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 

Planning a Fall Wedding, Plus Planning Tips to Avoid Stress

I love parties and weddings during this time of the year.

I have found that there are more venues available and more room to negotiate with service providers, since it is not busy season which starts in April and goes through September.

When looking for a venue, look for a venue that has a contingency plan in case the weather is cold or rainy. There is nothing worse than finding out that it will rain on your wedding day with no back up plan.

The addition of heaters and a tent can add up to big bucks and tents don't hold up to bad weather.

GIANNA'S PICKS OF THE WEEK -

Romantic.

Elegant.

Pearl Design.

 Silver beaded chargers with a gardenia at each place setting and beautiful chandeliers above.

Hairstyle Ideas

Late night snacks for your guests - cookies and ice cold milk. XO

Margaret Rowe Couture Jewelry

GIANNA'S TIPS OF THE WEEK

If you want to have your wedding published in a magazine or web site, talk with your event planner and or designer first and see what they recommend before you select your design and/or attire. 

There is never any guarantee to get published, but there are a few tips that can help -

does your style fit their overall look?

do any of your service providers advertise in the magazine or are they are a preferred vendor?

Spending a lot of money will NOT guarantee you a spot in your favorite magazine or web site. A few years ago, we produced a wedding where our client spent over $300,000 and even though it was a lovely wedding, the attire (the bride's dress, bridesmaid and the flower girl dresses) were opposite of the editor's style. Needless to say, we did not get published.

You would like an adult only wedding with no children -

Think twice before you agree to go down this path.  This is a very sensitive subject and I have seen trouble brew when the bride and groom make this call. XO

Here is one suggestion, but remember, it is a touchy subject - please use caution:

Offer to arrange a nanny service and explain for budget reasons (could also be due to the venue space) that you can't have the children of family and friends at your wedding. Many times, we see the children have more fun this way - watching movies, playing games and having a more comfortable space to play and take naps, rather than having to sit at a table with adults. I find children napping at weddings as the night wears on in some really funny places. xo

Some clients have the babysitting service setup at their primary hotel. We recommend having the hotel close to the venue. If you have shuttles running through out the evening, the parents will be close enough to their children if they want to check in on them. Some parents like this option since it gives them a "date night".

Make sure you hire a VERY reputable service that is insured and trained to work with children. Our company uses services that are highly reputable and I appreciate the way the sitters child proof the room before the children arrive.

Have a great week!

Gianna