Congratulations to you on your engagement! Wedding planning is an exciting process...one that is full of endless ideas and inspiration. I love to live vicariously through my couples as they put together all of the details for their best day ever!
As a prominent wedding photographer in Wisconsin, I have the immense honor of celebrating with couples in Milwaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Dells, Appleton, La Crosse & Door County.
I'm so excited that you have stumbled upon my website and I am happy to share answers to many commonly asked questions regarding the wedding photography services that I offer.
I look forward to connecting and discussing your wedding day vision soon!
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What is your photography style?
As soon as I began photographing people in 2012, I shot from the hip. I took chances and experimented, but mostly, I let the subjects in front of me interact and lead the way. I have been a lover of candid photography since the beginning and my favorite photos are the ones that involve genuine interaction, happy laughs or sincere snuggles. I thrive when my clients are willing to play along with my prompts and let go of the insecurities that they feel... everyone feels a little camera shy before their session but by the end, they have forgotten that there is a camera present at all. I've always strived to keep my editing true to how I see the scene before me. I enhance the colors, adding a bit more vibrance and boldness, but overall love to use correct color balance. I believe in timeless photography and stray from trends that are cool right now... in 30 years, they may not be.
Overall, my editing style is vibrant, colorful and bright.
When it comes to my wedding photography style, I mix a photojournalistic approach with classic portraiture. I love shooting weddings with lots of action, laughs, hugs, dancing, and genuine interaction. I want to see kids running around, playing and acting goofy. I want to see old friends hugging and cracking jokes. I want to see family members reminiscing. I want to see people on the dance floor. I want to see my couples embracing the moment, feeling all the feels and celebrating their hearts out. I direct when I need to and I know when to stand back and let the magic happen. After ten years of photographing wedding celebrations, I am able to anticipate the course of events. I know what will make someone cry and I know how to capture the tears. I know where to position myself in order to have the resulting images tell a story. Perfectly posed is out, the genuine unfolding of events is what will transport you back to your wedding day 30 years from now.
What is your booking process?
Submit your inquiry, tell me the details of your wedding day vision ---> Book your wedding photography consultation with me ---> Share your love story ---> I learn about your wedding day vision and wedding photography desires ---> You learn more about my wedding photography offerings
---> I formulate a customized quote and send it your way ---> You say "Yes! "---> I send you a contract and we start planning your engagement session!
What is included in your wedding packages?
Wedding consulting, timeline planning, engagement session (wardrobe guidance & styling, location scouting, professionally edited images), 10 years of wedding photography experience, comprehensive resources throughout the journey of wedding planning.
Do you travel? What fees are involved?
Yes, absolutely! My passport is current. I travel frequently throughout the state of Wisconsin and the Midwest region. I am available for travel throughout the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska and happy to venture to countries abroad. I have photographed all over the USA & world including a destination wedding in Cabo san Lucas Mexico, engagement sessions in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, along the beaches of St. Petersburg Florida, portrait sessions in San Francisco, California, Denver, Colorado & the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, family sessions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina as well as portraits, landscape photography, wildlife photography and street photography throughout Nicaragua and southeast Asia (Bali, Indonesia, Lombok, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka & India).
Pricing for weddings is customized because each celebration is unique. Anything within 2 hours of Hartford, WI is no travel fee. From there, it is nominal.
Traveling out of state and internationally is something I'm fond of and I customize pricing depending on the specifics of the inquiry and event.
Why have an engagement session? Do you have location ideas for our engagement photos? When in the wedding planning process is it best to schedule our engagement photoshoot?
I believe in the power of the engagement session. Celebrating the proposal, kicking off the wedding planning festivities and enjoying the process are all reasons to opt-in for the engagement photography sessions I offer. I love to treat engagement sessions like a date night. Incorporate a meaningful location, an activity you enjoy together as a couple and of course, bring along any furry friends who make a big impact on your life. The session is about the unique aspects of your relationship but also about cementing your feelings in photographs during this monumental season in your life.
I have been documenting engagements and weddings over the past decade and have accumulated many awesome locations. Whether you're seeking a natural landscape or an urban feel, I've got recommendations for you. We can determine the best location options together, because it depends on who you are as a couple and what you value together.
I'm pretty flexible when it comes to planning your engagement session. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your engagement photos shortly after getting engaged...If not immediately because you want to relish in that "just engaged" emotion, be sure to schedule your engagement photoshoot at least 6-10 months prior to your wedding celebration. This gives plenty of time to plan something extraordinary and to then be able to use the images in Save The Dates, which typically get sent out to your guest list 6-8 months before your wedding day.
Do you help couples coordinate outfits for their engagement photos?
