Photographer & DJ HELP!

ses291 · December 2010

I am looking for a photographer in the Delaware area with a more photojournalistic style. My fiance hates having his picture taken so we need someone who, aside from the necessary posed shots, will be very unobtrusive and natural. I don't know that many people who have gotten married in this area so I'm looking for suggestions. We want a full day of coverage and released photos on CD, online viewing, etc. We're willing to pay around $3000-$4000.

Also seeking recommendations for a DJ. We want someone who can get the crowd moving, but not try to be the star of the show. Anyone use Rich Buchanan, Tom Barrett or Silver Sounds (if Silver what specific DJ)? I'm not sure what a reasonable price for DJs is, but we're budgeting about $1000.

Any help would be much appreciated. We're 2 years away from our wedding but are trying to get as many vendors as possible nailed down because my fiance leaves in 4 months on a year long deployment.

Thanks!

dibsontop · December 2010

We used Photography by Leah and I can't speak highly enough about her.
www.facebook.com/byleah
www.photographybyleah.com

Also, we used Tom Barrett and I wasn't thrilled with the DJ we got. Working with the company was no problem and I was really happy with how they called several days before the wedding to confirm everything and make sure there were no changes. But the DJ that actually did our reception wasn't the greatest. Here are some of the issues I had:

-Names were spelled phonetically on the list I gave them and the DJ confirmed everyone's names as soon as we got to the reception. My sister corrected him when he pronounced DH's sister's name wrong before being announced, and yet he still pronounced her name wrong twice. Once during introductions and the second time when he called her to the floor to dance with DH.

-We were under the impression that we were doing all dances immediately upon entering the reception. In fact, we clarified that upon arrival at the hall and before introductions. Yet he only played our first dance song and then called people together for toasts and dinner. After we finished eating and sat there waiting for him, finally Mike asked when he'd be playing our other songs (dad & sister dance) to which he replied that we had to instruct him on when to play them.

-The paperwork we filled out in advance told us not to give them extended playlists for cocktail hour and dinner music. So we didn't. Then I find out from my guests that the only songs he played during cocktail hour were instrumental. No songs with words at all! Maybe that's standard for them, but that's not what we wanted. That's what I get for following directions.

MarinoRabeno · December 2010

We're using Clair Pruett for photography and videography, and Tom Barrett for DJ. I hope we don't have the same issues as Dibson!

wicked+faery · December 2010

u can see more sample of my photographer's work in my bio & on his website. my FI hates getting his picture taken with a passion...but he was actually comfortable with Pete Lounsbury. he's also competitive with his pricing.

dibsontop · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_delaware_photographer-dj-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:77Discussion:5d9e0adc-4769-449d-aa56-fcdeec349513Post:ea4a7cf5-fbcf-49cf-89f9-7aa842cbb5d3">Re: Photographer & DJ HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]We're using Clair Pruett for photography and videography, and Tom Barrett for DJ. I hope we don't have the same issues as Dibson!
Posted by MarinoRabeno[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't write off the entire Tom Barrett company. Tom himself was very nice when he called before the wedding. And their prices are good. I just didn't care for the DJ that was assigned to us.

RecoveringActor · December 2010

I'm using a family friend for my photography, but I've worked with Paul Pruitt Photography in the past (no idea if he has any relation to Claire Pruitt) and I really like his wedding stuff. We did headshots with him for work about a year ago. http://www.paulpruittphotography.com/

For DJs... I know a few ladies have used Tom Barrett on this board. Myself and JZags are using Jenny Z Mobile DJ Service. She's based out of Maryland, but she does Jersey, DE, and some PA too. Her website is http://www.jennyzmobiledj.com and it's interactive. Once you get a password, you get to choose all of your music (and music you DON'T want) on her website. It's pretty cool.

soontobeschooley · December 2010

I am using Kerry Harrison for photography and she does beautiful work. I want a photojournalistic style as well and I'm going with her. I understand we have to do some of the other more formal shots as well, and she does a good mix. She really captures the moment and feeling perfectly.

http://www.kerryharrison.net/

As far as the DJ, we are also going with Tom Barrett because of all the wonderful reviews we've heard.

soontobeschooley · December 2010

Marino- I love your hair inspiration!

