Jun

Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue

San Antonio Wedding Photographers

To find the perfect wedding venue, you should start looking at least one year in advance of your special day according to this wedding planning timeline. Popular venues will book up quickly. If you have your heart set on a venue and you wait too long, you may have to compromise your wedding date. To further help you in your wedding day planning, I have put together this checklist to help you find the perfect wedding venue!

Rose Hall at the Sandy Oaks Ranch, Devine, TX

First things first! Before you ever step foot on a venue or even a venue’s website, you need to decide these four things:

What is your budget?
How many people are you inviting?
Will the ceremony be held at the same venue?
What style or theme are you going for?

After you’ve answered these four questions, you’ve narrowed down the list of possibilities to hold your wedding/reception and you’ve just reduced your mental anxiety by more than half. Now, you can use this checklist to make the final cut!

Location
The first thing you want to ensure is that the location of the venue is acceptable. Problems with the airport next door or the proximity of ample hotel rooms could pose real problems on the night of your wedding. Look for a venue that is easily accessible with plenty of nearby lodging options. Make sure there are no other logistical obstacles to overcome (ie. road construction, large annual event nearby).
Guests
How many guests can the facility accommodate? If you’re planning on having 450 guests, make sure the venue can reasonably accommodate that many people. Ask to see a seating chart or pictures of other events with the same number of guests. It may be one thing for 450 people to stand comfortably in the facility but an entirely different ball of wax when they’re seated. Everyone enjoys elbow room. Second to elbow room: make sure there are more than enough bathroom facilities!
Decor/Colors/Style
Make sure the general appearance of the venue is somewhat pleasing to your colors, theme and vision. It is unlikely that the event decorator will be able to transform a rustic, country barn into the dreamy ballroom you are expecting.
Privacy
If you are considering a larger venue, one thing you must consider is whether or not they host multiple events on the same night. If this is a possibility, be sure to inquire how the scheduling is handled. Consider how easily guests may become confused if there are two weddings or cocktail hours which begin at the same time. It would be best if the events were staggered by an hour or so to prevent the mere chance strangers may attend. Another thing to consider is whether or not the venue still allows patrons to enter during the events. Imagine having your wedding on the grounds of a winery, yet patrons are still allowed to roam about the property during the event. If this is the case, you may want to inquire about a “buy-out” option.
Sufficient Parking
Ensure that there is enough free parking for all of your anticipated guests. If parking is not free, try to negotiate a bulk rate for your evening so that your guests do not have to pay for parking.
All-Inclusive
What all is included in the rental fee? Does that include access to the kitchen and appliances… how about servers? Is there a separate service fee? Does the rental fee include the tables, chairs and linens? How about clean up? If you’re venue is in a hotel or restaurant, this may be included. But, if the venue is a garden or a park, they may not be.
Hidden Fees
Are there hidden fees? For example, some venues charge a “cake cutting fee” if you do not order your cake from their preferred vendor. This seems like a totally unreasonable and “bullying” charge… on the surface. But I’ve realized that if you do order from within, you often receive upgrades that you originally would not have (ie. plates decorated with syrup, chocolate covered strawberries). Also be sure to ask about sales tax, gratuities, and an extra charge for the champagne toast.
Deposit/Cancellation
What does the venue require for a deposit? Since the venue will be one of your largest wedding expenses, (#7 on this list of wedding expenses) do they offer a payment plan? If the unexpected should happen, what is the policy about cancelling or changing the date?

There is certainly lots to think about! You may need to add more questions to your checklist based on your own situation—like, does the venue allow pets in the ceremony or how can they accommodate someone with limited mobility? With organization and proper planning, this will be a fun process and you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for your wedding. Happy hunting!

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Waterfall at the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Woodlands, TX

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Jun

A Chic Country Wedding

San Antonio Wedding Photographers

After only one rescheduling, things were off to a great start! The weather cooperated ideally for this chic, country, outdoor wedding. Though they had both been married before, John and Shanna wanted a quaint but intimate affair. High school friend, Juan Gonzalez, officiated the ceremony and long-time family friend, Billy Mata, provided the music. He sat beside the outdoor altar and strummed his acoustical guitar making the affair extra special.

