How To: Capture Beautiful Family Wedding Portraits

By Lindsey of George Street Photo

Remember the moment you took your first wobbly bike ride around the block, without those pesky training wheels? Or the first time the tooth fairy paid you a visit? Chances are, these ‘firsts’ are faded memories for you — but there’s no doubt your parents remember them!  For every important milestone in your life, your parents have been there, ready with a video camera to document the good or a tissue to document the not-so-good.

And, on the biggest and most important day of your life, you’ll want to cherish every single moment spent with your parents, as they support you and stand by your side. Here are a few tips to capturing beautiful shots with the ones who loved you first!

Think Beyond Formals: You may already have formal portraits on your list of must-have wedding day shots. But, remember that so many authentic, heartwarming moments will unfold over the course of the day, and you don’t want to let any of them slip by! To grab hold of those moments, try including your parents in a variety of different events throughout the day — not just the formal portrait section. You may not see the tear sliding down your mother’s cheek as she fastens your gown during your bridal prep party, but that genuinely beautiful moment will certainly be reflected in your photos!

Plan in Advance:  Though many of the best photos are those that are not planned out in advance, it helps to have some sort of set-up in mind to ensure you don’t miss out on key moments with your parents. By communicating these details with your photographer, you’ll guarantee that all of the emotions and experiences that tie you and your parents together come through in each image.

Set Aside Alone Time: Whether it’s before the ceremony or before the reception, try to separate from the hustle and bustle of the day and steal a moment alone with your loved ones.  Not only will you be able to have some down time with your parents, but you’ll also have an opportunity to have those private moments captured on film. For example, sweet shots like a daddy-daughter ‘first look’ allow you to have a special moment with your dad, while capturing his priceless reaction to seeing you in your gown for the first time!

Capture Your Family Story:  Wedding photos are all about telling the story of your day, in addition to reflecting the special bond you share with your family members. If you’re able, one of the best ways to capture those relationships is to have a “generational” photo — a sweet moment shared between you, your mother and your grandmother, or your groom’s father and grandfather. It’s a great way to showcase the important role these loved ones play in your life, and also make for a really unique, heartfelt photo.

Small Moments, Big Memories:  Sometimes, the smallest moments from your wedding day create the most touching, unforgettable memories. The brief, yet meaningful, look of pride your dad steals in your direction before you walk down the aisle, or even the emotional expression on mom’s face as she watches you apply that last swipe of mascara — these moments may seem insignificant, but they’ll tug at your heartstrings when it comes time to look back through your wedding album. What may seem like a passing moment in time can speak a thousand words when you reflect on your day years after your wedding has passed.  You’ve spent countless hours preparing and planning for this day — but your parents, the ones who’ve been there for you since Day 1, have invested their entire lives in loving you and supporting you through every step of your life.

By taking the time to cherish each moment spent with your parents, your photos will illustrate the bond you share as a family and reflect the joy and pure happiness felt by all on your wedding day.

Visit George Street Photo & Video to learn more about wedding photography and ways to capture beautiful portraits.

A Stress Free Theme: Country Fresh

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

“Not only do I have to pick a color palatte, I have to have a theme too?!”  Don’t worry, choosing a theme doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant. The theme is meant to reflect a bit of your personality  into the mood of the day.  Some themes can even be fun and stress free like this country fresh theme.

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  Green Apple Photo

  Perfect for an outdoor wedding in spring or summer, a country fresh theme is simple, breezy and a little eccletic.  Pick cheerful colors such as yellow or robin’s egg blue …or be bold and add red!  Don’t worry about being “matchy matchy”, instead put together colors and patterns that are unique add to the charm. Try pairing these cute polka dot dishes with striped ones from Fishs Eddy . Think out of the box for table decor and fill vintage tin cans with flowers or use props instead of flowers like picture frames or paper fans.

• Country Fresh bouquets should be simple and sweet.  You could even pick your own wildflowers and tie with a satin ribbon to be budget friendly, when season permits.  Try a riot of different flowers like daisies, columbine and sunflowers wrapped together, or placed in a basket for you to carry.
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  cards by I Shoot Nouns on Etsy

  Sweet antique looking details will add whimsical charm, like fun cake toppers or chalkboard reception signs. These adorable notes are the perfect way to say “thanks”! This particular theme makes it easy to stay in budget and be eco friendly by reusing and recyling found items like this bathtub.

