I highly recommend booking your wedding photography as soon as you have your date and venue secured. Most couples book 9-18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons (spring and fall).

My availability is limited, and I only take on a select number of weddings per year to ensure a personalized experience for each couple. If you’re considering booking, reach out as soon as possible!

Yes—once you’ve chosen your collection, a non-refundable retainer of 25% and a signed photography contract are required to officially reserve your date. Until both are received, your date will remain open to other inquiries.

The remaining balance isn’t due until 14 days before your wedding date, giving you plenty of time to plan and breathe. This policy ensures I can fully commit to your celebration and give you the attention and care you deserve.

Life happens, and I understand that plans may shift. If your wedding date changes, I’ll do my best to accommodate the new date. If I’m unavailable, your retainer can be applied toward a future session, such as an elopement, engagement, or anniversary session.

Absolutely—I’d love that! Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about loving their work; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident with the person who’ll be by your side on one of the most meaningful days of your life.

I offer complimentary consultation calls so we can talk through your vision, get to know each other, and make sure we’re the right fit. If you’re local to South Carolina, I’d be happy to meet for coffee. And if you’re planning from afar, we can easily set up a video call.

Just send me a message and we’ll find a time that works for you!

Every wedding collection includes a complimentary engagement session—a relaxed, intentional shoot designed to celebrate your story and help us build a connection before the big day. Whether you’re envisioning a mountaintop moment, a stroll through your favorite city spot, or something more cozy and casual, this session is all about you two.

Each session includes: Up to an hour of session time, one location of your choice, a private, beautifully curated online gallery, and a mix of candid and posed images that reflect your love and personality.

It’s the perfect opportunity for us to work together, shake off any camera nerves, and create something meaningful before your wedding day arrives.

I recommend scheduling your complimentary engagement session 3–6 months before your wedding—especially if you’d like to use the images for save-the-dates or wedding decor.

Planning ahead allows us to choose a date that fits your vision, find the perfect location, and make the most of seasonal light and scenery. Don’t worry—I'll guide you through every step so it’s fun, easy, and true to you both.

Absolutely! Pets are part of the family, and including them can add a personal touch to your photos. Just let me know in advance so we can choose a pet-friendly location and plan accordingly.

Yes! I offer flexible custom payment plans to make budgeting easier. If this is something you're interested in, let me know, and we can work out a plan that suits your needs.

Current photo collections are offered at rates I feel are appropriate for my quality of work, and the passion, effort and time I put into my sessions.

Occasionally, I offer discounted or even FREE sessions, which will be announced on my social media platforms.

Check out my Instagram: @BirdieandMayPhotography

My photography is true to color with a soft pop that enhances natural tones without feeling overly edited. I lean toward muted greens, timeless warmth, and cinematic depth—a style that beautifully complements weddings and romantic storytelling. I also have a deep passion for black and white photography, capturing those raw, emotional moments in a timeless way. My goal is to preserve your wedding day exactly how it felt, balancing artistry with authenticity.

Yes! I’ll provide a family portrait checklist to ensure we capture all the must-have group shots efficiently so you can enjoy the rest of your day.

Absolutely! I love blending authentic documentary-style moments with beautifully curated portraits. I’ll guide you through natural poses while also stepping back to capture all those unscripted, in-between moments—your partner’s reaction when they first see you, happy tears, and laughter-filled dance floor moments.

Absolutely! All of my wedding collections include two photographers—because I believe your love story deserves to be captured from every angle. Having a second shooter ensures we don’t miss a single moment, from the quiet in-betweens to the big celebrations.

For larger weddings or more complex timelines, I may recommend adding a third photographer to ensure everything runs seamlessly. We’ll talk through your vision and guest count to decide what coverage best supports your day.

Yes! Black and white photography adds an emotive, classic touch to storytelling. I always include a selection of black and white edits in every wedding gallery.

I shoot both digital and film to offer a blend of flexibility, efficiency, and timeless artistry. While my primary workflow is digital for the highest-quality images, I also incorporate 35mm film and Polaroids for couples who love the nostalgic charm of analog photography. If you're interested in adding film to your wedding experience, let's chat about the details!

I use professional lighting techniques and equipment to ensure stunning, high-quality images no matter the lighting conditions.

Absolutely! I work closely with you (and your planner, if applicable) to create a custom photography timeline that ensures everything runs smoothly and that we have enough time to capture all the moments that matter most.

Here’s a general guide to help you plan a smooth photography timeline:

• Getting Ready: 60–90 minutes
• First Look (if applicable): 20–30 minutes
• Ceremony: 30–60 minutes (varies by tradition)
• Family & Bridal Party Portraits: 30–45 minutes
• Couples Portraits: 30–45 minutes
• Reception Coverage: 2–4 hours, depending on your collection

Every wedding is different, and I’ll work with you to build a timeline that aligns beautifully with your vision and priorities.

