Sister is photographer and matron of honor

You need another photographer, one who will be okay with her orchestrating some of the shots. I catered my own wedding. I had no fun at all, and neither will she.

Maybe have one photographer for the ceremony, and group shots, and then have her do the reception pictures?

This is a horrible idea. No way it's gonna work. I don't think vendors should be friends and especially not relatives IN the party.

Don't do it... just get another photographer. Your sister/MOH can't do both jobs, so she needs to pick only one.

She might be amazing for bridal shots before or even a trash the dress fun type shoot after, but not during. I would want her by my side, not watching my wedding through a lens.

Celine, I'm a chef and considered catering it myself since it was going to be small and cheaper but I decided against it.

Thanks ladies. I think you're right but how do I talk her out if it without hurting her feelings?

My favorite wedding photo (because all of mine sucked because i chose a friend who was awful.....but that's another post) is me in my gown decorating the wedding cake.

Just say no, lol!

I would want her to be the photographer. LOL She would get the shots you want.

Melissa - i think the idea of getting another photographer thru the ceremony and group shots is a great idea......i would be honest with her and say the most important place for your sister to be is by your side that day - that is why you chose her to be your MOH....that being said - there is no harm in her having her camera that day to capture sweet or special moments with you, your girls and your wedding...so you will still have her capture moments that a photographer you hire might miss out on.....

But i really think while you are getting ready, or walking the aisle - her attention should be on you!

and then let her snap pics as she would like during your reception - wouldnt be different from my sister snapping pics that evening (except your sis probably has an amazing camera)

Hope this bit of advise helps you!! Keep us posted how it goes!

I have a photographer Aunt and a hair stylist Aunt. I told both of them, "I am hiring someone for X job because I want everyone to be able to enjoy the day. I only planning on getting married once and don't plan on your memories of it being stressed from working."

THis was my nice way of saying no. And I really do want everyone to enjoy themselves.

Does she have a colleague that she could recommend take your photos? She should be up there with you and enjoying the day - not working. Down the line she might regret that she worked the wedding and didn't partake in the joy of the day.

Those are great ideas ladies! I'll ask her if she can recommend someone and let her bring her camera to take a few when she sees fit. I think it will be a good compromise. This way she still gets to feed her neurotic photo taking addiction yet doesn't feel the pressure that all the photos are on her. She can still have fun without working. You're right, it'll be no different than having guests use their camera phones or disposables to get their own photos. She takes the best candid shots anyways. I'm gonna talk to her about it next week. I'll let ya know how it goes. Thanks for the advice!

If she is a pro at this she has other people who work for her she can get to do the job. You are right about the fact she will be way to busy to do both. Get an other photographer

She can't do both. Most moh have troubles doing their work the day of to begin with because it is such a rush. I would ask her how she think she can handle it and then which position would she value most doing as it is not feasible she can do both. Either she can just be beside you during the ceremony so you are counting on the assistant photographer. Or she is straight up the photographer all day thus being able to give you amazing photos.

I did the flowers for my daughter's wedding. HUGE mistake, and I should have known better. Unless you've been there, you have no idea how difficult it is to be a member of the wedding and a vendor.

In your case, you hire a photographer to do the ceremony shots and portrait shots. If she wants to, let her take some reception shots.

You can't do that. She has to be one or the other. Hire a photographer and let her be in the wedding is my best advice. Just tell her you appreciate her enthusiasm and role in your wedding....you value you as a friend and not a vendor, let her spend the day with you and be there for you, and leave the work to the hired hands.