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YOUR WEDDING GUIDE
Forever love PHOTOGRAPHY
ATLANTA | sAVANNAH | cHARLESTON & bEYOND
and thank you
WELCOME
Wedding planning can be overwhelming and time consuming. I hope this guide makes it a tad easier by answering many of your questions about wedding photography from the planning process, through engagement photos, the wedding day, and all the way to ordering your wedding album. Thank you for taking a look!
Never hesitate to reach out if there's anything at all I can do to help. I've shot hundreds of weddings, and I'm happy to answer questions, provide information, solve a problem or connect you with someone who can. - Tamela
Pricing
Engagement sessions allow us to get to know each other, helping you understand that my style of shooting is easy and relaxed, natural and authentic. I give guidance every step of the way from what to wear to how to interact in front of the camera.
Together we will choose the perfect time and place for your shoot. Some of our favorites are luxury sailboat excursion or champagne picnic.
We normally schedule the shoot soon after you book. That way we can more easily find a date that works for you, and you'll have images to use for "Save-the-Date" cards.
(I shoot engagements on Sundays. Sometimes I can do a Friday or Saturday, depending on my wedding schedule.)
Engagement Session
Many of my clients choose to do bridal portraits.
Of course the portraits make beautiful art for your home. And they help you be fully confident in your choices for your wedding day. Looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial is quite different from actually seeing how it looks and lasts in photographs.
If you're considering a bridal portrait session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. We typically spend 1-2 hours shooting at bridal sessions.
Bridal Portraits
GORGEOUS KEEPSAKES AND A PRACTICE RUN FOR THE BIG DAY
Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. We want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.
When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, we highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, we'll shoot anytime and anywhere there's great light!
Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have use of their getting ready room and other venue services. We typically have to work with the venues on time, but we love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, we are happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hairpieces and jewelry
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist
If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe us, just take a look at these rainy day photos. It rained the entire day on each of these and it was still beautiful!
If rain is in the forecast, we recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite.
Rain Tips
If you don't own a pair of cute Wellies, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations.
If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
What if it rains?
The unthinkable - the loss of wedding day images - has never happened because we think through every circumstance. We have backups for backups!
My cameras have two card slots. Every shot is recorded to both cards, just in case one fails. (I've never had a card fail, but it COULD happen.)
I always shoot with two cameras in case one fails. I have multiples of lenses, batteries, lighting equipment. If one fails, I have more at the ready.
No matter what time I get in from a wedding, I start to download the images immediately. I have a cloud back-up system running constantly so images are stored on a hard drive and in the cloud. Once images are delivered, my clients are responsible for archiving, however, the online gallery provides lifetime access to my clients for re-downloads.
Because your wedding images are
irreplaceable
WE TAKE EXTREME CARE
What if I get sick?
I've never missed a wedding. Never. But what if I got very sick or had a family emergency? I'm an active participant in the community of wedding pros. We all understand that weddings are a command performance. Over the years, I've stepped in for fellow photographers in emergency situations. They would do the same for me or any photographer you hire.
If I become I'll during your wedding day, my highly trained second photographer will step in as Lead to complete the day. You will always be covered, so there's no need to worry about us being there, we will be there and we will laugh and cry with you all day!
a great day starts with a great plan!
My studio manager and I work with our couples - and their planners - to create a highly detailed photography timeline for your wedding day. It's based on years of experience and hundreds of weddings.
I urge my clients not to set their ceremony time in stone before we complete this step. Here's why: You want to be certain you have enough time to finish the ceremony and post-ceremony portraits BEFORE sunset.
photography timeline
Family photos are SO important. Everyone is together, all dressed up and looking fantastic. And honey, somebody has invested to have a great photographer, so let's do this right!
My studio manager uses an online questionnaires to gather the names of your family members, and from that, we create a detailed list of each family grouping with the first names of each person in each group. This helps us take family photos in an orderly, efficient way so everyone can get to the party, my dear!
planning
family photo list
TIP: I start with the large, extended family groups first, allowing all but the immediate family to leave for the reception. Then I do grandparents so they can finish before getting overly tired.
"I started my professional career as a portrait photographer 20 years ago. When I photograph a wedding I try to capture 85% of the day in a documentary way, capturing all the emotion of a wedding day as it naturally unfolds. I'm always looking around 360 degrees so I capture not only the big moments but the small, quiet ones, too."
- Tamela
Your
Photographer
Contact tamela
MY SHOOTING STYLE IS
CLASSIC
JOYFUL
DREAMY
ROMANTIC
MY EDITING STYLE IS
CLEAN
TIMELESS
LIGHT INFUSED
WITH POPS OF COLOR
- #1 We GENUINELY care for our couples, we are always available and reply within hours, not days or weeks!
