A Photographer’s Perspective on Wedding Planning
By Jamie May Photography
Lessons from Both Sides of the Wedding Business: A Photographer’s Perspective
As a wedding photographer, I’ve spent years capturing special moments for couples on their big day. When my own daughter got married, I experienced the other side of the wedding industry—planning, decision-making, and selecting the best vendors. Through this process, I gained valuable insight, not just as a photographer but as a mother of the bride.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was working with vendors I already knew. Many of them, including the DJ, videographer, bartenders, venue owners, florist, and bakery, were professionals I had built relationships with through the wedding business. It was comforting to have a team of people who genuinely cared about us and wanted to make the day special.
The Bakery: Sweet Choices for Your Big Day
Choosing the right bakery can be overwhelming with so many options. Two of my favorites along the lakeshore are Rykes and Grand Finale. Both offer sample boxes, which can help before making a decision.
• Grand Finale makes my favorite cupcakes, but the sample box didn’t do them justice. Unfortunately, this swayed my kids away from choosing them.
• Rykes won them over with sugar cookies, cupcakes, and a small cutting cake. Their cake is consistently delicious, and I say this as someone who has tasted countless wedding cakes over the years.
Tips for Choosing a Bakery:
• Always sample multiple options before deciding.
• Consider a dessert table with cupcakes, cookies, or other sweets instead of a large cake.
• A small cutting cake provides the traditional moment without the need for a full-tiered cake.
The DJ: Setting the Mood for the Night
Music plays a huge role in a wedding’s atmosphere. We hired Movin’ Music, a DJ I’ve worked with many times and trust completely. He provided a form for song selection and was open to requests, which made planning easy.
For dinner music, I didn’t want generic background tunes. Instead, we created a custom playlist featuring Frank Sinatra and similar artists, which set a warm and elegant tone. Having a DJ who knew us personally made the experience even more special.
Tips for Choosing a DJ:
• Ask how interactive they are. Some stay in the background, while others engage the crowd with dance lessons or props.
• Request a customized playlist if you have a specific vibe in mind.
• Choose someone who understands your style and energy level for the night.
The Videographer: Capturing the Day in Motion
Photos freeze moments in time, but video allows you to relive them. We worked with John Garner from Move Media Productions, a videographer I’ve collaborated with many times. He is professional, easy to work with, and truly cares about capturing the emotions of the day.
Knowing John personally made all the difference. He wasn’t just documenting the wedding—he was invested in making it special.
Tips for Choosing a Videographer:
• Watch previous work to ensure you like their style.
• What is their editing process—some create highlight reels, while others provide full-length videos.
• Make sure they work well with photographers for a smooth experience.
The Caterer: A Hidden Gem with Incredible Food
Good food can make or break a wedding reception. We chose Beechwood Grill after experiencing their catering at an outdoor backyard wedding. Their chicken was so tender it could be cut with a plastic fork. That moment convinced me they were the right choice.
They are reasonably priced, reliable, and easy to work with. Before booking, we sampled food from several caterers, which I highly recommend.
Tips for Choosing a Caterer:
• Attend tastings to compare quality and portion sizes.
• Consider how well they handle different venues, especially outdoor settings.
• Do they offer setup and cleanup services beyond just serving food.
The Bartenders: Going Above and Beyond
Our bartenders came highly recommended by the venue, and they exceeded expectations. They didn’t just serve drinks—they went above and beyond, even helping clean up our DIY charcuterie board. I am especially grateful for Kelly VanderHoek and Angie Linderman who were both professional and incredibly helpful.
Having bartenders we trusted made all the difference. They weren’t just doing a job; they genuinely cared about making our night run smoothly.
Tips for Choosing Bartenders:
• Your venue may have recommendations—they often know the best in the area.
• Look for bartenders who do more than just serve drinks—some offer specialty cocktails or extra services.
• Confirm if they provide glassware, mixers, and garnishes, or if those need to be supplied separately.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a wedding from both sides—as a photographer and as the mother of the bride—gave me a new appreciation for the planning process. The decisions can feel overwhelming, but choosing trusted vendors makes all the difference.
For us, having professionals we knew and loved made the day even more special. They weren’t just vendors; they were a team of people who cared about us and wanted to make the day perfect.
If you’re planning a wedding and need a photographer—or recommendations for great vendors—I’d love to help. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable! Contact me here
For more information on wedding planning, check out my other post such as : Wedding Planning Part 1 and Wedding Planning Part 2
