Photographing first wedding?

Here's the deal. I've been interested in photography and doing shoots for friends and family. I'm learning a lot and every shoot I do, I know I'm getting better and better. I should probably charge for what I do and the time I spend editing the pictures.

I was asked to do a wedding for a friend of a friend. They are working with a small budget and it was bascially me photograph there wedding for $100 or not have a photographer at all. I agreed so I could have the photos for my portfolio and I could use the learning experience.

I currently have a nikon d3000. I have a 50 mm 1.8 lens, the lens that comes with the camera, and 18-55mm lens.

My actual question is… Because i'm not worried about actually making a profit, rather getting good pictures to have for my portfolio, should I rent a different camera… Leaning towards the d90 and rent 2 lenses or should I rent lenses for my d3000. I know that the d3000 isn't such a good camera but I don't really know which way to go!

Also, Please don't say anything discouraging. I get that a lot on here. I know that i'm inexperienced and I shouldn't be shooting a wedding. They are aware of what I know and don't know. They appreciate that i've agreed to do it for such a small amount of money. So if you feel like you are going to say something rude or something that will hurt my feelings, but don't answer the question.

As a photographer, weddings are by far the hardest thing to shoot. Before you look at equipment, consider the location. Inside? Outside? Daytime? Night? Distance shooting? I agree, the d3000 is not a wedding camera. A d90 is ok, I'd get a d300. And yes, you will want a fast zoom, 200 to 300… 2.8 or faster. You might also want a really good flash with extra batteries. And at least 3 -8Meg compact flash. Shoot in raw and take lots of shots of the same frame.
Most important, have an assistant. Know ahead of time what shots you want, settings, family and friends, and have an assistant with you to organize/ co-ordinate getting people together. Discuss ahead with the couple who they want pics with. The wedding day is not the time for figuring that out.
To be honest tho, if they're saying $100 or no photographer, then they don't really care. If it was me, I'd do it as a gift rather than for $100. Then there's no stress. Whatever you do is good. Maybe have them rent the gear and do it as a gift

I really like this photographers photos… She lists answers to the 20 questions she gets asked daily. Including the camera and lens she uses at weddings. She is also very helpful with any photography questions you might have;) http://www.facebook.com/...0863284402

Hope that helps a littl bit!

You posted this question twice.

Don't get so much worried or hesitated. Wedding photography is not about holding a high mega pixel camera and few lights; it involves the art of handling camera basically. This career does not need any sort degree. People usually start making their portfolios by voluntarily taking pictures in close friends weddings.

First of all, you need a high quality camera and learn every mode or function it has, you should know everything beyond the shoot mode. Search for wedding poses online to get an idea about what is in and what is not. Through this search you'll get an idea about lightning and backgrounds. Arrive at the location for marriage little early so that when the functions start, you are well prepared with set equipments.

Try capturing those events which the couple will miss due to side by side functions going on. Photographers usually hire an assistant for this. The assistant covers one side of the function completely while the other one covers the other one in the wedding ceremony.