have a lovely (summer) weekend

What are you doing this weekend? I thought for this weekends links I would share some fun wedding links. I am smack dab in the middle of wedding season, and am seeing so much pretty lately, with so much creativity from the brides doing things themselves, and making it really personal. I love it! From outdoor receptions, lights hanging from trees, haystacks as couches (you get the idea). So I'm leaving you with some lovely links from the best of the best in wedding eye-candy and a few cute DIY's....enjoy!

1. ten summer wedding cocktail ideas from 100 Layer Cake. Will you have a signature cocktail?
2. DIY paper peonies.
3. Etsy has the cutest handmade wedding signage.
4. outdoor lighting for wedding reception. love.
5. vintage camper as a desert station. I love this!
6. Food trucks are all the rage for an outdoor wedding. Here some local ones. 

I hope you have a sweet weekend! xo-kate

first dance

In the next series for wedding tips, I thought I would touch on the first dance, and finding music. Music can be the backdrop to life’s little moments; it can take you back to a place where you first met. Finding the perfect music as the backdrop for your wedding can be daunting, to say the least. With thousands of choices for Deejay’s and wedding bands, how do you decide if you want live music, or a DJ? And what about that first dance song?

Both options (live band/DJ) will end up costing you about the same amount. Some couples chose to have a string quartet at the ceremony, and then a DJ for the reception. While others who marry at a church just choose the organist to play. If you want live music, a good start would be to check out  a local school of music. You may be able to find students who would be willing to play for a fraction of the cost of an already professional group.  Is there a local band you like? Ask them if they would be willing to play at your wedding. 

You should meet with no more then three bands or DJ's face to face. More then that is overwhelming, and a waste of your time.  Do your research ahead of time, and narrow your choices down to your three favorites. Ask the DJ if they have a set list they play, or are they willing to play a set list that you choose. How do you assure they don’t play “The Electric Slide”? Ask if you can create a list of songs you absolutely do not want played, and then make a second list of your favorites.  Make sure you review these lists with your DJ or band, and emphasize how important it is that these requests are followed. If you do hire a band, ask if they have a system where they can play music while they take a break. You don’t want dead silence during their break time.

If you are looking to save money, many couples opt out of hiring a DJ or band and create their own playlist on an ipod, while this is a money-saver, remember that you will still need to rent the equipment to set up a sound system. You may also need to have someone at the helm, to monitor the play list.

As far as picking the first dance song, if you do not have a set song in mind, take some suggestions from your band leader or DJ. They may have a top twenty list that you can choose from.

After you have chosen your first dance song, the next thing on your list is to think about that first dance. A first dance can mean so many things, but your first wedding dance, is epic, because all eyes will be on you (and your husband). So how do you go about making sure that you can pull off the first dance with out fumbling? You can always wing it, with a basic, fifth grade inspired slow dance (sort of cute if you ask me). Or, If you are not the type to wing it, and you don’t want to trip over your gown, or worse, fall flat on your face, there are some strategies that can help you be more confidant, and maybe even wow your guests. Don’t worry I am not suggesting some all out routine, but you can for example, practice, or better yet, take a few classes beforehand.

Contact a ballroom dance school in the area, and ask about signing up for a few classes. Some even offer classes for groups of couples. Make sure you do this three to six months in advance. If you don’t want to sign up for classes, find an instructor or a local instructor who is willing to give you a few one –on-one lessons

If you want some ideas, feel free to checkout my playlist! 

Have a question ? Feel free to email me! Kate@kateuhryphoto.com

finding a wedding photographer

Photographs are the one ticket item that you have to look back on. Choosing the right photographer for you may be one of the most important wedding day decisions you will make. Your photographer will be telling the story of your day, a day that you have carefully planned out down to the most minute details. All to share with generations to come. Nowadays it is easier then ever to search the web for a photographer. You can carefully peruse portfolios at home with your fiancé, saving time going from studio to studio and collecting brochures. It may seem daunting as you search the web and bridal sites, just keep in mind these three essential elements to finding a photographer and you will be on the right track. 

The Images: this may seem obvious, but you should first and foremost be moved by the images your photographer has on their website. Photographers' carefully choose the images they put on their websites. The work that I have chosen on my website is purposefully edited, it is intended to stand out to someone who is going to connect with what I love. So if the pictures you see are speaking to you, that is the best litmus test. Do they stir up emotion? Can you relate to the aesthetic? Do you like the presentation and design of the website? If so this is the jumping off point, dive in! Contact your photographer as soon as you can and find out if they are available on your wedding date. You don’t have to be in love with every single image, but you should like most of them. It is not necessary to see an entire wedding that your photographer has shot. If you don't get a good sense of their style of photography from the website, you are not going to be any clearer by reviewing someone else's wedding in its entirety. I know this is against what some bridal websites recommend, but it is for good reason. Why? Because your wedding will not be like Sara or Jane's wedding, your wedding is unique. After 16 years of photographing weddings, I have yet to have two that are alike, both in the client’s personality, and in the style of the wedding. With that being said, you should see one example wedding on the photographers portfolio site that tells a story from start to finish (about 25-50 images) that should give you a great idea of the photographers storytelling ability and their general aesthetic. And lastly, don't get caught up in style catch phrases, such as documentary, artistic, candid, and photojournalism. Also notice if the photographers's images are trendy and highly stylized (Photoshopped), with special affects. While trends are fun, remember they are of-the-moment; you want to look for images that are timeless. The bottom line is, if it speaks to you, then go with it. I realize this can be confusing, but at the end of the day, trust your heart. 

