1) Qualifications: A professional photographer has an artistic and technical knowledge of
     photography.  A friend or family member may be able to photograph a pretty landscape but can they
     handle the technical lighting difficulties that may arise during the course of a wedding?  
     Professionals not only have an understanding of light but the ability to create unique lighting to
     enhance you, the bride and groom.
 

2) Experience:  Professionals are experienced in all the events of a wedding, including problems that can and do arise during the course of the day.  They know how to guide and direct large group
formals with tact and professionalism while dealing with the general chaos of  a wedding day.  All the while, still capturing your future family heirlooms. 

3) Equipment:  A working professional brings an arsenal of equipment with them to capture every aspect of the ceremony and reception.  A seasoned pro won’t leave home without a full set of back up cameras and supplemental lighting choices.

4) Creativity:  Because pros come with years of experience and hundreds of weddings under their belt, you can be assured to receive a variety of great shots to choose from, not just one or two nice shots from the entire day.  Professionals are visual story tellers.  All events and details of the day will be captured for you to relive for years to come.

5) Photo Editing:  Great photo editing is essential.  Pros go beyond just taking the pictures and handing you a disc.  The computer is the new darkroom for photographers and all working pros have top of the line software to edit and manipulate your images.  Pros edit out blinks or poor expressions as well as complete enhancements on photos.  This is all done before you ever see and fall in love with your images.