The $12,000 Wedding Mistake Nobody Tells You About

So, maybe you’ve picked the dream destination. You’ve got the location ideas, the mood board, and you’re looking up plane tickets. If you’re anything like me your Pinterest tabs are slightly out of control. Now comes the big “who” for the photos.

You’ll see a lot of advice saying you should just “hire local” to save a few bucks. And while there are amazing photographers everywhere, there is a massive difference between hiring a person who lives at the destination and bringing along someone who actually knows you.

Let’s talk about why flying your photographer out is actually the secret to a stress-free wedding day.

1. No “Lost in Translation” Moments

I’m not just talking about the language (though that’s a big one!). I’m talking about the shorthand. My goad is to build a good connection with one another. If we are in the same area, we’ve likely grabbed some coffee. I am well aware that these images are images you’ll cherish forever and I take that incredibly seriously.

When you hire someone local you’ve never met, you’re spending your wedding day teaching them who you are. There might be some awkwardness in the beginning, and that is not at all how you want to feel on your big day. When you bring me along? We hit the ground running because we’re already on the same page.

2. You Know Exactly Who is Showing Up

One of the scariest things about booking overseas is the “portfolio vs. reality” gamble. Some big local studios have 10 different shooters, and you might not know who actually ends up with the camera until the morning of the wedding.

By flying me out, you’re getting the person whose work you actually fell in love with. No surprises, no “bait and switch”—just the style and personality you already trust.

3. We’re in This Adventure Together

When I travel for a wedding, I’m not just “clocking in”. I’m there for the whole journey. I’m scouting the beach the day before, checking the light at the exact time that you want to say your vows, and probably helping you pin your boutonniere because I’ve done it a thousand times. Believe it or not, there have been times I am re-doing hair, touching up make up, pinning dresses, sewing a rip… the list goes on.

I’m your advocate. If the coordinator is rushing you or the weather turns weird, I’m the familiar face in your corner making sure we still get the shots that make your heart skip a beat.

The Bottom Line

Yes, there are travel expenses involved… But what you’re really buying is your experience and peace of mind. You’re making sure that when you look back at these photos in twenty years, they don’t just look like “a wedding”—they look like your wedding.