2015 Wedding Guide

February 2015

Weddings Photo Fabulous Make your engagement photoshoot a success

Postage Pointers

Wedding invitation postage tips

Registries Done Right How to build a wedding registry Provided by

Angola & Eden-North Collins Pennysavers

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

Weddings

Weddings

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4 How to decide between a

band or deejay

bouquets and arrangements

5 How to preserve wedding

6 How to connect with the

right caterer

7 How to build a wedding registry

8 7 tips for a great honeymoon 9 Wedding invitations and

postage tips

beauty preparation

11 Be smart about wedding 12 Music mistakes to avoid 13 Make your engagement

photoshoot a success 14 Words do matter, Toast of Roast?

14 Popular and Modern first dance songs

Did you know?

through the dancing that could extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves he timing of when a couple cuts another practical purpose for couples the wedding cake can have a who are paying a photographer by specific meaning. Long ago, the the hour. Photographers typically go cake was usually cut at the very end home after the cake-cutting, so a midof the reception and would signal to reception cutting can save couples a the guests that it was the end of the substantial amount of money. festivities. Today, cutting the cake is an unspoken signal that represents that the formal wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude. Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

How to decide between a band or deejay

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ew things set the tone for a wedding ceremony and reception better than music. Music establishes ambience and serves to transition guests through the various components of the day.

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Music is played in various ways throughout a wedding. For example, the wedding ceremony may be accompanied by a pianist or violinist, while music during the reception is usually provided by a band or deejay.

Deejay

The deejay is one of the first vendors people think of when they envision a wedding reception. Perhaps because they are less expensive, deejays tend to be more popular than bands among today's couples.

Deejays are advantageous for various reasons.

Thanks to the accessibility of digital music, deejays can often procure just about any song a couple desires for the reception. That's a significant benefit for couples who want to hear the original versions of their favorite songs, and not a band's take on those songs.

The decision of whether to hire a band or deejay often comes down to personal preference and budget. The following are some things couples should consider as they make Deejays also can read the crowd and make their decision to go with a band or deejay. adjustments to the music at any time. If a particular genre is not working, deejays can Band easily transition to another type of music Live musicians spend years honing their to get guests back on their feet. That's not crafts, and watching a band play at a wedding always possible for bands whose repertoire is reception can be akin to attending a concert. exclusive to a particular genre.

A live band can bring with it a sense of sophistication. Performers can tone the music to the crowd and improvise if necessary to meet the needs of the room. A good bandleader also will serve as a master of ceremonies at the reception.

Many wedding bands can competently play songs from various genres of music, while some are especially skilled at recreating the sound of a particular group.

Bands tend to be more expensive than deejays, and that's something couples must factor into their budgets if they prefer a band to a deejay.

Many deejays also blend songs seamlessly and may incorporate lights and other effects into their performances, which can encourage guests to loosen up and hit the dance floor.

Deejays also tend to travel with less equipment than bands, so they will take up less space in a party room.

No matter which road a couple chooses to travel, it's a good idea to listen to a deejay or band perform in a live situation before making a final decision. Couples also should confirm that the performers they meet or audition will be the ones who will perform at their weddings. Make sure this is written into your contract.

Couples should provide a list of songs they want to hear well in advance of their wedding day. This affords a deejay ample time to find each song or bands to learn the songs before the big day arrives.

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

How to preserve wedding bouquets and arrangements Air drying

Chemical drying

One of the easiest ways to preserve flowers is to dry them out. This is best done by hanging blooms upside down so they will remain straight and not warp or wither while drying.

Silica gel, borax and regular sand can be used to dry and preserve flowers as well. These can be handy for people who desire to preserve an entire bouquet as-is.

Secure flowers in small bundles and hang from an out-of-the-way spot in a cool, dry area. The flowers may need to remain hanging for up to three weeks before they are completely dried out. After which, gently remove the flowers and arrange them in a vase or another container.

Otherwise, reassemble a bouquet how it was and carefully display.

Pressing

Pressing is another way to preserve floral bouquets and arrangements. To press flowers, find a few heavy books to stack or another bride's gown may garner its share of to roughly $2,000 for various arrangements and attention come her wedding day, but floral bouquets. That can be a considerable expense for weighted object. Place the flowers between arrangements also tend to impress guests. fragile flowers with a shelf life of only a day or two. parchment paper or waxed paper and lay the heavy items on top. You also can place the Fresh flowers make a wedding and the ensuing flowers in tissue paper between the pages of a reception more inviting and appealing.

But instead of tossing beautiful bouquets and book so they are not jostled. other flowers into the garbage once the wedding According to The Knot.com, couples can expect day has come and gone, couples can employ Leave the blooms for a week or two and then to spend 8 percent of their wedding budget on various methods to preserve those impressive check on them before putting them in a shadow flowers. For the average wedding, that equates displays for years to come. box or photo frame.

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Silica gel is a desiccant commonly found in small packets inside of new shoes and purses. It also can be purchased at home improvement retailers and is used to dry out musty basements and other areas.

Fill a deep container halfway with the silica gel or other drying material. Put in the bouquet and then gently add more product to the top of the flowers so they are completely submerged. Place a snug cover over the top of the container and let everything sit for about a week. Slowly the moisture will be absorbed from the flowers.

Some people choose to spray dried flowers with a sealant to keep them looking nice longer. An allpurpose craft spray might work. You also can ask for recommendations from the florist who handled your arrangements, and that florist may even preserve the flowers for you for an additional fee.

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Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

How to connect with the right caterer

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arty hosts take on a significant amount of responsibility when they agree to entertain family and friends. When such gatherings are especially large, some hosts opt to hire a catering company to feed their guests.

Catering companies are often associated with weddings and graduations, but such businesses also can be hired for less momentous occasions. Hiring a catering company for a home party is not necessarily the same as hiring one for a wedding. Couples about to tie the knot often receive a list of recommended caterers from the venue hosting their receptions, and that list gives them a starting point for their caterer search right away. Such lists are not provided when hosting at home, but the following tips can help home hosts connect with the right caterer for their next get-together. * Seek recommendations. Just because there's no wedding planner there to offer advice with respect to caterers does not mean you don't

have some resources at your disposal. Seek recommendations from friends, family and professional colleagues. If a coworker is tasked with planning your company's events, speak with that colleague about the nature of your party and ask if he or she can recommend some local caterers who might be able to meet your needs with respect to both budget and menu.

* Ask if the caterer specializes in a particular cuisine or type of event. When speaking with various catering companies, ask each if they specialize in a particular type of food and if they are used to catering specific types of events. If your party has a theme, then find a caterer who specializes in foods that fit into that theme. Similarly, you will want a caterer who has experience catering your type of event. Many caterers can effectively handle * Comparison shop. Even if the first caterer you a range of events, from smaller soirees like visit presents an incredible menu that's within a child's birthday party to more elaborate your budget, it still helps to comparison shop, corporate affairs, but knowing how much as the catering industry is competitive and you experience they have with your particular type of party can provide some peace of mind. might be able to find an equally impressive caterer who can offer a similar menu for less money. If your favorite caterer provides an * Insist on a tasting. Once you have found the estimate that's considerably more expensive caterer you want, schedule a tasting so you than the competition, try to negotiate a lower can experience the caterer's menu firsthand. price with that caterer. Caterers are often Many caterers offer an array of cuisines, and creative enough to find something to work the tasting allows you to narrow down those within your budget, but you will never know if choices so your menu is not all over the map you do not attempt to negotiate. come the day of the party. During the tasting, ask if the caterer uses frozen or fresh foods

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when preparing meals. Fresh foods are more favorable than frozen, and the bill likely reflects fresh food prices, so do not hesitate to request that only fresh foods are served at your party. * Get a contract. Every host's nightmare is inviting friends, family members or professional colleagues over only to have something go wrong with the food. Avoiding such stress is why many people hire caterers in the first place. But that stress is only avoided when hosts get a contract in writing that carefully details what the caterer is providing and when food will be served. Read the contract carefully before signing to ensure the cost and timing of the party is clearly illustrated.

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Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

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· Choose more than one store. You also want to choose more than one store when building a registry. Some guests will prefer to shop in-store rather than online, so you want to give them some options so they don't have to drive far and wide to find the lone brick and mortar store for your registry.

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· Visit the stores and do your homework.

Though some stores allow you to develop a registry entirely online, it still helps for couples to visit the store together and build their registries in the more traditional way. Visiting a store as opposed to browsing the store website allows you any once-popular wedding to touch and feel products, which can traditions have fallen by the give you a more accurate idea of their wayside. But one wedding tradition that has withstood the test of time quality. In addition to seeing the products is the wedding registry. Couples about to in person, read online reviews of products before putting them on your registry so tie the knot still build a wedding registry you can ensure you're getting quality so their guests know what to buy them items. as wedding gifts. This saves guests the trouble of agonizing over what to buy the · Choose items that vary in price. Many couple getting hitched and also ensures that couples won't receive two or more of couples are sheepish about putting expensive items on their registries. That's the same item. not surprising, as the cost of attending a Building a registry can be fun, as couples wedding, especially one that features lots can act like kids in a candy store and add of out-of-town guests, can be substantial. items they might otherwise not be able to But some guests, such as the bride and groom's parents and siblings, may want afford. But there is a method to building a registry that can ensure the process of to give a more high-end gift, so don't be afraid to include items in a range of prices, giving and receiving gifts is comfortable from the inexpensive to the more costly, and convenient for everyone involved. on your registry.

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· Choose a national chain. Many stores will allow couples to establish a registry, but it behooves couples to choose a national chain or chains for their registry.

A local boutique store might sell several items you would love to have, but that store may only be accessible to guests who live nearby, and such stores may be more expensive than larger national chains that can afford to charge less for similar products. Choosing a national chain ensures all of your guests will be able to access and purchase a gift from your registry, and make those purchases without breaking the bank. · Choose a store with an online presence.

When choosing a store for your registry, it also helps to choose a store with an online presence that's user-friendly.

Ideally, pick an online retailer you have already had positive experiences with.

This not only will make it easier for your

· Don't abandon the registry after your big day. You won't end up getting everything you include on your registry, but that doesn't mean you should just forget about those items that never made their way into your home. Many retailers offer couples significant discounts on items from their registries that were never purchased, and those discounts may extend for as long as a year after the big day. Revisit your registry after the wedding to see if you can find great deals on those items you never received, and continue to do so until the registry expires.

Building a registry can be a fun activity for couples about to tie the knot. But there are some guidelines to follow to make the process go smoothly for guests and couples alike.

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

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Did you know?

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couple's honeymoon is their first real chance to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. Couples who want to make sure their first getaway as husband and wife goes off without a hitch might want to heed the following advice.

1. Start saving early. Honeymoons are expensive, so to afford the vacation of your dreams it's wise to begin saving for the honeymoon as early as possible. It may be well worth it to compromise and make sacrifices in other areas to ensure you have enough funds for your dream honeymoon getaway. Do not expect cash gifts at your wedding to pay for your trip.

If you do, you may be sorely disappointed when the time comes to take off.

at least one adventure. Try an activity you have never done before, such as snorkeling, traveling a zip line or swimming with stingrays.

4. Pack early. After a long wedding day and reception spent dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you probably do not want to spend time packing. Pack your suitcases and travel essentials in advance of your wedding day so you have more time to sleep in before you depart for the airport. Also, remember not to over-pack.

You want to have room for the souvenirs you purchase along the way.

5. Enjoy your surroundings. Put down the smartphone or tablet enough to truly enjoy your surroundings. A honeymoon is an opportunity to relax, and that may not be possible if you're tied to your devices.

Friends at home can wait for your status updates and wedding pictures.

2. Read online reviews. Online reviews can paint an accurate picture of a potential honeymoon destination. Look at vacationer-supplied photographs to see how the accommodations match up to 6. Splurge on something expensive. the resort's own marketing materials. You Whether it's an ultra-fancy dinner or an don't want too many surprises, such as exotic souvenir, indulge. service fees, dirty rooms or a lack of beach amenities, to ruin your trip.

7. Leave your itinerary open. After scores of wedding appointments and watching 3. Plan at least one exciting outing. While the clock, it's nice to fly by the seat of your on your honeymoon, be sure to go on pants.

here are various theories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory suggests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the honeymoon was initially steeped in cynicism. “Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of affection and sweetness newly married couples harbor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes. One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth century, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During this period, newly married couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of marriage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

Wedding invitation and postage tips

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hether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or a more low key affair, the wedding invitations are an essential part of keeping guests informed about the big day.

While couples can now share details of their wedding through email or even digital invitations, many still prefer to go the traditional route and send paper invitations. In addition to the cost of the invitations themselves, couples need to factor postage into their wedding budgets.

It may not seem like much, but the cost of postage can add up quickly. The following are a few postage pointers for couples about to tie the knot. · Choose envelopes wisely. The size of your envelopes contributes to the cost of the postage necessary to mail your invitations. Postal services have specific size and shape parameters that govern postage. Envelopes that are oddly shaped or fall outside of these strict measurements are usually susceptible to additional postage charges. That's because the envelope cannot run through standard sorting machinery and must be handprocessed.

· Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response cards that guests will send back to confirm if they will be attending the festivities. To facilitate the RSVP process, stamp the response card.

· Double-check envelopes before sending.

Ensure that postage is sticking well and that envelopes are well-sealed. In addition, verify that you have the most current addresses for recipients. If invitations get returned to sender, they can cost you even more time and money to resolve any issues.

· Consider custom postage. The post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps. However, you also may be able to go online and purchase custom postage that features a graphic or an uploaded image to make the · Consider the weight. Mailings that exceed invitations even more special. one ounce will require additional postage, even if they are in standard envelopes.

Invitations, with their various components · Do a test run. You may want to send a and thick card stock, typically weigh more complete invitation to yourself just to see than one ounce. Never purchase postage how it arrives in the mail. This way you can in advance, as you will not know what the check the level of damage and have an completed invitation costs prior to mailing. opportunity to make any changes, such Always weigh the invitation with all inserts as adding a piece of vellum to prevent ink from smudging or to place bows or included to get an accurate estimate adornments in another area. of postage. Then purchase stamps accordingly. · Give your mail carrier a heads-up. Let · Get to know your local postal employee. your assigned mail carrier know that Many postal employees, especially those response cards will be on the way. They tend to be small and can get lost in among who work at the smaller branches, grow accustomed to seeing the same customers other letters and mail. A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card, for your mail over and over. They can be very helpful carrier may ensure all of your response and good resources when it comes to cards arrive. saving money on postage. Strike up a conversation with the person behind the counter and ask advice on the best way to mail invitations and ensure they arrive looking beautiful. Choose an off-peak time so the postal employee can give you his or her full attention and will not feel rushed by a line forming behind you. The employee may suggest hand-canceling envelopes,

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which means the invitation will be processed by hand rather than run through machinery to avoid damage.

· Prep invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Invitations should be mailed nearly two months prior to the wedding.

This allows guests to plan and respond accordingly.

A wedding just isn't the same without the guests. Make sure friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and ensuring the proper postage will get those invites where they need to go.

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all eyes on the bride Kristen Biondi Independent Beauty Consultant 716.949.4958 kristenbiondi@marykay.com ly

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

EXTRA! EXTRA! Get Your Wedding Newspaper!

Are you getting married and want a unique invitation, thank-you to your guests or simply a great memento of the big day? Well, the Angola Pennysaver has the solution for you.

A wedding newspaper can be used as a unique and cost effective invitation to the big day, or as a welcome at the reception! Imagine your friends and family receiving a newspaper after your special day, with articles about the ceremony, the honeymoon, (maybe the stag and bachelorette party); what better way to say thank you? A wedding newspaper really can be a gift to be cherished forever.

Call the Angola Pennysaver 549-1611

Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

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Be smart about wedding beauty preparation and the style of your gown. Take plenty of pictures and notes so you will remember what needs to be on hand for the wedding day.

DO allot enough time for the wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a salon, block out two or more slots instead of one. This way the stylist does not overbook and will not feel rushed. Many brides opt to have stylists come to their homes. There may be an extra charge for this service, but it may be well worth the cost.

DON'T make any drastic changes to your appearance right before the wedding. This includes changing your hair color or texture, extreme tanning, using colored contact lenses, or chopping off all of your hair. It's better to wait until after the wedding to change your style.

better when hair has a little grip. "Dirty" hair is easier to work with than shiny, freshly washed locks. If you must wash, remember to thoroughly dry your hair before going to your appointment.

DO wear a little extra makeup than you are accustomed to wearing because it will show up better in photos. However, do not wear so much that you look clownish. A makeup artist can help you achieve the right balance.

DON'T have bridesmaids wear makeup that is bolder than yours, especially red lips. No one should upstage the bride.

DO experiment with any products you haven't used before to test for allergic reactions and see how well they wear.

DON'T wear too much under-eye concealer DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair extensions, or one that is too light of a shade. This can and any other accessories to your hair draw more attention to problem areas than consult. This enables the stylist to practice remedy them. working with these items.

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ll eyes are on the bride and groom on their wedding day. Feeling beautiful and dapper can boost a couple's confidence and ensure they look back on their wedding photographs and videos with pride.

Certain beauty basics and makeup and hair strategies can help any bride look spectacular on her wedding day. The following are some dos and don'ts of wedding day beauty preparations.

DO employ the services of a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and tools of the trade to help you to look your best. From contouring to make your face seem slimmer to enlarging the appearance of small eyes, some tricks of the trade are best left to the pros.

DON'T forget to schedule a trial run. Make this appointment several months before the wedding day so you have ample time to work with your stylists and experiment with colors and hair arrangements to fit your personality

DON'T tweeze or wax brows too close to the start of the ceremony. Redness and swelling are common side effects of tweezing and waxing, and they can be difficult to mask with makeup. Instead, take care of hair removal a day or two prior to the wedding.

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DON'T forget that men need a little help as well. Exfoliation and moisturization can help dry skin. Guys should use a new razor and plenty of cream before shaving to avoid irritation. A dusting of finishing powder can banish shiny noses and foreheads for photoready faces.

DO exfoliate your skin prior to the wedding.

This doesn't necessarily mean you should endure a harsh fruit acid peel or another procedure. You can exfoliate with a gentle washing of your skin with a nubby washcloth Chances are more photographs will be to remove any dryness and errant flakes.

Moisturize well to ensure a smooth palette taken of a newlywed couple than at any other moment in their lives. Certain beauty for makeup application. dos and don'ts should be followed so couples put their best faces forward.

DON'T wash or condition hair the day of the wedding. Intricate styles tend to stay

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Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

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edding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons. · Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence.

Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well as when they're entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities.

decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible. · Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories. Band leaders and deejays are not mind readers. Give your band leader or deejay ample time to review your requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection.

· Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song's length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely. Remember that guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and a five-minute song · Second-guessing a professional: In an can seem neverending while others are effort to curb costs, some couples provide waiting around. Avoid very long songs, as their own playlists via an mp3 player or the mix of music should be upbeat. The a streaming service for the music. This wedding isn't the time to play "American is often a mistake. Hiring a professional Pie" by Don McClean, Queen's "Bohemian means you will not have to worry about Rhapsody" or Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free managing music on top of your many other Bird." wedding day responsibilities. A band or deejay usually also serves as the emcee · Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the for the event, announcing key moments of music at an acceptable volume, and avoid the reception as well as getting guests up songs with suggestive language or curse on the dance floor. words that are inappropriate in a family setting. · Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music Music is a key element of any good party, will alienate some of the guests who including a wedding reception, and it's simply are not interested in that type of essential that couples take steps to avoid music. Professional deejays or performers any musical miscues. know how to offer a great mix that will appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to span different

Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

Make your engagement photoshoot a success

E

ngagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for savethe-date cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid back shots featuring couples in more everyday attire.

photoshoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or seasoned photographer should propose several ideas.

Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone.

When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photoshoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photoshoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success.

· Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photoshoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that's a little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the studio affords couples and · Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can in style, and an engagement photoshoot produce a wider array of shots than a studio will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme photoshoot is likely to deliver. they are looking for with their photoshoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to · Don't forget candid shots. Candid shots photograph a basketball game, so don't hire make the photoshoot more fun and loosen someone who specializes in posed shots if couples up a little bit. Many engagement you want your photos to be more lively and photos will never be seen by anyone other spontaneous. Before you hire anyone, ask than the photographer and the couple he or for samples of each photographer's work to she is shooting, so don't be bashful during be certain you're getting someone who has candid shots for fear of being embarrassed experiencing shooting the type of photos you down the road. Have fun with the candid want to take. shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result. · Solicit ideas from the photographer.

Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However, many couples have little or no experience with professional

An engagement photoshoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples' shoots accomplish both of those things.

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Weddings

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Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

Popular and Modern first dance songs

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Words do matter, Toast or Roast?

Contributed article by Kristen Suto

A

W

hen it comes time to start the celebration, the wedding toasts can set the tone and pace of the event. Words do matter. Here are a few tips to “toast’ and not to “roast” the happy couple.

Toast

You may not think that on your special day that people or you will remember what your speeches were but your guest will remember the feeling left behind by the words. Were they graceful or distasteful. Not to mention that with phones and the Internet, the speech could live on forever.

Talk with your bridal party and those saying a few words. Let them know ahead of time •Read a poem that you chose them because you love •Thank the bride and groom for including you them and that they just simply need to be in their day, raise a glass to toast love and a themselves, take a deep breath and begin their toast. bright future •Keep it short

Roast

•Cursing

•Sharing secrets about the couple •Talking about exes

couple's first dance as man and wife is a cherished wedding tradition. While the first dance can help set a positive tone for the reception, it also can negatively impact the festivities if a poor song is chosen.

· "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles: This peppy song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is a good choice for couples who prefer being nontraditional. It's faster paced and less sentimental than many other wedding songs.

Couples may feel pressure to choose the perfect song. Yes, this is a song that the couple has selected to represent their love for each other, but it also should be one that will speak to the masses and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

· "Better Together" by Jack Johnson: Johnson is known primarily for his soft rock and acoustic guitar work blended with catchy lyrics. Also an accomplished surfer, Johnson's work is enjoyed by many but may be especially prized by couples who want to their reception to be a laid back affair full of fun and whimsy.

Couples want to avoid a song that does not seem to fit with the festivities. For those couples who need a little musical inspiration, turn to many of the modern hits you're bound to hear on the radio which may help you to shine in that first dance. · "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri: "Twi-hard" fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wedding scene between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular "Twilight" movie "Breaking Dawn."

Couples looking to recreate the magic of these star-crossed lovers can embrace Perri's delicate tone and tender lyrics.

Kristen Suto is a holistic lifestyle coach, · "All of Me" by John Legend: It's been hard Wedding Officiant and has a private practice to escape this popular love song by R&B artist John Legend. An ode Legend wrote in Buffalo. Visit kristensuto.com to his wife, this song has quickly become a popular choice for a couple's first dance.

· "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz: Another acoustic ditty, this song has a country influence and talks about not giving up and staying in a relationship for the long haul. · "I Don't Dance" by Lee Brice: Speaking of country influences, couples who want a little twang in their first dances can choose Brice's breakthrough hit. Romantic lyrics about spinning his partner around in circles despite not liking to dance illustrates what one partner will do for the other when in love.

Couples can make that first moment on the dance floor a special experience by choosing modern classics for their first dances.

Weddings

Angola and Eden-North Collins Pennysavers • February, 2015

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