Question 1

How far in advance should we book you for our wedding?

Accepted Answer

The earlier, the better! Currently, I am booking for the 2026 and 2027 wedding seasons. Typically, photographers are one of the first vendors you should hire, and you should put down a retainer as soon as you can. Our Saturdays fill up particularly quickly since there are only so many of them during the year. I can generally book out for weddings up to two years in advance (the current year we are in, and the following year).

Question 2

What is a second shooter? Is this something you recommend?

Accepted Answer

A second shooter is simply an trusted additional photographer that would assist and provide additional photo coverage of your event. This is something I do typically recommend, as there are some portions in your timeline (i.e.- getting ready in separate locations, cocktail hour, etc.) that will happen simultaneously, and I am not able to be in two places at once. A second shooter helps to ensure every moment of your day is covered. There is a $500 flat fee to cover the additional shooter and editing time.

Question 3

Where are you based? Do you travel for weddings or elopements?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Northern California, and yes, I love to travel for weddings! As a wise man once said, put a girl on a plane and she will come (or something along those lines). It is so fun getting to experience new places and shoot at different venues. I do charge a travel fee depending on where you'd like me to go, but rest assured that I try really hard to make sure that we get me to and from your event in the most realistic, yet least expensive way possible!

Question 4

Do you provide videography as well as photography?

Accepted Answer

I believe that, like photography, videography is a visual art that should be left to the experts. While there is a lot of overlap between the two categories, they truly are two different art forms, with different set-ups, experiences, and post-processes. I don’t personally provide video, as I want my full focus to be on capturing your day through photos. However, I do have some really excellent wedding videographers that I work with and fully trust to capture your day in that format. Once you submit your contract, you will be sent a guide that includes my trusted vendors recommendation list.

Question 5

When will we receive our final gallery?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an online gallery link containing all of your high resolution images within a maximum of 8 weeks (sometimes less depending on the season I photograph your story). However, I always edit a few of my favorites within 24 hours from the event so that you have some to post/share in the days after if you wish! Turnaround for engagement sessions is typically within 2 weeks.

Question 6

How many pictures will we receive?

Accepted Answer

Forever Yours Collection package: 100+ high resolution edited and retouched images Endless Love Collection package: 300+ high resolution edited and retouched images Ever After Collection package: 500+ high resolution edited and retouched images Engagement sessions: 75+ high resolution edited and retouched images I take out the ones that are blurry, where eyes are closed, doubles of the same exact photo, etc., but you get all the best of the ones that turn out!

Question 7

Do you have insurance?

Accepted Answer

I am fully insured and happy to provide proof of insurance to vendors upon request.

Question 8

What if something happens and you can’t make it to our wedding?

Accepted Answer

In my 13 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve never cancelled a booking. In the extremely unlikely event that I’m unable to attend, I have a network of trusted professional photographers who could step in, and I would coordinate everything to ensure your day is still captured beautifully.

Question 9

How are your packages set up?

Accepted Answer

I do packages rather than an hourly limitation because I want to make the big day as stress-free as possible in the photo department for my clients! This way it allows for us to capture every event of your day in its entirety without having to worry about what time it is.

Question 10

Do you offer custom packages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you don't see the combination of events you are looking for, I would be happy to provide a custom quote for your big day!

Question 11

How do you charge for travel expenses?

Accepted Answer

All travel expenses are based on the distance between your event location(s) and my home base of Chico, California. All other destinations beyond 200 miles round-trip will be negotiated and handled on a case-by-case basis. I work really hard to make sure that the fee that I charge for this is exactly what I would need to get myself to and from the event at the lowest possible cost.

Question 12

What if I book your ever after collection, but I don't need engagement photos?

Accepted Answer

Although I highly recommend that we take the opportunity to shoot with each other as a "practice" for your big day, if you are not in need of engagement photos you have the option to use the extra hour of coverage for a different wedding event such as the rehearsal dinner, or for a different type of one-hour session with me in the future such as anniversary, family, or maternity portraits!

