Despite all the challenges and uncertainties, couples chose to have weddings during the pandemic, and that gave light and hope to the whole wedding industry. But how to tie the knot with covid still lingering on the premises? I have two words for you – micro weddings!
What is a micro wedding?
These kinds of intimate weddings have a smaller guest count, up to 50 – your family and close friends; but that doesn’t mean that you cannot have your dream nuptials! In fact, these kinds of celebrations are just like regular weddings but on a smaller scale.
How to plan a wedding during covid
In light of the events, brides choose more outdoor venues or simply transform the backyard into a ceremony and reception space – which is ever so charming and heartwarming! Whichever venue you choose, make sure it is properly sanitized and has the option for a distancing seating plan.
With these sweet intimate gatherings, it is all about the guest experience and gorgeous decor. Statement pieces that are personalized and tell your loving story will be at the center of attention. You can also get creative with beautifully designed masks, sanitizer labels, and witty wedding signs!
Make sure you have booked your photographer because these micro weddings will be defined with all the feels and heartfelt emotions. The photos will be visual memories of your most precious day so photography will be a key aspect of your wedding planning!
Concerning your catering, one of the options is to order delivery meals, or maybe a pizza bar. That will be a fun option that everyone loves, but if you are hosting your wedding in an indoor venue, make sure that all health protocols are in order.
Finally, curate a guest list that is only your closest people. Let go of all pressures concerning wedding planning and have a very laid back yet romantic wedding day that will be remembered for decades to come!
The Story of Shelby, Trevor, and their wedding day
By Alissa February 8th 2024
Trevor and Shelby first crossed paths during an internship while they were in college. Although Shelby still had one more year at Clemson University, Trevor had completed his studies and returned to Kentucky to embark on his engineering career. Just eight months later, as the world was struck by the COVID pandemic, Shelby visited Trevor in Kentucky, and unexpectedly landed a job at Ford. This prompted her to make the life-altering decision to move from Charleston to Louisville.
Their relationship blossomed amidst countless memorable date nights, culminating in the addition of a furry companion named Beamer and the purchase of their own home. For Shelby’s birthday, Trevor orchestrated a surprise trip to Dallas to reunite with her family, but little did she suspect that he had grander plans. Amidst the joyous family reunion, Trevor seized the perfect moment to propose, leaving Shelby utterly astonished. It was a weekend filled with love, surprises, and unforgettable memories, marking the beginning of their journey towards a lifetime of happiness together.
Wedding Day
Introduction
On the enchanting day of June 10th, 2023, Shelby and Trevor joyfully exchanged vows in a magical ceremony held at Harborside East in Charleston, South Carolina. Overflowing with love, laughter, and cherished moments, the day marked the beginning of their beautiful journey as a married couple.
Stylish Attire and Elegant Details: Shelby’s dream of timeless elegance materialized as she gracefully adorned herself in a Morilee-fitted white dress. The gown featured a small train, intricate lace, and a v-neck embellished with delicate beading. Bella Maria’s open-toed white shoes provided the perfect complement, harmonizing with the pink and white floral arrangements adorned with greenery meticulously crafted by The Blossom Shop in Summerville, SC.
Chic Preparations: The day started at the luxurious Harborside Hotel, where Shelby and Trevor, accompanied by their closest friends, readied themselves for the momentous occasion. Shelby’s bridesmaids added a touch of serenity and joy, sporting light blue robes during the preparation festivities.
Riverside Romance: The pair declared their vows on a picturesque dock with a view of the Copper River, where a gentle breeze added a whimsical touch to their brief and sweet ceremony. After sealing their love, Shelby and Trevor, accompanied by their bridal party, seized the opportunity to capture precious moments against the stunning backdrop of the river.
A Friend Tunnel of Love: The festivities took an extra-special turn when friends raised their arms, forming a tunnel of love for Shelby and Trevor to joyfully run through. Intimate photos of the couple on the docks contributed a romantic touch to their wedding album.
