Cocktail hour is an essential part of your wedding day as it gives your photographer time to capture shots of the couple and their wedding party. But if you're nervous about guests feeling bored while they wait for the bride and groom to make their grand entrance, there are fun activities you can plan for them while they wait-especially if you're heading off-site for more than an hour. A full bar and great appetizers are sure to please your friends and family, but the addition of games and activities will surely make you the best host ever. Here, we share eight great ways to keep your guests occupied while you're off taking photos.   Lawn Games Lawn Games Encourage guests to mingle with each other during outdoor cocktail hour. Go beyond the quintessential corn hole and do a series of lawn games so more guests can participate. I suggest Bocce Ball, Giant Jenga, or [create] a customized crossword puzzle about [you and your future spouse].   Mix It UpUpgrading your bar selection is sure to be a hit with your guests. Hiring a mixologist can offer up new cocktails while also teaching your guests about craft drinks-as well as history behind drinks special to your location. Interacting with your guests, while educating them about their favorite drink is a sure fire way to keep your guests engaged during the cocktail hour.   Get Crafty Make your cocktail hour activity a little more permanent by establishing a fabric station where guests can write well wishes on squares to be included in a quilt that you'll cherish throughout your marriage. The options of crafting during cocktail hour are as endless as your creativity.   Read All About It In lieu of traditional programs, create a custom newspaper of the story of the both of you as a couple. Not only is it informative, but also a way to show the connections that the couple [has] to each attendant.  

      I love Detroit, I really thing the whole city give a variety of different locations for people engagement photos. From Classic to casual there are so many hidden gems to find. These locations are some popular locations my couples love getting their photos taken at. Belle Isle Conservancy : Belle Isle is a great place for stunning dreamy greenhouse engagement photos from the fountain to The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. This is such a classic and elegant spot. You do need a permit to have your engagement session here, Your engagement photographer should be able to acquire it for you.     The Detroit Institute of Arts Museum: I love The Detroit Institute of Arts, the back steps are really the showstopper. This is a popular spot so be aware you may have to wait your turn if others are there using them . You can only be outside, you cannot have your session inside the museum. The entire grounds are breathtaking so you are going to have a beautiful session here.   The Belt-Library Street Collective: such a hot spot and so cool if you have never been there before. Its a great little artist alley around Library St. Know that if you go on a Saturday around sunset tables come out as the alley is the outdoor dining patio for a handful of restaurants in the Alley. Weekdays or Sundays are the best.       Bloomfield Hills Engagement Session Locations: Bloomfield Hills is the location of the National Historic LandmarkCranbrook Educational Community and other historic sites listed on the national register of historic places.   Cranbrook House and Garden: Incredible vistas at every turn, the relaxing melody of water streaming out of several iconic fountains, the comforting smell of flowers in one of the many remarkable gardens, the feeling of history and architectural wonder all around you…just a taste of what awaits at Cranbrook House and Gardens, located at the heart of the Cranbrook Educational Community, a National Historic Landmark   Ann Arbor Engagement Session Locations: Ann Arbor is such an amazing college town. There is so much to explore and take photos of, it could be manicured parks, to the grungy downtown look you want for your photos,. This place has it all, this is only a few of the hidden gems that is in Ann Arbor. There is so much to explore. Delhi Metropark: Nestled in a quiet bend of the Huron River, Delhi Metropark offers natural beauty to enjoy. You’ll find mature stands of oak trees, open lawns and well-maintained ecosystems along the water that herons, turtles and deer call home. Come relax in the fresh air with family and friends under our picnic shelter or give kids the space to explore on our playground. Start a bike ride from the park or explore the river by canoe or kayak.    

    1. Make a Surprise Entrance Bride or groom, who doesn't love a grand entrance? Viral clips of bridal parties dancing up the aisle are everywhere, so look to transport instead. It's lovely to be picked up and chauffeured to your reception, but this actually offers the perfect opportunity to surprise your wedding guests before they've even laid eyes on your outfit. Decorated trailers, wagons, horseback, bicycles, a fire truck, a motorbike with a sidecar, a tractor, a vintage double-decker bus or a vintage VW camper van ... if it's fun and you have access to it, then arrive with a bang! Everyone can pile back into the ceremony space when they've finished cheering!   2. Take Song Requests No we don't mean everybody stands in line at the DJ box (even though that tends to happen anyway!). Taking a song request from your guests can be done in advance and then seamlessly woven into the wedding band or DJ's set. Simply, add a line on the RSVP where guests can fill in their song choice and watch their face light up when it starts to play!   3. Make Wedding Welcome Bags The people you love can often travel long distances to be there on your wedding day, so what better way to surprise your VIP guests and also show them you appreciate their effort than by placing wedding welcome bags in their rooms. Add an extra special touch by choosing locally made or sourced items to the selection, and a handwritten welcome note. F   4. Silent Cocktail Menu Add intrigue to your day with a silent cocktail menu, which is also a great way to give a personal nod to your guests. How does a silent cocktail menu work you ask? Simply assign a special signature cocktail to each table, and place a card with a note of explanation as part of the table setting (like the one pictured above that says: "Secret squad surprise. Say table 11 at the bar for a luxury libation") so that your guests know something special awaits them.    5. Plant Table Games Placing games on each table is not only fun, but are a great way to loosen up the crowd, or act as icebreakers for guests who don't know each other. Create a themed trivia quiz, or print out Dingbats - visual word puzzles of famous sayings - for people to guess. Alternatively, you could play Irish Wedding Bingo (more on that, as well as a handy prinatable here!). One table game that's growing in popularity at weddings is the After Eight Challenge before the speeches. How does it work? Take an After Eight chocolate, place it on your forehead and attempt to get it into your mouth, without using your hands! Let's just say the photographs of this will be some of the funniest of the whole day. Make sure to have a little cup or token for the winner - they'll deserve it!   6. Get Creative With your Guest Book Your guest book is one of the mementos you'll keep for years after the wedding, but it doesn't have to just be a decor focal point, as it can actually be a fun way to surprise your guests!  Make sure to leave signage instructing your guests what to do, and ask someone in the bridal party to remind guests to sign, so it's full by the end of the day.   7. Get Creative With Speeches When it comes to your wedding speeches don't be afraid to rip up the rule book. Sure you can have the usual suspects stand up to say a few prepared words, but why not open up the floor to other guests. An unexpected open mic session could result is some hilarious anecdotes being shared, and maybe even a few (happy) tears being shed. Needless to say, you don't have to stick rigidly to the traditional time or place for speeches either. Why not gather everyone outside if the weather is good, to say a few words before setting off some fireworks? Or even break up the speeches with unexpected entertainment! More on that below.     8. Create a Spot for R&R While it might be high energy and shenanigans everywhere else, having somewhere quiet and comfortable to chill out can also be a nice surprise for guests. Creating a quiet room, or a space away from the dance floor, is great for older guests, those with social anxiety or sensory issues, or guests who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can add cosy blankets if it's outdoors, or if it's indoors create a setting with low, ambient lighting, plenty of cushions and lay out some traditional board games or books as alternative activities.   9. Surprise Entertainment These days couples are thinking beyond the band, and adding to their live wedding entertainment line up with less conventional acts like magicians, drag performers, mixologists, fire breathers, Celtic drummers and more. Check out our favourite unique wedding entertainment ideas to truly add the wow factor to your celebration and impress your guests, whatever their tastes, and yours, may be!     by JESSICA O'SULLIVAN

I DID NOT take this photo nor do I own the rights to this photo     In today's technology-obsessed culture, stealing several hours of gadget-free time for an unplugged wedding ceremony should be a gift to your guests. But, prying Instagram-obsessed friends away from their devices may pose a #problem for some. The gadget-free wedding trend certainly isn't for everyone, but for couples wishing to take the plunge, how exactly do you go about enforcing a no cell phone policy without taking the fun out of the affair?   What Is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?  An unplugged wedding ceremony is a ceremony in which the couple requests that guests put away cell phones, cameras, and any other devices in order for them to be present in the moment.   I have had the pleasure of covering over 15 unplugged weddings and I have to say its very special for family and friends to sit back and enjoy the moment instead of worrying about posting photos and videos online. Not to mention the bride and groom don't have to worry about unflattering photos leaking, or not being the first to share their special day.     When guests aren't fixated on texting or capturing the money shot of the bride walking down the aisle, the event immediately grows in intimacy. "For the couple, it focuses the entire energy of the whole ceremony onto what's actually happening and that sacred moment of the actual wedding," says van Son, which is, you know, the reason your nearest and dearest have gathered together in the first place.   Eliminating phones and cameras is also a blessing from a photographer's perspective. "It gives us clear shots, which is awesome," adds van Son. "We don't have to struggle to find an angle and it's a more visually appealing look than phones in the air." Because no couple should have extended limbs obstructing their professional pics. And, let's be honest—of the snippets from each guests' unwarranted photoshoots, one or two might make it to Facebook or Instagram, while the rest will merely live on their phones, out of sight, for all eternity.   Know that, with this fad, you're not obligated to restrict technology for the entirecelebration (unless you're so inclined). As long as guests remain respectful of the photographer at the reception (van Son cites stories of iPad-armed relatives blocking her first dance shots), there's no reason why everyone can't resume their normal phone activities after the ceremony. After all, that wedding hashtag content won't create itself.   First things first—send out a heads-up before the wedding...and then a few more. "If you're going to do it, make it clear in advance, and also repeat it," advises van Son. "Saying it another couple of times somehow helps." Spread the word through your save the dates, wedding website, and/or day-of ceremony program for one final reminder. However, van Son warns that some guests may think that they're exempt from the no-phone rule (i.e. the groom's aunt who simply MUST get a photo from the aisle). Signs spaced throughout the venue can easily help spread the word, but they have become a bit commonplace, meaning attendees may not acknowledge them. For a more effective method, have your wedding officiant gently mention it during his/her welcome speech. "They're an authority figure, so people tend to listen to that," she says.   If you prefer a more hands-on method of separating your guests from their phones, try providing a cell phone storage station or baskets where attendees can individually tag and stow their devices safely, labeling the space with a quirky sign stating, "Hold the Phone!" or "Call It a Day!". Above all, make sure your guests don't feel compelled to fork over their phones if the device is truly necessary (say, for urgent business matters or a family emergency), and refrain from jumping into punishment mode if a guest sneaks a selfie or two. Ultimately, banning phone and camera use at wedding ceremonies fosters a stronger bond between newlyweds and their guests. "I think our culture has gone to a place where everything is so instant and connected, to a point where we're not connected," says van Son. "It's nice to slow down." Two thumbs up for this refreshing movement.       source   Tyler Atwood and Blair Donovan              

    There will be more weddings in the United States in 2022 than any other year since 1984, according to a new survey by The Knot. The wedding planning site estimates that some 2.6 million weddings will take place this year, a boom that follows a record number of cancellations, postponements, elopements–and lots of Zoom nuptials–during the past two years. “Weddings are, without a doubt, back to pre-pandemic levels,” says Hannah Nowack, Real Weddings editor at The Knot.     While some couples will certainly continue to host small, intimate micro-weddings and minimonies, wedding vendors, venues and planners note a return to traditional ceremonies with larger guest lists. In the second half of 2021, The Knot saw the average guest count climb up to 110. In 2022, the average number of guests is projected to be 129, which is in line with pre-pandemic numbers, when the average was 131. “After so many months of planning, and time spent away from loved ones, these couples are eager to reunite and celebrate with a blowout bash,” says Nowack.    Jennifer McNicholl got engaged in December of 2020, before the nationwide rollout of the first Covid-19 vaccines, but immediately knew she would still opt for a big, traditional Long Island wedding. “I planned a big traditional wedding right from the start,” says McNicholl. “I didn’t hesitate because by 2022 the vendors and I were confident that we wouldn’t be in a state of emergency.” Last week she sent out invitations to all 250 guests for her July 2022 wedding. Couples are also ready to once again shell out more green for their white wedding. The Knot found that, on average, couples spent $28,000 on their ceremony and reception, back in line with 2019 levels. And for the sixth year in a row, October will be the most popular month (17% of all weddings), with October 22, 2022, being the most sought-after booking date. Other trends include the rise of domestic destination weddings and weddings as multi-day events, which hotel venues are ready to capitalize on. Venues and hotels are now adjusting to the return of the big wedding, while still answering to the bride who craves an intimate gathering.   “Big ‘traditional’ weddings will never go away . . . but intimate, smaller weddings are also here to stay,” says Vasso Power, director of catering at The Gwen, a hotel located in the former McGraw-Hill building in downtown Chicago. Two years into the pandemic, The Gwen reports that 65% of all wedding inquiries are for smaller affairs and micro-weddings. “Requests for 20- to 30-person weddings at The Gwen have increased tremendously and we receive inquiries daily,” says Power. “The most popular package is the non-package,” she continues. “In essence, it’s all about customizing the experience to reflect the couple’s style. With smaller weddings, there is more of an opportunity for the culinary team to play with flavors and cuisine that is meaningful to the couple.” Value-focused planning is another big priority for the newly engaged, especially for Millennial and Gen-Z couples. “Instead of simply seeing their nuptials as a fun celebration, they're also finding ways for the big day to leave a positive, lasting impact,” says Nowack. In addition to dealing with supply chain issues, brides are more mindful about wedding wastefulness and the pandemic’s long-lasting effect on small businesses, new brides are supporting the local economy and environment whenever possible. As a result, hiring local vendors, relying on seasonal flowers and produce are becoming central to the wedding planning process. Domestic destination weddings are especially popular post-pandemic, according to Nowack. “With the uncertainty couples may feel when it comes to international travel regulations, we're seeing some to-be-weds opting for U.S.-based destinations that remind them of international spots,” says Nowack. Marcy Cline, a hair colorist in New York City, is maid of honor to a couple getting married in Miami next month at The Villa Woodbine, a venue designed by Walter de Garmo, famous for his Mediterranean-Renaissance style. “They’re expecting more than 100, and people are flying in from out of the country,” she says. The bride and groom also don’t have any safety measures in place, and have been pretty easygoing about planning—up until the weeks leading up to their Jack-and-Jill wedding shower in January, right after the omicron spike during the holidays. “Finally, they were pretty nervous,” says Cline, “but their wedding will go on as planned.” In 2021, The Knot found that 85% of couples enforced at least one health and safety measure, with three on average. Affianced couples in 2021 were able to plan without any delays due to vaccines, eased restrictions and a rise in available testing. But like McNicholl, many 2022 brides are altogether ditching the norms that the brides of 2020 and 2021 had to enforce. “There are no masks, no restrictions at all,” says McNicholl. “I'm paying thousands of dollars to my photographers, and I want to see the emotions and happiness.”       written by Tanya Klich     

      Three hundred and sixty-five days—and counting! The first year of marriage is in the books, which means it's time to celebrate. Any couple who tied the knot in the midst of a global pandemic deserves an epic first anniversary celebration (and a seriously thoughtful one-year anniversary gift too). Whether you're shopping for your spouse or your favorite newlyweds, we've raised the bar when it comes to finding the best presents for this amazing milestone. From sentimental keepsakes to cool, practical presents, there's something on our list to suit every spouse and every couple. But before we get started, find out everything you need to know about the traditional and modern first-year anniversary gifts below. (Hint: This year is also known as the paper anniversary.)Decided to go down the traditional route? There are so many creative ways to honor the paper anniversary (aside from writing a sweet card, of course). We've found some of the coolest paper anniversary gifts you've probably never thought of before, from origami earrings to book subscriptions. Ready to get started? Find the perfect first anniversary gift for your husband, wife or the happy couple right here.           Thoughtful Photo Book     As far as paper gifts for your first anniversary go, a custom photo book is one of the most sentimental. Fill it with snapshots looking back on your first year together, starting from the day you each said "I do." This timeless photo album comes with a linen cover protected by a full or partial dust jacket showcasing an extra-special memory (one of your favorite wedding photos, maybe?). ORDER NOW       Wedding Invitation Cuff Links     Here's another unique paper accessory you might not have seen coming. These special cuff links are personalized with little pieces of your wedding invitations. Durable and designed to last, your S.O. can truly wear their heart on their sleeve in the form of this romantic present.       Letterpress Wedding Vows       Why not have your wedding vows elegantly printed on luxe paper? Not only is this a lovely reminder of your wedding day, but of the promises you both made. Print them out yourself or leave it to a professional; this letterpressed option is totally wall-worthy.       Fun Adventure Journal     You've probably had your fair share of date nights after a year of marriage, so it's totally normal if you're starting to run out of ideas. If that's the case, this bestselling book is the solution. The pages come printed with surprise, scratch-off activities for you two to do together, from blindfolded baking to recreating your grandparents' first date. To help hold onto every memory, you can also upgrade to a gift set that comes with an instant camera.    

