Day #6 - Don't Forget to Capture This

Ask your photographer to take photos of your invitation suite and day-of stationery items.  These paper goods tend to be forgotten during the hustle and bustle of wedding day.  Pair the wedding invitation with your wedding bands or jewelry to make a statement photo.  Then make sure to includes these type photos within you finished wedding album to complete your love story.

  
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

The First Look (Day #11)

This idea is not for everyone, but I simply LOVE when couples don't mind seeing each other BEFORE the wedding!  The concept is called..."The First Look"!

Now please understand, at least from the couples I've spoken with, it doesn't take away from that moment when you walk down the aisle and you see each other at the altar.  The photographer and wedding planner set-up this moment to be unique and memorable for the couple.  Rather it's in the hotel lobby, on site at the venue or in a park, the "First Look" should take place at least a couple hours before the wedding ceremony.  The moment usually takes anywhere from 10-15 minutes and then the rest of the time is used to take wedding party and family photos at various location.

Last the BIGGEST benefit of a "First Look" is it allows the couple to spend more time with their wedding guests, especially during the cocktail hour, instead of rushing to take photos immediately after the ceremony.

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

Alone Time on Wedding Day (Day #7)

So should you want a little private time with your new spouse, consider doing the following...or planning this time into the wedding day schedule:

• Right after you have exited the ceremony, dash off to one of the dressing rooms for about 10-15 minutes instead of staying with your bridal party. While the ushers are exiting guests out of the church, you and your spouse can share a tender moment and talk about when you first looked into each other's eyes during the ceremony.


• During cocktails, make a brief exit and walk around the grounds of the reception venue or stand out on the balcony absorbing the day.


• And after you have greeted your guests at their tables, when it's time to freshen up, ask your spouse to come along...I'm sure he'd enjoy helping.

Until tomorrow...WEDologize

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Photographing Wedding Rings (Day #5)

Check out this blog for a little inspiration on how to capture photos of your wedding rings:

 

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - All photos via www.rushphotovideo.com and www.vsphoto.com)

Photography After The Ceremony (Day #2)

When deciding to take photos in between the ceremony and reception at least allot one hour for the photography session.  And should travel and multiple locations be involved, give yourself at least an hour-and-half.  Make sure to discuss the following with the photographer prior to the wedding (I suggest at least one month before) to ensure the best use of time:

• Scout photography locations near the wedding venue prior to wedding day and make sure to have the addresses handy on wedding day
• Reserve transportation for you, your spouse AND the photographer to get around especially if shooting in high traffic areas
• Make sure to factor in traffic and the time of day you are taking photos when planning out your photography timeline 
• Discuss a "Plan B" option should the locations you initially discussed are not available on wedding day or the weather is uncooperative

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.imphoto.net)

Wedding Day "Forget-ables"

There are plenty of good resources, both online and in print, that discuss lists, time lines, to-do's, etc. for planning your wedding.  But when planning out your budget, there are some things that couples tend forget or wait until the last minute to even consider.  Once you have booked all the BIG vendors (venue, photographer, videographer, florist, stationery designer, musical entertainment) make sure to note these items on your budget to-do list...I so eloquently named them...The Forget-ables:

Vendor meals.  It's customary, although not mandatory, to provide vendors that are on-site with you longer than 6 hours a "vendor" meal.  The vendors to include are: wedding coordinators, photographer, videographer and DJ or Band.  A vendor meal is not the meal + bar provided to your wedding guests, so make sure to ask the banquet manager/facilitator about meals for those service providers.

Snacks in the wedding suites.  Yes, the couple and their wedding party members are sure to need a little nourishment while getting all dolled up for wedding day.  Have some snacks, juice and water on-site so that no one becomes ill during this long, but wonderful day.

Gratuity.  It's up to you what you'd like to tip your service providers, but if they do a good job, consider blessing them with a token of appreciation.  Check out our blog devoted to gratuities.

Midnight Snack.  Many caterers offer midnight snack ideas for your wedding guests, but make sure to have a plan in mind for how you and your husband/wife will eat before calling it a night.  Trust me...you will be hungry.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Photography & Videography | repost from 6/4/12)

Wedding Thank You Photo

After you have cut the wedding cake and your reception dinner has been served to your guests, ask your photographer to take a "thank you" picture or this can be done during your post-ceremony photos.  This picture can then be inserted into your wedding thank you cards or even designed as a post card to thank your guests for their attendance and gift.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits -  Image Makers Photography | Singage by CT Designs)

Immediately After The I Do's

After the "I Do's" are done and you have recessed out of the ceremony, consider taking a private moment away from the wedding party, parents and guests to reflect on what just happened.   YOU JUST GOT MARRIED!!!  Take the time to walk and talk about the emotions you just felt as you said your vows to one another and prayed with your family and friends.  You don't get a re-do of the wedding day and the day can go by soooooo fast...make sure you take a few moments to yourself as husband and wife.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

The Moments Before You Marry

That moment when you have time to yourself to reflect on your relationship with your soon-to-be husband...and you realize that the love that has brought you to this very moment is real...as you stand in your dream wedding gown holding a gorgeous bouquet...before you take your last walk as a single woman...you acknowledge that the trials and tribulations you have had with your fiancé don't outweigh the good. Today you say, "I Do"!