Yes, absolutely. I use an interactive wardrobe styling service and after a decade of photographing couples, I have a great eye for what photographs well. We can collaborate on this together...taking into consideration your personal style, the location of the session, the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve for your photos as well as the season in which your engagement photoshoot takes place.
What is the best weather condition for an engagement photoshoot?
This really depends on what you want out of your experience. Some clients want a warm summer evening with a magnificent sunset, others want something cozy outdoors during a soft snowfall. I can accommodate any request.
How long does it take to receive engagement photos back?
3 weeks at most.
What is a print release? Do you offer one?
A print release allows you to use your digital files for printing purposes....if you want prints, canvases, albums, etc you will want to be sure your photographer offers a print release for your digital gallery. I offer a print release for both engagement photography services and wedding day photography services. I do not limit the number of images released to my clients. I have recommendations for high quality prints and albums. I highly believe in bringing your digital files to life in the real world. As the professional wedding photographer, I do retain copyright of the images.
Will you be the photographer on our wedding day?
I am the sole photographer with Whimsical Roots Photography and I will be the wedding photographer on your wedding day. I have been documenting weddings solo for the past 10 years and have brought on a second photographer when necessary. Overall, I find that I am more than capable of documenting a wedding celebration by myself unless there are many logistical pieces that require being in two places at once.
Where have you documented weddings before?
The Gardens Wedding Center, The Bowery, Carriage House at Lac La Belle, Mercantile Hall, Golden Mast Inn, The Atrium, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Rustic Manor 1848, The Milwaukee Yacht Club, Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, South Shore Pavilion, Horticultural Hall, Schlitz Audubon, Siebkens Resort, The Schauer Arts Center, The Delafield Hotel, Swan Barn Door, Coast Weddings & Events, Monona Terrace, Mansion Hill Inn, Bookworm Gardens, Garver Feed Mill, The Florian, Terrace 167, Period Garden Park, Discovery World, The Waters Oshkosh & many others!
Where are your dream venues?
Filament, Ivy House, Fete, The Gage, South Second, The Mitch, The Fitzgerald, The George, Jan Serr Studio, The Box MKE, The Tinsmith, Milwaukee Art Museum, The Howard, Paine Art Center, Blue Harbor Resort, The Covenant at Murray Mansion, Plant No 4, The Loft at 132, Grace Center, Saint Kates Arts Hotel, Black Swan, Bianco Room, The Cooperage, River Valley Historic Venue, The Starling MKE, Factory on Barclay, Upper East, Bucyrus Club, Dandy, Burlap & Bells, St. James 1868, Greenhouse No 7, Villa Terrace, Maxwell Mansion, The Riviera Ballroom, Dekoven Center, Edgewater Hotel, Gather on Broadway, The Ballroom at the Reserve, The 513, Madison Museum of Contemporary Arts, NŌ Studios, Twelve29, Foundry 45, Chivaree on Park, Boerner Botanical Gardens
I love interesting architecture, greenery, botanicals, crisp white interiors, cream city brick, vaulted ceilings, exposed conduit and ductwork, big picturesque windows and natural light, historical buildings, contemporary architecture, city skylines, big open fields, lines of mature pine trees, vintage furniture, lakefront and waterfront properties, artistically appointed interiors, Edison bulb lights, industrial chic interiors, moody yet modern spaces, dramatic chandeliers, ivy covered brick walls, patio cocktail hour, all things glass, spiral staircases, historical theaters, nature centers, gardens bursting with lush vegetation and beautiful flowers, distinguished bars, country farmscapes, ornate staircases, sophisticated interiors and so much more. I'm inspired in many different environments but the details listed above speak to my photography soul.
What will you wear on our wedding day?
I can dress it up or keep it business casual. We can discuss your requests but most of the time I wear a stylish one-piece jumpsuit and comfortable wedges.
What kind of equipment do you bring with you to the wedding day?
I always bring 3 camera bodies with me as well as an arsenal of lenses to ensure your day is captured using a variety of focal points and perspectives. I bring extra memory cards and batteries as well. I use on-camera flash and can bring off camera lighting if necessary.
How do you approach a wedding day?
I approach each wedding day with a fresh set of eyes. Although the course of many wedding days unfolds similarly, there are always different dynamics at play. I arrive early with a sense of curiosity and positivity. I explore a bit and then dive into the day.
What is your attitude on a wedding day?
I'm upbeat and positive. I'm real and excited to be celebrating with you. I'll give you a big bear hug and get to work. I offer up a calm, confident presence, ready to mitigate any issues that may arise with swift problem solving skills. A decade of wedding photography has equipped me with many learning opportunities, experience and expertise that I bring with me to ensure your wedding day feels amazing!
