One of my favorite locations in the Dallas area for engagement photography sessions is the area around Babe’s Chicken.  I know what you’re thinking — a fried chicken restaurant?  Really?  Really!  Babe’s is surrounded by interesting rustic backdrops, perfect for every setting.  Funny enough, I always have to compete with a handful of other photographers for the best locations near Babe’s.

After clowning around with the kids, Janay drove us to historic downtown McKinney for the second leg of our photo shoot.  Even though I work in McKinney (okay, so it’s right on the border of Frisco), I’d never ventured to its downtown.  Wow have I been missing out!  Luckily it was a Sunday evening, so most of the shops were closed and the crowds had dwindled.  I can tell McKinney Square is a hoppin’ spot during the day!

With its quaint atmosphere, it was fun exploring all the unique architecture the downtown had to offer.  My favorite ‘find’ had to be these three rustic lanterns hanging in a storefront.  Had it been a few hours earlier, we wouldn’t have been able to have that little nook all to ourselves!

Once we’d thoroughly explored downtown McKinney and I was satisfied with the variety of photos for the locale, we headed to the real gem of the shoot (besides the bride and groom, of course!) — the Bella Donna, a Tuscan-esque chapel that just so happens to be where Jacob and Janay’s August 4, 2013 wedding will be held!  Approaching sunset, we maximized our time after J & J’s quick outfit change at Starbuck’s and got some gorgeous shots outside the chapel.

Jacob and Janay truly are an amazing match — fun-loving, laid-back, and in love.  And what’s even better?  Their kids already consider themselves family — two of them even share the same first name (Kayden and Caden)!  Cannot wait to be a part of the next step of their life together!

"Brittany is exceptional at what she does! She recently did our engagement photos and we love them! The experience was great! Brittany made sure to fit both mine and my fiancé’s schedules. She talked to me the night before to go over what we would be doing. She was punctual and understanding of us running behind schedule. My fiancé and I were really comfortable around her. She is very talented and professional. We are so happy, we want her to be our wedding photographer!  Thank you!"

"I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Brittany Feagans Photography. Brittany is a very gifted photographer. Her natural sharp eye catches those perfect shots, and she mixes traditional photography with a unique and edgy style. She also has a wonderful personality and is an absolute delight to work with. I will (and already have!) definitely recommend Brittany to everyone I know in need of a photographer!"

"Brittany you do such an amazing job! I loved all the pictures and I can’t wait to work with you again! You are amazing at what you do! I will definitely recommend you to everyone!"

Most photographers specialize in a specific category of photography.  Some are passionate about photographing children.  Others pride themselves on their portrait skills.  Still others love posing families, snapping sleepy newborns, or being on the sidelines at sporting events.  Me?  I love wedding photography.  I love everything about it — the planning, the details, the passion.

I truly put my heart and soul into every wedding I’m fortunate enough to be a part of.  No one wants to be around someone who’s just going through the motions!

When it comes time to choose your photographer, remember this: wedding photographers come in all shapes and sizes.  I mean that figuratively, because no two photographers are the same.

Just because your sister had a veteran photographer hellbent on posing each and every shot doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with the same for your big day!  Yes, your family’s opinion is important, but don’t let it dictate your hopes and dreams regarding photography.

If you’re a younger bride out shopping for a photographer at studios with your mom, chances are the type of photography she’s interested in is more traditional than the current trends.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but with digital photography, and the Pinterest era, your options are truly endless.  Tell mom that just because you’re more interested in the stylized, modern trends, doesn’t mean you’re going to skip out on important family portraits — all good wedding photographers should make sure to include family formals in their shot list.

Choosing your Wedding Photographer

So how do you find the perfect wedding photographer for your taste?  What questions should you ask each candidate?  Remember that this is your day, and your photographer is lucky to be a part of that and should cater to your every need.  First, consider what your answers are to the following list of questions.

1. • 01. Photography style?
   • 02. Color, BW, or both?
   • 03. 2nd photographer?
   • 04. Package details?
   • 05. Theme?

   01. Your StyleTOP

   In the past, formal photos were the way to go.  In recent years, photojournalistic, or candid, photography has become more popular amongst brides and grooms.  Are you more interested in the posed, romantic shots you see on Pinterest?  Or do you like the candids… your dad wiping away tears of joy, your mom laughing with the wedding party, the impromptu dancing.  Once you know the style of photography you like best, picking a photographer will be much easier.  Many photographers will tailor their style to meet your vision.  I’m one of them!

