One of my favorite Temecula Winery spots to capture wedding photography is at Ponte Vineyards. What makes this winery especially nice is the easy access to the vineyards for taking photos. As a photographer, it’s especially nice as it cuts down on the amount of time required for photography after the ceremony. For brides and grooms, it’s nice since they don’t have to travel far or up and down hills to access the vineyards for the wedding day photos. (See image for example.)
In addition, Ponte Winery typically positions their ceremony toward the east. As a California Photographer, I have found the Temecula wineries that face their wedding ceremonies toward the east, the photographers fight less against the sunlight as it’s behind them. The only downside is when the wedding party walks down the aisle, the photographer is facing into the sun if the wedding is toward sunset time.
For more images, info and directions to Ponte Winery, visit my photography site.
This weeks wedding photo and wedding site is Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Located off of Rancho California Rd in Temecula, I have had the several opportunities to photograph weddings at this particular winery both prior to the addition of the new building and after the new reception facility. It’s like night and day. The new facility offers so much more opportunity for capturing wedding photos than what they use to have: a trailer. Actually, Wilson Creek Winery is perhaps one of my most favorite locations to photograph in wine country, Temecula.
Wedding Photography at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula
The new facility also allows for ariel photos of the outdoor reception area (as a side note, they do have indoor reception facilities as well). I have found the staff to be friendly and accommodating as well. They do allow the bride and groom along with the wedding photographer to take photos in the vineyards. I mention this since I have had some issues with other vineyards in the area. In addition, if you are planning on an engagement photography session, they will also take you up in to the vineyards on a different date. (But you will want to check with them to make sure. I know I have done this, but you may want to let them know this is your intent should you want engagement photos at the winery).
You can view images of a wedding I photographed at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula by visiting my Southern California Wedding Photographer gallery on my photography site. In addition, I have added some of the facility information for the winery below. You can also visit their website for more information on weddings at Wilson Creek. If for some reason their site is not working, I have added their contact information below the facilities list as well as a link to a map of the area.
Facilities information for Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula:
- Use of our facilities from 10am-2pm (or end at 3pm in the lower garden) or 5:30pm -10:30pm
- Select from one of our unique wedding and ceremony locations
- Champagne Ballroom and white wood wedding gazebo adorned with hanging fresh flower pots
- Intimate Barrel Room and Vineyard View ceremony site
- Merlot Mesa for your wedding and/or reception
- A Wilson Creek Event Coordinator and a Banquet Captain will assist you in making your dream wedding become a reality
- Beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains, creek and trees available for photo memories
- Outdoor torches, and ambient night lighting, including uplights and spotlights
- Air-conditioned bridal suite with private restroom- Grooms suite after May 2008
- 60” round or 72” round tables that seat 8 and 10 guests respectively, deluxe padded white resin chairs, banquet tables and gift tables
- Premium white damask floor length table linens with your choice of standard napkin colors
- Wedding cake table or use of our rustic wine barrel
- China, utensils, water glasses, wine glass, champagne flutes
- Outdoor patio heaters or Umbrellas with wine barrel base if required
- Silver or gold chargers, candle centerpieces, votive candles, sheppard hook with lantern isle décor (upon request)
- Gift Shop opened upon request- all your guests receive a 10% discount on purchases
- Our famous Wilson Creek Almond Champagne served at the wedding rehearsal to start your wedding weekend off festive and fun!
Temecula Creek Winery Contact Info:
35960 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591
951.699.WINE (9463) | info@wilsoncreekwinery.com
As you search the internet for wedding photographers, no doubt you will come across a multitude of articles or lists on how to hire a professional photographer; some of the articles may have been either written by a professional or inspired by one, while other articles have been created by either brides or sites that have never worked in the field of photography. As a professional wedding photographer, I would like to inject my experience and professionalism when it comes to creating a list of tips on hiring a professional wedding photographer for your special day.
Regardless of whether you have an idea of the style of photography you like or not, one thing is for certain, the type of wedding photographer you hire should be a personal choice and one you are completely happy with.
7 Tips to Consider When Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer:
- Make it a matter of style: Your selection of a wedding photographer should be based on the particular style you like. If you think all photographers are the same, think again. I once had a bride book me online, never seeing my work, and when she received her photos she was a bit upset at my style which was not what she had wanted. I make it a point to show my work and explain to the couple that I am not a “traditional” wedding photographer. I can appreciate the diverse styles other professionals have and so should you. So, my first tip is to make sure that what you want matches the style of photographer you are seeking. You will be able to tell by what they show you in their albums.
- Personality is paramount: I don’t mean that if a photographer doesn’t have a personality, you shouldn’t hire them. What I do mean is that the both of you should be able to hit it off and that your personalities should be compatible. You need to feel comfortable on your wedding day and the photographer needs to feel comfortable as well. I can recall a time when I was photographing an engagement session on the beach and the groom was a bit of a problem. He had a horrible attitude about the entire photo shoot, as well as his bride to be. At the end of the photo shoot, I simply told him that it would probably be best if he hired another photographer and that I wasn’t a fit for him. Needless to say, I received a phone call that evening with an apology. I explained to the groom that my roll as a photographer involved a creative process and that if he planned on being rude and disrespectful, it would be difficult for me to provide him with a quality product. He agreed. The point is, personality is important. He would have been better off hiring someone who may have matched his demeanor.
- View sample work: This may be a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how often brides don’t want to see the work and just get excited at the low cost or what they see on an online portfolio. Most photographers will show you there work. What you want to see is at least a complete wedding the photographer photographed and some nice formals, enhanced work, etc. But for the most part, you won’t have a problem seeing samples. My only take on this is ask how old the weddings in their albums are. The point here is that styles can change or the photographer may not have photographed a wedding in a few years. This may or may not be a problem, but it’s always good to see some fresh work. This will give you the confidence that the outcome is similar to what you may expect. (Side Note: No two weddings are alike and no two brides are alike, so don’t expect to see the exact same image from your wedding as you saw in the photographers book.)
- Get it in Writing: It’s a good practice for both couple and photographer to get what is being bought and offered in writing and on a contract. This way, there are no discrepancies when it comes time to collect your images and album.
- Determine who owns the copyright: While this may not be negotiable with many photographers, it’s a good idea to ask anyway. I retain the copyright, while I give limited copyright to the couple allowing them to reproduce the work. Some photographers give up the rights all together while others don’t. So, be sure to ask so you don’t end up with any surprises in the end.
- Referrals may or may not be a good thing: I make this bold statement because, what one family member or friend may have liked about their wedding photographer, may not be what you particularly like. But, getting a referral from a trusted source is a good start. You will at least know that your trusted source won’t lead you astray.
- Price is not everything: Because a photographer charges you a rate of $5,000 for a wedding package, does not make him/her the best and the opposite is true; If a photographers has a rate of $1,200 for a package, this does not mean their quality suffers. So don’t base your sole criteria of a photographer on price. Determine your budget range for a wedding photographer, and then seek the ones out that fit the style you like. Often times you may find someone with a slightly higher rate than you budgeted for, but you hire them anyway. The point here is find the style of photography you desire, and then try and find a photographer within your price range, giving consideration to those outside your range as well.
Hopefully this helps you on your quest to hiring a photographer for your special day. If you have any additional tips or questions, feel free to leave a comment.
