Music for your Wedding Reception

As I meet with more and more couples, one of the most consistent things I hear is how they would like to make their wedding unique and not run of the mill.  They are usually telling me to do something different in the photographs.  I'm listening and I will do so.

I also have some suggestions for making the reception really stand out - consider hiring a live band!!  My previous post had this listed as a "hot trend" for 2010 weddings.  This is partly inspired by a recent publicity shoot (see above) I did for Nomad Planets.  Although they are in no way a "wedding band", there are a number of great Northwest Indiana groups who entertain your guests.  I'm willing to bet they are even more reasonably priced than a lot of DJ's.

If you do go with a DJ, there is nothing wrong with providing them with your own music that means something to you as a couple.  This is also a great project for the groom and his best man.  Guys will love this part of the wedding planning while the Bride and her MOH can get the "dirty work" done with the decor and the formal wear.

Hop on over to The Brides Room for some music suggestions old and new.

What's Hot For Weddings In 2010

As your photographer, I won't pretend to know all about everything on this list.  However, since I'm always doing research here is what I have come up with as some of the hottest wedding trends of 2010.

• Candy stations
• Theme Weddings (beach, holiday, fairytale, etc.)
• Photography with candid shots in outdoor settings
• Cupcakes instead of traditional wedding cake
• Trash the dress
• Bright colored reds, pinks or blues added to the wedding dress and bridesmaid's dresses
• Live music (at ceremony and reception)
• Small banquet facilities (lodges, clubs, schools)

 The other biggie for this year is Outdoor Weddings.  How odd that (so far) all my 2010 bookings are indoors.  Will you be my first outdoor ceremony of 2010?  See the image below for a 2009 outdoor weddings.

How Does all this Work? What Are You Going To Wear? How....?

It's been a busy year so far with lots of meetings with couples, answering inquiries, signing contracts, etc.  Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions I get...

What attire will you wear to my wedding?

I will be dressed formally, although I don't usually wear a tie unless requested to do so.  It's absolutely no problem to do that, but I will have two camera bodies with large lenses attached to me most of the day.  Wearing a tie, I will need to clip it so it doesn't flop around on me and interfere with shooting.

My female assistant will also be dressed up although she will not be wearing a dress.  She will be asked to stand on a ladder on occasion as well as lug equipment and get low to the ground as well as hold light reflectors over her head, etc.  We will accommodate if you ask, but this is the usual modus operandi.  

I'm interested in possibly hiring you, now what do I do? 

We should set up a meeting ASAP so you can have an opportunity to get to know me as well as see samples of my work.  When you are ready to book, I require a 50% deposit to hold the date.  I start working for you immediately by scouting locations, jotting down ideas, etc.

Do we see you next on our wedding day?

I request that we meet one or more times after we book the photography for your wedding.  I hope we will be doing engagement shots together as we can chat then and get comfortable with each other.  Either way, I like for you can fill out the Wedding Shot List I gave you and we can discuss those needs.  I'd also like to meet you at some of the locations we discussed for your formal pictures.  This is also a good time to find out any restrictions your Pastor or Priest might have during the ceremony.  We can also settle on a Plan B in case of bad weather.

How do we review the images?

I do post the images online, but I like to meet with the bride and groom in person so i can see their reactions, offer them prints specials and discuss what to leave out of the wedding album (if anything)and the general design scheme of the album as well.  After that, an online gallery will be published for family and friends to view and order images.

I'm always available for any of your questions.  Just fill out the Contact Form if you are too shy or too busy to call. 

What About Bad Weather?!!

If you wake up on your Wedding Day and find a menacing storm cloud up in the sky, don't panic. Yes, this is going to be an inconvenience and some changes will have to be made concerning your photography.  However, we will have to embrace the situation and turn it into a positive.  Think about the photographic possibilities - dramatic skies with moody lighting upon the bride and groom.  Perhaps some retro, umbrellas in hand strolling on the street shots are in order.  We have lots of possibilities.  If the forecast isn't looking good, I will come armed with umbrellas.  I will alert you to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen dig into their closets for these as well.  We will already have a Plan-B in place for alternate shots should this occur.  

Family photos may have to be taken inside the church or reception hall.  I will have a backdrop and lighting with me should we have to do this.  If worse comes to worse, we will schedule another day for formal pictures.  

Chances are that you will actually come out with some great, unique shots for you wedding.  So keep that happy face, it's going to be a great day no matter what!!