- With 10 years in the wedding industry we have a vast preferred vendor list of all the best vendors from Florist, Videographers, DJ's, Bands, Planner's and more!
- We are fully licensed and insured so we can provide the venues with a copy of our liability insurance with over 2 million in coverage.
- We include a Second Photographer & Engagement Session in EVERY collection.
- We expedite editing so you receive your photos 2x faster than other local photographers.
- We offer the highest quality fine-art prints, canvases & heirloom albums that you can find, printed at the best professional print labs in the world.
What sets Forever Love Photography apart from other photographers?
Fantastic! To reserve your wedding date, we’ll need a completed contract and a $1500, non-refundable retainer. The remaining balance will broken into 4 equal parts with final payment due 2 weeks before the wedding date.
We love your work and we’re ready to book! What’s the next step?
Galleries typically include anywhere between 450 and 1200+ photos. The exact amount varies from wedding to wedding. We focus on quality over quantity but we also do not put a cap on the number of images included in your gallery. Your online gallery will come loaded with fully edited high resolution images you can print anywhere. You’re also welcome to share your wedding photos on Facebook, tagging us would be the cherry on top, but isn't required!
How many photos are typically included and can we print the photos ourselves?
faq
1. How would you describe your shooting style?
Timeless, Documentary, Authentic.
I choose to capture your wedding day as it naturally unfolds. I will grab photos when prompted by guests or couples. Even during the portraits part of the day, I capture the couple as they authentically are by giving them natural things to do that create interaction and evoke real emotion.
2. What about your editing style?
My style is clean and vibrant. I shoot in a way that creates light- and color- infused images, and then I edit with a light touch. I’m often asked if I shoot film because my images have that classic look. I don’t do extensive retouching, but I’m happy to provide a quote based on the number of images and the work to be done.
3. Do you deliver color and black-and-white images?
I do convert some images to black-and-white if I think the image is stronger in black-and-white. If you want an image in color or in black-and-white, I’m happy to convert.
4.If we hire your company, who will shoot my wedding?
Of course I will! Honey, I'm not going to miss the fun! I capture and edit every wedding and engagement session I book. If you book me for rehearsal coverage, I MAY use an associate photographer, but that is the ONLY part of wedding coverage that I would allow an associate to shoot on her own.
5. How many weddings have you shot?
Hundreds. And you can see from my 5-star reviews that I bring my very best to your best day ever. It's an honor, each time, to be invited into such a sacred space as two people begin their lives together.
6. Can you customize a package to my unique needs?
Yes, of course. Maybe you don't need an engagement shoot, but you do want a bridal session. Or perhaps you want to add coverage for the day-after gathering. Maybe you are thinking about whether you need a second photographer on the wedding day. Just let me know, and we can create a custom package.
Questions you should ask your potential Photographer
answered by TAMELA, your award winning DOCUMENTARY wedding photographer.
7. Do you charge for travel?
I primarily shoot weddings in the Atlanta area, but I also shoot in North Georgia near Blue Ridge. I also shoot in Savannah as well as in Charleston, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This is the area that I consider my home base. My clients reimburse me for travel / accommodations associated with weddings I shoot beyond these areas.
8. When, what and how do you deliver after the wedding?
I deliver a preview gallery within three days of the wedding. The full gallery is delivered within 3-4 weeks of the wedding. I deliver high-resolution digital images in an online gallery that you can share with friends and family. The minimum number of images delivered is listed in each package, detailed below.
9. Do you have insurance?
Absolutely. You never know what may happen so I have insurance on my equipment and liability coverage on my business. Fun fact, wedding venues require all vendors to provide them with at minimal $2 Million in Liability Insurance to be approved to work on their property.
10. How far in advance do we need to book?
Clients typically book a year or more in advance; however, I sometimes have availability in a shorter time frame, especially on Sundays or Fridays.
11. If we have ideas for photos, can we tell you?
Of course, my dear! If you see your grandparents dancing and want me to capture it, if you want a group photo of friends at the reception, anything at all, just let me know. I also use online questionnaires to gather information leading up to the wedding, including special things about your day that you don’t want me to miss.
12. How do you feel about other people taking photos at my wedding?
Many people ask their guests to put away phones during the ceremony. That’s completely your choice. If someone is keeping me from doing my job well and there’s no way for me to work around them, I’ll politely let them know.
&
"we can't imagine anyone more perfect"
kind words
"A little over a month before my wedding I had a last minute cancellation on a photographer. I posted on a brides page on Facebook trying to find someone to help. Tamela quickly jumped in and offered a phone consultation that night! From the moment we began our conversation I was blown away with Tamela’s energy and passion for her work. The connection was instantaneous and I know she was the right person for the job. The experience just continued to surpass expectation. On our wedding day Tamela celebrated with us and felt like family! Before we left the venue that evening she even had a sneak peak video put together (from our wedding that day!) to show us some of the shots. On our photo reveal day Tamela made a memorable day even more special by adding so many special touches to show us all of the amazing shots! She was nothing short of professional and personable the entire time. I will Forever be thankful for her stepping in and taking on a huge roll for our wedding!"
