FAQs
Is Weddings By Michaela just one person?
Weddings By Michaela consists of me, Michaela, and also my boyfriend and best friend, Axel - he’s more of a silent business partner. I’m the primary photographer, and I handle all things creative, whilst Axel helps with marketing, transport, English-French translations, and assisting me on shoots if he’s free!
Where are you based?
We’re based in the Occitanie region of France, we divide our time between Toulouse and Leucate - and also take semi-frequent trips to Paris. We are more than happy to travel around the country for weddings! :)
Do you work with all types of couples? LGBTQ+? Multicultural?
Yes, of course! It’s always such a treat to work with couples from different countries and cultural backgrounds. And when it comes to LGBTQ+ couples - my firm belief is that LOVE IS LOVE, no matter if you’re gay, straight, bi, queer, and what have you.
We’re awkward in front of a camera. Will this be a problem?
Not at all! I know all too well how it is to be awkward in front of a camera - which is why I prefer to be behind it. I can say I am pretty good at directing on shoots, thanks to a decade of photographing and producing. Before any photoshoot or wedding takes place, I prepare a moodboard that includes posing references and send this through to you so that you can tell me what you are and aren’t comfortable with. It’s important to me that we are on the same page before I take that first shot.
How many languages do you speak?
I can speak English and Tagalog (Filipino) fluently, and I am learning conversational French. Axel is fluent in French and English, knows a bit of Spanish, and is learning Japanese.
Do you use natural light or artificial light for your photos?
Natural light is my favourite light! I tend to use more of this for my work. However, I’m also trained in professional studio lighting and have my own equipment for this, which I bring along to weddings too (at no extra cost to you). I’ll use this if what you want aesthetically calls for it, or I’ll use a little flash for photos if it’s too dark to coast on natural light alone.
How many photographers will be there at our wedding?
All my packages come with 1 photographer (me!) and an assistant, with the exception of the Diamond Package, which has already budgeted in an extra photographer (for a total of 2 photographers and 1 assistant). I am more than happy to provide an extra photographer for any of my other packages, at an additional cost.
What happens if the wedding has to be postponed or cancelled?
I have a Force Majeure clause in my photography agreements that covers postponements or cancellations due to "acts of God" or circumstances beyond our control - including COVID-19. In these unfortunate situations, I prefer to set a new date with my couples but in cases where the new date conflicts with my schedule, I try my best to find a replacement photographer. Failing this, I return the deposit.
Do you shoot wedding videos/films?
At the moment this is not a service I currently offer, but I have helped clients in the past to hire their wedding videographer by providing some recommendations according to their budget.
How long will it take for us to get our photos?
I aim to deliver the final images within 45 days from the date of your wedding, however sometimes there may be some extenuating circumstances that could cause minor delays.
Do you provide hair & makeup services for weddings or engagement/pre-wedding shoots?
I do not, however I have a list of talented wedding vendors, including hair & makeup teams, that I would be happy to recommend to you!
Do you shoot destination weddings/elopements?
Absolutely! I love travelling and nothing sounds better than combining travel with wedding photography. Please get in touch with me directly to work out the best wedding photography package that suits your destination wedding/elopement needs.
Will you also provide physical prints of our wedding photos?
My package rates include only digital copies of your wedding photos, however I’m happy to provide physical prints at an additional cost, which can be calculated only after you’ve given me the number of prints you want and at what size(s). The digital copies that I give to you are in both mid resolution (for easy sharing on social media) and high resolution, which is best for printing.
Can we purchase a wedding album even if it’s been awhile since our wedding day?
Of course! There is no time limit to when you can purchase a wedding album - and they make great presents (Christmas, anniversaries, etc.)! Just shoot me a message and we can get started on design discussion.
How do we book you for our wedding date and what are your payment terms? Do you offer payment plans?
Once I reach an agreement with couples on package price and terms, I send over my photography agreement and a quotation, which needs to be signed by both parties, along with a 30% deposit to finalise booking. The outstanding 70% balance is to be paid only when I've handed over the final images. As for payment plans - yes we do, for certain packages only. Please get in touch with me directly to discuss this!
Have a question that wasn’t on this page?
Then please do reach out to me and I will be happy to answer! You can zip me a quick message by clicking on the button below: