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The best way to Obtain Your Dream Wedding Simply

Wedding Photography Advice

When photographing a wedding, you will need to be prepared! Don’t forget to bring extra batteries, memory cards and cleaning supplies, for the camera. Think up alternate photography locations, in case the weather goes bad. Attend the rehearsal, in order that you will possess a fantastic feeling for what will probably be happening and where you’ll want to be all the time.

The worst point which will come out of a wedding is often a big debt. Do not overlook your spending budget when deciding on items for your huge day. For anyone who is cash-strapped, appear for savings like acquiring your loved ones cater the event or do all the photography. At worst you are able to ask for money in lieu of gifts to assist offset the expenses.

To plan a wedding on a modest price range, take into consideration asking friends or relatives to donate their aid or talent in lieu of a wedding gift. From photography to catering to producing your wedding cake. Your loved ones may possibly be thrilled to pitch in using the capabilities they have to keep your wedding day budget-friendly.

You could possibly skimp on your spending budget for quite a few locations of the wedding to get towards the suitable value, however, tend not to make this mistake inside your photography or video possibilities. Preserving these memories will probably be one of the most important parts of the wedding; subsequent to the ceremony itself. Do not be afraid to spend the suitable quantity to get the very best for the requirements.

Wedding Photographer Advice

Even if your spending budget is little, obtaining two photographers at your wedding can catch shots that might be missed otherwise. Consider asking family members to take on the roll as an additional photographer, or perhaps have each photographers be an individual you realize personally. No cost could be the most effective way to go, and they might even offer you the end item as a wedding gift.

To save income on your wedding photographer, think about hiring a student. An individual who’s just studying the trade could possibly charge you significantly less, or even deliver services for free. The benefit to them is the fact that they construct their portfolio. The benefit to you comes in the cost savings.

Ask your pals, family, and co-workers to find out what skills they’ve which can assist you to along with your wedding. For example, your most effective friend might have worked as a florist as well as a cake decorator, one cousin might be a DJ as well as the other a photographer, and perhaps your Grandmother is prepared and in a position to do all the catering!

Ensure that your photographer doesn’t get in the way of one’s wedding and merely focuses on documenting the encounter with pictures. Tell him your wishes in advance so he knows that you simply will want your area to maximize your encounter. This will help you to have a great wedding day.

Engagement Photography

Whenever you are wanting to save money whenever you are buying wedding rings, you can ordinarily get an excellent deal if you buy a set, meaning which you purchase the engagement ring furthermore towards the his and her wedding bands. This is an easy approach to save cash and time.

Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned before the large day. Your wedding photographer will practically certainly take the famous ring shot. This can be the one particular where the bride’s hands are placed very carefully more than the groom’s. It is a time honored tradition, plus a picture worth keeping. In case your engagement ring is gorgeous and sparkling, it’ll also assist to make this picture gorgeous and sparkling.

As soon as you have got grow to be engaged as well as your household and close friends have already been clued into the news, you and your fiance ought to setup wedding registries. It’s an excellent solution to start off your wedding organizing as well as the wedding method and to determine the items that you just would prefer to obtain in the course of your engagement party and bridal shower.

If this really is your initial wedding and the costs just hold adding up, you need to recycle some items. For instance, can the bride wear her mother’s wedding gown having a few alterations? Can the engagement ring be a household heirloom rather of obtaining new? In most circumstances these products will have a lot more which means than a brand new item, you are going to be glad you chose to recycle.

Regardless of how substantial or modest, your wedding is an occasion which you choose to be excellent, ideal down to the smallest detail. Regardless of whether you’re acquiring married for the first time or the third, a wedding still takes months of organizing and preparation. The time-saving guidelines contained in this write-up can guide you in creating the smartest alternatives and allow you to to avoid any last-minute emergencies.

