Famous First Looks

December 5, 2016 Steve Vansak

First look under the old covered bridge at Lake County Fairgrounds.

Okay, so these couples aren't celebrities, but I'm calling them "famous first looks" anyway!! The purpose of today's post is to show you some of the many "first looks" or "reveals" that I've done over the years and why I think they are important.

Breaking with certain wedding traditions are difficult to do. Your mom had a totally different wedding in a different era with different styles. To her, this whole "reveal" thing will probably be very foreign. Back then wedding photography didn't have different locations with creative, magazine style imagery. It was "look at the camera and smile" and that may have been it. You may have friends who have warned about superstitions they have heard about or seen on wedding websites, etc. While I will definitely respect your wishes, keep an open mind about doing a first look and taking some of the stress out of your big day.

An emotional first look of the bride and groom at Holy Spirit Church before the ceremony.

I have shot countless numbers of weddings where the bride and groom have not seen each other before the ceremony and we have found time to make beautiful images for them. However, that sometimes requires a lot of discipline from family, wedding party and the bride and groom themselves on wedding day. This is especially an issue if you are having a ceremony that is close in time to the start of your reception. In an early afternoon wedding for example, there is usually no need as we have plenty of time for family photos, wedding party and couple's shots.

Here are some scenarios where it really helps:

Ceremonies in the 5pm range means very little time for post ceremony congratulations, family pictures, wedding party and bride and groom. Within no time you are required to be at the reception for introductions. At church ceremonies, often another event is occurring right afterwards that restricts time even more so.
Late Fall, winter weddings as well as early Spring weddings often see night come in the late afternoon. I can shoot terrific wedding photos at night for you, but is this the look you want? If beautiful Autumn color is what you are going for, consider an earlier ceremony or a first look.

On paper it may even look like you have plenty of time, but from experience I can tell you that you will be in a constant state of "celebrity" on your wedding day. Your friends and family want to wish you well and you will want to accommodate them and give them some of your time. It's tough to get away, especially after the ceremony. i do work very quickly, but gathering family for pictures does takes time.

First look overlooking farmland at the couple's home.

Father of the bride delivers his daughter to the groom on the Centennial Park bridge.

So how does all of this work? Often times we have the groom meet the second photographer at a pre-determined location and then the bride arrives to find him facing away. Sometimes we even put a twist on it like in the shot above with the father of the bride delivering his daughter across the bridge.

I often choose a location with a bit of room as I like to focus back and forth from the bride to the groom and back, capturing the emotions and excitement. These reveals have the added benefit of real, non-staged moments. These are often very cherished images in the wedding book. The image below is the summer wedding and reveal for Wendy and Kelly at Lighthouse Restaurant.

First look for the soon to be Mrs. and Mrs. on the pier of Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake, Indiana.

Not convinced? That's okay, I will come up with a plan for you. If you want to see each other for the first time when walking down the aisle, here is what I suggest.

Get into your dress a little bit sooner and have your side of the family visit where you are getting ready. We will then take your side of the family's photos at this time.
Have your partner's side of the family meet me or my second photographer at the ceremony site about one hour before everything begins. We will take their solo and wedding party pictures and their family at this time.
After the ceremony we simply take photos of both sides together - families, wedding party and then take couple's shots before heading off to the reception.

So there you have it, "famous first looks" from this past year as well as from the archives.

I always like to give my client's real world advice about their wedding day. I don't want you to look back and think "wow, the photos are great, but what a chore they were to get". I don't want to convince you to go against your principles either. So, no matter how you choose to plan your day, let's work together to make it a great experience and get you those great images - candid moments, important family photos and also art to hang on the wall of your new home.

Be sure to fill out the Contact Form if you have any questions.

Interview: Shannon Grimmer of Fringe Beauty Salon

March 21, 2016 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom kiss on the bridge at Centennial Park in Munster.

Shannon and I first met when she was styling Jenny, the bride in the above shot during bridal prep. We have since worked together on various weddings and she is now the proud owner of Fringe Beauty Salon, a spacious full service building in Merrillville across from the Post Office. It's a great all in one shop that will fit your entire wedding party and is close to many popular venues. Here is my recent interview with Shannon:

How long have you been working in the wedding industry?

