A note from the Editor: This is the opinion of the author. Please read the entire article to get the full picture. We here at Charm City Wed understand that wedding photography IS important, and so is the wedding celebration itself – as does the author. Any rude, demeaning comments will not be approved.

Your wedding is not about the pictures… said no photographer ever… until now.

I know it’s crazy. I mean, how will I ever make money? Who will hire me? Won’t my business fail if I utter this totally ridiculous phrase?

You’ve probably perused dozens of photographer’s websites, flipped though countless albums at bridal shows and maybe even scheduled a few one-on-one meetings. Everyone’s photos are stunning and the albums come in so many shapes and sizes it makes your head spin. Some packages are all inclusive, some are a-la-carte. The prices range could from $1,000 to $10,000. How the heck are you going to figure this photography thing out?

Let’s back it up a bit and do a reality check. You don’t need a photographer to have a wedding. There, I said it. I’ve made myself a completely useless commodity but the truth is that a wedding photographer is a luxury. Your wedding day is about two people who have chosen to commit themselves to one another with the love and support of family and friends. It’s a celebration of devotion, love and friendship. Would it be much cooler with cake, decorations and music. Absolutely!

So, take a moment to sit down and think about what’s important to you both. How do you want to feel on your wedding day? What does this union represent for you? How do you plan to begin your life together as a married couple? Forget the flowers and the rings for a second and just think about it.

For me, I wanted to be comfortable and stress-free. That translated into a simple cocktail dress, a very small guest list and minimal decoration. We chose a beautiful setting in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and everyone stayed in the same cabin. We played fuse ball the night before, chilled in a hot tub and drank coffee on the deck in the morning. It was truly relaxing. A local photojournalist documented the ceremony and took some fun portraits nearby.

Whatever your style, choose a photographer that goes along with your vision for the day. Get a list of references from past clients and ask about the photographer’s personality and demeanor. Think about how you wish to interact with your photographer. Do you need someone to take charge or do you just want to enjoy the day without being bothered? You want great pictures but not at the expense of your sanity.

Remember it’s not about the pictures… it’s about the two of you.