• Go for casual comfort food when planning around this theme.  Comfort food can be elegant, too, like a rosemary roasted chicken sandwhich with plump tomatoes and avocados from DuMont Restaurant.  At one of our recent weddings, bride Arlene Jackson chose Dinsoaur Bar-B-Que which served down home bbq at its best.

This theme is especially simple and stress free because of its light and casual nature. No matter what your theme is, you’ll stress less if you communicate your likes and dislikes to your planner.  We’ll be able to find those minutae that match your vision and take the pressure off so you can enjoy celebrating your new beginning!

How To – Look Your Best in Your Wedding Photos

How To by Jennifer Crone

We’ve all practiced our most beautiful smiles before school picture day, but when it comes to your wedding photos, we must be sure we look our best! See my Tuesday blog for how to prepare before the photos, but here’s How To Pose:

Photo by Ryan Brenizer, Planning by Private Receptions

The secret to looking your best is all in the pose!

• Turn Sideways As we know from theatre school, “cheating” makes us look thinner! This means standing at a 45 degree angle, not directly facing front but not directly facing the side either. Face your hubby-to-be while still looking at the camera. This will make you seem slimmer and will give the camera a better view of you overall; dress, face, hair.
• Trust Your Photographer You know how when a photographer tells you to pose it’s always awkward and uncomfortable? Well listen to them, because they know how to make your gorgeous self look even better! If you are too uncomfortable say no; you don’t want to appear flustered in your photos. But for the most part, hopefully you hired your photog because you loved his or her work and you’ve discussed what you want for your photos.
• Remember Your Prep School Posture No one (and I mean no one) looks good slumped over. Stand tall and bring your shoulders back. This will also naturally suck your tummy in (as if you need it) to look your absolute best. Practice your posture in your chair at work to get the hang of it so you don’t pull a muscle on the big day 😉
• Keep Your Head Up If you are self conscious about a double chin, keep your chin up a little more than natural. This will show jaw definition and hide that pesky under chin skin
• Live In The Moment Remember why you’re standing in a big white dress in front of a camera: You’re getting married to the man you love! Try to relax and enjoy the moment. If you do the love and happiness will come across in the photos, and that is the most important part!

Yacht Club Birthday Bash!

Here is a sneak peak of the photos from last week’s event: Anne’s Birthday Bash at the Cedarhurst Yacht Club in Long Island. The weather was perfect, the ocean was calm, and the night was spectacular! DJ Gatsby kept the crowd on their feet all night! Private Receptions did the decor, floral, and planning of this event, “soup to nuts” as we like to say. For the full gallery of photos join our new Facebook page! Once you become a fan you’ll be able to see all the photos from our events right after they happen!

Photographs by Charles Roussel

How To – Thank You’s

How To by Jennifer Crone

Some couple’s dread returning from their honeymoon, and not just because they have to get off the beach and go back to work, but because they have to write 200 Thank You cards to boot! This can be a daunting task as you and your newlywed get settled into your nest, so here’s How To:

card: Kate’s Paperie

• Think Ahead: Before your engagement shoot have fun with a DIY “Thank You” sign. Use a miniature chalk board, garland (a la “Happy Birthday sign”), or get creative and use a parasol, draw in the sand, etc. The possibilities are endless! If you’re not doing an engagement shoot, bring your sign, or idea, to your wedding a get a shot then.
• Include Thank You cards in with your other paper goods. Whomever you’re getting your invitations from will likely sell Thank You cards as well. This option may be a tad more pricey, but this way your cards match your invites and in turn your wedding theme as the cost is all upfront–no additional items to buy after the wedding. This will save time and possibly a headache if you can’t find something you like.
• Buying your Thank You’s from a paper store may be the most cost effective option, but know that they may only have 30 of the one you like in stock, etc. These cards usually come in packs of 10 or 20. If you do go this route, Kate’s Paperie is one of our favorite places to buy all things paper. Purchase online for a better chance of having the number you need.
• For the planneriest of all planners, I’ve got an idea for you! Pre-address your envelopes against your RSVPs. Once you get an RSVP card indicating a “yes”, address an envelope to the guest and put your thank you card in it. Once you return from your honeymoon you can simply fill in the card with your sincerest thanks and seal the envelope. Go a step further and pre-stamp as well.

photo: Carmen Nauseef of Blink of an Eye Photography

Tip: First things first–cards get separated from gifts and it’s often difficult to remember who gave what once time has passed. Make a list of who gave what first and foremost so that when you sit down to write your Thank You’s you don’t have to keep getting up to find a card or gift.