Congrats to all the lovely couples getting married this weekend!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.vsphoto.com)

Photograph Your Wedding Food

Whenever possible, have your wedding photographer capture photographs of the food you are serving your guests.  Food photos are sometimes best caught immediately after plating before it is served to guests.  These photos will only enhance your wedding album and truly show all of the days events. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Hanging Up That Gown

The bridal gown is the most photographed garment in the pre-ceremony/detail shots. You'll see photos all over the Internet of the wedding gown positioned over a bed, in a doorway, hanging in a closet, and from a chandelier. You'll see the bridal shoes and accessories in accompanying photos, but have you ever noticed the hanger from which the bridal gown hangs? I mean think about it, doesn't it show up in all of the shots. Don't allow it to be a non-noticeable...allow it to stand out!

Get matching personalized hangers for both the bride and groom

This hanger speaks volumes

What's more perfect than a hanger noting your new name!

What a GREAT gift for you bridesmaids and a perfect keepsake to remember the day

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.bridefinds.com; www.flourisheventdesign.com; www.weddingobsession.com; www.rushphotovideo.com)
***repost from 1/5/12

Walking In The Bride's Shoes

Today's blog is for visual fun.  I'll be sharing the professional photos of some of our past bride's wedding shoes.  I'm always on the photographer about capturing one of the most photographed wedding accessories in the best light.  I love all of these shoes!!!  Which are your favs?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Rush Photography & Videography; Ven Sherrod Photography, Kelly Braman Photography; Concept One Photography; Hannah Goering Photography)

Finally Married...What Is Next?

So the special day that you have been planning for months has come to an end.  What is there to do now that you have had the wedding of your dreams and returned from your honeymoon?  Check out the to-do-list below for some helpful tips:

• Make sure all vendors have been paid.
• Open gifts and cards and keep records including the item (or cash amount), the guest's name and mailing address.
• Hand write personal thank you notes.
• Have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved.
• Have your wedding bouquet preserved.
• Check in with the photographer and videographer regarding review dates.
• Prepare and freeze top layer of your wedding cake to eat on your one year anniversary.  Curious how to package it properly, check out our blog on how to save the top tier.
• Begin working on changing your last name.  Need to know where to begin, check out this blog post on going from Miss to Mrs.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Image Makers Photography)
***repost from 10/17/12

Fun Photo Apps for Weddings

Practically everyone has their smartphone equipped with camera at a ceremony and reception.  Now unless the couple has requested an "Unplugged Wedding" they welcome guests to take pictures of the wedding day events.  But how can you house all of these photos outside of using a hashtag on Instagram?  Simple...consider checking out one of this apps.  And either on your wedding website, via word-of-mouth, or typed nicely on your wedding program, let guests know to download the app on their phone and upload all of the fab photos they take on wedding day.  These apps have plenty of additional features for you to check out as well.

www.AppyCouple.com

www.TryCapsule.com

www.Capstory.me

www.WeddingSnap.com

  
Until next time...WEDologize!

Cutting Wedding Corner No-No's

I'm 100% aware that a thoughtful wedding budget is crucial to the planning of your special day.  I know as you begin the planning process and truly see the cost of your ideas on Pinterest :) you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to keep, change and eliminate.  But in this blog, instead of telling you how to save costs within your wedding budget, I'm going to share with you...what not to skimp on:

1. Your wedding gown.  This is what everyone comes to see...just how beautiful you will look on wedding day.  You don't need to spend a fortune on a couture gown costing as much a 2-3 monthly mortgages, but you do want to spend your money wisely on a gown that makes you feel beautiful.
2. Your bridal bouquet.  This fragrant accessory is one of the most photographed items on wedding day.  It's practically in every picture with you, plus it gets photographed alone. The bouquet should compliment your wedding gown and not be scaled down.
3. The food.  This is the one thing the guests will remember and you want to make sure you are serving quality food.  Yes, some courses can be eliminated, but the least expensive option isn't always the best.
4. The photographer.  He or she is creating your memories in the form of an album with the photographs taken on your wedding day.  A professional photographer knows how to capture the classic photos plus those photos that you never would have thought about.  Don't select your photographer based on the best deal, select the photographer based on what you want your FINAL product to be.
5. The entertainment.  Outside of food, your wedding guests will remember the overall experience they had during the reception and music plays a large role in this.  Don't skimp on your DJ or band as they are the ones that will keep the party going until the lights come on.  Hire professionals that have worked weddings before, not just a party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.imphoto.net)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

I'm always floored how women transfer into the most beautiful, spirited, excited, sexy, playful, stunning and gracious people on the planet when they slip into their wedding gown! It's the moment they have thought about all their lives and the mental transformation begins...into MRS.  What a STUNNING bride captured as she looks at her brooch bouquet and prepares for her walk to her MR.  Oh and her gown is AHHHHHHmazing!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Hannah Goering for George Street Photo and Video)

More Than Just Wedding Photography

 

After you have selected and hired your wedding photographer, don't just stop there! Think of using their services for additional projects that could only enhance your wedding experience.