I am passionate about creating flawless, detail oriented styles for my clients. My passion for the wedding industry was influenced as my career in the beauty industry began professionally over 15 years ago. Realizing that there was a lack of accommodation for wedding parties inside the salon and also a disconnection with brides, I decided to start Shannon Grimmer Beauty Concepts which has now evolved into Fringe Salon. I say "professionally”, because I think if you were to slit my wrists shampoo would come oozing out. I've had a lifelong passion for weddings and the beauty industry ever since I stole an Avon sample of Passion Red lipstick from my mom's makeup bag and snuck it to school in 1st grade.

Tell us about Fringe Salon, your full service hair and nail salon. What does that all entail? Where is it located?

Fringe is located in the heart of Merrillville, just 40 minutes from Chicago. We are a collective of stylists who have been doing hair for years! Fringe is a booth rental based salon where each stylist has the freedom to create their own schedule and use products that they are passionate about. The salon itself retails an exclusive brand, Kevin Murphy, born from the same philosophy as skin care. You can learn more about us by visiting the Experience Fringe website. Stop by just for the hugs or a killer cup of coffee!

Can a bride bring her entire wedding party to the salon? If so, how far in advance should they book?

Absolutely-the more the merrier! We do suggest booking at least a year in advance if you are planning for a Saturday wedding or during a holiday weekend. I've had plenty of brides secure their artist once the date and location has been booked. Large wedding parties are also welcome! In that case, I will have one of my assistants, who are also licensed, to help collaborate. This ensures that everyone will be picture perfect for the day.

Do you have online booking?

Yes, online booking is a must in this day and age! I understand the need to connect on the client's terms. Especially if you happen to be a bride the week of your event awake at 2am and you suddenly realize you need to get your brows shaped!

Shannon Grimmer of Fringe Salon preps brides and her bridesmaids on wedding day.

Tell us about the Muse Beauty Bar.

At the Muse Beauty Bar we are passionate about sharing the art of makeup and beauty. We provide applications, niche professional product, and makeup lessons. Whether you're the professional looking for fresh airbrush tips or the private client looking to hone in your personal application; I love to share the products, my expertise and techniques. Muse is for anyone!

Are you available for on location hair?

Absolutely! I have traveled as far as Boise, ID for a bridal party. Of course certain travel terms and conditions may apply if the bride is planning for a destination wedding but most of my on location travel has been fairly local. On location is very important to me because I want to make sure I synchronize with what works best for my client. If getting ready at home, hotel, etc. is the desired choice I can absolutely accommodate with my traveling kit, lighting, and chair. I want to make sure my client is their most comfortable before they walk down the isle.

What are your top tips for hair on your wedding day?

I like to create the total package for my clients. I like to meet with them even before we do a trial and find out what the utmost important aspects of the brides' day might be, as well as set a game plan for their hair to be its healthiest. I like to have a conversation to see if the bride has any major cut/color transformations that I may need to consider. I do suggest having your last color and haircut appointment approximately 7-10 days before the big event. You don't want to run the risk of trying something new and not loving it. Conditioning and restorative treatments are something I also highly recommend and will customize to individual needs. I offer Olaplex treatments in the salon to help to keep the integrity of shinier, healthy hair. Lastly, for the best up-do to happen the hair needs a little grit. I always prefer that those getting an up-styled service don't wash their hair the day of.

Interview: Make Up Artist Melissa Marshall

March 14, 2016 Steve Vansak

Beautiful bride at Sandy Pines Pavillion.

I first met Northwest Indiana Make Up Artist Melissa Marshall at a bridal show. She walked up to my booth during morning set up and introduced herself and expressed her excitement for the upcoming wedding season and to be meeting so many wonderful brides that day. I knew right then I'd be seeing her at many weddings because genuine enthusiasm like hers is exactly what you want from your wedding vendors on your big day. Sure enough, we've worked together many times. Here is my recent interview with Melissa:

How did you get your start as a make up artist?

I have had an interest in makeup since a very young age. I grew up in ballet and theatrical stage makeup was very exciting to me. I had my first "real job" in makeup at Merle Norman in Crown Point when I was a senior in high school. It was then that I learned that I could make a living doing makeup, and I never looked back. This September will be 15 years since I got my start.

You obviously enjoy doing make up for weddings. Can you tell me what makes it a fulfilling job?