    It’s no secret that social media changes how we approach different life events. Everything from birthdays, to holidays, to natural disasters, to new box-office hits can be documented by a hashtag, and the conversation is open to everyone. This is especially true when it comes to wedding hashtags. Couples usually come up with a hashtag shortly after they become engaged and document the engagement, wedding planning, and actual wedding with their hashtag. Besides being a great organizational tool, hashtags also engage your friends, family, and guests who are unable to attend your wedding.           How to create an original hashtag?   Choosing the right hashtag is extremely important. You do not want to merge your hashtag with someone else’s, and you also want to make it easy for friends to avoid spelling errors. The traditional approach to finding a hashtag is putting a spin on last names. There are a few wedding hashtag generators out there that can help you come up with an original one.I like Shutterfly’s Hashtag Generator which is free, and also has a search option to check Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WeddingMix also has a free hashtag generator that allows you to customize based off your style. Choose from “Classic,” “Fun,” and “Offbeat” to get the right vibe for your wedding. Finally, if you’re hitting walls coming up with the perfect wedding hashtag, Mister Write offers personal services for crafting your hashtag. Note: this is also a great resource if you’re looking for customized vows, speech writing, and even proposal ideas!If you’re a crafty wordsmith you can look to movie titles, song lyrics, band names, and don’t be afraid to get punny with it. You want something that people will remember and that sets your wedding story apart.       Found a great hashtag, now what?   Now that the hard part is accomplished, it’s time to put that hashtag to work! Think of your hashtag as a photo album for your wedding: what you ate for lunch on the day you went dress shopping is a fun detail to include, but not every delicious meal you share on Instagram belongs in that hashtag category. Share things like addressing invitations, attending bridal showers, and meeting with your planner. It will be fun for you to look back on all the planning and see the process that brings you to your big day.   Inform guests & invite them to contribute.   The best part about having a wedding hashtag is getting to see your friends, family, and guests use it. After the big day, you can sit back and scroll through all the different perspectives captured at your wedding. You definitely don’t want to miss out on all these photos, so make sure your guests know how to use the hashtag.The best way to keep them informed is to have several reminders. Include the hashtag on your invitation–it can even just be on the RSVP card. Place strategic reminders out at your ceremony, on the wedding program, by the gifts, and on the reception tables. There are tons of cute props out there to help you do this creatively and aesthetically. I like these printables from Wishful Paperie.Contrary to popular belief, your wedding hashtags don’t have to be insanely witty. Switch your names into one of these simple and fuss-free wedding hashtag templates which do the job perfectly.     #WilliamsWedding2022 #WilliamsGetHitched #MeetTheWilliams #HappilyEverWilliams #FinallyAWilliams #WilliamsSayIDo #WilliamsToTheChapel #WilliamsTieTheKnot #WilliamsInLove #JonesWedsWilliams #WilliamsVows #CheersToTheWilliams #Jones2Williams #WilliamsGetWed #WilliamsSquared #MrAndMrsWilliams          

    One of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding can be knowing exactly when to let friends and family know about your upcoming nuptials. Too far in advance might evoke some eye rolls and forgotten invitations—while too close to your event might not leave guests enough time to prepare. With destination weddings, day-after events and, not to mention, all of the festivities leading up to the wedding itself (like engagement and bachelor/ette parties), there are a ton of moving pieces to keep track of when it comes to sending out invitations. Today, then, I wanted to break down some basic rules for spreading the word via snail mail.           Save the Dates   I recommend mailing out wedding Save the Dates 6 months prior to the event. For a destination wedding or multi-day affair, you’ll want to send them out 8-10 months in advance to ensure you give traveling guests plenty of time to book their hotel room and airfare.       Wedding Invitations   In general, wedding invitations should go out 8 weeks in advance. As always, though, the rules are a bit different for destination weddings—those, you’ll want to send out 3 months in advance. Remember, wedding invitations are a two-way street: they require a response. The closer you cut it to your actual wedding date, the less time you’ll have to collect RSVPs, build a seating chart, etc.   Bachelor(ette) Invitations   For most bachelor(ette) parties, a handful of the invited guests will have to travel. As such, you’ll want to send out invitations 6-8 weeks in advance so your out-of-town guests have time to book their travel accommodations without getting hit with lake-booking fees and surged airfare.           Bridal Shower Invitations   Bridal shower invitations should go out 6-8 weeks in advance, depending on how many out-of-town guests you’re inviting. Remember, traveling can be expensive if you don’t book accommodations far in advance, so be sure to give those out-of-towners plenty of time to plan—especially if they live super far from the venue. If you’re planning a shower in California and have a friend who lives in New York, for example, you might even want to give her a call before the invitation comes just to give her a heads up.     Engagement Party Invitations   Engagement party invitations can be simple—an e-invite is fine, especially if you’re planning on inundating guests with paper invitations for future wedding-related events. Your invitations should be sent out as close to your engagement as possible, as you want the news to be fresh and celebratory (and you want to hold the party before wedding-planning woes kick in). In general, holding an engagement party within 2-3 months of getting engaged and sending out the invitations 3-4 weeks before the event is a good rule to follow.     Day-After Events   I recommend slipping a separate card in with your wedding invitations for the guests you want to invite to any day-after events (brunch, send-off parties, etc.). That way, out-of-towners can take that information into account when booking their flight home. If you’re unable to include this information with your original invitations, though (i.e. if you decided to tack on a day-after brunch after already mailing out your wedding invites), an e-vite sent 6-8 weeks in advance will also do—but, again, keep in mind those traveling guests.     Rehearsal Dinner Invitations   If your rehearsal dinner guest list includes lots of traveling guests, you’ll want to send out formal invitations 6-8 weeks in advance. If, on the other hand, it’s small and laid-back affair that only includes local guests, you can get away with sending e-vites 4 weeks in advance. Remember, rehearsal dinner invites should always be sent out after the original wedding invitation.    

          JWhitehornMedia Named Winner in 2022 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®           14th Annual Couples’ Choice Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Nationwide and Abroad Detroit, January 19, 2022. -- JWhitehornMedia was announced as a winner of the 2022 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade representing the top wedding professionals across the board in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism reviewed by couples on WeddingWire, a leading wedding vendor marketplace.   To determine these distinguished wedding professionals, WeddingWire analyzed reviews within its Vendor Directory across more than 20 service categories—from venues and caterers to florists and photographers—to find the most- and highest-rated vendors of the year. The winners exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service and quality when interacting with the millions of couples who turn to WeddingWire to help with their wedding planning process each month.   Wedding professionals who win WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Awards® are members of WeddingPro, a leading B2B wedding brand. A marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on WeddingWire and The Knot, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.   JWhitehornMedia is honored to be one of the top vendors in Photography in Detroit on WeddingWire.   For more information about JWhitehornMedia, please visit us on WeddingWire.   To learn more about the Couples' Choice Awards®, visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.   About JWhitehornMedia   JWhitehornMedia is a wedding videography and photography company located in Detroit, Michigan. The cinematographers at the company strive to produce superb and high-quality films and photography. The company's team consists of creative and self-motivated professionals who are enthusiastic about capturing your wedding day on camera.   Services Offered   JWhitehornMedia provides videography, photography, website design, and logo creation services. The company aspires to provide couples with professional and affordable wedding packages. All of the photography packages offered by the company include high-resolution digital images, online viewing, image processing, and an emergency backup photographer. All of JWhitehornMedia's videography packages include audio coverage, copyrighted music, and a final product in digital HD. The final video is delivered to couples in an SD card format. The cinematography packages range from one hour of coverage to eight hours of coverage, depending on your preference.         About WeddingWire   WeddingWire is a trusted online marketplace, connecting couples with local wedding professionals and a suite of comprehensive tools that make wedding planning easier. Operating within a $250 billion global industry, WeddingWire helps millions of couples every month find the right team of wedding professionals to personalize and pull off their special day. Couples around the world can read millions of vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a directory of hundreds of thousands of vendors local to them. Visit WeddingWire online at WeddingWire.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/WeddingWire and @WeddingWire on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.    

          JWHITEHORNMEDIA NAMED WINNER OF THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2022   16th Annual Best of Weddings Awards Recognize Top Wedding Vendors Across U.S.   Detroit, MI/January 19th, 2022—JWhitehornMedia is pleased to announce that he has been selected as a 2022 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading all in one wedding planning destination.    In its sixteenth annual year, The Knot continues its long-standing tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2022, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. This year, five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award.   To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories—including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more—to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique weddings.    “I AM A WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER CREATING CINEMATIC, CANDID, & BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES.,” JWhitehornMedia, Photographer|Videographer, Wedding Photography + Videography.   The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs - from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can connect with any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country, and The Knot Best of Weddings award gives couples the confidence to book the best vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology helps all couples seamlessly plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs.   Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, a leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.   For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.       About (JWhitehornMedia) I AM A WEDDING + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER CREATING CINEMATIC, CANDID, & BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES. You, your family, and friends will be amazed with the quality of production.   About The Knot The Knot is the nation’s leading digital wedding resource offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com and #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, The Knot national wedding magazine, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.    

    When planning your wedding, there are things that are nice to know, and there are things you need to know—advice so essential any bride who's lucky enough to hear it thinks, "I'm so glad someone told me that!" If you're wondering whether there's something you may have missed (or even if you've got everything under control), check out our indispensable planning secrets below.           Investigate Wedding Blackout Dates   Know ahead of time if your wedding date falls on the same day as a trade conference, charity walk or other local event that could affect traffic and hotel room availability. Here's a handy list of potentially problematic wedding dates coming up in the calendar.       Guests Come First   Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it's really not if you count the space you'll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band and a dance floor.   Lighten Your List   The easiest way to trim your wedding budget? Cut your guest list. Remember, half of your wedding expenses go to wining and dining your guests. If it's costing you $100 per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you $1,000.   Make a Meal Plan   Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.     Get Organizationally Focused   In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or tear sheets from magazines you want vendors to see. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding, and store important vendor numbers in your cell phone. For on-the-go planning that keeps everything in one place, download the The Knot All-In-One Wedding Planner app to keep all of your planning info digitally on-hand at all times.     Don't Be Afraid to Ask   Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want—maybe it's serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can't make work given your wedding budget.     Prioritize Your People   Pare down your guest list with the "tiers of priority" trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party and best friends on top of the list; follow with aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends you can't imagine celebrating without. Under that, list your parents' friends, neighbors, coworkers and so on. If you need to make some cuts, start from the bottom until you reach your ideal number.     Make a Uniform Kids Policy   You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an "adults only" wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room or at a family member's home. To prevent hurt feelings, it's wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).  

    Sure, catering, décor, and dancing might be what makes it feel like a wedding, but the vows you exchange with your partner are what make it actually a wedding. You can’t get married without vows! But how to know if you should write your own vows or go with some old classics? It really depends on your personal preference and comfort level—and whatever you choose should be your choice, not someone else’s. Personally written vows come out extremely well in video format. If you are using a videographer it will give them a lot more room for editing.            Do you love writing?   When thinking about if you should write your own vows, having a creative side and experience writing (extra points if you really love it!) make a huge difference. Maybe the idea of reading someone else’s words makes your skin crawl, maybe the idea of writing your own vows sounds worse than getting a cavity filled. Writing vows is a deeply expressive and creative endeavor and while you definitely don’t need to be “good” at writing or a “professional” to write amazing vows, the process of writing and performing them in front of dozens of people will be a lot more enjoyable if you vibed with the process and are proud of the result.       Are you comfortable reading in public?   This question goes hand-in-hand with the one above—even if you love writing, you might hate reading your words aloud in front of people. That’s a whole ‘nother ball game for most writers and creatives, so you’re not crazy if you feel this way. If the idea of standing before your guests and reading your most intense and personal emotions out loud makes you feel squeamish, you may wish to go for pre-written vows (you can even inject a few of your own sentences throughout to personalize it!). Reading words that are not your own can significantly cut down on the fear factor (because it won’t feel like you’re pouring out your heart and soul) and help you stay focused and grounded. If you love the idea of writing your own vows but not necessarily performing them, recite them in private to your partner the night before your wedding, then opt for traditional vows during the ceremony   Do you have the time?   A big part of deciding if you should write your own vows comes down to timing. The process of writing your own vows should be an emotional and enjoyable experience. If you’re so swamped with wedding planning and the rest of your life you can barely find the time to put pen to paper, however, the process can feel like a chore, or even worse, like a last-minute project you have to cram into the night before your wedding. That’s not fair to you or your spouse-to-be! You simply will not be proud of your vows unless you give them the time and energy you deserve to give them (and your future spouse deserves to receive). If you’ve spent too much time constructing a donut wall and don’t have enough time to devote to writing your vows, go traditional—and add your own flair as needed. If you’re just starting your planning journey and want to avoid backing yourself into a last-minute corner when it comes to writing your vows, block out a few hours a week in the months leading up to your wedding to spend only working on your vows. You’ll be glad you did once the time comes!   Is your partner planning on writing his or hers?   It’s not a rule of thumb that if one of you opts for custom vows, the other must too, but it is something to think about. Your universal vows might feel out-of-place after your partner reads their handwritten ones. If one of you has a steadfast opinion on going handwritten vs. traditional, that could help decide what the other chooses. It will make for a more unified ceremony if you both make the same decision. And if you choose to go handwritten because one-half of you is really into the idea, you’re totally allowed to workshop your vows together to make sure you’re both feeling confident and comfortable when the big day comes. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you both get to do what feels best on your wedding day, and in the grand world of wedding planning, that usually entails working together and making compromises.  

    For most people, the idea of striking a pose in front of a photographer, while also cuddled up to your beloved, is less than natural. The camera flash goes off and the best you can offer is a, "cheese!" and a smile. But, don't worry, this is why you hire a professional wedding photographer. With an experienced and talented creative by your side, you'll end up with wedding photos that you'll look back on fondly for years and generations to come.     From hiring the right person to knowing the exact shots you want to scouting out the best locations for your vision of a perfect portrait, here are tips to help you nail those shots.     Hire the right photographer for you   There are countless wedding photographers out there with different styles, personalities, and ways of working with couples. What's important for great wedding photos is hiring the right one for you. Before all else, consider the actual photography skills and whether you like a photographer's editing style—you won't love your photos if you don't like the style.       Get to know your wedding photographer   When there's a friend on the other side of the camera, that's when you capture some of the most authentic moments. So, set up a date or two with your photographer to not only discuss the wedding shoot and the workflow of the day, but to get to know each other as people. It's easier to let loose when you know that the person behind that fancy mirrorless camera also enjoys a margarita and tacos on a Tuesday night, just like you do.   Take engagement photos   An engagment session is your chance to have your makeup artist do a trial run to make sure you're camera ready, to see if you really like those presets you've seen on social media, and to understand the different angles that work for you when posing for a professional wedding photographer. Hey, you can even practice that first kiss a few times   Create a shot list   This could include everything from a shot of your wedding dress hanging in a dramatic window to one of the bridal party shooting off confetti to the first dance, cake cutting, or even a photoshoot with your dogs. Think of every wedding as my first wedding and spell it all out. If there's something that you absolutely want to see in your wedding photographs, make 100% sure it's on that shot list.  