Engagement session - These are some GREAT photos to add to your wedding collection. This session will allow you and your groom to show your playful side on camera in conjunction with the love you share for one another. Plus, it's an added advantage for your photographer to get familiar with your body language so that he can capture only the best photos of you and your husband on wedding day.

 

Boudoir Session - Tell me what groom would not like to see an album of sexy photographs (for his viewing pleasure only) of his bride-to-be?!?! Select a photographer you feel comfortable with and allow them to capture some shots of you in lingerie or your groom's favorite shirt. You will feel so sensual and pretty!

 

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage - Your photographer can attend this intimate, casual affair and capture photographs of your interactions with family and friends, especially those that have traveled for your wedding.

 

Day-After Sessions - These sessions take place after the wedding, of course, and will allow you and your husband to take more artistic shoots and not be confined to the hours allowed during the reception while you are trying to greet guests.  One the newest trends are the "Morning-After" shots that can range from steamy and sexy to playful and cute.  And if you haven't heard about it, bride's are doing "Trash The Dress" sessions where you may decide to jump in a pool, mud or play in the dirt while wearing your expensive wedding gown. I don't really know how conventional that is, but hey...thought I'd put it out there.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

 

(photo credits - www.harrisonlongphotography.com;  www.rawphotodesign.com; http://primesourceentertainment.com; www.NYmag.com)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

That moment after you have said "I DO" on a snowy winter day and you are in the arms of your new spouse as and he's protecting you with plain black umbrella from the failing snow.  This CAPTURED MOMENT is POWERFUL and WOW FACTOR for any wedding album. Simply a perfect moment!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit -Wistful Weddings)

Children and Wedding Planning

  Many couples are blending families and the adjustment for the child can sometimes be difficult. With all the wedding planning, the children could feel left out and it's very important to make them feel included during the planning process and on wedding day.  You do not want children to move forward into the marriage feeling resentful of their parent's new partner.

I've listed some suggestions below that just might help alleviate the "sad face".  Consider including a few, if not all, during your wedding planning.

• Allow the child to be involved in a few of the planning meetings and give their opinion and make sure to take them on appointments with you.
• Give the children perimeters, but allow them to select their attire for wedding day. 
• During the unity candle lighting or sand ceremony, have the child join you both at the altar and make them apart of this important ceremony. 
• Ask the children to come the altar before the pronouncement of husband and wife, and ask the minister to pronounce you as "Husband, Wife and Family". 
• During the ceremony, present the children with a loving token like a necklace or bracelet to show them they play an important role in the new family. 
• Include the children in the engagement photo session and display not only couple photos during the reception, but photos showcasing the "new" family. 
• Have a kids table with goody bags and treats during the reception.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.intimateweddings.com)

Small Business Saturday 11.24.12

I started Dejanae Events in 2000, a small wedding and event planning business named after the special little lady in my life.  Well I have had the honor and privilege of working with some of the best vendors in the Chicagoland area and I want to share and show my support for Small Business Saturday by introducing a few of them to you.  Please check them out for your wedding and event planning needs.

Photography and Videography

Rush Event Photography & Video Productions - www.rushphotovideo.com

Image Makers Photography - www.imphoto.net

LAD4 Creations - www.lad4creations.com

Invitations and Day-Of Stationery

CT Designs, Inc. - www.ct-designs.com

Adorable Designs by Candice - www.adorablebycandice.com

Carol Woldhuis Designs - www.carolwoldhuisdesigns.com

DJ Services

JAM Music - www.jammusic.org

Windy City - www.windycitymix.com

Lighting and Design

Art of Imagination - www.artofimagination.com

Make-Up Services

Kelli Kolors - www.kellikolors.com

Wedding and Social Cakes

Sharon Custom Cakes - www.sharonscakes.com

Karen Scobbie Cake Design - www.kscakedesign.com

Floral Design

Rosemary's Garden - www.rosemarysgardenbridal.com

Fleur du Jour - www.fleurdujourchicago.com

Photo Booth

ShutterBooth Chicago - www.shutterbooth.com

Yummy Favors
Nticing Ngredients - www.nticingngredients.com 
Katherine Anne Confections - www.katherine-anne.com 

 

Wedding Magazines

Wedding Guide Chicago - www.weddingguidechicago.com

Pretty Pear Bride - www.prettypearbride.com

Until next time...SHOP SMALL and WEDologize!

(photo credit - American Express)