Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding photography in Minnesota can vary widely, but couples can generally expect to spend around $3,000 to $7,500 for an experienced professional wedding photographer. Pricing depends on the photographer's experience, the amount of coverage, whether a second photographer is included, and extras such as engagement sessions, albums, or additional wedding-day support.

When comparing photographers, I recommend looking beyond the final price and considering what's actually included. Two collections with the same number of hours can offer very different experiences depending on the level of planning support, number of photographers, deliverables, and service you receive before, during, and after the wedding.

My wedding photography collections begin at $4,000 and include two photographers, an engagement session, timeline assistance, and support throughout the planning process.

Start by finding a photographer whose work you genuinely love, but don't stop there. Look through their website, portfolio, blog, and social media to make sure their work feels consistent across different weddings and different parts of the day. I also recommend looking through at least one full wedding gallery so you can see how they photograph an entire wedding day, not just the images chosen for a portfolio. Pay attention to how they handle different lighting situations, indoor and outdoor spaces, ceremonies, receptions, portraits, and candid moments.

Read their reviews, too. Don't just look at the number of five-star ratings. Pay attention to what couples consistently say about their experience. Were they comfortable in front of the camera? Did the photographer communicate well, stay organized, handle unexpected situations, and make the wedding day easier? When the same qualities show up again and again in reviews, that can tell you a lot about what you can expect.

Just as important is how you feel around them. Your wedding photographer will be with you for a huge portion of your wedding day, often during some of the most emotional and personal moments. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, trust completely, and actually enjoy being around.

I also recommend comparing what's included in each photographer's collections, their level of experience, how they communicate, and what kind of support they provide before the wedding.

Beautiful photographs matter, but so does the experience you have while they're being created.

I recommend booking your wedding photographer about 9 to 18 months before your wedding, especially if you're planning a Saturday wedding during Minnesota's busiest wedding months. Popular dates can book even earlier, so once you have your wedding date and venue secured, your photographer is one of the vendors I recommend reaching out to next.

That said, don't worry if you're planning on a shorter timeline. Photographers often have openings throughout the year, even during busy seasons, so it's always worth checking availability.

Most couples need between 7 and 12 hours of wedding photography coverage, depending on their timeline and how much of the day they want documented. Seven hours may be plenty for a smaller celebration, while ten to twelve hours gives you more room for getting ready, details, portraits, the ceremony, reception events, and plenty of candid moments in between.

When deciding how much coverage you need, think less about the number of hours and more about where you want your wedding story to begin and end. Do you want photos of both of you getting ready? Do you want your photographer there through open dancing? Are your ceremony and reception in different locations?

I help my couples build their photography timeline before the wedding, so we can make sure the coverage they've chosen fits the day they're actually planning. And if we realize along the way that you need more time, additional coverage can always be added.

Not every wedding needs two photographers, but having two can make a big difference in how completely your day is documented. With two photographers, we can be in two places at once, which means both partners can have getting-ready coverage, your reactions can be photographed from different perspectives during the ceremony, and candid moments with your family and guests are less likely to be missed.

Two photographers can also make the timeline feel less rushed. While one of us is photographing wedding party or family portraits, the other can be capturing details, cocktail hour, reception décor, or the moments happening around you.

I do offer a second photographer, and one can always be added to your wedding collection if it's something you'd like. I'm also happy to talk through your wedding plans with you and help you decide whether having a second photographer makes sense for your day.

Before booking a wedding photographer, ask about their experience, photography style, what is included in their collections, how they handle unexpected situations, and what kind of support they provide before and during the wedding day.

I also recommend asking who will actually photograph your wedding, whether a second photographer is available, how and when your final images will be delivered, and what happens if your photographer becomes sick or has an emergency.

Don't be afraid to ask about the business side, too. Are they insured? Do they use a professional contract? Are they operating as an established business? Your photographer is responsible for documenting something that can't be recreated, so knowing there are professional systems and protections in place matters.

Beyond the logistical questions, pay attention to the conversation itself. Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do they listen to what matters to you? Do you feel like you can trust them to guide you when needed while still allowing you to be present and enjoy your wedding day?

There are plenty of important questions to ask, but ultimately you're choosing both the photographs and the person who will be beside you while so many of those photographs are being created.

I highly recommend looking through at least one full wedding gallery before choosing your photographer. A portfolio or Instagram feed shows you a photographer's favorite images, while a full gallery gives you a much better idea of how they document an entire wedding day from beginning to end.

As you look through a gallery, pay attention to consistency and variety. Look at getting-ready spaces, indoor and outdoor portraits, the ceremony, family photos, candid moments, reception details, and the dance floor. You want to know that your photographer can create beautiful images in a variety of lighting situations, not just during golden hour or in perfectly lit spaces.

