You and your grandma take a break from the festivities. Sitting on a quiet bench together, she reaches for your hand. Flash! The moment is preserved forever.

Your new husband and his mom try to do a hip-hop move on the dance floor. Whirrr! The moment is immortalized forever on video.

The right photographer will capture it all. Of course, you have to find him first.

So once you've asked around and gathered a portfolio full of great photographer recommendations, start making general inquiry calls. Use your budget and your wedding date, time and location to narrow your choices to about five potential names. Make preliminary appointments to look at their "books," or albums of the weddings they've covered, and snap! You're on your way to finding the right photographer!

1. The Interview: Things to Bring

2. Must Knows

3. Closing The Deal

4. Last-Minute Checklist

HOT TIP
Be your own location scout. Walk through your ceremony and reception sites well before the wedding and make note of fabulous backdrops you think would be great for your pictures. If you can arrange a tour with your photographer -- do it! Otherwise, fax in descriptions of your finds so when the wedding day comes, you're all on the same page.