Gia Dragoi is the owner of Chicago Wedding Engagement Photographer-Gia Photos
To read the complete report including photos and videos please go to Chicago Wedding Engagement Photographer-Gia Pictures blog or call (312) 927-7238 to get an absolutely free consultation.

Brittany and Greg’s Winter Engagement Photos at Millennium Park, Chicago

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Brittany and Greg’s engagement session was great, although we waited for snow, which never happened.  So we decided to make the best of it without snow.  We went to Adler Planetarium, which is a favorite spot for almost everyone, then to Millennium Park to capture a little of the great Chicago.  I cannot wait for their wedding this fall.  It will be great.

 

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Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago

Top 10 Outdoor Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago

 

When getting married in Chicagoland area, one of the top choices for any bride are the bridal wedding photos locations. As you know, Chicago has lots of choices, anything from the wonderful and famous skyline to gardens that make you forget you’re even in the city. Many locations are under strict rules that require you to get a permit days in advance, although there are a couple locations where, you and your entire wedding party, can go and just spend time with your photographer without worrying about a permit. I have photographed in many of these locations and I have chosen the top 10 best places that everybody loves.

 

1.     Adler Planetarium

This location is one of the most popular for doing scenic backgrounds, for it has the incredible Chicago skyline and also the lake behind the planetarium as well as the beach, that makes for great alternative to the city. Also there are lots of trees and flowers, in the season, that make for great shade for the entire wedding party. Northerly Island Park is one of my ultimate places around the planetarium is to the south of it (about a 5 minute walk), past the 12 Street beach and the touristic area.

In my opinion this is the best view of the city. The great thing about the Planetarium is that it does not require a permit, so you’re free to stay and photograph as long as you want; however, parking is close to impossible, the parking lot is practically always full and even with a limo, you can’t be parked for more than 5 min. I highly suggest this place if you have a driver that can just drop you off, so that you can enjoy your photo session.

Address: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago IL 60605 Phone: 312.922.STAR (312.922.7827)

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2.     The Bean / Cloud Gate

The Bean is one of the newest attractions in Chicago, and by far one of the most visited. Known by its official name as “Cloud Gate”, it is situated right in the heart of Chicago, on Michigan Avenue’s Millennium Park. The sculpture offers some great shots of city reflections as well as great views of the downtown area. In a sunny day it offers no shade; however, right to the north of it you can find nice small parks with plenty of shade, but it takes away from the view of the bean.

Although the Bean is amazing and beautiful, being able to photograph without visitors in the background is impossible, for it’s always visited, day or night and parking is possible mainly in the city parking garage without being towed; however, so far they don’t require a permit for Photography. I love this place, but just like the Planetarium, parking is an issue so try to be dropped off.

Address:  201 E. Randolph St., between Michigan Ave and Columbus Ave
Chicago IL 60602 Phone: 312.742.1168

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3.     Buckingham Fountain

For the summer season, this fountain is absolutely stunning, especially as a backdrop for a large bridal party, it has lots of space so that even if there are lots of visitors, you can still find a space to make it your own. It is one of the largest fountains in the world, so the bigger the bridal party, the better, it has a nice, elegant and regal feeling to it. Also, around it you have the North and South Rose Gardens and the city view in the background which adds splendor to the photographs.

If it gets too hot, you can get the shade in one of the gardens and still have the fountain in the background, you won’t be very close to it, but you won’t look sweaty in the photos. This location and gardens around it requires a permit and parking is not very direct. If you’re lucky to find parking on Columbus Drive, you still have to walk a bit to the fountain, but in my opinion, it’s well worth the walk.

Address: Columbus Dr. (301 E.) & Congress Pkwy. (500 S.)
Chicago IL 60605 Phone: 312.742.PLAY (7529)

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4.     Lincoln Park – Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

For the nature lovers, this small lily pond is a great place with a small waterfall and great background. I wouldn’t suggest it for a very large wedding party, but smaller ones would have great photographs here.

