So I've been researching and speaking with photographers. There's this one, who is an older gentleman, a volunteer deputy and all around fantastic sounding guy. He sounds SO nice in his emails, and even started asking me about how FI's training was going and telling me stories about what it was like when he did reserves training, and how much he missed his wife while he was away, and he's sure FI feels the same way.
So awesomely friendly, warm and huggable, right? And his work starts at $1,500 for two photographers, unlimited all day coverage. RD coverage and engagement photos. It's an extra $500 for all of the pictures on a DVD. BUT he's doing a special through the end of October, where if you pay the $1000 deposit before the 31st, you can get the whole package for $1750. When I told him that wouldn't be possible for me to put down $1000 before October 31st, he said he doesn't normally do this, but maybe we split it up because he knows it must be hard with FI starting a new job.
The problem is that his photography is nice, but not great. Even some of his portfolio shots on his website are flawed enough to where I could point things out, like yeah, the composition is good, but it's out of focus.
So when he emailed me a couple days ago to tell me someone else had been inquiring about my date, I told him I'd understand if they got their deposit down before us and started looking at other photographers just in case.
And viola, I found one about the same price with much better work with my date open! And her deposit is only $500.
And now I feel like I'm cheating on my photographer since he emailed me again to see how it was going and how Todd was doing in Des Moines and to let me know the other couple had yet to put a deposit down, so I could still sneak in there and secure the date.
Saddest Lizarellie. I know business is business, but I'm just imagining this old man, sitting in his chair, sadly looking down at his camera. Breaks my heart.