Tanglewood Park | Kaitlin & Justin's Wedding | A Winston-Salem, NC Wedding Photographer

I have really enjoyed getting to know Kaitlin and Justin over the past year through their engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and wedding! I remember sitting down with Kaitlin, Justin, and Kaitlin's mom Stephanie over a year ago and coming home and telling my husband, "I just met with my ideal bride!" Kaitlin was so sweet and easy to connect with and her wedding sounded perfectly my style! 

Kaitlin and Justin's wedding day was absolutely beautiful! It was filled with friends, family, and gorgeous details (like her amazing flowers and decor!!). A few of my favorite moments were Kaitlin's first look with her grandfather, all the gifts that were exchanged throughout the day, their ceremony, and the anniversary cake for Kaitlin's grandparents (it was their 50th anniversary the same day as their wedding!). Here's some of my favorite pictures from the day:

The Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:
Venue: The Arboretum at Tanglewood Park & The Manor House
Photography: DiPrima Photography
Floral Design & Event Styling: Dahlias Floral Design & Vintage Decor
Catering: Above and Beyond Catering
Cake: Sweet Josephine's
DJ: High Impact Entertainment
Hair: Lauren Welch, J.Brewer & Company Hair Studio
Makeup: Katie Veazey Skincare
Stationary: LittlePaperMama
Rentals: Southern Event Rental
Wedding Dress: Kate McDonald Bridal
Wedding Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bridal Jewelry: Ben Amun
Bridesmaid Dresses: Sorella Vita
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Generation Tux
Second Shooter: Sammi Evans

Pinewood Country Club | Kathryn & David's Wedding | An Asheboro, NC Wedding Photographer

I have really enjoyed getting to know Kathryn and David! I knew I was going to like Kathryn from the moment she emailed me. When explaining more about their relationship, Kathryn said: "David loves bike riding and the outdoors and I love Netflix and shopping so naturally we are perfect for each other. ;)" I loved the sarcasm! :) After our initial contact I really enjoyed getting to know them during their engagement pictures and Kathryn's bridal portraits. 

Their wedding day was STUNNING! I loved how classic it was! It was filled with classic black, white, and red details and Christmas decorations.

Kathryn and David, thank you for giving me the privilege of capturing your special day. I hope you enjoy re-living it through these pictures!

The Vendors Who Made this Day Possible:
Dress- Kleinfeld Bridal
Florist- Burge Flower Shop
Catering- Pinewood Country Club
Photography- DiPrima Photography
Cake- Creative Cake Makers
Bridesmaid Dresses- David's Bridal
Groomsmen Attire- Men's Wearhouse
Reception Music- Phatt City
Ceremony Venue- Central United Methodist Church
Reception Venue- Pinewood Country Club
Second Shooter- Sammi Evans Photography

8 Registry Essentials

I have to admit, one of my favorite things about wedding planning was registering! I encourage you to think strategically about what you register for because this is the one of the few times in your life when you can choose your gifts. There are so many great places to register but I primarily chose to register at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and Pottery Barn. I registered for most of my cookware for BB&B and for my dish ware, linens, and decorative items at PB. Both Bed Bath and Beyond and Pottery Barn were great with returns and exchanges and I highly recommend both companies.

There's SO many things you can register for and so this list is not comprehensive. However, I've tried to list the things that I've used most in the two years since I've been married. I've noticed that, for the most part, I've gotten WAY more use out of the practical (a.k.a. "unexciting" things) I've registered for versus the decorative things I registered for (like pretty platters, etc.). I'm not saying you shouldn't register for any decorative items because I think those can be great for entertaining. But make sure you focus on registering for high quality practical items because you will end up using those almost every day!

1. Classic Dishes
After much consideration, I registered for a set of "Cambria" dishes at Pottery Barn. I chose to get a set of stone and a set of turquoise instead of registering for China (I knew I was going to inherit my grandma's china). I chose the Cambria dishes because I felt like they were classic and something I wouldn't grow tired of and because I could mix and match colors. I encourage you to purchase a classic set of dishes. Shop different options by clicking on the pictures below:

2. Pots, pans, and dutch oven
One of the most important things you should invest in is your pots and pans! You will be using these just about every day after all! After doing some research, I chose to register for these stainless steel pans instead of non-stick. I'm really glad that I did and I have loved my stainless steel pans! I did get one small 6" non-stick pan for cooking eggs and I got a free 12" non-stick pan with the purchase of my set of pans (you really still need to get at least one nonstick pan for things like eggs and pancakes). I chose stainless steel because they hold up better and are less likely to scratch, they can withstand very high heat, and they have the ability to brown/deglaze food (much harder to do with a nonstick pan). I figured if all the professional chefs choose to use stainless steel pans, they probably know what they're talking about! I will say that stainless steel can be a little higher maintenance and requires a little more cleanup, but I just keep a bottle of Bar Keepers Friend under my sink and it works like a charm! Also, be sure to always use oil in your pan and to slowly heat it up before adding in your ingredients.

