FAQ

1. HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME?
My last name is pronounced “EE VA NOVA” Long e, like “Eva” Longoria. Four simple syllables!

2. WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
I shoot digitally and use all professional equipment. I also carry backups of all the necessities. Click here for a complete list.

3. DO YOU BACKUP YOUR IMAGES?
I use extreme care when handling your images. During the wedding day, memory cards are always on my body. When I get home from a wedding, images are backed up immediately. Not only that, but your images are copied onto 2 external hard drives and backed up off site. Please note that once images are delivered to clients, off site backup is deleted. Images remain on 2 external hard drives in my home and/or studio for a minimum of one year.

4. ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes! I carry insurance to protect you, your guests and myself in the rare event of injury or theft directly involving me, my assistants or my equipment.

5. DO YOU TRAVEL?
Absolutely! It’s a huge passion of mine and I love traveling every chance I get. See a sampling of my travels by clicking here. If you’re planning a destination wedding, I’d love to chat with you about my destination wedding photography collections, which include at least 8 hours of coverage and a complimentary Just Married session or two hours of rehearsal dinner coverage! Click here to see my upcoming travel schedule.

Even if you’re planning a really exotic location or you think flying a photographer in would blow your budget, shoot me an email to see what I can do for you! I’m happy to try and work with couples in need of destination wedding photography coverage.

6. HOW DO I BOOK YOU FOR MY WEDDING DAY?
I recommend setting up a consultation to discuss your wedding day and to ensure that your every need is met. If distance or busy schedules make an in-person consultation impossible, I am happy to chat with you on the phone or via Skype. After the consultation, I will email a link where you can conveniently book online! Your wedding date is officially reserved upon receipt of a $1000 retainer (+ any applicable travel costs) and a signed contract.

7. I’VE SIGNED THE CONTRACT AND PAID THE RETAINER, NOW WHAT?
After I receive your contract and retainer, I’ll email confirmation and provide you with a link for your personalized website that allows you to view your contract, invoice and balance due. As the wedding gets closer, I’ll also provide you with checklists that can be completed and/or updated on your personalized website. All of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement session, so please contact me to schedule at your convenience. If you’d like to book a certain day of the week or time of year it’s helpful to get your session on my calendar as early as possible, as I book anywhere from 2-8 weeks in advance, possibly more. Fall is a particularly busy time and please note that I am not available for Sunday sessions.

In the months leading up to your wedding, it’s helpful to discuss the wedding day timeline to ensure we have adequate time to get all of the photos you desire. Email me to discuss.

Lastly, I contact all brides approximately one week before their wedding to go over timeline and logistics one last time. Of course, you can feel free to contact me at ANY TIME throughout the wedding planning process if you ever have questions or concerns of any kind!

8. WHERE SHOULD WE DO OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
It’s always fun to incorporate a special location, like a spot where you had your first date or where you met. If this doesn’t strike your fancy, shoot me an email to discuss location. I can give you suggestions based on your preference and style- country, park, urban, downtown, etc. Don’t be afraid to choose something different!

9. WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR FOR OUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
First of all, have fun with it! There’s no rule that says you have to wear solid colors of the matching variety! Be yourself. Check out my engagement galleries and see what catches your eye. Solid colors and simple patterns are usually a safe bet. A lot of couples choose to bring along a wardrobe change, which is encouraged. One dressy look and one casual can be really fun.

Above all, your clothing choices should be flattering and comfy- not something you need to tug at or adjust for every shot.

Other things to consider: comfy shoes for walking between locations (particularly for females wearing heels), poster boards with your names or wedding date, dogs, skateboards, balloons, flowers, sunglasses, hats, books or any kind of prop or accessory you’d like to include. We won’t use it for every shot, but it’s always fun to mix it up a bit!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?
I’m a sucker for the father/bride moments. Whether it be the father giving away the bride, a heartfelt toast, or a dance, it always reminds me of all of the lovely moments I experienced with my father on my wedding day and my inability to contain the tears of joy! I also love a super-in-love-oh-so-happy bride and groom, and portraits with an awesome wedding party. And, I can’t forget about the details! I’m obsessed with flowers and details of any kind!

11. DO YOU EAT AT THE RECEPTION? WHERE DO YOU SIT?
Per my contract, I require a meal at the reception if one is served. After a long day shooting, I need nourishment so I can power through your remainder of the evening and the dance! Although I eat at the reception, I keep a close eye on everything going on around me, so if someone starts a toast or you and your new spouse go in for a kiss, I make sure to capture it! It’s helpful if I’m seated in a location where I can easily see you and the head table.

12. HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING/SESSION DO I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?
Approximately 4 weeks.

13. WHY WOULD I WANT TO ORDER AN ALBUM OR PRODUCTS FROM LAURA IVANOVA PHOTOGRAPHY WHEN I GET ALL OF THE HIGH-RES IMAGES ON DISC?
Photographs were meant to be printed – to be held and treasured! Images were not meant to be view on a backlit computer screen and this is far from the ideal display option. With this principle in mind, I have spent countless hours researching all of the latest, greatest, and tried-and-true products the photography industry has to offer. I have attended trade shows and conventions to see and touch the products firsthand. I am proud to offer a variety of the highest quality prints, albums and extras- products that I myself have invested in and stand behind 100%.

I am especially ecstatic about my albums! Your wedding album will be your first piece of family history and I feel every couple needs and deserves this amazing piece of art to call their own. I truly believe that albums are the best, most beautiful, cohesive way to tell the story of your wedding day. Images used in the albums are retouched and meticulously edited, steps beyond the images you receive on disc. Furthermore, I custom design every album with the philosophy of keeping it simple, timeless and focusing on the beautiful images and emotion of the day.

Please click here to read more about the different albums I offer.

14. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I love to travel, I love to hang out with my hubby and our dog. I love kickboxing, biking (especially the Grand Rounds) and being active. I love Northeast Minneapolis and Minneapolis in general. I love chilling in the backyard, hanging out with friends, boating on the many area lakes, Sunday dinners with friends and eating a variety of Asian cuisines. I love trying new restaurants and hanging out with fun people. I love photography and I’m always working on personal projects to further enhance my craft. I love networking with other photographers and I can’t even begin to describe my gratitude for the amazing friends I’ve made along the way. I love laying in bed and reading a good book or catching up on my DVR. I love decorating my house and organizing anything I can get my hands on. At the risk of sounding ultra cheesy, I truly love photographing weddings/happy couples and I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling career.

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