How far in advance do brides book your services for the wedding day? 

Spring and fall dates typically fill up a year in advance. March, April, May, June, October, and November are the most popular wedding months in our area. Dates for other months typically fill up six to nine months in advance. I recommend booking as soon as you know your date and have reserved your wedding venue(s). If you’re planning a wedding and you’re inside this time frame (even as close to a few months before your wedding), don’t hesitate to contact us. We may still have the date available!

How many hours of coverage do I need? 

9-10 hours is the ideal amount of coverage for most brides. With 9-10 hours of coverage, we can be sure to get everything from you getting ready, to your formal portraits with your bridal party, your family, and your groom (of course!), as well as the ceremony and reception.  Ten hours of coverage is especially recommended for weddings that have larger bridal parties and longer ceremonies, as well as weddings that involve a commute from the wedding venue to the reception venue. We have found that anything less than 9 hours is just not enough to cover a wedding the way we would like unless it is an elopement. For more information, on packages and rates, please contact us. We love meeting with our brides in person and going over all the options so that you get the coverage that is best for your wedding.

Do you recommend a First Look?

First Looks are our favorite new bridal tradition and are so much more than the bride and groom just seeing each other before the wedding ceremony. If you feel faint at the suggestion of a first look, we encourage you to read on before making your decision.

First Looks are an opportunity for the bride and groom to share some private time together before they say their “I Dos” and to catch their breath amongst the hustle and bustle of the day. When brides and grooms do not do a first look, they may not even get a chance to talk to each other until well into the reception! We have never had a bride and groom regret doing a First Look. In fact, the couples that do a First Look usually love the photographs that are taken during that moment the most.

A secondary benefit of doing a first look is that it allows us to complete all bridal party and family portraits before the ceremony, meaning everyone can head to the reception after the ceremony is over. This not only gives you more time with your guests, but it also makes the day feel less rushed, giving you the opportunity to savor and enjoy your wedding day. Still uncertain about a First Look? No worries! Although we strongly recommend First Looks and many couples love this new tradition, we want you to choose the option that is best for you!

Do your packages include engagement sessions? 

An engagement session can be added to any package and we highly recommend them to all of our couples. Engagement sessions are a great way for us to get to know each other and for you to become comfortable with the camera. It’s also nice when, years later, you have photos beyond those that were taken on your wedding day. Having photos that capture the joy of being engaged, reflect your life, looking as you normally do, and doing something you would normally do is something that you will treasure. Many couples later incorporate their engagement portraits into the wedding day, which is always a fun treat for friends and family.

Where are you located? 

Jennie Tewell Photography is located in Daphne, Alabama, but we frequently photograph weddings across the Gulf Coast region. We will travel anywhere within 150 miles with no additional fees.

Are you available for travel/destination weddings?

Yes! I’m willing to travel anywhere. I have been to California, New Mexico, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and more! If you’re planning a wedding out of state, contact me for more information and travel rates.

Do your packages include digital images?

Absolutely. All of our packages include high-resolution digital images and a print release stating that you can make copies for personal use.

How long does it take for the photos to go online? 

Our standard turnaround time for delivering your photos is six to eight weeks. During busy season, please allow eight-ten weeks for delivery. With that being said, we provide very large sneak peeks within the first two weeks after your wedding.

How do I reserve my date?

The only thing that is required to reserve your date is 25% of your package total and a signed contract. The 25% serves as a non-refundable retainer to hold your wedding date. Once your contract is signed and your deposit is paid, the date is yours! Please note that no date is reserved until we have received both the contract and the retainer. Inquiring with Jennie Tewell Photography does not mean your date is reserved.

It is not unusual for us to get multiple inquiries for the same date, sometimes even on the same day. Our policy is first-come, first serve. If you have inquired with us for a date, but not paid a retainer, we will make every attempt to follow up with you before accepting a retainer from someone else, but due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we are not able to hold dates without payment. If you are ready to book with us, please do not delay in paying your retainer and completing your contract.

Who will be my photographer and do your packages include a second shooter? 

Jennie will be the main photographer, and all of our packages include two photographers and a print release. For more information on photography investment, please click here.

Can I meet with you in person before I book with you? 

Of course! We LOVE meeting with our brides (and grooms if they want to come) for a complimentary consultation or a phone call if you prefer. We are happy to walk you through a typical wedding day timeline, answer any questions you may have and show you some samples of our work in print. Please contact us to schedule your bridal consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions – Alabama Wedding Photographers