You have questions, and I have answers! Below you will find Q&A's for both Photography and Wedding Planning/Co-ordination Services.
Where are you located?
My home base is Guleph, Ontario however, our service area is practically anywhere you need me to be! I've done weddings from Toronto to Halifax, Jamaica and even at Sea! Aside from destination Weddings, local travel is free up to 300 km/day to and from your primary wedding day location.
What are the benefits of hiring a Wedding Planner?
Planning a wedding can be extremely time consuming, tiring and stressful. Our whole vision is to take the stress and time commitment to planning away from you while still creating the vision that you have for your day exactly the way you want it. It may seem counter intuitive, but a full service wedding planner can also save you money. We work tirelessly to get the best from your vendors, ensure your contracts work for you and not just the business you're hiring and we are trained to think of the all technical aspects required to plan and run your Wedding Day seamlessly.
We assist in hiring qualified and amazing vendors to curate your ideal team, co-ordinate all vendors and build timelines that work well with your vision and your vendors alike. All decisions are still in your control, but we present options you may not have even known existed because we have the experience with all the moving parts.
What is the difference between a Venue Co-ordinator and a Wedding Co-ordinator?
While a venue co-ordinator is beneficial, they ultimately work for the venue and have the venues best interest when push comes to shove. Your Wedding Co-ordinator works solely for you and will assist in making your day come to fruition the way you want.
What is a Fireside Chat?
Fireside chats are an amazing option for the A-Type personality who already loves planning and wants to oversee all aspects, but wants a knowledgeable expert to consult with regarding specific aspects areas that you may not have the knowledge or expertise in navigating. This consult regarding one specific or multiple aspects i.e. assistance reviewing contracts, what to look for when narrowing down certain vendors, vendor options or building a realistic timeline (and more!).
You can book fireside chats by the hour or as a multi-hour package for expert 1 hour consults spread out along your planning journey.
Do you have references?
I sure do! You can find them on Google, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Facebook, and I'm sure there are others out there. I can tell you that I refer all my couples to write a review on these sites because they are an open forum - meaning I have ZERO control what is put up on these websites so you're sure to receive an unbiased review of what people think about me, their experience and final product.
Do you do destination weddings?
I am an International Wedding Photographer and absolutely LOVE to travel! I would be honoured to join you in just about any place in the world! Contact me and we can talk about the details of your wedding.
Is videography something you offer?
While we do not have our own team of videographers (we specialize in photography), we do have some amazing professionals to refer you to! Let us know you're interested and we can pass on what some of our bride's have had to say!
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Absolutely! Engagement sessions are great for two VERY important reasons. It's a great way for us to get to know each other better before the big day, but it also gives me a good idea of how you two work together before we get to your big event! Just as important, it gives you both the ability to see how I work, so you can go into your wedding day with confidence in me and know what to expect. You always have the right to "pass" on your engagement shoot, but it isn't recommended.
Do you offer free, no obligation initial interviews?
Without question! It's really important to me that you not only like my style and packages, but that you like me too! Unlike most other vendors on the day of your wedding, you actually spend a lot of time with us. You need to know that I'm someone you can comfortable with and feel like I can provide an experience that will be fun and eventful. I will never push you for a sale. I feel like the decision has to be the right one for you both.
How far in advance should I reserve our date?
The Wedding industry is not like most industries. It really does book from 12-18 months in advance for vendors (Venue, Planner, Photographer, DJ, etc.) and 12 months + for Wedding Dress orders! The benefit of booking as soon as you have your confirmed date is a) you will have more choice of vendors with open dates and b) you will lock in that pricing.
Will you be the planner/co-ordinator or photographer at our wedding?
Unless at the time of booking we talk about different arrangements, Yes! Absolutely! In the very unlikely event that myself or any secondary photographers/co-ordinators should be disabled or have a severe family emergency, it is up to me to find a replacement professional who is of like experience, education, equipment and style so it does not affect your wedding day! With that said, it is not something that we anticipate happening, and you can expect I will be photographing / co-ordinating your wedding day.
How long until our images are ready?
I aim to have your final product on its way within 4-6 weeks. This may vary during the busy season (8-10 weeks), however, I always do my best to ensure that you have your images within that time frame.
What are your prices?
Although having a co-ordinator, planner and/or photographer that fits your needs are the most important, the price comes in at a close second. That is why all package prices are listed on The Details page. There are no hidden costs. If you do not find what you are looking for, contact me and we can work with you to build a package to suit your needs. Either way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before we sign your wedding contract.
What is your retainer, payment and cancellation policy?
Photography: In order for me to hold and book your wedding date, a 30% non-refundable retainer is required. This retainer ensures that your date is yours and I will turn down any other business that comes my way for your date. The remainder is due any time up to 7 days before the date of the event!
Planning/Co-ordination: A 25% non-refundable retainer is required at the time of signing so work can begin right away! 25% is due for your final payment, 7 days prior to the wedding and the 50% in between becomes your monthly payment amount.
Cancellations can be made up to 30 days prior to your wedding date, in which case you would not be responsible for the remaining funds listed in the contract (see your contract for details). In the unlikely event that you need to move your wedding date due to a family emergency or accident, we simply take your retainer and apply it to your new chosen date.
No matter who you choose, contracts are SO important.
Who do you bring on our wedding day?
If you have a second photographer in your collection or a day of co-ordinator and photography, you're in for a treat! I have worked with these gals for many years. Not only do they know exactly how I run my weddings, but they could run one themselves - and from time to time - do! I couldn't do my job without them! Meet them on the About Me page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard or email money transfer. A receipt will be provided to you for all forms of payment. Credit card purchases have an additional 1.5% charge.
You don't see the Question or Answer you need? Email me at: hello@simplyweddings.co