Wedding Photography FAQ

Hi, I’m Carol DeAnda of DeAnda Photography. I photograph weddings in Chicago and the suburbs, including Schaumburg and Barrington. These are the questions couples actually ask me (because yes, everyone wonders about timelines and what to do with their hands). Read through, and if you still have a question, contact me and I will help.

Booking and Logistics

When should I book my wedding photographer?

You should book your wedding photographer as soon as you book your venue. This can be a year (or more) before your wedding. Booking early also locks you into my current collection rates.

Do you have any favorite venues you have worked at?

Yes, I have many! You can see a link to my favorite vendors here, which include venues, but some of my favorites happen to be The Brix in Carpentersville, The Venue at Goebbert’s in Pingree Grove, Silver Lake in Orland Park and Villa Olivia in Bartlett to name just a few! I have photographed weddings all over Chicago and the suburbs, and I can share full galleries from venues and wedding styles that are similar to what you’re planning.

Are you comfortable working with LGBTQ+ couples?

Yes, absolutely. I proudly photograph LGBTQ+ weddings, elopements, and engagement sessions, and I love them. Love is love, and you deserve photos that feel joyful, real, and fully you. If you have any specific family dynamics, traditions, or comfort concerns you want me to know about, tell me. I’ve got you.

What is a retainer fee?

A retainer holds your wedding date so it cannot be booked by anyone else. It is non-refundable, and it is applied to the balance of your wedding collection.

What is the payment schedule, and what forms of payment do you accept?

To reserve your wedding date, a signed contract and a $1,000 retainer are required. The retainer can be paid by Zelle, check, cash, or credit card. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the wedding and is paid by Zelle or check.

Do you photograph elopements and micro weddings?

Yes. Chicago elopement collections start at $850 and include up to 2 hours of coverage plus your digital images. Elopements are for up to 10 guests.

Micro and small weddings are available by request. They are typically shorter coverage (6 hours or less) and under 70 guests.

Do you travel, and what are travel fees?

100 miles round-trip travel is included in all of my standard wedding collections. Travel fees beyond that radius are individually quoted.

Are you insured, and can you provide a certificate of insurance?

Yes, I am fully insured and can provide a COI. I just need 2 weeks’ notice, so ask your venue ahead of time if they require one.

Timeline and Planning

Can you help us build a photo timeline?

Yes. I help all of my couples build a photo-friendly timeline that keeps the day flowing and prevents the rushed, stressful feeling. Once you book, we will go over the details (getting ready, ceremony, family photos, travel, sunset, reception events), and I will guide you on what timing works best, plus coordinate with your planner when needed.

When should we do our engagement session?

I suggest doing your engagement session at least 6 months before your wedding, especially if you plan to send save the dates. If you are booking closer to your wedding and not sending save the dates, that time frame matters less.

Engagement sessions are a great time for us to get to know each other and to create gorgeous, more casual images than we will create on your wedding day.

How long do we need for bridal party photos and for pictures of me and my spouse?

I need at least 1.5 to 2 hours to photograph wedding party photos, family photos, and most importantly, images of you and your spouse. We will usually start with family photos, move to the bridal party, and end with you and your partner.

For photos of you and your partner, it is easiest if it is just us, plus maybe your maid of honor or best man. It is usually best to send everyone else away or out of sight so I can have your full attention. It is also one of the first times all day you and your partner get a little breather together, which is always a good thing.

How do family formal photos work, and how do we keep them fast?

Before your wedding, I will send you a simple family photo template to fill out. You will replace my placeholders with everyone’s first names (not “bride’s mom”, etc.) because when we are calling people in, names get a much faster response.

The biggest key to keeping it quick is prep. Let everyone involved know exactly when family photos are happening and that they need to stay nearby, seated, and not wander off.

Most weddings do family formals right after the ceremony, but if your timeline makes more sense doing them before, we can plan it that way too.

What happens if our wedding day runs late? What is your overtime rate, and how does it work?

If your timeline starts to run behind, I will check in with you. I am not going to quietly pack up and leave at an awkward moment like right before your first dance, so you do not need to stress about that.

If you would like me to stay longer, you can extend coverage in 30 minute increments. Overtime is $700 per hour (billed in half-hour blocks). I will send an invoice after I get home, and you can pay by credit card.

Because I only take on a limited number of weddings and I am fully committed to your day, I am able to offer overtime when needed. That said, it is pretty rare. In 15 years, I have only had to add extra time twice, and I credit that to solid timeline planning upfront.

What if it rains, snows, or it is super windy?

We roll with it. I always come in with a Plan A and a Plan B, and I will help you choose photo spots that are protected, flattering, and realistic for the conditions.