"She Exudes genuine love and care for her craft and her clients"
"Tamela will always be a part of our love story the moment we got engaged. She exudes genuine love and care for her craft and for her clients. She did our engagement shoot and did our wedding so beautifully. I as the bride definitely appreciated her hugs and pieces of advice and calm support all whilst doing her job. No words can describe how much we are so grateful to work with her. "
kind words
"nothing short of amazing"
kind words
"Tamela was nothing short of amazing!!!! She was great to work with, has a great personality and has a wonderful eye for detail! I highly recommend her for your big day!!!! Did I mention the photos are breathtaking!!!!! If you haven’t hired her you should!!!!"
Awards + Press
MY WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN AND HONORED BY THESE PUBLICATIONS:
ATLANTA STYLE WEDDINGS
ATLANTA BRIDAL
GEORGIA BUSINESS JOURNAL
WEDDING WIRE + THE KNOT
VOYAGE ATL MAGAZINE
SHOUTOUT ATLANTA MAGAZINE
WEDDING CHICKS
PRicing & Booking
All collections are custom made to fit each couples needs. Our 8 hour wedding collection begins at $4,200 and including two photographers, engagement session with options to add on bridal session, coverage of rehearsal dinner and send-off brunches, as well as heirloom albums and wall art.
My clients secure their wedding date by signing an online contract and paying the retainer of $1,500 with remaining balance split into 4 equal payments.
My clients receive email reminders as their payments come due. My clients can also log into their client portal page at anytime to review their contract, invoice, photography timeline, family photo list and client questionnaires.
Custom collections available price range $2,800-8,800
Hourly Rate is $750 with a 2 hour minimum required.
contact tamela
Chota Falls | clayton, GA
1. It's YOUR choice. I'll tell you the advantages, but those never outweigh your wishes for your wedding day. One interesting note: in my experience, if a couple chooses to follow tradition, it's often the groom who feels strongly that he wants to see his bride first as she walks down the aisle.
2. If you choose not to have a first look, make sure you have enough time after the ceremony to get all photos taken before the sun sets. The sun sets earlier in winter than summer and in winter, I find it's often overcast, so I like to finish photos at least 30 minutes before sunset. This means that with no first look, ceremonies need to start earlier in winter than in summer.
3. Sometimes couples feel seeing each other first during the ceremony will be more emotional. I find men allow themselves to be more emotional during first looks, especially if the first look happens in a private, secluded setting/
4. I think there are a few advantages to having a first look:
- Couples have two opportunities for photos, both before and after the ceremony. If it rains on your wedding day, you have two opportunities to catch a break in the weather.
- Couples can get to their cocktail hour. With most photos taken care of before the ceremony, you get to actually enjoy more of the party with your guests.
- Couples tell me that finishing most photos before the ceremony allows them to relax and really enjoy the rest of the day. WHEW!
FIRST LOOK?
Should you have a
Should you see each other before the ceremony or follow tradition and see each other first as the bride walks down the aisle?
No First Look - but shhh don't tell the Groom! Let's surprise your him with his best man dressed up! These are a blast!
Have limited time afterward your ceremony for portraits, no problem! With a first look, we can knock out about 80% of your portraits before the ceremony!
12 - 2 p.m.
2 - 2:30 p.m.
2:30 - 3 p.m.
3 - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 - 4 p.m.
4 - 4:30 p.m.
4:30 - 5 p.m.
5 - 5:30 p.m.
5:30 - 5:45 p.m.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m.
6:15 - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 10 p.m.
sample timeline
i'LL CREATE A CUSTOM, DETAILED PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY.
Ladies getting ready /details
Men getting ready
Bride Dressed/touchups
First look
Wedding party photos
Travel to ceremony site
Ceremony Details/Guests
Ceremony
Family photos
Bride & groom sunset photos
Cocktail hour
Reception
TIP: If hair and makeup finishes on time, the rest of the day usually goes smoothly. If it runs late, the rest of the day feels rushed. So schedule the finish time 30 to 45 minutes earlier than needed and use the extra time to just relax and breathe!
TIP: Don't set your ceremony time until you check when the sun will set on your wedding day. This is especially important for November - March weddings, when the sun sets early.
HERE'S AN ABBREVIATED SAMPLE.
I start wedding days capturing all the "pretty pretties," the details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day.
The day before your wedding, I pack my styling kit, choosing vintage trays and dishes, velvet ring boxes, silk ribbons, and more, all selected to match your wedding colors and style. I'll also bring a vintage ornate hanger for photos of your dress.
