How to Choose Your St. Louis Wedding Photography & Videography Team

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life, and whomever you choose to document it is not a decision you should take lightly! St. Louis offers a wealth of talented professionals, but finding the right team that aligns with your vision can take time and effort. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect wedding photography and videography team in St. Louis!

Before we get started…

This article will be referencing booking a photo and video team – not individual vendors. I firmly believe that hiring a team is more beneficial than sourcing a photographer and videographer separately, and here’s why!

And lastly, here’s a pro tip for you: While it might be tempting to ask social media for recommendations on wedding photographers and videographers, doing so often results in a flood of opinions from people who don’t understand your specific vision and needs. You’ll end up with 20+ suggestions that vary widely in style, budget, and quality! Instead, take the time to follow the steps in this article to find professionals who align with your wedding style and expectations. The due diligence will be well worth it! 

1. Define Your Style

The first step in selecting a wedding photographer and videographer is to understand your preferred style. Do you envision classic, timeless photos, or do you prefer a more artistic, editorial approach? Or maybe bright and colorful images resonate with you more! It’s important to choose a team whose style matches your vision, as they will not shoot or edit outside their established aesthetic. For example, at Sarah Kellie Photo & Film, I specialize in documentary and romantic editorial-style approach, ensuring every shot feels like an artistic masterpiece!

2. Review Portfolios

Once you’ve identified your preferred style, spend time reviewing portfolios of various photographers and videographers. Look for consistency in their work, attention to detail, and how well they capture emotions and candid moments. A portfolio will give you a sense of their expertise and whether they can deliver the type of photos and videos you’re looking for!

If you’re curious, here are some of my favorite weddings I’ve documented:

BEV & PAUL’S ST. LOUIS WEDDING AT SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH & THIRD DEGREE GLASS FACTORY

SASKIA & ANDREW’S INTIMATE WEDDING AT PIPER PALM HOUSE

CAITLYN AND DEVON’S UNFORGETTABLE ST. LOUIS WEDDING AT WESTWIND HILLS

3. Consider Experience and Expertise

Experience matters significantly in wedding photography and videography. An experienced team will be adept at handling the unpredictability of weddings, from changing weather conditions to last-minute schedule changes – which unfortunately always happens! My team and I have personally documented over 250 weddings and have encountered every scenario under the sun. Vendors who have this type of experience will know how to handle such situations with ease, grace, and professionalism. 

4. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Hearing from other couples can provide invaluable insights into what it’s like to work with a particular photography and videography team. Look for reviews that mention professionalism, creativity, and how comfortable the couple felt during the process. The more comfortable you are with your documentary team, the better the imagery and video turn out! My couples most often highlight our seamless blend of direction and spontaneity that creates naturally beautiful shots.

Curious about what else Sarah Kellie couples have to say about working together? Here are some kind words!: 

“The second we found Sarah, we knew we had found our videographer. Sarah’s style blended to match our wedding vibe PERFECTLY and we love rewatching to remember the day!!! If you’re looking for the perfect videographer, you’ve found her!!”

“I am sitting at home crying tears of joy. I cannot thank my lucky stars enough that we found someone so perfect to capture our special day. I can’t wait to relieve my day over and over again all thanks to you. ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!”

“Her personality had us so comfortable in front of the camera and I couldn’t be more thrilled with our photos and videos. She was an integral part of making this our best day ever and did not disappoint in the least bit!”

5. Evaluate Packages and Pricing

While pricing definitely shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision, it’s crucial to understand what each package includes and whether it fits within your budget. As a note of caution, beware of budget photographers and videographers, as their work might reflect their lower investment. Investing in a skilled team ensures you receive high-quality images and films that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

Sarah Kellie Photo & Film St. Louis Wedding Packages 

I offer packages for wedding photography, videography, and a combination of the two! Here’s a peek into what my combination package looks like, which just so happens to be our most popular one: 

• 8 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
• Timeline Assistance
• 600+ Edited Images 
• 5-6 Minute Wedding Film
• Complementary Engagement Session
• 2 Photographers & 1 Videographer
• All RAW Footage
• Digital & Flash Drive Delivery

6. Meet in Person

Meeting your potential photographers and videographers in person (or via video call) is a great way to gauge their personality and overall energy. It’s important to feel comfortable with them, as they will be with you throughout your wedding day! In my professional opinion, building a connection to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience for you should always be at the top of the priority list.  If you meet a vendor for a consult and you aren’t feeling at ease, then that’s a sign you should meet with a couple more! 

7. Ask About Their Process

Understanding your team’s process can help set your expectations for how they’ll operate on your wedding day. Ask about their approach to capturing your day, how they handle unexpected situations, and their turnaround time for delivering photos and videos. A well-defined process will make our break the efficiency and smoothness of your documentation – so yes, it’s a pretty big deal!

Ready to Choose Your St. Louis Wedding Photography & Videography Team?

Choosing the right St. Louis wedding photography and videography team is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding day is beautifully documented. My hope is that this article has helped refine your process of searching for the perfect fit! 

If you’re looking for a team that blends documentary style with romantic editorial flair, my team and I just might be the perfect match for you. To get in touch about your date, you can inquire here and I’ll get back to you within 72 hours!