Pavilion Perfection: Beneath the pavilion, with the Cooper River Bridge in the background, the couple experienced a grand introduction. They shared unforgettable first dances, special moments with parents, family speeches, engaged in a delightful cake-cutting ceremony, and savored a delicious dinner catered by Charleston Harbor East.
Sweet Bliss and Elegant Decor: Sweet Rhi skillfully designed a two-tiered white cake embellished with a bride and groom topper and delicate pink flowers. This creation harmoniously matched the gold plates, glass votives, and floating candles gracing the reception tables. The evening overflowed with laughter and dancing, with Wedding Music Charleston providing the ideal musical ambiance.
Sparkler Exit and Sweet Escape:
As the night came to an end, friends and family created a sparkler tunnel exit, and Shelby and Trevor made a grand escape on a golf cart to their hotel room, surrounded by the warm glow of well-wishing sparklers.
Capturing the Magic: Sweet Bliss Media expertly captured every enchanting moment of Shelby and Trevor’s celebration, ensuring that their wedding day will be a cherished memory for years to come. The impeccable coordination by Sweet Bliss Media added a seamless touch to the entire event.
Conclusion: Shelby and Trevor’s wedding at Harborside East showcased the essence of love, laughter, and the charm of a Charleston celebration. With stylish preparations, a romantic riverside ceremony, and a lively reception under the pavilion, their day seamlessly blended elegance and joy. Cheers to Shelby and Trevor as they embark on their journey of married life with a magical celebration in the heart of Charleston!
Thanks to the following Vendors who helped make Shelby and Trevor’s wedding a big success!!
Nestled in the heart of the South, Charlotte, North Carolina, seamlessly blends Southern elegance with urban charm, offering an enchanting canvas for couples venturing into the realms of planning their dream wedding. As you immerse yourself in the world of wedding preparations, gaining insight into the average costs linked to essential vendors in the Queen City becomes pivotal. Within this all-encompassing guide, we delve into the financial intricacies of wedding planning in Charlotte, encompassing every detail from selecting the perfect wedding venue to curating the melodic notes of live music. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we pave the way for you to craft a celebration that truly mirrors your unique love story.
Wedding Venue: The Heart of Your Celebration
Offering a diverse selection of wedding venues, Charlotte presents a spectrum ranging from historic landmarks to contemporary spaces. The average expense for a wedding venue in Charlotte typically falls between $2,000 and $10,000. This cost encompasses venue rental fees, which are contingent on factors such as the venue’s location, size, and the amenities it offers.
Photography: Capturing Timeless Memories
Capturing the enchantment of your wedding day demands the expertise of a skilled photographer. In Charlotte, wedding photography packages typically span from $2,500 to $6,000. Opting for a professional photographer guarantees that your unique moments are skillfully captured, providing a timeless collection of memories that will last a lifetime.
Videography: Cinematic Chronicles
Couples wanting to relive their wedding day through vivid visuals must hire a videographer. In Charlotte, videography services typically range from $3,000 to $7,000. With high-quality cinematic storytelling, you can immerse yourself in the emotions and details of your celebration, creating a lasting visual legacy to cherish.
DJ: Harmonizing the Atmosphere
Creating the vibe for your party, music in Charlotte offers talented DJ options. On average, couples set aside $1,000 to $3,500 for music services. This includes the cost of entertainment, equipment, and the know-how to make a musical atmosphere.
Florals: Blooms that Speak Volumes
Charlotte’s lively floral offerings spark stunning arrangements. Typically, the cost for florals in Charlotte varies from $1,500 to $10,000. Work with a florist to incorporate seasonal blooms into your wedding, bringing a hint of Southern charm to your celebration.
Catering: Savoring Culinary Delights
Famous for its varied food scene, Charlotte provides various catering choices. Couples usually set aside $20 to $150 per person for catering services. This includes tastings, service staff, and any special dietary needs your guests might have.
Makeup and Hair: Radiant Elegance
Every bride deserves to shine on her special day, and in Charlotte, couples typically spend between $100 and $500 on makeup and hair services for the bride, with additional costs for the bridal party.
