In a world where a very nice camera is attached to that calculator all our math teachers said we wouldn’t have, it’s easy to think of photography as, well, easy. So, when you went to book your photographer, and they sent you their quote, were you a little shocked at the price?

I get it; wedding costs can pile up fast. The average wedding in the US costs between $28,000 - $34,000. That’s a lot! But photography is one of the most important aspects of a wedding. It is different from any other vendor you will hire because the service they will provide will outlast your day and hopefully a lifetime.

I’ve known Gary since the MySpace days (@XXgarythehotnessmonsterXX) and Maddie for a couple of years. It was so fun to be a part of this shoot. Maddie and Gary truly balance each other out, and it was so fun to see their relationship from behind the camera. In anticipation of their wedding this month, here are some of my favorite shots from their engagement shoots.

Molly and Jenna had a backyard wedding in Placerville, and I may be biased having a backyard wedding myself, but it was so beautiful and perfectly intimate with their closest friends and family coming to celebrate.

A first look is one of the best modern twists on a wedding tradition, and even though it seems small, it actually has so many benefits that impact your whole day! Here are my top three reasons to include a first look on your special day.