    If you’re just engaged, it can be super-tempting to immediately dive into wedding planning. After all, you probably started getting questions from well-meaning loved ones within seconds of announcing your engagement. Is hair and makeup team coming to you or are you going to a salon? What time is the bride’s hair and makeup scheduled to start? Do you plan on doing a first look? If so, do you know where would like that to happen? Do you have any spots in mind where you would like to do wedding party and bride and groom photos? How many people are in your wedding party? Do you have any “must-have” photographs?     It can be easy to feel the pressure to kick wedding planning into high gear within days (or even hours!). My advice? Wait. No matter how hard it may be, wait. Give yourself and your partner enough time to simply enjoy being engaged. You’ll be thankful, I promise. So, how long can you savor that "just engaged" feeling? And when should you start planning your wedding? Well, it all depends on your wedding planning timeframe.     The one conversation to have immediately…   While I don’t recommend starting to actively plan your wedding within seconds of being just engaged, I do think there’s one important conversation to have shortly after the ring is presented. Talk to your partner about if you want to have a long or a short engagement. There are indeed advantages to each, and the general engagement length you choose does have an impact in your planning timeline. You don’t have to have an extensive discussion with your partner or set your wedding date, but the estimated timeframe is a good one to chat about right away.       If your wedding is a year or more away...   The average couple is engaged for 13 months, and I think that’s a great timeframe if you can make it work. I recommend waiting about three weeks before jumping into wedding planning. This gives you time to revel in your engagement, but not too long so you don’t lose momentum. Once you’re ready to start planning, take it step by step—it’s not a good idea to try to plan your whole wedding at once. Start by coming up with a budget and an estimated wedding guest count, then begin researching venues at your own pace. Depending on where you’re marrying, it’s unlikely that many venues will be booked up just yet, so you're likely to have your pick of dates, venues, and vendors.   If your wedding is in less than a year...   There are lots of reasons why a timeline of less than a year might be right for you and your partner. Perhaps you got engaged in December and always dreamed of a fall wedding, but don’t want to wait nearly two years to wed. Or maybe you just don’t want to wait that long—totally fine! If you’re planning on going from “just engaged” to married in less than a year, I recommend waiting about two weeks before starting to think about the specifics of your wedding. You don’t even have to talk about your wedding for this timeframe, and just brush off any questions you may receive from family members or friends. This is your time to enjoy this blissful period, so feel free to ban that wedding talk until you’re good and ready.   The Wedding Planning Process: First Steps   Once you've had a chance to relax and revel in your post-engagement period, it's time to start wedding planning. Whether you have more than a year or just a few months to plan the big day, the process of how to plan a wedding pretty much looks the same. Here are the first steps of your wedding planning journey to help you get started.  Decide if you're having a destination wedding or a local wedding. You've probably heard that creating your budget is the first to-do on the wedding-planning checklist. Well, that's partially true. Your wedding's location has a major role to play in how much you'll spend—weddings in major cities tend to cost more than those in more rural areas, and destination weddings tend to host more than hometown events—so it's a good idea to figure out where you're getting married (general area, not specific venue yet) before setting your budget.    Set your wedding budget. Now that you've chosen your big day's location, check out the WeddingWire Cost Guide to see how much a wedding costs in your area. Then, talk to any stakeholders who are contributing financially to the wedding to come up with your total budget. Once you have that total amount, plug it into the WeddingWire Budget Tool to determine how much you can spend on different wedding-related products and services.    Choose your wedding style.  Rustic or classic? Glam or boho? Choosing a wedding style can help you narrow down venues, discuss wedding ideas with vendors, and create a big day that feels cohesive and uniquely yours.    Create an estimated guest list.  While you don't have to have a final guest count just yet, coming up with an estimate will help you select a venue that's just the right size. Talk to your and your partner's families to come up with the number of guests you'll invite.    Hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner may be an added expense, but it's one you won't regret. If you've decided to hire a full-service planner who will help you plan your big day from start to finish, now's the time to start the search. Once hired, your planner can help you pick a venue and book the rest of your vendor team.    Pick your wedding party.  Your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridesmen, groomsladies, and other attendants have important roles to play on your wedding day—and now it's time to ask them to be part of your VIP crew.    Select a wedding venue and set the date.  Time to find your venue (or venues, if you're hosting your wedding ceremony and reception in separate locations). Check out the WeddingWire Venue Directory to read reviews, view photos, and learn more about venues in your area. Then, schedule tours of a few of your favorites before selecting your dream wedding venue! Once you've booked your venue, you've officially set the date for your big day.    Hire your wedding vendors.  Once you've chosen a venue and set your wedding date, it's time to build the rest of your vendor team. Here's a basic list of wedding vendors you'll want to research and book:    Wedding Planner (if you haven't booked one already) Caterer (if your venue doesn't offer in-house catering) Florist Officiant Photographer Videographer Wedding Cake Baker Wedding Band or DJ Ceremony Musicians Rentals Company Stationer Wedding Attire Retailer Hair and Makeup Pros  Transportation  

    Congratulations! In order to take your relationship to the next level, you'll be faced with two key tasks: buying a ring and picking a proposal date. Both are equally important, and their timelines are actually woven together. Regardless of whether you have a specific proposal date in mind yet, you might be curious to know the best time to buy an engagement ring. When you need to buy the engagement ring depends on a number of factors, including the kind of sparkler you want (like a pre-designed ring or a bespoke piece), your proposal plan, and the specific retailer you'd like to work with. So, to help determine the best time to buy an engagement ring, we tapped two jewelry industry experts to reveal everything you need to know about planning your ring purchase before you start shopping.     When is the Best Time to Buy an Engagement Ring?   There is no right time. The timing for buying an engagement ring depends on the couple. There is no right or wrong time to start shopping or to purchase because the timeline of finding your dream engagement ring is different for everyone. While the jewelry industry doesn't necessarily have a prime purchasing season, engagement ring shopping can be affected by the holidays. If you have a strict price point and are looking to get an engagement ring for a discount, you might consider shopping during the holiday season. While retailers don't often offer major discounts on high-quality diamonds, Black Friday and Cyber Monday jewelry sales are definitely a thing. So, while you might not find largely discounted diamond prices as you would for clothing or home appliances, you can certainly get great perks like expedited shipping, free high-quality gifts with your purchase, or discounts on additional factors of the ring style, like the setting.   But, even though this time of year can sometimes offer better prices, it is significantly busier for jewelry stores and private sellers. "If you're not planning on a holiday proposal, waiting until after the new year can be wise instead of getting started in November or December when jewelers are busy and inventory might be more limited, with longer lead times," says Boston-based private jeweler Hannah Florman. "The holiday season from October through New Years' is incredibly busy because clients are also competing for attention with those designing fine jewelry as gifts." So, while shopping during the holiday rush can deliver great prices, it can also take longer to get the perfect ring. And if you're envisioning a Christmas Eve or New Years' proposal, it's better to start the process earlier.   Another consideration to keep in mind is that the jewelry industry is still recovering from supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, which can increase the time it takes to deliver your ring. "The reality is that the jewelry industry is experiencing longer lead times for materials—even the traditionally 'accessible' ones, which translates to higher cost of goods for the consumer and longer wait times," Florman explains. That's not to say you need to start shopping months in advance, though. Many retailers and jewelers are equipped to deliver your ring as soon as possible—this is simply helpful to know for your own planning purposes. Because, when it comes down to it, the best time to buy an engagement ring depends on when you actually want to pop the question.       Buying an Engagement Ring, Based on a Proposal Date   With this knowledge in mind, experts recommend using your proposal date as a guide for deciding the best time of the year to buy your engagement ring. It'll be helpful for your jeweler to have a general idea of when you want to get engaged, like if you're envisioning a Valentine's Day proposal or if the moment will happen on a planned summer vacation.   According to The Knot 2021 Jewelry and Engagement Study, which surveyed over 5,000 couples who got engaged in 2021, 16% of proposers started looking at rings 3-4 months before the proposal. Of course, this timing is highly subjective based on your plans. We found that 14% of proposers started researching rings a year in advance, while an additional 15% started their search 5-6 months before the date.   When it comes to choosing when to buy the ring, it's crucial to know if you'd prefer a pre-designed style or if you'd rather go the custom route, as these have different production timelines. Because of this, it can be beneficial to give yourself plenty of lead time when shopping for the ring. "For all rings currently listed on our website, our customers can plan on receiving their rings three to four weeks after placing their order," Searle explains, noting that custom pieces tend to have a longer turnaround time.   While there isn't a steadfast formula to follow when picking the best time to buy an engagement ring, here's the bottom line: Aim to buy a pre-designed ring at least one month before your intended proposal date, while two months minimum should be allotted for custom diamond jewelry. Our study found that, for 32% of couples, the entire ring selection process (from start to finish) took 1-2 months, while it was a 3-4 month experience for 29% of respondents. Note that specific timing details will vary among retailers, so it's always best to check shipping timelines on the store's website or make an appointment with an experienced gemologist.   Ultimately, it'll never hurt to give yourself plenty of lead time. "Having time on your side will always feel like a great asset when you're talking about such a significant financial investment," Florman says. "The timeline of your engagement ring design will depend on your level of clarity and communication of needs and preferences along the way. Trust in the experts and you'll get a beautiful ring just in time."  

    Lifestyle photography sessions are designed to depict a day in your life doing what you enjoy with the ones you love. Whether you’re going on an adventure or telling a story of a day at home, a photography session like this is sure to be full of emotion and fun.  The greatest part about these sessions is that they are unique to you.  The key to planning your session is to incorporate activities which encourage ways to interact.     Have Activities Planned Out   Below is a list of some example Activities for your session.  Choose activities that feel genuine to you. you can be as laid back or adventurous as your heart desires.  If you’re feeling super adventurous, use this photo opportunity to learn something new!     • Always wear clothing you feel comfortable & confident in.         • Coordinate clothing with others.  Think same tones and complimentary colors.         • Avoid busy patterns.  These can be distracting in photos.             • Think Neutral  tones,  Vibrant colors reflect lighting and can mess up skin tones in photographs.         • Whites and pastels photograph beautifully | STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR NEWBORNS • Cuddles in bed look awkward in a suit and tie!   What to Wear?   Dress for the occasion… We will be shooting your session in your home or out and about in nature or your favorite spots to frequent.  You can dress as casually or formal as you desire just make sure it blends with your location choices. Mostly just wear something you feel AMAZING in!     Take Time to Get Dressed and Feel Awesome   Moms listen… Life is hard when you have a little one.  We know by experience! You hardly have time to get your kids up in time for school much less get dressed yourself. Who even FEELS like it right? But for the shoot, you deserve it. Start your morning correctly and take an hour for yourself prep and get your energy up.  This is a professional family session. You paid for someone to come into your home and take photos of your little family. You owe it to yourself to get ready and feel good about yourself before we show up.  Put daddy in charge that morning to get the kids fed and dressed and take time for yourself.  Taking the time to get ready will make you feel awesome will put you in gear to take on the world, I promise. If you are hiring a photographer to only take photos of your kids, get ready anyways. I PROMISE you, you’ll want a few photos with them after you see how much fun they are having.     Relax, Smile, and Have Fun    My interest as a photographer is to capture the beauty that is your family being yourselves. This is for you parents! A photographer is coming into your home to photograph your family.  Not to get a dozen formal portraits. The goal in these sessions is to remember your family as they are.  Parents often have a tendency to want the perfect little portrait of their family and we will try to get one or two,  but we don't want you to feels overwhelmed when your little one doesn’t sit still and act like a perfect little gentleman.   Lets be real, kids NEVER sit still for long in real life anyways? Let your kids be kids. If they like to run around and scream at the top of their lungs for no reason.. let them. This is your family.  EMBRACE it. Concentrate your energy to smiling and laughing for the camera. Look at your kids, play with them, run around with them, ENJOY THEM.    Relax… Don’t worry about the photographer. I love to run around after your kids. Your kids will have a better time at the session if you run around WITH THEM and you grab them and tickle them rather than telling them to STOP IT and come sit down.    So laugh it out, run around and keep that smile on your face. Just have fun! This is a documentary of your life as parents so embrace your sometimes-out-of-control children and your hectic life and let the photographer show you how beautiful it truly is looking in from the outside. Music…Turn on the tunes! Whether it be Mozart, Katy Perry, Young Jezzy, or Disney songs, whatever helps your household feel "normal" is what we should be listening to during our session.   Know what makes your child giggle… If your session involves a baby or child that is 9 months or older, it is really helpful to me if you know what makes your little one laugh. Spend some time before the session thinking through things that you do as a family that get the best giggles; and keep those tricks up your sleeve just in case. In many cases, we don’t need these tricks, but sometimes we do. So, whether it is a favorite song on Pandora, a silly noise daddy makes or words in a favorite book, plan to have these things ready just in case we need them.   Be yourself! Embrace the short attention spans, grass stains, and dogs licking your face mid-frame. These portraits are not about everyone sitting up tall and nailing the perfect smile at the camera, they’re about your silly awesome life.  Let the kids be kids and their personalities will shine through the photograph.  Years from now, these images will bring the biggest smile to your face, for real! We promise.     Cleaning Up the House   -Clean up- just a little by De-cluttering the shooting space.  These rooms don’t need to be magazine worthy. I don’t want you to go out and buy all new furniture for our session, but I do want those bright spaces to be the best version of your house.   -Pale neutrals and whites really help to accentuate natural light – dark and bold colors will tint the light and leave color casts on you in camera. Consider swapping colored bedding and curtains for whites or paler colors/neutrals. (Totally up to you, not necessary)    

    The most amazing wedding photos may look effortless, there is a ton of planning and  time that goes into creating those incredible images. Therefore, creating a wedding photography timeline is an absolute must. But how much time do you really need to reserve to for photography? And what does a wedding photography timeline actually look like?     Figure out the portraits you want.   While the main focus of your wedding portrait session will be you and your spouse, you will likely want photos of your wedding party and family, too.  JWMEDIA provides a “suggested formals list” of portrait groupings that you can refer to and edit based on your needs. While your parents may try to insist take formal portraits with all of your distant relatives, remember that the more portraits you take, the more time you will spend away from your big day. Try to keep your formal portraits to a minimum (I suggest 10 groupings for family portraits) and include only your wedding party, immediate family members, and perhaps a few special relatives.     Decide on locations.   After you have decided who will be included in your wedding portraits, it’s time to figure out where you would like to take the photos . The easiest locations are your ceremony and/or reception venues, of course, but the hotel where you’re getting ready can also be a good spot. If there’s a particular location where you’ve always dreamed of taking your wedding photos (a local beach or park, a neighborhood in your city, etc.), you’ll have to factor the travel time into your wedding photography timeline—and plan for transportation so that all of your VIPs get there safely and on time.     Should you do a first look?   Doing a first look is a personal decision. I believe it a good idea because it allows you to take many of your wedding photos before your ceremony so that you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests. If you decide to stick with tradition and wait until the ceremony to see your partner, you can expect to spend your entire cocktail hour (and possibly more) taking portraits. Be sure to decide which path you prefer to take before creating your wedding photography timeline.     How long wedding photos will take?   Family portraits usually take about 30 minutes, (if you’re sticking with only photographing close family), and couple portraits take between 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re having a “first look,” all of these can be completed before the ceremony. If you’re not having a “first look,” you can still take separate family portraits, and photos of the wedding party before the ceremony, but any portraits with the couple together will be taken during cocktail hour.     Write it out, and inform those involved   Work with your wedding planner to create a full written schedule of your wedding day, including the wedding photography timeline. Add 10 minutes of “buffer” time throughout the day to account for any hiccups, and don’t forget to factor in travel time if you’re moving between locations. Be sure that all of your VIPs are aware of this schedule, and know where to be at what time. Even if you’re the “always early” type, weddings have a funny way of running late—so encourage your loved ones to stick to the schedule.    

    Delhi Metropark 3902 E. Delhi, Ann Arbor, MI 48103     Nestled in a quiet bend of the Huron River, Delhi Metropark offers natural beauty to enjoy. You’ll find mature stands of oak trees, open lawns and well-maintained ecosystems along the water that herons, turtles and deer call home. Come relax in the fresh air with family and friends under our picnic shelter or give kids the space to explore on our playground. Start a bike ride from the park or explore the river by canoe or kayak.   Delhi Metropark is a park in the Huron-Clinton system of metro parks. It is an 81-acre (330,000 m2) park on the Huron River located five miles (8 km) northwest of Ann Arbor. It has picnic areas, two picnic shelters, swings and slides, river fishing, canoe rental and softball diamonds. A children's playground features an adventure playship, ride-on toys and swings. A Metropark daily or annual vehicle permit is required for entry to the park. The park will eventually be linked to Dexter-Huron Metropark and Hudson Mills Metropark via the Border-to-Border Trail.          

    River Dell Venue - Homer, MI     This pure Michigan event barn rests along the Kalamazoo River and is surrounded by cropland and woods. It is centrally located between Battle Creek and Jackson and serve all of South Central Michigan. It is the perfect natural setting for any gathering.   The open and wooded spaces around the farm are picturesque places to hold your wedding ceremony and reception! The big red barn has theater-style seating capacity for 150 people and it has quiet ceiling fans to keep your guests comfortable during the summer months. The river bank, wooded trails, and the rustic grain bin provide countless picture backdrops to reflect the unique style of every couple. And with the option of on-site lodging in the farm house, your wedding planning to-do list just got a lot shorter!          

    Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford - Dearborn MI     Henry and Clara Ford built the 31,000-square-foot Fair Lane as their dream home on 1,300 acres, just a couple miles from where they both were born. At a time when Henry was skyrocketing to global fame after the success of Ford Motor Company and the Model T, Fair Lane was their sanctuary. It was their 15th and final home - where they enjoyed entertaining their grandchildren and many friends, including frequent visitor Thomas Edison, for whom they reserved a suite of rooms. The house is a unique blend of Midwestern Prairie School and English country manor styles. The estate along the Rouge River included a hydro-electric powerhouse and dam, a greenhouse, a working farm built to scale for their grandchildren, an indoor pool, skating house, staff cottages, bowling alley, and a pony barn, as well as a private garage and laboratory for Henry. The vast gardens and landscape were designed by famed architect Jens Jensen.     1863 July 30 - Henry Ford is born on a farm to William and Mary Ford in Springwells Township, Mich., located 9 miles outside of Detroit.   1866 April 11 - Clara Jane Bryant born in Greenfield Township, now part of Detroit, Mich., a few miles northeast of the Ford homestead.   1879 December - Henry Ford leaves his family farm, with a sixth grade education, to pursue his interest in machinery in Detroit.   1885 Henry Ford meets Clara at local dance.   1888 April 11 - On her 22nd birthday, Clara and Henry marry.   1893 November 6 - Clara gives birth to a son, Edsel Bryant Ford . The family is living in a rented house on East Forest Avenue in Detroit.   1896 June 4 - Henry completes his first automobile, the "Quadricycle."   1903 Ford Motor Company is incorporated and sells its first car, a 2-cylinder Model A.   1908 October 1 - Ford ships the first production Model T, or "Tin Lizzie," as it came to be known.   1913 Spring – Contracts made for construction and landscaping of Fair Lane   May -- The Chicago architectural firm of von Holst & Fyfe are engaged to design and built Fair Lane, with Marion Mahony Griffin, a prairie school architect, as lead designer. . October 7 – Thefirst moving automobile assembly line in the world is in full operation at Ford's Highland Park factory.   December 10 - concrete poured and construction starts on Fair Lane.   1914 January 5 - Ford Motor announces the $5 per day wage for an eight-hour work day.   February: Clara contracts Mr. W.H. Van Tine to alter and finish the design for Fair Lane in the style of the English manor houses she had visited in Europe. Von Holst & Fyfe are dismissed from the project.   June 2 – Henry lays the cornerstone of Fair Lane Main Residence laid by Henry Ford. Currently no evidence of location or marker.   October 28 – Thomas A. Edison lays the cornerstone of the Fair Lane Power House.   1915 August 13 – Clara Ford becomes a founder and the first president of the Garden Club of Dearborn.   December - Work on Fair Lane is complete. This is Henry and Clara’s 15 th and final home.   1916 August 28 – Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and naturalist John Burroughs join Henry Ford for an extended camping trip. This is the first of many trips “The Vagabonds” will take together over the next decade.   November 1 - Edsel Ford, age 22, marries Eleanor Clay, age 20, niece of the founder of Hudson's, Detroit's preeminent department store.   1917 April 1 – Construction of the Rouge Plant begins.   September 4 – Henry and Clara’s first grandchild, Henry II, is born to Edsel and Eleanor. 1918 December 31 - Henry Ford suddenly resigns from the presidency of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel, 25, is elected to the role the next day, and assumes the presidency on New Year's Day, 1919.   1919 July 20 – A second Ford grandchild, Benson, is born to Edsel and Eleanor.   1923 The Fords begin to revive traditional music and dance of their youth. They hire an instructor (Benjamin Lovett) to teach traditional dance in Dearborn.   July 7 – Edsel and Eleanor have their third child, Josephine. 1925 March 14 – Edsel and Eleanor’s fourth child, William Clay, is born. 1927 Clara Ford became president of Women’s National Farm and Garden Association and Garden Club of America.   May 26 - The 15 millionth Model T ceremoniously rolls off the assembly line at Highland Park as Henry and Edsel pose for the cameras. 1943 May 26- FMC President Edsel Ford dies of stomach cancer at the age of 49.June 1 - Henry Ford is re-elected president of Ford Motor Co. at age 79. Eleanor is elected to the board. August- Henry Ford II is released from the Navy to help run the company.     1945 Early 1945 - Ford suffers a debilitating stroke while on a trip to Richmond Hill, his estate in Georgia.   September 21 – Henry Ford II is named president of Ford Motor Company. 1947 April 7 - Henry Ford dies at Fair Lane at age 83 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. 1950 September 29 – Clara Bryant Ford dies of heart failure at Henry Ford Hospital at age 84. 1951 March 5 – Ford Motor Company buys Fair Lane from the Ford heirs. 1953 May 7 – Ford Motor Company Archives dedicated at Fair Lane by Eleanor Ford and her sons. 1956 December– Ford Motor Company donates 210 acres of Fair Lane and $6.5 million to the University of Michigan to be developed as a Dearborn campus. The home becomes a conference center and historic site open for tours. 1958 February 18 – Fair Lane listed on the State of Michigan’s Historic Register. 1966 November 13 - Fair Lane listed on the National Register of Historic Places and also recognized as a National Historic Landmark . 2013 June 29 – The Main Residence, Power House, Potting Shed and Greenhouse, Boathouse, collections and related items as well as 17.1 acres are transferred to the newly formed Henry Ford Estate, Inc.          

    Your engagement photos should be a fun, less formal precursor to your wedding day photos. An an engagement photoshoot is an opportunity to capture your relationship during one of the most special times. And, as with most prewedding events, picking an outfit is an important component. Since you'll likely use these photos for save-the-dates, wedding day programs or even invitations, you'll want to look your best. Any important photo op comes with a lot of pressure—choosing what to wear for your engagement photos shouldn't be one of them.     What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos   When it comes to choosing engagement photo outfits, your personal taste is a key factor. The outfits you choose help set the mood of your engagement photos, so wear pieces that feel like you. If you aren't into dresses or suits, don't feel pressured to wear a formal outfit because that's what you think you have to wear. Instead, choose something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. You can wear coordinating wedding-worthy white ensembles, or go for something that feels trendy and modern. What matters most, though, is that you plan your outfits ahead of time so you aren't scrambling to find pieces that go together on the day of.   Seasonality and location can help you decide what to wear for your engagement photos (read: you might want to avoid stilettos on the beach or bare arms in the snow). Comfort is key, so wear warmer outfits with rich colors and texture in the winter, especially if you'll be outside. Brighter, more casual outfits may be better suited for spring or summer engagement photos. Keep in mind that bolder colors will give your photos an instant celebratory feel, and are perfectly appropriate in most settings. If you're sporting prints, make sure they're big enough to show up on camera, but not too flashy—you don't want to get lost in an oversized print.   What matters most is that your engagement photo outfits feel representative of you and your S.O. Don't be afraid to express your personal style. Remember that the more confident you feel, the better your photos will turn out. To help you determine what to wear for your engagement photos, we've outlined the best outfit ideas for each season. Find the best engagement photo dresses and outfits that you can shop right now to prep for your moment on camera. See our best engagement photo outfit ideas below, along with our top tips to make sure you love your look.     Engagement Photo Outfits for Fall and Winter   If you're planning engagement photo outfits for fall or winter, don't let chilly air or unpredictable weather keep you from looking stylish. Since temperatures tend to dip during fall and winter, longer sleeves, layers and knits are trusty choices. For outdoor photoshoots, consider a color palette that works with your surroundings. Rich oranges, reds and jewel tones all work for this season, especially if you're in a region where the leaves change color.   Keep in mind that statement accessories shouldn't compete with your outfits, so if you're going with a bold pattern, keep the rest of your accessories neutral. Whether you're rocking a sharp cocktail dress and suit or a glitzy New Year's Eve-inspired ensemble, this is the perfect season for you and your fiancé to get a little bit festive. Check out some of our favorite fall and winter engagement photos outfits below.   For casual engagement photos in the fall, wear a cozy sweater dress. This neutral camel shade is perfect for autumn—plus, cowl necks are a major trend. We recommend pairing this engagement photo dress with tall boots and gold accessories.     Engagement Photo Outfits for Spring and Summer   Weddings are in the air during these sunny seasons. Spring and summer are also great times to shoot your engagement photos, especially if you want a beachy backdrop or a cloudless, bright setting. If you're opting for the great outdoors, comfortable shoes, breathable fabrics (like cotton and linen) and shorter hemlines are a must. Whether you like to sport vibrant prints or breezy nautical looks, spring and summer engagement photos are the perfect chance to show off your casual-chic style. From cotton frocks to pastel suits, we've rounded up our favorite engagement photo dresses and outfits for spring and summer. Browse the styles below, and snag your favorite look on the spot.   There's no season like spring to break out a cheerful color palette when deciding what to wear for engagement photos. For a no-fail take on this trend, choose a cooler pastel like this blue linen suit. Not only will your outfit be super comfortable to wear for an extended period of time, it'll show off your impeccable sense of style.    

    Milliken State Park - Detroit, MI     As the first urban state park in Michigan, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor provides a 31-acre green oasis in the midst of downtown Detroit.   The first phase of the park - the harbor - opened to the public in 2004 and offers several covered picnic areas, shoreline fishing and a 52-slip harbor. A 63-foot light tower that is a scaled down replica of the Tawas Point lighthouse marks the harbor entrance.   The second phase of the park opened on December 1, 2009 and includes a wetlands demonstration area that shows how wetlands act as nature's water filtration system. Interpretative signs explain how the wetland naturally cleans the water and then returns it to the Detroit River as clean water - without going to a wastewater treatment plant.   The RiverWalk passes through the park in the area closest to the Detroit River, along fishing platforms and a memorial to Peter Stroh, a noted conservationist who was a tireless advocate for the opening Detroit's waterfront the public.  A bike path laces through the other side of the wetland, linking the park to Atwater Street or back to Rivard Plaza.          

    Cranbrook House and Garden - Bloomfield Hills, MI     Incredible vistas at every turn, the relaxing melody of water streaming out of several iconic fountains, the comforting smell of flowers in one of the many remarkable gardens, the feeling of history and architectural wonder all around you…just a taste of what awaits at Cranbrook House and Gardens, located at the heart of the Cranbrook Educational Community, a National Historic Landmark. From spring through fall, guests can tour the former estate of Cranbrook's founders, George and Ellen Booth, and the beautiful 40 acres of gardens that surround it; both maintained brilliantly by an incredible non-profit, volunteer run organization, Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary. Cranbrook House and Gardens, the oldest surviving manor home in the metro-Detroit area, also offers special events throughout the year.   From spring through fall, guests can tour the oldest manor home in metro-Detroit and the beautiful 40 acres of gardens that surround it; both maintained brilliantly by a non-profit, volunteer run organization, Cranbrook House and Gardens Auxiliary.Cranbrook House and Gardens are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days a week. It is free to visit and walk around through October 31st.         

    Independence Oaks County Park - Clarkston, MI     Independence Oaks is the largest Oakland County Park at 1,286 acres. The Wint Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, interpretive programs and Scout Badge Days. Camp Wilderness, a youth group overnight camping area, features platform tents and a modern bathhouse. Recreation amenities include: 12+ miles of natural and paved trails; a swimming beach; archery range; volleyball courts; boat launch (non-motorized boats); and rowboat, canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals. In winter, snowshoe equipment is available for rent on weekends. Twin Chimney Shelter provides a sweeping view of 68-acre Crooked Lake and is popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. Independence Oaks-North is the only Southeast Michigan park with a Catch and Release Special Designation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Anglers can portage and launch canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized boats. No vehicular boat launch is provided. Independence Oaks-North is open for archery deer hunting in the fall.   The park encompasses rolling hills, wooded ravines, the headwaters of the Clinton River, and a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer. But the centerpiece is Crooked Lake, a 68-acre lake with crystal-clear water that is free from the buzz of motorboats and jet skis.The park has a 14-mile network of trails with most of it in a rugged, undeveloped area on the west side of the lake. Here Springlake Loop, Ted Gray Loop and a portion of Lakeshore Loop can be combined to make a 3-mile loop that begins near the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center and leads you across the park’s highest ridges and along Crooked Lake. Cutting across the loop are several connector trails that allow you to shorten the hike.On the east side of the lake are the paved trails that are popular with inline skaters. They include the River Loop, a paved 2.2-mile loop that includes a stretch through the Clinton River Flood Plain Natural Area, a wetland area, and the All-Visitors Loop that leads to an observation deck on Crooked Lake.          

    Riverside Park - Ypsilanti, MI     Riverside is a 16 acre park on the Huron River in the center of Ypsilanti, linking downtown and Depot Town. It is the home to various annual events, such as the Heritage Festival, ElvisFest, Michigan Summer Beer Festival, and several automotive events.  Between these events, it hosts activities such as bicycling, dog walking, picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing. The park is part of the Washtenaw County Border to Border Trail as well as part of the Huron River Water Trail.       Riverside Park is a popular launch and landing for the Huron River. For land-based adventure, jump on the Border to Border Trail , a shared-use hike and bike path stretching across Washtenaw County.          

    Columbia St. Between Woodward + Park     Columbia Street, a mixture of 10 retail stores and restaurants set on the ground floor of the historic Fox Theatre and Office Building and the upcoming world headquarters for Little Caesars Pizza, this year. The European-style street is located between Woodward and Park avenues.   Columbia Street is one of five neighborhoods within The District Detroit, a 50-block area that spans downtown and Midtown and includes Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the upcoming Mike Ilitch School of Business building at Wayne State University (opening in the spring at the southwest corner of Woodward and Temple Street).       The District Detroit’s Columbia Street is set to be the city’s latest retail destination bringing new restaurants and shops to serve Tigers fans and many others west of Woodward between the historic Fox Theatre and the new, nine-story Little Caesars headquarters expansion. The block-long, pedestrian-friendly strip will have ten new storefronts in one of The District Detroit’s busiest areas. Columbia Street is bringing nearly 40,000 square feet of new retail and will feature a variety of dining options among several restaurants as well as a European-style promenade boasting Cobblestone paving, festoon lights and al fresco dining space.          

    The engagement shoot has become a fundamental part of the pre-wedding activities, allowing the perfect opportunity to celebrate your happy news and capture your love before the big day. Many wedding photographers offer this service, with many incorporating the engagement shoot into their wedding packages. Not only does this give you practice in front of the camera, but it also allows you to get to know your photographer and find familiarity in his/her working style. I have photographed many engagement shoots. All of them have said how much they enjoyed themselves and that they loved their pictures, but most importantly they were totally relaxed with my presence at their wedding. The result… fantastic, natural pictures of those special moments.   What Comes With a Wedding Photography Package   The key to a successful engagement shoot is that the couple lets loose and has fun. You may find yourself rather nervous at the beginning of the shoot, but at the end you'll come away saying that you had fun. If you’re thinking of arranging an engagement shoot or if it has already been booked, here are the key questions and answers to prepare you.     What happens during an engagement shoot?   I will guide you through various poses and shots that put you at ease and perfectly display your love for one another. An engagement shoot should be relaxed, natural and fuss-free, so casual clothes that reflect your respective personalities will work well. Wear comfortable, casual clothes whatever makes you feel nice. Pastel colors often make for a nice picture, but you have your own style so be who you are.      What are the best locations for an engagement shoot?   From windswept hillsides to a place that is dear to your heart, the location of your engagement shoot will put your love story in to context. Choose somewhere that is personal to you as a couple, somewhere that has had a part to play in your romance.     How long does an engagement shoot last?   The length of your engagement shoot will depend on how many shots you want to capture. Usually a couple of hour is fine and although any time of the day is good with me, I much prefer to capture the couple 30 minutes before sunset so that I have that golden hour to play with and the light is just magical.       When will you receive the finished photos?   Most engagement shoot images take just a couple of days to process, allowing you plenty of time to share the results with your friends and family before the wedding.  

