Bringing your own photographer?

[TessaRose]

Hello!  I'm starting to plan my wedding (it's still a long way off...April 2014, but I thought I'd try to get some opinions from other brides out there!) and trying to find ways to fit everything I want into my budget.  I have heard mixed reviews about many of the resort photographers and I am thinking about finding a photographer I like and bringing them to the wedding, but I'm also on a budget.  A friend of mine who got married last year found an awesome photographer by posting a Craigslist ad, who basically was interested in getting into destination wedding photography so did the wedding for only the cost of travel.  Has anyone else had experience with this?  Any experiences, thoughts, or opinions would be a great help!   

 

Thanks so much!

[Lizrmt]

We are having FI's sister do our pics. She is a semi-pro photographer, has done many weddings before. But I am considering hiring videographer for ceremony. I would be reluctant on hiring someone that's really cheap unless they have a really good portfolio. Lighting is important on a beach if they don't know what they're doing.

[TessaRose]

Hi!  Thanks for the response!  I wish I knew a photographer like you do!  I know, like the saying goes, you get what you pay for right, unless the photographer has something to gain too!  Have you done any researching about videographers?  Thinking about bringing one with you or hiring a local?  The photographer my friend found on Craigslist did both photography and videography for the wedding, so was maybe hoping to find one that did both too.  (Still on the fence about having a videographer though, I'm am more concerned about the photos but it might be nice to have video looking back at the big day years from now!)   If you don't mind me asking what do you have planned for your ceremony? 

 

Thanks again! 

Tessa