I am a photography snob.
There. I said it.
Because of my slight huge obsession with photography, I knew that finding a photographer for our wedding was going to be a huge undertaking. Photography was hands down the number one priority for me – more important than the venue, the food, or the dress. This could be primarily because I have such a love affair with photography, but I think wedding photography is just so important. When the day is over (and I know it will be a complete blur to me), all I will have to remember that day by are my photos. I love that you can look at photos from a wedding, and if they are done right you feel like you were there. You can feel the happiness rolling off the groom as his bride walks towards him, and you can feel the love between them as you see their first kiss.
I want to have photos from our wedding that bring me back to that day, and let me feel all of the emotions all over again.
I knew early on that photography was one thing I was going to have to pay for myself. How did I know this? Well, when I began discussing photographers with my mom, her first comment was “Oh, well Bob at our church has a really nice camera, and he likes to take pictures!!” Yeah. That wasn’t going to cut it. That’s not to say I have anything against friendors (love them!), but photography is important enough to me that I was willing to shell out whatever it costs to get a photographer that I am in love with.
I searched high and low for an affordable photographer that I loved, but I was really struggling with it. I have a very specific style that I like when it comes to wedding photography, and I just wasn’t finding it anywhere. Maybe I’m just too picky, but I was determined to find someone who could deliver exactly what I wanted.
Then, I went to the Austin Bridal Extravaganza (cue angel chorus) with Sister Cardy. From across the room, I saw this adorable little stand with the CUTEST logo I had ever seen in my life. You think I’m exaggerating? Fine. I’ll prove it.
(Source) Seriously. Just look at that and try not to smile. It’s impossible.
So, I immediately dragged Sister Cardy over to their booth and started looking through their sample albums. Stunning. Breathtaking. Amazing. I was in love. While I was at the booth, I started chatting with Melanie (the “She” of She-N-He). I instantly loved her, and I knew that she was going to be my photographer within minutes of meeting her. She is so incredibly sweet, and she is exactly the type of person I want to spend my wedding day with. In light of my status as a poor college student, Melanie even offered to come up with a payment system for me so that I could pay for it monthly rather than having to pay a huge amount of money all at one time. Yeah, she’s that awesome.
I didn’t book them that day – instead I went home and did a little research on their website. Seriously, y’all – I can’t even tell you how much I love their photos. Wanna see?
All images courtesy of She-N-He Photography (If you want to see more photos, they have a ton on Facebook!)
Do you see why I fell in love with them? Their photos are so real and candid and beautiful! I love that they are so person-focused. Her weddings always have so many photos of people smiling, laughing, and dancing, and I love that! I would love to look back on our photos and be able to see how much everyone enjoyed our wedding. So, as soon as I finished poring over their entire portfolio, I emailed Melanie to set up an appointment to meet with her. Mr. Cardigan and I made a special trip to Austin specifically to meet her, and seriously y’all? WE. LOVE. HER.We have kept in contact with Melanie and her husband Steve over the last few months, and I feel like they’re our friends now. I have absolute faith in them, and I can’t wait to see the amazing photos they take for us!
What is your number one priority for your wedding day?
This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.