Parking is also pretty decent because you can park on the street behind the pond or in the Lincoln Zoo parking lot, which is on the east side of the pond. Either way, you have to walk a few minutes to enter. This pond is great mainly in the summer and fall, it closes towards the winter time.

Address: Fullerton Pkwy. & Cannon Dr.
Chicago IL 60614 Phone: 312.742.PLAY (7529)

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5.     Lincoln Park – North Pond

In this very large park, just about any place looks great, so you can either have a very nature-like feel to the photographs or even the skyline from different areas. It is hard to pinpoint an exact location, but I always seem to be drawn to the North Pond, where I find more room to stretch out if I go with a large wedding party, and it also is just as great if I’m with just the bride and groom.

From the north pond facing south, the city looks incredible and you can get some great shots. You have plenty of shade if need be and you also have many sculptures you could use as props or backgrounds. As far as permits are concerned, some areas in the park require a permit while some don’t, so you have to check with the Chicago Park District to see which is which.

Address: 2045 W. Lincoln Park West
Chicago IL 60614 Phone: 312.742.PLAY (7529)

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6.     Navy Pier – PFC Milton Olive Park

This is an alternative to the Chicago downtown skyline. You do not get the entire skyline, mainly the north side of town, but you get enough for everyone to recognize it as Chicago and you also have Oak beach in the background. This is a favorite of mine because to the south it offers a splendid view of one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the world, to the west the lake, and to the north the city.

You have many photographic choices here and they are all great. Also, you can always just pop into Navy Pier for a few photographs, though you’ll never be able to not have someone in your photographs because of the amount of people that are always there. Parking is fairly easy if you park in the Navy Pier parking lot and walk to the park, it’s about 5-10 minutes. I greatly recommend it.

Address: 600 E. Grand Ave
Chicago IL 60611 Phone: 312.595.PIER Toll Free: 1.800.595.PIER

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7.     Jackson Park

Located right behind the Museum of Science and Industry, this has become one of my top choices mainly because of Osaka Garden, which is situated right in the middle of the park between the east and west lagoon. Of course, the park offers many other locations, but the Japanese Garden has a very exotic feel to it, not to mention the amount of plants and flowers that’s overwhelming.

Parking is very easy for they have a pretty large parking lot. They require permits for most of this park, but I suggest calling ahead just to make sure that the area you choose needs one. Although permits costs are high, it’s most definitely worth it.

Address: 1735 E. Columbia Dr.
Chicago IL 60637 Phone: 312.742.PLAY (7529)

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8.     Michigan Avenue Bridge – Chicago Riverwalk

For all those architectural lovers out there, this is the best location for you to be. You get to have in the background some of the most famous buildings ever made. There are several little areas to take photos, but one of the most used is in the median of the street to get the image of North Michigan Avenue.

One of my favorites, especially for large parties, is the spiral staircase that leads down to the Chicago River, as well as the new courtyard at the Trump Tower and the Wrigley Building. Parking is as hard as any other downtown Chicago location, but if you’re dropped off, you have nothing to worry about.

Address: 100 E. Wacker Dr., 500 E. Wacker Dr. – 300 W. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601

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9.     Chicago Botanical Garden

A must for the nature lovers. This very large garden has it all, trees, flowers, scenic bridges, oriental and English gardens, as well as ponds. Whatever your heart desires, you find it there, including plenty of shade and open areas.

The Chicago Botanical Garden is equally perfect for large or small wedding parties. Parking is available for only $20.00 and there is no entry fee, but it requires a permit that you can get upon arrival.

Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road,

Glencoe, IL 60022  Phone:  (847) 835-5440

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10.     Baha’i’ Temple

Located in Wilmette, it’s somewhat of a drive from Chicago, but if your wedding is in the north suburbs, it’s perfect. This temple is a beautiful building with great architectural detail. It is surrounded by gardens and pools that make for a great backdrop.

Whether it’s a large or a small party, you will have great natural background. It doesn’t require a permit and you can photograph anywhere the gardens are. They have free parking, which is a plus.

