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)

Capturing The Groom Details

Photographers are so in-tune with capturing the fabulous details of the bride's attire - the wedding gown, shoes, accessories and jewelry.  But make sure they capture just the same amount of the detail of your husband-to-be's attire as well.  Having a second photographer makes this happen effortlessly, but should you not be able to afford this option, make sure the main photographer understands you want to the same amount of detail captured of your groom as well.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography; http://kellybramanphotography.com/)

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Up Keep

Your fiancé spent an lot of time and energy selecting the most perfect engagement ring for you.  Just like you spent a great deal of time selecting the most fabulous wedding gown for your walk down the aisle.  But during the wedding planning process and more so after the nuptials have taken place, it's a MUST for you to keep your engagement ring and wedding band up to par...and BLINGing like new!

• Make sure to visit your jeweler yearly to check the stone to make sure it's not loose and still in place.
• Keep the stone clean and shining like new.  Many jewelers offer free cleanings, but when taking care of your ring at home, Windex and a toothbrush will do the trick.
• When cooking, doing housework and playing sports, remove your rings.  This will allow them to stay residue-free and vibrant.
• Once you receive your ring, make sure to add it to your homeowners or renters insurance to make sure it's covered should anything happens.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: Rush Event Photography & Videography Productions; Kelly Braman Photography)

Capturing The Wedding Gown

Not only do you want a memorable wedding ceremony and reception, but you also want the hired photographers to capture all of the details from start to finish.  One of the most photographed items of wedding day is the wedding gown...you know that emotional and expensive garment you purchased to walk down the aisle to your soon to-be spouse  Below are some suggestions of moments you should consider having photographed.

Your gown and your bridesmaids gowns hanging

The amazing details

Your bridesmaids zipping or buttoning the wedding gown

Putting on your veil

The gown with your gorgeous bouquet

The wedding gown hanging by itself

The gown hanging on your personalized wedding hanger

Your mom or family member assisting you with the finishing touches

Immediately after you are completely dressed

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits - www.vsphoto.com; www.rushphotovideo.com; www.kellybaumanphotography.com)

Jumping The Broom

Jumping the Broom is an African-American tradition handed down from generation to generation to remind those present at the ceremony of a time when the vows of Africans were not legally sanctioned.  During slavery, the ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity.  This was a small ritual legally connecting the couple with the heritage of their home land and giving legitimacy, dignity and strength to their unions.  In the Ancestors eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty."

  
Simple text that could be included in the wedding program or spoken at the end of the ceremony should you decide to include this tradition:

"(Insert bride and groom's name) will jump over the broom to symbolize sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.  Also, it pays homage to those who came before and paved the way.  Now Jump the Broom!"

  
Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.vsphoto.com; some content - http://www.african-weddings.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)