Let’s Talk Photographers
The Vendor Plug-In Begins mini Series - Episode 1
Julia and Davy’s engagement photoshoot
Happy Friday everyone!
I created this space — The Journal — as a way to slow things down and explain how I actually see weddings. Because it’s hard to communicate everything that lives in my brain in a 30-second reel or social media post.
I don’t look at weddings from just one angle.
I have the wedding planner brain.
The luxury corporate and incentive travel brain.
The bride brain — because I was one.
The Mexican culture brain.
The American priorities brain.
All of that lives together in my brain when I plan.
The Journal is where I get to unpack that perspective and take you behind the scenes of how decisions are really made.
And today, we’re launching the next mini-series:
The Vendor Plug-In.
Someone once told me: You’re only as good as your weakest link. That sentence has stayed with me. Yes, I have a lot of experience planning weddings in Mexico. Yes, I understand how to sell Mexico, how the resorts work, how American culture thinks, budgets, plans, and dreams. At my core, I am a very strong fit to plan a wedding in Mexico.
But what truly makes a wedding a success? There are multiple moving pieces. However, three can be identified very clearly.
Number one: the bride and groom. Making them happy. Guiding them. Helping them feel confident in their decisions.
Number two: the guide’s knowledge. That’s me. My experience, structure, and my perspective.
Number three: who we hire.
This is the trifecta. Three strong pieces create the dream event.
Here is where The Vendor Plug-In begins.
This is not about dropping names of vendors just to say I know people. It’s about understanding why, how, and when each vendor decision is made. And we’re going to do it chronologically. Because timing matters.
So, let’s paint the picture.
You saw my reel that said, “Take the first step. Let’s chat.” You reached out. We had a call. We fell in love with each other’s energy, and we decided to work together.
I planned your site inspection. You went. You chose your hotel. We locked in your wedding date and ceremony time. You’re working on save the dates.
Now what? What is the first vendor you should hire?
Hands down, the photographer.
The best photographers book 12 to 18 months in advance. You do not want to be choosing from whoever happens to still have an open calendar. You want options. You want your pick.
Sometimes, I even introduce photographers before you’ve officially locked everything in. How? We test-drive them.
During your site inspection, we can schedule an engagement photoshoot with one of my trusted photographers. You get beautiful photos, get comfortable in front of the camera, and you get to feel what it’s like to work with them.
If you fall in love — done. That’s your wedding photographer.
If you chose not to do a site inspection photoshoot, then the moment your date is locked, the photographer is priority number one.
This also aligns with when you’re sending save the dates — usually nine to twelve months before the wedding. Guests need time to request vacation, plan flights, and budget. Everything is moving at the same time.
Choosing a photographer is not random at all. As you may have guessed, I have a trusty questionnaire that I use to guide you through questions like:
What level of direction do you need?
Some photographers are incredible directors. They position you. They guide your hands. They tell you where to look. They are amazing for couples who feel nervous, awkward, or unsure in front of the camera.
Other photographers are more artistic and observational. They capture spirit-of-the-moment magic. They’re quieter. You barely notice them. They document what unfolds naturally.
Neither is better. It’s about alignment.
What type of photos do you love?
Candid and documentary? Editorial and styled? Romantic and soft? Bold and dramatic? This matters more than people think.
Third layer: complementary services.
Do you want:
– A second shooter? (I almost always suggest yes.)
– Video coverage?
– A drone? Live coverage?
– A short teaser film for social media?
– Six hours? Eight hours? More?
You can always upgrade hours later, add rehearsal dinner coverage later. But you cannot go back in time and book a photographer once they’re taken.
You should book your photographer no later than nine months before the wedding.
Lock the date. Secure the talent. Adjust details later.
This is so important because out of every investment you will make for your wedding day — the flowers, the food, the decor, the music — the only thing you physically keep is your photography and your video.
Just this week, my kids had Monday off school, and I decided to host a playdate. A couple of moms and dads came over with their children.
On top of my fireplace, in my favorite room of the house, sits a large photo of Mike and me during our formal portraits. Cloudy sky. Dramatic light. It’s stunning.
who can spot my little dog CJ trying to get some non-existent sunlight… thanks Chicago winters
One of my friends looked at it and said, “Is that you? Oh my God, it’s so lovely.”
The other friend been to my house many times. She said she always noticed the photo but thought it looked like something out of a magazine. And I laughed. Why would I have a random bride and groom displayed above my fireplace?
Good photography handles the test of time.
12 years later, I don’t remember exactly what my napkin fold looked like. But I look at those photos, my kids look at those photos, and my guests still notice them.
Investing in a great photographer is priority number two — right after locking in your date.
Shout out to Vincent van den Berg from Pixan for capturing my wedding with such talent.
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