Hiring friends? Advice please!

megssweet1 · July 28, 2013

Ok ladies, I need some advice! I'm torn on the etiquette on working with friends for help with the wedding.

My former coworker is a professional (semi) photographer on the side. She does great work, so in May I reached out to her to ask her to do my engagement photo session. I haven't seen her (I'll call her "A") in a couple years. Because I live in Phoenix, we decided to wait to do the shoot until October.

The dilemma is that one of my current coworkers "M" also does photography on the side. In addition, "M" is super crafty and has an etsy shop selling paper stuff like invites for kids birthday parties. So I asked her if she could potentially help me to do my invitations, programs, OOT bags, etc. I also invited her and her husband (also my coworker) to my wedding.

Do you think it is poor etiquette to ask "M" to do our engagement photo shoot instead of "A"? Nothing was set in stone with "A" and I haven't had any communication with her since. I'm thinking I'd really prefer "M" especially because I think I'll be working with her pretty closely over the next few months on the other stuff.

Please help!!

Sarah P · July 30, 2013

If your communication hasn't been clear and leading down the road of scheduling I don't think there is anything wrong with saying you've decided to go a different direction. Or if your comfortable with just not reaching out and going with M, do that. You could also tell the other one you have a friend who offered to do it for free.... Unless they are both free... Ha

Ashleyloriann · July 30, 2013

Meg,

it's YOUR wedding, do what you want to do. If someone elses feelings get hurt, so be it. I'm a photographer so I am EXTREMELY picky with who does my pictures. This is your only wedding, think about who you want to capture all those special moments

megssweet1 · July 30, 2013

Thanks ladies! You both pretty much echoed how I feel. I just don't know yet. I looked at their galleries today. I think "A" has better photos on her site, but I'm pretty sure "M" has awesome photos too. I'm going to think about it a bit. Ashley, I feel that way about my wedding and TTD, but not quite as concerned about engagement shoot. We'll see. . .

Originally Posted by Sarah P

If your communication hasn't been clear and leading down the road of scheduling I don't think there is anything wrong with saying you've decided to go a different direction. Or if your comfortable with just not reaching out and going with M, do that. You could also tell the other one you have a friend who offered to do it for free.... Unless they are both free... Ha

Originally Posted by Ashleyloriann

Meg,

it's YOUR wedding, do what you want to do. If someone elses feelings get hurt, so be it. I'm a photographer so I am EXTREMELY picky with who does my pictures. This is your only wedding, think about who you want to capture all those special moments

photoisforever · October 7, 2013

Have you resolved your dilemma yet megssweet1? If not, may we suggest that you ultimately base your decision on what you feel in your "heart of hearts" to be the best course of action for You ......all outside factors aside.

Wishing you all the best with your planning decisions, and that you have the Perfectly Amazing Wedding of your Dreams.....Cheers!

Photography Is Forever Studios

NJBride2014 · October 7, 2013

I also say its your wedding and go with who you want and just tell the other friend you went a different direction. I had a friend who really wanted to do my invites since he's in the printing business but I found one's I loved online and I had to break it to him that I was not going to use him. He was a little bummed but understood and I think i'll have him help me do welcome brochure's now. Everything works out in the end.