Details, Expectations & What to Know
Planning a wedding comes with enough noise.
The photography portion should feel clear, steady, and uncomplicated.
Below are the questions couples ask most often.
Before You Book
How do we reserve our date?
A signed agreement and retainer officially secure your wedding date. Once completed, your day is reserved exclusively on my calendar.
How far in advance should we book?
Most couples book 9–18 months in advance, especially for peak season dates in Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and destination weddings in Las Vegas. If your venue is secured, it’s a good time to reach out.
We’re not comfortable in front of the camera. Can you help?
Yes — gently.
I provide calm, simple direction when needed so you never feel unsure of what to do. The experience feels natural and unforced, even if you don’t love being photographed.
Professional Preparation
Do you carry backup equipment?
Always. I bring backup camera bodies, lenses, lighting, and memory cards to every wedding. Your images are protected from capture to delivery.
Do you have Liability Insurance required by most venues?
Yes. I carry professional liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance (COI) to your venue upon request.
What happens if something unexpected prevents you from photographing our wedding?
In the unlikely event of an emergency, I have trusted professional colleagues I can call upon to step in. Your contract and coverage would remain protected, and your images would still be edited and delivered by me.
coverage & experience
Is all of your coverage magazine-style?
No. Every collection includes my signature refined coverage — a balanced blend of classic portraiture, candid moments, and modern direction.
For couples who love dramatic, fashion-forward imagery, an optional Editorial Portrait Segment may be added for a dedicated magazine-style series of images.
Can we customize our photography package?
Yes. Coverage hours and album options can be tailored to your day. Whether intimate or full-scale, we’ll keep it aligned with what matters most to you.
Do you work from a shot list?
For family formals — absolutely.
For the rest of the day, I focus on natural moments while staying intentional about the images that matter most.
Do you give direction during portraits?
Yes. My approach blends subtle guidance with candid movement so your images feel refined without feeling staged.
Delivery & details
When will we receive our photos?
A curated sneak peek is delivered shortly after your wedding. Full galleries are delivered within 2–4 weeks, depending on the season and coverage length.
Do you provide images sized for social media?
Yes. Your online gallery makes sharing simple, and web-sized files are included.
Do you offer heirloom albums?
Yes. Album design is offered separately for couples who want their images curated into a cohesive narrative piece.
Still have a question?
If you don’t see your answer here, text me directly anytime at (707) 280-4303 or inquire to check availability.
Local Wine Country
Do you charge travel fees for Sonoma or Napa?
No. As a Wine Country–based photographer, travel within Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and Marin is included in my collections.
I’m centrally located in Sonoma County — just a 20–30 mile drive from Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Bodega Bay — ensuring I’m nearby and fully prepared for your wedding day.
Destination Las Vegas
What about Las Vegas weddings?
Las Vegas weddings are booked at my standard collection rates, with travel billed separately at cost.
Travel is structured around a maximum two-night stay (arrival the day before / departure the day after).
What does Las Vegas travel typically include?
Travel expenses may include:
• Round-trip airfare (STS ↔ LAS)
• Two nights hotel accommodations near the Strip
• Airport taxi transportation (flat-rate + gratuity)
• Simple travel-day meal allowance
What is the typical travel cost range?
Most Las Vegas weddings require two nights of travel.
Typical travel expenses range between:
$700–$1,400
This varies depending on flight prices and hotel rates for your specific date.
A detailed travel estimate is provided once your date and venue are confirmed.
Can we include you in our hotel room block?
Yes. For Las Vegas weddings, I prefer to stay on the same property whenever possible.
Being on-site allows me to remain close to the bride, flexible with timeline changes, and fully present throughout the day.
If accommodations are provided within your reserved hotel block, travel expenses are adjusted accordingly.
Editorial wedding photographer working across Napa Valley and Northern California Wine Country.
Private weddings and luxury elopements.
A wedding photographer shaped by composition, light, and a cinematic editorial perspective.
Theresa Chavarria | Wedding Photographer • Napa Valley • Healdsburg • Sonoma County • Las Vegas
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