Ok, hold the laughter ...ME a wedding photographer!???

[ddt0725]

Denise,
When I shot my first two weddings, film, I shot with one camera and 20 rolls of film, 6x4.5, so that was only 300 shots. I had an old TLR(twin lens reflex) as my backup and two strobes on a flash bracket. Since your my age roughly, maybe a little younger, I bet you remember TLRs. I shot weddings this way for a couple of years. Had to pick up my TLR one time because my winder broke on my Bronica. I had so many inquiries for weddings that I was turning them away, only did 6 a year at that time. My only advertisement was word of mouth. People told me thay wanted me because of my passion. I suspect that is why she wants you while knowing its your first time. She sees your passion in your work.
Take the wedding with what you have, just be up front with your customer, which sounds like you are. I think I would opt for the 7D rental mainly because I remember you had to send your 7D in once if I remember right. Otherwise, if you know someone that will loan you a rebel or something. I hate Rebels now but my first digital wedding was on an 8mpix rebel. They can take pro quaility shots in the hands of someone like you
Keep it simple for the first one. Make sure you take your battery charger so half way through you can plug your camera batt in while you continue to shoot. Thats what I did with my first digital wedding.

Um no ...I don't have a clue what a TLR is! I'm not saying I'm too young to remember (although I'd like to use that excuse) but I really didn't know anything about cameras or photography at all until I picked up my rebel 2 years ago. Other than that, I only owned a Kodak that shot the picture out the front and a p&s that I have now. I live a very sheltered life!

I don't remember sending my camera in because of a problem. I only sent my camera in when I had Canon calibrate my lenses to it when I was having a couple lenses I used to own looked at, the camera went along for the ride.

EDIT: Oops, hit "return" before I was done! I do think I need more cards though because I know I have a tendency to get trigger happy. But I did nix the idea of a better lens, I just hope my Siggys don't let me down!

Have you used reflectors much for weddings? I know my daughter would be happier if I didn't buy them probably but I wonder how much help they will provide.