Ms.BriarRose · December 2010

We used Tom Barrett, and we were extremely happy. I cannot remember the name of the DJ we had for the life of me, but he was decent. He pronounced everyone's name right, he was clear and consise, he did not play any of the songs that we didn't want, he did play all the songs that we did want, and he was not one of those in-your-face, talks all the time, tries to be funny, etc DJs. He was out of sight and out of ear until things were necessary. The only "mix-up" we had was on the sheet we had put the toast order as MOH, Best Maid, FOB. Well, when he announced my sisters name, she freaked, and ran over to hand the mike to the Best Maid. Also, he did not announce that the candy buffet was open, but that was the venue's mistake, not his. As for the cocktail hour, most companies will play dinner music (which usually translates to no words); we just requested that it be jazz instead of classical, and that worked out fine.

For photog, we used Stephanie Glover. She's much lower than your price range. You may want to look into Sharyn Frankel, Cindy Guessford, Sarah Schulte...I also suggest asking the photog question on the board. The big thing is, what do you want from it? If you want just the CD with the rights to print, you can usually get more bang for your buck. If you want an album or prints, you are looking at spending more money or going with a less expensive photog to cover your costs.

I am going to be very honest with my experience with Clair Pruiett. It has not been good, at all. We have been to two weddings where they were the shooters. At both weddings, they were in the way, especially during the ceremony. At the one (last July), we were outside. The two photogs were screaming at each other during the ceremony, yelling to "get out of my way, I need to get this shot!". They were RIGHT up front, in the way so no guest could see what was going on with the wedding! It was horrible. My mom actually turned to me and said, "If your photog does any thing near that, I will personally throw them out of the church on their asss." For her to say that, it has to be bad. We just were stunned that they acted that way! They were also in the way of the wedding we recently went to, and they are the reason we got NO shots of the ceremony. Ours on the other hand, she said that you could barely tell she was there- non intrusive and quiet.

Now, we made sure to discuss that with her. I am not saying mine is better or Clair Pruiett is horrible. I am saying that my personal experience has not been the best with them (I am sure there are girls who a decent experience), and I am also saying make sure that you (and all brides!!) talk to your photog to make sure that they are respectful and courteous. I will also say this, which I have been told by several different photogs: If you are getting married in a church, any church, they tend to be more respectful because of the nature of the event. If you are outside or at a non-church facility, they tend to be more "freewilled" with where they go and how close they are. My recommendation would be to make sure you stress to whomever you choose that you want quiet, courteous, and out of sight. Your guests will greatly appreciate it, trust me. And don't worry- they will still get the shots, I promise.

I would again recommend posting this question on the Philly board- you are going to get more recommendations in your price range

ses291 · December 2010

Thank you everyone for your responses, keep the information coming. I'm new to the knot and this was my first post, but I really appreciate how helpful you all are! The photographer and dj decisions really freak me out because obviously you can't go back and do it over again if the pictures don't turn out right, and bad dj can easily ruin a party.

jamonit0212 · December 2010

I copies and pasted this from the Philly Board in case you don't check there.

Marc Anthony Photography is absolutely the best, especially in that range. His work is flawless and he will put your fiance at ease I'm sure. His website is www.marcanthonyphoto.com but his facebook page has tons more. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-Anthony-Photography/182688734415

cfblechman · December 2010

I second Photography by Leah. Havent had my wedding yet but I am IN LOVE with her and her work. Plus her top package includes so much its insane. She is going to come to our rehersal so she knows whats going on and where she should be. and she is also going to shoot our rehersal dinner so everyone not just bride and groom are comfy with her!

Havent looked for DJs yet so I am no help there although thats next on my list.

Ms.BriarRose · December 2010

Yeah, and FYI- I wouldn't recommend Marc Anthony. Feel free to message me for more details.

