ALISON MAE

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Why You Absolutely Need a Wedding Coordinator

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I’m Alison. Photographer behind Alison Mae.
Usually behind the camera. Occasionally not.

Insights from Your Wedding Photographer

Hello, beautiful brides and grooms-to-be! We want to chat about a topic that is near and dear to our hearts: the importance of having a dedicated wedding coordinator on your big day. Trust us, this is one decision you won’t regret!

The Vital Difference: Wedding Coordinator vs. Venue Coordinator

First, let’s clarify the difference between a wedding coordinator and a venue coordinator. It’s a common misconception that these roles are interchangeable, but they serve very distinct purposes.

Venue Coordinators: These wonderful people are employed by your wedding venue. Their primary job is to ensure that the venue operations run smoothly. They focus on logistics like setting up tables and chairs, making sure the venue is clean and coordinating with the catering staff. While they are an invaluable resource for anything venue-related, their responsibilities don’t extend to the personal details.

Wedding Coordinators: On the other hand, a wedding coordinator is your personal fairy godmother (or godfather). They know your wedding inside and out. From the timeline to the seating chart, they have all the details covered. They are there to manage every aspect of your wedding day, ensuring that everything runs seamlessly according to your vision. Coordinators are your go-to person for any questions or issues that arise. They handle everything from vendor coordination to last-minute emergencies.

Jenny Reber of Jenny Reber Events (shown above) is one of our favorite Indianapolis wedding coordinators. Connect with Jenny here.

Weddings Are Busy with Lots of Moving Parts

Your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life, filled with joy and countless moving parts. Even the most meticulously planned weddings can encounter unexpected hiccups. When things go awry (and let’s be honest, they often do), you need someone experienced and dedicated to step in and handle the situation.

This is where a wedding coordinator shines. They have the experience and expertise to troubleshoot problems, make quick decisions, and keep the day on track without you even knowing there was an issue. Their job is to ensure that you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the joy of your wedding day, knowing that everything is under control.

Protecting Those Priceless Candid Moments

As photographers, our primary goal is to capture the magic of your wedding day. Candid moments cannot be recreated. However, when there isn’t a wedding coordinator, the responsibility of answering questions and solving problems often falls to us. While we are always happy to help, it does take us away from our main focus: capturing those precious, fleeting moments.

When we are busy coordinating timelines, directing vendors, or answering questions from guests, we miss out on capturing the spontaneous, beautiful interactions that make your wedding day unique. By having a dedicated wedding coordinator, you free us to do what we do best—capture every perfect moment of your wedding day.

We have found that weddings that have a wedding coordinator allow us to dive in and do what we are there to do, tell your wedding story through the photos we take. But we’ve also noticed another perk when couples bring in coordination: they get more photos. Wedding galleries with a coordinator receive about 40% more images in their galleries. That is quite a big difference! 40% more memories to relive over and over again.

In Conclusion: A Wedding Coordinator Is an Investment in Peace of Mind

Hiring a wedding coordinator is not just an added expense; it’s an investment in peace of mind. It ensures that you, your partner, and your families can enjoy every moment of your special day without stress or distraction. It allows us, as your photographers, to focus entirely on capturing the magic of your wedding, resulting in a beautiful, comprehensive collection of memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

So, as you plan your big day, consider the invaluable role a wedding coordinator can play. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make your dream wedding a reality.

Alison and Zach

View more wedding tips by clicking here.

Some of our favorite Indianapolis coordinators and planners we have worked with recently:

I’m Alison. Photographer behind Alison Mae.
Usually behind the camera. Occasionally not.

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Behind the Camera

Alison & Zach

We’re Alison and Zach, a husband and wife Indianapolis wedding photography team drawn to estate and garden weddings and refined, light-filled venues who care deeply about how a wedding day feels. Alison brings calm guidance and a steady eye, while Zach is always close by, catching the moments that might otherwise slip past. Together, we show up ready to support you through the big emotions and the quiet ones, creating photographs that feel honest, natural, and beautifully real.

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