Consulting with couples regarding their wedding is one thing I find vital in the process of photographing weddings. Emails can become confusing, seem impersonal, and very time consuming. What better way to clear all of these complications than with some coffee and good conversations in person? Efficiency and face-to-face contact - both of which I love and appreciate. Not only will meeting in person before the wedding clear any questions that may need discussed and decided upon, but it will also allow us to begin our relationship on the same page - while encouraging comfortability and open communication.
Meeting with me as a photographer is not some kind of interview or formal interrogation process - but that being said, I'm all for clear expectations. So here are some simple things to possibly think about before the meeting and expect during the meeting. :)
How to prepare and what to expect: A timeline of your wedding day is one of the most important things I ask that you consider before our meeting. It is not completely necessary to have the day broken into fifteen minute increments, but it is helpful to at least consider details such as... when you will approximately be getting ready, what are the various locations for hair, getting ready...., if you will be doing a "first look", if there are special circumstances I should be aware of on the day, etc.
Also there are a couple questions I always ask after the the basic layout of the day is communicated and organized. Some of these questions include 1) What do you think is the most special/important thing of your day to be captured (for some this may be family photos, guests who have traveled from all over the world, or portraits of the couple), 2) Are there any specific photos that you know you want and will be disappointed if you don't get (that one photograph from your parents wedding you would like to recreate, a simple photo you found on Pinterest, etc). All of these prove to be very helpful and keep communication and expectations at the forefront - every step of the way I want to ensure that we're on the same page.