A true professional
We hired Ann-Marie to be the photographer for our wedding after she was recommended to us from our coordinator. Her services were as promised: highly detailed, punctual, super competent to "figure it out" when we didn't have a plan, and, most importantly, able to keep everyone at ease, including us, the bride and groom.
The result of her work was fantastic, and I can't say enough positive things about her; I've recommended her services to another couple getting married already!
First of all, due to COVID, we were never able to meet in person before. the wedding. I worried that my husband and I wouldn't feel totally comfortable being photographed (we're camera shy to begin with), particularly by someone who we had only met over the phone. All that worry was for naught; Ann-Marie is just about the most refreshing and calming source of energy on our wedding day. She cheerfully kept our family members in line while breezing through all the family portraits at the church with ease, using a very long list we had created together before the wedding to ensure we didn't miss anyone. She kept the same demeanor throughout the evening, expertly navigating MOBs and drunk uncles to get the shots she needed.
One of my favorite parts of the day, very honestly, was the time my husband and I spent taking photos alone with just Ann-Marie. We were SO worried about being awkward in front of the camera, but her shooting style is so disarming, we felt as though we were in the park with a close friend. Our time with her helped us slow down during the hubbub of the day, and I think this helped make our photos so great and special. We look relaxed and truly happy in our pictures together, without feeling too posed or rushed. We were SO pleased with the final photos, and I attribute that in a big way to Ann-Marie's cool-as-a-cucumber style.
In addition to her overall demeanor day-of the event, Ann-Marie approached our event with a high level of detail. She ended up drafting our first timeline of the day, which our coordinator then built off of. She. walked us through her process and when and how she planned to capture the types of images every bride wants. She worked with us to build an (extensive) list of all of the photos we wanted, with which friends and family members, what time of day, and in which location. She was honest with us when we were trying to fit in too much, and worked with us to find solutions to annoying issues between family members. One really good example of this: my mom and dad are divorced and do not speak to each other, but I wanted to make sure I had "getting ready" pictures with both my mom and stepmom. Ann-Marie worked with us to do dress and make up photos with my mom, and then head to my dad and step mom's room to do a "first look" with my dad and put on some special jewelry with my step mom.
OK, on to the next reason why you should hire her: Ann-Marie's pure talent and professionalism. We've all been in those weddings where the photos with the family or bridal parties drag on for ages because the photographer is always hoping the next shot will be the best one (in other words, they're never sure they have "THE picture" yet). Ann-Marie was AWESOME because she knew: when she had the shot she wanted, we moved on to the next spot or the next set of photos. She kept the pace moving by always knowing for certain she had the photo she wanted. We ended up having extra time between the ceremony and reception because we finished taking all the photos we had planned for 2 hours. Because she knew when she was done with a set or at a location, we ended up arriving at the reception venue early and she spent some time photographing us just relaxing and having a drink before the guests arrived. Very honestly, these were some of our favorite photos of the night, just the two of us.
And finally (and most importantly) we loved working with Ann-Marie because of her style of shooting and the resulting photos. When we approached her originally it was because we loved the style of her photographs; she catches the small moments of joy, happiness, love, silliness, and friendship. We love the posed family photos she took with us outside the church and up at the alter, but really our most favorite photos are the ones that capture the smaller, tender, fleeting, and intimate moments of laughter, tears, and all feelings in-between. They are photos that treasure the bonds between partners, sisters, parents and children, and true friends.
We are so grateful, thank you Ann-Marie. We love every photo you sent us from the day, and would recommend your services to just about anyone looking for photos of events, families, engagements, etc.