Wedding Photography FAQ & Planning Guide

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of questions, and after photographing hundreds of weddings over the past decade, we've heard just about all of them. Whether you're newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your timeline, we hope this guide answers your biggest questions and helps you feel confident every step of the way. If you don't find what you're looking for, we'd love to chat!

Booking & Availability

  • We recommend booking your wedding photographer as soon as you've secured your venue. While we've occasionally photographed weddings with only a few weeks' notice, most of our couples reserve their date anywhere from 6 months to a year in advance. Booking early also gives us plenty of time to plan your engagement session, discuss your vision, and help create a stress-free photography timeline.

  • Once you've decided we're the right fit, we'll send over a simple online contract along with an invoice for your 20% reservation retainer. As soon as both are completed, your wedding date is officially reserved, and we won't accept another wedding for that day.

  • Yes. We require a 20% reservation retainer to secure your wedding date. The remaining balance can be paid all at once or through smaller payments leading up to your wedding, whichever works best for you. We want the planning process to be as easy and stress-free as possible.

  • We understand that plans can change. If your wedding date needs to be rescheduled, let us know as soon as possible. If we're available on your new date, we'll happily transfer your reservation. If we aren't available, we'll do everything we can to recommend another trusted photographer from our network of experienced professionals.

  • Unlike studios that photograph multiple weddings every weekend, we intentionally limit the number of weddings we accept each year. On average, we photograph about one wedding per month. This allows us to provide every couple with a more personal experience, faster communication, and the time needed to carefully edit every image with the attention it deserves.

  • Absolutely! We'd love to get to know you before you make your decision. Whether it's over coffee, a video call, or a phone conversation, we'll answer your questions, learn more about your wedding, and help you determine if we're the right fit for your day.

    We'll also schedule another planning meeting about 1–2 weeks before your wedding to finalize your timeline, family photo list, and all the little details that help your day run smoothly.

  • bsolutely! While we're based in the St. Louis area, we've had the opportunity to photograph weddings throughout Missouri, across the United States, and even internationally. Whether you're planning a local celebration, a destination wedding, or an intimate mountain elopement, we'd love to hear about your plans.

Wedding Day Experience

  • First of all—you are not alone! Nearly every couple tells us they're nervous about being in front of the camera. Our goal isn't to force uncomfortable poses or make you feel like models. Instead, we create a relaxed, fun environment where your personalities naturally shine through. As a husband-and-wife team, we know how to break the ice, keep things lighthearted, and help you feel comfortable so your photos reflect who you truly are.

  • We believe the best wedding photos are a balance of gentle guidance and genuine moments. We'll provide enough direction to help you look your best while still allowing your personalities and emotions to come through naturally. Every couple is different, so we adjust our approach to fit your comfort level. The result is timeless, authentic images that feel like you—not overly posed or forced.

  • Absolutely! While we don't plan every aspect of your wedding day, we're always happy to help build a photography timeline that allows plenty of time for portraits, family photos, and all of the important moments. A well-planned timeline helps reduce stress and ensures you spend more time enjoying your wedding and less time worrying about the schedule.

  • Absolutely—and this is one of the areas where experience really matters. Family portraits can quickly become overwhelming without a plan, but we'll help organize everyone efficiently so the process is smooth, stress-free, and as enjoyable as possible. We'll work with your family photo list ahead of time so everyone knows where they need to be, allowing you to get back to celebrating sooner.

  • Weddings rarely go exactly as planned—and that's completely okay. After photographing hundreds of weddings, we've learned how to adapt quickly and stay flexible when timelines shift. We'll work with your planner and other vendors to make the most of the time available. If additional coverage beyond your contracted hours is needed, we'll always discuss those options with you before extending our coverage.

  • Some of our favorite wedding photographs have been taken in the rain! A little weather doesn't stop us from creating beautiful images. If rain is in the forecast, we often recommend bringing a few matching clear or white umbrellas for the wedding party. They photograph beautifully, keep everyone comfortable, and can even add a romantic touch to your gallery.

  • Absolutely. We believe the best wedding days happen when everyone works together as a team. We'll coordinate with your planner, DJ, videographer, venue, and other vendors to help keep your day running smoothly. During our planning meetings, we'll also gather all of your vendor information so everyone is on the same page before your wedding day arrives.

About Christopher & Michelle

  • We photographed our very first wedding in the spring of 2012, and what started as a shared passion quickly grew into a career we truly love. Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of documenting hundreds of weddings, each one teaching us something new while reminding us why we love what we do.

  • Being a husband-and-wife team is one of our greatest strengths. We know each other's style, communicate without missing a beat, and genuinely enjoy working together. Chris has a passion for light, composition, and storytelling, while Michelle has an incredible eye for the little details and a talent for helping everyone look and feel their best. Together, we create an experience that's relaxed, organized, and fun from start to finish.

  • Every couple has a unique story, and we believe your wedding photography should reflect that. Rather than forcing you into the latest trends or awkward poses, we take the time to get to know you and create an experience that feels natural and authentic. Long before we pick up a camera, we're helping with timelines, answering questions, and making sure the photography side of your day is completely stress-free. By the time your wedding arrives, you'll feel like you're spending the day with friends who just happen to have cameras.

  • Every wedding is different, and that's what makes this job so special. We have the incredible privilege of documenting one of the most meaningful days in a couple's life. From the excitement of getting ready to the quiet moments between the chaos, we love preserving memories that families will look back on for generations.

  • When we're not behind the camera, you'll usually find us spending time with our two daughters. Whether we're out on the lake, exploring local parks, tackling a new home project, or planning our next family adventure, we love making memories together. Family is at the heart of everything we do, and it's one of the reasons we value preserving life's biggest moments for others.