Also look at the variety within the photographs themselves. Are there horizontal and vertical images? Wide photographs that show the entire scene alongside tighter images that capture emotion and little details? Is there a mix of portraits, candids, movement, details, and different compositions, or does everything begin to look and feel the same? A strong wedding gallery should tell the story from different perspectives and give you a well-rounded collection of images.

And don't forget to notice the moments between the big moments. Some of the photographs that end up meaning the most are the reactions, hugs, laughter, and little interactions you didn't even realize were happening.

A full wedding gallery gives you a much clearer picture of what you can expect your own wedding gallery to feel like, not just what might make it onto a photographer's website or social media.

Wedding photographers can have very different editing styles, and understanding those differences can help you choose a photographer whose finished images feel right for you.

Light and airy photography is typically bright and soft, with lighter shadows, lower contrast, and colors that may be more muted or pastel.

True-to-color photography focuses on keeping colors closer to how they appeared in real life. Skin tones, greenery, flowers, clothing, and décor generally stay closer to the colors you remember seeing on your wedding day.

Dark and moody photography usually uses deeper shadows, richer contrast, darker exposures, and warmer or more muted tones to create a more dramatic feel.

Film-inspired photography is influenced by the look of traditional film. Depending on the photographer and the film they are emulating, it can feature softer contrast, subtle grain, warm or pastel tones, and a slightly nostalgic feel. Some photographers also photograph weddings using actual film rather than simply editing digital images to resemble it.

Many photographers don't fit perfectly into one category and may blend characteristics from several styles. My own work combines a light and airy, bright, clean look with true-to-color editing. I love beautiful light and natural skin tones, but I also want the colors you intentionally chose for your wedding to look like the colors you chose.

When comparing photographers, look at complete bodies of work rather than relying only on the label they use to describe their style. Editing terms can mean slightly different things from one photographer to another, so ultimately, the photographs themselves will tell you much more than the name of the style.

For me, wedding photography has never been just about creating beautiful photographs. LKW Photography is a faith-based business, and my faith shapes the way I approach my work, the way I serve my couples, and the way I view marriage and the wedding day itself. You don't have to share my faith to feel completely welcomed and cared for here, but it is an important part of who I am and the heart behind my business.

I've intentionally built the LKW experience around giving my couples the support they need to be fully present on their wedding day instead of worrying about what's happening next. That starts long before the wedding. I'll help with your photography timeline, talk through the parts of the day that matter most to you, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and make sure we have a plan that allows your day to feel relaxed instead of like one long photo shoot.

On the wedding day, I'm not someone who simply shows up with a camera and observes from the sidelines. I'll step in and direct when you need me, disappear into the background when you don't, keep an eye on the timeline, work alongside your other vendors, and pay attention to the people and moments happening around you.

Depending on your collection, your photography team can also include a second photographer and an event assistant, giving us even more flexibility to photograph your day while helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.

And before I leave, you'll get to see photographs from your wedding day for the very first time through a same-day slideshow. It's one of my favorite parts of what I do and a chance for the two of you to slow down for a few minutes and take in some of what just happened.

At the heart of all of it is something pretty simple: I want you to love your wedding photographs, but I also want you to love the experience you had creating them.

A lot more than you might think! An experienced wedding photographer can be an incredible resource throughout the planning process, especially when it comes to making sure your wedding day photographs beautifully without making the day feel like it's built around taking pictures.

For my couples, that starts with planning the photography timeline. We'll talk through everything from getting ready and first looks to family photos, ceremony timing, travel between locations, sunset, reception events, and how much time we realistically need for each part of the day. I'll also look for potential timing or logistical issues ahead of time so we can solve them before the wedding instead of dealing with them in the moment.

We'll also talk about what you want your photographs to feel like. I encourage my couples to share a Pinterest mood board with me so I can see what you're drawn to, whether that's certain types of portraits, candid moments, details, movement, locations, or an overall feeling. It's not a shot list for me to recreate. It simply helps me understand what catches your eye and what matters to you.

I can help with location ideas, engagement session planning, family photo lists, lighting considerations, backup plans for weather, and deciding when certain photographs will work best. And if you're still building your vendor team, I'm always happy to share recommendations. After more than 15 years in the wedding industry, I've had the opportunity to work alongside so many talented planners, florists, videographers, DJs, venues, hair and makeup artists, and other wedding professionals, and I'm happy to help connect you with people I know and trust.

I'll also learn about important relationships, family dynamics, meaningful details, traditions, and anything else I should know so I can walk into your wedding day already understanding the people and moments that matter most to you.

I'll communicate and collaborate with your planner, coordinator, venue, videographer, and other vendors when needed so we're all working from the same plan. Your planner or coordinator is still the person overseeing the wedding as a whole. My role is to make sure the photography side fits naturally into that plan.

And on the wedding day itself, I'm constantly watching more than what's happening through my camera. I'm keeping an eye on the timeline, light, weather, locations, people, and what's coming next, while adjusting when something inevitably changes.