TIP: Ask your florist for a few extra stems. I love using fresh florals in my images. And often I use a boutonniere or two. Their small size is perfect!
WEDDING DETAILS
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
GROOM DETAILS CHECKLIST
Dress
Dress hanger (I bring beautiful hangers, too)
Veil and hair pieces
Shoes
Rings (engagement and BOTH wedding bands; I bring velvet ring boxes)
Bouquet
Bride's Jewelry: earrings, necklace, other rings
Invitation Suite ( 2 full sets with envelopes; I bring vintage stamps)
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Rings
Anything else that is special or sentimental.
I take photos of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
the rings
Choose a getting ready space that has lots of windows for great natural light. I can suggest hotels and rentals that are gorgeous! I capture candids as the ladies are getting ready while I'm doing the detail shots. I generally wait until the ladies are nearly finished with hair and makeup before focusing primarily on them.
Near the end of the getting ready period, my assistant and I will do a quick cleanup, clearing clutter. We'll do shots in your pretty robes, and then you'll get dressed. I'll capture your finishing touches as you get buttoned into your gown and put on your jewelry, shoes and perfume.
TIP: I absolutely LOVE doing first looks with Dad and with bridesmaids!
getting ready
I first set up the groom, facing away. Then my assistant brings the bride. We carefully arrange her dress and train, and make sure she's holding the bouquet at just the right level to show off every beautiful detail of her dress.
Then we walk away, and let the bride tell her groom to turn around. Or she walks up to him and taps his shoulder. We are at a distance clicking away while letting the moment naturally unfold.
first look
You've chosen your wedding party with intention. These are the people who've loved you the longest and the hardest, through all of life that has led to this day.
I love capturing the connection between you and your people. We do group shots as well as individual shots. Serious shots and fun shots.
Wedding Party
This is what the day is all about, and I make sure to capture every moment: the groom's face as he sees his bride walking down the aisle; the flower girls as they drop their petals, the parents and grandparents as they look on with pride.
Ceremony
For family portraits, we’ll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. And then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.
We’ll keep removing family members and switch a few closer family members in and out so we get photos of you and your parents, you and your siblings, some with the groom and your family, etc. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. The whole thing will go quicker and smoother if you let family know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.
When we send out our pre-wedding questionnaire, we'll ask you for a list of specific groupings, special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more), but if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find our typical list below.
Family Photos
YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY, DRESSED UP AND TOGETHER, FORMAL AND FUN
FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION CHECKLIST
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings and Families + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings and Families
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Both Sets of Parents
Bride + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom
Bride + Dad
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings and Families
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
This list is just a starting point. We work with each couple to create a custom list.
Yes, you will get the fun outtakes/blooper photos, they're always hilarious and bring you right back to how you were feeling at that moment!
This is my favorite part of the day. I encourage my couples to step away from family, friends, wedding party, everyone. I like this to be an intimate time, just the two of you.
I find that on wedding days, there is so much energy and emotion that I need to give little direction, but I am always giving feedback and prompts for natural, beautiful interaction.
Bride & Groom
My goal during cocktail hour is the capture the food and drink and your guests having a great time.
If I'm doing post-ceremony photos, I send my second photographer to work the room. If we do a first look and we finish post-ceremony photos early, I join the fun.
We are NOT wallflowers! We will ask groups of guests to get in close for a photo. When we see people snapping selfies with their phones, we'll jump in and capture, too! And once guests see what we're doing, they'll ask us to get a photo of all the cousins, or all the sorority sisters, or all of Mom's sisters. We love it!
Cocktail hour
After post-ceremony portraits are complete and cocktail hour is drawing to a close, I slip into the reception area to capture all the details: the cake, the table settings and centerpieces, the entire room.
I love it if the bride and groom sneak in, too, and see how their vision has come to life in the most spectacular way.
Reception Details
Ah, finally, it's time to enjoy the party! From first dances to toasts, to cake cutting, to your best man taking your grandmother for a spin on the dance floor, to the grand exit, I capture all the beautiful moments!
Reception fun
I offer my clients the opportunity to preserve their wedding images in an heirloom album. These premium albums are printed on high-end fingerprint resistant photo paper with thick, lay-flat pages with custom linen covers with optional foiled lettering.
All albums must be prepaid before design begins. Albums typically take
between 4 to 6 weeks to complete and include three rounds of revision. Albums may be ordered anytime before or after the wedding day.
ALBUMS
CONACT Tamela
Thank you so much for considering us to be a part of your wedding day! If you’re interested in working with us, the next step is to set up a time to chat! You can reach us directly at
hello@foreverlovephotography.com
WE CAN'T WAIT TO WORK TOGETHER!