  Having a collection of photos and wedding video footage from your ceremony and reception is something many couples feel is priceless. But, like all vendors, wedding videographers and photographers can come with a hefty price tag, leading plenty of others to wonder if these services are really worth it.   So do you need both? If you can only choose one, who do you hire? A wedding videographer and photographer serve totally different purposes. Here, we clear up just what’s included in wedding videography and photography packages, so you can make the best decision for you and your SO.   What Comes With a Wedding Photography Package   Most couples know the value of hiring a photographer to capture their wedding day and often decide on one soon after becoming engaged. It’s easy to fall in love with a photographer for his or her aesthetic, but what do they provide aside from pretty pictures? Standard photography packages include:   An Engagement Session   Engagement sessions are not only great for supplying you with photos you can use on your website and in your guest book, but also for getting to know your photographer. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera. Most photographers include engagement sessions with even the most basic packages. However, you can always choose to forgo an engagement session and can often swap it for other services, such as additional hours of coverage or photos at another wedding event.   8 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage   This usually gives your photographer enough time to capture moments from the end of the getting-ready process to the early moments of the reception, such as the first dance and cutting of the cake. But if you want your photographer present from the moment you wake up all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, to the moment you make your grand exit, you may need to tack on a few more hours of coverage.   A Second Shooter   Most wedding photographers will enlist the help of a second shooter on your wedding day, someone to be with the groom and his groomsmen while the photographer is with the bride and her bridesmaids, or vice versa. This photographer will not only shoot different elements of the day, but also capture it from a different angle. Second shooters are typically included in standard photography packages, but could fall under a higher-tier package or be an additional service.   Additional Services: Rehearsal dinner photos Extra hours of coverage Wedding album and/or guest book Photo prints Travel Your photographer can also be a great resource to recommend a videographer. If you love your photographer’s style and get along well with him or her, the odds are good that you will also get along well with any videographer they recommend, and love their aesthetic as well. Plus, if you decide to hire both a wedding videographer and photographer, it’s important that they vibe, since they will have to work very closely on the wedding day. For some great ideas, see our guide on wedding photo shoot ideas.   What Comes With a Wedding Videography Package   Wedding videography packages can vary greatly in both what you get and what you pay for, so it is important to do your research and ask questions to find the vendor and package that best suits your style and budget. The more hours of coverage, individual videos, editing, and camera operators, the more expensive the package. Standard videography packages include:   4 to 8 Hours of Coverage   Similar to a photographer, a videographer will show up early on the day of your wedding to capture all the feels, from the first look to the final toast. However, you can also ask for a la carte services, such as ceremony or reception-only coverage.   A Highlight Reel   Your videographer will go through all those hours of footage to select and trim the magic moments and turn them into a short, cinematic-like trailer, sometimes called a teaser, for your easy viewing. This is the video you’ll likely share on social media, as it’s typically under 10 minutes.   A Full-Length Film   In addition to a quick highlight reel, your videographer will provide you with a longer film that includes all of the moments that mean the most. Depending on the vendor, this can vary in length and be anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. Be sure to ask how you will receive the video. Will it be on a DVD, USB drive, or online platform such as Vimeo?   Additional Services: Save-the-date videos Extended videos or video clips Raw footage Drone footage Extra hours of coverage Travel Music (Most people don’t know that you have to purchase the copyrights to certain songs to include them in your videos. Your videographer may factor this into your initial quote, however, if you request specific songs, they will likely come at an additional charge. If the music is important to you, be sure to ask about this during your consultation.)   You Should Hire a Wedding Videographer If…   Now that you know what’s included in both wedding videography and photography packages, you probably have a better idea of what service is right for you. But if you’re still on the fence, consider hiring a wedding videographer if...   You Write Your Own Vows   Whether you write your own or opt for traditional ones, the vows you make on your wedding day are extremely meaningful. And there’s no better way to encapsulate the emotions and words you and your spouse exchange than with video. The memory may grow dim in your mind, but will always be fresh and just as poignant on video. You Appreciate Candid Moments While your photographer will no doubt do a good job of capturing family portraits, beautiful details, and plenty of posed photos of you and your SO, they are often focused on getting “the shot.” While they are busy making sure every element of your wedding day is caught on camera, a videographer can capture everything in between. The film is almost always rolling, which means they won’t miss a tear shed here or a jaw-drop there. So, if you’re a sucker for good facial expressions and expect a lot of emotion from everyone involved, you may want to strongly consider a wedding videographer.   You Expect a Killer Dance Party   So, you like to dance? Looking back at what is sure to be an epic dance party will only bring a smile to your face. Record those favorite songs and memorable moves by hiring a videographer who will watch from the sidelines. You won’t be sorry you caught your fun aunt doing the limbo or the moment all your friends raised you both up on chairs.     You Want to Remember the Speeches   It’s a rarity to receive heartfelt sentiments and favorite memories from the people who mean the most to you. Your parents, maid of honor, and best man will spend a lot of time curating special and/or funny words and stories to share about you and your soon-to-be spouse. If you want to be able to look back on the things they said and cherish their words, be sure to hire a videographer to capture the speeches on film.   You Have Special Surprises Planned   Will there be fireworks at your wedding? Is your first dance choreographed? Did you or your fiancé plan a special surprise for the other? These are moments you will love having on video, so that you can relive them over and over again.   You’re Sentimental   When you’re celebrating 20, 30, and 50 years of marriage, will you love playing your video back and reminiscing on your wedding day? When you have kids, and maybe even grandkids, will you look forward to sharing it with them? If the answer is yes, you will be glad you invested in a wedding videographer to record this most special day.   You Have the Budget   It’s no secret that every additional vendor comes at an additional cost. So while the budget shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when deciding whether or not to hire a videographer, it is important. If you’ve said “yes” to all of the other reasons to hire a videographer, and have the funds, it’s time to sign on the dotted line. If the price is the only issue, shop around and consider asking for reduced services to lock in a rate that works for you while still getting the footage you want. Keep in mind that videographers in places like New York City are going to be more expensive than those in rural areas. Newer videographers may make up for what they lack in experience with talent and will be much more affordable than seasoned pros.   Ultimately, if the sounds, movements, and visuals of your wedding day are important to you, you should strongly consider hiring both a wedding videographer and a photographer. While it may sound expensive now, you will likely deem these memories priceless in the future.

   Planning a wedding is a huge investment—leaving couples torn on whether it’s worth it. Weddings these days average well over $30,000, and the guest count? It may be dropping slowly, but most couples still celebrate with nearly 150 of their friends and family members (which doesn’t really merit the "nearest and dearest” descriptor). You and your partner may have joked about eloping, but if you know you can’t bring yourselves to buck all tradition, there’s another option: a micro wedding.      What Is a Micro Wedding?   A micro wedding is an intimate affair, typically with no more than 50 guests. They still feature time-honored traditions that make a wedding but on a much smaller scale. Whether your wedding is big or small, it’s easier to find a venue and then tailor your guest list to fit, instead of inviting everyone and then realizing you can’t find the right space. "If it’s your favorite restaurant, for example, find out the capacity of their private dining room, then cut down your guest list until there is space for everyone at the table,” Lee advises. No matter how small your wedding is hire a photographer. You’ll want to document this day, no matter what,” says Lee. But that doesn’t mean you need an eight to 10-hour package and a second shooter. "A smaller guest list also means a smaller shot list.      For small or intimate weddings we offer the same unique style we produce for full-day weddings, the only difference is, you choose how long you want us around. Having captured 10+ micro weddings in 2020 (thanks to that little C-word), we have found two hours is enough to capture the ceremony, a set of family images and a mini portrait session for you both. However, you can expand this to cover your preparation and any reception or party. Available is tight for weekend dates as we have a nearly fully booked schedule, that said, we have a much more flexible schedule for short-notice midweek weddings.  

      WEDDING PACKAGES   Options: We offer several options in photography and videography packages. We also provide additional add-on such as photo books and digital e-vites which are digital invitations for your special day.       PHOTOGRAPHY   Elite: The photography of activities relating to weddings. It encompasses photographs of the couple before marriage as well as coverage of the wedding and reception. It is a major commercial endeavor that supports the bulk of the efforts for many photography studios or independent photographers. Our Elite Package includes 8 hours of Coverage, up to 500 photos to choose from, 72 hours turn around, unlimited poses, however it DOES NOT INCLUDE PRINTS. You also will receive a FREE 2 hour ENGAGEMENT SESSION. That provides 2 hours of Photography coverage, 50+ photos to choose from within 48 Hour turn around time.     Unique: The photography of activities relating to weddings. It encompasses photographs of the couple before marriage as well as coverage of the wedding and reception. It is a major commercial endeavor that supports the bulk of the efforts for many photography studios or independent photographers. Our Unique Package includes 4 hours of Coverage, up to 250 photos to choose from, 72 hours turn around, unlimited poses, however it DOES NOT INCLUDE PRINTS.     Starter: The photography of activities relating to weddings. It encompasses photographs of the couple before marriage as well as coverage of the wedding and reception. It is a major commercial endeavor that supports the bulk of the efforts for many photography studios or independent photographers. Our Unique Package includes 1 hours of Coverage, up to 50 photos to choose from, 48 hours turn around, unlimited poses, however it DOES NOT INCLUDE PRINTS.       VIDEOGRAPHY      Unique: Wedding videography is a video production that documents a wedding on video. The final product of the videographer's documentation is commonly called a wedding video. It is also referred to as a wedding movie, or a wedding film. Our Unique Package includes 4 hour of Coverage, you will receive a 5 min Highlight of days events. All highlight videos are returned within 72 Hours. All Video Packages include Multi Cinema Quality HD Camera Coverage, wireless Mics to capture all audio if requested, video delivered in beautiful digital HD 1080p. Starter Package can be added to other package for additional time needed.      Starter: Wedding videography is a video production that documents a wedding on video. The final product of the videographer's documentation is commonly called a wedding video. It is also referred to as a wedding movie, or a wedding film. Our Starter Package includes 1 hour of Coverage, you will receive a 1 min Highlight of days events. All highlight videos are returned within 48 Hours. All Video Packages include Multi Cinema Quality HD Camera Coverage, wireless Mics to capture all audio if requested, video delivered in beautiful digital HD 1080p. Starter Package can be added to other package for additional time needed.       PHOTO BOOKS     Unique: You will receive a 11 x 7.5 Layflat photo book. This includes up to 15 pages, 40 photos total, with 10 full page large photos. Additional pages can be purchased. Your photos capture all the magical moments of your life. Put those photos in print with a custom photo book to tell your story. Our customers know that custom photo albums make the perfect keepsake. Choose from 2 binding types for a book cover that fits your style: Hardcover & Layflat. Photo books are perfectly bound with adhesive, while Layflat photo books have a flex bind so your pages lay flat when open. Your photos are printed on acid-free, archival-quality text paper. The semi-gloss paper lets your memories really shine on the page. Hardcover photo books can include up to 150 pages. Layflat books can include up to 70 pages.     DIGITAL E-VITES    Pro tip: Announce your big day in a big way. Our wedding invitations come with white envelopes. Fit all the details of your choice. Add engagement photos, a website URL & more.  

    Availability   Is my wedding date available? Will you be the one shooting my wedding? If not, can I meet the photographer who will be on-site?   Pro tip: If your photographer is the owner of his or her business, and does not have a studio with other photographers in it, they will be the person shooting your wedding. If they are the owner of a larger studio and employ other photographers, make sure you meet whoever will be shooting your wedding before your wedding day—and try to have them included in the rest of this conversation.   How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend? Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?   Pro tip: Some photographers always work with an assistant, while others determine if they need one based on the size of your event. If they do not always work with an assistant, adding an assistant or second photographer to your contract will most likely incur an additional fee.     Background Check   How long have you been shooting weddings? How many weddings have you photographed? Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning? Can we see the full galleries of a few of your recent weddings?   Pro tip: Unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery will give you a better sense of your photographer’s style, as well as his or her attention to detail. Make sure these are from weddings they’ve shot in the past few months so they’re an accurate representation.   Have you ever shot a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?   Pro tip: If possible, your photographer should visit the venue in advance to scout locations, familiarize him- or herself with the layout and lighting, and determine any restrictions from the venue (like a church that does not allow flash photography).   Have you ever worked with our planner? Videographer? DJ?   Pro tip: It’s not a must, but it’s always nice to have vendors who are comfortable working with one another.       Style    How would you describe your? What would you compare your work to? How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or do you like to be more visible and take charge to choreograph images? Do you shoot digitally? With film? Or both?   Pro tip: The medium doesn’t determine how good your photographer is, but it will have an impact on the style of photography you get. Look at both digital and film work to get a feel for which style you prefer. If you are unfamiliar with the lingo surrounding photography styles, ask your photographer to make comparisons to things like magazine spreads, sports photography, artists, etc.       Pricing and Packages   What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include? Can I customize a package to fit my needs?   Pro tip: Many photographers offer add-ons, from engagement sessions to albums, that will allow you to get the coverage that works best for you.   Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners? How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?   Pro tip: If your photographer’s base package is six hours, you may want to add some extra time so they can capture getting ready shots, or stay until after dinner to get some pictures of everyone dancing before they go home.   Do you offer a photo booth? Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge? Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?   Pro tip: Most photographers have a radius outside of which they charge a travel fee. Over a certain distance, you may be required to pay for your photographer’s lodging, as well.       Prints and Albums   Can we order prints or albums directly from you? What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album? Are albums or prints included in your packages? How many pages or prints are included, and what is the turnaround time? How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered? Will we have the rights to the images? Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that? Will the images be accessible online? For how long?      Logistics   When will we receive the contract? How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due? Do you accept payments in installations? What is your refund or cancellation policy? Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well? Do you carry backup equipment?   Pro tip: In the event that a camera gets damaged, you definitely want your photographer to have a backup on-hand.   What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?   Pro tip: Check the contract, which should specify that a photographer of equal quality and comparable style will be sourced by the photographer you hire.   How will you and your assistants be dressed?   Pro tip: You can request that your photographers mimic the dress code as closely as possible, though keep in mind that they’ll be moving around a lot throughout the day. So if they’re in a black suit instead of a tux, or a cocktail dress and flats instead of a ballgown, that’s why.   Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?   Pro tip: There’s no way to specify every single image you’d like throughout the day, but most photographers love getting a list of family photos you want to have (including specific pairings of people), as well as the event’s key moments. Make sure they know you’ve got a choreographed first dance or a surprise groom cake so they don’t miss the details.   Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?   Pro tip: If you’re conscious about privacy, you can definitely request that your photographer keep your photos to him- or herself. On the other hand, if you definitely want your images submitted, tell your photographer in advance  

       So you’ve gotten engaged?! Congrats! This is such an exciting moment in your life leading up to the start of your new journey with your significant other… But it would be unfair if I didn’t mention that it is also stressful. I wish I could sugar coat that for you but­ even if you hire a Wedding Planner, you have a lot to do!   Sure, you could easily go find a bridal magazine or hunt through Pinterest for a timeline of when you should be doing what… We went through sources found a trend of inconsistent timelines. So, instead of doing all that research yourself, we did it for you.        Book at least 9 months before wedding  By this time, you’ll have already picked your venue, a theme/color scheme, an idea of a guest list, and a basic timeline of your wedding day. This is all useful to your Photographer because…   Once the venue(s) is set your Photographer can look up the locations to see where they can get the best photos of you, your significant other & loved ones You will know who you will really want photos with, out of town family or friends, etc.  (Add to your shot list!) The general timeline is useful so whether you are having a mix of traditions or unique wedding events, you can be sure your Photographer won’t miss a thing and capture all of your special moments     Note: Of course if you’re ahead of the game, booking earlier doesn’t hurt! It ensures your booking date, engagement sessions and more.      

      Northport is situated near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. It is a picture-perfect town on the water with unique shops, galleries and restaurants. Be sure to bring your camera and your fishing pole when you come to visit. With over 100,000 votes, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" on ABC's Good Morning America. A vacation destination for all seasons.   The cherry industry that is prevalent in Northport today had just begun in 1853 on Reverend Smith's farm. Farmers began producing cherries so much within those first few years that cherries were being shipped to nearby cities for their markets. The cherry industry in Northport and Leelanau County remains one of the largest in the world.  

      Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Maine, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population is 5,235. Bar Harbor is a popular tourist destination in the Down East region of Maine and home to the College of the Atlantic, Jackson Laboratory, and MDI Biological Laboratory (Salisbury Cove village). Until a catastrophic fire in 1947, the town was a noted summer colony for the wealthy. Bar Harbor is home to the largest parts of Acadia National Park, including Cadillac Mountain, the highest point within twenty-five miles (40 km) of the coastline of the Eastern United States.[5] The town is served by the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, which provides year-round direct flights to Boston, Massachusetts.   Bar Harbor is a town on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. It serves as a gateway to the mountains and cliffs of neighboring Acadia National Park. Towering over the park, Cadillac Mountain has trails and views of the town, the bay and the Cranberry Islands. Sand Beach is ringed by mountains. From the town pier, the Shore Path winds along the bay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Porcupine Islands.                    Acadia National Park is an American national park located in the state of Maine, southwest of Bar Harbor. The park preserves about half of Mount Desert Island, many adjacent smaller islands, and part of the Schoodic Peninsula on the coast of Maine. Acadia was initially designated Sieur de Monts National Monument by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. Sieur de Monts was renamed and redesignated Lafayette National Park by Congress in 1919—the first national park in the United States east of the Mississippi River and the only one in the Northeastern United States. The park was renamed Acadia National Park in 1929. More than 3.4 million people visited the park in 2019.   Acadia National Park is a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island. Its landscape is marked by woodland, rocky beaches and glacier-scoured granite peaks such as Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the United States’ East Coast. Among the wildlife are moose, bear, whales and seabirds. The bayside town of Bar Harbor, with restaurants and shops, is a popular gateway.    

    Providing the perfect sound for your perfect evening. Anniversaries / Birthday Parties / Block Parties / Open House/ Graduations / Receptions and Reunions     Ph - (734) 709-2966 Em - biggriff72@gmail.com FB - Mellosmoothe Entertainment LLC                   FIVE TOP REASON YOU NEED A DJ....      1.     MASTER IN READING THE CROWD A DJ fully knows when to play a slow song and when to change it to an upbeat or a punk track. All DJs have an innate ability to read their audience. They can judge the mood of the guests by simply standing in their booths. For instance, a DJ will churn out a faster soundtrack to energize the quiet audience. Moreover, a DJ keeps in mind not only the type of audience but the kind of event he is hired for. And therefore he plays the music accordingly. For kids and birthday party nursery rhymes or fun, chirpy music will most commonly be played. While for a corporate event a DJ will go for more classical tunes to make the event sophisticated and classy.     2.     VARIETY OF MUSIC A band will probably sing their own songs while a playlist will play just one person's favorite songs but a DJ literally has all kinds of soundtracks on the tip of his fingers. A DJ can play a large range of music from country music to pop to hip hop to R&B, soul and what not! Moreover, a DJ knows how to create the transition from one song to another swiftly and take the party to a completely next level. Hence, there wouldn't be any awkward intermissions or pauses between the songs during the entire event.     3.     FULFILLING REQUESTS A DJ knows how to handle a guest's song request. A singer might tell you he can't sing a certain song because he doesn't know the lyrics, but a DJ equipped with thousands of amazing soundtracks will surely fulfill any song request! He can play the song on a guest's request and spin a mix to it by blending it with a different soundtrack to make the party enjoyable and fun.     4.     HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT An amateur band or a singer might not have adequate equipment like a professional DJ does! A DJ has everything to make the event fun, exciting and memorable. He is equipped with turntables, large amplifiers and speakers stack that provide good-quality loud music which your ordinary MP3 player may not be able to do so. Plus, a DJ also has a flexible and reliable mixer that helps him to mix different music together.     5.     PEACE OF MIND Knowing that a big part of you event has already been planned and fully taken care of is priceless. You wouldn't have to worry about the playlist or entertaining the guest. Your DJ will manage it perfectly. So, these are some of the best reasons that should convince you why you need to consider hiring a DJ for your next big event. So, don't think too much and hire us to make your party melodious and oh-so-fun!  

      HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY WEDDING PHOTOS?   Depending on the package you choose will determine when you are likely to get your photos. You will know when you well before you purchase your package will they will be returned to you. If it is peak season ( May- Aug ) then we will be capturing lots of weddings. This should delay your quoted time of return. However, keep in mind we will be away from the computer a lot more during those days.     AVERAGE WAIT TIME FOR WEDDING PHOTOS   The time it takes to get your wedding photos will vary depending on the package, our schedule and also how many photos were taken on the day, if we are there all day from the moment you got ready all the way through to that first dance, then we will have a lot of photos to edit and go through.   Typically it can average anywhere between 1-2 weeks. Of course we will try and get your photos to you as soon as possible, we may even send some sneak peak photos of a selection that have been edited for you to view. However for the full album it can take some time, but it is important to know that what we are doing does take time, and it is always worth the wait.     WHY DO WEDDING PHOTOS TAKE SO LONG TO GET BACK?   Of course the excitement of seeing your beautiful wedding photos makes you impatient and question what the hell we are waiting for. We will have an in-depth article and wedding photography infographic that shows what involved in the process of editing. The fact is we spend more time editing photos than we do capturing them! In summary what you are waiting for is for us to go through hundreds or maybe over thousands of photos binning those test shots, those awful shots, those shots where people have their eyes closed. Then there is the editing, cropping photos, adjusting the colour balance and creating that finished style you hired them for. There is a lot more work to be done once the photos are captured.   If you are having an album created too then this will take additional time too, once the photos have been edited they then need to be ordered and edited down to fit into an album, telling a story of your day and highlighting key moments and have the best selection of photos in there, once done it then needs to be sent away for printing too.     BE PATIENT, IT WILL BE WORTH THE WAIT   You have hired a fantastic wedding photographer, be patient, it will be worth the wait and when you see your photos I am sure there will be smiles, joy, happiness and even some happy tears as all those emotions come back as you relive the best day of your life.  

    Yellowstone - WY, USA   Yellowstone National Park is an American national park located in the western United States, with parts in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It was established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S. and is also widely held to be the first national park in the world. The park is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful geyser, one of its most popular. While it represents many types of biomes, the subalpine forest is the most abundant. It is part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion.         Although Native Americans have lived in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years, aside from visits by mountain men during the early-to-mid-19th century, organized exploration did not begin until the late 1860s. Management and control of the park originally fell under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of the Interior, the first Secretary of the Interior to supervise the park being Columbus Delano. However, the U.S. Army was eventually commissioned to oversee management of Yellowstone for a 30-year period between 1886 and 1916. In 1917, administration of the park was transferred to the National Park Service, which had been created the previous year. Hundreds of structures have been built and are protected for their architectural and historical significance, and researchers have examined more than a thousand archaeological sites.           Grand Teton National Park is an American national park in northwestern Wyoming. At approximately 310,000 acres (480 sq mi; 130,000 ha; 1,300 km2), the park includes the major peaks of the 40-mile-long (64 km) Teton Range as well as most of the northern sections of the valley known as Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is only 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone National Park, to which it is connected by the National Park Service-managed John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Along with surrounding national forests, these three protected areas constitute the almost 18,000,000-acre (7,300,000 ha) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the world's largest intact mid-latitude temperate ecosystems.                

  Marquette, MI, USA   Marquette Michigan is located along beautiful Lake Superior, its wonderful location provides couples with attractions, waterfalls, lighthouses, skiing, the beautiful Presque Isle Park, and tours at Stannard Rock. Great for amazing backdrops.         Home of Northern Michigan University, the Superior Dome, Marquette General, and Presque Isle Park, Marquette Michigan holds many opportunities for the vacationer, student, or career seeker.   The Marquette area has 12 nearby beautiful waterfalls to explore and 6 lighthouses to see including the well known Stannard Rock Lighthouse that is about 45 mile out from Marquette on Lake Superior. Many all season activities in the Marquette area include, snowmobiling, fishing from the boat, shore, or shanty, skiing, camping, biking, hiking, sight seeing, and miles of sandy beaches.                

      Picking out wedding themes can be one of the hardest planning pieces that every couple is faced with. Do you want to go the romantic route, or keep things fresh and modern? Once you pinpoint the theme of your dreams, you can officially move forward with the rest of your wedding plans. But, if you're still on the fence about which direction you want to go, we rounded up the best wedding themes for any style and venue, no matter how unique. Use this as a comparative guide to finally cross this major decision off your planning checklist and set the tone for your big day.      ROMANTIC   Soft hues, delicate lighting, and plenty of florals typically make up a romantic wedding. For this theme, envision pastels, hanging lights (even chandeliers), calligraphy, and a flower wall.            ALTERNATIVE     More of an offbeat couple who's never been one to take the normal route? We get you. Buck tradition with an alternative wedding theme, and roll with it however you see fit. If cool, moody color palettes and creative stand-ins match your style better than bright floral and been-there-done-that wedding décor, then an alternative theme has your name written all over it. Push the boundaries as much as you want.            MODERN      For a modern wedding, think clean lines, geometric shapes, and minimal design. A modern theme knows few bounds, so channel it however you see fit. Put a modern spinon anything, from your wedding dress (take a break from white) to your venue decorations, like sleek seats, a cool structural backdrop, or a bold color scheme. We also asked top wedding planners for their trend predictions, so stay up to date with their ideas, like greenery and cream balloons.           FORMAL/TRADITIONAL    Considering a black tie wedding? If you envision you and your guests dressing to the nines, your overall theme will have to match accordingly. For nuptials this grandiose, you'll want to pull out all the stops and include complete table settings (wine glasses and all) with a full sit-down dinner, posh seating, ornate flower arrangements (even on the cake), and an exquisite head table, just to name a few formalities.           ECO-FRIENDLY/NATURAL    Just because you want to be mindful of the environment (as we all should be) at your wedding, doesn't mean you have to skimp out on the little things. You can use biodegradable confetti as an alternative to rice for your grand exit, plants instead of flowers as table décor, and invitations printed on recycled paper. If the weather allows, choose an outdoor venue to cut back on energy from lighting.  

  Gratiot and Grand, Detroit, MI 48226   Named for its physical orientation in a former downtown garment district, The Belt is a culturally redefined alley in the heart of downtown Detroit. The public space is home to murals and installations by local, national and international artists. The Belt hosts these hot spots: Standby, The Skip and Deluxx Fluxx.           Public Matter is a fully accessible exhibition platform located within The Belt in downtown Detroit. Public Matter features rotating exhibitions of framed paintings by the most recognized and celebrated names in contemporary art, with a focus on those artists who have developed their skills and visual art in public spaces.    

  1260 Remembrance Rd. Montréal | QC H3H 1A2   This 761-foot hill from which Montreal got its name is the largest of the city's parks. Towering over central Montreal (and accessible from the Green Line's Peel métro station or the Orange Line's Mont-Royal métro station), Parc du Mont-Royal is frequented by joggers, picnickers, dog walkers and bicyclists throughout the year. During the warmer months, you can rent row boats to take on the park's Lac des Castors (Beaver Lake), while the Chalet du Mont-Royal offers breathtaking park and city views any time of year. Also, be sure to stop by the Croix du Mont-Royal (Mont-Royal Cross), or the park's two cemeteries (one English and one French).         Recent visitors highly recommended walking up the stairs to the top of the hill for an unbeatable view of the city, but reviewers also warned it's a steep trek. You can visit the Parc du Mont-Royal for free from sunrise to sunset. There are several eateries on-site as well as a gift shop.        

      4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Twp, MI 48316     Scenic 4,461 acre park with hilly terrain is enhanced by the beautiful 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. Nature Center, picnicking, swimming, disc (Frisbee) golf course, boat launch and fitness trail. Ice skating, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowboarding and x-country skiing. Paddleboats, kayaks, rowboats, bicycle and canoe rentals. 6,921 yard, 18 hole, par 72 public golf course. Fishing pier accessible to the physically challenged. A paved 6.2 mile Hike-Bike trail. Over 10 miles of paved roadway provide scenic drives in all seasons and the fall color is particularly beautiful. Our golf course is a certified member of the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program.        

  800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI    Smack in the heart of downtown, off Woodward Avenue, Campus Martius is a lively urban park with tons of spots to sneak away for a photo session: There's an outdoor skating rink in the winter, a "beach" in the summer, gardens, green spaces, cafes, monuments, and more.   Campus Martius Park is a great place to visit whether during a festival or event or just to take time and have lunch or sit with friends and talk. We especially like going ice skating there during the winter months. Whether during the day or in the evening the place is decorated in a lively and holiday fashion. The lines to rent ice skates usually move along quickly. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time.           From a historical point of view this crossroads has had its share of historical events which include the mustering of Union Troops, having them sign up and ship off to the east during the Civil War. There is a large monument commemorating the end of the Civil War and celebrating the heroes in all the departments of the military. It is quite impressive and should not be missed. It is one of those places that gives an immediate connection to the past while making room for a view of the future.      

 James Scott Memorial Fountain   Belle Isle, Detroit Mi    Belle Isle, Detroit's own version of Central Park, certainly does not lack in photogenic backdrops, which is why the nearly 1,000-acre island is a popular location for engagement photos. This historic white-marble monument is one of the island's many beautiful landmarks.           The James Scott Memorial Fountain is a monument located in Belle Isle Park, in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert and sculptor Herbert Adams, the fountain was completed in 1925 at a cost of $500,000. The lower bowl has a diameter of 510 ft and the central spray reaches 125 ft. The fountain honors the controversial James Scott, who left $200,000 to the City of Detroit for a fountain in tribute to himself.    The Belle Isle Casino is one of the first structures built on Belle Isle after it became a park, opening in June 1887. There was no gambling in this type of casino, which relies more on the traditional definition of the word, meaning a building used for meetings, entertainment, dancing and the like. The city’s first stab at a casino was designed by the firm Donaldson & Meier, and offered Detroiters a place to rest, grab a bite to eat or seek shelter from nasty weather. However, it was made entirely of wood, and after only two decades, was already showing its age. With the city’s fortunes and population both swelling, a decision was made to build a new, larger casino nearby.         The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is an exotic and rare collection of plants from around the world. It is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States and is divided into five distinct sections: the Palm House, the Tropical House, the Cactus House, a sunken Fernery, and the Show House. The Conservatory occupies a 13-acre parcel of land shared by the formal gardens and the Lily Pond. On the grounds is the Levi Barbour Memorial Fountain designed by Marshall Fredericks, a Japanese Tohro donated to Detroit in 1985 by the city of Toyota, Japan, and the Peacock Sundial erected in 1927.      

  northeast of the city's downtown and is bordered on the south by Gratiot Avenue, the north by Mack Avenue, the east by St. Aubin Street, and the west by Interstate 75 (I-75, Chrysler Freeway).         For more than 150 years, Eastern Market has served as a cultural nucleus for the city -- a center for food, festivals, shops, restaurants and public art. But the latter has taken on international importance in recent years, as the annual Murals in the Market street art festival draws artists from around the world to adorn the market's walls with their work. The works range from sweeping floral designs to statements on cultural issues. The murals change each year in September.       The district was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978; the district's boundary was increased in 2007. The Eastern Market is located on the city's central east side near St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church and the Lafayette Park neighborhood. The market was transferred from city management in 2006, and now operates through a public-private partnership with the Eastern Market Corporation. Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States, and the Eastern Market farmer's distribution center is the largest open-air flowerbed market in the United States and has more than 150 foods and specialty businesses. On Saturdays, about 45,000 people shop the city's historic Eastern Market.                    

    5200 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48202     Fittingly, the city's "temple of art" is itself a stunning architectural work of beauty. There are a number of photo-op locations here, unfortunately you are not allowed to have photos inside. With that said, the outside of The Dia provides amazing backdrops with the stairs and entrance doorways.   Founded in 1885, the museum was originally located on Jefferson Avenue, but, due to its rapidly expanding collection, moved to the current site on Woodward Avenue in 1927. The Beaux-Arts building, designed by Paul Cret, was immediately referred to as the "temple of art." Two wings were added in the 1960s and 1970s, and a major renovation and expansion that began in 1999 was completed in 2007. The museum covers 658,000 square feet that includes more than 100 galleries, a 1,150-seat auditorium, a 380-seat lecture/recital hall, an art reference library, and a state-of-the-art conservation services laboratory.           The DIA's collection is among the top six in the United States, with more than 65,000 works. The foundation was laid by William Valentiner, who was director from 1924 to 1945 and acquired many important works that established the framework of today's collections. Among his notable acquisitions are Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera considered his most successful work, and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection.   A hallmark of the DIA is the diversity of the collection. In addition to outstanding American, European, Modern and Contemporary, and Graphic art, the museum holds significant works of African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic, and Ancient art. In 2000, the DIA established the General Motors Center for African American Art as a curatorial department in order to broaden the museum's collection of African American art.          

 1. How do I pick a good photographer when there are hundreds listed in my area?   We tend to get a lot of clients from websites like Wedding Wire or The Knot but you can also browse forums or blog that appeals to your style. Once you've got a few favorite photographers, narrow it down to a handful of favorites, and set up a time to meet. We make sure you're meeting with the person who will be shooting the camera at your wedding, not a sales consultant. You have to, like, trust and get along with your photographer. Not only should you like their images, you should also like them! You'll be spending many hours with them during your wedding day.   2. How many photos do I get?   We typically deliver 50-100 photos for every hour of coverage provided. Four hundred photos may seem like a lot, but we are preserving all those little details and the moments you missed while you were enjoying your special day.   3. I love those photos with the blurry backgrounds. How do you get that look?   You're talking about shallow depth of field. Photographers get that look by using professional lenses that are able to focus tightly on the subject.   4. I found one photographer whose images look soft and pastel, one whose images look clean, and one whose images look like they were shot on old film. What's the deal?   Every photographer has a different way of editing their images using computer software (the high-tech version of a darkroom). This is called "Editing" Most photographers do some basic lighting and color adjustments, but you can also use editing software to create a unique look. Three popular styles right now are: Clean: lightly processed to appear natural Matte: a low-contrast look with muted pastel colors, similar to vintage film High Contrast: a vibrant look with rich colors that pop It doesn't matter which style you go with, as long as you love it!     5. Why is wedding photography so expensive?   Most full-time wedding photographers carry over $15,000 worth of wedding gear and often work 60-hour weeks. (Remember those 800 images from question #2? It takes several full days just to edit those.)       6. How can I make sure I look good in my photos?   Trust your photographer. If you're relaxed, it'll come through in your photos. Leave some breathing room in your schedule so you don't feel rushed. I recommend at least 30 minutes for family and wedding party photos, and an hour for the couple portraits.         7. Should we do a "first look"? What exactly is a "first look"?   The first look is a chance for wedding couples to see each other privately before the ceremony. Two-thirds of my clients currently choose to do a first look. It's a great chance to get the wedding jitters out and spend a few minutes alone together. I find that first look photos tend to be some of my favorites. It's a real moment with real emotions. Honestly, it's also a great way to avoid stress on your wedding day. Some of my couples even choose to get ready together. Many of my couples get to enjoy their whole cocktail hour because they got all of the photos out of the way before the wedding.   8. Do I really need a second photographer?   No one needs a second photographer, but they can provide you with more images and a different perspective. The best thing is to ask your wedding photographer to see how they prefer to work. You can get good results either way.   9. How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?   Wedding photographers book weddings at over a year out. As it gets closer to your wedding date, it will be harder to book your photographer. If we are unavailable on your date, don't panic. Ask for recommendations we know other photographers with a similar style.     10. We do Photoshop, right?   It depends. As a photographer, I want to get everything as perfect as possible in camera. Posing, location, and camera settings fix most things before I even take the shot. If your cousin photobombs you, I'm going to retake the photo. It's much easier to get the photo right than to fix it with Photoshop. Many photographers charge for extensive editing in Photoshop, because it can be very time-consuming.   11. Should I tip my photographer?   "Tips are never expected but are always appreciated."     

