Questions? : Daydream Weddings

About PHOTOGRAPHY
About STATIONERY
About MAKEUP

PHOTOGRAPHY

What are the reasons you think we should hire you?

We are here not only to capture every detail of your day, but we want you and your family to feel comfortable with us. We view the site for locations and shooting angles prior to the event. We look for interesting angles, natural light, and those little moments that others might overlook.We provide you with ALL the photographs taken on your wedding day on DVDs. We believe this is the day you have looked forward to your entire life, and we want you to have FULL-ACCESS to the beautiful images we will supply for you. Our approach to photographing each wedding is fresh & unique to each individual couple. We like to ensure that every moment is captured in a fun, natural and elegant way.

Will you hold our date until we decide?

A wedding date is only “confirmed” once the deposit is made and the contract is signed. Our services are provided on a first come, first served basis, and we book up fast. So it’s best to contact us early in your planning. When we receive an inquiry that date is “flagged”. All other couples who request the same date are then informed that another couple has inquired about their date. The date is only booked once a deposit has been received and a contract signed. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required for all services. The remaining balance is due 14-days prior to the event.

You offer an “Engagement Shoot” as part of your packages what is it and why do we need it?

For us the most important thing to getting a great image is that the couple feel comfortable in having us there on their big day. Lets face it your wedding day is the biggest, most planned for and probably one of the more stressful days of your life, the last thing you need is for someone dictate and direct you about.
We will offer suggestions for photo locations but feel free to mention somewhere that is special to the both of you…the street where you danced in the rain or the Deli where he proposed to you, we then take pictures of the two of you at that venue. This allows you to get comfortable with us and having a camera pointed at you before your big day!

How much time should we set aside for photos?

Immediately after the ceremony and preceding the reception is normally the time for taking many of the photos. We try for two locations to vary the look of your photographs. Including travel time, two hours minimum is the preferred time allotment.

Neither my fiance nor I like to have our pictures taken. I can never put on a “real-looking” smile, and he is a complete disaster when it comes to “saying cheese.” Any ideas for how we can look relaxed, natural and happy, instead of posed?

One way to ensure natural-looking photos is to have your photographer focus on taking tons of candid shots. This way, you won’t have to pose, and he can capture both of your “real” smiles as you cut the cake or chat with your grandparents. If you do want to take some formal shots as well, the most important issue is choosing a photographer you are comfortable with — someone you like. If you photographer makes you feel relaxed, you are more likely to let your true smile shine through. Interview photographers until you find the right one for you.
On your wedding day we will have scouted the wedding venue beforehand and will take the you to the selected locations. We then have the perfect location and we will direct the couple in a natural way, resulting in photographs that show you relaxed and natural.

I love the look of candid wedding shots, but all of my married friends have traditional, posed pictures. How do I choose?

Try mixing posed and candid shots to round out your wedding album. If you adore candids, hire someone who specializes in a photojournalistic style, with real talent for capturing emotional, spontaneous moments. Then simply tell your photographer which posed shots you’d also like. Many photographers can shoot in either style. Determine your priorities and choose a professional accordingly.

Do you use a studio?

Vancouver has so many beautiful, natural backdrops. Our style is photojournalistic, which means we like to capture the spontaneous moments rather than unnatural and forced studio poses. We have many locations to choose from – if you need help we have many choices to offer you, and we are always open to new location ideas. It’s YOUR day, let’s be creative!

We’re on a really tight budget. Is it smart to hire a photography student or ask one of our guests who’s an amateur photographer to take pictures?

This depends on what is important to you. For most couples, wedding photographs are a hugely important part of the day. But if you just aren’t that excited about having a wedding album or if you won’t be disappointed with merely a few good shots, you might consider this option. If you find a truly talented student, or you’ve always admired your cousin’s skill as a shutterbug, you can take a chance. Just keep in mind that if the photographer doesn’t have wedding experience, you are not likely to get great results, and it might not be worth the savings. You are probably better off trying to find a pro with wedding experience who will work for just a couple of hours, to shoot just the ceremony for example.