   02. Color? BW? Both?TOP

   What do you want your memories to look like?  Make sure if your photographer decides to turn some images black and white that they also keep a color option.  What looks great above the mantel might not be what you want in your wedding album.

   03. Two Vs. OneTOP

   If you’re a photo buff like me, and photography is the most important part of your wedding vision, you might consider hiring two photographers to capture your wedding.  This can be helpful to get two perspectives at the ceremony, with one photographer up close and the other at a distance.  Another advantage is that one photog can focus on candids, while the other poses the wedding party.  Be careful when booking a 2nd photographer, as many primary photographers have clauses in their contracts prohibiting other photogs from working the same event.

   04. Package DetailsTOP

   Besides photography, what else do you want your photographer to provide?  Be it a CD of all your images (high-resolution so you can print with a copyright release), prints, canvases, or a wedding album, ask prospective photographers what comes in their packages before booking.

   05. Wedding ThemeTOP

   Do you have a theme for your wedding?  I photographed vintage and rustic themes in 2012, and they were some of the most creative couples ever — perfect for unique, memorable wedding photos!  Before you start shopping for a photographer, think about how you imagine your wedding to look.  Will you have an outdoor reception in a forested clearing, complete with mason jar cocktails, hanging paper lanterns, and rustic decorations, like Miquela and Jon? What about a country theme, with your bridal party clad in cowboy boots, a red barn as a backdrop, and a Stetson on your groom’s head, like Lindsey and Travis?  Your wedding is your time to shine, so make it 100% y-o-u.  Just make sure you pick a photographer that’s open-minded and up for the challenge!

   What other questions do you have regarding choosing the perfect wedding photographer?  

   Leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to answer!

   Happy planning!

"Where do I begin! Brittany is amazing. She takes traditional photos with an edge. She knows how to work the lighting and angles to get great pictures. I was surprised by the amount of candids she was able to get without me knowing and yet they turned out absolutely perfect. Her photography is new and upcoming. It’s crazy, but she catches the smallest details in the most amazing photos. I would recommend her to anybody looking for a photographer. She does amazing traditional, edgy, and abstract photos. I would recommend her for any event! GREAT WORK!!! I can’t wait to work with her again!"

"Brittany is such an amazing person and photographer. She makes her pictures so personal and makes sure she gets everything you requested. She is so edgy, creative, and unique and that is exactly what we wanted. We are a young couple and wanted somebody that was different than everybody else. She was perfect. She got the perfect candids, formals, and fun pictures. I recommend her to anybody that wants fabulous pictures. She is definitely above and beyond everybody else. I cannot thank her enough! She made our day extra special!"

Josh and I showed up at the church for Rehearsal the night before, where the wedding party was decked out in Ugly Sweaters.  Hilarious!  After Reherasal Dinner, I snagged the wedding rings and went to work creating Lindsey’s detail shots.  Twine, buttons, a Bible, ribbons, a quilt, cowboy boots… I had a blast getting down’n'dirty artistically!

The day of the wedding we arrived at the church bright and early.  Lindsey and her bridesmaids goofed off while getting ready, then the bride and groom met each other in the church for an intimate moment.  After that we headed outside for bridal party photos.  It might have been New Years Eve in Iowa, but it was 55 degrees and sunny!  Lindsey’s bridesmaids didn’t even get to use the custom muffs she made them — boo! — but the whole bridal party wore cowboy boots to play up the rustic country theme.

We headed to a random barn for group photos, and had some fun with “Just Married” and “They Lived Happily Ever After” signs Lindsey created from Pinterest adaptations.  I loved the rustic red barn we found in the Iowa City country… picturesque!  As the bridal party headed back to the church, I snagged the bride and groom for some romantic pictures before the ceremony.

As a wedding photographer, my favorite part of the ceremony had to be the first kiss.  Although it’s always a special moment between the newlywed bride and groom, Trav gave it a little extra “oomph” by fist pumping as he locked lips with Lindsey.  Memorable for sure!

After the ceremony, the bride and groom stepped out into a balloon release, beautiful against the blue winter sky.  The bridal party hopped on a party bus and off we went to get the party started!  Let me just tell you — these Iowa folks really know how to let loose!  It was great seeing so many familiar faces of fellow Wartburg College classmates celebrating such a joyous occasion.  We drove around and stopped at a bar, where the bride and groom noticed two horses outside the barn.  Lindsey asked a woman if they could ride them, and before I knew it, my bride had mounted this random horse and was calling for her groom to get on the other one for an impromptu photo op!  I live for moments like this, and the sun setting in the background created the perfect backdrop.