Live Music/Bands: A Symphony of Celebration
Live music enhances the ambiance of your wedding day, and in Charlotte, couples usually budget an average of $1,500 to $10,000 for live music or bands. This covers the expenses for musicians, vocalists, and the expertise needed to craft a musical experience that perfectly complements your love story.
Wedding Planner: Crafting Perfection
A wedding planner can be your key to a hassle-free celebration. In Charlotte, fees for wedding planners usually vary from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the level of service. With expertise in handling logistics, recommending vendors, and ensuring a seamless day, a skilled planner is instrumental in creating your dream wedding.
10. Wedding Attire: Dressing to the 10’s
In the charming city of Charlotte, North Carolina, brides often find their dream wedding dresses within a range of $1,000 to $3,000, reflecting the city’s diverse bridal fashion landscape. From timeless classics to modern designs, this budget offers brides a variety of choices to embrace their unique style on their special day.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, grooms typically budget between $100 and $1,500 for wedding attire, ensuring they find the perfect ensemble to suit their personal style and the overall aesthetic of their special day.
Conclusion:
Planning your dream celebration in Charlotte requires navigating wedding costs, with couples usually spending between $15,000 and $40,000, encompassing venue, photography, entertainment, catering, and a wedding planner. Tailor your budget to individual priorities, considering additional costs for attire, invitations, and enhancements. Cheers to your journey towards matrimonial bliss in Charlotte!
Charleston, South Carolina, with its cobblestone streets, historic charm, and Southern elegance, provides the picturesque backdrop for your wedding day. 🌙 As you embark on the exhilarating journey of planning your special day in this enchanting city, it’s time to unveil the typical costs associated with those crucial wedding vendors. In this vibrant guide, let’s delve into the financial enchantment of Charleston’s wedding industry, exploring everything from the wedding venue to the melodic notes of live music. 🎶✨ Ready to craft the celebration of a lifetime? Let’s dive in!
🏰 Wedding Venue: The Epicenter of Your Love Story
Charleston offers a varied selection of venues, each showcasing its distinctive charm. The typical cost for a wedding venue in Charleston falls within the range of $3,000 to $10,000. This cost encompasses venue rental fees, which can vary based on factors such as location, exclusivity, and the amenities provided by your selected venue.
📸 Photography: Capturing Everlasting Moments
Capturing the magic of your wedding day requires the expertise of a skilled photographer. In Charleston, wedding photography packages typically vary from $2,000 to $5,000. Investing in a professional ensures that your cherished moments are skillfully documented, creating lasting memories for years to come.
🎥 Videography: Cinematic Remembrances
For couples aspiring to immortalize their special day with moving images, a videographer is a valuable addition. Videography services in Charleston usually vary from $2,500 to $6,000. Exceptional cinematic storytelling captures the emotions and intricacies of your celebration, providing the opportunity to relive those moments again and again.
🎧 DJ: Crafting the Rhythm of Romance
Selecting the appropriate music establishes the atmosphere for your event, and Charleston provides a variety of skilled DJs. Typically, couples budget between $1,000 and $3,000 for DJ services. This budget covers not only the DJ’s skills but also includes equipment and lighting to craft the ideal ambiance.
💐 Florals: Blooms that Echo Love
The lush landscapes of Charleston serve as inspiration for stunning floral arrangements. The typical expenditure on florals in Charleston varies from $2,000 to $7,000. Work closely with a florist to incorporate seasonal blooms into your wedding, infusing a hint of Lowcountry charm into your celebration.
🍽️ Catering: Savoring Southern Excellence
Charleston is renowned for its culinary excellence, and your wedding menu should mirror that reputation. Couples generally allocate a budget ranging from $50 to $150 per person for catering services. This covers tastings, service staff, and addresses any special dietary considerations your guests may have.
💄 Makeup and Hair: Radiant Elegance
Every bride aspires to radiate beauty on her special day, and in Charleston, there are skilled makeup artists and hairstylists to bring that dream to life. Typically, couples invest between $150 to $500 for makeup and hair services for the bride, with extra expenses for the bridal party.
