Why Bringing Your Own Photographer To Your Destination Wedding Is A Good Idea

I have always loved destination weddings. I have always loved the beach or some fancy destination in Europe. And now you're doing a destination wedding. I can already tell that you’re doing all of your research. You’re on the right path to planning your dream wedding day at a destination resort! 

Something that isn’t common knowledge is that when you book your wedding at a resort, you are assigned a photographer that you don't get to choose. You may get to look at their portfolio but you don’t really get to get to know them or do an engagement session with them. That means that you won't know who it is that will be photographing your big day as well as you probably won't have much or any contact with them before your big day. And honestly, that kind of sucks! 

But that isn't always the case, and here is why I think you should consider bringing a photographer with you from your hometown when you have your destination wedding. 

Easy Communication Pre + Post Wedding

As a previous bride myself I 100% believe that your photographer should be a piece of cake to reach through e-mail and social media. Nothing is worse than trying to get ahold of someone and having them not be there. Your photographer should have the expertise to be able to provide advice on your timeline, your experience with them, what details you need to set aside for your bridal prep as well be excited to celebrate your wedding day! To me, clients are more than just a job for me to do to get paid. I invest my time and energy into providing amazing photos for you of your BIG day that you want to hang in your house. Plus by the end of the process, we are probably going to be besties; I will be the biggest and LOUDEST cheerleader on your wedding day.

You Get To Choose Which Style Of Wedding Photographer You Want

Guys this is a HUGE one! As a photographer, I follow most of the other photographers in Ottawa on Instagram and I am amazed at how different the styles are. They are all beautiful but everybody puts a unique spin on their style to make it their own. Between posing and styles, everyone is different. Bringing your wedding photographer means you get to choose a style that is as unique as the two of you and gives you the ability to get wedding photos that are totally YOU! A massive portion of your day will include taking photos so you also want to find someone who you get along with; because you will spend more time with your photographer than with ANYBODY else on your wedding day. 

Wedding Collection Flexibility

The thing about booking a hometown photographer versus a resort photographer means you can choose a photographer that has a wedding collection that is perfect for you. Depending on what you're looking for (Full day coverage, album, a guest book, or even an engagement session add-on), finding your ideal collection makes it easier to find your ideal photographer as well. 

Personally, when I travel along, I like to add in extra bonuses to help round out the gallery. Like extra photos or extra hours to say thank you for bringing your photographer along on the trip. Sometimes I even throw in an extra engagement session on the beach or a boudoir session if that’s something you’d prefer more.

An Engagement Session

I highly recommend to all of my couples that they should have an engagement session. No matter if it is a wedding in your city, at a resort, or in your backyard. Always do an engagement session. It is a way to get to know your photographer and for them to get to know you so that you and them know how to get those awesome photos that are perfect for you. Not only will you receive your engagement photos from the same photographer, keeping the same style for your engagement session as well as your wedding photography. Plus it is a way to get to know your photographer before your wedding. Most photographers also include an engagement session in their wedding collections. 

Another thing to think about is that some photographers (as well as myself) like to give my clients the choice of where they want to do their engagement session. You can either do your engagement session here in Ottawa or you can wait till you're on your trip to the resort and have your engagement session on the resort or in the town to go with the rest of your wedding gallery. (OR BOTH!)

Getting Your Wedding Photos Afterwards

Bringing a photographer with you from your hometown means it's actually going to be easier to get the photos back afterward. When you bring your photographer, you'll have already met them and have contact with them through email and/or text. As well as you won't have to rely on the photographer from your resort to mail you a USB or have to worry about them being delayed in returning them to you. With a photographer from your hometown, you'll be able to get them from your photographer as we are easier to get ahold of!

Hope this helps! I would love to chat with you if you are planning a destination wedding. I love to travel and would love to photograph your special day!