Outside Photographer Help!!!!-- See pg 2 for DFTW's answer!

[Kashmir104]

Hi Everyone!

So DF and I have more or less been set on using Disney Photographic Services for our wedding (along with Disney Videography.) However, I decided to check out the website of the photographers of the Disney Dream Wedding that happened on Valentine's Day in the MK park to see some samples of their work. After DF and I saw how awesome each shot was and how much love and expression they showed in each perfect photo, we inquired about having our engagement photos done by them (especially since they are so conveniently located to me- NYC and CT (I live in CT)). Of course, when I called I didn't know where exactly in CT their studio was located. I only assumed that it would be the "gold coast" of CT down by Greenwich or Westport or something. Boy was I in for a surprise!

They are actually located in my hometown!!! How cool is that?! I guess they split their time between their NYC studio and small-town Connecticut studio. In any case, I set up an appointment for my mom, sister (MOH), and myself to meet with them and talk about the different options on May 24th (particularly the engagement photos), but I'm afraid I will fall more in love with their style and want to use them for all my wedding photos (and they are more than willing to travel too- in fact they are flying down to FL to shoot a DFTW next week!)

I almost feel like it was a sign that they just so happened to be located right down the street from me. I mean they exclusively photographed Donald Trump's wedding and Star Jones' wedding, but they live in and have one of their two studios located in my sleepy home town!!! Who would've guessed!?! Plus, they photograph a ton of David Tutera's weddings, parties, and his books... and I'm having one of his weddings! It just almost feels like it is meant to be... but I also feel as though I'm cheating on Mickey. Oh what to do!!!

I still have a long time to make a decision (and need to review a lot of work first), but...

My question for all of you is what are the downsides of having an outside photographer take your photos?

I thought I read somewhere about two Disney brides can't see each other so no shots inside the Grand Floridian if you're having an outside photographer? Any insight would be awesome!!!! TIA!!!!!!

 

[DisneyFairy19]

OMG I hope thats not true.. I want to have Randy and he is not a Disney photographer... OMG I hope someone can reply to this that knows!!!

 

[princessdisneybelle]

I really wouldn't worry. They will just time things so you aren't together. One can be taking pics inside, while the other is on the beach. This sounds like a perfect situation for you.

And about the outside photographer inside the GF that isn't true. I'm having one, getting married at Shades of Green and he got approval to take our pics and the GF.

 

[luv4mylittleones]

I dunno...sounds like a dream come true to me...I'd go for it!!! Good luck sweetie...sounds like it was meant to be!

 

[Kashmir104]

I really wouldn't worry. They will just time things so you aren't together. One can be taking pics inside, while the other is on the beach. This sounds like a perfect situation for you.

And about the outside photographer inside the GF that isn't true. I'm having one, getting married at Shades of Green and he got approval to take our pics and the GF.

I thought I read that in Allisonswonderland's TR, but that's definitely good to hear!!! And I'm so glad that your photographer was able to get permission to shoot at the GF. It's my favorite hotel. Just being there makes me so happy and relaxed. Did you do all the permissions and stuff through the GF hotel directly?

 

[Kashmir104]

I dunno...sounds like a dream come true to me...I'd go for it!!! Good luck sweetie...sounds like it was meant to be!

Who knows if DF and I can even afford them... we're already spending an arm and a leg (and I'd throw in every other body part) on our wedding, but because we are doing so I can almost justify splurging on photography too (it's the 2nd most important thing of the day to me (I'm a big sap when it comes to memories and pictures), next to our marriage itself of course!)

BTW, your family is beautiful!!!! I love seeing all the different pictures every time you update your signature.

 

[princessdisneybelle]

I thought I read that in Allisonswonderland's TR, but that's definitely good to hear!!! And I'm so glad that your photographer was able to get permission to shoot at the GF. It's my favorite hotel. Just being there makes me so happy and relaxed. Did you do all the permissions and stuff through the GF hotel directly?

I didn't do anything, he did.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

who is this photographer? just curious.......he/she sounds so awesome!

 

[Kashmir104]

who is this photographer? just curious.......he/she sounds so awesome!

