Finding the perfect wedding photographer can sometimes be a stressful part of your wedding planning.

And it’s definitely going to be an investment in both time and money; yet most newly married couples will most likely agree that finding the perfect match in a photographer is worth the hassle.

But choosing a photographer to capture you and your partner’s big day doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may sound. With some planning ahead and a real vision of what the two of you want out of your wedding shots, you’ll be much more likely to find the right photographer to shoot your big day.

Here’s a look at some helpful tips to make finding that perfect wedding photographer a whole lot easier…

Settle on a Photography Style

Before you begin your photographer search, first you and your partner need to decide what type of photography style or look you want with your photos.

Are you looking for a more candid style, catching each other and your guest in the moment, or would you prefer the classic portrait type of shoot? Maybe you’d like a mix of both?

The point here is that some photographers may specialize in a specific shoot style, so make sure you know what you and your future wife want before choosing a photographer.

Do Your Homework

When it comes to finding the perfect photographer, research and word of mouth are the best ways to find the right one to shoot your wedding. Check out potential photographers’ websites and blogs, as their style will most likely show here, and they will probably also have samples of their work to look through as well.

It’s also a good idea to talk to married friends to see who they would recommend.

Remember the LGBT Factor

You need to know up front if potential photographers are willing to shoot a same-sex marriage. If he or she doesn’t state whether or not they shoot all types of weddings, be sure to call to find out.

You don’t want to find yourselves thinking you’ve found the perfect photographer only to find out they are too close-minded to shoot a wedding with two brides.

Set up Interviews and Request Portfolios

After you’ve narrowed down your list of potential photographers, now it’s time to meet with them to get a feel for how they would shoot your wedding. Be prepared to talk about your wedding style, your venue, and what you and your partner want out of your photos.

And be sure to check out their portfolios since that’s what’s really going to let you know if you like their photography style.

Make Sure Your Personalities Match

Sure, it’s not the photographer you’re marrying, but both of you should like him or her and actually bond with them. For instance, was one of your potential photographers instantly excited with your wedding vision and was already offering ideas too?

This is somebody you’ll have to be comfortable with shadowing your every move and capturing intimate shots, so it’s definitely important that you and your photographer click.

Once you’ve chosen a photographer, don’t forget to confirm him or her for your wedding day. Now you and your future wife to be will have one less thing to stress about when it comes to the wedding planning.

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Image source: Ali & Meenoo // Philadelphia, Pennsylvania // Photos courtesy of Tara Beth Photography