Address: 100 Linden Ave.

Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: (847) 853-2300

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For more information on park permits please click here.

For a quicker service and a free quote call Gia now at local (312) 927-7238 or toll free (877) 927-7238 to schedule a no obligation consultation.

 

Chicago Wedding PhotographerWedding Photography Chicago | Chicago Engagements Photographer
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Engagements Photographer
869 W. Buena Ave, Chicago , Illinois , 60613 USA
Local (312) 927-7238                Toll Free (877) 927-7238

Daniela & Radu’s Wedding at Crystal Palace Banquet Hall, Mount Prospect, Illinois

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Daniela & Radu’s Wedding Photos in Chicago’s Downtown and Adler Planetarium, Reception at Crystal Palace Banquet Hall, Mount Prospect, Illinois

 

Chicago Wedding Photographer· | Wedding Photography Chicago | Chicago Engagements Photographer
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Engagements Photographer
869 W. Buena Ave, Chicago , Illinois , 60613 USA
Local (312) 927-7238                Toll Free (877) 927-7238

Amy and Chuck’s Wedding at Saint Michael in Old Town, Chicago Illinois.

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Amy and Chuck’s Wedding at Saint Michael in Old Town, Chicago Illinois.

 

Chicago Wedding Photographer· | Wedding Photography Chicago | Chicago Engagements Photographer
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Engagements Photographer
869 W. Buena Ave, Chicago , Illinois , 60613 USA
Local (312) 927-7238                Toll Free (877) 927-7238

How to choose your wedding photographer

How to choose your wedding photographer.
Getting the right wedding photographer for your local or destination wedding can sometimes be harder than you think. Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should do, because the best professional photographers book their schedules a year in advance. If you want outstanding pictures, start searching for your photographer when you have decided on the date. As an experienced wedding photographer and having been a bride myself, I see things from both sides: therefore, here are the major steps in choosing a professional photographer.

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1. Set up a budget (for wedding, and vendors).

Budgeting is the most important part of choosing the right photographer for your wedding. In fact, that’s where it all starts and, for some, that’s where it also ends. Believe me: it doesn’t matter if you like the work of a photographer that charges $3,500.00 per wedding if you can only afford to pay $2,000.00.  But also keep in mind that once the wedding is done, the photos and videos are the only record of this important event in your life. Being a one shot deal with no undo button, choosing the right wedding photographer will be largely a matter of faith. In the end, although price may be a determining factor, paying a little more makes a lot of sense when you consider that there are no second chances.

chicago wedding engagement photographer2. Get referrals and make a list of photographers.

Good wedding photographers have a reputation of success, and therefore are relatively well known. They not only should be easy to find but they always get recommended both by their work and by your friends and relatives that hired them and are happy with their work. So, start your search for the the right photographer by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have held weddings prior to your event. Look at their wedding albums and ask yourself and them as many question as you need to get a better sense of that photographer’s work. Do you like the photos and albums? Is there detail in the bride’s gown and cake or are they too bright and washed out from an overexposed shot? Would you want that wedding album as your own? Then, if you like what you see, get the photographer’s info and ask for second opinions.  Make sure to have at least a few names down since really good photographers are usually booked months in advance.

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3. Check out their work on their websites.

Good photographers usually show plenty of their recent work online including full weddings – you will save time by pre-qualifying photographers who have comprehensive online portfolio for possible meeting. Once you have a list of photographers from which to choose, visiting their web sites will make your life easier because you can find out which photographer will meet your budget as well as your needs. Take time to visit each photographer’s website and carefully review his or her portfolio. Try to concentrate on photos and not on website design. Most importantly, consider how well they perform in different settings/environments and shortlist those photographers whose work looks appealing to you.

