Finding a Great Photographer

May has been a busy month for our office.  Check out our Pinterest Board at -
Gianna and Company's Pinterest Account

The photographer is one of the most important event professionals on your event professional list. 

Before you hire the photographer, here are a few steps that you may wish to consider:

First set your date and secure your venue, then start your research.

Determine your photography budget. 

Ask your friends and event professionals if they have any recommendations.

Because your wedding photos will live on forever, it is so important that you do diligent research before you pull the trigger and hire this person.

Decide on your photography style. Some photographers can do a blend of styles.  Make sure that the photographer you like specializes in your style of photography. 

Documentary shots - many of our clients prefer candid shots that catch one of a kind moments. These photos are special and are unforgettable. Can be the groomsmen getting ready or your bridesmaids giving you a special toast. 

Portrait shots -  these are shots of you, your fiance, family and the bridal party and can be taken in front of various backgrounds. We always recommend a list of must have photos, so you don't miss out on covering the people you love the most. 

Personality of your photographer - before you hire the photographer, make an appointment to meet.  Remember, you will be with your photographer for the majority of your wedding day.  In addition, the photographer will be communicating with you, your fiance, friends and family.  Make sure that you feel at ease around this person.

We have seen a few photographer / client conflicts at weddings and it was not pretty, so please do your homework. 

Packages - do a comparison of the different packages that the photographers you are interviewing offer.  Negotiate over-time, so you have the hourly in your agreement if OT is needed.  Determine the turn around time for your proofs and the costs of your photos and albums. 

Finally, check out the photographer on Yelp and see what others are posting before you sign on the dotted line.

For more assistance, please call our office. We are always happy to help.  XO

A Midnight Summer's Dream - Private Estate Wedding:

 First dance along side their traditional cake. 

 An assortment of chandeliers were hung from the trees. 

 Green satin linens adorned the tables and bars. 

 An old fashioned champagne fountain. 

 First dance. 

 Vintage cake topper. 

Gianna's Picks of the Week -

 

Cute flower girl hair piece.  

Warm weather?  Keep the groom and groomsmen cool.

Colored glass.

The Shave of Beverly Hills

Great idea for the groom on your wedding day!

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial weekend. God Bless our troops! 

XO, Gianna 

Is hiring an event planner right for you?

You might be asking yourself, do I really need to hire an event planner?  Obviously, this subject is rather dear to my heart, since it is what I do for a living. LOL.

Listed below are a few questions that we ask potential clients to see if an event planner is the right choice for them and if so, which level of service can best fit their needs.

1. Are you having a private estate wedding or special event where everything must be brought in?
2. Are you having a large event with over 150 guests?
3. Are you planning a destination wedding?
4. Are you on a firm budget?
5. Are you super busy with work and/or school?
6. Are there family issues that you are not sure how to handle?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may want to consider hiring a coordinator for your event.

Most weddings will take an estimated 150 hours to plan and if someone does not have the time to handle or wants someone to help execute their vision, then an event planner might be the right decision.

There are different types of planning options to choose from such as -

day of coordinator -
This is the most popular package.  The coordinator is hired a least four to six weeks from the event.
His or her job is to make sure that all of the event professionals are confirmed, including a walk through at the venue, creating a timeline and that all of your logistics are in order, plus the coordinator is present on the event day as the go to person.

full service coordinator -
This package includes everything from finding the venue, designing the look and feel of the event, recommending and hiring the event professionals, handling the weekend itinerary for the guests, and the coordination for the event.

a la carte coordinator-
Clients who do not want to pay for a day of or full service coordinator, but want someone to help them with specific projects such as finding a location, event professional recommendations and /or a walk through meeting at the venue to discuss the design and logistics.  Most coordinators will charge by the hour or by the project.  This works well for couples or clients that have a limited budget, but want to make sure that they cover their bases and keep stress free.

Highlight Wedding -

 Check out the label on the beer - Marital Bliss. XO

The Camel is giving kudos to the groom:) XO

Gianna's Picks of the Week - 






Gucci 'Noah' Crystal d'Orsay Pump


Marchesa




Cute idea.

Thinking of a themed party?  Check out the clips below.  XO 

The Great Gatsby with Mia Farrow and Robert Redford

The Great Gatsby 2013

Have a beautiful week! XO, Gianna

How to Avoid Making Planning Mistakes on Your Wedding Day!

Happy Monday!

A wedding can be romantic and beautiful, but first you have to plan the details.

We have all heard stories about family or in-laws or friends having their feelings hurt during the planning process and sometimes this makes things uncomfortable on the wedding day.

Many of my clients tell me that because this is their day, they want to do things their way.

I agree, but I think it is important to plan ahead for these types of challenges, which can avoid any unnecessary hurt feelings.

Here are a few of my top tips to avoid the most common pitfalls. I hope they help. xo

Cash bar - 
Try and avoid having a cash bar at all costs...pun intended.  Most of your guests will spend a lot of money to come to your wedding. Costs include their travel, time off from work, their outfit(s), your gift(s) and their hotel accommodations. If you are not able to provide a full bar, then please consider beer, wine and champagne.  We have had clients choose their favorite alcohol and have the venue create a fun signature drink.  I think it is better to have quality than quantity, therefore, if possible try and cut down the guest list.

Weather contingency plan - 
Please don't avoid having one in place.  Weather can be tricky and it can go from being very hot to cool in a matter of days.  Even in beautiful sunny Southern California, I always have an alternative plan, so I know that all the bases are covered.

Vegetarians -
Most venues and caterers will estimate at least 10 % of your guests will be vegetarians.  We always recommend that our clients have a few vegetarian appetizers and one vegetarian entree, so 10% of your friends and family don't go hungry. XO

Open Mic -
Three words - don't do it!  Unless you want to be embarrassed or risk ruining your wedding day, please plan  out who will make the toasts.  One other recommendation, never allow an intoxicated person or persons to toast at your wedding.  Several years ago, one of my favorite couples insisted that one of the bridesmaids give a toast. I pleaded my case for them not to let her do it because she was really hammered, but they said it would be okay. The bridesmaid trashed the bride in front of 300 guests, which included the bride's mother and new in-laws - it was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.  After a few minutes, the groom had her mic cut off...heartbreaking to watch.

Directions -
Please don't assume that everyone will know how to find your venue.  Someone's GPS can send them the wrong way and MapQuest can get it wrong too.  We recommend placing a map card inside the invitation, so your guests will find the venue with ease and your ceremony can start on time.


Gianna's Picks of the Week -

Beautiful.


Floating candles and white roses.

Great for a beach wedding - love the silver sea shells.

Something blue.



Kate Spade

Nicole Miller

Love this little girl's dress.

Have a great day!