How soon after the wedding will the proofs be ready for viewing?

After the wedding, we know you will want to see your photos as soon as possible. We will have the proofs printed and presented in your proof album 4-6 weeks after your wedding day.

You mention that all images will be edited, to what extent will they be edited as I am not a fan of overly edited photographs.

All photographs featured on your CD will go through an editing process. Editing which will enhance your features and the overall mood of the photograph. We’re not talking airbrushed to plastic perfection, but just a tweak that ensures that on your wedding day you look perfect, glamourous.
It is for this reason that we ask for 4-6 weeks time before we hand over the discs with the edited pictures.

How many images do you shoot?

There is no set number of images. Every event is different. You can expect anywhere between 300 and 2,000 images from a wedding, or between 50 and 200 images from the average portrait session.

You mention that as part of the package we get a CD with the High Resolution edited images, why is this so important?

Many photographers do not release the high resolution images, which act as your digital negatives. This means that in addition to the package that you have purchased you will need to go back to the same photographer for any reprints that you wish to make and you will be obliged to pay the prices set by the photographer. For this reason many photographers will give you a disc where pictures have been watermarked (sometimes called proofs) or that the images are saved as low resolution. Should you try and print the images they will either have the embedded watermark or be of a terrible quality.
Our philosophy is that at the end of the day it is your wedding and your memories! All of our packages include the CD with the high resolution images. This means that you will be able to view ALL of your “memories”, not just the printed and paid for ones. If a year later you decide that you would like to print other images you are free to do so as and when you want. You can also duplicate the CD as many times as you like and send it to friends and family that may have missed the wedding.

What kind of cameras do you use?

We currently use Nikon D300 Digital SLR cameras. When we changed over to digital we were able to shoot weddings in a way we were not able with film. We are able to shoot unlimited photos at your wedding and choose the very best for your proof albums and give you all of the photos from the day. We carry two Fuji S3 Pro Digital SLR camera bodies, minimum of six lenses varying in length from 35mm and 50mm prime lenses, and zoom lenses from 17mm to 300mm, two flashes, tripods, an assortment of filters and props.

Do you book more than one wedding a day?

No. In fact we limit the number of weddings we photograph a year because we firmly believe in establishing a solid relationship with our brides & grooms to discover exactly what & how they want us to photograph their special day. We pride ourselves on being as excited about your day as you are, and therefore, not giving you the “same photo-different couple” feeling on your day. Rather your day becomes a fun, romantic, warm day you’ll treasure always and feel individualized about.

What do we do if it rains?

Unfortunately we cannot reschedule your wedding! So, in consultation with you, we work out the best places to photograph you on the day in the event of bad weather. But this is Vancouver after all and Jen and I always come prepared with matching umbrellas for the entire bridal party. Don’t let the weather ruin your wedding day — use it to your advantage! Black-and-white shots of a couple kissing under one umbrella with delicate raindrops creating puddles at their feet are very romantic.

How do we book you?

First confirm our availability either by phone or via email, once we have your deposit and the contract is signed you have yourself a team of photographers!

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash or cheques are accepted. Posted prices do not include 12% tax.

STATIONERY

When should I place my order?

Ideally you should order your invitation about 4-5 months in advance of your wedding. With custom design work, it is never too soon to get started. I encourage you to set up your initial meeting as soon as possible. Once we have agreed to work together, the design process takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks (or longer depending on the complexity of your piece). However, this is only an estimate and varies greatly from person to person. The more time we spend together, the more time for perfection! I also prefer to have ample time for the creative process so you do not have to worry about stressing and rushing the process along. Rush jobs can be done for an additional fee.
TIP: Remember to back up 6-8 weeks from your event date since you will be mailing them out at that point. (10 weeks for guests coming from outside of the Country). So in total, plan on 4-5 months before your event to book your custom invitations. If you’re planning on doing Save the Dates as well, let’s get started right away, since those should go out sometimes up to a year in advance! I will manage the whole schedule and process for you so you don’t have to worry.