I think it takes the right kind of person to work in the wedding industry. Sometimes my Saturdays start as early as 3am when I have to travel out of state. It can be somewhat stressful knowing the way someone looks on their wedding day falls into your hands, but I truly feel like I have the greatest job in the world. I do not mind the early mornings, long drives, or working every Saturday, because I am head over heels in love with my job. I get to spend every weekend with brides on the happiest day of their lives. I befriend many of my clients and I just love watching their families grow. I love the wedding industry and all the love and positive energy that comes along with it.

How far in advance should a wedding couple book their make up artist?

I always tell my clients to book your makeup artists as soon as your date is secured with your venue. Typically, by March, I will have 90% of my Saturdays booked for the year. Booking a full 12-18 months in advance is not too early. Luckily, there is a lot of a talent in Northwest Indiana and the makeup artists have a pretty tight knit community so we are always more than willing to help you find someone who is available. However, if you have your heart set on working with a specific artist, book as soon as you can!

Tell me about trials and what they involve?

I like to book a bride's makeup trial in the month before her wedding. By this time, almost all of the details for the day have been confirmed so we can really just review our timeline and details for the big day. I ask my brides to bring inspiration photos of makeup that they love so I can have an idea of what they are looking to do with their makeup. A trial will usually take about 60-90 minutes and I will do a complete makeup look on them, checking in with them as I go to make sure we are creating a look they love. We will also discuss any other concerns or questions they may have regarding facials, spray tans, tattoo coverage, anything that makeup would play a role in.

What can you do for the person who doesn’t know what they want?

I like to direct them to my portfolio at my website. Sometimes seeing different looks helps to learn more about what they like and don't like for themselves. This is why a trial is key. You may think you want to wear a red lip on your wedding day until you get it on and it just doesn't feel like you at all. It is so important to take your wedding day makeup for a test drive.

Should a bride go first, last, or in the middle on wedding day?

I like when a bride is scheduled between the middle and the end. Never the last appointment of the day. A bride should feel very laid back and relaxed, and not at all rushed while she's getting made up. Second or third to last is usually where I like to schedule my brides.

What are some of the things that can be done to stay fresh all the way to the first dance?

Make sure you discuss your skin type with your makeup artist. If you tend to be oily or dry, there are steps that can be done and products that can be used to help keep your makeup looking fresh. It's always a good idea to keep some oil blotting sheets with you as well as your lip color to freshen up throughout the day. I pretty much exclusively use airbrush formula on my brides and bridal parties. I have seen this formula hold up for 12+ hours and I know it will stand the test of time, sweat, and tears.

In my photography, I like to use lighting to bring out the eyes in my clients. What do you do as a make up artist to achieve the same thing?

I love drawing attention to the eyes. I think there are several way this can be done with makeup. Having a good sense of color theory and using colors that will play up a bride's eye color is one way to enhance the eyes. I am also a firm believer in false lashes on the wedding day. Even just a few individuals can really make the eyes pop.

What can men do for their skin to look their best on wedding day?

Moisturize! Get into a good skincare routine (cleaning and moisturizing 2x a day) before the wedding so that their skin can look it's best. It's okay for guys to treat themselves to facials too. Not only are they super relaxing, but they also can help give your skin the boost it will need to look its best. For outdoor weddings, it's a smart idea to wear sunscreen so you don't burn and sport pink skin the rest of the day.

What are your top tips for adding make up and general prep on wedding day?

Assign your maid of honor to bridal touch up kit duties. Check a mirror before pictures, the ceremony, and the reception. Just make sure the eye area looks fresh, oil is blotted in the t-zone, and the lip color looks fresh. Other than that, you shouldn't think too much about the makeup. Hiring a makeup artist that will apply makeup to last all day, should take away most of the stress from reapplying throughout the day. You should feel beautiful and comfortable in your wedding day makeup and not stress about the prep, that's our job!

To inquire about wedding photography for your day, fill out my Contact Form here and check on Melissa's availability at this link. Happy planning!!

The bride and groom after the ceremony at Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Laporte, Indiana.

Interview: How Sweet It Is Events

March 7, 2016 Steve Vansak

Bride walks along the waterfall at The Restaurant At Fair Oaks Farms.

