This weekend we are very excited to be a part of Salmah and Imran's special day!
It is expected to be an extravagant and beautiful ceremony.
Looking forward to sharing the details soon!
Photo credit: Taswir Shop
Friday
Thursday
The Perfect Toast
Wedding toasts- speeches to be rehearsed? Or improvised?
How long or short? How personal?
If you are one of the special few who is making a speech at a wedding ceremony, there are many tips to remember in order to make it appropriate and memorable.
Theknot.com offers excellent guidelines on what to include and how to prepare to make a perfect toast.
Keep in mind the variation of the audience members, especially if including a special memory of the bride and groom. Avoid using any material that may be damaging to anyone's image. Remember that for some individuals this will be a first impression of the bride or groom.
Be sure to rehearse your speech, and jot down your key points.
Remember that, generally speaking, you are what stands between the guests and their dinner -- keep it short and sweet!
Most importantly, speak from the heart.
image: thesteelcitybride.com
Wednesday
Getting Creative and Kid-Friendly
Having children at a wedding reception may call for a little specialization and creativity. I have seen many awesome ideas this past Fall for keeping kids entertained and involved during a wedding. Even with a tight budget, a little creativity can go a long way.
image found at: www.projectwedding.com
If the venue allows, having a small area for kid's activities can be very helpful. Hiring a nanny or sitter for an evening reception is also a great asset.
Create a centerpiece of small games and treats. If budget permits, create a small kid's menu such as the one featured below.
www.lilmusings.com
An excellent idea I saw for an evening reception is setting up a small movie area if space allows. Bean bags, and a small television were brought and put in a private room for the younger children present.
www.ohmyhandmade.com
A final example that will keep children occupied and create adorable memories- have them draw cards for the couple and put on display around the gifts table or hanging as shown above.
There are so many ways to manage a kid-friendly event. Keep in mind these creative ideas to have a successful and stress-free event!
Thursday
Late Night Snacks
Even though I know she didn't invent the whole idea of late night snacks, my friend Traci's wedding was the first one I knew of where late night snacks were introduced. Tra and Frankie had pizzas delivered to the reception venue around 11PM. As a guest, it was so great! From all of the dancing we did, it was a nice touch to snack on something before heading over to the casino after her reception ended.
Since then, I have seen a lot of different scenarios for late night snacks.
Here are some old ideas, some new, and some just plain yummy!
With these fall weddings coming up, many guests will be leaving these venues at night with a brisk chill in the air. Wouldn't it be great to give them a cup of hot chocolate on their way out? I love the added branding from this particular wedding, too!
www.stylemepretty.com
This next idea has been a popular one as well: a popcorn machine. What I still get a kick out of from this wedding is that the guy behind the popcorn machine was dancing the entire time he was there! He had a great time! He was fun to watch!
And, I keep thinking that little sliders with fries or even fries and milkshakes -- like strawberry ones to match the pink decor -- would be well received at the end of the night. Just remember to keep everything in disposable wrapping so they can walk out the door with it, if that is your plan.
www.pizzazzerie.com
Food trucks! You really can't go wrong! How cool would it be to have one of these stationed and rented for the end of your event? This one below specializes in Snow Cones/Snow Balls in the Baltimore area, which tend to be a popular summer treat around here!
www.oaklandnorth.net
What other great late night snacks have you seen or would you like to see?
They are all making me hungry for lunch! :)
Wednesday
Photography Timeline Tips
While spending the weekend at a private, cultural ceremony, I was delighted to have photographer Theresa Choi on site. Theresa was a pleasure to work with, as well as a great talent.
Prior to this wedding, the couple directed me to her webpage, where I found a great reference for tips on creating a Photography Timeline. Mapping out and timing your photos is an important factor on your special day. We would like to thank Theresa Choi for allowing us to share her advice. Please feel free to take a look at Theresa Choi Photography and additional blogs at www.theresachoi.com!
PREPARATION
I would recommend planning for about one hour of photography coverage (this is where I take photos of details such as dress, bouquet, shoes, invitation, etc., hair & make up being completed if done on-site, bride getting into the dress, and some bridal portraits)
I would recommend planning for about one hour of photography coverage (this is where I take photos of details such as dress, bouquet, shoes, invitation, etc., hair & make up being completed if done on-site, bride getting into the dress, and some bridal portraits)
FIRST LOOK/WEDDING PARTY/BRIDE & GROOM PORTRAITS
I would HIGHLY recommend doing a first look and planning for at least one hour for these portraits (1.5 hours would be even better!) Doing so would allow me to create the best collection of portraits from your wedding day, in addition to the rest of the photos throughout the day. This is a very efficient use of time for photography and it significantly reduces stress for everyone involved, which is reflected in the photos! *In the event that you wish not to do a first look, I would recommend having 1-1.5 hours after the ceremony for portraits of the bride/groom and wedding party only (family photos require additional time, please see below)
I would HIGHLY recommend doing a first look and planning for at least one hour for these portraits (1.5 hours would be even better!) Doing so would allow me to create the best collection of portraits from your wedding day, in addition to the rest of the photos throughout the day. This is a very efficient use of time for photography and it significantly reduces stress for everyone involved, which is reflected in the photos! *In the event that you wish not to do a first look, I would recommend having 1-1.5 hours after the ceremony for portraits of the bride/groom and wedding party only (family photos require additional time, please see below)
30 MINUTES BEFORE CEREMONY
We should finish all of the portraits by this time so that the bride and her bridesmaids can hide from the guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
We should finish all of the portraits by this time so that the bride and her bridesmaids can hide from the guests as they arrive for the ceremony.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER CEREMONY (USUALLY COCKTAIL HOUR)
It usually takes about 30 minutes for family portraits. If time allows, then additional bride/groom portraits can be taken. Photographer(s) would use the last 15-30 minutes of the cocktail hour for reception room detail shots and preparing for the introduction of the bride/groom and the wedding party into the reception room.
