We knew from the start that we didn’t want to use Disney Photographic Services for our wedding, due to the crummy combination of high prices, lack of digital photo rights, and a style that doesn’t fit with the fresh, modern look we want.
Now that DPS offers a dessert-party photo package, we briefly considered using them for our IllumiNations party. But our photographer gave us a great quote on the dessert party, and this way we can save money, have all the digital rights, and get the same style of shots for both events.
Finding a photographer was a little overwhelming. Many of the popular outside photographers did not have a style that suited us (although they all sound like really great people to work with!). I started lurking on the Knot boards to get other recommendations. It’s funny, but they have their own set of favorite photographers who are also not really our style…
Root Photography was one of the many names I turned up from digging through pages and pages of Google search results. The prices listed on their site were out of our range, but I emailed to ask if they could customize a package for us.
I was impressed to get a real live phone call back from Nathan Root, and even more impressed by his eagerness to work with us despite my insistence that we couldn’t afford him! Patrick and I loved the work Nathan and his soon-to-be wife Jensey have on their site, so we arranged to meet with them during our planning session visit to Walt Disney World.
Even better, they emailed us a few days later to offer us a free engagement portrait session! We took pictures at Wilderness Lodge and the Polynesian. Like many people, I feel pretty awkward in front of the camera, and I usually end up looking fake. But we had so much fun just hanging out with Nathan and goofing off, that it didn’t feel weird at all. The three of us had a blast, and I think the results show it.
Here’s a link to all the pictures, if you’re not bored yet!
We were able to customize a photography package that includes ceremony, reception and dessert party coverage, two photographers, and a disc of all the images. I highly recommend talking to the photographers (and videographers) you’re interested in about customizing a package to suit your budget – the good ones can be flexible!
I cannot wait to see our wedding photos. Right now I’m making a guest book on Blurb.com using some of our engagement pix.
What do you think?