Northen Utah Weddings - Winter/Spring 2023

MICHAEL & COURTNEY

PHOTOGRAPHER: KAYLEE KINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

PREMIER VENDORS

photographer / KAYLEE KINDER PHOTOGRAPHY bridal attire / UTAH GOWNS

florals / ABRAMFLORALS location / THE GREAT SALTAIR

6 Things You Should Know About Wedding Videography

by Sarah Rasmussen

After being in the wedding industry as a videographer for a while, there are many things that I try to educate couples on, regarding their wedding videos and working with a wedding videographer. Here are six things that you should know about wedding videography.

experience. Video does something that you don’t realize until after - it captures the entire essence of the day. They are made to transport you back to the most special day of your life. Every aspect is captured: how you looked at each other, what was said in your vows, how important people showed you their love, and much more. Video plays back your love in realtime.

I love photos, don’t get me wrong, but there is just something about being able to push play and experience the motion and voices of loved ones. At your wedding, the photographer will capture glimpses of your most important moments. Their work can be hung around your house or turned into holiday cards. Videos, on the other hand, are just an entirely different

1. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY?

Hiring a wedding videographer is a big investment, but I believe you get what you pay for. Videography is as much a craft as photography. Not only are you paying for the skills of a dedicated, small-business owner, but their equipment costs are high as well. Videographers get one chance to capture your special day. However, rather than a single day’s worth of work, they spend hours of time getting to know you, traveling, filming, editing, and shipping your video over weeks or even months.

A good videographer will make use of plenty of different kinds of equipment to capture your day in a beautiful way. They should have access to multiple cameras and/or lenses and they should make sure to have your video backed up on multiple storage devices from the beginning. Experienced videographers also use stabilizers like gimbals and tripods to keep your footage smooth and dazzling.

As early as possible. Once you have a date and a plan for your wedding, contact your preferred videographer. The earlier you can book your videographer, the more likely they are to be available. Other perks of early booking are more time to build a relationship and develop a shared vision for your perfect day.

Videographers use music licensing sites for one simple reason… they have to! As a business in the United States, videographers are not allowed to use any other person’s property/art without consent. So, since they do not have the right to use any song without asking, videographers find songs that can be licensed at a fair price. However, you shouldn’t be alarmed because they still find and use beautiful music all the time. It just might not be the songs you hear on the radio!

Signing a contract is important for many reasons. First and foremost, a good contract protects YOU, by outlining cost of services, a full timeline of events, who provides what, when, where, and what is filmed, and when you’ll get your final video. In addition, a contractor gives a videographer the peace of mind that their business will continue to grow with your help, and their gratitude and peace will go miles for you.

MY

Your wedding day is all about you. Make sure you hire a wedding videographer that fits well with your vision and one that you are not only comfortable with, but excited for! This process should be fun and exciting.

I wish you the best, Sarah

MESSAGE TO YOU

3. WHEN SHOULD I REACH OUT TO A VIDEOGRAPHER?

6. WHY SHOULD I SIGN A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT?

4. WHY CAN’T I USE MY FAVORITE SONG IN MY WEDDING VIDEO?

2. WHY DOES VIDEOGRAPHY COST SO MUCH?

5. WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO VIDEOGRAPHERS USE?

THE WEDDING OF JADE & MAX

PHOTOGRAPHER: ROBIN KUNZLER PHOTO

PREMIER VENDORS

photographer / ROBIN KUNZLER PHOTO venue / THE SMITH BARN IN LEWISTON ring / SEVEN OAKS dress / BELL TOWER BRIDAL AND BOUTIQUE cake / LIZZY’S CAKERY catering / LA UNICA

THE WEDDING OF LANA & BRACKEN

PHOTOGRAPHER: CARYS HASLAM PHOTO AND FILM

PREMIER VENDORS

photographer / CARYS HASLAM PHOTO AND FILM venue / MAGNOLIA GROVE dress / THE PERFECT DRESS BRIDAL florist / VIOLET ARDEN FLORAL cake / SWEET CAKE BAKE SHOP CO dessert / THE PENGUIN BROTHERS