It usually takes about 30 minutes for family portraits. If time allows, then additional bride/groom portraits can be taken. Photographer(s) would use the last 15-30 minutes of the cocktail hour for reception room detail shots and preparing for the introduction of the bride/groom and the wedding party into the reception room.
RECEPTION
Unless there is a special exit planned at the end of the reception that you would like documented, it is not imperative for the photographer(s) to stay until the very end. As long as all of the key events of the reception are covered (first dance, cake cutting, some of open dance, etc.), most of the open dance photos end up looking very similar. I am only bringing this to attention in the event that you wish to strictly follow the coverage hours stated in your contract without purchasing additional hours. It may be a good idea to have the photographer(s) arrive early to cover the preparation/portraits and leave before the very end of the reception in order to cover a wide range of events.
Unless there is a special exit planned at the end of the reception that you would like documented, it is not imperative for the photographer(s) to stay until the very end. As long as all of the key events of the reception are covered (first dance, cake cutting, some of open dance, etc.), most of the open dance photos end up looking very similar. I am only bringing this to attention in the event that you wish to strictly follow the coverage hours stated in your contract without purchasing additional hours. It may be a good idea to have the photographer(s) arrive early to cover the preparation/portraits and leave before the very end of the reception in order to cover a wide range of events.
DINNER
It works best for the photographer(s) to be provided with dinner while the bride/groom are eating. That way, I/we can be ready to capture the next set of events during the reception! Plus, most people do not like to be photographed while eating, nor is it flattering!
It works best for the photographer(s) to be provided with dinner while the bride/groom are eating. That way, I/we can be ready to capture the next set of events during the reception! Plus, most people do not like to be photographed while eating, nor is it flattering!
Blog found at: http://www.theresachoi.com/schedule/
Thursday
Don't Forget the Details
Details can make a world of difference. It is important to keep in mind those small details which can easily go unnoticed while planning a large event.
For example, when working with a caterer, be sure to discuss all details of the layout--down to the napkins! Do not forget to take into account even the folding style of your dinner napkins. Take the time to make sure they accent the environment in the best way possible.
Image: http://thebudget-mindedbrideblog.blogspot.com
Image: http://img.ehowcdn.com
Image: charmingbeadz.blogspot.com
Dinner napkins can add an extra element of elegance, zest, and even fun to the dining area.
Be sure to take note of the many styles and don't fail to have them accent the atmosphere!
Wednesday
Traditionally Chic: Liz & Rob
I love this wedding.
Period.
It became clear to me that the couple wanted to keep many traditional items of a wedding and reception, while maintaining the classy party aspect as well. Check out the amazing shots below by Katie Merkle of Merkle Photography. Don't you love her talent!
The combination of Katie's talent, the gorgeous couple (on the inside and out), the scenic venue, and a fun group of people quickly won my heart over for this wedding.
The American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore on Key Highway definitely adds a bit of drama to your usual ceremony and reception. The couple utilized the indoor space and added a runner with an alter table to maintain some traditional elements.
I just love this next picture...
Each lady chose a different black dress to wear and the maid of honor had a bit of white/cream on on the top of hers, which really allowed her to stand out. I also loved how the shoes were just adorable and all the same!
Childhood pictures adorned the piano where a pianist played during cocktail hour.
I love the combination of polka dots and stripes!
The chart below sat next to the escort cards. Since the upstairs of the venue is so large and we used quite a number of tables, the chart was a great way to show guests where their table was located.
Do you see that stripe on the linens, too? What a great touch!
Yummy shrimp cocktail in salsa...
A huge centerpiece grounds the middle of a huge square bar, which sat in the cocktail area but gave guests easy access from the dining area once the curtains opened for dinner and dancing.
Pictures of historical and relevant locations around the city
Vendors:
Venue: AVAM
Catering: Putting on the Ritz
Florist: Floral Impressions
Photography: Merkle Photography
Music: Entertainment Exchange
Pianist: Liz Beckman
Guitarist: Dave Gorey
Productions: Perkins
Valet: Jay's Valet
Limousine Service: Chesapeake Limousine
Baker: Shawnee Berzonski
Monday
Cupcake Wedding Cakes
Cupcakes have become extremely popular this year so why not
incorporate them within your wedding? These scrumptious desserts come in a
variety of designs and flavors that can cater to anyone’s taste buds.
 |
| Image Found: www.recorddjkenny.blogspot.com |
Some people still want to keep the wedding cake style while
allowing their guests to pick their favorite type of cake instead of having
three different wedding cakes. Cupcake wedding cakes give you an opportunity to
mix and match.
 |
| Image Found: www.babycakeswithlove.wordpress.com |
Another great idea is to use the individual cupcakes to send
a message to your guests!!
 |
| Image Found: www.pinterest.com |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)