This might be the most popular question I get from couples planning their weddings, particularly for my hourly based packages.  How are you to know how long you’ll want your photographer?  Here’s a simple breakdown.

Getting Ready If you want photos of getting ready, budget for an hour of coverage just for this.  That usually gives me time to catch the end of hair and makeup, grab some shots of the dress and jewelry details, and capture the moment of the bride getting dressed.  Usually the guys are getting ready simultaneously, and my second photographer can be with them to capture the tying of ties and folding of pocket squares as well.

Ceremony For those who don’t want any getting ready photos, I like to arrive at the ceremony 30 minutes before you’ll be walking down the aisle.  This gives me ample time to get my equipment set up, make decisions on how and where I’ll shoot the ceremony, and chat with the venue coordinator about any rules they have.  If you choose to do a First Look and have your portraits taken before the ceremony, I still recommend being at the ceremony site and finished with photos 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.  This allows a few minutes of last minute primping and insures you won’t be seen by guests that arrive early.  Don’t forget to add in the time for the full ceremony and receiving line (if you are having one.)

Bride and Groom Portraits Plan for at least 30 minutes of portraits just of the two of you. This holds true whether you choose to do photos before the ceremony or wait until after. » Continue reading “How Many Hours of Wedding Coverage Do I Need?”

Your home makes the perfect portrait backdrop.  I believe this so much that I’ve recently begun requiring portrait sessions for kiddos under 18 months to take place at home.  Why?  Well, I’m glad you asked :)

Comfort New babies (and their parents) often feel most comfortable at home.  Babies know the sights, sounds and smells of their home better than anywhere else, and will simply feel calmer because of it.  New parents find comfort in being able to control the elements and protect their new little one from upset.   Additionally, you’ll have access to every blanket, toy and pacifier your baby uses when you’re at home, making it easier to keep them comfortable without having to schlep everything but the kitchen sink to another location.

Convenience If you get the little one in the car and they either a) scream the whole time or b) fall asleep during the drive and have to be woken up for the shoot, you may have a feisty baby to deal with at the start of your session.  Not ideal.  Scrapping the whole need for transit makes life easier for your whole family – let me do the driving and come to you :)

Reality Kids don’t function on a perfect schedule.  Just because you’ve set aside an hour of your day for portraits doesn’t mean they have.  Chances are good that your kiddo will need a diaper change, feeding, or nap during the time you’ve scheduled.  Should this come up while on location for a shoot, you might have to cut the session short.   If you’re at home when that comes up, it’s no problem – everything you need is right there.  Know that I’m always happy to wait patiently while you attend to your child’s needs to be sure we get great photos.  » Continue reading “Why do family portraits at home?”

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by JJ Slatkin, General Manager of Jay Feder Jewelers in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.jayfederjewelers.com.  Photo courtesy of JJ Slatkin.

The day of wedding gift is a common tradition in which the bride and groom exchange gifts in commemoration of their blessed union. These gifts can come in many forms, with jewelry being a very popular option as both the bride and groom can wear these gifts on the big day. Further, while the wedding dress frequently gets just one opportunity for wear and tuxedos are so often rented, these day of wedding gifts can be worn regularly and serve as constant reminders of the special day.

The choice of piece is a highly personal decision and can be as varied and unique as the engaged couples are themselves. With that being said, there are some pieces of jewelry that tend to work very well in this situation. Brides typically receive a piece that matches their wedding ensemble and is often white in color. Pieces in this category include a strand of white pearls, a pair of diamond studs, a diamond tennis bracelet or a diamond pendant. For the groom, cufflinks, money clips and watches are very popular choices. Gold and diamond tuxedo stud sets are also a great option for the groom as they can be worn for future weddings the couple attends together, keeping the moment of the wedding alive in the minds of married couple.

Ultimately, the day of wedding gift can be anything the bride and groom deem meaningful. However, durable presents are ideal as they will serve as a reminder of the couple’s happiness on the wedding day for many years to come and can be passed on to children and grandchildren as cherished family heirlooms.

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Kelley Prather, owner of Kelley Kakes in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit her website at www.kelleykakes.com.  Photo courtesy of Kelley Prather

Wedding cakes are one of the highlights of the wedding reception, often placed where it is the center of attention and luring guests over to admire. Designing a wedding cake to wow your guests should be a fun task, and here are some suggestions on how to do so:

• Carry your theme right onto the cake – Are your centerpieces tall twigs and wild flowers? How about chocolate twigs clustered with matching flowers and little birds as the cake topper? Or sugar leaves and birch bark icing details?

• Embrace your love for skiing- How about a cake carved to resemble a mountain-top, iced in glittery white butter cream and colored chocolate trees?

• Black and white and red is the color scheme- A gorgeous black damask pattern on crisp white or alternating layers  of black and white icing with fun dots will make quite a statement!

• Make a bold statement with your cake using striking colors and patterns, such as rich shades of red and gold. » Continue reading “Guest Blogger Week: Kelley Prather of Kelley Kakes”

Today’s Guest Blogger post is written by Mary Fabrikant, a full service caterer in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Mary, visit her website at www.canteencatering.com.  Photo courtesy of Mary Fabrikant.

It’s your day. Your personality, and that of your groom, can shine in every detail of your wedding. Don’t miss an opportunity to infuse every aspect of your wedding with the sparkle you and he feel.

Now, don’t worry. That doesn’t mean you have to DIY every aspect of your wedding, exhausting yourself in the process. Your caterer can help take many tasks and a lot worry off your shoulders. In order to set that relationship up well, prepare yourself before you meet with caterer(s), by having thought about the following questions, which a good caterer will ask. Hint: If the caterer doesn’t delve deeply into what YOUR vision is, find another caterer.

Descriptive word: When you think of your wedding, what two or three descriptive words for the overall feel of the occasion come to mind? Examples include, “Elegant, Audrey Hepburn-in-Sabrina”, “Casual, foot-stompin’ fun”, “Intimate, sparkling, eco-friendly”, and “Rustic, Wildflower-filled, Natural”.

Heritage: What are the family and national or religious backgrounds of your two families? Would you like them to be featured in the food and/or decor? We catered a lovely wedding where the backgrounds of the families were Indian and Jewish. We incorporated Indian foods and decor with traditional Jewish foods using recipes contributed by both mothers, and the entire menu was kosher. Both families were very pleased with the thoughtfulness of the couple in honoring their respective backgrounds. » Continue reading “Guest Blogger Week: Mary Fabrikant of Canteen Catering”