The photographer: It is important that you and your photographer get along. With that being said, their work should take precedence over their personality. A photographer should have experience, passion and love for what they do, and a solid portfolio of their work. Obviously you should like them, and they should be amiable, that is a given. It's always a bonus if you feel like a long lost friend has joined you on your wedding day! Do they have a cheery and calming presence? Are they someone you want with you on your entire wedding day? Will you feel comfortable with them during intimate moments? You need to trust your gut on this one. I have booked many brides from out of state who I have spoken with only by phone, and we ended up getting along marvelously. This is why I say trust your gut. Many websites and photographers will recommend you meet for coffee or drinks, and spend time together before the wedding. While I do recommend this if it's possible, it is not necessary. You can get a good idea of your photographers personality and professionalism from their website, email correspondence, and from a phone conversation. As discussed in an earlier post, try to share as much about yourself as possible with your photographer, it allows for more honest moments on the day of your wedding. Also, check out the reviews previous brides and or family members have made about the photographer. These testimonials are key to knowing how the photographer is on the day of the wedding. Here's the catch: If you love a certain photographer’s work, chances are someone else does too. So yes, book them while you can. I’ve known many couples who sat on their decision, spent a lot of time pondering, and when they finally came back to say they wanted to book with me, the date was already taken. If this is the case, ask if they have anyone else they recommend.

Budget: This is a tricky topic, because no one is comfortable talking about money. The most common and first question I usually get from brides is how much does this cost? But when the question is reversed and I ask "what is your budget?"  There is usually a moment of silence. Know your budget before you begin your search, and know how much wiggle room you have to play with it. It's hard to put a price tag on an item that will be an heirloom for years and years. Wedding photography is an investment. Most websites will suggest that your'e wedding photography budget be anywhere between 12%-15% of your total budget, or more if photography is important to you. This depends greatly on the importance you place on your wedding photography and the region you live in. Some would rather spend less on other ticket items and more on photography. This is a personal choice. The range you will see for wedding photography will vary depending upon the area you live in, as well as your photographer’s experience. A photographer, who just started out, will be less than one who has been around for fifteen years, you may also pay more for film photography than digital. If you are on a tight budget, and can't afford an album, but have full printing rights, there are many ways you can display your images in frames around your home. So don't be swept away by a photographer who offers you two photographers plus album and engagement sessions, if you don't love their work, it doesn't matter how much they offer you. In other words, if you are down to choosing between two photographers for the same cost and one offers more "extra's" but you love the others work more, go for the one who's work you are drawn to the most, not the bigger package. You can always add on an album down the road. If you should decide to go a little higher on the photography budget see where you can cut costs in other places. It is all about attaining balance in your budget and deciding on what is truly important to you.  And remember  what you are paying for is more than the time/hours you see your wedding photographer. Most wedding photographers spend at least triple the time of a wedding on editing alone. Remember, you are paying for experience, their style & aesthetic, and a standard of quality that you would never find from a friend with a digital camera. 


Last year I had a couple who did the whole wedding on their own; The ceremony and reception were all on the bride's parents farm.They baked their own pies for dessert, made their guests take-away gifts, kept the guest list down, she even made her own dress and cut her own wildflowers for bouquets. She decided to cut costs in other ways. However, she said the one thing she wouldn't skimp on was photography, because she knew it was the most important thing to them. I mention this, because even if you are on a budget, it does not mean that you have to settle for poor photography. Just decide where you want your budget to go ahead of time based on your needs.

If you like what you read, use the share buttons below, if you have any questions, feel free to email me kate@kateuhryphoto.com

a few simple tips for getting great wedding pictures

These simple tips will make for fabulous and unforgettable photography-because really, that is the one thing from your wedding day you will have to look back on, right? 