🎤 Live Music/Bands: Harmonious Celebratory Notes
Live music enhances the atmosphere, crafting memorable moments. In Charleston, couples typically budget an average of $1,500 to $10,000 for live music or bands. This encompasses expenses for musicians, vocalists, and the skill to tailor a musical experience that harmonizes with your distinctive love story.
📋 Wedding Planner: Architecting Perfection
A wedding planner serves as the architect of your envisioned celebration. In Charleston, fees for wedding planners generally fall between $2,000 to $5,000, contingent on the extent of services. A proficient planner adeptly manages logistics, suggests trustworthy vendors, and guarantees the seamless unfolding of your special day.
Conclusion:
Familiarizing yourself with the typical expenses of wedding vendors in Charleston is key to shaping a celebration that aligns with your vision and budget. Navigating the financial aspects related to venues, photography, videography, music, florals, catering, makeup, hair, and a wedding planner puts you on the path to crafting an unforgettable wedding day in the captivating city of Charleston! 🎉💖
Charleston, the historic gem of South Carolina, is a city teeming with southern charm, picturesque landscapes, and an old-world allure that makes it a dream destination for couples tying the knot. As a wedding photographer, your mission is to immortalize the cherished moments of love and happiness for newlyweds on their special day. But to truly create breathtaking memories, choosing the perfect wedding venue is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most enchanting wedding venues in Charleston, sure to provide an unforgettable backdrop for your clients’ love stories.
1. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens:
Nestled amidst stunning gardens and moss-draped oak trees, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a quintessential Charleston wedding venue. Its historic charm dates back to the early 17th century, making it one of the oldest public gardens in the United States. Imagine capturing your clients’ love amidst colorful blooms and reflecting ponds or beneath the canopy of ancient oaks. With its timeless beauty and diverse scenery, this venue will undoubtedly enchant both you and the couples you photograph. Check out this beautiful venue here: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/host-an-event
2. Middleton Place:
Another iconic historic venue, Middleton Place, offers a touch of elegance and grandeur to any wedding day. This National Historic Landmark boasts immaculately landscaped gardens, terraces, and stunning views of the Ashley River. As a wedding photographer, you’ll find endless opportunities for captivating shots, whether it’s the enchanting Butterfly Lakes or the breathtaking reflection of the Middleton Oak in the water. Your lens will be drawn to the harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural marvels this venue has to offer. Check out this beautiful venue here: https://www.middletonplace.org/
3. Boone Hall Plantation:
Famed for its “Avenue of Oaks,” a mile-long stretch of ancient oak trees leading to the main house, Boone Hall Plantation exudes Southern charm and romance like no other. The picturesque setting of this antebellum estate provides a captivating backdrop for capturing intimate moments between the newlyweds. As a wedding photographer, you’ll revel in the chance to incorporate history, romance, and natural beauty into your frames, leaving couples with a timeless album of their special day. Check out this beautiful venue here: https://www.boonehallplantation.com/weddings/
4. The William Aiken House:
For those seeking a more intimate and classic setting, the William Aiken House delivers a blend of historic elegance and modern sophistication. With its refined architecture and charming courtyards, this venue offers a versatile canvas for your photography skills. Whether it’s the soft, filtered light streaming through the windows or the gentle play of shadows on the cobblestone pathways, you’ll find endless opportunities to create mesmerizing shots of love and celebration. Check out this beautiful venue here: https://willowandoakevents.com/wedding-planning-resources/wedding-venues-charleston-sc/william-aiken-house/
5. The Gibbes Museum of Art:
Art lovers and history enthusiasts will be drawn to the Gibbes Museum of Art, a wedding venue that beautifully combines creativity and culture. The stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and impressive art collections provide an exceptional backdrop for wedding photos with a touch of refined artistry. As a wedding photographer, you’ll have the chance to capture the intersection of love and culture, ensuring your clients’ wedding memories are truly one-of-a-kind. Check out this beautiful venue here: https://www.gibbesmuseum.org/rent-the-gibbes/
Conclusion:
Charleston’s wedding venues are an idyllic haven for couples seeking a fairytale-like celebration of their love. As a wedding photographer, you play a crucial role in immortalizing these moments, turning them into tangible memories that will last a lifetime. The enchanting landscapes, historic elegance, and timeless charm of Charleston’s wedding venues will undoubtedly inspire you to capture the essence of love in its purest form. So, pack your gear and get ready to embark on a journey of creativity, passion, and a celebration of love in this enchanting city.
