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Welcome Guide

WELCOME You are on your way to having the best day and I'm so happy to work with you two and tell your story through my images. There is nothing I love more than making sure my clients have a relaxed, stress-free wedding day! I am here for you throughout this process, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need vendor recommendations, have questions or just need someone to talk to. I'm so excited to work with you, so let's do this thing!!! Congratulations!

What's Next?Most wedding collections includes an engagement session (within an hour radius of Bend, Oregon). We will want to get that on my calendar to make sure there is plenty of time to photograph and edit the photos for any save the dates, invites or prints you're wanting to showcase on your day. You will receive an email from me shortly after booking to get that scheduled. You will also receive a getting to know you questionnaire that should be completed prior to your engagement session. This really helps me to connect with you two and have the best shoot possible! About 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding day, I will send out another questionnaire to discuss the important events of your day, as well as all your vendor details, shot lists, contact information, etc. This questionnaire is critical to create your photo timeline. If you are working with a wedding planner, please make sure to keep me in the loop regarding the timeline you are creating with them so that we can work together efficiently to have the best light for your romantic wedding portraits!

Planning Timeline4-12+ Months Prior 1-2 Months Prior 2-3 Weeks Prior Week Of Day Of Week After 6-8 Weeks After Schedule and photograph your engagement sessionTimeline & Wedding Details QuestionnaireFinalizing TimelineGathering & organizing important details to bephotographed Wedding Day!Sneak Peek Gallery DeliveredFinal Wedding Gallery Delivered

CommunicationEmail is my preferred method of communication: erica@ericaswantekphotography.com My business hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm, although they do vary with wedding season. I strive to respond to all emails within 48 business hours. *Please note that my days are constantly changing with appointments. If you call and reach my voicemail, please follow up with an email so I can store all questions in your personal file! I ask that all unscheduled calls are during business hours. My business number is (541) 241-8776 and is voice only. Please DO NOT text this number as I will NOT receive it. You may text my personal cell at (541) 678-0641 for urgent matters. However I maynot respond outside of business hours. Thank you for understanding!

Frequently AskedQuestions

Q:Where should we do our engagement session?A: Engagement sessions are included within a hour radius of Bend, Oregon. I'm happy to offer suggestions for you! If you want to shoot outside of this radius, I'm happy to travel. Reach out to discuss your desired location and a quote for travel! FAQs Q:What if we don't want an engagement session?A: While I definitely encourage you to do one, I get it if it's just not for you. We can totally swap it out for a day before/after session or I'm happy to offer you a print credit as well. Q:Can we have the raw photos?A: I do not typically offer raw photos as it's not an accurate representation of my work. A raw file is essentially an undeveloped negative and I've put years of experience into creating my style so it's not an accurate representation of my work. Plus, raw files are huge, editing is time consuming and you need specific programs to work with them. Q: What time of day do you recommend our couple's portraits?A: I always strive to take your formal couple's portraits during the golden hour, which is that hour or so before sunset. It's the dreamiest light of the day and really makes a huge difference in your images. Depending on what time of year you are getting married, this time could be later in the evening, or during the dinner hour. I will help you plan your timeline to make sure we have some time for these photos, but you'll want to be sure you have enough coverage to do these. Q: Should we do a first look?A: Absolutely! I know some of you like tradition, but I really encourage you to consider a first look because not only are the photos amazing, but it really helps to keep you from spending your entire cocktail hour taking all the formal photos.

A: Yes, pretty please! I definitely always bring snacks, but I do ask that you provide me (and any assistant I bring) a HOT meal. I also ask that you make sure your venue and planner know that I need to eat right after you and your wedding party are served, so that I can be ready to take photos when you're done eating. This is the only time of the day I have a true break to eat, so it's super important to me to make sure my brain is functioning. Q:Do I need to provide you with a meal?Q:Do you have a second photographer that shoots with you?A: You may add a second photographer to help capture your day, but one is not included in the base coverage. If you are having a wedding with more than 100 people, or want getting ready photos of both of you, then we should definitely discuss adding an additional photographer.Q: Are the digital files included in the price & how do we get them?A: Yes, you will receive the edited digital files delivered in an online gallery, which you may download andprint on your own, or you may purchase professional quality prints right through your gallery.A: I get it, you're a private person! However, my business is based on sharing real client images to share withpotential clients just like yourselves. If you don't want me to share them, that's okay, but there is an additional feebecause of lost marketing opportunities. I'm happy to discuss this with you if it's a real concern.Q: What if we don't want our photos shared?

