The Best Backdrop Locations
An experienced Vermont wedding photographer will know the best and most accessible locales for your picture backdrops. For example, if you're planning on tying the knot at the Green Mountain Inn, he or she will likely position you and your wedding party outside in front of this famous mountain range for a shot or two in addition to indoor candids. If you have ideas of your own, be sure to ask. Some photographers are willing to travel a reasonable distance in order to take pre-ceremony pictures; be sure to ask in advance what additional charges there may be, including mileage.Vermont's many lakes and reservoirs are popular wedding photography hot spots -- check out Lake Champlain on the New York/Vermont border, Lake Memphremagog to the north or Lake Bomoseen, the largest natural lake in Vermont. So are the Green Mountains, whose 250 miles include dozens of resorts, hotels and hideaways. The state's towns and rural areas offer an earthy charm; take the scenic route to discover a lovely covered bridge or centuries-old historic town as a background for your wedding photos. If you're unfamiliar with the area, ask your wedding coordinator or a friend who has visited the state in the past.
The Seasonal Advantage
Vermont's northeastern location and its position on the coast of the Atlantic make it an area that experiences seasons of dramatic beauty. Take advantage of Vermont's natural changes to capture beautiful colors on your big day. Autumn is, of course, Vermont's most cherished season; stand in front of bright golds, deep russet reds and brilliant orange shades for your late September to mid October wedding. Check online to find out when peak leaf season can be expected; this typically lasts approximately two weeks, but leaves will generally begin their big change earlier and retain some color into the end of October.Spring is another wonderful time of year to tie the knot in Vermont. A "candid" shot of the bride in a stand of bursting spring wildflowers, or a photograph of the happy couple kissing beneath the branches of a blossoming apple tree, will be favorite additions to your wedding album.
Winter has its own special beauty in Vermont, as does summer, with its full-grown foliage in deep greens. Be careful when choosing these two seasons; have a backup location available, such as the inside of a cozy mountain ski lodge, for taking pictures in the case of inclement weather.
Your Photographer's Portfolio
Vermont offers a wealth of wedding photographers, but styles vary, as does experience. Your wedding photographer should have verifiable credentials and a list of references for you to call. He or she should also have a portfolio immediately available for you to look through. Ask to see a variety of poses and two to three different weddings so that you can get a feel for the photographer's style, skill level and his or her artistic eye (how he or she captures emotions, the moment and the scenery).Photographers should also have access to the latest photographic technology, preferably on the premises. Most of today's photographers take pictures digitally and can submit proofs to you for your approval before making prints. Ask what sizes and styles of prints the photographer can make and carefully look over the quality of the albums themselves, as well as the clarity and color of finished portfolio samples.
Once you have your photographer contracted, relax and enjoy the countdown to that most special of days in one of the country's most beautiful locations.