Speaking in front of your loved ones’ can be super nerve wracking. There’s no doubt that you would like to be the person that gives the most memorable toast at the wedding!
A great speech sets a good tone for the rest of the night. Not only does it honor the couple, but it also gives their wedding guests a glimpse into the couples’ lives together. As a Charleston wedding photographer, I’ve seen people give phenomenal toasts. (I’ve seen some not-so-great ones, too). Before you start freaking out or signing up for lessons in public speaking, here are a few pointers to nail your wedding toast.
Keep your speeches to your closest people
Traditionally, the maid of honor, best man, and newlyweds themselves are the ones to take the microphone throughout the evening. You can have as many people give speeches as you’d like, but something to keep in mind is that while speeches are happening, your guests are listening to a speaker and not dancing or interacting. A few years ago I filmed a wedding during which there were 3 speeches at once, and the final speech was 30 minutes long. Their guests sat in their seats hungry and the DJ paced on the sidelines (because they had to readjust their playlist to accommodate the longer speeches).
Many of your loved ones are going to want to congratulate you on your big day, it’s best to put a limit on the number of people giving speeches.
Your inside joke will probably fall flat
Telling an inside joke excludes most guests at a wedding. When you start telling an inside joke, it signals to the audience that it’s okay to stop listening because the story isn’t about them. Once you lose the audience’s attention, it’s tough to get it back. If you want to tell a joke, make sure that all guests can enjoy it.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Have you been to many weddings before where you thought that best man’s speech was too short? Chances are you haven’t. Keep your speech to three minutes or less. Five minutes should be the maximum time. Make sure to to practice before the wedding. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you’ll sound. If you make eye contact with the guests and connect with your audience you’re more likely to keep your speech at 3 minutes.
Talk About the Couple
You probably know one person in the couple better than the other, but it’s imperative that you talk about both people getting married when you’re giving a toast. If you only talk about one entity, you’re excluding half of the guests. It’s important to remember that on their wedding day, you and the guests are at the wedding to celebrate the marriage, not your relationship with the bride or groom.
Wedding Toast Template
Say who you are. Odds are that most guests won’t know you.
Thank the hosts. Immediately express gratitude towards the couple or whoever is hosting the wedding
Talk about when they met and add supporting memories. Your value as a speaker is the first-hand memories shared with the couple. Sharing those memories with the couple is a great way to invite the audience into those memories to give them a new view on the couple that they haven’t seen before.
Make it heartfelt. Make sure to tell the couple how you feel about them. Tell them how they have influenced you. It’s ok to be sappy in this moment.
Congratulate the newlyweds. Don’t forget to give the couple well wishes on their life journey. You would be suprised by how many times people leave this out.
Raise your glass (and encourage guests to do the same). And, if you want to level your speech up, find a quick way to incorporate an earlier part of your speech within the toast portion. It’s an excellent way to wrap your speech up.
The average American wedding may cost $24,723 but this varies hugely from state to state. Also, keep in mind that everyone’s wedding budget breakdown is different. These allocations are a good guide, but you might end up moving budget space around according to what’s important to you – and that is just how it should be!
Venue and Catering-45%
As you can see, the venue and catering for the reception are the lion’s share of any wedding budget breakdown. This includes the rental of any furniture you may need, all the drinks you are providing for your guests, and the wedding cake, which you should expect will be around 2% of your overall budget.
Photography – 15% Venue and Catering-45%
This includes the pictures and video footage that you will cherish forever – the way in which you decide to capture every moment of joy and every detail you’ve worked so hard to plan. This part of the budget may include a videographer if you want a wedding video. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer now click on our contact page and fill out the form.
Music – 8%
From a DJ to an 8-piece live band, there are a lot of options to give your guests the time of their life!
