Can I really have a Dog of Honor?


Including pets in a couple’s big day is becoming more and more popular and with a business

name of 3 Cats Photo, you better believe that we’re big fans of this as long as your fur babies

are comfortable and happy.


The good news is that many of our Charlottesville venues welcome your furry friends. We

have had pets join us at UVA, the Clifton Inn, Castle Hill, and Veritas! If you have been to King

Family Vineyard, you know that Frank the cat is a frequent, very welcome wedding-crasher

there as well!


THINGS TO CONSIDER

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF WHEN ASKING “CAN MY PET HANDLE A WEDDING?|


WHERE WILL YOUR FURRY FRIEND STAY BEFORE AND AFTER THE WEDDING?


WILL THERE BE ANY DANGER TO YOUR PET? ARE YOU IN A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA OR NEAR DANGEROUS TERRAIN?

Dogs at weddings Veritas Vineyard



Should I invest in florals?


I highly recommend prioritizing your largest investments in florals in the most significant places. What areas do you see as lush with greenery and blossoms, and what areas are less prominent? Locally grown florals will reduce the impact on the earth and your budget and repurpose florals from one space to the next. Your floral team can move wedding arches

into your reception space to reduce costs. Envision your wedding album while making your decision. Determine your style and seek out florists who share your vision. Florists shine in different areas, much like photographers. Your planner or venue can help guide you to the perfect option for you.



THINGS TO CONSIDER

IS YOUR OVERALL WEDDING AESTHETIC MODERN, TRADITIONAL, VINTAGE, OR ECLECTIC?


DO YOU PREFER MORE GREENERY OR MORE BLOOMS?


WHAT IS IN SEASON ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?


Trees at tent weddings

What do you do when it gets dark? I don't want "flashy" looking images!


Flash can hinder portraits and make them seem too posed or too staged, so we love to

work with the available light when we can. But we can’t always rely on available light in

dark cellars, during your reception and sometimes even in getting ready spaces. But,

external flash can do anything a window can do, so sometimes it is imperative for us to

supplement or overpower natural light to create more authentic images.


Part of the art of photography is knowing when to use an external flash to complement

the available ambient light and when to let the available light tell the story. Sometimes,

we use a camera-mounted flash, and other times, we use a trigger to fire a flash on a

flash stand. Typically, we will set up a four flash system that we can control from our

cameras and light up the dark corners at your reception as well as add some fun

creative elements to your dance party!

OCF bride and groom at Seclusion Wedding Venue in Lexington VA



Do I really need an engagement session?


Engagement sessions are a great time to get to know each other, develop comfort in front of the camera and connect and build a plan for your wedding day. It is supposed to be fun and relaxed, not forced or awkward. I look forward to it because it’s an excellent opportunity for us all to hang out a bit before the wedding day. Some of my couples have said that it ended up

being a fantastic date night! Engagement sessions can occur anywhere from right at your proposal to immediately before the wedding. Sessions typically last about an hour and a half, and whenever possible, I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset.


THINGS TO CONSIDER

IS THERE SOMEWHERE SPECIAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN YOUR STORY?


ARE YOU A MORE INTROVERTED PERSON WHO WOULD PREFER A PRIVATE LOCATION?


DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS TIME FOR A HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIAL?


What are we going to do if it rains?


If rain on your wedding day is one of your worst nightmares, this section is for you. I want to reassure you that even if it rains, you will still have beautiful portraits and lovely colors in your images. Overcast skies mean vibrant colors. I know that rain isn’t ideal, and most couples would not wish for rain on their big day, but we will incorporate it into your story and everything will be fine.


Some of our best weddings have been on rainy wedding days.


If you are still worried, please read THIS letter from one of our favorite rainy day couples!

Rainy day wedding photograph



Why do I want pre-wedding portraits sometimes referred to as "bridal portraits?"


THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE OF A BRIDAL PORTRAIT SESSION IS THAT IT CAN SERVE AS A PRACTICE RUN FOR THE BIG DAY. I have had people ask for additional alterations or completely change their wedding day look after seeing their portraits. You are investing so much in your day - this preview is priceless. When it comes to being confident in your wedding day choices, the experiences are invaluable!


We recommend an entire trial run of hair, nails, makeup, and your bouquet if you’re considering a pre-wedding portrait session.



THINGS TO CONSIDER

DO YOU WANT TO CREATE THESE IMAGES AT YOUR VENUE FOR CONSISTENCY?


IS THERE A CLEAN LOCATION WHERE WE CAN ENSURE YOUR APPAREL STAYS WEDDING DAY PERFECT?


DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS TIME FOR A HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIAL?


Still have questions?