It was evident John waited nervously as he examined his palms looking for anything to distract him from the moment. He stood alone at the front altar and waited for his bride. Shanna was escorted down the aisle flanked by her two sons. John and Shanna said their vows as the sun slowly set on the Texas horizon.

The March wedding ended with dancing through bubbles and a shot of the moon. Shanna said she wanted a picture of the moon and how it looked on this night to remember it forever.

Click to see my complete wedding portfolio.

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san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010 I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, A Chic Country Wedding, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Jun

Class of 2013 Recap!

I’ve had the most fortunate opportunity to photograph some of the most fabulous members of the Class of 2013. I’d like to give a quick shout out to Collette (SHSU), Nikki (Dilley HS), Tori (Jourdanton HS), Breanna (Jourdanton HS), Kayla (Jourdanton HS), Kelsey (Jourdanton HS), Fabian (Jourdanton HS), Gage (Jourdanton HS) and I can’t forget William (Jourdanton HS)! I wasn’t able to attend all their graduation ceremonies, but I was able to attend the majority because they graduated right here in my hometown. I’d like to wish them one final farewell as they enter in the next chapter of their lives and I’d like them to know that I only wish them the very best! I’d also like to take this time to publicly thank each of them! I know they had a choice when they chose their senior photographer and I’m very grateful that they chose me!! 🙂

Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, Class of 2013 Recap!, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Jun

Final Mini Senior Session

This past Saturday, this beautiful senior graduated from high school! She was an honor graduate and finished among the top of her class! Tori took advantage of my mini senior session package and we were able to document her entire final year in high school. We started this process back in November and you can take a look here, here, and here. We had a lot of fun, laughs and good times along the way. I also got to document her shiny, new, red Camaro!

Tori is an exceptional young lady and I had so much fun with her! She probably thinks I’m nuts, but either way, I will miss her smiling face this coming school year! I wish Tori only the absolute best as she enters this next chapter in her young, beautiful and exciting life!

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, Final Mini Senior Session, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

May

Fame & Shame #12

Here is the latest installment of Fame & Shame—a small peek into my life!

End of School: Normally, the end of the school year would mean a rise in my grocery bill. This year it means I have but one year left to enjoy my baby in high school. Then, it’s empty nest syndrome for me.
Preventative Medicine: Some appointments are just… awkward. It’s 2013, people! You’d think by now they could just run us through a scanner or use a smartphone app!
24 Hours: I could sure use more than 24 hours in a day over the next few weeks to complete this brand transition. I have this website, my online storefront, business cards, brochures, catalogs, stationery cards, return address ink stamps, newsletter template, social networking profiles and Lord knows what else to update brands on. On the bright side though, I love my new logo from Hank Marketing. Taylor IS the master!!

End of School Year: My life can slow down a bit as there won’t be as many sporting activities, organization meetings, award ceremonies and so forth. Maybe… just maybe, I can get back on my road bike.
Preventative Medicine: It saves lives.
The Great Outdoors: Without it, my mental status would be highly questionable.

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Remember. YOU’RE GORGEOUS! Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, Fame & Shame #12, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

May

10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Because DSLRs have become so popular, these days everyone is a wedding photographer. With all the saturation in the industry, it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose a photographer to document your day. There is no way to tell what kind of service or products you will receive simply by comparing price points. I have put together a list of questions you should ask anyone who you are considering to photograph one of the most important days of your life. These ten questions should give you a very good start to narrowing down your wedding photographer candidates. (For you reference, I’ve also listed my answers.)