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4. Make phone calls and interviews.
Go down your list and call or email each photographer. You would be surprised how valuable that first contact is. A quick phone call or short email will give you a number of key pieces of information. You can inquire about the photographer’s availability on your wedding day or about type of photography specialties, such as candid, traditional, photojournalism or combination. Most importantly, you can get a pretty good idea as to how much they’ll charge you and what you’ll receive for that price. Last but not least, you will find out a bit more about the photographer’s personality. Remember, this person will be an integral part of the most important day of your life, so be sure you choose someone you feel relaxed and comfortable with.

5. Set up an appointment.

After narrowing your selection of wedding photographers down to at least three, after visiting their website and phone interviews, make appointments to speak to each photographer. It’s best to meet them on a week day or Sunday if you work during the week since they are usually busy during the weekend. When you meet them, ask to see samples of past work, including various wedding albums they have made from past weddings. Ask them how they deal with wedding guests trying to take pictures while they are posing the wedding party. Ask them how they handle the difficult situations, if they arise. The more questions you ask up front, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel on and after your wedding day.

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6. Get all of your questions answered.

Make sure you see at least one album of an entire wedding, from start to finish. After examining all of the photographer’s work closely, request to see another set of photographs from a recent wedding.  Don’t be shy and speak your mind. Pay attention to the photographer’s ability to capture the emotion of the day. See if the photos have captured the moment and emotions of the people.  Make sure you find out if this photographer is fully insured, if they carry spare equipment, or if there’s an option for a second photographer (if you think you may need one). Also, find out what part of your wedding day will be covered and how many hours you have with your photographer. chicago wedding engagement photographer

7. Sign the contract.

Once you have decided on your favorite photographer, make sure you book him/her as early as possible. Although there are many to choose from, you’ll find they get booked up very quickly, especially for weekend or summer weddings. While you want to make sure you book your photographer for the date of your wedding immediately, make sure you read over the legal details of exactly what you will get before signing the contract. Make sure that the photographer you want is the photographer you will get at your wedding since some larger companies may switch photographers in the last minute. This means communicating with the photographer about the details of the event, when and where the ceremony will be held as well as the reception and what types of photographs you want.  Make sure you reconfirm with your photographer every once in a while and keep him/her informed about any time and place changes.

Brian and Tricia’s Engagement Photoshoot at Chicago River Walk and Lincoln Park.

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Brian and Tricia’s Engagement Photoshoot at Chicago River Walk and Lincoln Park, Chicago Illinois

 

 

 

 

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Clay & Estefania’s Wedding at Abbington Banquets, Glenn Ellyn Illinois

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Clay & Estefania’s Wedding at Abbington Banquets, Glenn Ellyn Illinois.

 

 

Copyright © 2011 Chicago Wedding Photographer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Chicago Wedding Photographer. Chicago Wedding Photographer a GiaPhotos Wedding Photography Company in Chicago.

Write us a review on Google ···Watch our videos on Youtube ··Find us on Google Maps ·ONEWED REVIEWS·· GOOGLE REVIEWS
Chicago Wedding Photographer· | Wedding Photography Chicago | Chicago Engagements Photographer
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Engagements Photographer
869 W. Buena Ave, Chicago , Illinois , 60613 USA
Local (312) 927-7238                Toll Free (877) 927-7238

Amy & Patrick’s Engagement Photoshoot at Adler Planetarium and Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park, Chicago IL

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Amy & Patrick’s Engagement Photoshoot at Adler Planetarium and Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park, Chicago IL.

 

 

Copyright © 2011 Chicago Wedding Photographer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Chicago Wedding Photographer. Chicago Wedding Photographer a GiaPhotos Wedding Photography Company in Chicago.

Write us a review on Google ···Watch our videos on Youtube ··Find us on Google Maps ·ONEWED REVIEWS·· GOOGLE REVIEWS
Chicago Wedding Photographer· | Wedding Photography Chicago | Chicago Engagements Photographer
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Engagements Photographer
869 W. Buena Ave, Chicago , Illinois , 60613 USA
Local (312) 927-7238                Toll Free (877) 927-7238