If it is light rain or snow and you are up for it, we can still step outside for a few quick, fun shots. If the weather is intense (heavy rain, extreme wind, unsafe temps), we will pivot to indoor options, covered areas, and locations that still look amazing on camera.

Either way, you are not going to end up with boring photos. Weather just gives us a different kind of magic.

Coverage and What to Expect

How would you describe your style?

My style is timeless and classic, so your photos will still feel just as beautiful years from now. On your wedding day, you will get a mix of natural candids and guided portraits. I keep things relaxed and real, but I will absolutely step in and direct when you need it. Think “candidly posed” moments, and yes, I will tell you exactly what to do with your hands (you are welcome).

What if our ceremony is in a dark church?

No worries at all. I have photographed ceremonies in every kind of lighting situation, including very dim churches. If flash is allowed, I will use it in a way that is respectful and unobtrusive. If flash is not allowed, I am fully prepared for that too. I use professional camera gear that performs well in low light, and my editing process helps keep your images clean, natural, and true to the moment.

Bottom line: whether your venue is bright or candlelit, you are covered. I have you.

Do you photograph details (dress, rings, invites) and what should we have ready?

Yes, I photograph all of those details. The best way to make it smooth is to have everything set aside in one spot before I arrive.

Have ready:

• Both rings (yours and your partner’s), with whoever I am photographing that morning

• Invitation suite (invite, envelope, RSVP, any extras)

• Jewelry and any sentimental items

• Shoes, purse, vow book, heirlooms, or anything special you want included

For your partner, gather their details too: watch, cufflinks, tie, cologne, and any accessories. If it matters to you, put it in the details pile.

What happens if you are sick or there is an emergency? Do you have backup coverage?

All of my standard wedding collections include a second photographer, and I work with a small, consistent team of 4 to 5 trusted photographers who are just as skilled and experienced. If something unexpected ever kept me from being there, my second photographer would step in as the lead, and I would bring in another photographer from my team to fill the second shooter role. I would still handle the editing personally and deliver your gallery exactly as promised.

To put your mind at ease, I have a very low likelihood of last-minute conflicts. I do not have children (and do not plan to), and I have already had my appendix removed, which eliminates two common emergency scenarios that can impact wedding day coverage.

In the rare event you are not comfortable with this backup plan, you would have the option of a full refund. In 15 years, I have only had to use my backup plan once, so while it is extremely unlikely, you can book knowing there is a solid plan in place.

Do I need to feed you?

Yes. For any wedding with 6 hours or more of coverage, I do require a hot vendor meal for myself and my second photographer. When you are talking with your venue, ask them to provide an actual hot meal (not a boxed lunch or sandwich) so I can eat quickly and stay energized for the rest of your day.

Also, double-check pricing. Many venues offer a vendor meal option that is much lower in cost than the guest meal, especially since I am not drinking alcohol.

Editing, Delivery, and Galleries

How long until I can see my photos?

I will post a sneak peek within the week after your wedding. I aim to have your full wedding gallery delivered within 8 weeks, with the option to add rush turnaround to view your images in 7 days.

Why don’t I get to see all the photos you took? You seemed to have taken thousands.

You would not want to see every photo I took. I cull them for you so you are seeing the best of each part of your day. I choose the images that meet my technical standards, plus the ones with the best expressions and moments.

This culling process is something I have down to a science, and I promise I am not hiding any amazing photos. I want you to love your images and actually use them, on your walls and in your wedding album.

How long is our gallery available online?

Your online gallery will be available for at least one year.

Can we share our gallery with friends and family?

Yes. Your gallery is easy to share, and you can send the link to friends and family anytime so they can view, download (if you choose), and order prints directly from the gallery.

Do you offer albums, prints, and wall art?

Yes. I offer wedding albums, prints, and wall art, and some collections include an album.

And I am going to be honest here: most couples say they will make an album themselves, and then life happens and it never gets done. A year or two later they come back wanting one, and it usually costs more than if it had been included from the start. If you want your photos to live off your phone and actually be enjoyed, an album is the way to do it.

Policies

What is your reschedule, cancellation, and refund policy?

Because I reserve your wedding date just for you (and turn away other work for that day), all payments are non-refundable.

Retainer
Your $1,000 retainer is non-refundable and applies toward your total.

Rescheduling
If something truly outside of anyone’s control happens (weather disaster, government restrictions, illness outbreaks, etc.), I am happy to work with you on a new date as long as I am available.

A new $1,000 non-refundable retainer is required to secure the new date, and it will be applied to your total balance.

Cancellation
If you cancel the wedding or decide not to move forward, the retainer and any payments made are not refundable.

Important note
Please communicate with me before changing your date or venue. If a new date or venue is chosen without checking my availability first, the retainer and any fees paid are forfeited.

Interested in Booking?
Contact me to book a consultation!