I also recommend registering for one or two cast iron skillets. I feel like I use my cast iron grill pan every other day! I LOVE the taste of grilled food but we currently live in an apartment and are unable to grill and so I frequently use this pan to get a similar, grilled taste. Two things to keep in mind with cast iron: don't use soap to clean it (just scrape it off) and you need to continually "season" your pan by coating it with oil or it will rust. In addition, I also highly recommend registering for a dutch oven. I was nervous that I may not get much use out of mine, but I find that I use it very frequently (especially in the winter). I primarily use it for making sauces, soups, and stews. What I love about the dutch oven is that you can sauté right in the pot and then put your liquids in and therefore avoid having to use two pans. I also love that you can take your dutch oven from the stove top to the oven.

You also want to make sure you register for good quality bakeware. I have noticed a difference in lesser quality vs. higher quality pans in how my food bakes. I also highly recommend getting a Silpat. I got one for Christmas a love it! It's reusable, cooks your food very evenly, and takes the place of having to use grease to make your pan non-stick.
 

3. Good Knives

Good knives are another very important investment that you will use daily. I registered for this set and have been very happy with them! I like that they come with a sharpener. I have also heard that Wusthof knives are amazing and would love to buy a few in the future.

4. Comforter & linens

Registering is a great time to get a big item like a nice comforter and nice towels. You will also use your comforter and towels daily and so they're worth investing in good quality! I registered for a comforter very similar to this one in grey (PB no longer carries my exact comforter) and these towels in white and "porcelain blue" (I LOVE how thick these towels are).

5. Kitchenaid Mixer

A Kitchenaid mixer is the classic registry item everyone thinks of! I actually don't think it's technically "essential" to register for a Kitchenaid, but it's certainly a fun appliance to own! If you don't do much baking, it probably won't be worth it for you to get. In all honesty, I don't use my Kitchenaid a ton, but I do absolutely love it for baking. I love that I can throw everything in there and walk away and let it mix. I also use it for kneading doughs. There's several separate attachments you can purchase as well that will give you a lot more uses for your mixer. I've been eyeing the meat grinder attachment and hope to purchase it soon.

6. Beverage Essentials

For all of you coffee drinkers, be sure to register for a nice coffee maker and grinder! We have this coffee maker and have been very happy with it! I recommend registering for a programmable coffee maker because, I don't know about you, but making coffee is the last thing I want to do when I'm rushing out the door in the morning. I've also been very happy with this grinder. I also use my Bodum french press fairly regularly and have been eyeing this lovely copper one!

The other "beverage essential" I put on my registry was a Ninja. I LOOOOVE my Ninja! I use it almost every day for smoothies and drinks. The Ninja I have also doubles as a food processor. One of my favorite things about it is that it comes with single serving size cups and so making a smoothie is super quick and easy and doesn't require cleaning up a full blender. 

7. Vacuum Cleaner

I actually didn't end up getting the vacuum cleaner from my registry and almost immediately regretted it. I also quickly learned that those $40 vacuums really don't pick up much! A good quality vacuum may not be the most exciting thing, but it's certainly necessary! I have this vacuum and have been very happy with it. I love how lightweight, yet powerful it is and how easily it rotates and gets in tight corners. My mother-in-law also has the Shark steam mop and really loves it.

8. Kitchen Gadgets

Lastly, I'll close with a few of the kitchen gadgets I use most. Kitchen gadgets are not very expensive and are items you can more easily by yourself, but it's wise to register for a lot of $20-30 items in addition to your big ticket items. I actually found that most people wanted to purchase a $20-30 item off my registry and so I ended up with a lot of duplicates and exchanged those in order to get my bigger items. 

Hands down, the two gadgets I use most are my garlic peeler and garlic press. I use these with almost every meal and they save SO much time. I absolutely HATE peeling garlic and so the peeler is amazing because it takes the outer shell of the garlic off for you. I also really love this chopper (I have the pampered chef version but it's essential the same as the one I linked) because I'm really bad at chopping things finely and it saves a lot of time. I also like this citrus squeezer because I tend to cook and bake with a lot of lemons and limes, and this squeezer does a great job of catching the seeds and squeezing out as much juice as possible.

I hope you found this post helpful! What are some items you think are essential to put on a registry? 

Why is Wedding Photography So Expensive?!

A question many people ask (or at least think!) is: "Why is wedding photography so expensive?!" And I get it, really! Before I was a photographer, I wondered the same thing! I understand that most brides are on a tight budget, as I was, and they're looking to cut costs wherever they can. So this blog is my attempt to try and explain why wedding photography tends to be expensive and why I think it's SO worth the expense!

