frequently asked questions

How do we book you two?!
First, we have a dance party. Then, we hop on a video chat (Zoom) to get to know you two & hear all the big & finer details you're dreaming of for your big day. We want to be a perfect fit for you two, so this is the best time for you to bring all your questions, lay out your hopes and dreams for your photography experience, and zero in on the best fit wedding collection. If we are your perfect fit, let's get you locked in! Finally - return to the dance party & let's get you locked in on our calendar & commence the celebrating! A non-refundable deposit & signed contract is required to hold your date on our calendar.

How do we know if we're the right fit as an MWHCO couple?
Being the right fit goes both ways - us for you, and you for us. We thrive in environments where friendship & genuine authenticity is at the core. If you're looking for purely hired help - we definitely aren't it. If you're in search of photographers who are going to wipe your tears, help sew on loose buttons, redo makeup that's ran from happy tears, and cry a few times behind the camera with smiles plastered on our faces - it's us. Our biggest goal is to create a welcoming environment to connect with our couples on a level that is deeper than purely a business relationship. That's how the magic happens for both our couples', but us as well - camera in hand.

Do you offer payment plans?
We offer a 3-split payment schedule. The 1st payment is a non-refundable retainer and is due at signing to lock in your date. The 2nd payment is due at the mid-point between booking and the event date. The final payment is due 1 week prior to the event date.

What's included in our online gallery?
Your online gallery will include the entirety of your completed & edited images. You (& anyone you share the gallery with) will have access to download high & low resolution images for safe keeping, sharing on social media (low-res), and printing your memories (high-res)!

How many images should we expect in our gallery?
A good rule of thumb is to multiply 50 by the number of hours we shot! However, we never limit the maximum number of images in a gallery as everyone's days are so incredibly unique. An 8 hour wedding day will range from a minimum of 400 images to 2000+!

How long do we have to wait for our full gallery?
Turn around time ranges depending on whether or not you're waiting on wedding day or engagement session. Wedding & elopement galleries have a turn around time fo 4-16 weeks; whereas portrait sessions are 2-4 weeks!

Do you travel?
Easy answer - hell yes! We are based out of Pingree Grove, IL. Our 2024 included travel radius is 40 miles & 2025 included travel radius is 60 miles. We live for fine-tuned weddings with location included in the intentionality of our couples days. We'll travel from the cornfields to the seas for your love stories.

What happens if i need to cancel or reschedule my session and/or event?
Be sure to check your contract for cancellation and/or reschedule terms. And most importantly - reach out to us! Keep us updated so we can play our team role in helping you navigate any changes!

Are pets allowed?
YES. YES x10000. We're most likely to die from petting something we knew we shouldn’t have.

Will our photographers always be Ashley Bowling & Nicole Kilday?
In the rare event we are unable to attend your big day (cue the tears), our Associate Photographers on the team would step in. Our associate photographers were hand selected by us to seamlessly mesh with our brand & style of photography. In the event an associate photographer has to step in, we can assure you, you’re in amazing hands. Not to mention, we won’t be out of the loop at any point in time as we will still be here to handle all of the pre & post processing. The perks are - you gain an extra (or 2) creative to brainstorm ideas, bring additional talent to the table, and even more friends to share in this journey.

Does MWHCO deliver all raw and/or unedited images?
My Whole Heart Collective does not give out RAW and/or unedited images. If we did, it'd be like serving you a piece of raw chicken - unfinished & 100% not up to our standards. Be sure to check your contract for additional details.