We know that wedding day photo opportunities happen only once and there's no getting past the fact that hiring a professional to get those important moments captured perfectly is the way to go. But if your budget for photographs is nonexistent, don't fret! It doesn't have to mean you miss your chance to get the shots that every bride wants.
What you can do instead is find someone or several people if you can, that take decent photos, have them all take the same shots and pick the best.
Perhaps you already know a talented photographer friend or relative who would be more than happy to assist you in your time of need. If not, ask around, a friend of a friend or a relative, there's got to be someone you know who knows someone who fancies him or herself a "professional" amateur photographer.
Negotiate an agreement that could include paying for any supplies, offering to be a reference for them as well as agreeing to let them use some of the better shots for their portfolios. You should also offer them a token amount of money for their time especially if it is someone you are not personally acquainted with, they will almost certainly be expecting some kind of financial compensation for their time and effort, even if they understand your budget restrictions. If it is someone you intended to invite as a guest, you can ask them to do this for you in lieu of a gift.
The Top-Ten Shots
Story by Nancy Johnston. Photos courtesy of Karen LeClair.