Where does the money go?

So, luckily [and purposefully] we chose a package through our venue that included a lot of things -- invitations, ceremony, cocktail hour with an open bar and hors d'Oeuvres, reception and a choice between two meals, table linens, a decorated room [however we choose], a limo, a DJ, a videographer, most of our flowers, and our wedding cake. That's a lot, right? I know, and I'm probably forgetting some stuff.

This is not to say that we don't have a choice in our selection of things - just because it comes in our package. We still have to pick and choose every company and every individual to be a part of our day. We still need to meet with them, talk with them, decide whether it'll be a good match and even view their "investment" list [No one calls them their prices -- I suppose we are making an "investment"... because the numbers are SO freakin' high].

One thing not included in our package is a photographer. And at first, we said to each other... "that's okay - we know people!" Unfortunately, we don't know anyone who feels comfortable enough to do our wedding.

SO, I researched all the things you need to ask a photographer and there's even an online checklist to assure yourself you're making the right choice. So I took my links for photographers and I had my checklist on my desktop and I went through the online pages. But you know what? Do you know what's NOT included on my handy-dandy checklist... The Investment we'll be making...

There's no mention of MONEY or BUDGET! So I researched more and EVERYTHING says that if you're going to "splurge" on anything, make it your photos. But you know? I wouldn't say that we are going "splurge" on anything... So I revisited my favorite site The Knot! and found that with our said-budget we should set aside $1,200.00 for a photographer. Okay, well guess what? That number, doesn't even exist between the pages of these sites. I haven't found anything below $1,700.00 and that "investment" doesn't even include a wedding album! What kind of investment is that?!

So, the next trick up my sleeve was/is to look for companies who are offering specials... but even if you factor in their "deals", we aren't going to save what we need to or what we should quite frankly. I mean, come on, not for nothing but everything is digital these days and I don't think any photographer we hire will be slaving away in a dark room somewhere after the wedding. They, most likely, will be in the comfort of their own home, with a laptop in bed, having snacks and watching T.V. while they retouch our photos... worth $1,700.00 - Sean says no.

Dilemma? I think so.

So, I'm thinking... honestly, what's the point? There's going to be pictures of it all because no one, I KNOW, leaves their house without a camera. So my fear is not that I won't have great memories or even great pictures to look at for the rest of our lives... MY FEAR is that I'm going to spend all this money -- because, if that's what you're supposed to do then I'll find the money to spend -- and it's going to be a waste. What if we spend all this money, and then they aren't even flattering pictures? That wouldn't be good...