UPDATE!! Literally going to lose it over photography

And he already booked someone on our day…even after I specifically told him to email me or call me if anyone else was interested in our day right after our first meeting. He didn’t let me know. And now I have no options for photographers. So as I was searching for yet another photographer who fit the style that I was looking for, I found one. But the problem is, they are located in Seattle and I am in Minnesota. Would it be absolutely crazy to hire a vendor that would have to fly in for our wedding? They are available for our date, and I honestly like their pictures better than the original two photographers that I was considering. The only issue that I see with this, is that since we would have to pay for travel (and they are already priced at the high end), we would have to forego full day videography and potentially just have our ceremony recorded. So give it to me straight…Am I completely nuts to be considering this?

What style are you looking for? I feel like you should be able to find someone closer than Seattle and maybe just have to pay driving travel expenses.

If they will travel, and you can afford it, bring them to Minnesota. And ask for the right of first refusal next time

I have no idea how to explain it, honestly. I think it has a lot to do with using film because all of the photographers I was considering used film as well as digital.

@Brandy They LOVE to travel, so that wouldn't be an issue at all. I can afford them, but would have to shorten the hours on videography.

I live on the western side of Wisconsin and did lots of research on photogs myself before booking mine, I may know some photographers for you in Minnesota. What part of the state are you in? Can you give an idea what style you are looking at?

@Nursetraveler I'm in Saint Paul, MN but the wedding will be in Hudson, WI (right on the border of WI/MN). Who are the photographers that you researched?

It's not a crazy idea, but have you searched for any photographers in a neighboring state, rather than quite a few states over, so that the travel fees wouldn't be as high? (like Rosie suggested)

If they are willing and you are able, I would do it. The pictures will be worth the splurge and as long as you aren't losing the entire reception to video I would and not look back. Film photography is very different than digital. There is a photog here that does it and it is absolutely divine (almost every wedding he does is published).

I haven't researched any other photographers in the surrounding states--honestly I never really considered hiring a vendor from outside my area until I saw their photos. From what the email with the photographers from Seattle said, there is a flat rate of $600 for travel. Does that seem steep or reasonable? I have no idea.

Personally for me, only being able to record my ceremony to fly a photographer in would not be worth it, but everyone is different. I would really try to find someone local. Can you post a picture that shows off the style you are looking for?

ETA: Just wanted to add that I am possibly flying my officiant in from out of state and he quoted me about $275 but he doesn't have to carry alot of equipment with him.

Ah! I know Hudson well, beautiful town, my FH's brother lives in Hudson!

Max Lee Photography out of Eau Claire, in my opinion, he does gorgeous photos, but his travel fee for us would have been too expensive. He just shot my friend's wedding and engagement pictures, they were beautiful.

Jared Lee Photography, who is actually out of Hudson now I believe, does great work too, although he may be one of the photographers you already talked to!

Tiffany Brubaker and Jordana Snyder are both out of La Crosse, WI and are willing to travel. Both do good work as well. The other out of La Crosse that I would highly recommend would be Sarah Schultz Photography.

If that includes their airfare, hotel and food, no $600.00 is not bad at all.

I'll link the photographers from my area that I was considering:

http://www.lauraivanova.com/galleries/

http://www.emilysteffen.com/weddings/

http://www.geneoh.com/weddings/

@nursetraveler Thanks! I will definitely check them out!

Have you asked the two that you tried to book if they know of any other photographers in the area that have a similar style and shoot film?

@Brandy One of the photographers did come back with recommendations, but I didn't like the photos very much. I am still waiting on recommendations from the second photographer.

Here's another out of Marshfield I looked into: http://kluzbphotography.com/category/weddings/.

Good luck!

To me, it wouldn't be worth it to fly someone that far. You still have plenty of time to find a more local photographer.

@annakay I thought so too, but since I have had two photographers booked from under me, it's making me extremely nervous.