1. There are Many Expenses Involved in Running a Business
Before owning my own business, I had no idea how many expenses are involved in running a business. I have so much more respect for small businesses now that I understand how many things they are balancing! Here are a few of the expenses I have:

Expenses Associated with One Wedding:
-Second Shooter
-Gas
-Meals for client meetings/travel
-Wooden USB, prints, and wedding package materials and postage
-Taxes
-Client gifts

Other Business Expenses:
-Equipment (thousands spent every year...I have $10,000+ worth of equipment that is always growing!)
-Equipment insurance (average $500/year)
-Equipment maintenance
-Website
-Computer & external hard drives
-Editing software
-Marketing
-Education and workshops
-Home office
-Cell phone
-Health insurance
-Retirement
...and the list goes on!

2. Taxes
Believe it or not, the IRS typically takes 30%+ of our income! In normal jobs, your employer pays half of the tax and you pay the other half. But when you're self employed, you pay all of the tax! So that typically amounts to at least 30%.

3. Time is Money
Many people think, "Man! Photographers are making bank! I mean they charge $2500* and they only work 8 hours!" In order to clear up that misconception (which you already know isn't totally true because of the taxes and business expenses that are already taken out of that $2500), let me break down the time I typically spend one wedding for you:
*Please note: I chose $2500 as an average amount that low-mid range photographers may charge. These numbers do not necessarily reflect what I charge.

• Initial client emailing, phone calls, and/or coffee/lunch/dinner meeting, preparing the contract and invoice: estimated 4 hours
• Engagement session: estimated 3 hours (usually 1.5 with the couple, .5 to arrive early and check out the location, 1 for driving)
• Total post-processing time to upload the session, back it up, cull, edit, export, upload to the online gallery, and blog: 6 hours
• Continued client communication throughout time leading up to wedding: estimated 2 hours
• Social media posting between the engagement session and wedding: estimated 1 hour
• Build final timeline for wedding day: estimated 1 hour
• Assorted administrative stuff (e.g. send out final invoice, contact other vendors, etc.): estimated 2 hours
• Wedding day: estimated 12 hours (8-9 official, 1 to be there early, and 2, on average, for driving)
• Total post-processing time for wedding to import, cull, edit, export images, load them to online gallery and organize in gallery: estimated 30 hours
• Blog wedding: estimated 2 hours
• Submit wedding for publication: estimated 2 hours
• Social media following the wedding: estimated 1 hour
• Send images to wedding vendors: estimated 1 hour
• Continued client communication following the wedding: estimated 1 hour

TOTAL ESTIMATED HOURS: 68 hours

That's right, a photographer most likely spends an average of 68 hours on every wedding! That's a week and a half of full time work! Time is one of most valuable assets. Time is time spent away from our family and friends and time is something we can never get back. Time is valuable!

So, let's take that $2500 average profit made from one wedding that I mentioned above. Let's say after expenses and taxes a photographer theoretically take home $1250. That means that after a photographer's 68 hours of work, they're making $18/hour (VERY different than the $300+/hour price tag some people may assume photographers make). 

4. If They Book Your Wedding, They Probably Can't Book Another Wedding

Another thing to keep in mind is that if a photographer books your wedding and something happens or you have to cancel for some reason, it's highly likely they will not be able to book another wedding because most couples book their wedding photographer 6 months-2 years out. That is why almost all photographers require a non-refundable deposit (usually 50%) to book their services. your wedding is cancelled, that 50% will offset some of the costs they'll still be loosing.

Why I think wedding photography is worth the expensive for a talented, professional, and personable photographer:

1. Tangible Memories are Extremely Important

In my opinion, your wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of your day because it is one of the few (or may the only) tangible reminders you'll have of your day once it's over. Your wedding pictures are something you'll look back on and cherish for years and years to come. I think that makes them incredible valuable and important and so they should be an aspect of your day that you invest in and prioritize. 

2. You Get What You Pay For

Often, I think that people can assume that all photographers are created equal and so they should just book whoever is cheapest. However, like most things in life, you typically get what you pay for with photography! In my opinion, it is important to not only preserve your most cherished memories, but also to have someone who can capture them in a beautiful, artistic way. When a photographer charges more, it is likely because they are in demand, they have experience, and they have better equipment. Most photographers, at least in the early years of their businesses, raise their prices a little after every few weddings they book (or maybe after each year). That is because their experience, equipment, and talent continue to grow.

Many people think that if a photographer has expensive equipment, it makes them a great photographer, While equipment is very important, that is only part of what makes someone a talented photographer! Being able to find light and composition, pose subjects, and work with people in order to make them comfortable so they can capture natural, candid expressions are a HUGE part of the quality of photographs. Really equipment is only half of what's involved in getting a beautiful photograph and light, composition, and posing are just as (if not more) important.

