Brides & Weddings Lookbook Number 03

LOOKBOOK NO.3

❒ Bride’s father giving her hand to groom ❒ Exchange of vows

❒ Bridegroom alone with new stepchildren

www.BridesandWeddings.com.

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the

photography issue

06 ... ENGAGE IN A UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE 8 ... MUST-HAVE SHOTS 10 ... CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

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12 ... SOCIAL MEDIA “WEDIQUETTE” 14 ... WEDDING GALLERY

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Why a DJ?

from the publisher

n today's world of MP3 players, smart phones, Bluetooth speakers, and streaming services, why hire a DJ? It’s a common question that’s being asked more and more.

Here are a few reasons why a DJ still has an important place at your event: They with say ayou picture choosing a photographer help capture • A DJ will interact and is your guests and adjust the playlist to accordingly to get worth a thousand words. those memories, celebrate your special folks dancing. are who makes day and haveimportant the abilityannouncements to share it in the • A DJ is theWedding master ofphotos ceremonies those and, along withpriceless. the eventHow planner staff, keeps the reception can and you venuefuture with those you love!moving.

• Choosing aput DJ aisvalue less expensive than renting professional PA system. couples on memories?

Ouracommitment to engaged • DJ’s come with backup – does rental?

While thereequipment are is toyour make your journey to your wedding • Professional DJ’s carry insurance.day as smooth as possible by providing hundreds of liability decisions Thetoequipment is managed by a professional you don’t a friend to be you• have make when planning your ideas, so resources andhave a bittoofask inspiration a part of youryour reception by manning music. wedding, choosing photographer is thefor your celebration.

oneDothat willresearch last generations.

This is the dayplan of the restyour of your your to get an Photos idea of of what a DJ costs andfirst then it into budget. your wedding will be treasured by your Whatpersonalities matters is that arecome out Meet with potential DJ’s in person.

There arelives. different that you do not over a and phone and you wantCapturing to make sure that you fit not together. everything in writing children grandchildren. creating just a Have day, but a lifetime contract bothbut parties. And be sure to ask your other vendors for notand onlya the joy oftotheprotect day itself, together! recommendations. see – and hear – a lot of DJ’s. ♥ relatives and friends inThey a moment in time.

In this Brides & Weddings lookbook, we Rebecca Barnes

By Joe Peralis want to guide you through the process of Publisher, Brides & Weddings Joe Peralis is the owner of Firedog Entertainment, a full service company offering DJ services, custom lighting and photo booths. To learn more visit www.firedogdjs.com.

DJ & Master of Ceremony Lighting Design Photo Booth Video Montage

Photography by Marirosa

Image: Butterfly Photography

Because YOU’RE that important.

571.248.1126

WWW.FIREDOGDJS.COM

Customized, one-stop entertainment shopping for a memorable event 4

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Receive a COMPLIMENTARY CAKE on your FIRST ANNIVERSARY with each wedding cake order

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lookbook no. 3

photo by Ina Pando

photo by PEARL Photography by Elena

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photo by Paris Phot

ora Photography

engage in a unique photographic experience

Aside from providing you with beautiful, emotional portraits in a casual setting, engagement sessions allow you and the photographer to get to know each other before the big day. Knowing what to expect from your photographer and feeling relaxed in front of the camera are critical for photographic success on the big day.

Engagement sessions are the time for you and your beloved to show your inner selves, your love for one another and your favorite outfits in a relaxing and enjoyable environment. You are welcome to choose a location that speaks to you in a personal way, or let your photographer recommend a few of their favorite hot spots based on what you love!

Some couples choose that special spot where they got engaged, others their favorite restaurant, winery or flower field. Your photographer can’t wait to get you in front of the lens and bring out what makes you a special couple.

tographer Pierre

lookbook no. 3

must-have shots for your wedding day BEFORE THE CEREMONY

AFTER THE CEREMONY

WITH “FIRST LOOK” (OPTIONAL)

- Extended Family (10 min.)

Bride’s side of extended family Groom’s side of extended family

- Bride and Groom (30 min.)

- Wedding Party (45 min.-1 hr.)

Bride with Bridesmaids Groom with Groomsmen Bride with Groomsmen Groom with Bridesmaids Bride with each Bridesmaid Groom with each Groomsman Bride and Groom with entire wedding party - Family (45 min.)

Bride and Groom with her parents Bride and Groom with her immediate family Bride and Groom with her parents and grandparents Bride and Groom with both sets of parents Bride and Groom with his parents Bride and Groom with his immediate family Bride and Groom with his parents and grandparents 8

photo by Rob Jinks Photography

Photo by Dawn Gardner Photography

photo by AE Landes Photography

Photo by David Cheney Photography

photo by Domino Arts Photography

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steps to

choosing

a photographer SETTLE ON A STYLE Before you even think about hiring a photographer, make sure to sit down with your partner and really research different wedding photography styles to ensure you know what you want going into the selection process.

