The friend that was with her told her – “you are not going to find service like that at another shop.  Trust me!”  Mayra has helped dress a few of my brides and their wedding parties.  She and her staff go out of their way to provide the kind of service that brides want (and deserve). You would think that because of their location that their prices are high.  I can assure you that have a wide range of price points – I had one bride who paid $800 for her dress several years ago.  It was a gorgeous beaded strapless dress that fit her perfectly – she looked so beautiful in it!

The bride’s wedding dress sets the tone for the wedding.  It’s one of the most important choices she will make for her wedding day.  Why shop at a place whose policy includes “no we can’t” instead of “of course we can” or “we’ll do our best to get that done for you?”  Do your research – ask your friends where they got their dress and would they go back there again; read the message boards online; ask your wedding planner; check with the local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.  Make an appointment, see how they treat you.  If you don’t like it – move on!  There are plenty of other shops out there with the “can do” attitude!  Find the one that’s right for you.