Dear Courtney,
Thanks so much for the note. It is great to hear from you. I am so excited that you have found Maring Lifestyle Photographers. As you mentioned below, they have worked with us before to shoot the Dream Wedding. They were excellent in all aspects of the event. We would welcome them for your event and there would not be any outside charges for them to photograph your event. I think it is amazing that they are located in your hometown! I am with you, I would also think it was meant to be. Just to make sure I covered all of your questions, I copied them below and responded to them individually.
I hope you have a wonderful evening and I look forward to talking to you soon.
Warmest regards,
Kristi
-Do brides who use outside photographers get treated any differently than brides who use Disney Photography Services (basically, is it frowned upon to use an outside vendor for photography?)
We do not frown upon using an outside photographer but we have had situations in the past where outside photographers did not handle themselves well and that can cause difficulty. This is not the case with the Marings.
-If I use an outside photographer, can I still have my pre-ceremony pictures taken at the Grand Floridian (I will be getting ready there), or if another bride is at the Grand Floridian at the same time and she is using Disney Photography Services, will she have the "right of way" and I'll have to hide or not take pictures there?
You will certainly be able to take your photos at the Grand Floridian, your wedding planner will coordinate the timing with your photographer. We just need to make sure that you arrive after the early wedding has cleared the lobby area. If there is a wedding scheduled prior to yours it will start at 2:30pm, so you would be fine anytime after that.
-Since the Marings have shot in the parks before, can any exceptions be made for them again (I thought it couldn't hurt to ask!)?
They would certainly be able to shoot your Dessert Party, but unfortunately any planned photo shoots like you mention below (Magic Kingdom and Epcot) would need to be shot by our photography team. These are shot when the parks are closed and only Disney Cast Members have access to enter the parks at that time. She would not be able to shoot those events.-Can I still have the Magic Kingdom photo shoot?
Yes, but it must be through WDW photography.
-What about doing a bridal photo shoot in EPCOT (I was originally looking at the 10 hour package Disney offers)?
Same as above.
-I know there is an escort fee required if the outside photographers are not well known by Disney... How well known are the Marings?
We are completely comfortable with them. An escort fee will not be required.-Are there any other downfalls or problems with having an outside photographer that Eric and I should be aware of, particularly when having a Couture Collection wedding?
The only thing that would impact you is the fact that they couldn't shoot your other photo sessions.
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I'm soooo pleased with her response! I had to share it with everyone!!
or we'll throw in a little bit more to get a rental car.) Not too bad. I don't know their prices, but it has potential to come out similar to the Disney 10hr package at $5,000 something, but including travel expenses. I am willing to pay (to a certain extent) close to or a little above the Disney 10 hour package to get the best photos I can.
and Congrats
