A Little Bling - @ The Hotel at Arundel Preserve

Writing about this next couple is easy and comes with joy! Lorraine and Kevin are both wonderful people. If you have not figured it out I love to create relationships with my clients to have a deep understanding about the two as a couple and the family. This unique duo is undoubtedly made for each other.

It is not every day that you meet people that genuinely care about each other naturally and others. It was very easy working with Lorraine and Kevin they took advice and listen to my feedback. Lorraine tried to fight her shopping punishment (courtesy of Kevin & Kay) but understood completely in the end. It was really fun working with her because she also had great ideas and loved the bling as you will see in the pictures below. 

This may sound cliché…however he truly treats her like a queen and he is her king. I don’t think that there was a dry eye in the reception when their children spoke about the love not only between the Bride and Groom, but the unconditional love they have for their children. 

Their ceremony was held at her church, it was very important for them to get married in a church. The reception was held at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, MD. This is a fairly new hotel and the staff is very good to work with! 

Enjoy the pictures below; there are more in our portfolio if this was a tease.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Scott Bey Photography – www.scottbeyphotography.com 

Wedding Ceremony Altar Style

I am currently working with a bride that has a few photography concerns for her ceremony. Her church is beautiful; however the pictures that we have seen during the ceremony are not the best backgrounds and will not complement her colors well. So as an alternative to dress up the ceremony and have a great backdrop for her pictures we decided to move forward with a Chuppah (Jewish tradition) which may also be known as a canopy. The side that will be to the back of the pastor will be hanging to have a clean crisp look in the pictures.

With so many choices available in colors, styles, fabrics, etc. there are countless ways you can create or design your altar.

Here are a few beautiful styles that we will be using and our inspiration and/or possibly choosing from.

Happy Planning!

Shade on a Summer Wedding Day

If you are planning on having a ceremony outside, many people think about the chance of rain…..how about the chance of unbearable sun? Think about your bridesmaids as they stand in the hot sun and your guests while they are seated.

Pass on the boutiques, save on the cost of the boutiques and order personalized parasols for their use following the wedding. Having a personalize parasol can serve as a wedding day necessity to keep your bridesmaids out of the sun, for creative photos, and as a keepsakes. Check out some photos below from http://www.idooriginals.com/ and http://www.pamelasparasols.com/

Oh and don’t forget about your guests! Consider having a program fan to serve as double duty….cooling down your guests and informing them of the details for the ceremony & reception.

Tip: Immediately after the ceremony your coordinator should have water for the entire wedding party while your guests attend the cocktail hour.

Choosing A Photographer Part II

Now that you have had the opportunity to view galleries from several photographers online or in person at a bridal show or from friends and family, it’s time to narrow down your top 1-3 photographers.

Here are a few things to think about:

1. Photographic Style- The pictures tell a story, are there photos that capture your attention and keep mesmerized?

2. Level of experience- Is your photographer a professional in the industry?
a. Does the photographer have experience at your venue(s)?

3. Personality- Do you “mesh” well? This is a person that may be capturing emotional moments and you want someone that will be calm and easy to work with.
a. Will the photographer be good at communicating from the consultation to the end of your wedding night?
b. Are you comforatble with the photographer?

4. Price Range- Everyone has a budget and this is respected within the industry, your photographer should be willing to work with your price range. While some photographers may be “expensive” this is one area where you don’t want to hire an amateur.
a. Is there flexibility to adjust some details in the package?
b. Are there services offered A la Carte?

5. Finish Product- How long will it take to view proofs and received the finished album?

6. Payments- What are the deposit requirements and payment periods?

7. Hours- How many hours of services will be provided and number of locations?
a. How early will they arrive to test the lighting and set up?
b. Will your photographer travel to the hotel/home while the bridal party is getting dressed?
c. To the ceremony?
d. To a specific destination to take pictures of the wedding party?
e. To the reception?

8. Appearance- Will they be professionally dressed for your casual, semi-formal or formal occasion?
a. Will there be an assistant photographer during the event?

Tip: It is customary to include your photographers in the guest count for meals during the reception.

Tip: Create a collage of some of your favorite photos and share with your photographer during the consultation. Your planner or family liaison for the day of your occasion can also “remind” the planner if necessary.

All the details that you discuss and agree on should be included in your agreement/contract.

Choosing A Photographer- Part I

Okay..... so now it's time to select your professional special occasion photographer for your special day, there are various elements to consider that will greatly affect the outcome.

How can you be sure which wedding photographer is the right one for you? There are several things that you may do to assist you with making your final decision.

• You can research online


• Visit bridal shows


• Recommended by friends


• Read local wedding boards & magazines

Are there pictures in their gallery that reflects your preferences?

Some photographers cost more than others, often this is for a good reason. Always remember the saying "You Get What Your Pay For" has its merits.

The most important thing is to educate yourself on the current trends in the market and know what you type of photos you would like to capture for the day.

There will be a few blogs dedicated to selecting your photographer as it is a very important topic, your photographer captures your entire day.

The next blog will cover narrowing down your photographer and agreement details.

Prestigiously your,

Kay