1. Pick an outdoor location 

I am so lucky that I have had the opportunity to photograph people in love for over a decade now. I have worked at numerous venues, across the country, but I have to say an outdoor location is by far the best backdrop for gorgeous wedding photography. There are a lot of of options for both formal and informal outdoor weddings, you set the tone. If this isn't possible, at the very least, set aside a portion of your wedding photography for some outdoor time. By picking a natural outdoor location you are automatically going to get natural beautiful light. There are so many options for tenting, that if the weather should be a bit rainy, it’s OK. Also check the Old Farmers Almanac for predictions... I know a few  brides and wedding event planners who have picked a date based according to the Almanac. Spring, Summer and Fall are all great times to get married outdoors (especially in New England).
  

2. Follow your own rules. 

Be genuine to yourselves, the rest will follow suit. Trends come and go, do you really want to date your wedding with of-the-moment trends? I know it's tempting, but limit your time on Pinterest and tons of "How To's", and please stop looking at other people’s weddings as a comparison! Ok, I get it, it’s fun to look at images of beautiful things on Pinterest, I am guilty of this; it's great for those dreamy days when you are bored. It can be a great tool for gathering information in one place, and figuring out what type of place-settings, and flowers you like.  With that being said, I often follow my brides on Pinterest because it allows me to know them, but I don't use it to copy wedding images. Sharing a common aesthetic with your wedding photographer is important. BUT this is your wedding and you are unique, and your images from your wedding day should reflect the couple you are, not another couple.
 Don't ask your photographer to emulate an exact picture on Pinterest, from another photographer or magazine, not only is it copyright infringement, but you should trust that your photographer knows you guys and your style, and will capture you naturally in the way you are, not someone else's vision. 

3. Let your Photographer get to know you

It's ok to tell your photographer  little things about you,  where you met, how you fell in love, what foods you like, your pet peeves, what makes you two laugh. As silly as it may seem to you, these are the things that help us know you guys, and who you are. So share away as much as you like with your wedding photographer! I have built really solid relationships with my clients, many have ended up friends and repeat clients as their family grows. You should establish some sort of relationship with your photographer before the wedding day. I never just show up with a camera, on the day of the wedding without having gotten to know you. An engagement session is ideal for you to get to know your photographer and visa-versa. If an engagement session isn't in the cards, I suggest a lunch, a coffee meeting, or if you live long distance, Skype . I have had a few clients who I have gotten to know over the course of phone-calls and emails, because life was too hectic for them to make it possible to meet face to face. Your wedding photographer doesn't have to be your best friend, but you should feel comfortable with them. I have had many brides say to me that they felt like another friend was in the room with them while they were getting ready. Feeling comfortable around your photographer is the key ingredient. They can be the worlds most sought after wedding photographer, but if you don't "click" it just won't work.  

I am showing up knowing you, the result is richly detailed photographs each of which tells a story.
 

4. Get rid of the shot list

Be flexible enough to throw away your "shot list" and pre existing notions. Follow your gut, and trust your photographers instincts. It's helpful to jot down important family members, and close friends, but aside from that, a professional photographer does not need to be reminded to get pictures of your first dance, your Dad's toast, or your bridesmaids. The day is going to go by in a flash, and sometimes people are not where they are supposed to be. Don't worry. A good photographer will be able to adapt to any situation. Rain or Shine. Shot lists are only helpful to newbies, and many professional photographers are offended by them. If you have seen your photographers' work and love it, trust that your photographer will capture you in a organic way. More often than not, nowadays, I have brides tell me they don't want x, y, or z and leave the rest up to me. A detailed shot list can sometimes actually hinder your photographer from creating natural candid moments, because they are overly concerned with checking a list, and missing organic moments. I always meet up with my clients beforehand to get the lay-out of the players. I ask about family dynamics, what kind of group shots they are looking for, if any, and once I get a feel for what the client wants, I am ready to go the day-of. Let your photographer know the important people in your lives, i.e.: "My grandmother flew out from Florida and we really want some candids of the two of us ". That type of information is important in making sure your beloved ones are captured in great moments. The more we know about family dynamics the better. In other words, let go, and be in the moment as much as you can!

5. Think about the light
First off, allow plenty of time for pictures. If the ceremony is at 3:00 don't have your photographer show up at 2:30. Give yourselves plenty of time so no one feels rushed or nervous. Allow for spontaneity! Be willing to walk off during cocktail hour or midway through the reception if there is a great sunset. Think about the light on the day of your wedding. If you are getting married at 6:00pm, and the sun sets at 7:30, it only allows a brief time for outdoor pictures (you may consider having your photographer come early, and leave earlier). Night-time pictures are fun, but in reality there are only so many images of people dancing you want. Make sure you use your photographers' time wisely.  If you have a photographer for 7 or 8 hours (which is typical)  focus more on the day-light hours, and less on the late night reception hours. Make sure you and your photographer are not rushed into a timeline. The magic hour AKA the golden hour, is about the last hour of light before the sun sets, this lends itself to dramatic, moody shots, while early morning light is very soft, romantic and forgiving.

Hope that helps. Have any other questions? Feel free to email me! 

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