would you like to be inspired?

***This is going to be really, really panjang, forgive me. But it is a very genuine concern about the hot date.***

This morning I entered my office with a different spirit. I was earlier than normal and the office was quiet. But not eerily quiet. It was just nice. Got my morning coffee fix because I was dozing off in the car on the way before that and took out my files from my bag- those I didn’t manage to open last night because Mama was so excited I came back early. Hehe. Alasan.

Then, I saw that notebook you are now seeing. It used to look a lot prettier than that of course (when it was still new) and now, there are so many things in there. Sketches, contact numbers, dated entries. It’s not exactly organized, but still, there’s a lot of sentimental value to it. Because for once, I didn’t write about my preparations in my blog, but I decided to do it the old school way – in writing.

It’s been a while since I last revised my list. And that’s because most things for the solemnization are done. Most things which involve me, that is, like attire (ha-ha surprise, surprise), make-up and stuff. It’s going to be very, very simple, trust me. I think even I won’t believe I’m married after all of it is over.

Suddenly, that “organized” monster in me woke up. I don’t really know until now what it is that got into me and the next thing I know, I was typing my list in matrix form, complete with a Legend and colour codings and stuff and by 8.30 a.m., I had already emailed the list to the Mister.

You have no idea how satisfied I was after I was done with that list.

There are actually more reds that you think, even if most things are settled. It’s these little nitty gritty things that really make us stressed out, don’t you think so? But one of the biggest things which I have yet slashed off my list is my photographer and videographer. What’s that again? Oh, yes. Time to scream now, I know.

I used to have long talks about these things with Jaja. This is one of those things which I have really badly misjudged. Hmm. Or is there another word for it because it's not entirely my fault that things have turned out the way they are. It’s like I found the photographer I really wanted a long, long time ago only to find out (even at that point in time) that he had been booked. I was amazed because it was still such a long way to go. But considering his reputation, I don’t know why I was so surprised.

Thereafter began my search for the photographer. Notice I don’t even emphasise on that photographer being perfect, etc. Because I know that if I expect them to be perfect, I will probably only end up with a terribly broken heart due to my insane expectations.

I depend a lot on my guts when I choose something. Talk about being an Aquarian. I shortlisted those which I felt I had most “Chemistry” with and soon began the series of phone calls and emails and such. I felt such strong chemistry with one of these photographers that I set for a meeting. I wouldn’t say that their photos are perfect, no sirree, but I know that if they care enough, they won't just do a good job, they can do a great job, no doubt. I had faith in that.

After the meeting, I was over the moon. I saw the storybook album and thought it was good. Of course, if I manage to convince them to customize here and there a little bit according to my needs, it would be perfect for me. But whatever it is, I was happy I made that decision. I made that decision about 6 months + away from my wedding.

I was okay and living in a state of bliss until I found out a little thing or 2 about their services. I mean, their photos are good (even the unedited ones) and everything, but the last thing I want to do after I get married is to chase my vendors for the things I already paid for. It’s a different story if I get my services for free. I would understand delay.

And since then, I put “photographer” back on my list of things to be done and I’m still on a lookout. Don’t even start about the videographer because I’m just arranging meetings now.These things have not yet been slashed and until and unless I find them, I don't think I'm going to get through a day without going through numerous photoblogs, looking for an answer.

And I know that this post is long already, but I’m going to keep on going because it’s obvious that it’s bugging me.

I believe that if you have the money, go for the photographer (and photography style) you really, really like so that the samples you see are the things you get. You can’t tell a photographer to change his style. Someone is bound to hire him for his original style, so we should really let them be, right?

But I don’t have the money, you see. It’s been agreed and the line has been clearly demarcated and my parents and I have decided that all these “techie” things will be borne by yours truly. And so, beggars can’t be choosers right? I can’t choose something which is so much more than my monthly pay, even if I think the world of it and think that apart from the things which will happen on the real day, the hardcopy of my memories is one of those things I want to look back on and cry a happy tear for.

So, like it or not, I have to go on a quest to find things which are within my means. And it’s not easy. Not easy at all. Everyone I ask, they are booked all day long. And I have come to that point where I just want to give up and let everything be, which is really bad I know.

To me, photographers are artists in their own right. If you trust them enough (just like with the other things in your life), you let them be, and trust me, they’ll deliver accordingly. I believe that some couples inspire some photographers more than others do. Every time I go through this or that photographer’s portfolio, I can feel when the artist is inspired and when he is not. Some people just have that vibe which makes the artist feels at ease, making them want to do what they do to the very best of their ability.

Sometimes, when I go through certain portfolios, I wonder, “Now, why didn’t I think of hiring him earlier, eh?” because his earlier photos didn’t at all reflect what his recent works would be. Do you get where I am going? What I’m saying is that although the quality of the photos can be consistent, their inspiration varies with each couple they photograph. YES.

And I hope that I am one of those couples which inspire my photographers enough to make them deliver results with minimal orders (and heartache).

Let’s hope and see.

So, who would like to be inspired by us?


P.S: If you happen to be any 2 of the above which I mentioned, please do leave a comment. I'd be surprised if you finished reading this at all.

Shy to comment? Well, never mind! Your reactions mean the world to me! Make me smile today :)