By Larissa — WanderLost Imagery | Washington • Nevada • Destination Wedding Photographer
Planning your wedding is exciting, emotional, and full of decisions. Choosing your photographer shouldn’t add to the overwhelm — it should feel clear, supportive, and aligned with the experience you want to create.
This guide breaks down every question couples ask before booking, plus the deeper things you didn’t know you should ask but absolutely matter. Whether you’re getting married in Washington, Nevada, or somewhere across the world, here’s everything you need to know.
Before We Dive In — a Quick Note
Your story deserves to be documented in a way that feels honest and unforgettable.
If that’s what you’re dreaming of, let’s create something beautiful together. →
SECTION 1 — BOOKING & AVAILABILITY
How far in advance should we book you?
Most couples book 9–18 months ahead, especially for high-demand summer and fall weekends. In the past year, I’ve been getting multiple inquiries for the same dates — so the earlier you reach out, the better chance you have of securing your spot.
For destination weddings, earlier is even more important. Travel weddings fill quickly and require additional planning.
If I’m already booked, I offer associate photographer coverage with trusted shooters whose style matches mine. I still handle the editing so your gallery remains fully consistent.
Where are you based? Do you travel?
I’m based in Washington and Nevada, and I photograph weddings throughout the PNW, Southwest, and worldwide.
Destination weddings include travel such as flights, transportation, lodging, and the time spent traveling.
Weddings beyond a 200-mile radius of Bellingham, WA or Las Vegas, NV may include travel fees.
International weddings may have additional requirements based on location.
Mountains, desert, coast, or Europe — I’m already packed.
What is your retainer fee?
To officially secure your date, I require a 35% non-refundable retainer (with a $2,000 minimum).
The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding.
This protects your date on my calendar and reflects the limited number of weddings I take each year.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — my payment structure is simple and flexible:
- Retainer: 35% (with a $2,000 minimum)
- Second Payment: 50% of the remaining balance
- Final Payment: Due 60 days before the wedding
This spacing makes planning easier and keeps everything organized.
Do you offer engagement sessions? (And why are they à la carte?)
Yes — engagement sessions are included in my multi-day wedding package, and available à la carte for full-day and half-day collections.
Because many of my couples are planning destination weddings, traveling from out of state, or already have engagement photos, keeping it optional gives you flexibility. You pay for what you truly want — nothing you don’t.
If you’d love engagement photos, you can add a session at any point during your planning process.
Planning a PNW, Nevada, or destination wedding?
Check my availability here →
SECTION 2 — COVERAGE, GALLERIES & EDITING STYLE
How many photos will we receive?
You’ll receive all the best photos from your day. The final number depends on hours of coverage, timeline, and whether you have a second shooter, but most couples receive:
50–80 fully edited photos per hour of coverage.
Each gallery is curated as a cohesive, cinematic story — no fillers, no unnecessary caps.
How long does it take to get our gallery back?
Full wedding galleries are delivered in up to 12 weeks, depending on the season and my schedule. I always try to deliver sooner when possible.
You’ll also receive a sneak peek within 3 business days — perfect for sharing (or keeping just for yourselves).
Are all images edited? Do we get the RAW files?
Yes — every final image is fully edited in my cinematic, true-to-color style.
I do not deliver RAW files. They’re unfinished digital negatives and don’t reflect the quality you’re investing in — and RAW files cannot be purchased.
Instead, you receive a polished, storytelling gallery that looks and feels like my portfolio.
Can we see full galleries before booking?
Absolutely. When you inquire, I’ll send over full galleries in a similar setting or season so you can see exactly what a full wedding day looks like from start to finish.
Want to see full wedding galleries?
Reach out and I’ll send some your way →
SECTION 3 — YOUR WEDDING-DAY EXPERIENCE
Do you help with posing? What if we’re awkward?
Almost every couple says this — and honestly, it’s normal. My approach is relaxed, guided, and movement-based. You’ll feel grounded, present, and like yourselves — not staged or stiff.
Think: prompts, natural interaction, cinematic wide shots, and emotional candids.
Do you help with timeline planning?
Yes — I help build a photography-friendly timeline that keeps everything smooth and intentional. We’ll cover:
- Getting-ready expectations
- Best lighting for portraits
- Buffer time for travel/logistics
- Golden-hour portraits
- Family photo efficiency
- Ceremony & reception timing
A thoughtful timeline = better photos + less stress.
Do you work with videographers?
Absolutely — I collaborate with videographers often and know how to work as a team. If you need recommendations, I can send you a list whose style pairs beautifully with mine.
Do you bring backup gear and lighting?
Yes. I bring:
- Dual-card cameras
- Multiple lenses
- Backup camera bodies
- Extra batteries & memory cards
- Reception / low-light lighting
Every image is written to two memory cards at once for instant backup.
What if something happens to your equipment?
Because I shoot with dual memory cards and bring backup gear, your images are always safe — even if something unexpected happens.
What if you get sick or injured?
If I’m ever unable to attend (extremely rare), a trusted associate photographer will photograph your day. I still handle communication, editing, and delivery so your gallery remains completely consistent with my style.
Rain? Wind? Fog?
If you want a photographer who can make magic in any weather — let’s talk about your day →
SECTION 4 — TRAVEL, DESTINATIONS & ADD-ONS
Do you travel for engagement, bridal, or couples sessions?
Yes — I photograph sessions across Washington, Nevada, and worldwide. Travel fees apply for locations beyond my base cities.
Do you offer rehearsal dinner or day-after coverage?
Yes — I offer add-ons for:
- Rehearsal dinners
- Welcome parties
- Day-after sessions
- Pre-wedding portraits
If you’re planning a multi-day event, I can help tell the full story.
Do you help with location scouting?
Yes — I research portrait locations based on:
- Light
- Accessibility
- Weather
- Scenery
- Your aesthetic
For destination weddings, I also help with permits and landscape scouting.
Dreaming of a destination wedding?
From the PNW to the desert to Europe — let’s make it happen →
SECTION 5 — DELIVERY, BACKUPS & SAFETY
How do you store and protect our photos?
Your memories are backed up in multiple places. After your wedding, every gallery is saved onto three separate external hard drives, and all images are originally captured on dual memory cards for instant backup.
Your photos are never stored in just one location — they’re protected from the moment I click the shutter.
How are our photos delivered?
You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can:
- Download high-resolution images
- Share your gallery
- Make favorites lists
- Order professional prints & albums
Your gallery stays active for a generous period, and I send reminders before it expires.
If having your memories protected with intention and care matters to you —
let’s talk about your wedding day →
Your wedding deserves to be documented with intention, emotion, and a cinematic touch. Whether you’re planning a mountaintop elopement, a desert celebration, an intimate backyard ceremony, or a multi-day destination event — I’m here to bring your story to life from the first email to the final gallery.
