Page 28 - Mega Bridal Issue

Wedding I do's 2.Hire professionals!
From the entertainment to the photographer these are the two
people that guests will remember most. The photographer is the
and don'ts. wedding coordinator, not to mention the one that captures all the
memories and makes them last forever. Make sure you like her/him
because you will be spending a year of your life with them. From
initial consultation, to the completion of the wedding album. The
second professional to remember is the DJ/band- these are the
Story and Photo by Stephanie Sundell memories that the guests will take away with them. You have never
heard of anyone saying "Wow that chicken plate at your
wedding rocked" but "That band or DJ was so much fun
and kept that party rockin!" The iPod on a dock does not
work. I have seen entire receptions end early because it
broke. Is that worth it?

3.The group shot-another good reason for a pro photog.
It's is hard to command the attention of 80+ people and
make them do funny stuff. This always makes it into the
middle of the album as a huge photo. A must do!

4. Get an album in your photo package. Believe me you
will never do it yourself. I have albums that are pre paid
and the people wait a year sometimes to complete them-
working, moving, babies and life gets in the way. The
photographer will make you do it!

Now the Don'ts

1. Hair style up dos. The little curly side bangs in the
wind turn into mustaches. It is actually comical, but not
on your wedding day.

2.The butterfly send off- this was maybe the saddest
one. I have not seen this much lately, but last May was
28 the last time. They paid top dollar for 150 little tri-fold
packages with butterfly's inside. They were frozen in
shipment. In the first place, that is wrong. Then when the
guest were supposed to open them on command of the
minister. Only about 7-8 flew, the others just flopped to
the ground and made some children cry.
3. Ordained for a day Minister- I think it is really cool to
have a friend or family member marry you. BUT don't
let them forget to seat the guests. I know it seems like
common sense. More times then not they always forget,
and then the photographer and videographer can't get a
good shot.

4. Unity candle- the mothers have a very hard time with
the tall lighters that you use to light the fireplace - you
must press a button and pull a latch. They are so ner-
vous they cannot get it going. I even saw one mom burst
into tears because she thought she ruined her son’s wed-
ding. Have them practice a lot or Sand ceremony works
I have been photographing weddings for 18 years. You might call better, and won't burn out as soon as you turn your back.
me a veteran or just plain crazy. I have seen the very best and
worst of the wedding bliss. Just so it does not happen to you, I have
compiled a random list of must have and do not do's. 5. Runner down the aisle on grass- this seems like a good idea
at the time, but you will trip and fall. Just use flower pedals on the
First the Do's- sides, then the photographer can put them into a few photos(check
out my website and blog for more random ideas and tips at cre-
1.Always get professional make up. Coming from a professional ativephotographyinc.com) Feel free to email if you have questions
photographer you will have your picture taken over 1000 times. at stephanie@creativephotographyinc.com. With 18 years of expe-
Don't skimp on this. Also have a practice run with them prior. A rience I really have seen it all!
good idea is to do this on the engagement session day. That way
you can see the make up first hand through the camera's eye. I Well I hope this helps you. The wedding will be great! Remember
recommend Cindyrankin.com. to have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. The marriage is more
important .