Hopefully this list will be helpful as you plan your wedding!
We’ve grouped FAQs into three categories:
- Photography Collection | Investment
- Wedding Day Logistics
- General Outer Banks Wedding Information
If you have a question that we don’t address, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Collection / Investment FAQs:
Do I have access to the digital files?
Yes. All of our collections include your access to download the high resolution digital images. These images are sized at 300 dpi. They are large enough for you to print up to 40×60 prints.
Do you offer video?
We do not offer video services. We highly recommend these awesome professional videographers. Not only is their work great, we all work seamlessly together throughout your day.
- White Cap Films
- Reel Love Weddings, Benny Baldwin
- Swell Weddings, Chris Hannat
- Heart’s Home Films, Chris McArdle
Can I add on time to my package at a later date?
Absolutely. We work with you to choose the best timing for your package, but as your wedding date nears, if you’d like to add on additional hours, you’re welcome to do so.
Do I have the copyright to my images?
You have personal usage and print release to your images. This means that you can share them on social media, with family, friends, etc. You can print them on your own through whatever printer you choose. We retain the copyright to all images that we make. This means you won’t be able to commercially publish or sell the images, but you do have all personal usage rights to the images.
Should I have 1 or 2 photographers?
We have carefully and thoughtfully prepared our collections so that we can give all of our clients THE BEST images and coverage. In over 20 years of experience we’ve found that having 2 photographers is really important for the BEST coverage for medium to large weddings.
Do you travel to Ocracoke?
Yes! Since we live in Hatteras, it’s just a hop on the ferry for us. It’s also our favorite place on the Outer Banks to photograph! We have NO wedding travel fees for Ocracoke Island.
Who will be my photographer?
You’ll have either Daniel or Kate as your lead photographer. When we chat about your day we’ll fit you with the photographer that fits your style + energy!
What is your booking and retainer policy?
We require a 50% nonrefundable retainer and a signed contract (by both bride and groom) to book the date. The retainer is non-refundable, but in the event that circumstances like those of 2020 come up, and you need to change your wedding date, we are able to transfer the retainer to a future date for a small rebooking fee. We do not offer refunds on retainers or final payments for cancelled events.
Do you offer albums?
Yes! We LOVE creating albums for our clients. Albums are available as a la carte add-ons to your package.
Is a free engagement session included?
Client with wedding packages with 6 or more hours receive a complementary engagement session. All wedding clients also have the option to add on the engagement session as an additional hour of service.
Will you hold my date?
To secure the date we require a 50% retainer and signed contact. We do not hold dates without the retainer/contract.
Do you travel outside of the Outer Banks?
Yes! We’ve shot weddings both internationally and around the country in Central America, New York, Georgia, Kansas, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Beaufort, Atlanta, Long Island, and Asheville! Our travel fee includes transportation and three nights lodging.
Do you have a liability certificate?
Yes. We are covered by Liability Insurance and should your event site or planner need a copy of our certificate, we’ll gladly provide that for you.
Do you have a drone?
Yes, we do have a drone, and when permitted, we love using it!
What kind of camera gear do you use?
We use professional Sony Professional cameras and lenses.
The Wedding Day: Photography Questions:
What time of day should I have my ceremony?
If you’re having an Outer Banks Wedding, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, you want to make sure to time your ceremony around the sunset time. In the spring and fall you’ll want to have the ceremony early enough that you still have about an hour before sunset after the ceremony. For summer, you’ll want to make sure that you have the ceremony late enough that it isn’t too hot and bright. Sunrise elopements are beautiful too!! On the Outer Banks it is all about LIGHT. We’ll help you choose the perfect timing!
How early should photography begin?
This answer will vary depending on your wedding style and size. However, all of our wedding collections begin no less than 1 hour prior to the ceremony. As story-tellers it’s really important for us to have images that lead into the ceremony. And the hours leading up to the wedding are our favorite because there is so much excitement and anticipation. It isn’t just about “Getting Ready” photos… think about it as the introduction to the story. A great introduction gets you hooked!
Can we take family | bridal party portraits prior to the ceremony?
We’ll work with you on this to make the best decision for your day! Sometimes this is a definite YES! Sometimes, because of summer heat, location, size of group etc. we don’t suggest it.
Can we take portraits in multiple locations?
Yes! We know the ins and outs of every beautiful secret spot on the Island, and can choose one or more of them for your first look or couple portraits after the ceremony. We do recommend for timing that we travel prior to the ceremony if possible, that way you don’t have to leave your guests waiting!
What if it rains?
First, if it rains, our best advice is to roll with it. Know that it will still be wonderful, and that the weather changes every hour here on the Outer Banks! Secondly, if it does rain during the time we would have been taking outdoor portraits, we’ll gladly take you out the next available day for sunny portraits on the beach, at no extra charge!
General Outer Banks Wedding Questions:
Do I need a permit?
If you are getting married on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (south of Nags Head to Ocracoke), Yes!
Here is a link to the National Park Permit Site.
Also, many locations require a photography permit for weddings and/or engagement sessions.
What is your favorite venue?
Hands down, our favorite venue on the Outer Banks is Inn on the Pamlico Sound. Not only is it literally in the most beautiful location possible, the staff are awesome to work with, and it’s a stone’s throw from our house!
We also LOVE The Berkley Manor in Ocracoke. The facility and setting are breathtaking. Ocracoke is our home away from home, and anyone looking for a romantic wedding getaway won’t be disappointed!!
When is the best time of year to get married on the Outer Banks?
This totally depends upon you! We’re a bit biased, but every season is beautiful. Most clients choose the spring and fall because the air and water temperatures are wonderful. If we had to choose, we’d say, Fall. Yes, it’s during hurricane season, but there is nothing to match the beauty of fall sunsets on the Outer Banks!
Do you have vendor recommendations?
Once you book with us we’ll be happy to provide you with our list of preferred vendors!
Reach out to ask us more questions!
If you have more Outer Banks wedding questions, contact us! We’ll be happy to answer what we can, and what we can’t we’ll point you to someone who can!
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