The memories of your wedding day are captured forever in images, and to make sure the story is told just the way it happened on that special day, you need a photographer you can trust. Allison Groulx, Owner of Captivating Images, wants to be that person and has proven successful with couples over the past three years who say her friendly and flexible attitude make her more like a friend than their photographer.

Mixing candid and traditional photography, Allison will shoot wedding memories in just about any location from behind the lens of her digital camera. With a creative and fresh approach, Allison has been busy building up a reputation in the Brantford area and is always on the lookout for new ideas to capture your wedding memories with.

This photographer is fun and energetic, has a great time at each of her weddings, and comes with a flexible attitude that Brantford and area brides say they love about her. Staff at the Ring sat down with Allison to find out what Captivating Images has been up to, and what she's got in store for your wedding. Let us explain...

Personally speaking...

In May 2007 Allison Groulx's ongoing dream to start a photography business came to fruition and without a second thought, she dove right in. "I had always wanted to do it," she says. "I knew I would be great at it and that it would be something I would truly love."

With three years in business, Allison says she's always eager to "learn, grow, try new things and be creative with her brides and grooms."

Her expertise comes from self-teaching over the years combined with a love of photography and a natural talent. Allison has also taken photography classes to learn all of the technical aspects of photography and creative editing.

"I absolutely love weddings," says Allison, "I have been to so many different styles of weddings that I have a lot of advice to give my clients when they need it." Allison also photographs over twenty weddings per year, but says she never tires of it as "It is something that I truly enjoy doing and I am so blessed to love my 'job'."

"Seeing the love that two people share and catching them sharing a special look from across the room" is what inspires Allison in her 'work'. "I am there to capture those moments and it is something they can cherish. I love knowing they can show their children the photos one day and they can see just how in love their parents were, and still are."

Lisa Kubista Ribout and her now husband chose Allison to photograph their wedding because of this ability Allison has to capture emotions on camera. Lisa told The Ring that Allison was able to truly capture the joy and emotion that they (and their wedding party and guests) experienced throughout the day in her photojournalistic approach – which is exactly what Lisa was looking for in a photographer.

Captivating with style

Because Allison has photographed a variety of couples, she knows that each couple wants something different from their wedding day photos, which is why she tries to stay flexible. "I am such a people person and I am very flexible with my packages and payment plans," she says.

Allison's openness and flexibility was just one thing that Sarah Peters loved about Captivating Images, who photographed her engagement and November 2009 wedding photos. "We met with a lot of photographers and we just didn't get a good feeling from anyone besides Allison," she told us. "She was open and friendly and patient; listened to everything we said and was willing to work with us, not just for us."

Allison says she makes sure that you receive all of the traditionally styled photos you're looking for, and in addition, you will also receive a selection of artistically edited images you would be proud to display in your home.

What Jen and Matt Kruger liked best about Allison's photography was that she had lots of shots to choose from with some very unique ideas and poses. Jen and Matt had Captivating Images shoot their September 2009 wedding photos and say that they would definitely recommend Allison to other couples looking for a photographer.

Packages & pricing

Though she has a variety of package offerings, Allison reaffirms that "If you don't like something offered in the package, let me know and we will customize it to your needs. If you can't make the payments in three and need to split it up more, no problem."

Each competitively priced package comes with a pre-wedding consultation, no limit to the number of images taken, and unlimited email and phone correspondence. "I focus on both the formal and candid shots. I never limit how many photos I take; everything is done in digital so I take as many photos as possible to capture their day in the allotted time," says Allison.

When we asked about her wedding day photo shoot with Allison, Sarah told us that it was a lot of fun." Not only did we get the traditional photos, but when we came up with an idea, Allison was all for it." She adds that she and her husband loved all of the photos they received and had so many different options to choose from.

Packages at Captivating Images - Silver and Gold - range in price from $1499 to $1799 and in hours of coverage from six to ten, respectively. They come with unlimited images, unlimited locations, an engagement session (with high resolution disc of edited images), coffee table album (30 pages), and a high resolution disc of edited images.

"The prices were very reasonable and Allison offers a variety of packages with a whole list of extras you can add as needed," Jen and Matt told us. "Some photographers were charging twice the price for a similar package."

Allison also offers à la carte items such as coffee table albums (starting at $150), photo guest books ($150), thank you photo cards ($3 each), box-style plaque mounted collage prints and various sizes of additional prints, both of which vary in price based on the size you order.

Walking you through the process

Couples can check Allison's availability on the calendar on her stylish new website. Then, feel free to either email or phone her to arrange a consultation.

Jen and Matt told us that their experience meeting and working with Allison was awesome. "Allison was friendly and very helpful right from the beginning," they add. "She always answered any questions quickly and did everything she could to make it all go very smoothly."

Allison usually meets with brides in her home but can also meet you at yours, a coffee shop or anywhere that is the most convenient for you. During the initial consultation, you and Allison get to know each other, discuss packages and your vision for your wedding day photographs. Then, once you're ready to book, you review the contract and pay a non-refundable deposit of $300 to book the day.

One month before your big day you have a second consultation with Allison to review all of your wedding day details, discuss formal photos that you want and confirm dates and times. The second payment of half of your remaining balance (minus deposit) is due at this time.

On the wedding day, Allison generally spends most of her time with the bride getting ready in the morning. She says she tries to get the bride and the bridesmaids relaxed and laughing to capture great candids.

Because of the care and attention that Allison treats all of her brides and grooms with prior to the wedding (and during, of course), she says they're usually very comfortable and relaxed with her on the wedding day, almost like she's a friend and not just your photographer.

Such was the case for Sarah, who says that "Allison was great, not pushy at all and the calmest person I've ever met, which made it easy to relax on our special day." She adds that Allison was also really great with trying to learn who everyone in the wedding party was.

Allison photographs a mix of candids and formal shots throughout the day and tries to leave the bride and groom for the end. She does this so she can capture more romantic and intimate moments.

The third payment of your final balance is due upon delivery of the photos, which is about one month after the wedding.

Sarah says that she would 100% recommend Captivating Images to other couples who are looking for a photographer. "I was the most relaxed bride and I think it was because I had people like Allison around - calm, friendly and relaxed," she told us. "The way she treated everyone was wonderful and I am still hearing from people about how much they loved our photographer. She was great!"

Details, details, details

? Allison recommends booking 7 to 12 months ahead of your wedding, but can accommodate a late booking if the date is still available - check her online calendar for availability.
? There is a deposit of $300 to secure your date with Captivating Images.
? Most couples pay in three instalments, but Allison is willing to work out options with you.
? All prices are subject to applicable taxes.
? Your high resolution disc of edited photos is ready about one month after your wedding.