Award winning, Alabama Wedding Photographer Samantha Alday offers a photojournalist or documentary style approach to photographing weddings. Her modern, fresh images are usually unrehearsed without any staging while capturing the true emotions of the day as they actually happen–those moments you may not remember otherwise. She specializes in making her couples feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Samantha commissions a limited number of wedding events each year delivering the most in personal customer service, unique attention to detail and the specific needs of each client. Her work has been featured in ALABAMA WEDDINGS Magazine, The Knot online Real Weddings and has been awarded by the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
Wedding FAQS
what is your style of photography
My style is photo-journalistic. I want to capture the true moments and emotions of the day as they actually happen. Instead of being a part of every scene, I simply want to record the scene as it happens. Most images are taken without any intrusion or staging; our formal session time together is also relaxed and fun. Every wedding is unique and tells your own personal story-I want to photograph it as an observer, documenting your entire story.
how do i choose the collection that’s best for me
There are several things to consider in determining the right coverage for you:
*How many attendants will you each have?
*How many guests will you invite?
*How many venues will be used for your ceremony and location?
*How long will your ceremony last?
*How much family will be involved for formal portraits?
*How long will your reception last?
*Do you want an album included in your coverage?
*And most importantly, how important is the photography to you and how much of your wedding do you want photographed? 
Now, once you have that established, look more closely at each Collection.
The basic photographic coverage is up to eight hours of wedding day photography and is great for the smaller, more intimate ceremony with a smaller guest list (less than 150), a small wedding party (usually 2-4 attendants each), and the ceremony and reception at one location. This coverage usually covers about an hour of preparation time and reception highlights only.
Nine hours of coverage usually includes time for photographing up to two hours of preparation time, pre and post ceremony formals, ceremony and reception. This may also include up to two locations dependent on travel between locations.
Ten hours of photography coverage is for the larger wedding where you may have a full wedding party, a longer ceremony (greater than 30 minutes) and two locations involved. Ten hours usually includes everything from start to finish, such as bride and groom preparation time, pre and post ceremony formals, ceremony and full reception.
what style of albums do you offer
Albums are designed digitally and are flush-mounted. So, what does this mean to you? With the digitally designed album, the design possibilities are endless. You may like the coffee table style, contemporary look, or you may prefer a more traditionally designed album…I am happy to work with you to create your perfect album. Each album is hand designed and are available in numerous leather and fabric options.
how many pictures will I receive
The number of images included with each coverage is totally dependent on which coverage you choose and other factors associated with your wedding. There is no minimum or maximum and as each wedding is unique, the number of photographs will vary from wedding to wedding.
what is your retainer fee to hold my date
My policy requires 50% of your total Coverage and a signed Photography Agreement for me to hold your date. Bookings are on a first come-first served basis only. I schedule one wedding per day and I cannot hold a date for you without a signed Wedding Agreement and Retainer.
what about taxes
A 4% AL sales tax may be added to wedding coverages and sales.
what are my payment options
Your remaining balance is due 30 days before your event, but your balance may also be divided into two equal payments for you with the final payment due 30 days prior to your event. You may pay by check, American Express, Visa/MC and Discover.
do you travel
Yes! 100 miles is included with your wedding day coverage. Our weddings have included travels to Montgomery, Birmingham, Auburn, Dothan, Mobile, Fairhope, Point Clear, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in AL; Pensacola, Panama City, Rosemary Beach and San Destin, FL; New Orleans, LA; Jackson, Natchez and Tupelo, MS. We will travel to any destination to photograph your wedding. Call for more information on additional travel fees.
are the digital files a high resolution
Yes! Having your digital negatives means all of your photographs are in your hands to treasure, print, or share with friends and family.
do you use a second photographer and/or assistant
Yes! My husband, Clark is my assistant and second shooter. He is great at photographing images and shots that I may not see or be physically able to get. He often hangs out with the guys to get photos of them getting dressed while I’m with the girls.
how far in advance do I need to secure my date
The sooner the better! Really, it’s not uncommon for me to book dates 8-18 months before the event. Also, to ensure the most in personalized service, commissions are limited so dates tend to book quickly.
what if I need more time on my wedding day
If I see we are running out of time for photographic coverage, I will quietly approach you to let you know. You will then have the option of continuing your coverage at the overtime rate with a 1 hour minimum.
do you take engagement sessions and bridal sessions
Yes, I do offer both sessions. Each includes online proofing and digital files that will be delivered with your wedding day files after your wedding. Custom albums are also available for each session.
can you photograph my rehearsal
Absolutely! I’d love to not only cover your wedding day, but your rehearsal as well! This is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to meet your family, too.
how do I secure you to photography my wedding
Once I receive some specific information from you, I will send you a Wedding Agreement via email. You may then read over the Agreement, print, sign and return the Agreement to me by mail with your Retainer. Once I send the agreement, I will hold your date for 7 days.