We can't wait to work with you.
Not to freak you out, but getting married is a big deal! We started documenting weddings at a relatively young age, so the gravity of it all didn't really hit us until we got to a more mature season of our lives. Marriage is a huge commitment, and your wedding is the manifestation of your love for each other. Whether you bring together 250 guests or you have an intimate elopment atop a mountain, your wedding is something you'll cherish forever, and we are so grateful to be chosen as the team that gets to document this very special occasion. A well crafted set of photos and films are important - perhaps more important than you realize right now. Because 10, 20, 50, or even 70 years from now, as the memories get foggier and the stories begin to fade, all you'll have left of your wedding, besides your love for each other, is this visual collection, frozen in time. These are the pieces that bring you right back to one of the most special days of your life.
Now that the sappy stuff is out of the way, let's talk about your photo/video experience! This short guide will tell you everything you need to know about working with Collective 96.
01
Booking Your Wedding Package
So you've proposed and set a date for your wedding. Great! Now it's time to pick your photo and film team and think about pricing. You're here right now because you're either in the process of booking someone, or you've already chosen us for your big day. Either way, that's a big step!
Pay close attention to what you creative team includes in their package. Services can vary greatly and remember, you get what you pay for. For reference, our standard experience includes your engagement photo session, eight hours of wedding day photo and film coverage, a 4-6 minute highlight film, all of your edited photos and film available via download with print rights, and custom wedding day timeline planning assistance.
You'll also want to pay close attention to the payment schedule your vendor requests. Some vendors require a couple hundred dollars down, while others require 1/3 or more, and the fee is typically non-refundable. We know how difficult it is to budget for a wedding, so while we do require a deposit and then the remainder by 14 days prior to your wedding, you're also free to pay any amount, any time between those two dates.
02
Engagement Photo Session
This will be the first time we get to work together! Our goal for your engagement session is to have as much fun as possible while also encouraging vulnerability and collaboration.
We're always down for an adventure, so if you want to plan a picnic or go take a dip in a nearby lake at sunset, we're game!
Your engagement session is where we get to know each other, and it's so so so important to have these photos done so that come wedding day, you're comfortable being in front of the camera.
03
Approaching the Wedding Day
As we get closer to your wedding day, you'll start to hear from us regarding final payments and your timeline. But don't worry - you won't have to come up with anything from scratch. There are specific details we need to know, so we'll send over a questionnaire in the final week leading up to you wedding. It'll ask for lots of details, like times and locations for photos, contact information for the day-of (because trust us, the last thing you want on the morning of your wedding is your photographer or videographer calling), and you'll have the opportunity to list out any formalities like family photos, cake cutting, dollar dance, etc.
Once that's complete, we'll schedule our timeline planning call. We've documented TONS of weddings and understand the flow of the day pretty well, so we're happy to provide input wherever possible. This portion of the process will take a huge weight of you and your wedding party, and it allows us to go through the day without having to bother anyone, so you can focus on getting married and having fun.
04
The Wedding Day
It's finally here! Our goal for your wedding day is for you to not even realize we're there. We will have sorted out the schedule and timeline ahead of time, so you can devote your full attention to getting married. For the few times you do notice us, we want it to be easy and fun for you. Here are some of the key moments we look to capture throughout the day:
Getting Ready
Repeat after me: I will not neglect my getting ready photos.
We can't stress this enough. It seems silly, but this portion is SO important. This is when you exchange gifts with parents, get dressed, take shots or pop champagne with your friends, read notes from each other, and maybe shed a few tears. You'll want it documented. Make sure to leave plenty of time to soak it in before the day gets hectic.
Pro tip: Try your best to choose a place that's not too cramped and has plenty of natural light.
Your First Look
We understand this isn't for everyone, but we love the idea.
The photos and videos are great, it allows you more time to enjoy your reception, and we'll be honest... it's basically the only alone time the two of you get until the end of the night.
The Ceremony
We'll move quietly to several engles throughout the course of the wedding ceremony to document every intimate detail. Every wedding ceremony is unique, so be sure to let us know if you're planning something special like a sand ceremony or candle lighting.
Your First Moment as a Married Couple
Let's celebrate, you're finally married! This is the part of the day in which a huge weight is lifted off your shoulders. Sure, you have to cut your cake and have your first dance, but the nerve wracking part is long gone.
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Bridal Party & Family Photos
These can be done before or after your wedding ceremony (depending on whether you do a first look). Since we already worked out our list beforehand, we'll fly through family photos and the formal bridal party pics. If time allows and if you want, we'll take some time to get some fun shots of you with your bridal party.
Reception & Details
Throughout the day, we'll be sure to capture all the tiny details that go into making your wedding uniquely you. At the reception, we'll get the cake cutting, all the formal dances (first dance, mother-son, father-daughter, etc.), and a few shots of everyone dancing. Usually by that time, our eight hours is up and we've gotten more than enough visuals that encapsulate everything about your perfect day.
05
After the Wedding
We'll deliver a handful of feature photos of your big day within a few days, with the full photo album and film available online within four weeks.
From your photo album, you can like, share and download any and all images. They're yours to keep, with full print and reproduction rights. Your wedding film comes in two versions - one with licensed music for you to share on social media, and one with a song of your choice.