A: Before deciding on a ceremony start time, there are few questions we will ask you to think about:1. Are you doing a first look with your partner?2. How long do you anticipate the ceremony lasting?3. When is sunset? These questions will help us determine the best time for your ceremony based on wedding day wishes as well as best lighting!Here is an 8 hour sample timeline based on a 5:00pm ceremony start time & Sunset at 8:45PM:2:00PM2:30PM3:00PM4:30PM5:00PM5:30PM6:30PM7:00PM7:30PM8:00PM10:00PMHair and Makeup to FinishWedding Attire OnFirst Look + Wedding Party PicturesGuests Arrive + Wedding Party HiddenCeremony BeginsCocktail Hour + Group PicturesDoors Open + Introductions + First Dance + Welcome/BlessingDinner BeginsToasts + Cake Cutting + Parent DancesSunset Portraits/Open DancingReception Concludes + ExitQ: Can you share a sample timeline with us to help us decide a ceremony start time?

Vendor RecommendationsHAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTSMakeup Mafia Weddings • makeupmafiaweddings.comBased in Bend, Oregon, Christine is absolutely fabulous! She has worked with numerous famous celebrities and is absolutely the sweetest. Christine is so easy to talk to and she will make you feel gorgeous on your big day! Edge Hair & Makeup • edgehairmakeup.comAnother talented artist in Bend, Oregon, Lori has won Oregon Bride's Best of for 8 years in a row! In fact, she is who I chose to hire when I had professional photos taken of myself. Lori's ability to put you at ease as well as her ability to listen and deliver what you want is why she's the best of the best! Kate Hana Artistry • katehanaartistry.comKate is another Bend, Oregon local and specializes in makeup. She is an incredibly talented makeup artist and a freaking rad human! She plays keyboards in a local band and is really a fun person to be around. She also has her own skincareline. Classic Beauty by Heather • facebook.com/classicbeautybyheatherLocated in Central Oregon, Heather does both hair & makeup and will travel to you on your wedding day. She has a team of artists that she will bring for your entire bridal party.

FLORISTSWoodland Floral • woodlandfloral.comTracy is based out of Sisters, Oregon and her floral work blows me away. She creates the most beautiful pieces that are earthy, sourcing her flowers locally whenever possible. She is a true hippie at heart and my soul sister. I absolutely adore working with her and know that she will always create something fabulous!The Poise Shoppe • centraloregonweddingflowers.comBased out of Prineville, Oregon, The Poise Shoppe is a full service floral shop that has been family owned for over 35 years. Michelle is the owner and head designer, and is not only a wonderful human, but an incredible floral artist. Summer Robbins Flowers• summerrobbinsflowers.comSummer is located in Bend, Oregon and creates the most stunning floral arrangements. Summer is the first florist I connected with here in Bend when I started photographing weddings in 2016 and she continues to remain a wonderful friend. Wild Poppy Florist• wildpoppyflorist.comSunriver, Oregon based Wild Poppy Florist has 20+ years in the floral business and will custom create florals for your wedding day. Sarah Renard Floral • sarahrenardfloral.comBased in Portland, Oregon, but serving all the of the PNW, Sarah is a incredibly talented florist. She will work with you to create custom floral designs for your day. Freckled Fleurs • freckledfleurs.netMegan resides in Southern Oregon and serves all of Oregon. She crates stunning natural arrangements that are unique, earthy and custom to each wedding.

OFFICIANTSWendy Duncan Ministries • wendyduncanministries.comLocated in Central Oregon, Wendy creates beautiful custom ceremonies for you. and will travel anywhere in the PNW for your intimate wedding or elopement. She has been officiating weddings and elopements since 2011 and loves to work with all couples. Weddings With Heart • weddingswithheart.comMary Ellen is located in Bend, Oregon and will travel anywhere in the PNW for your intimate wedding or elopement. She has been officiating weddings and elopements since 1995 and weaves many traditions and cultures into her custom created ceremonies. She encourages hugs and kisses throughout your ceremony! Chris Lewis • revchrislewis.comLocated in Central Oregon, Rev Chris Lewis, aka the "English Gentleman," is an officiant with a great sense of humor! If you love to laugh, you can't go wrong choosing Chris!

