Photographer Dilemma…. Budget Brides Help!

So we have been going back and forth between hiring a photographer in Jamaica vs. bringing someone with us. And sure enough in my procrastinator way I leave it until the last minute! Well actually we recently got a really good deal on the last two seats on our plane.

So here’s my new dilemma, I’ve got two photographers on  the hook. This first in my second cousin, we’re not that close but still family and she is going to do our wedding/TTD etc. for her $1000 seat of the plane. Problem is she’s an amateur, does really nice portraits, but her wedding portfolio is lacking.  I know that I will be giving her a chance of a life time, (Website for comparrison http://www.wix.com/maloriew/mw-photography ).. but….

The other photographer is a wife and husband team, they do amazing work (this is who originally wanted but was out of the budget) Now that we have these cheap seats my FI has agreed to up the budget to $2000 so that they can come. (FYI here’s there website, I love love love them! http://samanthaerinphotography.com/blog/ ).

I’ve been really conscious about budget and really have been planning this weeding on shoestrings, but do I really want to skimp out on photography? I know all the brides are going to say no… but really that’s an extra $1000 that I could use to beef up our OOT bags and flowers etc. etc. etc.

I just don’t know! Then there’s the part about letting down the cousin, and having to tell her, she doesn’t get her big break… another more experienced photographer gets the deal.

Help!!

Thanks

Jamie

IMHO...HANDS DOWN...I would (and have myself) put the money into better photography!!!  The stuff in the oot bags will disappear/be left behind...your pictures will be around forever to be enjoyed and appreciated.  My sister had a friend/amateur photog take pics at their small wedding...it was a difficult shoot for this person as everything was at night indoors with fairly low lighting.  The pictures were VERY disappointing...my sister has exactly ONE photograph that they printed for themselves and others...that's it!!!  

Good luck Jamie...I know it will be a tough call to make to your cousin...if you decide to go that route.

Ok, so I just took a quick look at both sites (which sorry, I should have done before)...I feel the same way.  The hubby and wife team from Barrie are awesome!!! : )  

Plus, if they are willing to do small shoots throughout the week for you (rehearsal dinner, TTD), I would snap them right up for that money!!!  I think that's an awesome deal.

Thanks MJKH, I know what I have to do, 

I actually just made another hard decision to ask my not so partcipative father if he could help with the cost, and to my amazment he said yes!

So We're going with experience, and know to let my cousin down. I'm just going to tell her the truth that the photographer that I originally wanted pulled through... and i'm sorry .

It's funny how something so little can get you so worked up! It's not like anyone died or anything!

Now to get ahold of the travel agent! Who is never around when I need her the most!

Amazing work my the husband wife team.  Are they only charging you the cost of the trip and doing all the photography for free?  AMAZING deal, wish I had seen them before we (sort of) figured out our photographer problems!

Tori,

If you haven't quite figured it out, I would email her, maybe she wants to go to DR in February!

I have to agree, spend the money on the professionals! You want great wedding photos! They will last you a lifetime...seriously don't skimp here!!!

 Plus as awkard as it will be to tell your cousin you don't need her now, imagine how horrible it could be if the photos don't turn out well! (she has talent, but you might not want to be the guinea pig) Also don't spend to much on OOT bags. It's really the thought that counts not the money. So a small chocolate bar, a welcome note,etc. will be just as well recieved as an over the top bag! Your guests are joining you to be with you, not because they want a beer coozie or beach bag!

Maybe if your Dad is willing to help a little with cost too....perhaps ask your cousin if she would like to shoot a trash the trash, or some other small event during the week. Offer her $200 (?) and say you want to help build her portfolio, but you want her to enjoy the actually wedding! (hence why you hire other photographers- you want her there as a guest, not a worker. This may also help ease having to turn her down)

Good luck! I know making these hard decisions can be stressful, but making the decision now will put your mind as ease for the future.

I have to agree, i'm not basing it necessarily on price, but I have looked at their work and the husband and wife team do an AMAZING job.. their pictures are beautiful and i'm sure you will cherish them forever, not to say that your second cousin isn't good, however just lacking in experience.

I am glad that you decided to go with the husband wife team.  You don't want to be disappointed or stuck with so-so photos!!! 

i think  you should def go with the pros.....however, what you could do too is give your cuzz a small job to do. this way she doesnt feel totally out