Samantha + Christopher’s South Gate Manor Wedding
Samantha + Christopher
October 30, 2021
South Gate Manor
Natural, Fun, and Memorable Photography
Hi Samantha, thank you so much for spending some time with me on the phone, sharing the hopes, dreams, and priorities of your wedding. We had a wonderful time speaking with you, and felt like we are really on the same page regarding so many things including photography style, which is always a win! Here are some of the things we discussed as being priorities to you:
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On your wedding day you hope to escape from life, feel comfortable, not stressed – not be too emotional, and not think too much about the logistics as they have already been figured out. Your personal rapport with vendors is important and it is one of the biggest reasons you picked the South Gate Manor
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You have some concerns about being the center of attention and want to be comfortable In front of the camera
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10 years from now, you want to look at photos of mom and grandpa walking down the aisle, mom and grandma before ceremony, a really nice couple’s portrait, or candid from sweetheart table, memorable photos with parents/family
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Some of the priorities for you are: Christopher’s reaction first time seeing Samantha going down aisle, getting ready photos with mom + sister, family photos, having FUN with friends
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Princeton is where you met, and it is an important place to you – so you’d really like to do some photos there as well after the ceremony
“Not only is his work incredible, he is a funny guy, and a lot of fun to work with. He is so patient and calm, and knows how to give great directions so the shot looks natural and perfect. He clearly works hard on his craft, and it shows.”
-Nicole + Ryan, November 2019
Everywhere, but Nowhere
Based on our conversation it became very apparent that you do not want a photographer who will be in people’s faces during moments that should be natural and documented in a photo-journalistic fashion. Unlike some photographers who turn the wedding into their own fashion shoot, we strive to be “everywhere, but nowhere” at the same time. Meaning we will do our best to blend into the crowd capturing genuine reactions and moments as they happen, without interfering.
A Focus on Movement
Although we will do a few posed photos, the main focus for your portrait session will be on free flowing, authentic, and interactive prompts. You don’t need to worry about looking stiff or uncomfortable in your photos. I will quickly figure out what prompts get you both feeling like yourselves in front of the camera, so your wedding day will be a breeze. Can’t wait to see you laughing, walking, dancing, and spinning together!
Everyone Enjoying Themselves!
You want to be able to look back on your wedding photos years from now, and remember how much fun you and all of your guests had. This is best accomplished by good planning. Leading up to your wedding we will talk multiple times and create a perfect timeline for you that will allow you to be stress-free, and enjoy your wedding, while still getting every single photo you want! It really stood out to me that you wanted to make sure everyone was enjoying your wedding too.
Family Matters
During our call, you mentioned several times how important the familial aspect of your wedding is to you. Although we always make sure to capture plenty of candid moments, and all of the posed family formals – we will keep it EXTRA in mind for your wedding. I think it is wonderful that you want to have a set of photos that will become instant family heirlooms, to both match the past, and be cherished for generations to come.
Custom Packages
$3895
Documenting all of the special moments of your wedding including from putting your dress on all the way through your reception with you and your loved ones breaking it down on the dance floor. Of course we’ll include many photographs of the two of you, your guests, and family as well.
11 Hours Coverage by Mike Zawadzki
11 Hours Coverage by 2nd Photographer
2 Hour Engagement Session
Online gallery with printing rights
$200 Giftcard to use in gallery or towards additional album upgrades.
“He literally broke a sweat at our wedding and trooped through despite how hot it was. He was always in immediate communication, replies within the hour (faster), and is quick to deliver photos. You know you’ll always get quality work from mike and his team. I received quite a few wedding photographs back immediately after my wedding so I had something special to share with my family. “
-Nicole + Eric, July 2019
$4695
Adds a couples wedding album. The design and revision process will follow what we discussed on the phone, and you will have a beautiful (and high quality) album that will last for hundreds of years if stored properly.
11 Hours Coverage by Mike Zawadzki
11 Hours Coverage by 2nd Photographer
2 Hour Engagement Session
10×10” 30 Page Archival Wedding Album
Online gallery with printing rights
$200 Giftcard to use in gallery or towards additional album upgrades.
He was so professional (we barely noticed him in action, which was important to us because we didn’t want any distractions from our event) and he captured it PERFECTLY! His photos will be cherished for a lifetime and I am so beyond glad we hired him to shoot our very special day.
-Jenna, April 2019
$5295
Adds a set of parent albums.
11 Hours Coverage by Mike Zawadzki
11 Hours Coverage by 2nd Photographer
2 Hour Engagement Session
10×10” 30 Page Archival Wedding Album
Set of 2x 8×8” Parent Albums (matching couple’s design)
Online gallery with printing rights
$200 Giftcard to use in gallery or towards additional album upgrades.
“Mike and his team have literally turned our special night into the most incredible memories we could have ever imagined. Let me say, our family is HUGE and our wedding party even bigger. Even with the last minute changes stress of having to fit so many photos into a small time frame, Mike and his crew, were able to get every single picture taken, down to very last moments of our night. We are so truly incredibly grateful to have found Mike.”
Galina + Andrew, May 2019
See more of our raves, reviews, and where we have been published!
He’s a great guy, incredibly personable, and always there for you.
Our photos are breathtaking! Mike is also someone who makes you feel at ease, which was essential for the first time we’ve ever been had professional photos taken. The pictures are the memories and it was extremely important to us that we found someone we could trust with this truly monumental day, to capture each precious moment. Mike exceeded our expectations. In addition to all this, he’s a great guy, incredibly personable, and always there for you. My emails, texts and calls were returned so quickly, most often with an immediate response. Mike could also add therapist to this list of achievements, as he helped coach us through some difficulties with our venue, while never wavering on his commitment to making our day epic. This guy makes a parking lot look like a dream. We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with him!
-Betsy N. October 2019
Additional Galleries
Veronica + Mike
Veronica & Mike got married on a rainy day, yet we got stunning, bright – and powerful photos. This shows that we know how to make lemonade on even the gloomiest and cold days. There’s also a church ceremony so you can see how we work in lower light conditions!
Alison + Tim
Alison & Tim had a lovely wedding at the terrain cafe which has a vibe I think you might like! They shared many loving pre-ceremony moments, danced the night away, and even had their two dogs as ring bearers! They also had an epic sparkler exit too, along with a variety of night photos!
Sean + Sara
When you mentioned fun and interactive photos and worried not being comfortable in front of the camera, I instantly thought of Sean and Sara’s engagement session! This will give you an idea of how I get my couples comfortable and ready to go!
Click here to view
What’s Next For Us
I am so excited to follow up and go over this proposal to listen to what you like, what you might be concerned about, and what else I may be able to do for you. However if you’re already in love with what you see here, and want to book right away, you can contact me now, and I will send your choice of package with a $1000 retainer. I accept all major credit and debit cards through the secure online portal on my website!
Mike Zawadzki
info@mikezawadzki.com
973-941-2940
