Let’s get married

Thank you so much for considering me to capture your wedding day. I've been photographing weddings under CHC-Photography, Inc. & Tales of a Dream in NW Indiana and Chicagoland for over 20 years. 

I know this time in your life is super exciting but can be a bit overwhelming at the same time!! So many vendors to research and inquire with. NWI has amazing vendors and I love being part of it.

Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I have a lot of experience and can help you make awkward moments feel less awkward. I love capturing real moments and want to photograph couples who are all about each other. Is Photography one if not the most important aspects of your wedding day? At the end of the day, I want you to have amazing images you can look back on forever and relive those happy and treasured moments. I hope that as you looked through my wedding galleries, you can see my aesthetic. I want to make it all about YOUR own LOVE STORY.

I blend photo journalistic storytelling by capturing a mix of spontaneous moments, fine detail imagery, and artistic portraiture. Although I capture the day as it unfolds, my brides often look to me for guidance. I am laid back, easy going and have a great sense of humor. On the other hand, I also know how to get things done and take charge if necessary.

I will be happy to help you plan your wedding day and explain different possibilities. Some of my couples love the idea of a first look and some want to keep it very traditional. 

For larger weddings I shoot with my friend Jamie Skripac and started Tales of a Dream over a decade ago. Should we not be available together for your wedding day, rest assured I will find another second photographer to fit our styles. I recommend a second photographer for most weddings but it's a must for larger weddings.

 Let's talk it through and figure out what you are looking for!

 - Carmen | Owner CHC-Photography, Inc. & Tales of a Dream

 I love getting to know my future bride and groom before the big day. An engagement session is the perfect casual setting to get to know each other and hang out while having a great time taking pictures.

Whether you want a styled session or a very casual setting, all that matters is to showcase your love and how much fun you both have together. I enjoy to collaborate on something that fits your personality and the dynamic of your relationship. It’s great to incorporate your hobbies, how you met or things you enjoy doing in your free time.

An Engagement Session will give you the confidence in me as your wedding photographer and having already worked together, will make you a little less stressed on your wedding day.

Small Wedding Package

I love catering to brides who want a smaller wedding! I will be shooting this wedding by myself. Must be within 20 miles of 46307 otherwise travel fee might apply. Usually there is either no bridal party or just two or 4 people standing up. Guest list is usually less than 50 people.

5 hour continuous coverage (additional hours $100 per hour)

1 photographer

11x14 canvas print

Engagement session available (add $200 in wedding package or $500 stand alone)

all edited digital images included via download & gallery

Album optional (see a la carte pricing)

starts at $1,950

Larger Wedding Packages

Package Three

2 Photographers
Engagement or Encore Session
16x20 Canvas Gift Print
10 - 12 hour continuous coverage
12x12 Leather wedding album | 30 pages

all edited digital images included via download & gallery

starts at $5,200

Package Two

2 photographers
Engagement or Encore Session
16x20 Canvas Gift Print
10 hour continuous coverage
10x10 Leather wedding album | 20 pages

all edited digital images included via download & gallery

starts at $4,700

Package One

2 Photographers
8 hour continuous coverage
11x14 Canvas Gift Print

all edited digital images included via download & gallery

starts at $3,700

Need a custom package? Just let me know the specifics and I’ll come up with a custom package for you!

A la Carte

Engagement session $500
Encore session $500

1 Extra hour of wedding day coverage (one photographer) $100

1 Extra hour of coverage (two photographers) $300
2 Extra hours $450
4 Extra hours $750

$1,050

10 page (20 sides)wedding album
our 10x10 flushmount wedding albums are heirloom quality. It is
10 double pages. It is genuine leather with custom embossing.
Pages can be added.

$650

8x8 Parent Album
can only be purchased with regular album order and will be exact clone

$1,450

20 page (40 sides) wedding album
our luxe flushmount wedding album will have 20 double pages &
album box. Different paper and cover options avail. Extra pages
can be added.

Different cover options available, additional charges apply.

Is it necessary to meet in person before the wedding?

While it is great if we can meet in person prior to your wedding, if you are planning a wedding from another state, don’t worry. We can discuss details on the phone, e-mail or via Skype.  When you arrive in town we can meet up for coffee to go over any last minute details.

Who will the second photographer be if Jamie is not available?

I am connected to many photographers and will select the perfect second shooter to fit your wedding. 

I’m ready to book my wedding, what is the next step?

After you’ve decided that you’d like to hire CHC to photograph your wedding, I will make a wedding contract which you will both need to sign. You will also need to pay the $600 down payment. Only once the contract is signed and the down payment submitted is your wedding 100% booked.

Will I get my down payment back if I change my mind or if my wedding is cancelled? How about a refund due to a pandemic?

I will turn down other brides for your wedding day, therefore the down payment is not refundable. A pandemic would be out of my control and since I only ask for a $600 down payment it is not refundable. However it can be transferred to a family session or other session.

How many photos will be in our album?

The number of images in your album depends on the number of pages you order with your album. 

In the average 10x10 album I can fit 35-40 images. I let my brides and grooms pick about 50 to 60 images and choose the best to tell your love story. I will make sure it won’t look cluttered and not every image picked may be in the album. You will have the chance to review the layout and have 2 revisions.

How soon in advance should we book our date?

Most brides book approximately 9-12 months in advance.  If you want to guarantee that I am available on your wedding date, I recommend booking me at your earliest convenience.

Do you charge extra for travel?

Travel within a 20 mile radius of Crown Point, IN is included.  If your wedding or engagement session takes place outside of that range additional fees may apply.
 

Policies

Turnaround time

Unless otherwise specified your gallery will be ready 4-6 months after your wedding.  I may post a few images on my blog and facebook prior, so be sure to have your friends and family subscribe to our social media. Turn around for wedding albums will be discussed during our consultation.

Digital files

I do not guarantee a set amount of images.  The number of images shot at your wedding is based on the amount of hours, activities and the number of guests.  As a guideline you can expect approx. 500 - 1000 images depending on the size of your wedding.

Your final edited images are delivered in jpeg format at 8 x12 in at 300 dpi.  RAW files are not available for purchase and remain property of  the photographer. 

Reprint permission is included with your digital file purchase.  Photographer retains the copyright.  I might want to publish your images in a Magazine or Blog.  If for any reason, work related or otherwise, you wish not to have your photos submitted, just let me know prior to booking.

Payment

I accept credit card, cash, checks, money orders and paypal (available to pay with credit card).  A non-refundable retainer fee of $600 is required to reserve your date.  The remaining balance is due any time prior or the day of the wedding. I can also set up a payment plan for you to pay in smaller installments! 

Extra time requested on the day of the wedding will be billed at our a la carte hourly rate which may be higher than you package rate. It is best that you reserve sufficient time at your initial booking.