Yes! I love capturing the little details that make your day unique—rings, invitations, florals, heirlooms, and venue details. These elements help tell the full story of your wedding day.

A little rain can add romance and depth to your photos! I always bring rain gear and backup plans for outdoor ceremonies. If the forecast looks questionable, we’ll discuss adjustments as needed.

Yes, please! For weddings over 6 hours, I require a vendor meal for myself (and my second photographer, if applicable). This helps us stay energized and ready to capture every special moment.

Weddings are full of unpredictable moments, and I completely understand that things don’t always go as planned! If your wedding runs behind schedule, I’ll adapt quickly and efficiently to ensure we capture everything as smoothly as possible.

If delays affect the photography timeline, I’ll prioritize the most important moments and work with your planner, coordinator, or key vendors to adjust accordingly. I always recommend adding a little buffer time into your wedding day schedule to allow for unexpected delays.

If additional time is needed beyond the contracted coverage, I do offer overtime coverage at an hourly rate, which can be added in real-time if necessary. But don’t worry—I’ll always check in with you first before extending coverage!

Yes! I offer up to two hours of coverage for your rehearsal and dinner—either included in select wedding collections or available as an à la carte add-on.

This is a beautiful opportunity to document heartfelt toasts, candid moments with your favorite people, and the excitement of the night before you say “I do.” If you'd like to include rehearsal coverage in your package, just let me know and we’ll make it happen.

Typically, 1.5 to 2 hours is perfect to capture the most meaningful moments—from guest arrivals, dinner details, toasts, and casual mingling.

Many couples host their rehearsal dinner at their wedding venue (if available the night before), a local restaurant or private dining space, a family home or backyard gathering, or even a destination venue (if it’s a weekend wedding!)

Wherever your event takes place, I’ll be there to document the joy, laughter, and love leading up to your beautiful day.

Yes! I love to travel and would be honored to capture your story wherever it unfolds.

I currently offer complimentary travel within 30 miles of Columbia, South Carolina. For sessions outside that radius, a travel fee of $0.67 per mile applies for each additional mile.

If your session or wedding requires overnight accommodations, airfare, or extensive travel, I’ll work with you to create a custom travel quote based on location and duration. I do my best to keep travel fees reasonable and transparent—no surprises, just beautiful adventures.

Traveling to destination locations requires additional time, resources, and preparation beyond the standard session experience. This fee helps cover the following:

• Time & Travel: Extended drive time to and from the session location.
• Fuel & Vehicle Wear: Increased mileage and fuel costs for reaching remote or distant destinations.
• Scouting & Preparation: Some locations require additional research or pre-session visits to ensure the best possible experience.
• Permits & Accessibility: Certain locations may require special permits or parking fees, which will always be communicated in advance.

For sessions requiring overnight accommodations—such as out-of-state or multi-day events—additional lodging and per diem fees may apply. These details will always be discussed and agreed upon prior to booking.

If you have a specific destination in mind, feel free to inquire about custom travel rates and availability. I love exploring new locations and would be honored to bring your vision to life!

For weddings taking place more than two hours outside of my home base in Columbia, South Carolina, overnight accommodations may be required. This helps ensure I can arrive on time, rested, and fully prepared to capture your day with the attention and intention it deserves. Typically, this means a one-night hotel stay or Airbnb near your venue.

If lodging is necessary, we’ll chat about it during booking so there are no surprises—my goal is always to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Full wedding galleries are delivered within 4-6 weeks.

Yes! I know how excited couples are to relive their wedding day, so I always send a sneak peek gallery within 48 hours of your wedding. This includes a selection of beautifully edited, highlight images—perfect for sharing with friends and family (or posting on social media!).

Your full wedding gallery will be delivered within 4-6 weeks, but your sneak peek ensures you have some stunning moments to enjoy right away!

YES! I'd love for you to share them!

(Just please tag @birdieandmayphotography when you do.) 😊

You will also receive a personal-use license, meaning you can print, share, and enjoy your photos, but they cannot be altered, sold, or used commercially.

I totally understand—technology isn’t always reliable, and the thought of losing your wedding photos can be heartbreaking. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

While I always recommend downloading and backing up your gallery as soon as it's delivered, I also keep a backup of your wedding images for up to two years after your final gallery is sent out.

To protect your memories long term, I recommend saving your images in multiple places, like a hard drive, cloud storage, or a trusted device. If you ever need your gallery reactivated or a new download link, just send me a message—I’m always happy to help.

For long-term safekeeping, I also offer USB backups and printed albums, so your memories are protected in tangible, lasting formats. Let me know if you’d like to add one of these keepsakes to your collection!

Yes, every wedding booking requires a signed contract to protect both parties.

Yes! I am fully insured for liability and equipment coverage.

In the rare event that I’m unable to attend due to illness or emergency, I have a network of professional photographers who can step in.