Do you allow other guests/family members to take photos while you are?
I understand that guests and family members want to capture memories for themselves. It does tend to be a distraction if it is excessive throughout the day. Cell phones in professional photography images take away from all of the meticulous design and planning you put into your day. I would recommend having a genuine conversation with your friends and family about your comfort level of their cell phone use during your day. As a wedding photographer, I want to document the authentic interactions among friends and family and technology tends to disrupt the flow & connection. I often have family members photographing behind my head after I've set up a shot and I can work with it...but the reality is that it will lead to formal portraits taking longer because the individuals in the photos will have wandering eyes and will be required to get reeled back in to focus on my camera instead of the others. I will speak up in a polite way if it gets to be a real disruption but most of the time I can work with it.
What are your meal requirements on a wedding day?
I require a meal for any wedding day photography coverage exceeding 5 hours. I have learned that it is best if I eat when the wedding party is eating so that I can be ready to rock and roll when speeches take off towards the tail end of dinner. Being seated in the back of the reception hall, far away from the wedding party makes it difficult to be prepared to document the candid moments that happen during dinner. It is common to hear that photographers are seated in the back and served after the last guests have been served... but the truth is that this doesn't always flow well. We can discuss this topic during consultations surrounding the planning of your timeline.
Do you photograph destination weddings?
Yes, I travel for destination weddings. I would love to photograph weddings and elopements in all kinds of places including but not limited to...the cliffs of Ireland, wine country in California, the lush forests of Washington state, the pristine white beaches of Florida, the Atlantic shorelines of Maine, the bustling cityscape of Chicago, the picturesque Rocky Mountains, the vibrant red rocks in Sedona, Arizona, anywhere in Italy or France (I've lived in France for a year and a half, 6 months in Paris), the Caribbean (my family used to vacation regularly in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya), the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Really, the list of places I wouldn't go is far smaller than the list of destinations I would venture to... please, reach out and let's chat about your dream destination wedding!!
Are you an elopement photographer?
I am an elopement photographer and enjoy participating in the planning of your dream elopement! I have endless ideas and am happy to share them with you. Creating a unique experience all your own is what I'm all about!
Have you ever photographed an Indian wedding?
I have photographed an Indian American fusion wedding and loved it! I have spent time traveling in India and appreciate the culture and traditions! Colorful, bold, joyful... Indian weddings are a dream for me and I would be honored to celebrate with you if you are planning a traditional Indian wedding!
Do you photograph weddings of various religions?
Yes. I have photographed Christian weddings, Jewish weddings, & Hindu weddings as well as non-religious wedding celebrations. I am fascinated by and respectful of all religious & cultural beliefs and traditions.
Do you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?
Yes, I am interested in celebrating love from all walks of life!
How far in advance should we book you?
I recommend reaching out as soon as you know that I'm the wedding photographer for you! I book up 9-12 months in advance but often can accommodate unconventional weddings... mid-week elopements, Thursday, Friday and Sunday weddings seem to be trending also and I love receiving inquiries for these types of weddings! Reach out and we can chat about my availability as it varies wildly.
How many photos can we anticipate in our final wedding gallery?
Full day wedding coverage typically renders anywhere from 1000-1500 images. Variables include events of the day, locations, size of wedding party, guest count and logistics.
How long does it take to see wedding photos?
I offer my clients a wedding preview within one week of their celebration.
How long does it take to receive our final wedding photography gallery?
60 days at most.
How many weddings have you photographed?
I have photographed upwards of 200 weddings over the past 10 years. When I started my photography journey I worked full time for different organizations, so I took on less weddings each year. Now that I run my photography business full time, I take on 25-30 weddings each year.
What is your process for creating a photo shot list?
I offer my clients an opportunity to outline their requested must-have photographs, but for the most part I shoot intuitively. I know what my clients want to see in their final wedding photography gallery and that is precisely what I produce for them. It is helpful to provide a detailed list of family photo combinations as that is where I see bottlenecks most often. Creating a specific, organized shot list for family portraits ensures that this portion of the day runs smoothly and efficiently.
What is your editing process?
I focus on enhancing what is already present in each photograph. I stray from trendy presets and instead strive to deliver an image that looks and feels how it did the moment it was documented. For me, wedding photography is not only art but it is a medium that is intended to transport you back to the feelings you felt as you celebrated your I dos. I love to add a bit more contrast and vibrance to elevate the colors you intentionally chose to surround you on your wedding day. Real life is beautiful. True colors are beautiful.
I hope this article was helpful. I would love to hear from you as you go through the process of selecting your wedding photographer!
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