Your Greatest Asset: Family

All too often over ambitious couples fall easy prey to the devices of their own wedding "plan". "Things", otherwise better known as the "details", become the focal point of their occasion as they loose site of the reason for their celebration: two people in love wanting to share their bond with family and friends.

When a couple chooses to wed it is truly a reason for celebration.  It is also a time when family and friends can be called upon to participate in events throughout the day.  No doubt your guest list will include close relatives, but your guests will surly include bored spouses and distant cousins who aren't sure how they are related to you and also include friends of your parents who were invited because your parents were invited to their event years ago.  If the goal is to make your guests feel like they are part of the celebration,  they must be told in detail why they are sharing in the festivities that day.  Thus, asking family and friends to play music or even deliver readings helps strengthen family bonds and gives everyone a sense of ownership in the proceedings. 

As a couple, you are standing at the alter because you are strong enough to make a commitment to one another.  As you look out over your audience you will see guests gathered to support that commitment.  So keep in mind as you plan your day: your wedding will be wonderful, not because the critical elements of great food and music were present or because the flowers were amazing, but because the wedding was planned by a couple focused on their guests' participation and enjoyment.

Happy Planning!

Elissa Simmons

Ovation Photography & Design

http://www.ovationphotoco.com/



Finding Your Path

You're engaged now and feeling a bit like you've landed in a foreign land.  Is it exciting...you bet!  But you're feeling intimidated too.  Suddenly you're confronted with what sounds like a whole new language, not to mention a confusing set of bridal customs.

One important matter of any wedding, however, is to remember to put your own creative stamp on your event.  Like most brides you're probably wondering how much of "My day...My way" stands true when it comes to planning a wedding.  How does one combine traditional elements with more contemporary and personal touches?  For many couples the answer becomes rooting in the location they choose because the environment offers the perfect opportunity to balance the two.  Finding a location that offers the latitude to create a one-of-a-kind setting allows you to incorporate your own ideas for the big day. You can still walk down the aisle holding your father's arm even though that aisle might be made of sand!

So become acquainted with the customs and rules but don't let them rule your day.  Look for numerous fresh ideas in fashion and photography.  Purchase accessories and hire professionals that inspire you and add elegance to one of the most important experiences in your life.  No doubt, one great pleasure of planning a wedding is choosing the elements that together reflect your idea of how that special occasion should feel.  But the happiest bride realizes that the spirit of the day comes unscripted.  After all the preparation, you can sit back and watch your vision come to life.  And even enjoy all the the things you didn't expect would happen.

See you next blog... 

How do I know when I've hired the right photographer?

So people ask me all the time: "how do we know when we've found the right professional to photograph our event?"The obvious answer... maintain your due diligence.

You are hiring a photographer for their creative eye most importantly, but what is just as necessary is their ability to demonstrate professional social behavior.  This person will be with you, through thick and thin, on one of the most important occasions of your life.  They will  join you on your journey, along with your dearest family and friends, and be entrusted to capture all your emotions as situations unfold.  Ask yourself:  am I comfortable enough with this professional to almost forget he/she is in our midst?  Because the most successful photographers have an ability to disappear among your family and guests, yet place themselves strategically "on point" to capture the moments you'll treasure for a lifetime.

It is my professional experience that the more comfortable my clients are with me, the better our results will be overall.  To create this end,  I always meet with my clients for a consultation to try and discover their vision for their event.  The better I understand what they are trying to achieve, the better job I can do capturing the highlights of their occasion.

Now you're probably asking,"how do I gauge my level of comfort with my photographer?"  The best way is to get in front of their camera and test the waters.  Most photographers will offer an engagement or portrait session with their packages.  Take advantage of this opportunity. The investment is minimal and you have the chance to witness their work in action.  During your shoot keep in mind that this session is your chance to complete the interview process.  Does your photographer arrive on time? Is their equipment organized?  Do they ask you if you have a specific reason for choosing your location so they can highlight this in your images?  Are you being posed too much when you specified you preferred candid photography? And finally, are you enjoying the process?  If your not having fun,  you might want to reconsider your choice.  The reason being that this session is a small test for a much bigger event.

If you and your photographer don't naturally create a comfortable dynamic, you can only expect more of the same during your event.  Conversely, you will know when you've found the right photographer because your movements will flow naturally and their coaching will seem dynamic and easy.  And here's the pay off...when you feel comfortable it shows up in every aspect of your shoot...the results will be gorgeous!


Best Regards and Happy Planning,


Elissa
ovationphotoco.com