I often get wrapped up in the minuate of figuring out how to present or organize one of these “contests” (though it’s not really a contest), but today I’m just going for it and seeing what will happen.  I have been so blessed by the great couples I’ve encountered, and finally feel like I have the freedom to give a free wedding to someone else, so  I am happy to say that I plan to shoot at least one free wedding per year from here on out. I very much want to do one in 2010 but will have to see if the dates line up (hoping so), but will definitely do one in 2011. If a 2010 couple ends up working out, it will be decided by mid-March at the very latest, so get me your emails!

REQUIREMENTS

Pretty loose. Basically you will just need to be a wonderful couple who cannot afford high-end artistic photography for your wedding day, who also has a great spirit, likes to have fun, and has an interest in artistic photographs. Whether it be some trying situations that are limiting your wedding budget, or just a general lack of funds, you are a candidate provided that’s the case and you are a great couple. Please tell me about yourselves: tell me your story and why you are getting married, where it will be held and what you hope it is like.  I really want the photography to be something you love and connect with and I also somewhat selfishly want it to be with a couple that would be inspiring to me. You must be interested in and passionate about artistic, nontraditional photographs, set aside at least one hour of daylight on your wedding day for creative portraits, and I ask for a little extra freedom/experimentation for these.

LOCATION

Your wedding can be anywhere in the world. Travel and accommodations (for two in select cases) will just need to be paid for by you. Your venue can be anything, whether that be a restaurant, a garden, a hall, your backyard, a spot in the redwoods, etc. Pro tip: please DO NOT apply if you are getting married at a very pricey venue but just don’t have the right “photography budget.”

WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Travel-related expenses if out of state or downstate and film processing/scanning if needed.

DATE

Wedding date will be one that I am not booked. January – May are very good months for my availability generally and Fridays and Sundays are usually better bets.

YOU’LL GET

• digital/film hybrid coverage by me
• digital files of your wedding images
• online proofing of your images
• a slideshow
• a few other specials
• potential for some of my vendor friends to get involved too

TO APPLY

Send me an email at olivia at olivialeighweddings dot com with “Freedom Wedding” in the subject line. With information form the “Requirements” section along with a photo of the great couple. Feel free to be verbose; I obviously am.