Here’s the scenario — You’ve done the research and found a Cleveland wedding photographer who does gorgeous work (hopefully it’s me — wink, wink). You click with them, and their photography style perfectly dovetails your wedding vision. But you wonder, “Will one photographer suffice? Should I hire a second to capture everything?” I’ve heard this question often, so I thought I’d write about it. Please note —  These are my thoughts, based on my experience working as a photographer specializing in Cleveland wedding photography for five years, and photographing 90+ weddings.

Second Photographer? Or Assistant?

Working in the Cleveland wedding photography industry, I’ve heard about a situation that’s more common than it ought to be. It’s completely unethical, yet continues to go on. The client requests an additional photographer, and has paid for services, yet they’ve received one photographer and one assistant.

How does this happen? Wedding Photographers often bring an assistant to help carry equipment, pose wedding party members, field guest requests, and to generally lend a hand. The assistant will use the primary photographer’s backup equipment and pose as a second photographer.

Potential issues:

• Assistant won’t be experienced in photography, leaving the client with duplicate, carbon-copies of the same moments.
• Assistant may get in the way of the guests’ view, as they may not have a background shooting with telephotos lenses from distances further away (behind guests).

How can you avoid this? When you meet with potential second photographers (if you have opportunity to), ask the same types of questions you’d ask to the primary photographer. Ask to see individual portfolios. Ask about their style. Just keep in mind, that if you truly have hired a full-time, professional second photographer for your wedding day, you’ll probably invest several hundred dollars for their services. A true professional, second photographer will never be “free” or added as a promotion.

300+ Guests = Hire a Second

Bottom line — If you’re having less than 300 guests, one professional photographer (IMHO “professional” means that the photographer has years of experience and training, and should specialize in wedding photography) will do an absolutely wonderful job recording the day’s events. However, if you’re having 300+ guests, I do recommend hiring a second photographer to capture everything.

The benefits of having two photographers will be:

• Ability to cover different locations at the same time, providing unique perspectives.
• Ability to be in the “right place at the right time”.

If you’d like more info, or have questions, please email pruitt.elizabeth@gmail.com.    (Below: That’s me — Photographing a 2011 wedding)

As I knocked on their hotel room door at The Lodge at Geneva On The Lake, I could hear waves of laugher and voices filled with happiness. Rachael, Steve, and their entire wedding party was getting ready (in an adjoined room — although they were separated by a wall and some strategy). I walked into a room whirling with exuberance and bliss, filled with the friends and family that meant the most to them.

At 2PM, Rachael walked across the courtyard to meet Steven. She promised to always be true to him, surrounded by the people that they loved most.

Deanna and Dave met at Put-In-Bay. Deanna was celebrating her graduation from medical school, and Dave was there for a friend’s birthday. That’s where their story started.

A little more than a year later, after Deanna had been “matched” with a residency spot, Dave took the opportunity to get down on bended knee and ask her to accept another “match”. His hand in marriage.

Their wedding was held at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio, with a packed church of almost 300 guests in attendance, followed by a gorgeous reception in Chagrin Falls at The Club at Hillbrook. With flowers literally dripping everywhere, bridesmaids that looked like goddesses (they wore all white dresses), and the Club’s tudor charm, it felt like we were in a fairytale.

They met on Molly’s second night at Gettysburg College. Molly has a sweet smile and infectious energy. And Andrew’s thoughtful, listens, and seems to honestly care about those around him. Together, they radiate, knowing that they’ve found a soulmate in each other.

Four and a half years after meeting, in front of friends and family, Molly and Andrew exchanged vows to each other at Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights. Their reception was held at the magnificent Severance Hall, in Cleveland, Ohio. Molly’s infectious energy carried them through the evening, as they danced the night away with friends and family.

Sarah and Frank had a radiant wedding day, with light, fluffy clouds and not a hint of rain. The church was full of people and anticipation. Sarah wore rose-colored heels.

Their vows were exchanged with tears. Frank made Sarah burst into giggles. They danced the night away.

Vendors & Venues:

• Stylist: Colornation
• Ceremony Location: St. Raphael (Bay Village)
• Photo Location: Cleveland Art Museum
• Florist: Off Broadway
• Cake Artist: Becker’s Bakery
• Reception: Westlake Holiday Inn
• DJ: Selective Sound
• Videographer: Imagen

Danielle and Brent were married last December. Since it’s the holiday season again, I thought we’d revisit their festive day again.

Danielle and Brent had a lovely, Christmas themed wedding complete with a Santa and Mrs. Claus. Their ceremony was held at the Lyndhurst Presbyterian Church, in Lyndhurst with a reception following at Weymouth Country Club, in Medina. We stopped at the Arcade in Downtown Cleveland for some photos before hitting the reception. (We also snuck outside for a few photos around East 4th Street, even though the windchill in Downtown Cleveland was FREEZING!) Here’s a list of their venues and vendors, and a few of my favorites from our day:

Oh, and we ran into Terry Goodman of Platinum Photography while shooting at the Arcade, and Angela Wish from A Wedding Wish (wedding coordination). They’re both friends of mine, so it was a fun surprise!

Ever since our engagement session last winter, I’d been looking forward to Courtney and Josh’s wedding. Courtney and Josh’s wedding day had so many things going for it — gorgeous weather, a perfect location, and a two people who are totally into each other. What a fun couple! Check out some of their vendors and my favorites from our day together:

• Florist: Comething New Florist
• Officiant: Alex Hilliard
• Ceremony & Reception Location: Fellows Riverside Garden
• Catering: Catering by Robynn, Mineral Ridge (330) 544-4664
• DJ: Precision Music Masters

We had so much fun with Danielle and Mike! And what a gorgeous couple. Their vendors and venues are listed below, along with a few of my favorites from our day. Enjoy!

• Salon: Dana Lauren Salon & Spa
• Ceremony Location: St. Albert The Great
• Florist: Al Wilhelmy
• Cake Artist: Main Street Cupcakes
• DJ: Marino Brothers
• Reception: Crowne Plaza, Independence Ohio

Check out Andrea and Paul’s amazing day below!

• Salon: Solaire Hair Studio & Spa
• Ceremony & Reception Location: Windmill Lakes Golf Course
• Cake Artist: Dawne Ripinski
• Caterer: 3 Foodies Catering
• DJ: Beach Boyz Entertainment