  Most couples with upcoming weddings have a clear preference to postpone to a later date or hold off on changes.  Only a small percentage are canceling their wedding receptions. While many say postponing has been a very difficult decision since they’ve been planning for more than a year. They recognize that it’s necessary for the health and safety of themselves and guests.  Among those postponing their weddings, most are moving their receptions to a later date in 2020. Most of the 2020 postponements are being rescheduled for July through October. Some are focusing on November or December, and a few are rescheduling for May or June. Others postponing are shifting to 2021.     A lot of those postponing their weddings are planning to get legally married prior to their rescheduled receptions.    There is a fair share of couples who are going ahead with small legal ceremonies during this time. That said, they’re eager to have the larger celebration with friends and family. More than 80% of couples agree that they are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ informed about CDC guidelines and how it may impact their wedding reception.  The majority of couples are staying up-to-date on CDC guidelines. Not surprisingly, those with April and May weddings are more likely to feel ‘very’ informed than those with June and July weddings (53% vs. 28%). Those with later dates are keeping a close eye on CDC guidelines and nearly all have discussed a possible plan B with their partner (92%).        Postpone, Dont Cancel   You’ve probably heard and seen this one posted all over the place. But it’s ultimately the most important message we can send.  We encourage you to pick a new date in the future,  the earlier you pick a new date the better.   Get a Head Start on Planning   There are quite a few couples still in the very early stages of planning their weddings (2019 was a busy proposal season!). So we encourage you to take this time at home to really dig into wedding planning. Now is the perfect time to lock in their dream venues and wedding pros for later this year and into 2021.      Guests Are Going to Be Ready to Celebrate   The silver lining in all this: Your guests are going to be ready to celebrate, gather and party in person more than ever before. Now more than ever, will give the real meaning to their weddings and events in the future. It won’t just be a wedding celebration, it will be a celebration of unity and resilience. Family and friends are going to be ready for it!

  Let Your Vendors Know Your Decision ASAP   Should you decide to postpone your wedding, the first people to contact are the ones tasked with making it happen. Your vendors should be understanding of your decision and can help provide additional guidance on next steps, from securing a future date to contacting guests. However, keep in mind that your vendors are small businesses and probably dealing with an influx of calls just like yours, so try to be patient. They also may be impacted by things like childcare issues as schools across the country close and figuring out how to keep their employees safe and healthy.    Review Your Wedding Insurance   If you went the extra step and secured insurance for your day, you’ll want to consult your plan and contact your insurance agent to confirm whether something like this is covered. Unfortunately, it isn’t in most cases, but every plan is different, so it’s better to do your due diligence.   Create a Communication Plan to Inform Your Guests   The easiest and most effective way to relay your message is via our website under your event. A simple message that’s to-the-point is best. You may also want to consider creating a list of FAQs if you think your guests will have similar questions around travel refunds, your new date, etcetera. Other communication options include sending your guests an email or splitting up the guest list between you, your partner and close friends or family so that you can start making calls.   Consider How You Can Help Your Guests   If you have a room block, you may want to reach out to the hotel to see if you can negotiate a full or partial refund on behalf of your guests. Taking the burden off of your friends and family will go a long way for those who had made plans to be there.   Be Flexible   When working with your vendors to reschedule, try to keep an open mind. While your original date may have landed on a Saturday, securing another Saturday later in the year may not be possible. Consider other days of the week like a Monday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday. You'll have a better chance of securing all of your vendors, and, yes, your guests will still attend!   Let Yourself Grieve    It’s ok to feel disappointed or upset. Are there bigger issues we’re facing as a country and as a world? Yes. But it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and understand that they are valid. Voicing them to your partner or a close friend can help you start to cope.   Celebrate the Day Anyway   Even if it’s not the day you had planned, the date will always hold significance. Find a small, but meaningful way to celebrate. Plan a fancy date night or enjoy your favorite bottle of wine and a movie.

          Research Videographers Before Hiring   We recommend everyone to thoroughly research before hiring any wedding photographer or videographer. During this process, take your time and look at all their work, get a feel for their style, ask as many questions about the process as possible. The goal is to feel confident in your videographer’s skills, which will allow you to relax, take a step back, and enjoy your special day.     Tell Your Videographer What You Want   An experienced wedding videographer should know what shots are important and how to capture them. However, it’s your wedding video and they’ll definitely need your input. Its important that you describe any specific shots that are important to you, or if you have a fun wedding video idea in mind, its important to share with your videographer before you special day. Your videographer wants to create a wedding video you’ll love for years. It is imperative to let them know what you want and don't want included.     Don't Micromanage The Videographer   It will be hard for some brides and grooms to give up control. It is completely understandable, your wedding day is one of the most important moments in your life. Hopefully, you’ve hired a videographer that you like.  You’ve hired a professional and you have to trust that they’ll do their job. Make sure you're confident in your videographers talents and we promise you’ll be completely happy with the final production.     Ask For Changes   We want all of our clients to love their wedding video. Our goal is to produce something you watch throughout the years. If there is something you aren't happy with about the video, whether it’s a certain shot or the music, feel free to mention it to your videographer. Some things can’t be changed, but we will work our hardest to create a final product that you will love.     Recommend Your Videographer   If you’re happy with your wedding video, the best way to thank your videographer is to leave them a glowing review and recommend them to friends! Also, be sure to give the videographer credit when sharing your video online. Read our reviews..We want all of our clients to love their wedding video. Our goal is to produce something you watch throughout the years. If there is something you aren't happy with about the video, whether it’s a certain shot or the music, feel free to mention it to your videographer. Some things can’t be changed, but we will work our hardest to create a final product that you will love.      

Trust us—you’ll want to capture all of these moments.     1. Ring Shot      2. Details       3. Bouquet       4. Glam Squad   5. Bride and Bridesmaids     6. Secluded Moments     7. The Kiss     8. Decorations     9. Cutting Cake     10. First Dance    

In addition to the obvious: Wash your hands! updated Mar 15, 2020 09:37PM EST         There’s a lot to think about when planning your big day no matter where your wedding date falls on the calendar. But if it happens to be in the midst of the coronavirus hysteria, you might be wondering what you should do—if anything—to prepare and plan for the potential that your wedding may be affected.     Whether you’re having your wedding at home or abroad, there are countless moving parts surrounding COVID-19 (learn more here). Exactly how this novel virus and potential pandemic will impact the wedding industry is going to vary due to the amount of information out there, and it will also change depending on your location, explains Danielle Rothweiler of Rothweiler Event Design in Verona, New Jersey. “Any area of the industry that involves travel or shipping will feel the impact first and most, seeing as travel restrictions are being implemented and many people afraid to fly right now,” she says.     No matter where you’re located, the truth is that "the coronavirus has disrupted the wedding industry,” says planner JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, who has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Marrakesh, Morocco. “Travel plans that were scheduled for March have been postponed; shipments have been delayed for wedding gowns that were coming from China; and, of course, weddings in affected areas have been postponed or moved entirely," she says. “As planners, we’re now working on calming nerves, finding new gowns online or off-the-rack, and working with local vendors to get the items for welcome bags and favors shipped if they are not being delivered from China.”       That said, there is so much to be determined, especially for weddings that are months away. "It's a waiting game right now," says Alison Laesser-Keck of Alison Bryan Destinations in Santa Barbara, California. “Things are changing day by day and week by week. Don’t do anything drastic before you have a chance to be properly informed.”        Whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution to the problem. To help you prepare for what you should do, we spoke with experts across the industry—from travel consultants and wedding planners to a venue owner and a DJ—to give you a closer look at how COVID-19 is affecting each sub-sector of the wedding industry, and how it could affect your upcoming wedding plans. Their overall advice? Be prepared, follow the news closely, and maintain an open conversation with your vendors and guests. "Also, if you can, book a planner so they can help you navigate this crazy industry and offer up options,” Gregoli advises.       “Whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution to the problem.”       Below, we break down what you need to know based on when and where you're planning to say "I do." Beyond these takeaways, Laesser-Keck says, “Consider this a message to take care of your body—stress isn’t going to help!”   If Your Wedding is Planned in an Area of Outbreak First things first: Due to COVID-19, nonessential travel and gatherings have been limited to, from, and within the United States. Naturally, this information is ever-changing—refer here for the latest—but it’s important to be aware as you plan. As of March 15, 2020, the CDC has officially recommended the cancellation of weddings for eight weeks in the United States (read more here) and limited travel to China, Iran, South Korea, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and most European countries (specifics here). If your wedding is booked in one of these places in the next two months, you’re likely in the process of adjusting your plans as those in this boat basically have two choices: "You should consider postponing the wedding or moving the destination entirely," says Gregoli.   Plan for Plan B: "If you are in the throes of planning and the venue has to be moved due to destination disruption, plan on plan B,” Gregoli says. “Look at local venues that are not affected by the virus.”    Consider Postponing: There’s also the option to postpone the wedding in the original location, which is something that Alan Chitlik, a Seattle-based emcee and deejay, has started to see in Seattle. (He adds that the coronavirus is the number one topic of conversation where he lives.) “Luckily, there aren’t as many weddings in March or April as there are in May, June, and July, but there are a few couples faced with making hard choices,” he says. “I just had a couple who were getting married May 2nd who is moving to August 15th—and those discussions are certainly happening more and more.”    Need to Postpone (or Cancel) Your Wedding? Here's How to Do It   Even if your wedding is not in the next two months, it's important to pay close attention to the spread, according to Laesser-Keck. At this point, she and her partner, Bryan, are "keeping their options open" for weddings planned in the affected areas for 2020. "For our clients getting married in any areas where they've requested you limit travel to in 2020, we are working out deals with our suppliers where they can potentially postpone if they have to," says Laesser-Keck, who is currently planning several weddings in Italy. "We have been through a few 'natural disasters' at this point, and we know that if a venue can't fulfill its contract, you are OK there in that you can likely change venues, but you want to try to see if the vendors you're hiring would be open to changing the date or location (based on their availability) if a crisis situation requires it."    If You're Planning to Travel or Ask Your Guests to Travel Whether you’re booking honeymoon travel or asking guests to travel for the big day, weddings involve some degree of travel. Knowing this, it’s important to understand travel options for both you and your guests in the coming months.    Understand Cancellation Policies: First and foremost, anyone with travel arrangements should check the CDC’s and WHO’s websites daily and ask their own doctor for recommendations, advises Lesley Cohen, a luxury travel advisor at SmartFlyer. Beyond this, she is advising that her clients calendar their cancellation deadlines to make a decision at the point when they might lose a deposit (or more) rather than making an immediate decision when it might not be required and might not make any difference financially. “If you want to make changes check with the hotels or cruise partners on potential waivers or flexible policies that will allow them to move dates without an additional cost,” she suggests. “At the moment, most flexible changes for air and hotels are for March and April in certain parts of the world.”    Consider CFAR Insurance: If your honeymoon or travel plans are beyond this spring, she highly recommends going forward with plans. “Book the places you want to go but book flexible cancellation policies if you are concerned and consider Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance,” she says. Laesser-Keck agrees. “If you’re still worried, get CFAR insurance,” she says. “Go with your gut!”   Plan for a Smaller Guest Count: It’s important to be aware of your guests’ travel plans, and understand if some guests choose not to attend the wedding or any pre-wedding event. “Guest counts may drop due to the fear of flying,” Gregoli says. “I would recommend that you lower some of your guest counts, as you may not get as many people as you thought in the first place.”    If You're Waiting on (or Shopping for) a Dress According to the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association, 80 percent of bridal gowns are manufactured in China, as well as other overseas destinations. For this reason, salons who are awaiting the shipment of such dresses are backed up, says Gregoli. Local salons, however, whose designers are mostly based in the U.S., are not experiencing such delays. Alison Kent, bridal manager of Spring Sweet Bridal Salon in Holland, Michigan, says that the designers her team has been working with are being very communicative with ship times and updates. “They’re prioritizing brides that have weddings coming up, which is hugely helpful, however, ship dates are being pushed back to about 20 weeks instead of 14—and that’s changing weekly,” she says. If you’re just beginning to shop, consider one of the below options.    Order Ahead: If you're looking to order a bridal gown and/or bridesmaid dresses from a traditional salon or retailor, Gregoli suggests doubling the lead time on purchasing gowns. If the average recommended lead time is 8 to 12 weeks prior to the wedding, consider doing so between 16 and 24 weeks ahead of time.   Shop Off-the-Rack: “If the gowns are disrupted and you cannot get them in time, consider buying off the rack gowns with everyone possibly picking a different type of dress,” Gregoli adds. Kent also recommends heading to your local bridal salon to see what they have. “There’s really a 'we’re-all-in-this-together' mentality so we want to make sure that all brides are taken care of and can wear a beautiful dress if not the dress of their dreams,” she says.   If You're Worried About the "Details" Coming Together If you’ve ordered anything that’s produced in China—such as favors, items for the welcome bags, or even silk flowers for large-scale installations—know that it may also be delayed. The solution?    Shop Locally: “I would suggest you look for local wonderful favors that are produced here,” Gregoli says. Other items that Gregoli says might fall into this category? Hair extensions and veils. “If you ordered hair extensions from China, consider synthetic ones because anything that has human hair may be delayed,” she says. “Also, veils are produced in China, but no worries, you can get them locally sourced as long as they have enough of the fabric in the house.”    Design With What's Available: The coronavirus may hinder your florist’s ability to deliver fresh flowers, depending on where they are sourced. “Our flowers are shipped primarily from portions of the world that are not currently experiencing the coronavirus outbreak, like Holland, Ecuador, and South America, but we do not know what the next few months will bring,” says Christy "CeCe" Todd of CeCe Designs and Events in Birmingham, Alabama. That said, many of the hardgoods that florists use for décor, such as vases and silk flowers for large installations, are likely to be impacted by the virus, she notes. So, if you’re already working with a floral designer, consider discussing backup plans and select a design that does not require the purchase of new products to produce the desired look for your special day.     If You're Ready for the Show To Go On   Wedding date set? Check! Venue? Set! It’s still OK to plan for the wedding to go on as is. That said, it's best to do so smartly in a time of such uncertainty. “We recognize that this is an international issue and that this could affect any future wedding plans, especially for those who are or who have guests who are most vulnerable,” says Daniela VillaRamos, officiant and owner of Once Upon a Vow in Brooklyn, New York. For that reason, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your vendors—and guests!—and follow the below suggestions come showtime.      Stay Informed:   "For anyone getting married in 2020 who isn't in an 'affected' area, we're really just keeping our eye on it," says Laesser-Keck. "So far, no one getting married domestically is concerned, nor are we. You have to keep trucking along!"      Speak With Your Vendors:   “Sometimes it’s best to get it out of your system and think of the worst scenarios so you can prepare and come up with a game plan,” VillaRamos says. “Ask vendors about solutions should you need to postpone your event if you and/or your partner get diagnosed with COVID-19.” If you’ve already signed contracts with wedding vendors (we hope you did!), it’s smart to go ahead and have a sit-down discussion with your wedding vendors, such as your photographer. “Sit down and revisit their contract to what might happen if they need to cancel or postpone their wedding,” advises Michael T Davis, a wedding photographer in Central Pennsylvania. If your wedding is coming up in the next two months, he also recommends going as far as making some boundaries in terms of how close you want your photographer to get to you and your guests. “They should have a transparent and honest conversation about their anxieties with all of their vendors on the topic of sanitization and what vendors are doing to keep themselves and their wedding party/guests safe,” he adds.   Chitlik agrees that it’s smart to communicate with your vendors ahead of the wedding.“It never hurts to stay in close contact with your DJ/band and inquire about available options for deposits, refunds, and rescheduling,” he says. “Even if nothing happens, this information can give you some peace of mind. And all couples should also know what their DJ’s back-up plans are in case they become personally ill.”     Inform Your Guests:     To avoid having to constantly field questions from family members and wedding guests, Marlie R. Vodofsky, owner of Marlie Renee Designs, in Jersey City, New Jersey, suggests proactively adding a blurb to your wedding website acknowledging the coronavirus, and letting guests know you will keep them in the loop should any plans change. “You can also go as far as adding a link to the CDC website in the ‘travel and accommodations’ section of your wedding website so guests can quickly access up-to-date and accurate information as well,” she adds.       Follow CDC Guidelines:   If you have your date and venue set, pay attention to what the experts (CDC) are saying and heeding their advice, suggests Trip Wheeler, president of SB Value, a company that buys food for caterers, concessionaires, and culinary professionals. “Pay close attention to what venues are allowed to do and how they can make sure their guests are safe,” he says. “Yes, it’s your wedding, the most important day in your life, but the last thing you want in your celebration is to make a lot of people sick.”     Practice Extra Hygiene:   “For now, we’re following the CDC guidelines of basic human hygiene, which means washing our hands and/or using hand sanitizer every time we shake hands, touch elevator buttons, open a door, jump on the train, etc.nd avoiding touching our faces especially when we’re in public places,” says VillaRamos. To that point, DJ Chitlik says he has been taking extra precautions at weddings, using his position as MC to remind guests to be extra hygienic. “I’ve been introducing ‘Sweet Caroline’ with a disclaimer that hands shouldn’t be touching hands and disinfecting microphones that are shared between people giving toasts,” he says.    Consider a Livestream:   For elderly guests or those who choose not to travel, Davis suggests opting for live streaming of your wedding. “With today's technology, it's quite easy to set something up on social media accounts by going live,” he says.        If You're Just Starting to Plan or Think About Planning     If you’re just starting to dive into planning, it’s natural to have a million “what if” questions about the future. While all of this is uncertain, we hope this news won’t cripple you or take away from the excitement that comes with wedding planning. For this reason, we say take note of the above, and consider the below as you (hopefully) continue to plan in the wake of coronavirus.      Start Ring Shopping Early:   Many jewelers, diamond companies and manufacturers work with and obtain all or most of their parts from overseas from areas that have been directly affected by the coronavirus, according to Josh Levkoff, of Josh Levkoff Jewelry. “Orders have been backed up, some companies are completely shut down, some are only selling what’s in inventory currently as they can’t manufacture or produce new pieces and others are increasing pricing dramatically to try to cover for lost sales opportunities,” he says. Levkoff recommends making an appointment with your jeweler for around three months prior to your wedding date so you’re not scrambling before your big day. “We will ask the same questions and have the same one-on-one appointments with the couple in regards to what elements from their wedding or relationship they may want to tie into their rings, such as special engravings,” he says.     Ask About Cancellation Policies:   Venues are experiencing fewer inquiries during this time of confusion and chaos, according to Heather Jones, the catering sales director of Wente Vineyards, in Livermore, California. But, according to Jones, quite arguably the largest impact is couples having a more difficult time meeting their food and beverage minimum due to lower guest counts. “Couples have guests that are unable to obtain visas to travel, air flights canceled or domestic guests that are concerned about traveling,” she says. To comfort the fears of gusts, many venues are taking extra precaution to ask that staff members showing signs of illness stay home and to place hand sanitizers at entrances to buffets, food stations, and rooms. If you’re booking a venue or catering for an upcoming wedding or event, make sure you understand their policies. “When can you cancel, what are the fees, and do you have options to make up any missing food and beverage minimums?” says Jones. “Not all companies’ force majeure or cancellation policies are the same and may not cover the situation with coronavirus.”     Hold Off on Major Decisions:   "For our clients who are just now getting ready to plan for 2021, we are actually holding off on making any big decisions for a few weeks," says Laesser-Keck. "Things are so uncertain and we have plenty of time, so there's no need to rush into anything. We're still actively doing research so that we'll be ready to pounce when we're able, but we're just not locking anything in. I think we'll have a lot of clarity, hopefully, a month from now."    