The more we take care of ahead of time, the less you have to think about on your wedding day. My goal is for you to know there's a plan, trust the people around you, and actually get to enjoy the day you've spent so much time planning.

When you hire LKW Photography, you get me, Leah! I don't use associate photographers or send someone else in my place. From our first conversation and your engagement session through the planning process and your wedding day, I'm the photographer you'll be working with.

Depending on your collection, I may also have a second photographer and/or my event assistant alongside me, but I'll always be your lead photographer and your main point of contact throughout the entire experience.

My event assistant is an extra set of hands dedicated to helping the photography experience, and your wedding day, run more smoothly. While I'm focused on photographing what's happening, they can step in to help with the little things that would otherwise pull me away from my camera or take you out of the moment.

They might help gather family members for portraits, keep track of personal items during photos, carry or arrange your dress and veil, grab a bouquet that's been left behind, help move us efficiently from one location to another, check that everyone we need is ready for the next set of photographs, or simply notice something that needs to be taken care of and handle it.

They're also there for you. Need water? Someone to hold your phone? Help carrying your train? A bridesmaid tracked down? Something grabbed from the getting-ready room? Those seemingly small things can make a surprisingly big difference when you're trying to stay present and enjoy your wedding day.

My event assistant doesn't replace a wedding planner or coordinator. They're there specifically to support me, the photography process, and you, giving me more freedom to keep my attention where I want it most: on the people and moments happening in front of my camera.

First, don't panic. Wedding days run behind sometimes, and that's okay. An experienced wedding photographer knows how to adjust without making you feel like you're spending your day racing against the clock.

One of my wedding day rules is this: You don't get to look at a clock, watch, or phone, and you don't get to ask anyone what time it is. It doesn't matter. Nothing is going to happen without you, and it's my job to get you where you need to be when you need to be there. I'm very good at my job, so let me worry about the time.

One of the reasons I put so much thought into your photography timeline ahead of time is so we have a realistic plan with some breathing room built in. If something takes longer than expected, I'll look at what's coming next, find where we have flexibility, and adjust our photography plan as needed. I'll also communicate with your coordinator and other vendors so we're all working together.

And if we're running ten minutes behind because you're having an emotional moment with your mom, I'm not going to interrupt it because the timeline says we're supposed to be somewhere else. Some moments are more important than being perfectly on schedule.

The timeline is there to help us, not control your wedding day. My job is to keep an eye on the clock so you don't have to. Your job is to be present for the day you've been waiting for.

Both! I believe the best wedding galleries have a mix of beautifully composed portraits, guided moments, and completely candid photographs.

There are times when I'll place you in a more traditional pose, especially for family portraits, wedding party photos, or those classic images you'll want to have. But when I'm photographing the two of you, I usually spend less time putting you into a specific pose and more time guiding you toward great light, movement, connection, and moments that feel natural to you.

The amount of direction I give is different for every couple. Some people feel completely comfortable in front of the camera and need very little from me. Others feel better with more guidance and reassurance along the way. Your engagement session gives us a chance to figure that out together. I get to learn how the two of you naturally interact, what kind of direction works best for you, and when I can simply step back and let you be yourselves. By the time your wedding arrives, we already know what works.

Something couples don't always realize is that many of the photographs that feel documentary or candid aren't completely unprompted. A photographer may choose the light, location, or composition and then give the couple a little direction that creates space for something genuine to happen. I might ask you to walk together, pull each other closer, whisper something, move in a certain direction, or simply focus on each other. I'm setting the scene, but what happens within it belongs to you.

And then there are the truly candid moments. The reactions during your ceremony, your parents watching from across the room, your friends laughing during cocktail hour, a hug you didn't know I saw, or the chaos happening on the dance floor. Those moments don't need any direction from me. My job is simply to notice them and be ready when they happen.

You never need to walk into your wedding day knowing how to pose or wondering what to do with your hands. I'll give you direction when you need it, create space when you don't, and let the moments in between happen naturally.

Yes. I consider LKW Photography a boutique wedding photography experience, so I intentionally limit the number of couples I take on each year. But for me, it's about more than simply keeping my calendar from getting too full. I want to work with couples who feel like the right fit for me, and just as importantly, I want to be the right fit for them.

That's one of the reasons I love connecting with couples before they book. Sometimes you just know. The conversation flows easily, you laugh together, and there's a connection that makes you genuinely excited about working together. Those are the couples I want to serve.

Keeping my calendar intentionally limited gives me the time and capacity to truly get to know my couples, be available throughout the planning process, thoughtfully prepare for each wedding, and show up on the wedding day fully present and excited to be there.

I never want you to feel like you're simply another date on my calendar. I want us both to walk away from that first conversation thinking, “Yep. This feels right.”