How many invitations/announcements should I order?

Be sure to count invitations — not invited guests! Remember, many guests are invited as couples or as a family. If you have 150 total invited guests, you may only need 100 invitations. Add approximately 10 to 15 extras for last minute guest-list additions. Extra envelopes can always be ordered at a minimal charge. Count carefully! If you have to reprint additional invitations after the order is completed, the printing company will treat it as a new order and it can be very costly. It is always safer (and much less expensive in the long run) to have a few left over!

What is involved in the design process?

Decide what components and accessories you will need to include in your invitations. Most invitations include a response card and corresponding return envelope so guests can get back to you quickly. Figure out when you will need you responses returned and what information you require from your guests. Does your caterer need to know entrée choices in advance? You can ask your guests for that information on the reply card. All components can be totally, completely customized when it comes to wording. You may also need separate reception cards, directions cards, maps, or thank you notes. Since invitation ensembles are sold a la carte, you can easily pick and choose only the items you need. The detailed process includes selecting the style, font and quantity needed, getting a proof completed for you to review, getting them printed, and any assembly needed.

How many different stationery accessories can I have for my occasion?

Your guests will be impressed that not one detail was overlooked. Custom options are wide open. I have designed everything from the Save-the-Dates to CD’s and completing it with Thank You cards.

What alternatives do I have to using inner and outer envelopes?

Inner envelopes were traditionally used because mail used to be carried on horseback and the envelope would often arrive in bad shape. The inner envelope was designed as the formal envelope and to protect the invitation. These days I don’t see much use for the inner envelope plus it saves you some money not buying another envelope! But there are other ways to dress up your invitations. Here are some examples:
1. Bands – A patterned paper band wrapped around your invitation can keep the pieces together and serve as an elegant design accent.
2. Folders – A cardstock folder can house your invitation set and be sealed with a wax seal or decorative label.
3. Envelopments and Pocket Folders – Envelopments are die-cut folders and enclosures that can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Is there a minimum order on invitations?

No, there is no minimum order on invitations.

What should I expect to pay for my wedding invitations?

It varies depending on the quality of the paper, the quantity ordered and the design of the invitation and embellishments. Wedding invitations can cost between $6.25 to $15.75 a set. The cost of the other items also has wide variation. For invitations, I usually budget from $500 to $1,000 for 100 guests. It can be less or higher depending on the selected stationery items.

How soon can I get a pricing estimate?

Since each piece is custom and unique to each customer, please contact Daydream Weddings for a customized pricing estimate. Please include your quantities needed and/or any specific details that you might want to include in your invitation set so I can best provide you with an accurate estimate. Estimates may take up to 1-3 business days to process. For extremely custom estimates, please allow additional time.

Can I get a sample of the invitation?

Every design company offers the option to see a proof of your invitations before they go to press. Proofs are your insurance against any errors on your invitation and your chance to preview the text, font, layout and design. You can make changes to your proofs if you need to, but once you approve the final proof it goes to print as-is. I will email you 2 proofs in PDF form and you will see one colour printed proof. Any additional proofs will be an $5 each.

How soon can we get started designing?

The design work begins once we have agreed to a final price quote, the service contract has been signed, and 50% of total project fees have been received. It is advised to take care of your contract details as soon as possible so you are reserved in our schedule. I would hate to miss out on an opportunity to work together!

What typefaces do you offer on your wedding invitations?

I offer a range of typefaces (fonts), including script and standard sans serif and serif.
Script fonts look like handwriting and are recommended for the bride and grooms’ names and headings. I do not generally recommend printing your entire invitation in a script font as it can be difficult to read.
San serif fonts lack the small embellishments, or serifs, on each letter, giving them a clean, modern appearance. I recommend using a san serif font if you want your invitation to have a more contemporary feel.
Serif fonts have the small embellishments that I often associate with traditional typefaces. I recommend using serif fonts for a more traditional look.

I don’t see the typeface I want on any of the wedding invitations on your website. Are other typefaces available?

Yes. If you don’t see a typeface you like in our collection, you can request a custom font. You can send us the name of the typeface you would like and I will purchase it for you, or find the typeface and send us the font files. Typefaces can be purchased at www.myfonts.com. Fonts can typically cost about $15-$40.

I would like to include a photo on my wedding invitation or save the date card. Can you do this?

Of course! I can also set up a photo shoot to take the photo if you need that too!!

What is your cancellation policy?

In the event of cancellation of your job, the initial deposit shall be retained by Daydream Weddings as a cancellation fee, regardless of stage of project.

Can you create note cards, letterhead and business cards for my business?

Yes. I have created logos and business identity systems for a variety of businesses and welcome new projects. Please contact me for more details and a price quote. You can also check out our sister site www.wsquaredphotodesign.com for our design and photography work on everything but weddings!

MAKEUP

What do I receive when I book Makeup services?

As the bride you will receive a full makeup trial prior to your wedding, and your makeup will be professionally applied on your wedding day.

Are there any bridal makeup tips for photography?

Regardless of the type or color of the foundation, the single most important thing for your wedding day makeup is Blot Papers and Powder!!! Ask any photographer and they will also agree that this is a very important step. The most commonly asked question that is asked is “will my makeup last throughout the day?” The answer is yes, if you use powder. The powder, when pressed into the skin, will help to “set” your makeup giving you that long lasting effect that all brides want. Also, the last thing you want to see in your pictures is shine. In order to avoid shine you will need to use blot papers several times throughout the day. My suggestion to brides is to have your maid of honor keep these handy and to let you know when you need a touch up. If you powder only throughout the day there will be too much build up and may fall into fine lines. Blot papers eliminates this. Use powder lightly throughout the day.

How much experience do you have with weddings?

I have been doing wedding makeup for 8 years, and continually update my skills and keep current with trends with wedding makeup.

Did you go to school for Makeup?

Yes, I graduated with honours at Blanche Macdonald.

Did you like makeup as a kid?

Funny enough no! I would have been “Sporty Spice” when I was younger. I didn’t wear much makeup I preferred the natural look, which is why I probably specialize in it now for my brides.

In terms of makeup applications, what is your signature style?

Natural Beauty.

Is it important for you to get to know the client?

You know, getting to really understand who my client is and what overall look she is trying to convey is so important! I like to get to know your makeup style for the day of the wedding and it also helps to know what you wear on a normal day or a night out so I know the boundaries I can work within.

Makeup is makeup, right?

No, no, no!! I think even if you don’t wear makeup you know this isn’t true. Walk into any store and you will see the aisles of beauty supplies. Makeup is very personal, and each woman has their own idea of what a great application should look like. For example, one person’s idea of a “smoky” eye is anothers idea of soft and natural. Each individual’s perception is different. Again, this is why I feel it is so important to know exactly who your client is, so you can give her exactly what she wants. For women who typically don’t wear much or any makeup on a daily basis, it is important to balance the makeup so it looks great in photos, but is not too heavy in person.

What are your top three free makeup tips for brides?

1. Waterproof everything!!
2. False Lashes
3. Have a small touch up kit with you on your wedding day including: Blot papers, compact powder and lip gloss.

What are some of your favorite products in your makeup kit?

Some of my favorite products in my makeup kit:
Ricepaper Eyeshadow by MAC
Melba Powder Blush by MAC
Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC
Face and Body Foundation by MAC

What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s purse?

Staples for every woman’s purse are lip gloss, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, mascara, compact pocket pallet with eyeshadow and blush, a Q-tip, eyeliner and a mirror. (I have a big purse!!)

Have you worked internationally or just locally?

I lived England for a year, while there I worked for an agency on fashion, calendars and test shoots and body painting. It was such an incredible experience.

Do you have a “secret weapon” product you can share with us?

Well then it wouldn’t be a secret would it?!!