Make the most of your wedding day memories

WASILLA — A wedding can be one of the most memorable moments of a person’s life. What the weather was like, a last-minute schedule change, even an inopportune sneeze can make that happy day unique and memorable.

For lasting memories, many rely on their wedding photographer — a professional who not only captures the traditional wedding day portraits, but those intimate moments couples can reflect upon decades down the road. A great wedding photographer can supply a lifetime of fond reminiscing, while a bad photographer can create a nightmare that also will never be forgotten.

In the hullaballoo of planning that perfect wedding, choosing the right photographer for you can be a hassle, but pays off for the couple, family and friends.

At The Picture Lady in Wasilla, Melissa Everett Laggis has been capturing those special memories for years, and office manager Julie Oliver works with wedding clients to make sure what they’re looking for is compatible with the photographer’s style and personality.

When choosing a wedding photographer, Oliver has several tips. First, come prepared to the first meeting with a potential photographer with a basic outline of shots you know you absolutely want. For example, a array of portraits with the bride, groom, family and friends, cutting the cake, kissing the bride or other moments you know you want to capture.

“I would say you’re going to need to find someone who’s very photojournalistic,” Oliver said, “which is hands off. As far as the photographer goes, you need to work around that centerpiece.”

The photographer should be more like a fly on the wall, Oliver said — in the right place at the right time, but unobtrusive.

Couples should also plan to spend some time looking through a photographer’s portfolio of wedding work. Although it might seem unnecessary to specify, Oliver said you should not choose a wedding photographer because you like his or her stunning outdoor scenic shots or sports photography.

“I highly recommend consulting with a photographer beforehand,” she said, adding like any important purchase, shop around.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the photographer, that there aren’t any hidden personality traits that may clash at the wrong time during the wedding.

“You are going to want to be super comfortable with the photographer,” Oliver said, which means that, in some cases, the person who did a wonderful job for your friend may not be the right choice for you.

That’s a tip echoed by Valley photographer Cynthia Hawkins.

“Every photographer’s got their own style,” she said. “it’s easy to do really nice portraits, but somebody’s got to be quick to do weddings. And make sure you really like the person.”

Hawkins also recommends prospective clients ask to see the photographer’s equipment.

Along with looking at work and checking references — never hire a photographer who has no references, Oliver said — one question many prospective brides and grooms fail to ask is if there’s a contingency plan.

“Are you committed?” Oliver said. “That’s a big question. Can you spend the time it takes or, if something happens, will you guarantee a photographer will be there?”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.