The Call

Want a smooth wedding?

Set expectations early

Firstly, please have fun.

  • This is not just for you. Keep in mind that the couple is having these calls with every vendor-They are drained.

    • So please keep things fun and light.

    • I start the call by asking them how they are doing and I try to riff on that to get them having a good time.

      • I transition to wedding day details by congratulating them on their upcoming engagement.

    • I end the call by telling them how excited I am to work with them, reinforcing the positive energy.

Confirm logistics:

  • Confirm the following:

    • Arrival time/ Departure time

    • All addresses (get hotel room numbers as well!)

    • Transportation between locations/parking

      • If the wedding party is going downtown to take pictures, I always try hopping on the trolley with them to avoid parking, etc.

    • Go through ceremony and reception logistics.

      • Churches, chuppas and traditional ceremonies can be tricky. Make sure to double check where they are standing and which direction they’ll be facing.

      • Go through the reception timeline to make sure you know exactly who is speaking and when things are happening.

    • Know whether the wedding is black tie, formal or semi-formal and dress accordingly.

    • Know when there are breaks in the schedule for you to have a snack and a drink of water.

    • Please tell them that if they need more time, it’s $250 to extend by 1 hour- Tell them to email Ben. Never take payment unless its a tip.

Next, find out more about their wedding preferences:

Lastly, Set expectations:

  • Audio:

    • We’ll mic up the groom and officiant for the ceremony

    • We’ll mic up the DJ for the reception and have a backup ext. mic just in case

  • Video:

    • We’ll be shooting with 2 cams during the ceremony/reception (as well as ketubah signing/hora if applicable).

    • We’ll be shooting with 1 cam during the prep/outdoor portrait/cocktail hour

  • General shot list:

    • Let them know that you’ll be sniping laughs, hugs, smiles throughout the day but find out if they have any specific relatives or traditions they want you to get footage of.

    • Let them know that we shoot candid footage during the ceremony/reception/prep/outdoor portraits as well as some minor posing footage during prep/outdoors portraits but we’ll try to keep as fun as possible with lots of kissing and cheering.

  • Eating:

    • It’s best if we eat when they eat.

  • Departure:

    • 15 minutes before your departure time, you’ll approach the couple to see if they want anything else on video. If they ask you to stay, let them know it’s $250 to extend by 1 hour. Email me and let me know you stayed longer. Do not take $$ to stay longer- Never take payment unless its a tip.