Amateur Photographer

I think it’s totally up to you. I personally wouldn’t hire a photographer that hasn’t at least been a second shooter at another wedding, but that’s just me. Your engagement shots look beautiful! Could the photographer handle everything? Getting all the shots you want while everything is going on and not missing anything major?
Maybe give them a shot list of specific shots you know you want.

He seems like he did a really good job on engagement photos. I say go for it if you have the confidence in him. Remember out of that whole day the only thing that lasts is 1. Your love for each other 2. the photos. So make sure you don't regret your decision. Your pictures are beautiful tho.

I love the pictures! Has he done any weddings before?

The photos are beautiful! I don't think I would agree with your statement that brides prefer photos taken by amateur photographers. Your photographer seems very talented, but many amateurs are not. If you hire them for the wedding, I would make sure there is a lot of communication between you two about the types of photos you want and what the expectations are. Give them an opportunity to decline if they don't think they can meet those expectations.

I also disagree that brides want amateurs... maybe they want an amateur price but they want pro work. I'd give him a chance. Those are nice photos. I think sometimes people forget that communication is key.. yes a photog has the gear, experience and their own touch but you as the client also outline the vision, what your must have shots are, etc.

I’m not saying that brides want amateur photographers but I do have a close friend who’s mother is a wedding planner and her mom told me 90% of the time when receiving the photos the brides seemed to be more satisfied with those who weren’t titled as a “professional”
He was all about communication and asked what photos we wanted to see prior to our first shoot. I was definitely satisfied but the wedding day is completely different! Thank you all for your input

They did a pretty great job for the engagement photos, but weddings are a completely different deal in just about every way. There's no where near the same amount of time to pose or set up a shot due to weddings not having "breaks". People love the cheaper cost associated with amateurs but the outcome tends to be disappointing (just in these forums alone you can read the horror stories of).
Personally, I wouldn't put my wedding un the hands of someone who isn't well versed in capturing weddings, ESPECIALLY if they're going to be the only photographer. There's too much that can go wrong and it's likely that a non-pro wouldn't know what to do.

An amateur photographer is just someone who needs a chance. SPEAKING AS A PHOTOGRAPHER there are many who know what they’re doing but no one will give them a chance.
Ask questions. I’m sure they’ve studied the craft before stepping onto the scene of photography.

View Quoted Comment I agree with you.

OP, has the photog photographed a wedding before? Does he have an events portfolio? Have you asked to contact previous clients? Did he use a contract? Wedding day is important but he seems to have really captured the moments in your engagement photos. You both seem relaxed in the photos which suggests to me that you feel comfortable with him? Maybe you could hire 1 pro and this photog, rather than paying higher costs for 2 pros?

I would be most concerned with the quality of the photos. Although, judging from the two you posted here, I don't think that's much of a concern with this one. Beautifully done! You can help him a lot by giving him a list of the photos you absolutely must have. Like Groom with his family, Groom with bride's family, etc. I don't know if you're planning a first look, and pictures before the ceremony. But in this situation, you might seriously consider it, since that will give your photographer more time to set up the photos and get them done. It's more complicated when you get a whole wedding party involved. It's a lot easier when it's just two people posing and he can tell you go here, or look this way, etc. But if you lay it out for him, and he feels confident he can give you what you want, I say give him a chance!!

The quality of the engagement photos are great! Have they shot a wedding before? If so ask to see how those photos came out.
I don't know if you can say all bride's prefer one or the other thing. I personally love the professional photos I've seen but I wouldn't immedately discount a student or amateur

My FH and i have been living together for 10yrs now,so when he proposed we set our budget and for both of us photography was not as important..i am not willing to spend $3000+ for a photographer,we also live in a very small town and are buying/venue/food/ all local so we did Hire a local amateur photographer,they need the chance just like everyone else,she has done weddings before and her photos are surprisingly good(for an amateur)for $100 and hr including videographer and unlimited photos/poses..i cant complain