Remember, there’s nothing more proper or appreciated than a gracious host and hostess.

Private Receptions New Office!

June 1st we moved to 230 Fifth Avenue and with wedding season in full swing, the office is finally coming together! Nerissa (on the left) and Elysha (on the right) are hard at work in the spacious new office. The comfy conference table is where we have our client meetings, daily status updates, and design brainstorms. Welcome to Private Receptions!

How To – Create Your Own Inspiration Board

How To by Jennifer Crone

One of the unique things about working with Private Receptions as your full service planner is that we create an inspiration board for your wedding–and not just a digital board, but a physical booklet for you to save as a keep sake with fabric swatches, color tiles, and photographs of your own items that inspire you and your wedding. For all you DIY brides with time on your hands, get organized by making your own digital inspiration board from internet images or physical inspiration board from magazine clippings. Here’s How To:

1. Search! For your digital inspiration board get your google on and search any and all words related to things you like, not just wedding terms or things with “bride” in them. For a physical board grab your favorite magazines, and same goes here, not just bridal, but get inspired by decor and furniture magazines and food magazines.
2. Think big picture. A pitfall of creating an inspiration board is having 10 images of dresses you like and nothing of anything else. Make sure you find a well rounded group of images that includes food, decor, floral, men’s attire, and even music.
3. Don’t get too caught up in your color or theme. If you’re going for a red wedding be open to photographs you like in complimentary or analogous colors. Red on red on red is certainly a look, but may be a little much when you get into the room. Keep an open mind and snip all the photos you like, you can pick through later and narrow down.

photo of bride by Darr Photography, magazine collage by Fresh Picked Whimsy

• Tip: If you’re finding you have too many items in each section for one cohesive inspiration board, make one for each section, for example a dress board, a floral board, etc. After you’re done you’ll start to see a theme and go from there.

Lastly, have fun! It’s an arts & crafts project for your wedding! For inspiration check out some of our themed boards like Alice in Wonderland, Art Deco, Hawaii and Eggplant & Marigold!

You’re Engaged! Now What?

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

You’re finally engaged and you can begin planning the wedding you’ve been dreaming of since…well, forever! Before you slowly go crazy with all those “To Do” lists, save your sanity by following these bridal resolutions:

• Start with the Guest List
  

  Photo from Bridal Party Tees

Yes, I’m sorry, but determining the size of your wedding will help put everything together.  You don’t want to put a deposit on that venue you’ve been drooling over, only to discover that your guest list exceeds their maximum!  Deciding on the guest list is your first step and will help you determine your theme and budget. You may have always wanted a small formal affair but it may be nixed if suddenly your guest list includes everyone your parents have ever met, which would consequently send the catering bill soaring.  As tedious as it may seem, sit down with your fiancé and family members contributing to the cost and get on with it. You’ll feel better after it’s done, we promise. 🙂 For advice on creating your guest list, check out Private Receptions blog writer Jennifer Crone’s How To Create Your Guest List.

• Trust The Experts

Your wedding planner and vendors have your best interest in mind.  After all, if you aren’t happy we aren’t happy!  Be specific with your goals for the wedding, then relax as we work our magic.  If you want a casual, outdoor wedding but your finance wants to be married in a church, your wedding planner will be able to help you compromise. It helps your vendors and your planner immensely when you know what you want; make a list of the things you like and don’t like, or get creative with a collage of images that inspire you. Even if you aren’t completely sure about what you want, lists or visual aids will help everyone reach the final goal: your dream wedding.

