Let's Boogie!

Months of planning are complete and you are now Mr. and Mrs.- what better way to celebrate than with a little music and some dancing! Many brides go back and forth between the ideas of DJ’s and bands. When you think about it, what is the one thing that wedding guest normally rave about? You got it, the entertainment. With this being said, it is important that you make the right decision for you and your guests but, also have your wedding photographer capture these special moments!

As for the professional dancers out there, choosing the perfect band or DJ may be the most important decision of your planning process! You want to be sure to pick a band or DJ that will make your guests get up and dance. One that will make you lose track of time and make you want to party all night long! For many, the cost difference between a DJ and band is a deciding factor. On average, a DJ costs about $500 to $1,000 while a wedding band can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. If you are having a hard time picking between a few, ask if they have any local performances that you and your fiancé could attend. If you fall in love with them at a local performance, they will be even better at an event catered to you and your guests! For many of you, dancing may not be your thing. If this is the case you want to be sure to let your DJ or band know that you and your better half won’t be doing much dancing but to highly encourage your guests to bust a move! 

Think of your DJ or bandleader as the facilitator of the reception. They are the ones that will cue the guests for all the activities of the evening, from the big introduction of the new Mr. and Mrs. to the bouquet and garter toss. While most DJ’s play the master of ceremonies role, some may even “hit” the dance floor to teach your guests the latest line dance. If this is something you would not want at your reception, be sure to let them know what your expectations are. It is important to meet with your DJ or bandleader ahead of time to discuss playlists and a timeline for the reception’s events. One thing you may forget to go over is name pronunciations for the wedding party. Make sure this is on your meeting agenda to avoid name butchering on your big day. If you cannot meet with them ahead of time, be sure to send them a list of all the names written phonetically so they are easier to pronounce!

Another thing you may want to discuss is a “Do Play” and a “Do Not Play” music list. This way you know your favorite songs will be played, and your not so favorites will not- don’t let the “Chicken Dance” ruin the flow of your reception! 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC

All Things Engagement Photography

Now that you’ve got the ring and planning is in full swing, it is time for you to have a little fun! Some of you may want a perfect shot for a save-the-date or some beautiful pictures to display at your wedding reception, just remember that the most important thing is to have fun, relax, and be yourself. By doing these things, your pictures will be flawless and capture your personalities perfectly.

I am sure that all of you have probably looked through countless engagement pictures and have picked out your favorites where the couple looks blissful and absolutely flawless. All of these couples that have gorgeous engagement pictures very likely followed these few tips and tricks!

1)   Choose the best time!

When I say time I just don’t mean time of day. The season is also very important. For those couples who are football loving fans, perhaps you should plan to have your engagement pictures taken in the fall, wearing your team colors. For the beach lovers, try scheduling your engagement photo shoot on a warm summer evening when the tide and sunset is just right! Even the season can affect how transparent your personality is through your pictures. It is also important to note that if you are planning on having an outdoor shoot, the best time is about an hour and a half before sunset. This way, you can avoid those unwanted shadows caused by sunlight, but also catch the sunset as a backdrop for some of your photos.

2)   What to wear!

Now everyone needs a little Stacy and Clinton in their lives when they don’t know what to wear. These are a few tips we have learned. For engagement shoots, it is best to wear solid colors, particularly lighter ones. Solids provide a clean-cut look for photographs, and are always perfect no matter what the backdrop may be.  It is also important to remember that if you are choosing a walking shoot, you may want to give your favorite high heels a little test run. There is nothing more miserable than trying to look happy and in love when your feet are killing you! As for makeup and hair, remember that the wind is unpredictable so hairspray is a must and that when putting on your makeup, apply extra blush and lipstick to avoid looking washed out.

And last but not least…

3)   Have fun and be yourself!

Think of your engagement shoot as a time to celebrate the future that you will have with your fiancé. If your pictures are natural, your personalities will be conveyed along with the love that you share for each other! If your personalities are more funny and outgoing, feel free to crack jokes and take silly pictures. The more original, the better! The last thing you want to do is have hundreds of pictures that don’t capture your personalities and the reasons why you make a perfect match!

If you follow these tips and tricks you are sure to have fabulous pictures in the end!

Charleston Wedding Photography 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC 

The Perfect Sendoff

On your wedding day, you want everything to be perfect. Why wouldn’t you want the very last moments of your wedding celebration to be fabulous?! In the last couple of years we have seen a shift from the traditional birdseed sendoff complete with the car decorated with shaving cream and streamers to very elaborate, unique getaways.  We did a little research to find the most popular wedding sendoffs!

Just like every detail of your wedding, creativity is key! Remember to incorporate your style and personality into your grand exit. After all, your wedding is a party in honor of you and your groom. If you and your groom are big football fans, give guest pom-poms in your team’s colors for a colorful, spirited exit.  Another unique sendoff is paper airplanes complete with written notes to the happy couple for the pilot and his bride. Although there are countless unique exits, sparklers remain the favorite by many! When using bubbles, sparklers, rose petals, confetti, or birdseed your wedding photographer may need to set up additional light sources to insure that his/her camera can see you as you make your way through the dark. It is always important to let your photographer know your specific plans for your grand exit so that he/she will be able to capture this moment seamlessly. Also, be sure to note your venue’s rules on open flames and non-biodegradables.

After you have planned a fabulous sendoff, be sure to remember the transportation!  If you are a little old fashion, this is the groom’s responsibility! Many couples opt for one of their own vehicles, while others like to mix it up a bit. Some favorites include a black cab, vintage cars, or for all those Charleston weddings-a horse and carriage. Some other getaways include bicycle taxis, boats, and limos. Remember, have fun with it- it is the last memory you and your guests will have of your wedding!

It is important to note that every venue has their own rules on what is and is not allowed for sendoffs. Many venues prohibit any type of open flame, non-biodegradable confetti, plastics, or balloons.

Charleston Wedding Photography 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC