preston-peak-functions--winery

How to Find the Best Fit Videographer & Photographer

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:30:51 GMT

How to find the best fit videographer and photographer for you

On your wedding day, besides your soon-to-be spouse, the people you'll spend the most time with are your media team—comprising your photographers and videographers.

While you carefully select your partner and wedding party, choosing your media team is the next most intimate decision you’ll make.

Additionally, the significance of your photographer and videographer choice is underscored by the fact that their work will be among the few tangible memories of your wedding day. These images and videos will be cherished not only by your friends and family but also by your children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Therefore, it's perfectly acceptable to take your time in evaluating your media team options—we encourage it!

If all goes as planned, this will be your only engagement, so savor this fleeting moment in your life, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of a lifelong commitment to each other.

Here are a few key points to kick off your journey.

Alright, take a deep breath – we’re here to assist you, and even if you haven’t had much experience in this field, luckily for you, we certainly have!

Here are several choices you and your partner need to consider:

Budget:

What portion of your budget have you set aside for photography and videography?

This largely relies on the priorities you and your partner share. Some couples allocate around 10% of their wedding budget to photography, whereas others may invest as much as 50%. It's a personal choice that you'll need to navigate together.

As we noted earlier...

Your videos and photos will be cherished keepsakes that you'll hold onto long after your wedding day.

While cruising in a stretched hummer on your wedding day may be entertaining, without a dedicated media team to document the experience, you might be left with only your bridal party’s tipsy snapshots from their phones and Uncle Joe's unsteady VCR footage! That said, if you're not particularly passionate about photography and videography, you don’t need to shell out tens of thousands to secure a decent photographer for something meaningful to reminisce about.

Style:

You might not be aware that you already have a preference for a specific photographic style. Explore the portfolios of various photographers on their websites. Save your favorites on a digital board, and then use the options below to identify the styles you enjoy.

Journalistic, documentary approach?

Ideal, "picturesque" aesthetic?

Light and ethereal?

Subdued hues?

Dim and dramatic?

Vibrant and high-contrast?

Filter palettes – warmer shades, cooler tones, or true-to-life colours?

Availability:

Do you have a specific date in mind? If so, it's essential to find a photographer who meets the criteria mentioned above and is also available on that date. This can certainly be accomplished, but securing your booking early is recommended for the best results.

Certain photographers and videographers find themselves booked 2-3 years ahead of time.

If you and your partner haven't chosen a specific date yet, it's generally possible to find a date within a one-month window, even if your wedding is six months away. That said, booking your media team within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months is more typical.

Wedding Location:

Will your chosen location necessitate significant travel for your photographer and videographer? Some photographers may have limitations on their travel distance due to prior commitments and bookings surrounding your wedding date.

Additionally, will the media team be required to travel on the day of the wedding? If you have several venues for the ceremony, reception, and other events, they will need to accompany you from place to place throughout the day.

It's important to consider that multiple locations will result in increased travel, which means you are paying your vendors for the time spent in transit rather than capturing moments. This also leads to potential delays in your wedding schedule—check out this blog for more insights on this topic.

What to ask a potential photographer/videographer?

Experience an entire wedding at the venue where you’ll be tying the knot (or one that resembles it), ideally during the season of your own wedding. Although every photographer and videographer showcases highlights on their websites, you’ll ultimately receive only a single day’s worth of photo and video content. Viewing their complete work from an entire wedding can provide insight into the quality and style they will deliver for you. You might appreciate one standout image from a photographer, only to discover that the remainder of their portfolio doesn’t align with your vision. It's definitely worthwhile to invest the time in reviewing their work to gauge the caliber of what you can expect.

For studios that employ several photographers and videographers, take the time to find out who will be capturing moments at the wedding. In certain studios, a studio manager oversees all the meetings, which means that the couple might not meet the photographer until the wedding day itself. Matthew Eastgate Photography.

Regarding "who will be present on the day" – if the photographer is unable to attend, what is the backup plan? Regrettably, we find ourselves in an era marked by sudden lockdowns and isolation measures (along with unforeseen events like flash flooding that disrupt road access!), which increases the chances of requiring a “substitute.” One of the advantages of a studio with an array of photographers and videographers is the assurance that there's always someone on the team who can step in. Inquire about their backup options in case the unexpected occurs and someone is unable to attend on the scheduled day.

What’s the strategy if the weather doesn’t match your expectations? Where will you head? Are they able to adjust lighting when conditions turn foggy or dimmer than normal? Some photographers rely solely on natural light, which works wonderfully as long as there is sunshine or ample ambient light at the location.

What is included in your photography package? Are you solely covering the photographer’s time on the event day without any included elements such as HiRes and LoRes files, black and white and color images, or albums? Who retains ownership of the images, and are you permitted to share them on online platforms like social media?

How effectively do you collaborate?

As mentioned earlier, besides your future spouse, you'll spend the most significant amount of time with your media team on your wedding day. This underscores the importance of ensuring you and your partner have a good rapport with them.

Take the time to connect with your photographer and videographer. Familiarizing yourself with their personalities in advance can contribute significantly to the success of your day. If conflicts arise with these professionals (or any of your vendors, for that matter), you might end up with stunning images overshadowed by the stress of managing a challenging personality.

While online reviews are a useful starting point, nothing compares to conversations with couples who have recently worked with your chosen photographer or videographer. They can provide firsthand insights about their experiences—who better to offer advice than those who’ve been in your shoes? Venue managers and other vendors can also provide valuable feedback, utilizing their experiences to help you avoid unnecessary stresses!

Although capturing videos and photos is essential, it's not the sole focus of the day. For many couples, the priority is enjoying the occasion and having fun. It's not solely about your photographer and videographer. Finding the right balance is crucial; sometimes, having a great time takes precedence over securing that perfect shot.

Something we frequently hear from couples after their weddings is their desire to have spent more time savoring the day. Ultimately, your enjoyment and the memories of those cherished moments may hold more value than any artistically crafted photographs.

Keep your composure… and always remember the purpose behind this!

We understand that there are numerous decisions to make at this point. By now, we hope you and your fiancé have developed enough familiarity with each other to tackle most of these choices efficiently, but we recognize that planning a wedding isn't something you do on a daily basis. Choosing to get married at Preston Peak ensures that our couples benefit from extensive support in their wedding planning courtesy of our dedicated team. If you've selected a reputable wedding venue, you can expect the same level of assistance.

Have questions or interested in scheduling a tour? Reach out to us , and we’ll gladly assist you!

Why have a Schedule

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:01:21 GMT

Why have a schedule?

A well-structured schedule maximizes the potential of all your vendors.

An excellent wedding venue will provide a dedicated team member to assist you in organizing the timeline, ensuring that everything unfolds seamlessly on the big day. If any issues emerge, the venue's function managers or planners are there to address them, having collaborated with you throughout your planning process.

At premier venues, you might not even realize there was a problem, as the team efficiently resolves any challenges before you even need to concern yourself with them.

How to create a schedule for your wedding day:

Where should you begin? The most effective starting point is to focus on your top priorities for the day.

As a couple, what are the aspects of your wedding day that you’ve been eagerly anticipating the most?

For instance, if you can’t wait to indulge in an exquisite dining experience at the reception (and we happen to know an award-winning caterer—just a thought), and you’ve already coordinated with your photographer for those sunset photos, it’s important to consider timing. If your catering team is expecting you to sit down for dinner at 6 PM on a summer evening, it might create a scheduling conflict between your photographer and caterer. Alternatively, if you’re excited about your cars and wish to incorporate an afternoon drive to celebrate your marriage, while a leisurely cruise will be a delight, remember that you’ll need to account for other vendors when planning the schedule.

Some points to think about:

What photos do I wish to capture? (For further details, check out this blog) credit: EL Simpson Photography
What time will I be having my meal?
What time will my guests sit down for their meal?
When can I expect my hairdresser to finish?
What time will my make-up artist be done?
Has the floral artist indicated when the arrangements will be delivered?
How much time do the bride and bridesmaids need to get into her dress?
What is the duration of the ceremony? (Pay particular attention if it’s a religious ceremony)
Will my videographer require some of my time for activities like reading letters or opening gifts?
Do we wish to carve out some time as a couple to relax and fully embrace the moment?
How many group photos would I like with family and close friends?

Make a list

It might appear to be an obvious choice, but creating a physical or digital checklist for you and your vendors can significantly reduce stress on your wedding day. When everyone is aware of their responsibilities and can easily access a list of tasks, it helps prevent an overwhelming flow of questions while you're busy getting your hair and makeup done. Overall, this approach ensures that everything runs much more smoothly.

Work from the seasonal changes

If you're dreaming of saying "I do" beneath the gentle glow of the early morning sun, it's essential to determine the ideal time and plan backward from there. A sunrise wedding can be remarkably enchanting, but if you and your partner aren't accustomed to waking with the birds, an early summer ceremony may present some difficulties. Keep in mind that many hair and make-up artists will need a couple of hours for each person, and you and your bridal party will likely want to enjoy a meal before the vows.

On the other hand, if you envision capturing sunset photos, you can create your timeline starting from the sunset and working backward to accommodate your desired activities beforehand. When factoring in this time—including photographs with family and your bridal party, ensuring you've had something to eat and drink, and allowing time to mingle with guests after the ceremony—you’ll gain a clearer picture of when your ceremony will seamlessly fit into the day's events.

The schedule is for your best wedding day

Ultimately, this day is all about you and your partner. A skilled wedding planner will help you navigate a timeline that reflects your priorities for the day.

The experience won’t feel overwhelming when you have the right team of vendors by your side. Still searching for that Dream Team to make your wedding truly special? Contact us — we’d be thrilled to demonstrate how we can help you create the wedding day you’ve always envisioned.

A Guide to Wedding Planning

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:50:12 GMT

Congratulations! You’re engaged!!

Alright, you've found your perfect match—what’s next?

It's time for wedding planning!

While some of the Santiago crew are celebrating with glee, it's likely that others are experiencing a few mild panic attacks at the thought of orchestrating the special day when you and your partner say "I do!" Rest assured, this is a completely normal response. To ease your worries, we’ve compiled insights from our collective 30+ years of wedding planning expertise to guide you and help keep the Xanax/Kalma at bay.

To kick things off, remember this: your wedding can be as complex or straightforward as you and your partner desire! With that in mind, here are our essential tips for planning a wedding in Queensland.

1. Embrace the joy of being engaged!

If things go according to plan, you will never be engaged again! So take the time to enjoy this very small slice of your life knowing there is an end goal of an official life commitment to each other.

2. Define your ‘Why’ and establish your Wedding Style.

For those of us who revel in joy, a grand wedding celebration might be the perfect way to gather with loved ones for an unforgettable party. Conversely, others may prefer a more intimate atmosphere, inviting only a select few dear friends and family to share in the moment. With countless options and motivations at your disposal, the first question you and your fiancé should tackle is the reason behind your wedding. Embrace your inner Simon Sinek and clarify the purpose of your celebration, as this will guide you in shaping the style and tone of your special day from there.

3. Compile the essentials and determine the date.

Who are the closest people in your life that you want by your side on that special day? Keep this group small (refer to the guest list later). These are the VIPs that you and your partner will need to decide on together. Once you've compiled your inner circle, reach out to them and share your proposed date, ensuring they can attend. It's wise to have a few alternative days within a two-week timeframe in mind, especially if you're someone who enjoys selecting unique dates (like palindrome dates).

4. The B-word… Budget

Staying within a budget can be quite the challenge! With so many stunning options for your wedding day, it's important to remember that your celebration can be as extravagant or as understated as you and your partner desire. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple and remain committed to that vision. If fine dining is your passion, allocate more of your budget for exceptional cuisine (we know a fantastic place that can assist you!). For creative couples, consider bringing an artist on board for your special day. If music is a priority, make sure to invest in a live musician or band to elevate the atmosphere.

Just because certain traditions are typical at other weddings doesn’t mean they have to be at yours—it's 2025! Choose elements that truly represent you as a couple and prioritize them in your budget.

That being said, if you want it all and your budget allows for it, go for it—we won't judge!

5. Start Booking

Once you've established your foundational elements, it's time to secure the wedding vendors you trust.

a) Venue

While we take pride in being one of Queensland's premier wedding venues, we understand that not every couple’s special day will align with the Preston Style (refer back to point 2 on this list).

You can discover all the wonderful aspects of our weddings here . However, if you're envisioning a different kind of celebration than what we offer, we can still be friends! There are plenty of outstanding wedding destinations in the area. Venues can book up to two years in advance, so locking in your choice sooner rather than later is essential (don’t worry – take a deep breath – you've got this!).

b) Photographer & Videographer

Similar to venues, a significant number of photographers and videographers are often reserved up to two years in advance of your date, positioning them as essential suppliers to reach out to next.

Here are some useful tips for selecting the ideal photographer and videographer for your special day.

c) Accommodation

If you'd like to reduce travel time or even eliminate it, finding nearby accommodations for you, your partner, and your closest friends (as mentioned in point number 3) is essential! Engage with your venue to explore their accommodation offerings and figure out what suits you best

At Preston Peak, we're here to assist you in discovering the perfect match for your needs. Speak with our wedding planner to learn more.

d) Transport

If you have your heart set on a particular muscle car or want to guarantee your guests' comfort and safety with a party bus, securing these transportation options can become increasingly challenging as your wedding date nears. If transportation is important to you, it’s best to book as early as possible.

6. Choose the Celebrant

The celebrant holds a crucial position in establishing the atmosphere for the most important 15-30-90 minutes of your wedding day. It's vital to seek someone whose personality aligns with both you and your partner. While some may prefer an exuberant and cheerful ambiance, others might favor a more easygoing, relaxed vibe. Feel free to consult your other vendors; many are acquainted with different celebrants and can offer valuable insights into their styles.

7. All the… Small things…

This encompasses elements such as flowers, decorations, styling, décor, and cake— all the exquisite details you'd like to incorporate into your wedding day. The extent of these elements will be influenced by your wedding style and budget, which will help determine how much or how little you wish to include. Additionally, consider your and your partner's personal preferences.

For instance, if one of you has an allergy to fresh flowers, seeking an alternative might be necessary. If sweets aren't your preference, you could choose a stunning arrangement of cheese wheels instead of a traditional cake. There are numerous unique cake alternatives available here .

8. Music & Entertainment

The soundscape you choose sets the tone for your wedding day. This could include the delightful sounds of birds chirping in a natural setting, a curated playlist crafted by you and your partner, or a live musician or band performing throughout the day (refer to points number 2 and 4 for more details).

You can explore additional entertainment options here . However, keep in mind that there’s still some planning ahead, so take your time—your wedding can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you desire!

9. The Outfits

For some couples, it's all about the fashion, darling!

Others discover their ideal look at the local thrift store. This is a priority you and your partner should be well acquainted with by now – how you each dress. One might be donning some fabulous Jimmy Choos, while the other rocks a pair of Converse. Your outfits should encapsulate your identities as individuals – whether you choose to exude elegance and sophistication or embrace the comfort of board shorts on a beach day. The choice is entirely yours – as we've mentioned before – it's 2025! Just because certain trends are seen at other weddings doesn't mean they have to apply to yours – select what truly reflects you as a couple!

10. Guest List

Alright, take a deep breath.

Organizing the guest list can be one of the most daunting tasks for any wedding. Begin by focusing on your VIPs (refer to point number 3) and build from there. Keep in mind the seating capacity of your venue.

A great question to ponder is, “Who will still be a part of our lives in 10 or 20 years?” Avoid the trap of asking, “Who will feel slighted if not invited?” (If someone is offended by not receiving an invitation, are they truly the kind of people you want at your wedding? Just saying…)

And if anyone expresses disappointment, you can always turn to the classic line: “I’m sorry, but due to COVID regulations, we had to limit our guest list…” ��

11. Set a schedule for the day

While it may seem like a minor detail, creating a schedule for your wedding day is essential for ensuring that everything goes smoothly and your vendors deliver their finest service. However, this doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Your vendors will be more than willing to collaborate with you to design a timeline that aligns with your priorities as a couple. The best part is that you can decide on this schedule in advance, allowing your wedding planner or function coordinator, along with your other vendors, to manage the timeline on the day itself—freeing you from the need to constantly check the time.

Another significant advantage of having a well-planned schedule is that if any unexpected issues arise during the day, a competent venue will have an experienced wedding planner or function coordinator who can expertly handle these challenges, often resolving them before you even realize there's a problem! As we mentioned, a reputable venue offers this kind of service (keep in mind that not all venues and wedding vendors provide the same level of support).

12. Honeymoon (yay!)

After all the effort you both have put in, it's essential to treat yourselves to a holiday and cherish your time as a married couple. While work obligations and budget constraints may influence the specifics, we strongly encourage you to carve out some downtime after the wedding. This moment offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your special day and unwind together following the whirlwind of the months leading up to your celebration!

Final Thoughts

Take a deep breath – there’s plenty to consider here. As we mentioned before, your wedding can be as grand or as uncomplicated as you and your partner desire. Having the right team by your side can truly simplify both your wedding planning and the big day itself. Interested in having the dream team collaborate with you for an unforgettable wedding experience? Reach out to us – we’d love to demonstrate how Preston can make your special day exceptional!