MUSICIANS & DJSThe Ashlings • centraloregonweddingmusic.comThe Ashlings are a two to three piece string band located in Bend, Oregon. They provide guitars, vocals and a chello/violin for beautiful ceremony, dinner and reception music. Covering everything from the wedding classics to folk and acoustic rock, the Ashlings provide something for every musical taste.Honey Don't • honeydont.netBased in Bend, Oregon, Honey Don't is a husband and wife duo of Bill Powers on guitar and Shelley Gray on stand up bass. They also have options with several other musicians and cover everything from old time bluegrass, to folk to country and acoustic rock. They also happen to be good friends of mine! Eric Leadbetter Music • ericleadbettermusic.comEric Leadbetter is located in Central Oregon but travels all over the PNW. He is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter and can play anything your heart desires. He offers solo artist work as well as a full rock band. He's also just one of the best humans out there and I'm grateful to consider him a friend. Precious Byrd • preciousbyrd.comVoted number one in Central Oregon, Precious Byrd will keep the dance floor hopping with their wide range of cover tunes! Flip Flop Sounds • flipflopsounds.comConsistently rated one of the best in Central Oregon, you can't go wrong when you choose Flip Flop Sounds. They play all the dance hits and will keep your party going until the end of the night. Bend Event Sound • bendeventsound.comAnother amazing group of DJs that know how to do weddings. It's important to hire someone that can be your MC and you will have this covered with the team at Bend Event Sound!

DESSERTS + WEDDING CAKESDreamin' Desserts • dreamindesserts.comTracy lives just up the street from me in Bend, Oregon. Her cakes pastries and desserts are gorgeous and delicious! She's a super sweet person and works magic with her custom wedding cakes.Ida's Cupcake Cafe • idascupcakecafe.comAnother fabulous bakery located in Bend, Oregon. They have 2 storefronts and specialize in custom cupcakes and wedding cakes. They have vegan, gluten-free and dairy free options and all are absolutely mouthwatering! Bee's Cakes • beescustomcakes.comBased out of Portland, Oregon, Bee's Cakes creates gorgeous custom cakes, pastries and other desserts and can accommodate all dietary needs. She has a storefront in Portland and is loved in the community. Catering Bowtie Catering • bowtiecateringbend.comAn award winning catering company based in Bend, Oregon. The team at Bowtie Catering creates delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients with a varied menu that is sure to please everyone. Bleu Bite Catering • bleubitecatering.comAnother award winning catering company based in Bend. The cuisine is described as modern northwest and features locally sourced food, as well as sustainable materials. They also offer some event coordination services.

PLANNERSAmanda Claire and Company • amandaclaireandcompany.comAmanda is located in Bend, Oregon and has been in the wedding and event industry for 9+ years. She launched her own company in 2020 and has specialized in destination event planning and adventure elopements. She is also an ordained minister!Actually Ashley Events • actuallyashleyevents.comBased in Bend, Oregon, Ashley and her incredible team focus entirely on wedding planning and coordination for Central Oregon weddings. Shine Events • shineeventsbend.comLeanne and her team have 8+ years in the wedding planning business. They are located in Bend, Oregon and will create the perfect wedding day for you. Ponderosa Planning • ponderosaplanning.comAs a newcomer to the wedding industry, Emily has created a name for herself here in Central Oregon. She specializing in creating events with sustainability in mind!

VIDEOGRAPHERSMike Hiatt Media • mikehiattmedia.comMike and Jess are a husband and wife videography team located in Bend, Oregon. They are my dream videography team to work with and are just awesome humans. Their wedding films are incredible and you will not regret hiring them! Julianne Brasher Photography & Films • juliannebrasher.comBased in Bend, Oregon, Julianne creates stunning wedding films. She has an editing style similar to mine, meaning your video and photos will compliment each other nicely. Ace of Hearts Films • aceofheartsfilms.comStephanie is located in Bend, Oregon and is all about being a fly on the wall on your wedding day. I have known Stephanie for most of my wedding photography career, sat with her on the board of our local wedding association and I would trust her to document my own day!

I'm Here For You! @ericaswantekphotographyerica@ericaswantekphotography.com541.678.0641