Hi Stephanie + Zack,
It was so nice speaking with you today, Stephanie. I really enjoyed getting to hear about your vision for your wedding day and wedding photos. It sounds like your wedding is going to be so much fun, and filled with people who are important to you. I know everyone will love spending time in Sarasota! During our conversation I learned that you love candids and photos that capture authentic connection, as well as real moments of emotion and celebration. You want to have a vendor team you can entrust with all the details of your day so that you can relax, soak it all in, and truly enjoy your special day. I would be so honored to be a part of that team!
Below, I have added lots of sample images - many of them from my recent wedding at The Ritz. There is also the basic timeline we discussed on the phone. I didn't have room to include a second timeline, but the most significant change in the alternative timeline would be removing the First Look and using all of cocktail hour for the bridal party, family and Bride & Groom portraits. At the bottom of this page, there is a link to your proposal and a link to vendor recommendations. I only recommend vendors I have worked with and who offer very high quality service and are great with teamwork.
I hope you have fun looking through all of this. I'm happy to answer any questions that may arise. Enjoy!
Tara
YOUR VENUE - The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota
Your biggest decision is done! You've chosen to exchange your vows and celebrate with your loved ones at a The Ritz Carlton - a timeless location that will allow you and your guests to enjoy some of the best features of Sarasota.
"Tara was an absolute dream to work with...I have never felt 100% comfortable in front of the camera but Tara made taking these special photos come so easy and natural. When we got our wedding photos back I was truly blown away by how beautiful they were. She captured our special day in the most perfect way & I will forever be grateful."
—Melissa + Taylor
A Love Like Yours
Every time I photograph a wedding, I'm inspired in a different way. In part, this is due to differences in light, weather, & decor, but mostly - your personalities, your style, your connection...all of these things are unique to you, and your wedding photos will reflect that. Genuine connection combined with an understanding of light, an eye for composition, and attentiveness to the little moments are a recipe for bringing your vision to life and documenting your precious memories.
a place to start
Your Photo Timeline
The following is basic timeline we spoke about. More coverage can be added if desired.
12:00 Photo arrives - Candids, final touches, details, bridesmaids in robes, etc
1:15 Bride gets dressed, bridals
2:00 First Look + B&G photos
2:30 Bridal Party Photos
3:00 Family Photos
3:30 Refresh, hide from guests
4:00 Ceremony
4:30 Cocktail Hour (B&G attends)
5:00 Golden hour + sunset photos of B&G
5:30 Reception
9:00 Photo end
10:00 Reception end
No worries!
Rain or Shine, Day or Night
Even if the weather isn't ideal, your photos will be amazing. I've photographed weddings in all sorts of weather conditions. I carry rain covers for cameras in my bag! And as much as I adore natural light, that's not going to help anyone when the sun goes down. That's why I've have worked hard to master off camera lighting for receptions and other very low light situations.
"Tara is a magician! Somehow she made my 'bad side' look like my 'best side' on our wedding day. No joke. She is so sweet and easy to work with. Almost a year later, I still go back and look at our wedding photos with awe. She perfectly captured the essence of our day in its true dream-like fashion."
—Jordan + Stephen
"Tara was a dream to work with! She mixes it up so that you get serious looking, playful, candid, etc. I am camera shy and have no idea what to do my body when posing. Tara has the perfect eye though! She gives great direction and knows exactly what looks good in a photo and what doesn't work. I literally do not have a single photo from her that I don't like. I tear up every time I look at them because it just reminds of such a perfect day & she captured it beautifully! I could not have asked for more..."
—Katie + Zack
Teamwork
Something I am really proud of is what I offer in terms of second photographers. You won't be getting some random local photographer I hire at the last minute, but rather someone I have personally trained. Currently, I have two regular second photographers who have worked with me for ten years and add so much value for my clients!
Indoors at the Ritz
Hallways, conference rooms, and suites can all be great spaces for some of your photos before the ceremony. These would include getting ready photos, dress and flat lay, bridal portraits, and potentially family photos and Bride & Groom portraits. There are some photos included below of Bride & Groom portraits taken in a hallway at the Don Cesar, because we didn't;t do those at the Ritz wedding I photographed but these can give you an idea of what can be done.
Outdoors at the Ritz
The following are photos from bridal party photos taken before the ceremony, the ceremony, and daytime photos of the cocktail hour and reception/reception space.
Off Site Photos
Another option for First Look and couple portraits, or even couple and Bridal Party portraits is to go off site. Should you choose to use an off site location for First Look and/or Bride & Groom portraits before the ceremony, Selby or Bayfront Park are very close and can be good options.
Laughter & Tears - Candid & Fun
Years of experience allows us to anticipate the moments when we will be able to capture an incredible authentic reaction in your and your guests' facial expressions. Often, the little moments happening to the side of the main focus are just as memorable - your mom's reaction to a funny revelation in the Best Man's toast, your Maid of Honor wiping away a tear as you say your vows, guests enjoying the fun things you've planned for them, or a couple sneaking a snuggle as they soak up the romantic vibes and maybe imagine themselves in your shoes one day. Weddings are about so much more than the obvious, and we strive to make sure that is reflected in our images.
Proficiency in off camera lighting is very important for getting crisp, properly exposed, colorful photos during your reception. We have a variety of lights that we use for different purposes to ensure a great outcome for those low light moments.
And of course...don't forget the details!
Although the Bride & Groom and their loved ones are the most important part of the day, that doesn't mean you don't want us to document all the hard work you put into the details of your wedding day. We've got you covered from all sides!
"Thank you for taking the time to read through your custom proposal. I am so honored to be considered for such an important role in your wedding day."
—Tara
