Tag Archives: Wedding Photography

How to Catch A “Fraud” Wedding Photographer

As someone who knows a slew of professional photographers that have had their work stolen (including myself), and as someone who has seen numerous people pass themselves off as professionals, I thought that this article was relevant to you as you search for your wedding photographer.

http://allebachphotography.com/topics/tips-for-catching-a-wedding-fraudtographer-fauxtographer/

The gist of it, if you don’t want to read it, that in order to protect yourself from a poser is this:

  • Meet the photographer is person and ask questions;
  • Ask for references;
  • Ask to see an entire event;
  • Pay attention to photographic clues (including geography);
  • Google the photographers name;
  • Stay away from Craigslist.

Of course, blessings to you as you search for the right photographer for your wedding.

Chris.

 

 

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How to Save Big Money by Not Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer

Good morning, Friends.

Talk to any professional wedding photographer and they will tell you that one of the biggest challenges they face two fold: first, the notion from potential clients that I can save big money if they do it themselves (that is taking your own photographs) and a very closely related second, the cost of a professional photographer is just too much money. Well, I’m not going to get into the why a professional wedding photographer costs money (there are plenty of blog postings that break down everything from the cost of professional knowledge and expertise, marketing, equipment, time, etc., etc.) but I would like to share something that came across my desk yesterday.

As you know, I am not one who regularly reposts other’s blog, but every once in a while something comes along that is worth sharing.This post will explain the monetary benefits you will reap by doing your own wedding photographs. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Click on the link below to view the post.

http://petapixel.com/2013/10/04/save-big-money-hiring-professional-wedding-photographer/

Keep in mind my post is not intended to offend anyone, just provide a good humored look at things to take into account when considering taking your own wedding photographs. I can’t speak for the intent of the original author, however. 🙂

Blessings,

Chris

Posted in Event Photography, Photography Tips & Techniques, Wedding Photography Also tagged , |

Sumner Wedding Venue – Laurel Creek Manor

In an earlier post I had mentioned something about working on a project for one of the best wedding venues in Pierce County, WA, actually one of the best venues in all of Western Washington, in my humble opinion: Laurel Creek Manor.

We have had the honor to shoot a few wedding there over the years, both in photo and video. And while photos from those events can be found here on this blog, a special project that we were working on was a promotional video for the manor. That video was centered around an actual wedding, and since we mentioned the venue in a previous post we thought that we would now present that video to you.

Laurel Creek Manor is located in Sumner at the base of the hill leading to Bonney Lake. The five acre estate is surrounded by bulb farms that give you a private country setting with fabulous amenities! Among the property is two acres of landscaped English gardens, a beautiful and unique wedding arbor, two large terraces equipped with surround sound, pathways, Italian fountains, private on site parking, and a historic barn.

Inside the manor house includes elegant architecture that is drenched with exquisite European fixtures. With exclusive use of the facility for every event, you could relax and enjoy the wedding from start to finish whether it is inside, outside or both! The manor house boasts a large great room with dark wood floors, stone fireplace, and multiple French doors leading out to a beautiful covered porch and large terrace. Upstairs you will find private changing rooms for the bridal party including a Groom’s Changing Room with plush chairs, unique architecture and large restroom. The bride and her bridesmaids will enjoy the large Bridal Suite with fabulous seating, private balcony, cathedral windows, air conditioning, walk-in closet, and a pink marble bathroom!

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Wedding Planners in Pierce County, WA

TO STRESS OR NOT TO STRESS

Do you have a friend who is getting married, or are you getting married yourself? Have you ever been to a wedding which was chaotic and unorganized-where the wedding party didn’t know where to stand, the food was cold and the DJ stopped playing music leaving “dead air” during dinner? Awkward!?!?!

We have had the honor of documenting so many beautiful weddings over the years, some of which were well organized, others, well, could have used some (OK…a lot) of help. If you are a bride-to-be, my advice to you is to take that extra step to get new and innovative ideas, add a touch of luxury and alleviate the stress from your most beautiful wedding day.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting an amazing wedding planner/coordinator, Tricia Fisk, of Weddings Realized (www.weddingsrealized.com). Her expertise in providing planning and coordinating services is evident in her personality and knowledge of her profession. In the years that she has been in the “wedding business”, she has offered couples an opportunity to truly enjoy every aspect of their wedding, from the planning stages to the day of their union.

