Originally when planning out my wedding budget for my May 2013 wedding, I had decided I was going to go sans photog for the Big Day. After being severely scolded by my bridesmaids, I changed my mind and set out to find a reasonably priced photographer. Working within a tight budget, I was willing (and didn't have many options either) to take a chance on a less experienced wedding photographer, perhaps a student or "hobbyist", that had some skill and a lot of personality, so I posted a Gig on Craigslist.
My inbox was flooded with over 60 applicants for the job. Various abilities, experience, styles, and price ranges. Some were an obvious NO and others had great potential. Then Peter Gubernat responded to the ad. While his online portfolio only had a few events at the time, I was drawn to his use of color and creative eye in the work he did have up. He had yet to shoot a wedding and was willing to work within my price range. I had a couple other photogs I was considering, but his energy, professionalism, and how quickly he responded to my messages made him the clear cut choice for me. After showing his work to my fiancee, we made the decision to move forward with Peter.
Months pass and I am following Peter on Facebook. Suddenly his page begins EXPLODING with new, incredibly breathtaking work! He was obviously staying VERY busy and becoming quite the accomplished photographer. When I saw I had a new message from him, checking in, I frankly was nervous. I expected him to back out of our wedding or want to raise his rates on us (which he had EVERY RIGHT to!!!). However, he simply wrote to make sure we were still on and to say he was looking forward to working with us!
The final weeks and days leading up to the wedding, Peter stayed in close contact, calling to go over the day of schedule of events and make sure he was going to be prepared to capture all the special moments. I was constantly impressed with his organization and professionalism.
On the big day, Peter and I met for the first time (I was living overseas in Germany and had flown into Chicago for the wedding). He was prompt and ready to work. Our first "event" was the "getting ready" process. We had hair and makeup artists in our bridal suite working on all the bridesmaids and myself. Peter shot a bunch of candids, pulling out all sorts of tricks and creative ideas to capture the shots. He also ensured he knew where the groom and groomsmen were, so he could also stop over to their room and snap some pictures of them.
When we arrived to the venue, Peter was already there and working away with an assistant he had also brought with him. Peter bounced all around the venue (of which he had already scoped out on an earlier day), capturing all sorts of shots and angles. After the ceremony, we took some "formal" buuuut not so formal pictures out in a location he thought would be awesome, and it was. We had a BLAST. It was sooooo cold, but we kept the energy up and Peter had some great ideas for photos.
He hung around for the reception, snapping away and then left us shortly before the reception ended.
By the next morning, HE HAD PHOTOS UP!!!!! I was AMAZED. It was a "sample" of 20+ pictures. They were INCREDIBLE!!! I was absolutely floored and in tears at how stunning and beautiful the pictures had turned out. We also had some awesome, creative shots that were ridiculously cool. We've been receiving nothing but compliments about how great our photog was from folks that worked with him, to those that just saw the pictures we had posted. A few of the photos we posted have been reshared and are circulating the internet like CRAZY.
I cannot wait to see the rest of the photos. If he can get us back such fabulous pictures in a matter of hours... I can only imagine what more is to come.
I just can't express how happy I am with having chosen Peter to shoot our wedding day, and more so, for Peter choosing us. He is an awesome person and an incredibly talented photographer. Could not possibly recommend him more for ANY type of photography! read more