Everyone knows the photographer is one of the most important parts of a wedding, so when I got engaged, I did not take that fact lightly. I started asking my friends for recommendations and scrolling through WeddingWire’s long vendor lists for ideas. There were so many good options who came highly recommended, but a photographer’s credentials only mean so much. You also need to know what style you’re looking for and make sure the person you hire can bring your vision to life.

I actually thought I had found “the one” almost immediately. I was absolutely enamored by this photographer’s photojournalistic approach and knack at capturing the emotions of the day. She focused on documenting the little moments to tell a bigger story; the flower girl giggling to herself in the corner, a guest wiping away her tears, the groom taking in a breath as he looks over at his bride. I would scroll through her photos over and over, obsessed with her keen eye and raw sense of talent. There was no question that she deserved the many awards she received for her work. Even though I loved her style; however, after she sent over the contract, I felt slightly uneasy about my decision. Thankfully, my friend came over to drop something off at that same moment and as I started telling her about the photographer I chose, it suddenly became clear that I had chosen her for all the wrong reasons.

I loved looking through this photographer’s work because I find beauty in candidness and I appreciate the genuinity of ugly-pretty crying photos. But I’m a fashion blogger. I don’t post in-the-moment photos. In fact, anytime I see a candid photo of myself, I delete it. I like to be posed, I like to look pretty, and there is nothing I like better than colorful, sharp magazine-worthy images. I immediately called my mother and told her to hold off on sending the deposit.

The idea of starting from scratch was daunting, but also the best decision I could have made because I found Lilian Haidar of LH Photography. When I finally stopped looking at each photographer’s portfolio as an inspiration board, and instead used it as a test of compatibility, I stopped being blinded by the many options out there. I wanted crisp, stunning images. I didn’t want relaxed, candid shots. Lilian is an editorial wedding photographer and her photos literally look as if they came straight out of a magazine. She comes highly recommended on WeddingWire and once I figured out what I wanted, she was the clear choice.

On a side note, if you’re a social media enthusiast like I am, you’ll be excited to know that WeddingWire offers a Snapchat filter tool that helps you create a custom geofilter for your wedding. Check it out!

*Thank you WeddingWire for sponsoring this post!

Photography: Lilian Haidar of LH Photography

xx Esther