What many couples don’t realize is that someone needs to be the “go to guy”, especially the day of their wedding. There are so many details that need to be attended to; delivery of the flowers, DJ, food, cake, making sure all parties needed for photos are in place and ready to smile, dress is flawless, officiant is present, and so many other needs.

Also, many couples don’t know that a wedding planner has great connections to other wedding professionals, and can refer you to an appropriate vendor. Often times a wedding planner can orchestrate and pass along a professional discount on flowers, rentals, venues etc. She can refer you to the best photographers and videographers in the area, where you can be sure that your wedding day is documented perfectly forever.

Couples preparing to be married should be able to concentrate on each other, not the minuscule details that can make or break their wedding day. Hand these stress makers over to a pro. I recommend that you call Tricia for a brief consult and see if she is a good fit for you.  Ensure that your wedding day runs smooth and beautiful. Hire a professional wedding planner. It will be so worth your while.

God’s blessings,

Chris.

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Kim and Reese: Loving You Forever

We have been real busy the last couple of months and have somewhat neglected getting some photos and video online for you to view, and now we’re trying to catch up…

Attached are just a few photographs that we shot at Kim and Reese’s wedding, which occurred on a very rainy and blustery October 17 at the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, WA (you know-the same one that the Beatles stayed in during their visit to Seattle). We were asked to only photograph some formal family pictures and the ceremony. Nonetheless, we shot some great photographs and wanted to share them with you.

Our congratulations go out to Kim and Reese, and we wish then many happy years together.

Chris.

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Jodi and Alden: Let’s Be Together

This is a short photo montage video that we put together for Jodi and Alden, who are going to be married next month.

I took the photographs contained within this montage at a local park, here in Puyallup, not too far from our studio. It was a great shoot, despite the rain, and we enjoyed our time with this great couple.

Congratulations, Jodi and Alden, on your engagement and we are looking forward to your wedding.

Blessings,
Chris
Posted in Engagement Photography, Portraits Also tagged , , , , , |

Dee & Zac: Our Life Begins Together

All our best to Dee and Zac Bishop, who were married just a few short weeks ago at Laurel Creek Manor, in Sumner, WA.

We were honored to be chosen as the photographers for their incredible wedding. The day started out with a terrible rainstorm, and we were all concerned that with the rain the wedding might have to shift to plan B, but with a few prayers the rain lifted and their beautiful ceremony was allowed to proceed.

This video is a short montage of some of the photographs we took of their day.

Congratulations, Dee and Zac, and enjoy the video.

God’s blessings,

Chris

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Jennifer and Jason Tied the Knot-again!!!! (a video) – Puyallup Wedding Photographer

I received a call from Jason in late April inquiring about our services and availability for their “official” wedding on May 17. In our conversation, I learned that Jason was actually in the Army and had been deployed to Iraq last year. Before doing so, however, he and Jennifer had got married in a small ceremony without their family and friends present.

So on May 17, they had their big ceremony and reception at the Puyallup Pioneer Park Pavilion. We were fortunate and honored to be asked to be their photographer and were blessed to provide them with some wonderful shots.

Congratulations, Jennifer and Jason, and we wish you the best for many happy years together.

Blessings.

You can view more of Jennifer and Jason’s wedding photographs at https://chrismckennaphotography.com

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Jennifer and Bernie: “I’m hoping for a little bit of snow”

When I first talked with Jennifer last November, I believe this is what she said when talking about her December wedding. Little did we know that there would be over 2 feet on the ground before the ceremony even started. Nevertheless, our congratulations go out to Jennifer and Bernie, who were married December 13, 2008 at Alexanders Country Inn in Ashford (located just outside Mt. Rainier National Park). No one could have asked for a more picturesque location for a beautiful December wedding and we were honored to be chosen to help capture their special day.

This is a video that we pulled together for them back in January, and because of the popularity of our photo videos we decided that we would go ahead and post it here.

Once again, best wishes for a great future together Jennifer and Bernie.

Blessings,

Chris

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Jessica and Shyenne: The Preview

The following video is something that I put together from some of the photographs I took for Jessica and Shyenne’s engagement session a few weeks back. We had been trying to get for a couple of months to get these shots, but the weather kept getting in the way. Finally, on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon, we got the break we were looking for and took these great pictures.

We hope that you enjoy the video and the photos from their engagement photo session.

Blessings.

Posted in Engagement Photography, Portraits Also tagged , , , , , , |