Before I get back into blogging some beautiful weddings from 2015, I wanted to write a post for all the newly engaged couples out there! First off, congratulations. Secondly, I obviously would love for you to hire me to document your wedding day, but more importantly, I want you to find the perfect photographer for you. Your wedding photographer will be with you for almost the entire day and you definitely don’t want to spend such a special day with someone you don’t love to be around. So, I don’t want you to hire me if we’re not a perfect fit. I’d rather you find the best person for the job. Because, most likely, if you don’t think I’m a great fit, there’s someone else out there who does and I would be able to serve them even better. On the other hand, if you do think we might be a perfect fit, give me a call! Let’s meet up and chat – it could be a match made in heaven!

I’ve compiled a list of simple ways to know when you’ve found the right wedding photographer. These may be obvious, but I think they’re good questions to ask yourself before paying that deposit. These images are heirlooms – they’ll be passed down to your grandchildren and they’ll be displayed on walls for many years – don’t choose someone randomly. Do your research and find the best person for the job – you can thank me later.

The following are 5 ways to know you’ve found the perfect wedding photographer.

1.You didn’t want to leave the initial meeting.

• When you met your photographer, did you feel like you were making a friend? And when the meeting was over, were you thinking “finally!” or were you a little sad to not be chatting about your wedding over coffee anymore? To me, this is a great indication as to whether you’ll get along with your photographer on your wedding day or not. If you feel like you’re talking to a friend, then it’s probably a good fit!

2. You’re already planning out your canvas wall.

• If you find yourself planning out your canvas wall or wedding album after meeting with a photographer, they may just be the right person for you! This, to me, is a sign of trust. You’re not wondering how the photos will turn out or if you’ll like them enough to hang them on your walls. You already know they’ll be beautiful and you’ve moved onto to decorating your entire home in your head! This is a great sign!

3. You would recommend them to your friends before they’ve even photographed your wedding.

• You know you’ve found the right photographer when you start recommending them to people even before they’ve photographed your wedding. Again, this is a sign of trust. You have no doubt about their abilities and believe so strongly in their work that you want all of your friends to hire them, too!

4. You feel comfortable asking them anything and having them help you with planning.

• Now, of course, there must be boundaries with any client relationship. You probably shouldn’t text your wedding photographer at 1 in the morning from your bachelorette party to tell them that you thought of a perfect bridesmaid photo op! But if you find yourself wanting to ask their opinion or wanting their input on certain aspects of planning, that is a sign that you have similar styles! While our talent and passion is photography, we also love the planning, styling, and executing of the wedding day. We, too, spend hours on Pinterest and wedding blogs because we just love what we do! So don’t hesitate to ask questions. And if you feel comfortable doing this, then that’s yet another sign of a great client-photographer relationship!

5. You can’t wait to hang out with them on your wedding day!

• This one is my favorite. If you’re excited to see your photographer and spend one of the most special days of your life with them, you’ve probably found the right person. Yes, we have a job to do, but we love getting to know and spending time with our clients! Again, this person will be with you from start to finish so it’s important to find someone you enjoy being around. And, it makes us happy to find a client that we can call a friend.

Every couple has an ideal wedding photographer and every wedding photographer has an ideal client. It’s okay if I’m not yours and you’re not mine – there’s someone out there that is, I promise! I hope these tips were helpful and you’re able to find the perfect wedding photographer!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!