New Wedding Pricing and Package Options

I shot my first wedding in early 2009, and shot three more weddings later that same year. Since then, the number of couples that want me to capture their big day has multiplied considerably. In fact, I am already booked for several dates in 2013. Wow. I know this increase in bookings is not only because of my constantly growing ability to capture wonderful images, but also because of my affordability.
Weddings are expensive. I know that. I’ve been there. My simple backyard wedding nearly three years ago cost much more than I expected, even with me being a total DIY bride. (Trust me, I’m all too familiar with the art of penny pinching!) Not everyone can afford a $10,000+ event, and that’s ok. I believe every couple deserves brilliant, professional wedding photographs, regardless of their budget.

The new wedding pricing structure allows you to have complete control over your spending. It all starts with the $500 basic wedding day coverage. From there you can add extra elements to create the perfect wedding package for you and your sweetheart.
As it always has, the basic fee includes up to 5 hours of coverage on the day of the wedding and a disc of 200-300 finished images (with a print release). To this, you can add an engagement session or bridal session (or both!), as well as unique hand-designed invitations for your big day. You can also add beautiful heirloom products, such as a photo storybook or wall art, that you can cherish for years to come.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the extra elements you might wish to add:

The Engagement Session
An engagement session can be added for $100. This includes the session and a disc of your favorite 15 finished images. You are also welcomed to purchase any extra prints or archival images from the session if you wish. The engagement session needs to be scheduled for no later than one month before the wedding. This allows enough time to get your images printed for use at the wedding, or to be used on wedding invitations.
The Bridal Session
Ladies, we all know the perfect dress means everything, so why not celebrate it! Bridal sessions allow you to do a sort of “dress rehearsal” for the big day. Treat yourself to a day of hair, make-up, your gorgeous dress and a photo shoot that’s all about YOU! You can add this session for $100. This includes the session and a disc of your favorite 15 finished images. These images are great to display at the wedding reception, or to give to your groom as a gift (after the wedding of course!). They also make wonderful gifts for mom, grandma, or other relatives. The bridal session needs to be scheduled no later than 3 weeks before the wedding (or after all fittings and alterations are finished).
Invitations and Save-the-Dates
Invitations are the first peek guests will have of your wedding day, so why not make them as unique as you are? Using your favorite images from your engagement session (or even with no images at all), together we will custom-design an invitation just for you. The invitations are size 5x7 and double-sided, and include envelopes. They are printed on slightly textured cardstock for great image quality and durability. When added to your wedding package, invitations are slightly discounted from regular prices (must be ordered in increments of 25). The most common quantities are:
$150 for 100 invitations
$200 for 125 invitations
$225 for 150 invitations
$300 for 200 invitations
Wedding Storybooks
Storybooks are custom-designed photo books that tell the visual story of your wedding day. These are more than just a way to share your story with friends and family. They are heirlooms that you, your children, your grandchildren, and future generations can cherish for years. The books are a size 8x10, hardback, and professionally bound to last. The pages are custom-designed using your favorite 150 images from the day. Samples are available for viewing. You can add a storybook to your package for $90 (slightly discounted from regular price). Additional copies may also be purchased. Moms also love these!
Wall Art Collection
This package option allows you to create a beautiful display for your home that showcases your love. The collection includes one 20x30 and two 16x20 gallery canvas wraps. Your images are printed on durable canvas fabric and wrapped around a stretcher frame, allowing the image to continue around the edges. These pieces do not require framing and come ready to hang on the way. Samples are available for viewing. You can add this collection to your package for $600 (a savings of $80 off the regular price).
There is a $200 retainer required to hold your wedding date. Because I often get multiple inquiries for the same date, this retainer is due within two weeks after your booking is confirmed. After your retainer is received, we will schedule a time to meet for an in-person consultation. Once we get together, we can discuss the different package options, day-of details, as well as look over/sign the contract.

I know this is a BIG change. If you’ve already booked your wedding date with me, don’t worry. Nothing changes for you. You are still locked-in at the pricing packages we have already discussed. (But if I haven’t met with you in person yet, I would love to do that!) If you’ve already confirmed your date with me, and you have questions, feel free to email or call me. Don’t panic! lol

These new changes apply to all wedding bookings confirmed after August 13, 2012.

I’m so excited about this change, and I’m so excited to be there for you on one of the happiest days of your life. There is no shortage of amazing wedding photographers in the world. For me, it is truly an honor to be YOURS.

Miranda