3. Your Photographer Impacts Your Wedding Experience

In addition to paying for beautiful pictures, you also want to pay for an amazing experience! From the very beginning you want to have a relationship with a photographer who is professional, hard working, and enjoyable to be around! Having your pictures taken can be awkward and so it's important to have a wedding photographer who you communicate well with and who makes you comfortable. You'll probably be with your wedding photographer more than almost any other vendor (or even any other person for that matter!) on your wedding day and so it's important to be with someone who you enjoy being around! In addition, it's also important that your photographer is able to work with your friends and family, handle stress and pressure, and respond calmly in difficult or unexpected moments (because there's likely to be a few unexpected moments during every wedding!). For me, it was so important to have a photographer who I enjoyed being around and who I felt would be professional and capable to capture my wedding day.

I hope this post has better helped you understand all of the financial aspects that are involved in running a wedding photography business and why wedding photographers are worth the investment! As always, I would love to hear your feedback so please leave comments and questions below!

10 Ways to Save Big on Your Wedding

I totally understand what it's like to be a bride who wants a beautiful wedding that is also affordable! When planning my own wedding, I received some great advice. I was told to pick 2-3 things that I want to prioritize and to spend money in those areas, and to try to cut costs as much as possible in all of the other areas. So I picked my most important priorities: Photographer, catering, and venue. Then I made a budget with those three thing being the priority and then limiting my costs elsewhere. It's really important that you make and budget and that you stick to it! 

1. Order local, in season flowers

You can save a lot of money by ordering flowers that are in season. Look for a farm or a florist who buys seasonal flowers from local famers. For my wedding, I purchased flowers from a farm and my original plan was to arrange them all myself. That got a little too overwhelming and so I ended up paying a little more to have the farm owner put them together for me. If you plan to order local, in season flowers, it is important that you remain somewhat flexible with your colors and types of flowers. Local farms only have so many flowers available and they may not have the exact colors you imagined. However, I always prefer the natural, somewhat wildflower look anyway! Two great options for people in the Raleigh-Durham area are Spring Forth Farm and Pine State Flowers.

2. Rent furniture and decorations

Instead of buying 200 candle holders or multiples of decorations you'll probably never use again, why not rent them? I recommend searching for a vintage rental company. A great option for Raleigh-Durham area weddings is Plume Events!

3. DIY decorations

There are so many great decorations that you can make yourself! I made almost all the decorations for my wedding and I kept things really basic. Pinterest has a lot of great ideas for DIY wedding decorations! You can also find great ideas on Something Turquoise. 

4. Serve a Smaller Cake

Wedding cakes can get really expensive! One way to save a lot of money on your cake is to display a smaller cake and then to have sheet cake in the kitchen that your caterer can cut up and serve to guests. That way, you still have a pretty cake display and your guests will probably never know that the cake they're eating isn't actually part of that display!

5. Buy a sample or secondhand dress

There are a lot of great wedding dress consignments stores out there these days! You can also find many wedding dress options on sites like Tradsey and Preowned Wedding Dresses. Also, you can ask bridal boutiques if they have any sample dresses for sale. Keep in mind that the average wedding dress sample size is a 10 so you may need to be a size 10 or less (if you are a smaller size, you can always get the dress altered).

6. Have a smaller bridal party

This was one that I really had no clue about when I got married! I never thought about the connection between bridal party size and cost and so I had a bridal party with 18 people! Now, I don't regret that at all and I'm so thankful for each person who was in our bridal party. However, if you're trying to cut costs, consider having a smaller party. The reason bigger bridal parties cost more money is because you have to pay for each bridesmaids bouquet (typically $50+/person!), boutonnières, and bridal party gifts. 

7. Invite less guests

When planning my own wedding, I was also pretty unaware of how much each wedding guests costs. If you are serving a full dinner, you're most likely going to spend at least $35/person just on food! One of the things that can most significantly reduce the cost of your wedding is inviting less guests.

8. Borrow or make a veil

I saved $200+ by simply borrowing a veil from a friend. The bride in the picture below on the left had a friend make her veil with tulle and a brooch! You could also consider not having a veil at all.

9. Get married on a Friday/Sunday or during the Off Season

Choosing to have my wedding on a Friday evening was one of the best decisions I made! When you get married on a Friday or Sunday, venues are often less expensive and you typically have a much larger selection of vendors available to you.

10. Skip the favors

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy wedding favors and they're fun to photograph. But if you're trying to cut costs, wedding favors are something you can easily skip and I guarantee that people will not notice. At most weddings I've been to, I've found that over 50% of the guests don't even remember to pick up favors anyway! Hmm...maybe that's why I still have a huge basket of pink matches in my closet 1.5 years after my own wedding?!

I hope you found this post helpful! What are some ways you've found to save money on weddings?