How To-Find the Perfect Bridal Show, Part 2

How To by Jennifer Crone

Tuesday we talked about how valuable bridal shows can be and where to find good ones. Today we’re going to talk about how to choose which are right for you and how to get the most out of them. Here’s How To:

Look at the shows you’ve found and educate yourself on what kind of show it will be. If it’s a large show with unlimited ticket sales, chances are there will be about 800+ people there and it will be more like a trade show. It will lack a cohesive element and can be overwhelming to a newly engaged bride-to-be. If it’s a medium sized show the tickets will be capped at a certain number, so find out what that cap is. At a medium show the vendors will be preferred by whom ever is hosting (New York magazine, for example). Lastly there are small shows, with a limited number of tickets sold. These can be put on by a venue that does weddings and can be a great way to experience a show in contrast to a hall. This show will be more intimate and there will be partnerships between these vendors so they’re familiar with one another and have good working relationships. Ideally all your vendors will work seamlessly together (this is where having a planner can be invaluable).

Candy Bar at Oheka bridal show

So you’ve carefully chosen which bridal shows you’re going to attend. It would all be for naught if you didn’t get the most out of it. Research the vendors who will be at the show and take note of who you’re interested in and have questions for them. You want to make sure you make the right connections and don’t spend time with something you know you’re not interested in. Set goals for the show (i.e. talk to three florists) so as not to get there and be overwhelmed. Be sure to have a notebook and pen handy for your questions so you can jot down answers and any ideas you get: this will help you feel more organized. You can also collect business cards in your notebook so be sure it has a space for them. Make an asterisk on the business card of a vendor you’re interested in so when you get home with 30 business cards you remember who you liked.

A great tip is to set up an email account just for your wedding: think alexandsarawed@gmail.com. Instead of putting your personal email address on all the vendor contact lists you can give them this one that’s exclusively for your wedding. You and your fiance will both have access to it, and don’t forget to add the vendors to your address book to insure they make it to your inbox. And remember: have fun!

How To – Non Floral Centerpieces

How To by Jennifer Crone

First it’s important to note that floral centerpieces are lovely. And non floral doesn’t necessarily mean cheap or do it yourself – this is about innovative design ideas. For the organic couple flowers may not be the best option. For the allergic bride or groom, definitely not! For the unique couple who’s looking for a less traditional look and feel, flowers may not be your choice either. Whatever the thought behind it, non floral centerpieces can add an interesting element to your reception decor. Here’s How To:

photo source: Martha Stewart Weddings

Lighting is important for your reception, and everyone looks great by candlelight. For a romantic, grandiose feel think candelabras dripping with tapered candles. For this look you’ll want to get candles that burn outward as opposed to burning in – just be mindful of fire hazards. For a modern feel think pillars in varying heights in chic glass cylinders. For a less formal wedding luminary bags are fun, and they can be embellished. I like a lacy luminary to cast a romantic glow onto your guests. For something more understated use floating votives. Add pebbles for color and texture.

For an outdoor wedding I love lanterns as centerpieces. They come in varying metals and colors to coordinate with any decor. Candles are less of a fire hazard when encased in glass, and lanterns can also be hung from trees or a trellis. It’s important to note that candles burn at different rates, so be sure to do your research and get all candles by the same maker. You don’t want them to burn out midway through the reception. Spare your guests a headache by using unscented candles and let them enjoy the smell of amazing food!

photo source: Bridal Inquirer

Just because you’re not using flowers doesn’t mean you have to give mother nature the heave-ho: there are plenty of other options. Think fruits and vegetables. A cake stand or large bowl full of lemons and limes, oranges, apples or pears depending on the season. For a fall wedding think cornucopia: beautiful squashes and pumpkins in oranges, yellows and greens. Lay them on a bed of fall leaves. Branches are another natural alternative. They can be placed in vases – think vintage milk glass for romance or glass cylinders for a clean look – and set up around the room in larger planters for a more dramatic feel. Picture a reception space with dark wood branches throughout set aglow with warm candlelight from lanterns. I love it! Moss is another trend we’re seeing and it’s quite lovely. Moss pillows or boxes wrapped in ribbon are quaint. Incorporate with feathers and branches for a forest feel.

Your creativity is the only limit when thinking about new ideas. What do you love? What is the overall feel of your wedding? Tie bundles of vintage books together with silk ribbon for a literate centerpiece, use vintage birdcages or miniature sailboats, globes or ornaments in glass for a holiday wedding, or a multitude of photos in frames of varying sizes. What can you dream up?