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)

The Mirrored Effect Partyscape (Day #10)

I'm so very excited to share what I consider to be my BEST partyscape to date...The Mirrored Effect...as seen in Wedding Guide Chicago's Winter/Spring 2015 magazine!!!  Take a look as I celebrate the ahhhhhhhhhhhmazing team of vendors who assisted me in bringing this design to life.

A special thanks...no a HUGE thank you to the team of vendors
for working with me to bring my vision to life:

Location - Meson Sabika

Photography - Robyn Photography

Floral Design - Floral Expressions

Cake and Sweets - Delish Cakes

Stationery and Mirrors - CT Designs, Inc.

Rentals - Classic Party Rentals

Videography - Wedding Connections

Until tomorrow...WEDologize

(Photo credits - Robyn Photography)

It Is All In The Menu (Day #9)

Placing a menu card at each wedding guest's place setting not only gives details about the meal they will be eating, but it adds decor to the reception table.  There are so many fun shapes and fonts to chose from to create a unique design that your guests will notice.  And when you are trying to decrease costs and use the venues standard white or ivory linens, adding a colored menu card that resembles your actual wedding invitation will always create that finishing touch.  Take a look a the ideas below:

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com and www.imphoto.net)

Father of the Groom and Wedding Planning (Day #8)

The Father of the Groom is the one wedding party member that tends to be forgotten and no one really knows what he's to do other than be the dad of the groom.  Well below are a few tasks to make the FOG feel included:

• Host an engagement party with the Mother of the Groom for the groom's side of the family.  The bride's parents host the 1st engagement party of the couple.
• Assist with the wedding planning and attend appointments when asked.
• Assist with planning the rehearsal dinner.
• Escort the groom's mother down the aisle and is seated in the 1st row on the right side, if it's a Christian ceremony.
• Greet guests at the ceremony and reception locations.
• Offer a toast to the newly married couple during the reception.
• Dance with his new daughter-in-law at least once during the night.
• BUT the biggest task of the day is to support his son...the groom.

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com 
repost from March 2013 )

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)

Right Before You Walk (Day #6)

I love being the last person, outside of the bride's escort, that gets to say a few words before she makes her grand entrance and walks down to aisle.  As a planner, I make sure her train and veil are perfectly placed and that her bouquet is positioned near her navel.  Then once the music starts and has played at least 30 seconds (I must create anticipation) I whisper to her,
"Walk when you are ready. He's waiting on you...".

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Photography and Videography)

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)