O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

Allright... I've asked tons of questions about photographers, and I've looked into tons of photographers. What I'm having a hard time with, is finding a package the includes everything in one price. Proofs, album, pics, etc. Most of the photographers I've spoken with include this don't include that, that's extra, etc, etc. What I need is a photographer that has a package that includes everything from around $2,000-$2,500. I don't know if I can afford $3,000. I still have to worry about a video. I hate having to pay for the wedding ourselves. It's making us have to limit our choices which STINKS!!! Please help, I need to make appointments. I have four but I don't know if I can afford them now... Thank you so much!!!

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

We used Cassarino and we got everything for $2600. There were other packages, but I knew exactly what I wanted and that's what it came to. Off the top of my head we got a 50 picture album, a 16X11 (?size?), a black and white 10X14 (?size?)with a portion of that in color, two parent albums each with 24 photos, 100 thank yous including the envelopes, 8 5X7 and 3 8X10. I think that's a good deal. If you are looking into videos we used JR Video in Centereach. We just wanted something plain to do the trick. We paid just under $1000 and we got the raw footage and 3 final copies-one for us and one for each set of parents. The final version had mimimal 'junk' It includes our choice of songs and a quick recap. Easy. Good luck.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

I am using a small studio call VIP Studio in Port Jeff. It's run by John Pagano and it's his own side business. But I thought he had very nice work. We are getting a medium size package (we also re-worked it, he's not tied to the written packages.) Plus he includes a second photographer who does just B&W candids. He is also doing our video and we saw a sample and it was great! SO we are getting an album of about 25 prints (I think?) and 2 parent albums, 2 parent portfolios, some thank you pics I think, our video and all of our proofs (about 300 pictures) for $3200. I can post his number and more info after I go home, if you are interested.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

Melissa, if you are meeting with Paul Marino, he's got packages that include everything for all different price ranges.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

call Hal Lyman - he should be able to work within your price range.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again. Try Imagine Studios

We didn't want any of the traditional packages offered by the photographers we reviewed either. We narrowed our list down to the two, considering thier style, personality (we will spend a lot of time with them) and reputed service. Then we told both of them exactly what we wanted in 'Our Package'. Imagine was more than accomodating and came in with the better price.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

If you can stand another suggestion you might want to try Koala Studios. They also have many different packages and their prices are listed on their web site. They are a vendor on this site. They do great work and you 2 photographers for the whole day.

O.K. Ladies.... I need your help again.

My photographer uses a different approach that you might want to look at. He offers no packages, justitems on an 'ala carte' type menu. You choose how much you'd like to spend (beginning at $2000) and then choose the components you'd like to include, subtracting from your spending maximum. You don't have to make any decisions, except what you'd like to spend, until you see your proofs. Just another option...

Stef- We are using John too

We are using him for the photos although we got him through Wedding World so I am not quite sure how much is his cost. For the video we went with Keepsake Videos. Nelida is the person I dealt with. A little more expensive but they give alot. 2 cameras at the ceremony no matter what... you can add the 2nd camera to the reception for a bit more.. But I loved the 2 camera thing and she really took the time to explain her services to me...

Leyann- We are using John too

Leyann, This is the first time anyone else is using any of the vendors I am. I thought he had very nice work, and he was less in your face than some others. When is your big day?

Stef

Sept 30, when is yours? He is very nice and I like the fact that he does not do all his pic posed. He catches alot of action photos and he does nice B&W. My only concern was when I met him, he looked a bit scruffy. It was at his home and he was playing with his son so maybe thats why. I have heard stories where the photographer came looking like a slob (family friends wedding). How did you see him?

Leyann

Yes, I did like his style of pictures, and the B&W is a great addition because I really wanted those too. But I thought the same thing, it was chaotic at his house. He really should have a separate enterance and all. But I met with four photographers and he was the best option for us. I think it's a good idea to go over dress with him before the wedding -- now that you mention it. Didn't even think of that before. Oh yeah, my wedding is Sept. 15, only two weeks before yours. Where is your ceremony/reception? My Church: St. James Lutheran Churhc Reception: Smithtown Landing Country Club I live in North Carolina but am originally from Setauket.

Stef

We are having everything at the East Wind in Wading River. A friend of my moms was recently married at St James Lutheran and my mother decided she liked it so much that she is going to start going there for services! We just changed pastors and the new one is a little boring. I know Smithtown Landing also! I grew up in Kings Park so mom plays golf there (ok maybe once or twice a year but...) thats very nice also! My cousins live in Setauket! Small world : )

Leyann

It is a small world! St. James is not the church I grew up going to either. I'm catholic, but my fiance is not. My mom and I started going to St. James on Christmas Eve because they have a special German Service. We've always enjoyed it when we have gone there. Very friendly and it's a beautiful church. It's neat to find people on this site --it really makes you realize that Long Island isnt' that big of a place. Somebody always knows somebody who knows somebody else!

Stef

Thank you!! I will have to try the Christmas Eve service too! Our usual service was beautiful because during the 2nd to last song-Silent Night, we would light candles (one per person) and turn the lights out and sing... It was georgous!!! But I dont know what this new guy will do. But dad is German so maybe he would like the St James service. How is it German?

Leyann

They do a half hour service before their midnight service. The pastor says the whole service in German. We sing German Christmas Songs, and there are two readings and Pastor Hansen (he's marrying us), does his sermon in German as well (I say sermon but not sure what they call it in Lutheran Church -- we call it something else in Catholic church). I can only understand a few words -- but it's good practice. My mom speaks German fluently, she was born there. What a small world huh? Since we've been writing back and forth, feel free to email me at [email protected].