The Perfect Meeting: When Brides See Value Over Price

I had a great opportunity to speak to about 200 brides at a recent bridal show in Indianapolis.  It is always a great time to meet a refreshing new group of brides in the planning stages of their wedding.  This time, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Randy Baughn of Randall’s Photography, a good friend and colleague.

I won’t put words in Randy’s mouth, but will share my own perspectives of wedding photography and how my style may differ from others in the industry.

Developing Relationships

First of all, the number one question most brides ask is “how much are you”?  I never get bothered by that since this is a new group of ladies.  That being said, I am not a cheap photographer, nor am I the most expensive one.  I find that my experience has allowed me to see almost every kind of variation with wedding planning and work with an assortment of individuals.  Price is an important concern.

However, the typical Bello Romance Photography bride never asks that question initially.  She usually comes to visit with me, at a bridal show or over coffee somewhere, and enjoys my romantic style of photography.  After first enjoying what is developing before her eyes (envisioning herself in the images), she turns to engage in conversation to learn about who I am.

A Unique Experience

So, I have to tell you about Krystal.  She was one of the brides I met at the bridal show—and there were many.  As she heard me speaking, she told her maid of honor, Tasha, that she had to have me as her Indianapolis wedding photographer.  As I shared about choosing a wedding photographer, what she heard moved her heart.

A notable thought that I shared in choosing a photographer should almost parallel to how you choose a husband.  If you choose a husband “who will do,” you quite possibly have made a grave error in judgment—thus the high divorces in our country follow that kind of decision.  Obviously, a rule should not be to “settle” for your groom.; he should move your heart in a way that has hold of you.  Your wedding photographer should be one willing to build a relationship with you rather than sell to you.  Most wise women know a “pitch” when they hear one.

Many brides look at price over value, a common mistake when choosing.  If price is the determining factor, it brings into play so much about the order of the day.  If value and relationship are the determining factors, the day flows more with ease because of a trust that has been built.

With Krystal, her heart was so moved by what I said that she stayed close with me after my time with the microphone, talking when the opportunity arose at my bridal show booth.  She didn’t even initially look at our Bello Romance Photography images.  She was moved by more than price.  She saw value.  She dug deeper than many, and saw something that moved her heart.

Choose Value Over Cost

Brides think they hire us (which is true).  However, in a role reversal, we also hire our brides.  This is a two-way relationship.  We look for value in the bride as well.  As I said when I spoke, if a bride talks down to those around her, especially her mother, I do not want that bride.  I look for a certain respect, such as “people skills,” that can’t be taught later in life.  It comes from upbringing.

With Krystal, I saw a kindness towards me, and a respect for what we try to accomplish in fulfilling a bride’s dream.  This young woman is our ideal candidate because she is a great person first.  She didn’t come to the bridal show to see how many freebies she could gather.  She came knowing what she wanted and found that in Bello Romance Photography.  It didn’t hurt that she is a romantic, and valued that above other styles, such as photojournalism, contemporary, posed, etc.  Truly, my ideal kind of bride.

Thank you, Krystal.