Why It’s Worth Investing in a Quality Wedding Photographer
May 16, 2025
Your wedding day is one of the most meaningful, emotional, and fleeting days of your life. It’s a day full of moments that move too fast — the quiet nerves before the ceremony, your partner’s face when they first see you, the tearful hugs, the wild dance floor joy. After the dress is packed away and the flowers fade, what remains are your photos. That’s why choosing a quality wedding photographer is not just a checkbox on your planning list — it’s an investment in your legacy.
Wedding Photography Is More Than Just Pretty Pictures
I know firsthand how much time, love, and energy couples pour into planning their wedding day. You’re not just throwing a party — you’re creating a memory you’ll carry for a lifetime. And long after the vows are said and the cake is eaten, your photographs are what you’ll return to again and again.
This is why I believe wholeheartedly in the value of hiring a professional photographer who understands how to tell your story with honesty, beauty, and intention. It’s not about getting the cheapest option or the most Instagram followers. It’s about finding someone whose work will still resonate with you ten, twenty, fifty years from now.
True-to-Color Editing Matters More Than You Think
Editing styles come and go, and as a photographer, I’ve seen so many trends rise and fall. From heavy orange-and-teal tones to desaturated film edits, they often look cool right now. But here’s the hard truth: I’ve had countless people tell me years later that they regret choosing a photographer based on a trendy editing style. They look back at their wedding photos and don’t feel like themselves — or worse, they barely recognize the true colors of their day.
That’s why I’ve chosen to keep my editing style timeless and true-to-color. I want your photos to reflect how your wedding really looked and felt—not how a preset made it appear. The lush green of the trees, the warmth in your skin tone, the softness of your dress, the candlelight at dinner — those are details you’ll want to remember accurately.
When you’re 60, flipping through your wedding album with your grandchildren, I want you to feel like you’re right back in that moment, not distracted by an editing style that aged out of fashion.
Your Wedding Is Not the Time to Experiment
Listen, I love a good trend as much as anyone. I’m all for creative expression and modern aesthetics. But your wedding day? That’s not the time to take risks with something as important as your memories.
Even if you’re drawn to a certain “look” right now, it’s worth asking yourself — will I still love this in five or ten years? Trends change, but your photos are forever. That’s why I gently encourage couples to choose a photographer whose work feels classic, honest, and enduring.
When I photograph a wedding, my goal is always the same: to create images that will still move you decades from now, not just impress your Instagram followers this week.
What Goes Into a Photographer’s Pricing?
Wedding photography isn’t just about showing up and snapping photos. There’s a lot that goes into pricing, and I think it’s important for couples to understand what they’re paying for.
Here’s what you’re investing in:
- Experience: A seasoned photographer knows how to handle everything from unpredictable weather to tricky lighting situations. We know how to stay calm, anticipate moments, and guide you gently while making sure we capture the real magic.
- Time: While you might only see us on the wedding day, we’re investing 30–50+ hours per wedding. This includes consultations, timeline planning, travel, culling thousands of images, and hand-editing each photo to tell a cohesive story.
- Equipment & Backup: We bring multiple professional cameras, lenses, lighting gear, memory cards, and backup systems. Your day deserves the best — no compromises.
- Insurance & Licensing: Professional photographers carry business insurance and are licensed, giving you peace of mind and professionalism you can trust.
- Artistic Vision: You’re hiring someone to see the moments you might miss. Someone who can turn fleeting glances, quiet tears, and joyful chaos into art.
What’s the Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the average cost for an 8 hour wedding photography package typically falls between $3,000 and $5,500. This range depends on the photographer’s experience, reputation, editing style, and what’s included in their packages.
- For one photographer, you can expect to pay around $3,000–$4,500.
- For two photographers (which allows for broader coverage and different angles throughout the day), the range is closer to $4,000–$5,500+.
Some photographers include engagement sessions, custom albums, or print credits in their pricing, which adds to the value. When comparing packages, make sure you’re looking not just at hours but also what’s included in the overall experience.
Why You Should Consider Hiring Me
I won’t pretend to be the only great wedding photographer out there, or the flashiest, or the trendiest. What I will say is this: I care deeply about the people I photograph.
I approach every wedding with a blend of professionalism, calm presence, and genuine heart. I’ll help guide you when needed, but I’ll also know when to step back and let the moment unfold naturally. I capture the big emotions and the quiet ones — the hand-squeezes, the teary parent glances, the joy between friends.
I don’t want your photos to look like everyone else’s. I want them to look like you.
You deserve someone who will take the time to understand what matters most to you, someone who knows how to be both present and invisible, someone who can tell your story in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and true.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d be honored to document your day.
Ready to Learn More?
You can see my work and learn more about my approach to weddings at hayleyhoward.co. I offer personalized packages for weddings of all sizes, and I’m happy to talk through what would be the best fit for you and your partner. If you’d like to reach out, you can contact me directly here.
However you choose to document your wedding, my hope for you is this: that your photos bring you joy every time you see them, that they reflect the truth of your day, and that they never go out of style.
Because your love deserves nothing less.
