Sunday, July 31, 2011

3 Tips For Your Best Wedding Photos

1. It may seem obvious... but scheduling a consultation with your photographer prior to your wedding allows them to get to know you, and get a sense of the style of photography you like. This can also be a great time to review the photographer's past work, and share photos of yourself that you like and dislike so the photographer can begin planning which angles would be best to shoot from. An engagement session can also be a great trial run.

2. Ask your photographer to take photos of the location, food, and decor. After spending months carefully planning these details, it is all-too-easy for a bride to miss the execution of these little things in the flurry of the wedding and reception. Having the details on film not only gives a better sense of the event as a whole, but will remind you of these aspects down the road.

3. Make sure to take candid shots... not just of you and the bridal party, but also of your guests. While formal photographs of the wedding are certainly a large part of a photography package, photos of you and your guests in candid celebration allows you to remember these moments and who was apart of them, more than posed photos alone.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wedding Whites: Colors Decoded

"It's a nice day to start again. It's a nice day for a white wedding."
-Billy Idol

Every bride is faced with a decision. From the dress... to the shoes... to the tablecloths... we must select the color. But even a decision as seemingly simple as a "white dress" is not always so simple when considering the face that the bridal industry at-large is fluent in so many varying shades of white. So, in an effort to de-mystify...

Pure White: A very bright white. While pure white is thought to be a traditional choice, it is important to note that pure white is likely to provide a harsh and stark contrast to many skin tones, excepting those with very dark skin, on whom the color can be quite flattering.

Off-White: Off-white is traditionally a white with a tinge of gray or yellow to create a slightly less harsh color. Off-whites are likely to flatter yellow, olive, or dark skin tones.

Ivory: Ivory is a white with a touch of yellow. Shades of ivory are fairly universally-flattering, but especially complement those with fair skin tones.

Champagne: A darker white than any previously listed, with a yellow or pink hue. Champagne colors have a classic "aged" look, and are flattering to many skin tones. Those with redder complexions, however, should be careful not to choose a champagne that is too pink in hue.

Cream: Also a darker white, with a brownish or yellow hue. Creamy shades are very flattering to those with pink or red complexions.

Image: GettyOne


Friday, July 1, 2011

A Signature Cocktail

These days many couples are foregoing the open bar in favor of a signature cocktail to be passed before the reception meal. Hand selecting a cocktail as a couple is not only a fun retreat from pre-wedding jitters and planning stress, but can add a personal touch to the before-dinner mingling. Try this Real Simple favorite... a modernized combination of a the retro class of a mojito and the exotic spice of a margarita that is as universally appealing as... Lucy and Desi for instance.


Lucy and Desi
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces tequila
5 slices cucumber
1 ounce agave syrup
1 ounce sour mix
1 ounce lemon lime soda or sparkling wine

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint, tequila, and cucumber. Shake with the agave syrup, sour mix, and ice. Pour into a glass and add soda. Mint and a cucumber slice makes an attractive garnish!

Image: www.bride.net