There's something to be said about a husband and wife team -- their talent and styles complement each other in ways that another photographer + second shooter can't match (and by the way, neither of them are "second shooters"). What's kinda cool about this is everything that happens behind the scenes seems like it's done together (for example, you've got two sets of talented eyes choosing your proofs, like a "quality assurance" check if you want to look at it from a business perspective!) but it all comes through to the client in one "voice."
Here are a few things I'd like to note:
Attention to detail. I gave Kenny a last minute list of all the little extras shots I wanted, like my grandmother and mother's jewelry that I was wearing and the hand sewn ring bearer pillow and he captured these beautifully. Kenny and Vanessa are both really good at setting up shots, whether it's just a couple or a large group. Even the ones that are clearly posed end up looking natural.
Professional. They run their business the way a business should be run -- responsive, timely, value driven for clients. They have that right mix of professionalism and compassion. They have a young family and understand that everyone is busy... yet when they're with you they make you feel like they've got nothing but time, which makes it really easy to relax. Also, the way they set up their proof site is awesome. I've seen photographers where their proof site is really difficult to navigate, takes tons of time to load, etc. Their proof site is really user friendly.
Open to new ideas. They like it when you suggest a different venue, pose, bring props, etc. but also FULL of ideas themselves. During our engagement session, Kenny asked us what our "goal" was for the day (again, this goes back to professionalism. They may be artists but they know the client comes first.) I'm not sure if every photographer asks that question, but the point is that they care about how you feel about your session and the end result. At the same time, they recognize most of us don't know what to do in front of the camera and need some direction, and they're happy to provide just that.
They're also constantly improving their business offerings all around. They have a photobooth service too and initially this wasn't a priority for me, but I am so glad we decided to do it. The photobooth was a HIT and guests loved it, as it was efficient, user friendly and FUN. I'm telling everyone now that a photobooth is a definite must at a wedding!
Finally, what I love about working with them the most is that they can tell the story. I just got back our proofs and as you page through the thumbnails it's almost like watching stills from a video. They were amazing at capturing the moments and emotion of the wedding day. I suggest following their blog, as both the personal posts as well as client session posts are indicative of not just their talent but how warm and genuine they are as photographers and as a family.
I'll be completely candid and say I was a little anxious and almost worried, not about the quality of photography but because after seeing non professional photos from friends and family's cameras, I hated my wedding make-up. Then I saw Kenny and Vanessa's proofs and I was pleased with the way my make-up photographed. I'm not sure what they did during the processing or worked some Photoshop magic, but someone told me that it's the photographer's job to make you look good (I would think it would be my stylist, but oh well) ... anyway, if that isn't "talent" and delivering for the client, I'm not sure what is!