Mike and Jenn Photography: 10 Questions with Mike and Jenn Edwards

Photographer - Mike and Jenn Edwards

Business: Mike and Jenn Photography
Location: San Diego, California CA
Experience: 10 Years
Photography Types: professional headshots, Engagements, Family, Weddings
Profile: Mike and Jenn Photography
Website: mikeandjennphotography.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

We are Mike and Jenn :) An incredible husband and wife photography and videography team here in So Cal. We specialize in providing an experience. We don't take photos and video, we capture memories and the best side of you no matter if it's your BEST. DAY. EVER!, engagement, maternity, families, even the business professionals. Our passion grew so much that we decided that we wanted more than just a hobby. After a family trip to Panama in 2011 and feeling this passion come alive once again, we knew there was more we could do to fuel our photography craft. Being self-taught, we feel confident that our work speaks for itself. However, what we are really passionate about is making your time with us amazing and even more memorable because we are serving you and capturing all of the memories that are being made. If you care about stunning videos and photography and the long-lasting memories they create, we want to share in your celebration!

To go a little deeper....... Mike started this business before I was on board. I was working in a full time career at the time that required many hours a day and a week. Overall very demanding. But then again, Mike is the visionary! He saw the potential in us. He knew that we were created for greatness. Being married and building a business together is exciting and challenging ? While we both had been passionate about photography most of our life, we had to figure out where we both belonged and how to do it together. We have learned to stay in our own lanes…… for the most part! I often times will pick up a camera during a shoot, however my responsibility is ensuring the client is happy and confident and being the best version of him or herself. We work really well together. It’s a compliment we get on almost every single shoot we go on. We constantly remind ourselves of our “why”. The Mike and Jenn Experience can’t be forfeited for any reason. We love it! I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. We love living life together, building a life that reaches beyond us. A life that makes this world a better place. A life that builds others up, encourages others, helps others grow in life and business. A life that gives back. We both work in our business full time, having left our careers behind. Mike was a scientist for many years and I left a 20+ career in fraud investigations. It’s different and we wouldn’t want it any other way!! We will continue to grow, continue to learn and continue to advance.

2. How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed?

We started out with portraits and then a friend of ours asked us to photograph their wedding. We were, of course, honored to be a part of it and agreed to for the friendly rate of $0. :) We had so much FUN we knew we wanted to do more!! The father of the bride gave us a very generous gratuity and everyone shared how much they loved us and how well we worked together. We knew we were onto something.

We take on a limited number of weddings per year in order to give our clients the attention that they deserve. With that said, we do approximately 20 weddings per year and have been consistently doing that for about 7 years.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

Our style is very natural and bright. We want to capture candid moments so we create an environment and experience that brings out the best version of each of our clients. You can see our work on our website as well as IG where we spend most of our time.

4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?

We recommend couples book their photographer as soon as they have a venue confirmed. We are happy to talk about your day whether it's 2 months out or 18 months out. Because we live in San Diego, where the weather is beautiful most of the year, we have couples who plan weddings all year long! Even December!! It really depends on your venue too. There are so many variables that go into planning a wedding and we are always happy to chat with our clients and help with the details. We have weddings booked throughout each year and are typically booked for all our open slots by June or July. June is still a HOT month to get married. We had 5 couples ask for the same date this year!! Fridays and Saturdays are the most common. People don't typically get married on Sunday's anymore, that we know of. :)

5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

Your investment begins at $4,997 with us. Every package comes with Mike and Jenn :). That is Mike as the primary photography and Jenn as the assistant. We start with 8 hours and you get ALL your photos fully edited in a digital download. PLUS the Mike & Jenn Experience. Just a few great examples of the Mike and Experience is we stay in communication with our couples while they plan their BEST. DAY. EVER! I'm happy to talk her off the ledge at any time :) It happens!! We encourage you to connect with one another during the planning season by going out on date night on us. But for the most part, you just have to "Experience The Difference".

Anything outside of that is done by us creating a package that is perfect for you! You may want an engagement session or a beautiful suede keepsake. It's all up to you! We offer additional photography hours at $125 per hour and video at $225 per hour. We also have engagement sessions, keepsakes, canvasses and more. We even offer professional hair and make up for the bride in out top tier package "Have your cake and eat it too!". Oh and don't forget the video!!

The first step is to let us treat you to coffee where we hear all about your plans and get to know you. It's then we will know if we are a great fit for one another and you will decide whether you have to have Mike and Jenn! :)

6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?

It all starts with Mike and Jenn. Mike is a great photographer! Jenn, on the other hands is really good at attention to detail. So while Mike will take 90% of the photos, Jenn may grab the camera from time to time to get a detail shot of the rings or some other detail. Mike always says..... "consider us an extension of your bridal party". It's true!! While Mike is capturing all the goodness of day, Jenn is there to make sure your hair and makeup are on point, lipstick is fresh and his tie is straight. And not just you two but anyone in the photos. So you can relax and know that you are going to look great!! PLUS Mike and Jenn are going to ensure you are laughing and having lots of FUNZIES.

Depending on the size and length of your day, we have an amazing team of interns who we have trained to provide the same unparalleled service. If we decide a second photographer is needed or we are adding video to your day, you can be confident we have the team to capture it all. And because we offer this great level of experience, no two wedding films will look alike. We want your to have your own special fully edited highlight video for day that doesn't look like every other wedding. We take special care and time to make sure it represents everything about you!

What we guarantee you is that you will get Mike and Jenn every single time! We will never send someone else in our place.

7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?

Our standard travel fee is $250 for counties that touch San Diego. We do travel for weddings outside of Southern California and beyond into other states and we love it!! All travel cost including transportation is covered by the client. We typically give an estimate depending on the travel and bill the client. If the client prefers that we bill with receipts, we can do that too. Also when the client pays for travel up front, if there is a large amount not used, we are happy to reimburse that.

Hiring us for your dream destination wedding is more affordable than you think! Pay for all travel expenses and who knows, we might just love your destination so much that our fees seem complimentary! Let's chat!!

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

It's up to you! We have found that our clients want to pick and choose what they want. Yes we have packages that include canvasses and albums, however if you decide you want one of our packages with or without some of the serves, we are happy to create a package that is perfect for you.

9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive the images? How will they be delivered?

We tell our couples that they will receive their wedding photos within 90 days. You will most likely get some sneak peaks and we will keep in touch with you every step of the way letting you know how it's going! Who knows you might even get your images much sooner! (wink, wink)

Also guess what? Not only will you get a digital link to download ALL your photos but you can download them as many times as you want even sending them to friends and family to download too!! You also get a link for a personalized app on your smartphone so you have your photos at your fingertips because you know you are going to be showing them to everyone all the time wherever you go! You're welcome :)

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Your retainer confirms your date on our calendar and is non refundable. All payments must be made 30 days prior to your wedding date. If you need to cancel your wedding, any payments made, up to 50% will be refunded depending on when you cancel. Your retainer and all payments are however, transferable as long as we have the new date available.