Question 13

How are my photos delivered?

Accepted Answer

No matter which package, you will receive an online downloadable gallery containing all the best high resolution image files from the event. You are welcome to share this gallery with friends, family, or whomever you'd like to share the photos with!

Question 14

Can we have the originals / RAWS?

Accepted Answer

No. It is industry-standard that wedding photographers never provide the originals/RAW files since they are not an accurate representation of our work. Remember, you have chosen me as your photographer because you love my style and trust in my trained eye. If you would like for me to make small adjustments to a select number of images after you get a chance to review your final album, we can definitely discuss it! Larger adjustments (for example, removing individuals from images) may require a small additional fee.

Question 15

We are ready to book! How do we reserve you for our date?!

Accepted Answer

Once you have decided that I am the right fit to bring your vision to life, I will send over a contract and deposit invoice for you to sign and return. There is 30% non-refundable retainer that will go toward your total to secure your date. This ensures your date is fully blocked out on my calendar; I do not book any other sessions on the date of your event, no matter which package you select.

Question 16

What is a pre-wedding consultation, and when should I book that?

Accepted Answer

Each package comes with a pre-wedding consultation that would be conducted after you book. How this would work is that we would meet, get to know each other, and discuss your vision for your big day. This can happen any time before the wedding, but it is recommended to meet at least once at least two months before to discuss your ideal schedule, review your likes/dislikes, and go over any questions or concerns you may have. I offer these pre-wedding consultations in-person, over the phone, or virtually via Zoom/Google Meet.

Question 17

Do I really need to do an engagement session?

Accepted Answer

I always recommend that a couple does at least one photo session with their photographer before the big day. Here's why: an engagement session allows for us to practice in a stress-free environment. Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this special chapter of your life while also getting comfortable in front of the camera. It lets us figure out a good dynamic, helps me learn about your best angles and posing preferences, and helps you get accustomed to being in front of a camera together. Couples typically will practice for their first dance, their walk down the aisle, their vows... their photos should be the same!

Question 18

Do you shoot cultural wedding ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As someone who is half Chinese, I feel a profound connection to the traditions that have shaped my family—moments steeped in symbolism, intention, and quiet emotion. Photographing cultural wedding ceremonies allows me to honor and preserve love, not only between two people but across generations. These rituals celebrate heritage and personal identity, as two lives come together in union, infusing the day with layers of meaningful, intentional significance. They transform a wedding into a timeless expression of commitment, respect, and belonging—a beautiful reminder that love is both deeply personal and wonderfully inherited.

Question 19

Why is wedding photography worth investing in?

Accepted Answer

Flowers fade. The cake is eaten. The music stops. But your wedding day—the laughter, the tears, the quiet glances, the moments you didn’t even notice—lives on forever in your photographs. They aren’t just pictures; they’re pieces of your story. Photography captures it all, so years from now, you don’t just remember your wedding—you feel it again. While other vendors create experiences, a photographer creates memories you can hold onto for a lifetime. Prioritizing photography ensures that the story of your wedding—your story—never fades.

Question 20

Why should I hire you as my wedding photographer?

Accepted Answer

Along with my 13 years of wedding photography experience, knowledge of the industry and current trends, great hair, and exceptional wit, I truly love what I do. All jokes aside, I believe you should always hire someone who loves what they do and cares deeply about their client's experience, which is why I have worked to become an expert in my field. I have created the ultimate wedding guide to help you through the daunting process of wedding photography, and I will be there to hold your hands through it. Getting to support my clients on their special day is a huge honor, and I take that seriously.

Question 21

What is the best way to contact you?

Accepted Answer

While I think Zola is a great resource, the easiest way to get ahold of me is to submit a contact form through my website, www.withlovebyaq.com! This ensures that I have all the information I need right off the bat and can give you appropriate advice on how to achieve your vision. Alternatively, you can also email me at withlovebyaq@gmail.com.

With Love by AQ | AQ Photography

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Elopement pricing

About With Love by AQ | AQ Photography