Wedding Guide

Your Story Begins Here!

Congratulations on your upcoming celebration of love and commitment! I'm Christine, and I'm thrilled at the prospect of capturing the priceless moments of your wedding day. Photography is not just my profession; it's my passion, and nothing brings me more joy than preserving the tender, joyful, and heartfelt instances that weddings so abundantly offer.

As a registered and insured photographer based in the Lakeland Metro and having had the honor to be published, my camera and I have traversed the globe, bearing witness to countless stories of love - each unique, each precious. Whether your wedding is by the serene shores of our local beaches, amidst the rustic charm of the countryside, or in any exotic location around the world, I'm ready to embark on the journey with you.

Choosing me means opting for a professional, unique, and courteous approach to your wedding photography. With an eye for creative and natural poses, I thrive on bringing out the best in each location, highlighting the love that radiates from you and your partner. I am committed to excellence and dedicated to turning your vision into beautifully captured memories.

I understand the desire for photographs that stand out, that capture more than what a mere cell phone can. Through my specialized editing skills, I promise to deliver enhanced yet natural photos, presented in full resolution through an exclusive online gallery. These images will be a testament to the day you said "I do," allowing you to relive your special day time and time again.

With me behind the lens, there are no limits. Every laugh, every tear, every dance, and every quiet moment in between - all will be immortalized. So, let's create something beautiful together, something that echoes the joy of your special day forever.

Welcome to a seamless photographic experience where your memories are captured forever. Welcome to Christine Vega Photography.

My Philosophy

  • Artistry Through Authenticity

    In the dance of light and shadows, every picture tells a story. At Christine Vega Photography, I am not just photographer; I are a storyteller, an artist who captures the essence of one of the most significant days of your life. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that wedding photography should be as authentic as your love for each other.

  • Documentary: Your Unscripted Symphony

    Life doesn't follow a script, and neither does my documentary approach to your wedding. I am an observer, silently weaving through your special day to capture moments as they naturally occur. From the quiet anticipation before the ceremony to the exuberance of the first dance, my aim is to safeguard the authentic story of your wedding, so the memories I capture are as vivid and heartfelt as the day itself.

  • Fine Art: Crafting Each Frame as a Masterpiece

    I believe every couple's wedding day deserves to be immortalized with the grace of fine art. My approach transcends the traditional, treating each image as a piece of art that could adorn the walls of any gallery. With an astute eye for composition, lighting, and the minutest of details, every shot is an opportunity to narrate a fragment of your love story in the most exquisite and timeless way possible.

  • Portraiture: A Celebration of Your Union

    Portraiture allows me to delve into the unique fabric of your relationship. It's here that I capture the essence of your bond, the intimate glances, the unguarded laughter, the silent promises. Getting to know you, understanding what sets your connection apart, I reflect this intimacy in portraits that are as personal as they are profound.

    For me, wedding photography transcends mere image-making. It's about seizing moments, kindling emotions, and the unseen threads that weave two lives together. It's about forging a visual heirloom to be treasured not just for your lifetime but for the generations that follow.

What to Expect.

From the moment you consider me for your wedding day, to the final delivery of your images, I aim to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

  • Your Journey, Beautifully Captured

    Our first conversation is the start of a beautiful partnership. It's where we'll explore your hopes for the wedding and how I can make them a reality. You'll learn about my approach and how I aim to reflect your unique story through my lens.

    Solidifying Our Plans

    Choosing to work with me means securing a photographer who is invested in your happiness. Once you're ready to proceed, I'll present you with a comprehensive contract that details everything you can expect. To reserve your date, a deposit will be made, setting the foundation for a beautiful collaboration.

    A Gift to You: The Engagement Session

    As a celebration of your decision and trust in me, I offer a complimentary engagement session. This is more than just a free shoot; it’s an opportunity for us to build rapport and for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, you get to create and capture moments of your pre-wedding bliss!

  • Crafting Your Story

    As we approach your wedding day, we'll have a more in-depth discussion about your schedule, the venues, and the specific shots you cherish. I am more than happy to visit the venues with you to plan the perfect spots for those must-have photographs.

    Personalizing Your Experience

    Understanding your style and preferences is paramount to me. This is the time to share all your ideas and wishes, so I can tailor the experience to fit your dream wedding. You can fill out my Wedding Photo List HERE

  • Capturing the Magic

    On your wedding day, I will be there to capture every candid moment and the highlights you've been dreaming of. My approach is unobtrusive yet comprehensive, ensuring the true spirit of your celebration is caught in every frame.

  • The Grand Reveal

    After the wedding, I meticulously select and edit your images, delivering a narrative of your day that's as unique as your own story. The timeline for post-production will be communicated beforehand, so you know exactly when to expect your precious memories.

    Reliving the Moments

    Your high-resolution images will be made available to you through a private online gallery. From here, you can download them, share them with loved ones, or select your favorites for printing.

    With me as your photographer, you're not just getting a service; you're gaining a personal storyteller dedicated to preserving your memories. Let's create something beautiful together.

Tips for a Smooth Photography Experience

As we embark on this journey to capture the essence of your special day, I'd like to share some insights that will help us create a seamless and enjoyable photography experience. These tips are designed to maximize photo opportunities and ensure that we capture your moments in the best light possible.

  • Scheduling with Photography in Mind

    • When planning your timeline, consider the photography during each segment of the day. Allocate enough time for each set of photos — from the getting-ready moments to the reception festivities.

    • Remember to account for transitions between locations. A little buffer time ensures we don't rush and that every moment can be captured with care.

