Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, so we’ve gathered some frequently asked questions to help ease the process.
Faq
I’m having a micro wedding. Should I choose an elopement collection or a wedding collection?
Honestly, whichever collection best fits your timeline and overall vision. Every wedding is different. If you only need coverage for certain parts of your wedding day, that’s completely okay too. We’re always happy to help guide you toward the collection that makes the most sense for your celebration.
Which Wedding Collection should we choose?
Every wedding day is different, and the best collection truly depends on your timeline, guest count, and how fully you’d like your story documented.
Essential is perfect for couples wanting coverage of the core parts of their wedding day. Based on an average wedding timeline, this collection typically covers your first look, portraits, ceremony, cocktail hour, and partial reception coverage.
Signature is our most popular package. The Signature gives us more time to fully document the atmosphere and emotions of the day — from getting ready moments and venue details to extended reception coverage and candid moments with loved ones. This collection allows us to tell a more complete story from beginning to end.
Full Story is thoughtfully designed for couples celebrating across multiple traditions, events, and meaningful moments throughout their wedding celebration. The Full Story Collection is ideal for weddings that extend beyond a single day, including tea ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, cultural traditions, groom processions, pre-wedding rituals, and full wedding weekends.
12 hours seems longer than what we need. Can we customize coverage?
Absolutely. Small adjustments can often be made depending on your timeline and what coverage makes the most sense for your day.
Have you photographed cultural weddings before?
Yes. We’ve had the honor of documenting weddings across many different cultures and traditions, including Vietnamese, Chinese, South Asian, Cambodian, Laotian, and multi-day wedding celebrations.
We deeply value the importance of family, tradition, and the unique ways every couple chooses to celebrate their story.
Can we request specific photos or family groupings?
Yes! We encourage couples to communicate any important moments, people, or groupings they want documented so we can help make the day feel smooth and intentional.
If we book an engagement session first, can we upgrade to a wedding collection later?
Absolutely. We’d be honored to celebrate alongside you. Just reach out and we can easily update your contract and collection.
WEDDING COLLECTIONS & COVERAGE
BOOKING & PROCESS
Engagement & portrait sessions
EDITING & DELIVERY
We’re ready to book! How do we officially reserve our date?
We’re so excited you chose us to tell your story! Please reach out to us so we can confirm availability. Once the contract is signed and your retainer is received, your date will officially be reserved and confirmed on our calendar.
What makes So Yem Photography different?
For us, it’s never just about taking photos. It’s about documenting your relationship in a way that feels honest, comfortable, and true to you.
We absolutely love creating beautiful portraits, but we also believe some of the most meaningful moments happen naturally — the quiet glances, the laughter, the nervous excitement, and the comfort you find in each other throughout the day.
Our goal is to create an experience where you can genuinely be yourselves, while thoughtfully documenting your story as it unfolds.
How are initial consultations done?
Initial consultations are typically done through a phone call so we can get to know each other, learn more about your wedding vision, and answer any questions you may have.
We believe having a real conversation helps create a more comfortable and personalized experience from the very beginning.
Do you photograph family events, birthday parties, company events, or other non-wedding events?
While our pricing guide mainly focuses on weddings, portraits, and elopements, a large part of our experience also includes documenting family celebrations, birthday parties, cultural events, company gatherings, and other meaningful moments.
If you’re planning a special event that falls outside of our listed collections, feel free to reach out and we’d be happy to create a custom quote based on your celebration and coverage needs.
What payment methods are accepted?
For your convenience, we accept Zelle, Apple Pay, debit, and credit cards. Zelle and Apple Pay are preferred, while debit and credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee. Please let us know if card payment is your preferred method.
We have photo inspiration or a very specific vision. Can we recreate it?
Of course! We love when couples share their vision and inspiration with us!
Whether it’s a specific pose, mood, location, lighting style, or overall aesthetic, feel free to send over any inspiration photos that speak to you. We’ll always do our best to incorporate those ideas naturally into your session while still keeping the experience authentic and true to you.
Some of our favorite sessions come from collaborating creatively with our couples.
Do you help with location recommendations?
Yes! We’re always happy to help recommend locations based on the overall vibe and experience you’re looking for — whether that’s coastal, urban, nature-inspired, modern, or intimate.
What should we wear for our engagement or portrait session?
Once your session is booked, we’re happy to provide guidance on outfit coordination, colors, textures, and styling recommendations to help photograph beautifully and cohesively.
Can family and friends be included in our engagement session?
Absolutely. We’re happy to include a few family photos or moments depending on the session and timeline.
What happens if it rains?
We always keep an eye on weather leading up to your session or wedding day and will work together to create the best possible plan.
Some of the most emotional and cinematic photos can happen in unexpected weather, but if needed, we’re happy to discuss backup options as well.
How will we receive the photos?
All photos will be delivered digitally, through an online album.
When will we receive our photos? Is it really going to take that long?
We always do our best to deliver your gallery as quickly as possible without compromising quality. In many cases, galleries are delivered earlier than estimated.
Will we only receive the minimum number of photos listed?
In most cases, couples receive significantly more edited images depending on the flow of the day, number of events, guest count, and overall timeline.
We never withhold meaningful moments simply to meet a number.
Do you edit all of the photos?
Yes. Every image delivered in your final gallery is carefully edited in our style with consistency, lighting, color, and storytelling in mind.
Will you photoshop us?
We do light retouching for things like temporary blemishes, distractions, and small imperfections while still keeping you looking natural and like yourselves.
Do you shoot film?
No, unfortunately, we do not.
Have you photographed cultural weddings before?
Yes. We’ve had the honor of documenting weddings across many different cultures and traditions, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Cambodian, and multi-day wedding celebrations.
We deeply value the importance of family, tradition, and the unique ways every couple chooses to celebrate their story.
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