UPDATE!! Literally going to lose it over photography

Did you see this photographer?

http://jefflovesjessica.com/

@surfergirl Yes, I checked them out a few months back. I think they were already booked for our day.

SEMI UPDATE: I had a Skype meeting with the Seattle photographers and it went so amazingly well. Their pictures are gorgeous, and they seem like such an awesome couple. I think we will be booking them for our wedding before someone else books them!

At the end of the wedding, this is what you have left -- wilting flowers, a dress that needs to be cleaned and preserved, a wedding band, the top tier of your cake that will taste weird and frozen on your first anniversary, and your photography/videography. When enough time passes that you couldn't care less about the dress, the flowers that have been tossed, and the freezer burned cake, all you will have are your rings and your wedding photography/videography.

If you can afford to fly the dream photographers out to your wedding, just do it. I'd ask the other two local photographers for references first, but if they have nothing to offer, spend the money on what is important to you.

Our photographer lives here in California, and she just did a wedding in Hawaii, where they paid for her travel and room and board. If you love a photographer that much, it's worth it to bring them to where you are. You just have to decide whether you're willing to give up the pro-videographer and just set a video camera in a tripod and have a family member operate it like we did! If you can't give up the videographer, than I'd definitely try to find a photographer that lives closer!

@Caitlin, I live just north of Hudson, across the bridge from Stillwater. just wanted to say hi and hope you get the photographer you want!

Did you try the Rochester area? Also ask who they would refer. I am in Minnesota and there are so many photographers. Most of the ones I found where by doing a deep Google search.

Good for you! Glad your Skype meeting went well!

My photographer travels sometimes Here is her info. http://www.aliciaqphotography.com/

UPDATE: They had another inquiry for our day, so we snatched them up before they were gone. I received the contract today! I may be completely nuts to fly someone across the country to photograph my wedding, but I am so happy! Thanks so much to everyone for your input and advice. This is exactly why I love this website so much!

Here are our photographers! http://omalleyphotographers.com

Yay!!!! that is exciting news!

I'm from MN. Some of my favorite photographers are...

Kate Becker Photography

Krysta Metcalf Photography

Depict Photography

You can find all 3 on Facebook. The first two I know personally and they are FABULOUS. The last one recently shot a friend's wedding and the pictures were stunning.