The photographers are Maring Lifestyle Photographers... they are a husband and wife team. You can see their website here- http://www.maringphoto.com/

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Who knows if DF and I can even afford them... we're already spending an arm and a leg (and I'd throw in every other body part) on our wedding, but because we are doing so I can almost justify splurging on photography too (it's the 2nd most important thing of the day to me (I'm a big sap when it comes to memories and pictures), next to our marriage itself of course!)

BTW, your family is beautiful!!!! I love seeing all the different pictures every time you update your signature.

Awww...thank you!!

I hear ya about the cost...we were just discussing this issue when trying to decide on a videographer...but man, I'm a sucker for those memories!

 

[Maggimus]

The whole GF not seeing two brides thing was just read wrong. Its partially true and partially wrong.

Two brides cannot see one another on their wedding day-- thats DFTW rule and completely true. HOWEVER-- the 'not getting any photos at the GF' is absolutely not true.

I used Randy and there was wedding photography going on after my wedding at the GF. My coordinator told me to let Randy know that (and Randy asked me out of courtesy to find out). So what he does at that point is walk in front of us and keep an eye out for another big poofy wedding dress. We never did see the other bride-- however we did see the groom/groomsmen which didnt matter. Randy just always checked things out before we progressed--- it didnt take anymore time than usual and we ended up with some great shots at the GF (although we were married at SBP).

The reason for no 2 brides seeing one another is so everyone believes that their wedding day is that alone "THEIRS".

GL-- and go have those great photos you want and dont worry about it!

The following photos are a few examples of photos taken at the GF (By Randy Chapman ofcourse). Have I mentioned how much I love Randy & Linda Chapman lately?? (www.chapmanphotography.com)

 

[Kashmir104]

The whole GF not seeing two brides thing was just read wrong. Its partially true and partially wrong.

Two brides cannot see one another on their wedding day-- thats DFTW rule and completely true. HOWEVER-- the 'not getting any photos at the GF' is absolutely not true.

I used Randy and there was wedding photography going on after my wedding at the GF. My coordinator told me to let Randy know that (and Randy asked me out of courtesy to find out). So what he does at that point is walk in front of us and keep an eye out for another big poofy wedding dress. We never did see the other bride-- however we did see the groom/groomsmen which didnt matter. Randy just always checked things out before we progressed--- it didnt take anymore time than usual and we ended up with some great shots at the GF (although we were married at SBP).

The reason for no 2 brides seeing one another is so everyone believes that their wedding day is that alone "THEIRS".

GL-- and go have those great photos you want and dont worry about it!

The following photos are a few examples of photos taken at the GF (By Randy Chapman ofcourse). Have I mentioned how much I love Randy & Linda Chapman lately??

Maggie-

So is it that brides that use DPS get "priority" of photo spots if two brides are having pictures at the same time? I'm going to be staying at the GF and getting ready there, so I don't really want to have to avoid certain areas while walking around the resort I'm staying at just because I'm using an outside photographer, ya know? Do they have that policy for all brides that the photographers just plan to avoid each other? Maybe I'm just misunderstanding again (I have funny pictures in my mind of Randy like suddenly switching directions or running in a bush to avoid the oncoming bride ), but I want to make sure I have all that clear before I start putting deposits down on vendors.

I don't think I will have the problem of running into another bride there seeing as how they blocked off the WP for me from 5-7:30pm! (I certainly hope the wedding ceremony will NOT be that long or I might fall asleep!) I'm soo glad Randy was able to get your photos taken at the GF. They came out really great! I always like looking at your TR. It makes me excited to get married in Disney for sure!!!

 

[Maggimus]

Maggie-

So is it that brides that use DPS get "priority" of photo spots if two brides are having pictures at the same time? I'm going to be staying at the GF and getting ready there, so I don't really want to have to avoid certain areas while walking around the resort I'm staying at just because I'm using an outside photographer, ya know? Do they have that policy for all brides that the photographers just plan to avoid each other? Maybe I'm just misunderstanding again (I have funny pictures in my mind of Randy like suddenly switching directions or running in a bush to avoid the oncoming bride ), but I want to make sure I have all that clear before I start putting deposits down on vendors.

I don't think I will have the problem of running into another bride there seeing as how they blocked off the WP for me from 5-7:30pm! (I certainly hope the wedding ceremony will NOT be that long or I might fall asleep!) I'm soo glad Randy was able to get your photos taken at the GF. They came out really great! I always like looking at your TR. It makes me excited to get married in Disney for sure!!!