  • Chasing the Best Light

    The soft glow of morning light and the golden hues of the late afternoon are a photographer's dream. If possible, schedule portraits during these times for the most flattering natural light.

    Indoor lighting can vary, so let's discuss your venues beforehand. I can scout out the best spots for indoor shots that still provide beautiful lighting. For most indoor coverage a flash is used.

  • Looking and Feeling Your Best

    • Choose outfits that not only reflect your style but also allow you to move freely. Comfort translates into natural, relaxed photographs.

    • Solid colors or subtle patterns tend to photograph better, avoiding the visual distraction of bold, busy patterns.

    • For makeup, consider hiring a professional who can ensure a photogenic finish that lasts all day and stands up to the camera's scrutiny.

    • A trial makeup and hair session before the wedding can help you see how it will look in photos and give you the chance to tweak anything if necessary.

    • Remember to hydrate and eat. Keeping your energy up is key to enjoying your day and looking your best in photos.

    • Trust is essential. Trust in my expertise and know that I am always seeking the best angles, lighting, and moments to capture your story.

    Together, we will create a collection of images that reflect the joy, beauty, and uniqueness of your wedding. I'm here to guide you, but these moments are yours — let's make them unforgettable.

Embracing the Moment: Your Unplugged Ceremony

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to experience life through a screen. But some moments deserve our full attention — your wedding ceremony is one of these moments. To truly honor the occasion, I advocate for an unplugged ceremony, where guests are encouraged to put away their devices and be fully present.

  • Undivided Attention: An unplugged ceremony ensures that your guests are engaged and immersed in the experience, not distracted by their phones or cameras.

  • Intimacy and Connection: Without the barrier of a device, the emotional connection is stronger, not just between you and your partner, but also with everyone who is there to support you.

  • Unobstructed Views: It allows me, as your photographer, to capture the ceremony without obstructions, ensuring that every meaningful expression and moment is documented without the interference of phones or cameras in the view.

Why Choose an Unplugged Ceremony?

How to Communicate Your Wishes

  • Invitations: Mention your desire for an unplugged ceremony in your invitations, so guests are aware of your preference ahead of time.

  • Signage: A tasteful sign at the entrance of your ceremony venue can serve as a gentle reminder for guests to turn off their devices.

  • Officiant Announcement: Right before the ceremony begins, have your officiant make a brief announcement, encouraging guests to put away their electronics.

The Result

Uninterrupted Memories

  • By choosing to have an unplugged ceremony, you’re ensuring that the focus remains on the commitment you’re making to each other. It’s about creating an environment where every smile, tear, and tender look is experienced firsthand, not through a lens or screen.

  • An unplugged ceremony is a gift to yourselves and to your guests — the gift of presence. Trust in me to capture the magic, while you and your loved ones fully embrace every second of your special day.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

I understand that planning a wedding comes with an array of questions and concerns. To help ease your planning process, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that might cross your mind.

  • Rain need not dampen the spirits or the photos of your special day. I always have a Plan B ready for inclement weather:

    • Indoor Alternatives: I scout for alternative indoor locations that can provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos.

    • Creative Opportunities: Rain can create a romantic and unique setting for photos. With the right lighting and a little adventurous spirit, we can capture some truly memorable images.

    • Clear Umbrellas: I recommend keeping a few on hand. They can make for some fun, candid shots while keeping you dry.

  • Upon delivery, you will have the rights to print and share your images for personal use. However, as the artist behind the images, Christine Vega Photography retains the copyright, which means:

    • Publications: If a publication is interested in using your images, they would need to contact me for permission.

    • Commercial Use: Any commercial use of the images will require a separate usage agreement.

  • For weddings within a certain radius of Lakeland Metro, there are no travel fees. However, for locations beyond that:

    • Local Travel: A modest travel fee is applied to cover time and mileage for locations outside of the standard radius.

    • Destination Weddings: For weddings that require extensive travel or overnight stays, a custom travel fee will be included in your photography package, which we will discuss and agree upon during the booking process.

  • While I always welcome your input and will discuss your must-have shots during the pre-wedding consultation, I also encourage you to trust my professional eye:

    • Essential Shots: Providing a list of key moments or people you want captured is incredibly helpful.

    • Flexibility: Overly detailed shot lists can limit the natural flow of the day, but I ensure all important moments are captured.

  • The magic continues well after your wedding day as I meticulously edit your photos to perfection:

    Sneak Peeks: You can expect a few sneak peeks shortly after the wedding to tide you over.

    Final Delivery: The complete gallery will typically be ready within 7-8 weeks, allowing you to relive your special day in all its glory.

  • My photography style is a blend of documentary and fine art. I aim to capture candid moments as they naturally unfold while also creating beautifully composed images that could stand alone as pieces of art.

  • Absolutely, pets are part of the family! I love when couples want to include their furry friends in their sessions. Just let me know ahead of time, so we can plan for their presence and choose pet-friendly locations.

  • Yes, I always bring backup equipment to every wedding, including cameras, lenses, and flashes. This is to ensure that no matter what happens, I’ll be able to continue shooting and won’t miss a moment of your special day.

  • While I have never missed a wedding, I have a network of professional photographers who can step in if I'm unable to attend due to an emergency. Rest assured, your wedding will be covered by a capable photographer with a similar style to mine.

    Note: I will attend the wedding with a mask if I am ill. If I am sick and need hospitalization, that is when I will ensure there is a backup in my place.

  • I'm well-versed in handling all types of lighting situations. Whether it's a dimly lit room or harsh midday sun, I use a combination of technical knowledge, professional equipment, and editing techniques to ensure your photos look beautiful.

Next Steps