  What is a wedding photography contract? It’s the agreement between the you and the photographer/videographer you hire to take photos at your upcoming wedding. This agreement covers absolutely everything that both parties are responsible for on the day of the event. It’s where the bridal party expresses the types of shots they want to be done, and you let them know how much it’ll cost. The contract will also stipulate how much everything costs, when and how payment are to be arranged, and things like potential cancellation, insurance, etc.       Why is a contract so important? These contracts outline absolutely everything associated with the event’s photography, with both parties signing off in agreement about it all. A good, basic wedding photography contract will benefit you and the photographer, and will ensure fair treatment for everyone involved. You may be worried about signing a contract. I would like to emphasize just how much it benefits you. The wedding photo/video contract serves as a guideline for you to refer to so you can make sure I deliver everything you want. This is their opportunity to spell out exactly what kind of photos you'd like, along with any other specific directions you may have for me. It’s like a script that everyone can follow so the day runs as smoothly as possible. Any time there’s any question about service, you have a guideline at hand that you can pull out and use as a checklist.     What Should a Wedding Photo Contract Cover? Quite a lot, actually. Let’s take a look at the items that should be covered, and what they mean.   Expenses Expenses should be first and foremost on the wedding photography/videography contract. Not only will this spell out wedding photography package pricing options, but also offers detailed breakdowns and explanations for each expense. This is also where we stipulate the reservation and payment guidelines. Basically, I clearly state how much of a deposit you’ll need in order to book X amount of your time for that day, whether the remainder is paid in full the day of, or in installments, etc. Mark out specific dates, who is responsible for payment, and potential late fees.       Deliverables This one is fairly self-explanatory: it covers your expectations about what you’ll be delivered during and after the wedding. Laying out everything that’s expected on both sides works wonders for avoiding any potential miscommunications the day of. The deliverables section is the one area that will likely require a lot of back-and-forth communication. It's important not to leave any room for miscommunication, here. It might feel awkward about revising the wedding photo contract a few times, but it’s far better to clarify absolutely everything than to risk a misunderstanding.     Privacy/Cooperation One aspect of privacy in a wedding photography contract revolves around where the photographers are (and aren’t) allowed at various points of the celebration. For example, certain cultural and religious groups have very stringent rules about who can and can’t be seen by people of different genders while they’re getting prepared for the ceremony. Similarly, cooperation refers to guests, vendors, and other people involved who may or may not be terribly helpful while you’re shooting. The celebrant/priest/rabbi/etc. might be picky about when and where they’re photographed. There might also be very strict rules about photographing within the venue, especially if it’s a religious temple. This is why it’s so vital to have a solid, in-person meeting ahead of time.       Cancellation A wedding photography contract cancellation provision covers potential cancellation on both sides, not just the photographer. Sure, someone might get cold feet or a hurricane might obliterate the wedding venue, requiring cancellation or rescheduling, but it’s also possible that you might fall ill or have a personal emergency to attend to. This is why even the most simple wedding photography contract needs to incorporate a cancellation policy. It protects all on the off chance that something may go wrong.     Legal Rights (Copyright Protection, etc.) Once again, this governs protection for both parties. Generally, there are three aspects of copyright when it comes to a generic wedding photo contract: Forbidding image reproduction without the clients permission. Giving the photographer license to publish images for business use, ensuring that you provide the photographer with full access to their photos.     Interference and Exclusivity At pretty much every wedding, there will inevitably an uncle, aunt, or friend of the family who’s a keen amateur photographer. For some pro photographers, that’s all well and good as long as Uncle Shutterbug stays out of their way. Other photographers stipulate that if wedding photos are posted publicly, they are not to be intermingled. Amateur photographs are just that: amateur. It would be detrimental to your business to have their work displayed alongside—and potentially mistaken for—yours.    

    Start with someone in your budget   The place to start is with your actual wedding budget. How much can you afford to spend on a photographer?  So begin by finding a photographer + videographer who is closer to your budget from the start.      Book early   We offer discounts for booking early, so try to secure one as soon as you set a wedding date. Even if you don't get an actual discount, though, you could still be getting a discount in practice. Rates are likely to rise exponentially as they build up a reputation year by year. And even established photographers have to keep up with inflation. Another option is to make the full payment up-front, for a possible discount (pay with a rewards credit card and you could get cash back for your hefty purchase).       Hire a photographer for less time     Don't book your photographer/videographer for as much time, and you can dramatically reduce the cost of your photography contract. With fewer photos to process we will charge you fewer overall hours. For example, consider having your professional photographer + videographer skip out on the pre-wedding festivities. Have your bridesmaids and groomsmen take these photos, instead. You can also trim time off the back end by having your photographer stay only until you cut the cake - or by just having bridesmaids with decent digital cameras take reception photos. The less time you require a professional photographer, the less money you'll pay.     Ask about referral discounts   Many wedding photographers + videographers offer referral discounts -- even after you've signed the contract. In fact, some will offer discounts on your final payment if you get a referral to them based on your wedding proofs. You'll need to talk up your photographer to convince at least someone you know to use your his or her services. This may work by sharing your photos on your social media sites, letting your newly engaged friends know about him or her, or letting other people you know about the photographer's family portrait options. Whether you're on a super-strict wedding budget or you just want to spend more money on your dress and less on your photographer + videographer, these tips should help keep you on track.  

        Waiting Too Long to Book Your Photographer   When you find a photographer you like, book them! Good photographers book a year in advance and won't be available forever. Nothing is more worst than finding a wedding photographer you like, then finding out that they booked your wedding date.     Neglecting to Explain How You Like Your Photos   Photography can be really very subjective. I like to ask my clients to send a photos of themselves before the wedding that they like and one that they don't.     Completing the Wedding Day Schedule   Talk to your photographer when you have finalizing the schedule for your wedding day. There's a lot to consider. For example certain times of day are more photogenic than others. I provide a section on the website where you can add your complete schedule for your day.     Try To Prevent Relatives From Getting in the Way   A guest who shows up with photo equipment and takes unofficial wedding photos is called Uncle Greg. Uncle Greg think's he is doing you a favor by taking more shots. Usually he just gets in the way and makes us miss our shots. Tell Uncle Greg to leave the camera at home and just enjoy his time at the wedding without working.     Don't Look at the Camera All the Time   You may feel like you need to look up at the camera and stop what you're doing. However, unless the photographer asks you, try to act natural for the best shots. Enjoy your day.        

          Wedding videos capture both movement and sound.     Photos are great because they provide an image of a moment in time, but wedding videos capture both movement and sound. With my wedding video, you’ll hear your spouse reaction during your first look, your father's toast and your mom’s laugh. You’ll watch your first kiss, first dance, and enjoy all your grandparents dancing. Photos are beautiful but they can't capture motion or sound. This makes a wedding video a must-have.            IT SUMMARIZES ALL THE EMOTIONS OF THE DAY    Professional videographer's will capture the raw footage of your big day, but will also edit it down to create an emotional movie. The movie will be set to music. It will tell the story of your wedding from start to finish. You will laugh, you will cry. Your movie will be closest thing to reliving your wedding day.          YOU WILL NOT SEE EVERYTHING BUT YOUR VIDEO WILL      Wedding day's move very quickly and you won’t be able to see everything. You won’t be able to watch your flower girl walk down the aisle. You won’t see your mother-in-law shed a tear while you’re saying your vows. You might not see your parents dancing cheek-to-cheek while you’re taking photos. Videographer's capture these moments on film. This will allow you to watch every single moment.         WEDDING VIDEOS CAN BE SHARED   Your video will bed added to my website. This will allow you to easily share your video with loved ones. I can also create short clips for you to share on social media. This makes having video ideal for those who are having smaller or destination weddings. Show family and friends who were unable to attend.        WATCH IT AGAIN AND AGAIN   Host a viewing bash with your wedding party. Watch it every year on your anniversary. Your wedding video will make your special occasion even more special.

sleek The definition of sleek is someone or something that is smooth, glossy, shiny, well-groomed or sophisticated. Sleek means having a smooth bright surface or appearance. Sleek suggests a smoothness or brightness resulting from attentive editing. Photographs having a glossy yet smooth finish.         Specific Style   I'm sure you have noticed that you like certain wedding photos on Instagram more than others but you may not understand why. It's because every wedding photographer/videographer has a different wedding photography/videography style. It would not be a good idea to hire a photographer/videographer and assume your photos will look just like your best friend's. Every photographer/videographer style is unique. It's important to find out which wedding photography style is right for you. Once you know your specific style, choosing the right photographer/videographer will be easy.           Sleek Wedding Photography/Videography   Sleek wedding photography/videography is all about capturing your wedding day as a whole and as unobtrusively as possible.  The goal is to capture the true essence of the moment while revealing raw, genuine emotions and reactions. If you don't like posed photos, sleek wedding photography/videography style might be perfect for you. Most photographers/videographers don’t just shoot one style. In fact, most photographers incorporate a couple of different styles into their work.    

You will receive 8 hours of photography coverage. You will receive up to 500 photos within 72 hours of the event. It doesn't include prints but your will have unlimited amount of poses.         Getting Ready The majority of your wedding photos will be taken during the ceremony and reception. However, your preparation will be a major part of the day. Emotions will be running high when everyone is getting dressed. All of the events leading up to your big debut can equate to some amazing intimate photographs.         The Ceremony The wedding ceremony, in particular, is full of emotion, excitement, and joy, but can also happen so quickly you may have to scramble to capture the images that matter.  The Kiss Ring Exchange The Vows Ceremony Site Bride & Groom Expressions Guests and Wedding Party Unexpected Moments       The Reception It doesn’t matter how big, small, grand, or intimate the details are, we will capture your special day. Every napkin, flower, candle, and escort card has been thought about, and the goal will be to provide memories to last a lifetime.    

      We offer top quality photo book printing, two different photo book bindings, and two different sizes. You are able to make the selection of photo's based on the book you choose.               Paper Quality   Our paper options are specifically chosen to bring your photo's to life. Crisp, heavy pages that shine with supreme digital color. Turn the pages of your imagination and allow us to create a book that you will not want to keep on a shelf.          Book Quality   All of our photo books offer professional quality full color, laminated Ultra Cover Stock available in either Gloss or Matte Lamination. Our specialty is full color photo quality book printing; however, we do offer black and white photo printing as well.           $100 - Unique Photo Book   Our Unique hard gloss cover book 11.0 inches (width) by 8.5 inches (height) provides you with 45 pages of photos, with up to 100 total photos, and up to 15 Large (full page) photos. The photos are printed on 80lb Gloss 455PPI 95 Opacity Paper. Additional books can be purchased at 45$ per book.         $200 - ELITE PHOTO BOOK   Our Elite hard cover gloss book 12.0 inches (width) by 9.0 inches (height) provides you with 100 pages of photos, with up to 250 total photos, and up to 40 Large (full page) photos. The photos are printed on 80lb Gloss 455PPI 95 Opacity Paper. Additional books can be purchased at 65$ per book.   view more info/pricing      

Camera Bodies: Canon 5D Mark IV & Canon 6D Mark II Lenses: Canon 50mm, Canon 15mm Fisheye, Tamron 70-200mm, and Sigma 18-35mm.  Stabilizer: Ronin MX, Pro Master Tripods, Pro Master Light Stands Lights: Flashes by Godox, Pro Master Lighting system       Canon 5D Mark IV  Canon 5D Mark IV is used mostly for video purposes. It provides high resolution video and 4k format. The EOS 5D Mark IV camera builds on the powerful legacy of the 5D series, offering amazing refinements in image quality, performance and versatility. Canon's commitment to imaging excellence is the soul of the EOS 5D Mark IV. Wedding and portrait photographers, nature and landscape shooters, as well as creative videographers will appreciate the brilliance and power that the EOS 5D Mark IV delivers. Superb image quality is achieved with Canon's all-new 30.4 Megapixel full-frame sensor, and highly-detailed 4K video is captured with ease. Focus accuracy has been improved with a refined 61-point AF system and Canon's revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth AF for both video and Live View shooting. Fast operation is enhanced with Canon's DIGIC 6+ Image Processor, which provides continuous shooting at up to 7.0 fps*. Built-in Wi-Fi®**, GPS*** and an easy-to-navigate touch-panel LCD allow the camera to become an extension of you. When quality matters, the EOS 5D Mark IV helps deliver results to inspire even the most discerning imagemaker. -Canon-     Canon 6D Mark II Canon 6D Mark II is used mainly for photography, it has a faster auto focusing system. The 6D Mark II is primary a backup camera body for emergency purposes. For superb performance on the go, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera puts full-frame performance into a compact, fully featured DSLR. Its 26.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor help deliver amazing results even at expanded ISO settings, making it great for challenging low-light situations as well as landscape, portrait and event photography. The EOS 6D Mark II also features an impressive optical viewfinder with 45 all cross-type AF points*, fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF and a Vari-angle Touch Screen LCD for Live View operation which helps create unique angles. With the EOS 6D Mark II's speed to capture action and the versatility to create phenomenal photographs and Full HD 60p videos in numerous environments and lighting situations, the camera offers creative content makers a winning combination of advanced features in a portable package that's as fun as it is powerful. -Canon-     RONIN MX Ronin MX is used to provide high quality stable video production. Even with only one operator, SmoothTrack™ technology ensures the Ronin-MX translates movements into smooth camera angle changes. SmoothTrack™ settings from speed to deadband to acceleration are fully customizable. A ‘Single Axis Follow Mode’ enables two axis to be locked while SmoothTrack™ guides the camera along only one axis of motion. Three modes of operation, found on all Ronin series products, make the Ronin-MX a powerfully flexible camera stabilization system. Underslung Mode is the most common shooting mode, with the Ronin-MX held in front of the user. Upright Mode reverses Underslung Mode and puts the camera higher up making it ideal for raised shots above people or through sunroofs. Briefcase Mode makes it a narrow platform that fits easily through narrow hallways and doors. -Ronin-