How far in advance do I need to book?
Most couples enquire 12-18 months before their wedding to check our availability, however as we have 2 principal photographers sometimes your date may still be available closer than this so please ask us.
What is a booking deposit?
To secure your wedding date a $300 deposit is required. I will then send you a Wedding Agreement which you need to sign and return to me to fully confirm your booking. This outlines terms and conditions.
Do you do weddings out of the Mornington Peninsula, and if so what are the travel costs?
Yes, we cover Australia-wide, NZ and overseas weddings. We have previously covered weddings in Canterbury, New Zealand and Hamilton Island. As we are based on the Mornington Peninsula there is NO extra cost involved with weddings on the Peninsula. We are still available for weddings in Melbourne which incur NO travel costs within 100km area of central Melbourne. For all other weddings we will give you a customised quote for travel, accommodation and transport.
Do we need to meet in person before the wedding?
Many of my clients are based overseas so I find emailing and phone calls work well. I would love to meet with you before your wedding, just contact me to arrange a time and place which suits.
Are you Qualified?
I am a fully qualified professional photographer successfully attaining my Diploma in Photography in Wellington, New Zealand. Both Susan and I are photographing as full time professionals, this is not a hobby to us, we are serious about our work.
How many photographers do I get?
What time of the day is the best light for photos?
The very best time of day for those dreamy, romantic, glowing images is usually the last couple of hours before sunset. This is the most flattering light and makes you look amazing! If possible try to plan the majority of your photography within that time.
Can we do photos before the ceremony?
Yes. Having your bridal party photos before the ceremony means you can then spend more time with your guests after the ceremony. It’s always a good idea to have a place in mind for your “first meeting” to still have that “wow” moment when seeing each other for the first time. You can travel further afield to different locations and also spend more time with each other during the day. We suggest arranging a picnic hamper with drinks and nibbles for you and your bridal party as it can end up being quite a long day!
How long should we allow for bridal party photos?
Depending on the locations and distant between anything from 1-2 hrs + travel time is sufficient. Ideally we would love to have 1 1/2 hrs with you and your bridal party after the family photos have been taken.
How long should we allow for family photos?
Usually around 15 group photos will take around 1/2 an hour. Make a list of each photo and the names of each person in the photo. Start with your biggest groups first eg: extended family, and work your way down to smaller photos eg: parents with bride & groom. Don’t forget to include photos with friends, grandparents, people who have travelled a long way to be with you etc.
Does the coverage include the groom getting ready?
The Beach Box package covers both the groom getting ready and the bride. Coverage of the groom can be added to the Mornington package at $200 p/hr
At what stage should the bride & bridesmaids be ready for photos?
It’s best to be ready to get into your gowns just after we arrive. We will start with the finishing touches of your hair and makeup while our assistant photographs all of your details such as the dresses, jewelry, flowers, shoes, etc. Then allow at least an hour for photos of you, your bridesmaids and any family members.
Rainy days make gentle and romantic imagery. So what - if it rains!
I always have a matching set of umbrellas for you and your bridal party to use so we try to stick to the original locations as much as possible. I have photographed in rain so hard, I could see the rain in the pictures, and they were fantastic. The evening shots after the storm made the sea so big it was spectacular, you can even get a rainbow on these days. Stormy weather makes the most dramatic moody shots which is great. Otherwise we organize a backup locations we can use in the very unlikely event of really bad weather, so there’s no need to worry!
How long before our photos are ready?
We spend a great deal of time working on your images, giving them a look which is unique to Vanessa Jones Photography. This means they will usually be available 3-6 weeks after your wedding, depending on the time of year, how many other weddings we are covering etc. We don’t like to rush them as each wedding should be given the most time possible to enhance all of the images.
When can we start working on our album?
As my time is in high demand over the summer months for weddings the time is a little longer. I will design the best possible album to reflect your day, including the most important moments of the day but also the small details, candid guest shots, and images which bring the day back to life, and compliment the overall layout. The album design usually takes around 3-6 weeks, then I arrange for you to view the design or email you a pdf. This gives you another opportunity to tweak your book or album, and make any changes. Then the file is sent away for production which takes 3-5 weeks depending on the album you select.
Can we order an album after the wedding?
Albums are always available, however prices do change over time.
Do you do Seldex albums?
Yes, these need to be priced individually, as they vary with the different combinations and styles available to you.