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Why are you a wedding photographer?
I am a wedding photographer because I love to capture intimate interactions between people. Family is the single most important thing in my life and the area of my life where I have suffered the most loss. Because I have “loved and lost,” I realize the value of family; I cherish family. My aim is to share my skills and passion for photography to document and preserve the love and affection shared at this important milestone for you and for generations to come. To date, I have gotten teary-eyed at every wedding I’ve photographed—including those of complete strangers.
How would you describe your wedding photography style?
I would describe my style as mostly photojournalistic with an editorial flair. Most of the day will be documented with me floating around the room, standing unobtrusively against a wall watching what takes place. I will not ask you to pose or expect you to even look at my camera. I will not ask you to say cheese. I will simply capture the day as it happens. This is the photojournalistic part. There may be an occasion or two when I ask you to just sit a second longer and continue looking into the mirror. I might ask your mother, also in the frame, to slightly turn her shoulders to the left. This is not posing but rather setting up an editorial shot. (Think newspaper: mayor with arms folded standing in front of city hall from lower perspective.)
What distinguishes your work from other photographers’ work?
First and foremost, I don’t follow photography trends. My goal is for all my work to be timeless. I want my work to be intimate, classic and to tell your story. I try to establish a personal connection with my clients. I firmly believe the absolute best way to preserve a memory is with a photograph. I’m very passionate about photography. I strive to improve my skills on a daily basis! I make it a point to read, study, look, observe, practice, absorb, listen, watch, test, or buy something related to photography every single day! I’ve been trained by the U. S. Army, served a little over four years protecting my country and did I mention I send gifts?
May I see your portfolio?
Absolutely!
Do you have a list of references?
Yes, and you may call them if you’d wish! You may start here.
How long have you been in business?
I registered Ata-Girl with the Texas County of Atascosa in 2010. Over the years, I have shot well over 1,000,000 images.
Are you insured?
Yes. If I lose your images in a fiery car crash, drop my camera off a cliff, become violently ill during your ceremony, or trip your Aunt Mary, I am covered.
Do you belong to any professional organizations? Do you attend workshops or clinics?
I recently became a member of the WPPI-Wedding & Portrait Professionals International. Each year, I attend or purchase at least two professional level workshops.
Do you have backup plans?
I have backup cameras, memory cards, batteries, and flashes. My cameras write to two separate memory cards simultaneously. This allows me to make a copy of all your precious images on site. I also have a network of backup photographers should I become ill.
How soon will I see my images?
You can expect to see images from any of your portrait sessions within 14 days. For weddings and events, expect to see them within 21 days. Guaranteed!

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Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.

If there are any other questions you’d like me to answer, please feel free to email me or leave it here in the comments section! Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Philip Thomas Photography, LLC. The images are copyrighted by Philip Thomas Photography, LLC, but are used herein with permission.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

May

Senior Tori at the Pearl Brewery

San Antonio Senior Portraits

This was Tori’s third senior session. We began documenting her final year in high school back in November. You can view the first two here and here.

I’ve said this before, but Tori is a beautiful girl and makes my job as a photographer easy peezy! She’s a great gal and will, no doubt, do well in life. I will miss Tori and the other kids I had the privilege of shooting this school year. Seniors are one of my most favorite (two) things to shoot, and it’s because of subjects just like Tori. They look at me a little crazy sometimes after I ask them to pose a certain way or tell them what the backdrop will be, but in the end, I think they have a lot of fun. Together, we make some stunning images and great art!

There’s only three days left until Tori’s senior year is final… completed… over! She’ll be on her way to U. T. S. A. to begin the next chapter in her beautiful life. I wish her nothing but the absolute best as she ventures off to start her college education!

Stay tuned for a recap of Tori’s final session next week. Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, Senior Tori at the Pearl Brewery, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

May

What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer (Part II)

Earlier this week, I laid out some guidelines to help you choose a wedding photographer. The moral of the story was to not let price be the determining factor—to do some homework! After you’ve done your homework and have hired a photographer, it’s time to trust them. Wedding photography is a big investment. Make sure you get your money’s worth by following these simple tips.

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The most important thing you can do is educate your photographer. Don’t dictate what they shoot or how they shoot it! Let them do their thing! With a little guidance your photographer should be able to capture the defining moments of the day AND other special moments you won’t even witness until you view the images. Here are some things you can do to make sure your wedding images are stunning:

