Los Angeles Couple Kristine and Aeden to wed in Las Vegas!

Kristine and Aeden will tie the knot this weekend in an intimate ceremony and we're all looking forward to their great welcome cocktail reception and dinner! Kristine was a referral from the wonderful Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge who couldn't take this wedding because of prior commitments.  Thank you Tracey!

Anyway, Kristine is in the event industry herself as a Senior Event Manager for Marriott International in Los Angeles and wanted to hire a wedding day coordinator so she could just relax this weekend and not feel like she's working!  Kristine, I'll make sure we take good care of you!

Photos by Adam Trujillo of Imagine Photography.

To see more photos from Kristine and Aeden's engagement session, head over to Adam's blog!

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Check out this video of three Las Vegas Wedding Photographers in action!

PUG stands for "Pictage Users Group" and we've got a local chapter!  The Las Vegas Pug group is open to all professional photographers and anyone interested can find out more information on the Las Vegas PUG Page: vegaspug.wordpress.com Check out the below video from the most recent meeting of these talented young Las Vegas wedding photographers (Chelsea Nicole, Adam Trujillo, Suzi Lighten) in action!

I had so much fun watching this video that I had to ask my friends if I could share this with you!

What the Pug!!! from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

Terrence Lighten of Lighten Films

Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

As a wedding planner, my job is to narrow down the LONG list of professional photographers for my brides and grooms based on their style, budget, AND personalities.  However, once the list is narrowed down, it is their job to meet with the few photographers either in person or over the phone. I've already recommended the photographers that fit their style and budget; the next test is the personality test.  Just as I am not the planner for every wedding, a wedding photographer cannot be the photographer for every bride and groom. The good photographers may disagree with me on this but sometimes personalities just clash!

Unfortunately I didn't take my own advice on my wedding day.  While planning my wedding, I was referred to a lovely photographer by the name of Candace Simpson of Elegant Images.  We visited her studio and LOVED her photos and her warm personality.  There was one problem. She had a family trip planned and her return date to Las Vegas was on my wedding date!  How dare she! She tried every possible way to change her return date to the day before my wedding but it didn't work out.  She offered to have her assistant shoot my wedding but I was hesitant.  Knowing what I know now and the fact that her assistants are amazing, I would have hired them in a heartbeat.

So...who did I hire? I had three months to plan my wedding so I called the photographer that I saw many years ago at the Bridal Spectacular because his work was stunning and I didn't have time to do the research. However, all the red flags were there:  the non stop reminder that I needed to submit payment before the date was secured (and trust me, I was making my deposits pretty quickly with only three months to plan), the uneasiness in my stomach whenever I called him, the dull personality that he possessed, and his general lack of care.  I didn't listen to my instincts and in the end I was very unhappy with him - not my photos - him.

On a happier note, I recently had two amazing experiences with photographers.  Candace, the photographer I didn't hire for my wedding ended up becoming one of my friends and we did an awesome bridal shoot. Check out photos here.  I also recently did a photoshoot with Adam from Imagine Photography.  I met Adam recently when he decided to branch off on his own and start his own company. One of my wedding coordinators Angelica and I talked with him for 3 hours during our first meeting!  These two photographers have everything you'd want in a wedding photographer - talent AND personality.

You see, it is so much more than just looking at the photographs when interviewing photographers.  Sure, it is absolutely important that you see their work and their product but there are so many amazing photographers out there. Ask yourself these questions when you're looking to hire your wedding photographer:

Would I enjoy an afternoon with this photographer over a cup of coffee? Do I feel at ease when I pick up the phone to call this photographer? Is this photographer passionate about photography? Does this photographer seem genuinely interested in me or is this "just another wedding" for them?

If their photos are gorgeous and they don't meet the personality requirements, move on.  Personally, I love a photographer who is outgoing, bubbly, likes to have fun, likes to laugh and can make me laugh.  Some people may not care for this and want a more serious personality.  Hire someone you feel comfortable with and trust your instincts because it's usually correct.

Happy planning!

Vendor Spotlight: Adam Trujillo of Imagine Photography

Name: Adam Trujillo

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Company Name: Imagine Photography (by Adam Trujillo)

Number of Years in Business: Three years as a photographer. First year of my business

Website: http://www.imaginephoto702.com Blog: http://www.imaginephoto702.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Adam702

How did you get started in photography? No one right answer, it just found me I guess you could say.  The passion and thrill of capturing amazing moments in people's lives is a great reward for me to share with others.  No greater reward than documenting memories and meeting fabulous people along the way. What did you do prior to this? I previously use to install hardwood flooring.

If you didn't do photography for a living what would you be doing instead? It's so hard to say as my love and passion is only in photography.  I guess anything to do with music, although I use to photograph a band I was working with for a while to.  I just can't see myself doing anything else.

What are some of your hobbies? When not shooting, I love camping exercising, going out with my wife, taking my dogs to the Dog Park, and photography of course!

What is the craziest wedding experience you've ever had? I would have to say seeing mixed parents and the bride and groom just fighting through the whole formal pictures being taken and not being in the pictures together with their kids.  Nothing to crazy I just think some people can be petty at times we should be celebrating.

What is the best wedding experience you've ever had? Cheesy or not I love them all.  It is so great to be a part of these momentous occasions and capturing their moments of each couples unique wedding story.

What is your inspiration? Simply put, the looks on the couples face when they see their images and the responses I get from family and friends.  I strive to make my clients lifelong clients.

Name an exotic location you'd like to visit soon. Bora Bora, Ireland and Tokyo

Why do your clients choose you over some of your competitors? My personality seems to really click with many couples.  Photography aside, I believe the couple needs to really feel comfortable with their photographer and I believe I provide that comfort and build trustworthy relationships with my clients.  With quick replies and great advice when needed.  Also they love my style of photography, as my passion shows through my images.

What is the best piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom on their wedding day? Enjoy the ride, you only do it once and you have invested a lot of time and consideration into your wedding.  Hopefully you have chosen the people closest to you to share this special day with you and you should not stress and stay clear of unnecessary drama that will only upset you. This is your day to celebrate and have fun!

Anything else interesting you'd like to share? My photography is a passion that I take great pride in and I am so fortunate to be able to be a part of so many peoples lives forever.  I love what I do so much.