Attire – 8%
Keep in mind that this doesn’t just mean a wedding dress, but could cover anything from new shoes and rehearsal dinner outfits to cufflinks and hair and beauty professionals.
Flowers and Decor – 8%
Bouquets, posies, garlands, table decor – there are infinite ways to incorporate a florist into your wedding and it’s up to you to decide on how you want to decorate your ceremony and reception venue.
Stationary – 3%
3% of your wedding budget breakdown might feel like a lot to spend on stationery but remember, this isn’t just save-the-dates. You have invitations, ceremony programs, place cards and thank you cards, too!
These days there are many digital options for wedding invites and save-the-dates. Some couples love how easy this route is, and others prefer the tangibility of a paper keepsake. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll be glad that you set aside enough space in the budget!
Wedding Planner – 3%
Some couples prefer to plan their wedding themselves to keep costs down – but in some cases, the industry connections and know-how a wedding planner brings to the table can work out to be cheaper! In any case, a good wedding planner takes all of the stress out of this process and lets you enjoy the fun parts. If you’re looking for a wedding planner, check out our planning tab as we offer that service.
Ceremony – 2%
The reception is the main cost on your wedding budget breakdown, but the ceremony also needs to be budgeted for, with fees for the venue and the officiant.
Rings – 2%
Don’t forget to leave plenty of time (and room in the budget!) to invest in your wedding bands – after all, you’ll be wearing them every single day for the rest of your life! This section does not include the engagement ring.
Transport – 2%
Whether you are organizing for your guests to get from the ceremony venue to the reception, or for your exit from the reception at the end of the evening, you are going to want to budget about 2% of your overall wedding budget breakdown to cover these costs.
Favors – 2%
And a final 2% of your wedding budget goes towards tokens of love and appreciation for your guests!
Final Thoughts on Your Wedding Budget Breakdown
I hope this has helped you gain a sense of how much of your wedding budget you should spend on each of these categories. Having a clear idea of how much you are allowing yourself for individual costs will help you keep within your budget – when it’s all written down in black in white, you can make adjustments to one area if you end up overspending in another.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to curate your love story click on our contact page today.
I’ll start by saying a First Look isn’t for everyone, but it’s what 7/10 of my couples choose to do. If you’re not familiar with a first look, it’s when a bride and groom see each other before the wedding ceremony. It’s a special moment that allows for so many amazing things to happen. After interviewing past brides, I’ve come up with the top 5 reasons why they chose to do a first look. I hope you find this helpful when making your own decision!
Don’t Delay Getting to Your Reception
If you decide to do a first look, the only photographs we will be taking after the wedding are your family photos. After you tie the knot and we take family photos for 10 minutes, you’ll head straight to the party to eat, drink, and be married! This is the most appealing scenario when I talk to grooms about a first look. It also allows the couple to grab a plate before being presented to their guests. I get so sad when I ask couples how their catering was, and they don’t know because they didn’t eat anything. Let’s prioritize you on your wedding day!
Receive More Than 200+ Extra Images
Yes, it’s true. Couples who do a first look with me often end up with more than 200 extra pictures! It makes such a significant difference in the way their gallery turns out. Using the time between getting ready and the ceremony gives you hours that you would have spent just “waiting” for the ceremony. Therefore, giving you literally over 100 extra images! So if you want the biggest gallery possible filled with beautiful moments, this is your answer.
Have a Moment Together Before the Chaos of a Wedding Day
I’ve never had a couple say they regret doing the first look. I’ve only ever heard the opposite. After the ceremony, most brides are tired of taking photos because a wedding day is long and tiring. Many brides also wish they had more time with their guests so the cocktail hour is the perfect time to do this. A first look gives you and your fiance a chance to have a private moment all to yourselves before seeing everyone else. It’s a time for him to truly take in how you look, from your hair to your dress, and realize this is the person he’ll be spending the rest of his life with. Without all the pressure and eyes on you. You wouldn’t believe how calm and relaxed couples are after the first look. The nerves are gone, and they’ve been replaced with complete excitement!