MarinoRabeno · December 2010

Dibson- Do you remember the name of your DJ?
Thanks soontobe!

dibsontop · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_delaware_photographer-dj-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:77Discussion:5d9e0adc-4769-449d-aa56-fcdeec349513Post:2fd1a360-df35-4aed-87b2-b770f0e084e1">Re: Photographer & DJ HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]Dibson- Do you remember the name of your DJ? Thanks soontobe!
Posted by MarinoRabeno[/QUOTE]

His name was Steve. Once the actual dancing got going, we had no problems with him. In fact, I had some people comment on how they've never seen so many people up and dancing. But I was very annoyed with him for the first hour or two.

dibsontop · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_delaware_photographer-dj-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:77Discussion:5d9e0adc-4769-449d-aa56-fcdeec349513Post:28ae8ed9-fa5c-476a-8eea-fc48a5b4b6f6">Re: Photographer & DJ HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]I second Photography by Leah. Havent had my wedding yet but I am IN LOVE with her and her work. Plus her top package includes so much its insane. She is going to come to our rehersal so she knows whats going on and where she should be. and she is also going to shoot our rehersal dinner so everyone not just bride and groom are comfy with her! Havent looked for DJs yet so I am no help there although thats next on my list.
Posted by cfblechman[/QUOTE]

I am so happy that I had her come to our rehersal and shoot our rehersal dinner. She talked to our priest and the church coordinator and was able to figure out where she wanted to be and where Austin (the second shooter) should be. She took some really great pictures at the dinner(capturing the speeches, gifts, etc.) but more importantly learned who people were and that really reflected in our wedding pictures. She captured the most shots of people that she knew were most important to us and everyone felt really comfortable with her that day.

EiDuffy · December 2010

We are using BlackSilver Imaging for photog and Terry O'Sullivan from DJ's Available, they are based out of NJ but will travel to DE for no extra fee...

cfblechman · December 2010

dibsontop- I saw that Leah posted your wedding today on facebook! yay! I know i saw all the pics before but still fun!

ses291-Look on facebook and on the photographers blogs they usually post their most recent stuff there so it gives you a better feel for the overall/whole day and not just some of the BEST shots they have taken ever.

Ms.BriarRose · December 2010

cgblechman- you and I think alike. I said the same thing to her in a PM.

And not just to her, but to any and all new brides, here is what I posted:

The other thing is you need to decide what you want, because that will greatly change where and who you can look at. Do you know if you want a second shooter? All day coverage? Just the CD with rights to print (a must), or an album (or several albums) as well? The other thing I would suggest is doing some research on your own and looking for photogs in your budget. If you look at Photo Blogs, you will start to get a feel for what you want in terms of style, and that will really help in your search. And while I love the Knot and the Knotties, don't count on us exclusively for info on Photogs. If you do some research yourself, you may find a hidden gem that no one has heard of, and then girls in the future will benefit! Finally, make sure to meet with them all- that can be a dealbreaker, depending on personality. But it sounds like you were going to do that anyway

Like I said to the OP- I am in no way discounting the Knotties. These girls are bright, and I found many of my vendors through them. But because JLJC looked off the beaten path for photogs that had not been recommended, I found my photog! Sometimes, your hard work can greatly benefit not just you but others as well

dibsontop · December 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_delaware_photographer-dj-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:77Discussion:5d9e0adc-4769-449d-aa56-fcdeec349513Post:187e91f4-f751-4b64-a9fa-2497980c0267">Re: Photographer & DJ HELP!</a>:
[QUOTE]dibsontop - I saw that Leah posted your wedding today on facebook! yay! I know i saw all the pics before but still fun!
Posted by cfblechman[/QUOTE]

I know! It made my day!!

SLGYMNAST · December 2010

We used Jubilee Photography (Kristen) and absolutely LOVED her. We are thrilled with our photos and she is the sweetest to work with and such a calming presence on the day of the wedding.

As for DJs, I have heard great things about Synergetic Sounds. Good luck!

kelbode · December 2010

I used OHS Entertainment - Guy Artis, as my DJ. He was great! You can choose songs to play or not to play on his website (once he sends you log in & password info). We had a range of music interests at the wedding; gave Guy input on types of music liked and he went from there. Guests loved the mix of music played. He didn't talk all the time, worked well with the venue and photographer to keep things moving and in order. He gave us a CD of some of our wedding songs (I listen to it in the car all the time!) and mailed us a CD with photos he took. It was fun to see the dancing from his perspective! Love him!

My husband didn't want a photographer at all! But of course we were going to have one so I went with one with a laid back personality. Images by Reflections - Carrie Megahan. www.imagesbyreflections.com- our images are under Kelly & Brian. Of course for the posed shots you knew she was there but otherwise, I never saw her yet she captured all of our moments! The pictures turned out great, my husban even loves them! I had my link to my photos in about 3 weeks, the CDs not long after that. She has several packages to choose from.

Good luck!

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