Author: Nina Chappel

Posted on by Nina Chappel

YES!! I 100% recommend having a wedding planner.  Wedding planning seems like it’s going to be so much fun…. until you actually start planning it.  Then you realize how much work it really is.  

Wedding planners are worth every penny.  If the budget just won’t allow for it, at least try for a day-of coordinator.  You don’t need everyone asking you where things are or when someone is showing up while you’re trying to get ready or doing portraits.

Not only do coordinators keep everything running like a well oiled machine, they also know the best vendors to choose.  Some planners may even have special rates negotiated with other vendors that enjoy working with them.

To be a little selfish, planners make my job as the photographer run much more smoothly.  I can’t count the number of boutonnieres I’ve pinned on in my life because there isn’t a planner there to do it and really, who actually knows how to pin on one of those things?  Not really an everyday skill.  

For most brides, this is the first wedding you’ve planned. Why not take advantage of all the experience planners have under their belt?

Posted on by Nina Chappel

Weddings can be very stressful.  Any chance you get to make your day less stressful, take it.  

Sometimes it’s unavoidable: you fall in love with a venue and you have to have it no matter what.  I’m not saying to give up on your dream venue if they don’t have a rain plan, definitely think it through and come up with a solution before you book the venue.

If your reception is going to be inside, you can always modify the layout to make room for an altar and a few small rows of chairs for close family, and the guests can still sit at their tables.  

A tent can also be a great addition if the venue doesn’t already have a rain plan.

You don’t want to get to the week of your wedding just to be refreshing your weather app every 5 minutes to see if the chance of rain is changing. It’s not worth the stress.

And, if it does happen to rain on your wedding day…I might just take you outside for a few memorable moments.

Posted on by Nina Chappel

First off, this is YOUR wedding and you can do whatever you want!  Having said that, there are plenty of ways around making an uneven number of wedding party look balanced.

One example is with posing for portraits.  In group walking photos with everyone clustered together, it really doesn’t matter how many girls and how many guys there are.

Even posed in a line, you can mix girls and guys to get a balanced look

Walking down the aisle, if there are more girls than guys, one guy can walk with a girl on each arm and vice versa

It’s also not unusual to have bridesmen and groomswomen. 

The most important thing is that you have the wedding you want with the people you love most surrounding you.

Posted on by Nina Chappel

This is such an exciting time in your life, but the majority of brides have never done this before and really don’t know where to start. 

Wedding Planners

I highly suggest wedding planners. They are well worth the money and will relieve so much stress throughout the process and especially on the wedding day. In my 12 years photographing weddings, having a planner makes a dramatic difference on your wedding day.  You will not regret it.

Venue

Typically the venue is next. If you really have your heart set on a specific venue, you may need to be flexible on your date. 

Photo and Video

Other vendors to lock down early are photo and video. Some brides book photo and video up to 2 years in advance so as early as you can reserve your date with them, the better.

The Dress

Wedding dresses, if they need to be ordered, can take 6 months or more to come in. If you have personal fitness goals, don’t wait to start searching for your dream dress. Most final fittings are 6-8 weeks from your wedding. 

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget a florist, caterer, cake, transportation, and a band or DJ. 

In Conclusion

I know, this seems like a lot! Again, a planner will be so helpful with vendor suggestions and even discounts with specific vendors they’ve negotiated. Having a personal recommendation for a vendor from someone you know and trust is EVERYTHING. If there’s a vendor you have your heart set on, prioritize them in your budget and book early. 

Congratulations on your engagement and enjoy this beautiful journey down the aisle!

  • I am just swooning! You were wonderful!Sarah Ackart

  • Not only is Nina an amazing photographer but she’s a fantastic person as well. My family has been so blessed by the fun and gorgeous pictures she has taken for us. She always makes pictures so fun and makes us feel comfortable. From family to Wedding photos she’s my Go-To!Amanda Tornello

  • Nina is a wizard with a camera! She has been a joy to work with for every occasion from high school graduation to engagement photos. She has a knack for capturing each subject in their natural element, while producing photographs that far exceeded any expectations.Caleb Helsley

  • My husband and I hate having our picture taken, but Nina set us at ease and made our engagement photo experience fun. She was creative and quickly captured natural, radiant shots that I thought were not within reach for two people typically uncomfortable in front of the lens. It was a given that we would use her again for the  wedding - and she over-delivered. We will cherish the photos Nina has done for us for the rest of time!Kaitlin Jones

  • Stop searching for a photographer RIGHT NOW and hire Nina Chappel. She did an AMAZING job with my elopement and made me feel like the most beautiful bride there ever was. For someone who is a bit insecure about getting their picture taken, Nina made me feel like a supermodel. Also helps that she's a star wars fan like we are 💗Sarah Alter

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