It's wedding planning season and my interview series continues with one of the sweetest (pun intended) vendors around, Linda Valdivia Walker of How Sweet It Is Events. Linda and I have worked at many weddings together. So much so that I couldn't decide which ones to showcase here. I decided on a gold themed wedding shoot from The Restaurant At Fair Oaks Farms and a green themed candy buffet at The Patrician. No matter what your color or flavor may be, I know that Linda can be of help.

How long has How Sweet It Is Events been in business? How did you get your start?

We established our business in 2005 as How Sweet It Is Chocolate Fountains. Chocolate Fountains were fairly new at that time and I was interested in getting into the wedding industry. We were so excited to see how many requests we were receiving from bridal couples to corporate events. Soon after, every weekend we had the honor of serving guests warm flowing Belgian chocolate with our 34” Chocolate Fountain! We quickly became partners with The Avalon Manor and serviced all of their chocolate fountain requests. Really now…..who doesn’t like chocolate?

After being in the wedding industry, it was very clear there were so many new opportunities. We changed our name to How Sweet It Is Events, and ventured out of our comfort zone and began offering Favors, Candy Buffets & Reception Design Packages. We have currently added DIY Rentals & Specialty Linens to our Menu. My mother once told me, if you’re going to do something, do it right….so we added an Etsy Shop ☺ with a lot of fun wedding accessories! After ten years of chocolate fun, we have decided to retire our chocolate fountain and focus on our new opportunities, but I do miss it!

Let’s start with wedding favors. What kind of goodies can one get and what type of packaging is there?

Favors are a fun way to say “Thank You” to your guests and can be given in many different forms. However, we find a candy favor is one that your guests will enjoy and take with them at the end of the evening. We are a vendor with Albanese Confectionery and South Bend Chocolate and have an unlimited amount of candy choices for you to choose from. My most popular favor box at this time is our Chocolate Bar Box in gold, or silver foil with a personalized label. Mini mason jars filled with colored sixlets, mini take out boxes with tags and boxed truffles are just a few of the items we can custom make for you.

Tell us about candy buffets. Once again, what flavors and types of candy can we expect and how do guests get served?

Candy Buffets are an upscale interactive way to say “Thank You” to your guests. Our Candy Buffets are designed to complement the décor and color palette of your event. We love to add fabrics, plateaus to layer your jars and candlelight to your table! For us it’s all about helping our clients choose candy they love and a design with their vision in mind. Then we run with it and add all the fun details that will make their Candy Buffet become a centerpiece for their room! Some of the most popular candy choices include: white pretzels, malt balls, Sixlets, Jelly Belly’s, turtles, mint meltaways, rock candy, lollipops, licorice and of course gummi bears. We also offer a Nostalgic Candy Buffet package with all of the old time favorite candies.

Gold wedding palette from How Sweet It Is Events at The Farmhouse At Fair Oaks Farms.

Let’s get into Reception Design. What is involved in that?

We created a Reception Design package for our clients who would like the details done for them at their venue the day of the wedding. As the bride and groom and their families prepare for the big day, our team is busy setting their venue making sure every detail is done and their room is perfect before their guests arrive. We offer many table-scape designs including candelabras and crystal globes in gold and silver to mention a few. Specialty linens such as sequin and rosette, an upscale chair cover with a colored band and rhinestone brooch, crystal cake stands and crystal card boxes. Our team sets your room, lights your candles and returns at the end of the evening to take everything down. You have fun and let us do the work!

Do you do a venue walkthrough?

Yes, we love doing a venue walk through with our bridal couples! This gives us a chance to view every area within the venue for proper placement of their tables and to work on a design that is perfect for them. That’s when the vision becomes real!

Do you have rentals?

Not every bride has a huge budget to work with, or has chosen other areas they would like to use their funds, so we have created a DIY Rental Program that allows bridal couples to have beautiful centerpieces at a much lower cost. This package is perfect for the bride & groom that have family members available to set their venue and take it down at the end of the night. Rental items can be picked up two days before the event and returned the following Monday. We also offer rentals for bridal showers and other small events.

What are your top tips to couples for reception design?

Some of my top tips for my bridal couples is have fun with your design!! Your venue has many areas, use them all! If your venue has a loft, personalize it by adding things that mean something to both of you! If there is a large foyer with furniture, add some fun elements like pillows and candlelight. This is your big day, make sure you do what you both like, not what others suggest. My biggest tip for MY bridal couple, is enjoy your day!!! We have planned together, designed together and finalized together!! We’ve got this!!! ;)