Wedding Planning 101 - Choosing a Photographer

When searching for the perfect photographer, there are some initial questions that can help narrow down your choices. Most photographers first impression are their websites, look at their work to see if their style fits what you're looking for. Then, before you set the meeting, call and ask the following questions…

1. How long have you been a wedding photographer? How many weddings have you been the lead photographer for?
   


2. What type of training do you have?
   


3. Do you have back up equipment? If so, what?
   


4. How many photographers do you shoot with?
   


5. What happens if you are unable to shoot our wedding? Do you have another photographer you work with?
   

These are some of the basics you need to have answered… the rest relate to your budget and style.

Here are the responses you'll want to avoid…

1. Less than 1 year. Unless you're goal is to get the cheapest photographer, you want to know they have experience in all the complications that can arise on a wedding day.
   


2. Now that high quality cameras and equipment can be purchased by anyone, the wedding industry has seen a substantial increase in self proclaimed photographers. They purchase the equipment, take a few photos, and voila, they are a professional photographer! Professional photographers should have formal training as well as training in the editing systems that go along with creating quality photos.
   


3. You'd be surprised how many photographers do not come 'prepared'. Do they prepare for battery failure, flash issues, etc. You do not want a presumptuous photographer.
   


4. There are great photographers who can shoot solo, but it takes longer and is more work… they have a difficult time moving around to different locations and tend to take the photos all in one area. It's great when there is a team.
   


5. Emergencies happen, sickness, death in the family, car accidents, etc. To be realistic, you want someone who has thought through back up plans for every situation. If they can't make it, who is their back-up and are you okay with them?

You can never re-do your wedding photos. Ask these screening questions and make sure your personalities are compatible for the best wedding day fit.

After serving in the Valley's wedding industry for several years, I'd be happy to give referrals and feedback if you need help. Never hesitate to call: 602.828.3652

Photo by: Lilets Photo & Design in Chandler

Wedding Planning 101 - Father / Daughter Dance

If you need help finding the right Father/Daughter dance... here is a suggestion. Steven Curtis Chapman has a sweet song about the relationship with his daughter.

LYRICS:

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,

Without a care in the world.

And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It's been a long day and there's still work to do,

She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with CinderellaWhile she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with CinderellaI don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she'll be gone

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed

She wants to know if I approve of the dress

She says "Dad, the prom is just one week away,

And I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew,

I will dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

Well, she came home today

With a ring on her hand

Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned

She says "Dad, the wedding's still six months awaybut I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew

I will dance with CinderellaI don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

Wedding Planning 101 - Scottsdale Venue Search

I met with the Metro Phoenix Event Planners group today and we had the luxury of touring my new favorite 'GEM' in the heart of Scottsdale. Nestled in beside the Borgata off of Scottsdale Road is a facility called SCOTTSDALE COTTONWOODS. Stacey Turner is the Wedding Specialist who goes above and beyond with every bride and family. She offers a customized 'WOW' tour to each client… what is a 'WOW' tour? Below are some of the highlights…

1. Stacey will greet you and begin the tour of the Scottsdale Cottonwoods that resides on 25 acres! There are several unique venues within this one site including a private house to rent, a traditional cowboy cookout area, a desert landscaped ceremony site (Camelback Garden) with breathtaking views of camelback mountain, a customizable pool area, numerous photo outlets and an elegant ballroom.
   
2. During the tour, you will be greeted by several of the key staff members, who will be taking care of your special day, including the: Room Manager, Food & Beverage Director, General Manager and Sales Team. They all create a team approach at making sure your special day is seamless.
   
3. After seeing the site and getting numerous ideas of how you and your guests could stay the entire weekend and never have to leave, you get to taste the food! This is truly unheard of for a facility to allow you to sample their food before you have paid the deposit! The food is incredible and the chef is willing to customize menus for you!
   
4. They provide all the tables and linens (their basic linen is a beautiful upgraded damask).
   
5. Their service is impeccable and the facility is unique in its style, options and desert beauty.
   

I was very impressed with Stacey's willingness to get creative with her clients. One bride wanted to walk through the desert landscape for her ceremony, but unfortunately, there was no path to the garden. As a surprise for the bride, Stacey and her staff cleared a path and outlined it with landscaped stones… so when the bride arrived, her wish was answered and a new path is available to all future brides. Now that is setting a higher standard for customer service! I am so weary of corporate facilities that have ONE way of doing things and typically your creativity requests are answered with a 'no' or, 'the way we do it is…' If you want a facility to dream with you, create with you and customize the day for you… this is your site!

There will be no surprises at this resort and I can say with confidence, you will be well taken care of!

For more information visit their website at: www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com or call Stacey at: 480.991.1414

DAVIS WEDDING

NOVEMBER 28, 2008

SEVILLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CG PHOTO & DESIGN

480.603.7865

The boys having fun

Erin & Kaydee making sure they had smooth transitions and enjoyed every moment!

What a beautiful couple, celebrating God's unfailing love!

Congratulations Tom & Darby!

You were such a blessing to work with!

EVENT PLANNING 101 - VENUE SEARCH CRITERIA

For those of you looking to find a venue that allows off- site catering ... here's a tip that will cut your research in half!

LOOK ON CATERING WEBSITES FOR 'VENUES'

AUTOMATICALLY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION,

"CAN I BRING AN OUTSIDE CATERER?"

Here are a few Phoenix catering websites with venue information:

http://www.santabarbaracatering.com/

http://www.heidisevents.com/

http://www.arizonataste.com/

NEW YEARS COMMITMENT TO BLOGGING

I am committing my new year to on-line relational blogging! I am a Wedding & Event Director, so my blog will be focused mainly on wedding etiquette and answering popular questions. After planning weddings & events for so many years, it's easy and fun to answer questions... Please let me know if you have any - I'd be happy to give you my professional opinion!

My goal is one posting a week... on Wednesdays... I'm putting this in writing - now I can be held accountable! (Except for that ever tempting 'edit' key!)

What you can expect from my blog:

• Simplicity of design ( I hate clutter)
• Professional advise (7+ years of experience)
• Updates of wedding interests in the Valley
• Planning ideas
• Answers to BRIDES questions!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Fun Reception Song

Photo: Inspired Events March 2008 Wedding at Phoenix Art Museum

I am loving Beyonce's new song, 'Single Ladies' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g song for the bouquet toss! How great are the words and it just makes you want to get up and shake it! There are so many ways to personalize your reception and music is one of them.

Select songs that reflect you and your fiancé, this will make more of an impression on your guests than whatever is the DJ's favorite song.

Reception Songs to Personalize:

Grand Entrance

First Dance

Father / Daughter

Mother / Son

Bridal Party – getting guests up & dancing

Cake Cutting

Bouquet Toss

Garter Throw

Honeymoon Dance

Anniversary Dance

Think about the theme for cocktail and dinner time… again, this is a great opportunity to set the mood of your reception that best reflects you as a couple!