The reception was held at the Celebration Farm in Solon, Iowa.  This rustic barn was decked out in handmade rustic decorations.  Beautiful table runners, wooden stars, birch carvings, and mason jars galore!  The bride even made over 1,000 cake balls — all different flavors — for her guests.

The bridal party made quite the entrance, with everyone wearing fake mustaches and performing various dances.  Lindsey and Trav’s entrance, by far the finale, ended with the crowd singing and dancing to the Iowa Hawkeye theme song.  A delicious dinner of prime rib followed, with hilarious, heartfelt toasts to wrap up the feast.

Open bar + dancing + New Years Eve = One crazy night!!!  From the Cupid Shuffle, to Red Solo Cup, to the Cha Cha Slide, to Chicken Fried, these Iowans knew how to party.  At midnight, the DJ released a balloon drop of black and silver balloons filled with scratch lottery tickets.  The couple had told a few select people about the lotto tickets, and as the newlyweds danced and kissed under a shower of balloons, guests scrambled to pop the balloons in search of prizes.  Josh even won $30 — atta boy!

I ended my 17 hour day with sore feet (wearing cowboy boots for 17 hours is not a good idea!), a smile on my face, and a custom-embroidered pair of granny panties (thanks, Lindsey!).  This was such a fun wedding and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it!

Steve, a Chicago native, went to the University of Hawaii, where he met Jen.  They fell in love, and Steve proposed to Jen on the picturesque Waikiki Beach.  How’s that for a picture perfect proposal, ladies?!  Jen decided to move back to Chicago with Steve to attend nursing school after college.  They decided to hold the wedding the Monday after Jen graduated, so her family could attend both events in one trip from Hawaii.

Jen found me online in August 2011, and we did their engagement photos in downtown Chicago.  With photo locations like the Chicago Theatre, the Chicago River, and Oak Street Beach, we got to mix the cityscape with Jen’s beloved beachy ‘home’.

While the girls were getting their makeup done before the wedding, Jen found out that Steve forgot the music (his only task, besides picking out his tux of course).  Instead of panicking, Jen shrugged and cracked “Well, he can’t be upset with my music choice then!” and selected Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ to walk down the aisle to.

A small wedding, the intimate setting really resonated the love of the couple.  The food was fantastic, and Jen gave out customized chocolate-covered fortune cookies — with ‘Aloha’ in icing — as wedding favors.  Even though I had recently made the move to North Texas, I was delighted to come back for Jen and Steve’s wedding.

To see the entire gallery, click here!

Angela told me when her and Jason had gone ring shopping, and she’d fallen in love with a beautiful tanzanite ring with a halo of diamonds.  It was elegant.  It was unique.  It was Angela.

I knew Jason was the one for Angela when I saw how he acted around Gavin, Angela’s precocious little boy.  Jason was more than a father figure to Gavin, but a friend and role model as well.

On Gavin’s third birthday, Jason, a pilot, even took Gavin on an aerial tour of North Texas.  Gavin loved it!

Angela and Jason were married on June 7, 2012 in Comfort, Texas, a town in the country outside San Antonio.  Their wedding was not without drama (the cupcake bakery wrote down the wrong wedding date, since Angela and Jason were married on a Thursday), but the bride and groom had a wonderful wedding on a beautiful June Texas day.

An intimate ceremony amongst only close friends and family, it was really special to me to capture such an important day in the lives of people I consider family.  My sister was also a bridesmaid, and it was great to see her since she flew in from Arizona!  One detail I can’t get over was the flowers.  Angela’s flowers were gorgeous.  The purple and pink beautifully complimented her light red hair, with a purple flower woven delicately into her curled up-do.

The reception was held on the same grounds as the ceremony, so guests merely walked across the courtyard to the party location.  The DJ was great, and Gavin stole the show with his YouTube-inspired dancing throughout the bride and groom’s first dance.  As Angela later told me, “This is what happens when you let your child watch YouTube videos!”  The cupcakes arrived in time for the reception, and they were to die for!  The open air atmosphere was great for guests who wanted to escape the heat on the dance floor and enjoy a beverage under the Texas stars.

Congratulations Jason and Angela!

For a gallery of ALL their wedding photos, click here!

Click here for a romantic slideshow of wedding highlights!