Wow. Just Wow. Please forgive the poor edits here as we’re still recuperating from the quick trip to Florida and back but could not help but post a few of these shots out of shear excitement. I knew these were beautiful but man, this wedding takes the cake – perhaps its the good looking couple? Maybe its the magical Florida-Sunset, or perhaps the full moon, but I know one thing for sure . . . . The Oil did NOT keep us from getting in the ocean for some jaw-dropping “Trash the Dress” photos. Thanks again guys for being the most laid back couple I have EVER worked with, and a promise I’ve worked with some EXTREMELY relaxed couples. More photos coming later this week, and a few more quick picks after the jump > > > > Continue Reading…

Cedarwood is breathtaking . . . Somehow this was the first wedding we’ve shot there, but I will certainly say I cannot WAIT to go back and shoot there again, perhaps on a weekend when its slightly cooler than 104 Degrees.  Kyle and Brandon are such a fun couple and their families are troopers for sticking out the heat and having an absolutely wonderful reception! They certainly know how to throw a good party! Thanks for everything guys and check out a few more quick photos after the jump > > > Continue Reading…

This is a slideshow of our lovely bride’s favorite photos. Mrs Stokes, thanks so much for such a beautiful set of photographs – - – we’re working hard getting your favorites edited for you.

Hey everyone! We’ve finally received what we believe to be ALL of the groupon surveys and will begin the scheduling process SUNDAY, May 2nd in hopes that everyone made it through the great flood!!! I would have begun calling today, but see wedding photos below as to what was taking up our time today!  Beautiful wedding at Cathedral of Incarnation in Nashville TN, Follow the link below to see the whole gallery!

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I strongly dislike placing you in a box, or “package”.
However, for comparison sake, here are some popular packages that we’ve put together in recent weddings, to give you an idea where we fall $$  We believe it’s called your wedding “DAY” for a reason which is why we do not nickel and dime by the hour, all of our sessions begin when you want and end when you leave!!

Add a Photographer to ANY Package for $500
Add a 2 Hr Engagement Session for $350
Add a Bridal and/or Boudoir Session
Add a Newly-Wed Session or Honeymoon Shoot – Call

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Jade and Will!  Man – what fantastic photos – thanks so much for being great!

More content after the jump ->
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This is a great article published by the BBC which does an EXCELLENT job of demonstrating why wedding photography is a daunting task, and a worthy investment for your once-in-a-lifetime occasion!! To read the article click here for an excerpt, read below:

“But how hard can it be to get great shots at a happy occasion, where everyone is dressed up in picturesque locations? Most guests bring along their own cameras, after all.  Harder than it looks, says Paul Cudmore, a past winner of Wedding Photographer of the Year, who has been in the business for 18 years. “It’s all about emotions and capturing emotions. And obviously you’ve got to look out for vans driving past in the background.”  Most tricky of all is the group shot most couples want, if not for themselves, then for Mum and Dad, Auntie Mabel, and their grandparents.  To get that many people to stand in the right place, to look in the right direction – and to smile at the right time – can be like herding cats.”

Don Wright shooting Groomsmen in Murfreesboro TN

It really isn’t as easy as picking up your new canon 100000D with your shiny new lens, and switching it to “AUTO” mode and snapping away. Wedding photography takes planning, preparation, experience, and teamwork – let alone a careful eye and well trained shooter! I’ve heard HORROR stories about brides in the Southeast region who decide that they’ll have their “good friend from college” or “uncle who knows photography” document their special day for only a couple hundred dollars, and end up with nothing afterwards but a couple snapshots and dead flowers!

Groomsmen in Murfreesboro TN

Please, I beg you to research your next wedding photographers’ portfolio and talk to them about their experience. I’ve even posted a quick guide to questions your should ask your photographer!  For more tips on how to get the most out of your hard-earned dollars for photos that reflect artistry, magic, and professionalism, please check out my post about 10 Tips for Engagement Photos.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

Will he/she be taking the photos at your wedding?
Absolutely. I shoot all weddings and bring only my BEST photographers along!

Are they are a member of any associations or groups specific to the industy?
Only the National Photography Association – I try to spend more time shooting, and learning than attending social functions related to my work

What styles do they specialize in? Do they do any creative shoots?
I’m comfortable shooting any style you’d like, but I prefer to stray away from Olan Mills – style work. See my website for a variety of my shooting styles.

What type of camera will the photographer use?
Equipment list is as follows (updated regularly)
Nikon D200 Camera Body x 3
Nikon D90 Body
Nikon D80 Camera Body
Nikon D40 Camera Body

Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR ED IS Lens
Nikkor 17-55mm 2.8 ED Lens
Nikkor 50mm 1.4 ED Lens
Nikkor 18-55 3.5 G Lens
Tamron 17-50 2.8 Lens
Nikkor 35mm 2.8 Lens

Multiple Flashes x 7
3 Pocket-Wizard Wireless Triggers
4 Alien Bee 1600 Watt Studio Strobes
3 Alien Bee 800 Watt Studio Strobes

Software I use:
Adobe Photoshop CS4, Adobe Illustrator CS4, Adobe Lightroom 2, DXO Optics Pro

Does the photographer use an assistant? Is there an extra charge for this?
Depending on what you choose for your Custom Wedding Package, I will use multiple assistants, however – I will always have at least one.

Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if the photographer is ill?
We have more equipment than necessary and I have 4 Photographers who I trust unequivocally to cover for me if I’m in the hospital.

Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?
Only AFTER I’ve gotten the group shots I need . . . they can shoot all the candids they want, but you have HIRED me to do the best job I can possibly do documenting your wedding, and I need 100% participation from your wedding party, which means not distracting you with other cameras flashing at you while I’m trying to create a well crafted, beautiful image.

Has he/she worked at your event locations before? How did it work out?
Lighting issues and restrictions on using flashes may come up as a surprise once you are at your event location. If your photographer checks out the location beforehand, he will be prepared for these surprises.

Should your event last longer than scheduled, will they stay? Extra charge?
Depends on what we have agreed upon prior, but make sure and ask this question when you sit down with a prospective shooter!!!

What types of photos will be taken (B/W, Color, Antiques, etc..)?
You should know what type you want and if the photographer is willing to take more of what you want.

Will they accept of list from you, for specific photos to be taken?
Make sure the photographer is willing to accept a list of your must haves!

What attire will they and their assistants wear?
We wear Dark Colored clothing and stay professionally dressed – blend in with your attire

How long after the event will the proofs be ready?
Proofs will be ready GUARANTEED WITHIN THREE WEEKS, sometimes as soon as 3 Days

Will they give you the negatives or what is the charge?
For me, it depends on what we have agreed upon price-wise for your particular wedding, but PLEASE make sure and ask this question so there are no necessary surprises!

If you’d like, here’s a copy of this document “Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Photographer” in ADOBE PDF format

What a beautiful place for a wedding!! Click here to view/order photos