Its just disney courtesy that the photographers avoid one another-- not for the photographers sake-- but so that the two brides never see one another. It doesnt make a difference whether its a disney photographer or not. You just might want to make sure that your photographer knows this.

Since I had already had my wedding and was taking photos with DH afterwards at the GF (not where we had the wedding)-- and the other bride didnt even know about us (yet we knew about her)-- we decided to skirt around her. However, im sure if the other photographer had caught a glimpse of us (which he did when he was taking groom/groomsmen photos)-- im sure he put his alert helmet on when being around her-- to make sure not to have the two of us see one another. Randy did our outside photos while she was doing her inside. We never 'hid'.. haha-- but we would go to other areas. I do know that our wedding coordinator had told us it probobly wasnt going to be a good idea by going over there when another bride was there-- but Randy assured us that he had done it before (and we REALLY wanted the photos)-- so it worked out. He never thought twice about taking us over there. I dont think you will have a problem whatsoever.

A lot of brides have photos taken there at the GF even if they arent getting married at the WP. Your coordinator should tell you (or you can ask) if there is another wedding scheduled that day somewhat near to your time. That way your photographer can kinda keep an eye out (the last thing you want to think about is another bride-- and you shouldnt have to- its the photographers responsibility).

Hope this helps

 

[luv4mylittleones]

So how can they actually prevent two brides from seeing each other during the day? I'm so confused. After my wedding, we plan to have tea and then dinner at the GF...in our wedding attire. We also plan to explore the grounds. Surely there is a possibility that we might run into another bride?

 

[AbbyPan]

So how can they actually prevent two brides from seeing each other during the day? I'm so confused. After my wedding, we plan to have tea and then dinner at the GF...in our wedding attire. We also plan to explore the grounds. Surely there is a possibility that we might run into another bride?

Not sure if you will be on your own, but I do know that the beauty of Disney wedding that as long as you follow your photographer you should be fine. Your EM and Photographer are the only ones who need to worry about that.

And, yes, Randy has done this so many times that all you need to do is follow him.

Maggimus - I never tire of seeing your pics - they are simply stunning!

luv4mylittleones - I love your sig pics! You're family is adorable!

 

[Maggimus]

So how can they actually prevent two brides from seeing each other during the day? I'm so confused. After my wedding, we plan to have tea and then dinner at the GF...in our wedding attire. We also plan to explore the grounds. Surely there is a possibility that we might run into another bride?

THey wont do anything drastic to prevent it-- its just courtesy for both brides. They want you to feel as though you are the only bride on the planet that day-- and all the disney attention is on you. Whereas the other bride needs to feel the same way. Feel free to do what you like (not in the park) in your wedding dress.....

Its so much easier to not care about seeing another bride AFTER your ceremony-- but before the ceremony you, too, will want to feel like whats about to happen is special, that people at disney are there for YOU, etc, etc. After your ceremony and whatnot you kinda realize there are other ppl there and dont mind it-- but some brides are more sensitive than others and since you, along with the other brides are paying high dollar to have a DFTW-- its best that two brides not come into contact. It makes for better memories-- especially if one of them is over sensitive about things such as this.

No worries- you'll be fine!

 

[luv4mylittleones]

Thanks, I totally understand all that...I just wanted to make sure that they would let us have dinner and such in our wedding attire...

I'll just have to put on my bride-spying glases...lol!

 

[Maggimus]

Thanks, I totally understand all that...I just wanted to make sure that they would let us have dinner and such in our wedding attire...

I'll just have to put on my bride-spying glases...lol!

NO way-- youll be completely fine having dinner in your dress-- you have as much right to be there as anyone else!! Congratulations! Very cute family!

 

[luv4mylittleones]

NO way-- youll be completely fine having dinner in your dress-- you have as much right to be there as anyone else!! Congratulations! Very cute family!

Thank you so much!!

 

[lurkyloo]

The photographers are Maring Lifestyle Photographers... they are a husband and wife team. You can see their website here- http://www.maringphoto.com/

This may be a dumb question, but do these photographers charge you for travel expenses to Florida?