The First Time He Sees You Walk Down The Aisle
The first time he sees you walk down the aisle is STILL the first time. Nothing can compete with this moment or take it away. A first look typically happens away from the ceremony site and just adds another special moment to your day. It doesn’t take a special moment away. Just think of it this way, you’ll have had a special moment to yourselves, and when you walk down the aisle, that’s the moment you’ll share with everyone else.
A Better Experience for Your Guests
Have you ever been to a wedding where you waited an hour to see the bride and groom? It’s like they’re late for their own party! That isn’t the best experience for your guests who came to see you and are ready to celebrate with you. With a first look, you’ll be able to head to your reception quickly giving your guests a chance to party with you instead of eating and leaving.
We have all been there, embarrassingly glancing around the room, or sheepishly at the floor as some poor soul delivers a train wreck of a speech on the wedding day. If you have just been asked to be a Maid of Honor or Best Man one of the duties of this role is to give a wedding toast during the reception. Here are a few basic tips to deliver a great, not cringe-worthy, wedding toast.
Prepare in advance
This toast is a big deal, which is why your friend has trusted you with it in the first place. Honor that by investing some time and work. Do not wait until the night before to start creating your killer speech.
Don’t drink too much before you get the mic
Hopefully, this is pretty self-explanatory. Please wait until after the speech to get your drink on.
Remember the purpose
This is not the time to tell awkward stories about the bride or groom. It’s a toast, NOT a roast. Your purpose is to congratulate, celebrate, and extend well wishes. Please preserve the wild stories of that one night for another time.
Speak to both the bride and groom
Whether your best friends with the bride or the groom, make sure you give attention to both. The whole wedding day is about the two of them coming together and becoming. Make sure to address both of them in your speech. They’re in it together from here on out.
Forget about yourself
This moment is not about you, or about a performance. Once you let that sink in, you can free yourself from the burden of being perfect and just communicate from the heart. What an incredible moment for the couple and for your friendship, take it in and be in the moment. Look at your friends as you address them. Don’t read from your phone, you can do better than that.
Five tips for a successful engagement photo shoot.
1.) Incorporate outfit changes: I highly recommend outfit changes to add more variety to the session. Ideally, you will want to wear something formal and something more casual. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you are comfortable wearing it. If you are not used to wearing a form-fitting cocktail dress, and you’re uncomfortable in what you chose to wear, then that discomfort may translate into your photos. You can counter that with a casual outfit, but try to avoid wearing T-shirts (they’re too casual). After you get some shots in your formal wear, switch into jeans! This allows me more freedom with posing such as, sitting or laying on the ground.
2.) Consider your colors: Sometimes bright, bold colors can look great in photos, however, there are some colors that may cause an unsightly cast onto your skin tones. If you want to go the bold color route stay away from neon colors, orange, magenta, and red. I personally like muted colors such as beige, cream, light pink, blush, and subdued golds. Those colors tend to look great on all skin tones, and they aren’t distracting either. After all, YOU are the subject of the image not your clothes.
3.) Avoid too many patterns: I love polka dots and floral prints, and sometimes they look great in photos! However, if you choose to wear a patterned outfit, make sure your fiancé sticks with solids and vice versa. Competing patterns are very distracting, and again the focus needs to be on you and your fiancé.
4.) PLEASE wear cool shoes: Time and time again clients show up to their engagement sessions wearing flip flops, which is fine for beach sessions, but not everything else. They assume that I won’t be getting their feet in the photos. Well guess what? I absolutely WILL be including your feet in the photos. Sometimes I like to take photos of just your feet. Your shoes are the finishing touches to your outfit. You can expect to do a lot of walking on your engagement session, so ladies I do recommend bringing an extra pair of comfy shoes just to walk in between actually taking the photos.
5.) Splurge on hair and makeup: How often are you going to get your photos taken professionally? Chances are not too often. So, consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist for these photos. You will want to love how you look in your photos, and if you’re like me, I am no expert with doing my own hair and makeup. Consider this a special occasion. You’ll have these photos forever, and just like your wedding day, I want you to absolutely love them!
The most important advice I can give anybody about taking their engagement photos is to wear something you feel beautiful in.
