The Chateau Selah

If your are into castles and princesses, the Chateau Selah is the venue for your wedding. It is truly a step back into history with all the comforts and beauty of today.

Reflective Moments Photography had the opportunity of photographing a wedding in March at the Chateau Selah. It was so romantic and beautiful inside that we didn't mind the less than perfect weather outside. At least there was a brief halt in the drizzle towards the evening and we were able to get a couple of outdoor shots in the mix.

So let me tell you a little about the place. It is placed on top of the mountain for a scenic veiw surrounded with eighty acres of green. Guest parking is provided at the entrance of the venue. This keeps the venue uncluttered and perfect for photography. Your guests will not be inconvenienced for they will be stylishly shuttled up to the Chateau Selah.

Once inside, you are surrounded with castle stone warmed with candles and a gorgeous fireplace. It is truly inviting. Of course just where the ceremony is held depends on preference and the size of the guest list. We were at an intimate family wedding that fit nicely on the main level. However, the Chateau Selah can accommodate much larger crowds, somewhere upwarded to one hundred fifty guests.

There are numerous eye pleasing areas for the photographer. There are balconies both inside and out, winding staircases and elegant decor throughout. Although the top floor was not completed in March, it promises to be a beautiful suite for the bride and her bridesmaids to dress and celebrate together in fairytale fashion. That isn't to say that the groom and his g roomsmen will be slighted in any way. They too have an impressive dressing area on the third floor.

Brides will be interested to know that the Chateau Selah allows you to choose the catering service of your choice. Their only requirement is that you choose vendors that are professional. If you would like, they are happy to supply you with a list of approved vendors in the area. This ensures that every aspect of your wedding day will be exactly right.

Because each wedding is unique, you will have to consult with the Chateau Selah for pricing. I can tell you that a bridal session is free to brides that book the venue for their wedding. For brides that are only having their bridal session photographed at the Chateau Selah, the fee is $250.00.

So go ahead and check this fabulous place out. It could be the perfect venue for your wedding!

Caroline Hood

Reflective Moments Photography

The Chateau Selah

423-323-3157

www.chateauselah.com

Venue Photography

Last night I talked to a young lady that is getting married in May 2011. She was looking for a photographer to take some engagement pictures and wanted to know what Reflective Moments offers in their engagement session.

This stuck me as curious, so I asked her "Why not use the photographer that is shooting your wedding?" Her reply was "I am getting married at _______ _______ ______. They provide the photography on my wedding day. It is part of the package. I decided that I want some engagement pictures so I am looking for a photographer to do that for me."

A couple of questions come to my mind. Why would a bride book their wedding with a venue that required them to use their hired photographer? What kind of photographer do they think would agree to be part of a package deal? This is the recipe for a wedding photographic disaster!

Understand the risk of venue package photography. You do not know who will be the venue photographer from one day to the next. They are employed by the venue, not you. You could have someone photographing your wedding with no more credentials that the ownership of a digital camera. Even worse, the venue may own the camera and simply hire a person to snap photos.

Remember brides, the flowers wilt, the wedding dress yellows and your handsome groom loses a few hairs. In the end all you have are your beautiful pictures from that day. Although the first part in planning a wedding is booking the venue, it is not the most important part. The most important part is your photography, because it is your memory of your wedding day.