TAKE LOTS OF MEETINGS Mark down any time you come across a photographer whose style you’re a fan of, try to contact them as soon as possible and decide on a time to meet in person to discuss ideas, prices, different options, etc. You should never just go off something you see online.

ASK QUESTIONS Don’t feel intimidated or that you might be annoying your photographer by asking as many questions as you can. It’s more important to have the correct information and asking is the only way to be sure!

FOCUS ON PERSONALITIES The bottom line is that your wedding photographer is probably going to be with you more than anyone else on your special day. While it’s obviously important to focus on the product they’re providing, it’s equally important to make sure their personality is compatible with you and your partner’s.

DO YOUR RESEARCH It’s just as important to research different photographers as it is different styles. Some photographers specialize in one thing, others in another, and that’s OK — just make sure to do your research and find one who’s known for the type of photos you’re looking for.

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COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE Look around at similar photographers in your area, even if you know you aren’t going to use them. Check out their prices and photography packages to make sure your chosen photographer’s are in the same range and you’re not getting ripped off.

GET ALL THE DETAILS Deciding what you want and choosing your photographer can be overwhelming, so make sure you get all the details about what each photographer offers at the start. That way, you won’t be guessing what’s to come before your ceremony.

BE SPECIFIC UP FRONT Once you know exactly what you’re looking for, let all photography prospects know what that is up front. It’s your wedding and you’re calling the shots, but it’s important that everyone knows what’s going on from the getgo so no one is taken by surprise or unhappy.

social media

“wediquette”

By Amanda Causey Baity | Brides & Weddings

Social media is embedded in our day-to-day life; in fact, for most of us, social media facilitates the majority of our daily interactions with others.

We use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in touch, share updates, and celebrate milestones; it’s only natural that social media has found its way into wedding celebrations. That said, before uploading a photo of the happy couple saying “I Do,” it is important to remember your social media wedding etiquette.

Here Comes the Hashtag A particularly social couple may utilize social media to engage and communicate with their guests from the first RSVP to the last thankyou card. While the majority of couples still choose to mail out paper invitations, many opt for electronic RSVP’s: a cheaper, more environmentally friendly option. It’s also a more efficient option for guests. Wedding websites and blogs are also commonly used to share updates and information about the wedding day, the registry, and anything that wasn’t covered on the invitations.

Social-savvy couples may also request and encourage their guests upload photos taken at their wedding to a photo-sharing site such as WedPics or Wedding Party. Alternatively, a unique hashtag may be provided for guests to categorize photos posted on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Digitally catalogued photos enable 12

the couple to revisit the special (and sometimes hilarious) moments the days after their wedding.

Similarly, guests can swap stories and re-hash inside jokes long after the last dance-off.

Wedding Couple Tip: If you would like your guests to share photos with an app or website, make sure this information is communicated clearly and in advance either through your wedding website or via signage at the reception.

Otherwise, you may end up with several hashtags and countless irretrievable photos. Something as simple as “If you are sharing photos, make sure you use our hashtag: #BridesandWeddings” will let guests know how to upload photos with the group.

Guest Tip: While it may be tempting to capture every moment through your device, remember to look up and experience the wedding. You wouldn’t want to miss a big moment because you were applying the Valencia filter to your latest photo on Instagram. After all, it was you and not your social media followers who was invited to share in this special day. Your followers can wait.

Privacy, Please While there are many arguments endorsing a web-based wedding infused with social media, it isn’t uncommon for a couple to go one step further and request their guests be present and refrain from using smartphones and other electronic devices. Before you gasp in horror, we

could all learn something from the un-plugged wedding.

today. Do us a favor and please put your phones away.”

If a couple has discouraged the use of smartphones, odds are they are more concerned with ensuring guests enjoy the evening than with ensuring guests have updated their social media.

Simply put, the emphasis is placed on the guests experiencing the wedding through their eyes, not their phone.

Guest Tip: Pay attention to the wedding correspondence you receive: has the couple specifically requested guests refrain from using their phones during the wedding and/or reception? If so, be respectful: The couple has asked you to share in one of the most important days of their life. Be a guest first, photographer/ blogger/ tweeter second.

While your wedding day is a special occasion, “checking in,” tweeting and photo sharing may be daily (if not hourly) routines for many of your guests.

Wedding Couple Tip: If you would prefer photos and details from your wedding not end up on social media sites, politely ask your guests to refrain from doing so. Just like the weddings involving social media, signage can be particularly effective in delivering this message. For example, “We ask that you visit with your friends here

When we think of wedding etiquette we may think of toasts, attire, glass clinking, and perhaps even dance moves. Today, we must also think of social media. Photos, videos, tweets, and check-ins are fluid in our society. While we can control what we share about ourselves, we can’t always control what others share about us.

When planning your wedding it is important to determine how you feel about social media: what roll, if any, will it play? Regardless, we must all be reminded to be social first, media second. lookbook no. 3

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W H AT ’ S COMING N E X T ? the

dress issue CHOOSING A STYLE BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE BUDGETING

and more! lookbook no. 3

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