Don't hire Uncle Harry.

You have set the date, bought your dress and booked the caterer. You're still looking for a photographer when a family member offers to capture your day as their gift to you or for a very small price. Great you think! Uncle Harry's snap shots look good, his flower pics are beautiful and artsy and he owns a bigger camera then you. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, a lot can back fire. There are numerous reasons for hiring a professional photographer besides their camera. They often act as coordinator during the day and help keep you on track. They have back-up camera bodies, back-up batteries, back-up lighting, etc. You'd be surprised how often gear malfunctions but you never know it with experienced photographers.

A pro knows where to stand to get the best shot during the ceremony, the cake cutting and first dance. They can quickly arrange your family for group shots and are ready to capture the unexpected moments.

Uncle Harry quickly delivers a disk of images that he took. Are they the best they could be? Mostly likely no. Many don't realize how much happens after the image is captured. Backing up your files, editing down to the best of the best, color correction, sharpening and more all happen after the wedding to create the final image.

So you have a disk of images from Uncle Harry, but how does everyone see them? What about an album? Professionals offer online galleries, slideshows, custom made albums and more. These are the things that you share with your family and friends and become an heirloom to pass on to your children.

You certainly don't want to be the one who tells the aweful story of how none of your wedding photos turned out. I have guests come up to me when I'm working a wedding and tell me their stories that are just like this. Can you imagine? All the hard work and long planning you've put into your event and no memories to show for it?! Yikes!

Figure out your budget and start researching photographers in your area. Be sure to look at their online portfolios. Once you've narrowed it down to the top three you like, make appointments to meet with each. Look at album samples, ask questions and go over package options. Take into consideration how comfortable you are while meeting with them. If they seem tense and nervous they will most likely be this way on your wedding day. Take the time to do the research to find the perfect fit for both of you. The photography and video are truly the most important aspect of the day.