This should have happened before you signed an agreement, but make sure you get along with your photographer. If you and your photographer’s personalities clash, it is going to be a painful experience.
Make sure they know your story. Your photographer is an artist. They create. By telling them how you met your groom, how it was love at first sight or how he proposed, you’re painting a story in your photographer’s mind. They will take this story and want to add beauty to the canvas with your wedding day. They will feel compelled to tell your story.
Invite them to the rehearsal. It’s not a deal breaker if they can’t come, but if they are available, it will give them an opportunity to: (1) learn who the key family/friends are, (2) become recognizable to your family and wedding party, (3) recon shooting angles and possible light sources, and (4) learn the venue rules.
Identify key members of your family and closest friends. Have your Maid of Honor serve as the go-to girl on the wedding day.
Point out special wedding mementos and details that are not all the guests are privy to (Grandmother’s veil, Father’s special promise ring, special messages on the bottoms of your bridesmaids’ shoes, or the crazy socks the groomsmen are wearing, for example).
Create a timeline of the day and stick to it.
Smile.
Have fun.
Forget about every recent photography trend you have seen. This includes slanty pictures, blown out and super warm edits, frames within frames, railroad tracks, balloons, selective or saturated colors, and jumping in the air. It is crucial that your wedding images stand the test of time and are valued for generations to come. Trends are fun, but don’t last long! Hopefully, you’ve chosen a photographer with a classic shooting and editing style.

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Reduce stress for the day. Here is a short list of things not to do:

Do not give your photographer a two-page list of combinations for family photos.
Do not give your photographer a two-page list of detailed shots to capture.
Do not follow your photographer around saying, “Shoot this. Get that. This is a nice background.”
Do not let any of your relatives interfere by getting in the photographer’s way, blocking the shots or helping to pose.

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Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

May

What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer (Part I)

Last week, I briefly touched on choosing a photographer in two posts about planning your wedding, here and here. I recommended choosing your photographer at least 10 months prior to your wedding so that you could also take care of your engagement photos at that time. And finally, I recommended sitting down with your photographer to “educate them” about a month prior.

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When I say “educate your photographer,” I don’t mean teach them how to use a camera, or request certain angles or very specific shots. I don’t even recommend giving your photographer a requested shot list. I’ve heard nightmares about brides listing extremely detailed shots (ie. picture of the rings, on a pillow, in front of a stain glassed window, with a blurry background.) Once, I even read about a request list that asked for a shot of the groom carrying the bride into the reception hall. The photographer was unable to capture that moment because it never happened. The bride and groom walked hand-in-hand into the reception hall when they were announced. And the bride was upset at her photographer for not capturing her being carried into the reception!! That makes no sense to me.

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Once you’ve decided on a budget for a wedding photographer, start shopping. Ask for referrals. Take the time to look through their portfolios and ensure that their photography style is what you have in mind for your wedding images. Read their blog. Check their Facebook and Twitter. Call them. Set up a consultation. If you’re out-of-state, Skype them. See how committed they are to their business. Make sure their personality is one that will mesh nicely with yours. Read the testimonials and see what past clients are saying. Make an educated choice! Do your homework!

Do not, I repeat, do not choose a photographer based on cost alone. If your wedding images are important to you… If, in the future, you will look at the images and reminisce about your wedding day… If the images are something you want to cherish do not let price alone determine who will photograph your wedding. And, if that’s not enough reason, read this blog listing 10 reasons to hire a professional.

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You can continue reading this series here.

Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio. Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

May

Senior Session at the Pearl Brewery

This was the first year that I offered a mini senior session package. What it entailed was four sessions throughout the senior year of high school. Each session would be at a unique location and focus on different milestones within the senior year. Beautiful Breanna was one of the first seniors to purchase this package and helped to make this campaign a success.

For her final session, we ended up at the historical Pearl Brewery in San Antonio—which is a beautiful location to photograph. There are endless nooks and crannies that can serve as excellent backdrops. And, when your subject is as beautiful as this gal, it makes my work pretty much effortless! Breanna holds a special place in my heart. She’s a beautiful girl and I only wish her the very best of luck as she ventures into the rest of her life. (Breanna, I love you! But as soon as you read this line, it will disappear so there are no witnesses!)

By clicking these links, you can see Breanna’s first, second, and third sessions. Here are a few of my favorites from her last session:

Click to see my complete senior portfolio.

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In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

The post, Senior Session at the Historical Pearl Brewery, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio senior photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. Ata-Girl Photography Co. also offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

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Hi, I’m Tammy.
I'm a San Antonio-based wedding photographer for outdoor-loving couples who value real moments.

I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

Since 2010, I have excelled in helping each of my couples plan for one of the very best days of their lives! I’d love to share my very personalized wedding experience, my super-human organizational abilities, and my U. S. Army combat skills (when needed) with you too.

I want your wedding day to be as perfect as you do! I am all in with my whole heart!