THE WEDDING OF MADDIE & JACK

PHOTOGRAPHER: ROBIN KUNZLER PHOTO

PREMIER VENDORS

venue / THE HEARTHSIDE EVENT CENTER florals / NIKKI’S FLOWERS JOLIE

ring / FRED MEYER JEWELERS dress/ PRITCHETT BRIDAL

photographer / ROBIN KUNZLER PHOTO

THE WEDDING OF SOPHIE & AUSTIN

PHOTOGRAPHER: HK PHOTO & FILM

PREMIER VENDORS

photographer / HK PHOTO & FILM venue / OGDEN UNION STATION

dress / BLISSGOWN florist / TANYA SALAS ring / FRED MEYERS

Setting a Realistic Wedding Floral Budget

by Kaitlynn Putnam

We all know that planning a wedding can be stressful, time consuming, and not to mention…. expensive. It’s never easy talking about money, but determining a budget before hand is crucial for setting realistic expectations, and especially helpful when planning with your florist.

So how should you structure your wedding budget?

1. Determine the total budget you are willing to spend on your wedding.

2. Decide which wedding services are most important to you. For example, some couples choose to have a large, beautiful venue over full service catering. Others, a large wedding arch of flowers instead of centerpieces for all the tables. Whatever you choose, make sure you carefully think through which elements are most important to you.

3. Put a generous amount of your budget towards those items that are highest on your priority list.

4. When reaching out to vendors for their services, be realistic and flexible. Most vendors are more than willing to try to find ways to work within your budget, but doing so may also require some flexibility on your part.

Now, let’s say that you’ve determined flowers for your big day are at the top of your list! As a florist myself, I find that the majority of clients that come to me aren’t even sure where to start when setting a budget for flowers. If that’s you, don’t worry! It’s common and more than understandable to be unsure about exactly what you are looking for. Your florist is there to help!

When pricing out flower arrangements, florists have a variety of factors they need to take into consideration. Because of this, many florists choose not to share pricing on their public sites and opt for clients to “request a quote.”

Determining a budget before hand is crucial for setting realistic expectations

When I first started Sweet Afton Floral, I knew I wanted to do things differently. From the beginning I have made it my goal to be transparent with clients about pricing. Since opening this business 4 years ago, I’ve created multiple resources for inquiring parties; such as, a budget calculator, lists of average prices, and several blog posts breaking down pricing and everything that goes into providing flowers for clients.

You can view my resources here: www.sweetaftonfloral.com/investment www.sweetaftonfloral.com/budget-calculator https://www.sweetaftonfloral.com/for-couples/ alookbehindweddingflowercosts https://www.sweetaftonfloral.com/for-couples

Although those resources listed above are the most comprehensive, here are a few basics to keep in mind when budgeting for flowers:

1. Flowers go through an entire lifecycle - literally - before even making it into your florist’s hands! There is a very good reason flowers can be costly. From the farmer’s cultivation and care of the flower stems, the length of time they take to grow, harvesting each stem, properly packaging and distributing the stems to wholesalers, each flower goes through quite the process before making it to the florist. Once there, the florist puts in more work before they can begin the creative process - processing (stripping leaves, fresh cut, and fresh water) for each stem, storing and keeping the flowers cool and fresh, and, finally countless hours of design and setup to make your floral dreams a reality!

2. Florists charge what we need to charge. This is our livelihood. You’re not only paying for our services and the time we put into your wedding, but also our artistry/brand, which we’ve worked very hard to create.

3. Cost of floral arrangements will vary most often based on the following factors:

• Flower types

• Labor and design time

• Style

• Size of arrangements

• Florist’s experience level

4. Every florist prices differently for a variety of reasons. In my experience, florists in Utah tend to charge within the following price ranges:

• Bridal Bouquet - $300-$450 each

• Boutonniere - $15-$30 each

• Bridesmaid Bouquet - $75-$150 each

• Corsage - $25-$40 each

• Flower crown - $50-$150 each

Ceremony and Reception flowers are difficult to assign an average cost, simply because designs can vary greatly from wedding to wedding.

