Let's get to it: Yes, a secondary photographer is an extra cost but it's worth the investment.
When you choose to add a secondary photographer to your wedding day, you're adding another camera. This means that there's potential for twice as many moment captured during your special day. This means that while the primary photographer (yours truly 💁♀️) is photographing one group getting ready, the secondary can go and photograph the other group getting ready. Each photographer gets to spend more time with each group and has the chance to capture all of those little details that make the day uniquely yours.
Another reason to be pro-secondary photographer is storytelling. When I'm photographing, I can only get one angle. But there are so many other little looks, googles, and goofy faces that happen and can't get captured from one angle. When you have a secondary, they're right there ready to capture these moments, which then helps with the storytelling of your day. I might capture the front-facing, pristine picture of everyone smiling at the camera, but my secondary caught that giggle you had with your best friends right afterwards because somebody made a naughty joke that I certainly didn't hear (but you did).
Now that we have family photos out of the way, it's time to whisk the happy couple off and away from their guests to get those intimate couples' photos. While we're off and doing our thing, my secondary will be at your cocktail hour capturing all of those in-between moments that your guests are experiencing. The hors d'oeuvres you carefully chose, detail shots of the drinks you wanted (maybe even a signature drink?), and all of the casual group shots that people love being in at weddings.
The last thing I want to do is reiterate the multiple angles point. This is great when it comes to capturing toasts and your guests' reactions, the moments during your first dance (plus your guests' reactions, again), and then all of the dancing photos! That's so much ground for one person to cover, which I normally do alone, but I guess this circles back to the "you added another camera" point.
Ultimately, it's your day to do however which way you want. Here are just some arguments supporting why it's worth it. But you do you 😘 It's your day and you can do what you want to!
Geoff and Jamie's wedding was at the Memory Garden in Monterey, CA which is part of the Portola Hotel & Spa. This is one of my favorite spots! Conveniently located right next to the Monterey Wharf, it's a quick jump over to get some photos near the water. Send me a message if you're planning on booking this venue!