COVID Questions:
Can we get married during Shelter in Place?
Yes! Alameda County is issuing marriage licenses without requiring you and your partner to be present in their office. (True as of April 27, 2020). Visit the clerk’s website here.
We’d like to be married ASAP, but we’re nervous about committing to a date. How can you help?
I completely understand - these are the most uncertain times. While I am not taking work before May 4th, I can place a soft hold at no cost on any May, June or July date if you’re tentatively planning a private elopement or teeny, tiny wedding in Northern California. I have a few couples who plan to call me as soon as Shelter in Place is lifted, or as soon as we can gather in a group large enough to include their most important guests, and I can guarantee availability within a 4 day window.
If you’re in the same boat, let’s chat about it. I will meet you with 100% transparency and flexibility - my only ask is that we work together to make sure we’re adhering to county guidelines and best practices regarding social distancing.
We’re planning our wedding for 2021, but we’re nervous about choosing a date or signing a contract. How can you help?
Great great question. I am working with a few couples who are taking a break from active planning and contract signing, but are hoping to work together and don’t want to find out later that I’m no longer available for their ideal dates.
Here’s my solution: if you’re interested in working together but your date isn’t firm, let’s start a conversation. After our first meeting, I’ll “onboard” you as a potential 2021 couple - no contract or retainer payment will be required until you and your partner are confident about your date. You’ll gain access to my availability calendar, and I’ll always be there to answer questions and help you brainstorm solutions. You’ll be able to place a soft hold on one date at a time - if another couple inquires about the same date, I’ll circle back to you first. And if you have to reschedule due to COVID-19, my policies are flexible and generous.
I have another COVID Q!:
Email me any time or let’s schedule a call! This is all a first for me, so I’d love to know what I’ve missed.
All Other Questions:
Who is your ideal client?
You. It's you.
But seriously: are you kind, genuine and getting married? Yes? You are my ideal client.
How would you describe your style?
I’m a documentary wedding photographer. I take a short break from being an intimate observer to take family and community photographs, and a few portraits. Otherwise, I'm focused on the candid moments and authentic interactions that are swirling around all of us on your wedding day. I am a firm believer that my job as a wedding photographer is to help you remember the day - the way it looked, sounded, and smelled. My job is not to interrupt or create from scratch.
My post processing is done with timelessness in mind: true colors, a light touch.
What is it like to have you with us on the day of?
Easy as pie. You'll feel comfortable in my presence, and when we're alone just the three of us you'll be relaxed and enjoying the quiet time together, savoring the in between moments and the warmth of the sun.
We are super awkward in front of the camera.
Correction: you think you are super awkward in front of the camera. And I get it, I feel weird too and don't really know what do with my arms. For most of the day you're just not going to have to worry about it. During our portrait time we'll take a long and lazy meander, and I'll mostly be photographing you two in your natural state of being together. We'll also take a few of those classic wedding portraits, the kind that stand the test of time, and for those I'll just help you breathe deeply and relax into each other.
How much does it cost to work together?
Most folks having a weekend wedding spend between $4000-$5400. I also offer discounts for for weekday weddings and particularly tiny celebrations.
What's included?
Every wedding package within California includes a venue walkthrough so I can familiarize myself with the space, and most importantly understand how it spoke to you when you made your decision. This will help me understand the venue as it relates to you two, specifically.
Your photos will be delivered digitally, via a password-protected gallery. The gallery will live online for one year. You’ll receive a code to download your entire collection or individual photos - there is no limit on the number of downloads and you are more than welcome to share the code with your family and friends. You may order prints through the gallery, but you’re also granted personal use rights and are welcome to print through your own lab.
Lastly, coffee or cocktails on me. As the planning process gets going, I’d love to meet up again. We’ll chat a bit about anything that has shifted or changed in your day, but most importantly it’s a way for us to get to know each other better and for you two to feel even more comfortable and psyched about having me around on your wedding day. If you’re not local to California or New York, we’ll find another way to hang.
Do you offer small wedding and elopement packages?
I do! I offer shorter days and different rates for weekday elopements and tiny weddings. I also offer discounts for Monday-Thursday weddings of any size. Reach out for a custom quote.
Do you suggest an engagement session?
An engagement session is always recommended; it’s a great way for the three of us to spend time together and for you two to become more comfortable in front of the camera. Most clients treat it as a date night with a bonus wheel (that’s me!) - we can head to your favorite neighborhood spot for a drink or go watch the sunset over the Pacific from that beach in Marin you’ve been meaning to get to.
Should we add a second photographer?
I photograph most weddings on my own, but some couples really do benefit from having a second set of eyes. I recommend adding a photographer if your guest count is over 100, or if you two are getting ready in wildly different places and would like both partners photographed. A second photographer is required if you're waiting until the ceremony to see each other.
What is your delivery timeline?
Within the first few days of your wedding you'll receive a sneak peek of about 5 of my favorite images from throughout the day. Within eight weeks you'll receive your full collection via your password-protected online gallery.
Do you offer wedding albums?
Hell yes I do. I firmly believe that, while sharing online is REALLY fun (who doesn't love a like), your story is meant to be held in your hands, passed around when loved ones visit and kept within your family long after you leave this earth. I offer two styles of collaboratively-designed wedding albums: the more casual Coffee Table Book and a beautiful Fine Art Album. More details can be found here.
A note on accessibility:
I am dedicated to enhancing accessibility for my clients and their guests. Let's chat about your needs, and how we can work together to meet them on your wedding day.