• Centerpiece - $25-$200 each

• Garland - $15-$85 per foot

• Cake flowers - $30-$150

• Arch - $275-$4000

• Petals - $25-$65 per bag

• Welcome signs - $60-$250

• Vase arrangement - $60-$150 each

5. COMMUNICATE with your florist. Be honest with them about your budget and ask for their counsel as needed. Floral designers know the floral industry better than anyone and will have the best guidance and ideas! We have a lot of experience working within budgets and know how to make each and every wedding beautiful!

6. TRUST your florist and have an open mind! We have worked with a lot of flowers! Trust us when we give you suggestions. And, if you feel comfortable with it, we love when we are given creative liberty and aren’t forced to work within tight expectations.

Planning wedding florals doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. It can be a creative and exciting process! The biggest keys to success are making sure you maintain open communication with your florist, and are upfront with your expectations. I promise you that most experienced florists will try and do the same and will be grateful for your understanding and openness. Happy wedding planning!

Sweet Afton Floral www.sweetaftonfloral.com

facebook and instagram: @sweetaftonfloral

GET IN the KNOW

WHEN SHOULD I START SHOPPING FOR MY DRESS?

As soon as you know you’re getting married! Coming in as soon as you can gives you the most options. We do sell off the rack so you could take your dress home with you that day! If you would like to order a specific color or size that we do not have in store, it could take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on the dress. Alterations take two to three weeks so budget time for alterations as well. To make sure you are able to get your perfect dress, shopping for your dress early is the best course of action.

WHAT IS A UNIQUE CATERING OPTION?

Looking for a unique catering company to treat and excite your guests? One that supplies everything, set up, cleans up, and leaves you to enjoy your day and your guests? Cast Iron Catering is a mobile catering company, we come to you and cook onsite. We offer a unique experience where everything is cooked and served in dutch ovens. Guests love to walk by and see us in action! We serve buffet style and have many different menu options. If something is not on our menu, we are flexible and can make it work! Our style has worked for many brides and their weddings from elegant to backyard!

EVENTFULLY SWEET EVENTS

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER WHEN I CAN JUST PLAN MY WEDDING MYSELF AND HAVE HELP FROM FRIENDS OR FAMILY?

A wedding planner ensures that you, family, and friends will love your wedding and the planning process. Planners are attentive to every detail and ensure your vision is brought to life. These professionals will plan everything on time, find vendors you will love, and create an amazing and memorable day. Why worry about decorating, timelines, and details when your wedding planner will do that? Investing in a wedding planner allows you to focus on the most important thing: marrying the love of your life and enjoying your most important day!”

BRIDAL IMAGE

Sarah Anderson @bridalimageutah

Afton Romrell & Jessica Cromar @eventfullysweetevents

Photo:

Photo:

Photo: Kara Camp

CAST IRON CATERING

Skyler Korth @cast_iron_catering

Q&A from your LOCAL PROS

HOW DO WE DETERMINE WHAT TO SERVE AND HOW MUCH?

Listen to your vendors and ask questions! Once you decide, some of the most common questions are: Are we limited on how many flavors we can choose? Portion sizes and quantities will differ. If you’re serving a meal, then you don’t need as much dessert. If dessert is you main offering, you’ll want to order a minimum of one serving per guest. Remember that an invitation could account for multiple people attending. It’s better to order a few more than to run out.

Wedding planning can be stressful so try and enjoy the journey. It will be part of your memories, as big day goes by in a flash!

WHAT IS SOMETHING I SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN I’M LOOKING AT PHOTO AND VIDEO PORTFOLIOS?”

Make sure that you are looking at every part of the day! You want to make sure that they are equipped to photograph or film in dark dressing rooms, midday sun, and night time dance parties! Everyone can make golden hour photo with back light look amazing, so make sure that the people you’re hiring are amazing at coverage in the type of lighting that will be at your wedding! Don’t be afraid to ask for galleries or videos they’ve taken at the same venue, this will make sure they get BOMB coverage of your day!! And hire someone FUN. You want your favorite people at your wedding.

HOW

While sticking to your budget is very important, wedding vendors shouldn’t be chosen on price alone. Choose the florist whose style matches you and your wedding! Do your research: look at the florist’s instagram and website to see their current portfolio and get ideas on their style. Ask your married friends who they used. Ask your already booked vendors who they recommend. They probably have a preferred vendor list! Selecting your florist should be fun. And once your consultations start and you can hand over the weight of planning and creating, everything will feel so real!

FOR MORE EXPERT ADVICE for planning your wedding, visit northernutahweddings.com

DO I FIND THE RIGHT FLORIST FOR ME?

MOUNTAIN DONUTS SUGAR RUSH PHOTO + VIDEO

Kris Ellington @mountaindonuts

Rob + Lyndi @sugarrushphoto_video

Hilary Olsen @sweetseptemerblooms

SWEET SEPTEMBER BLOOMS

Photo: McKenzie Deakins

Photo:

Photo:

THE WEDDING OF ZOE & PARKER

PHOTOGRAPHER: HK PHOTO & FILM

PREMIER VENDORS

bridal

bridal

cake

photographer / HK PHOTO & FILM venue / BRIGHAM ACADEMY CENTER

dress / LAURELS AND LACE bride ring / JAMES ALLEN

/ STUFFED hot chocolate bar / CC POPS

bouquet / DINORA CASTRO makeup / LISA JEPPSEN

ENGAGEMENTS // BRIDALS

BRIDALS

ANNA & SPENCER

PHOTOGRAPHER: TAYNEE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Venue: The Grand View | Dress: Bridal Brilliance Rentals | Hair stylist: Adi Walker (lifeinbobbypins) |

Makeup: Hannah Beth Beauty

BRIDALS

BREANNA & JOSE

PHOTOGRAPHER: RIAN HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY

BRIDALS

CASANDRA & DANIEL

PHOTOGRAPHER: KAYLEE KINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer: Kaylee Kinder

Photography | Dress: Veronica Michaels

ASHLEY & SPENCER

PHOTOGRAPHER: HK PHOTO & FILM

Ring - Jamestown Jewelry

Hair - Emily Harker Platinum Studio

Email: burridgeam@gmail.com

HIGH FASHION BRIDE

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMS

Photographer: @jennifernicolephotoandfilms | Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica |

Concept & Planning: @heatherbengeofficial | Venue: @wadleyfarms | Hair & Makeup | @sunkissedandmadeup

Floral Design: @m.floral | Gown: @styled.gowns | Models: @hannaholivia28

STYLED SHOOT

NEUTRAL SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMS

Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica | Concept &Planning: @heatherbengeofficial | Venue: @wadleyfarms

Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup | Stationery: @greenmangokraft | Floral Design: @flowerbarco

Cake: @mailecakedesign | Rentals: @diamondeventandtent | Men’s Wear: @themoderngroom_

Gowns: @styled.gowns | Accessories: @janicetan_co | Shoes: @bellabelleshoes |

Styling Surfaces: @ replicasurfaces | Ring Boxes: @lovelyringboxes

SHADES OF PURPLE SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNIFER NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMS

Host: @styledshootsacrossamerica | Concept & Planning: @heatherbengeofficial | Venue: @wadleyfarms

Hair & Makeup: @sunkissedandmadeup | Stationery: @randclettering | Floral Design: @millefleurdesign

Cake: @mailecakedesign | Rentals: @diamondeventandtent | Men’s Wear: @themoderngroom_

Gowns: @styled.gowns | Bridal Accessories: @janicetan_co | Shoes: @bellabelleshoes

Styling Surfaces: @replicasurfaces | Ring Boxes: @lovelyringboxes | Models: @megamaddy @ethandhansen