Wedding Photography Tips and Ideas

A wedding is one of the most important events in your life. Photographs that document your special day provide memories that will last a lifetime, so you want to be sure they are done right. Here are a few guidelines that will ensure you capture the best moments.  

1.         Photo List

There is no bigger disappointment than discovering there are missing friends or family from your wedding photos.  Prepare a list of photos you want taken for the wedding and reception including a list of all family members and friends you want included in the formal pictures. In addition to photos with your wedding party, there should be extended family photos of the bride's family, the groom's family and combined photos of the immediate families.  Incorporate the photo session into your timeline for the day allowing at least one hour to finish (more time if you have a big family). Preparing a list prior to the big day eliminates the chance of missed shots. 

2.         Location

Scout the location to find the best shots.  The photographer should visit the wedding venue prior to the actual wedding day.   By scouting the site, the photographer can determine the best locations for shooting photos.   They should also meet with the on-site wedding coordinator to discuss any rules or guidelines they may have for taking photos.  The coordinator may also suggest the perfect locations based on other weddings that have been held at the location. Try to make the site visit around the same time of day that the wedding will take place to assess lighting conditions. 

3.         Backup Plans

Anything can go wrong on the big day, but it won't be a problem if you are prepared for the unexpected. Prepare a list of alternate wedding shot locations in the event of inclement weather. Determine appropriate indoor locations at the venue that provide nice backdrops should the weather drive you inside. Be prepared for deviations in the photography time line to accommodate unexpected changes.

4.         Candid Shots

Though the staged shots of your wedding hold importance, the candid photos often capture even more meaningful memories. Your photographer should be on hand during the bulk of the reception to shoot as many candids as possible. You can also tell your guests to download apps like WedPics where they can take photos on their phones that upload to one online gallery.  You will have tons of candid photos from your guests to look at after the festivities are over. 

5.         Offbeat photo shoot

Many wedding couples choose to stage some offbeat photo shoots in addition to the wedding day. Brides who have no desire to save their wedding dress are opting for "trash the dress" shoots.   The couple will dive into a pool or slide in mud to get some unique photos for their album.

Spa Ready for the Big Day..

 

Spas are the perfect place to get ready for your wedding day. But what spa treatments should you get, and when should you get them? Here's a treatment timetable that works for your big day.

Getting Ready for your Wedding At the Spa:

1.         Two months to go – Get more aggressive facial treatments like micro-dermabrasion and glycolic peels. They remove the skin's outer layers and leave you glowing, but the skin needs time to recover.

2.         One month to go: Get a facial to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and treat your face and neck. Extractions and outbreaks will  have time to clear up.

3.         Two weeks to go: Get a body treatment like a salt glow to look perfect in skin-revealing gowns.

Follow with a relaxing massage or hot stone massage.  Drink plenty of water afterwards.

If you like the tan look, get a spray tan for a beautiful golden glow.

4.         One week to go: Get your spa manicure and pedicure out of the way.

5.         Wedding Day!: Now that all of your spa appointments are done, it’s time to concentrate on hair, make-up and getting dressed to look your bridal best.

Stay tuned for more great tips, features and fun facts on our weekly return to our blog.

 

Stay Tuned...

 

We are thrilled to announce new and exciting things coming your way!  Please be on the lookout for brand new happenings here at RTA in the next couple of weeks ;)

 

 

Table Numbers

If you decide to have a seating chart for your wedding reception, you will need to find a ways to label each table. One of the best parts about planning your big day is adding your personal touch to your wedding reception table numbers. Creative designs offer a great way to reflect who you are as a couple and highlight your wedding theme. Whether you are modern, classic, fun or quirky, there are lots of different ways you can take your table numbers from simple to fabulous.

Although numbers are the classic choice, you don’t have to settle for a simple white card with a number on it! There are many great choices out there. Here are just a few fun ideas I found for a more distinctive and creative way to direct guests to their tables.

Recently, brides are skipping the table numbers altogether and giving each table a name! The options are endless. Here are some ideas to jump-start your own creativity:

-          board games

-          books

-          famous couples

-          movie stars

-          movies

-          favorite countries visited throughout the world

-          famous landmarks around the world

-          types of flowers

-          types of wines

-          car brands

-          natural elements like stone, water, wood, fire, etc

-          cartoon characters and superheros

-          languages

-          musical instruments

-          sports

-          sports teams

-          desserts

-          types of cuisine

-          TV shows

-          cocktails

-          craft beers

-          types of candies

-          time periods and eras

-          favorite restaurants

-          card games

One more option:

Ask your photographer to take a few photos of you holding up numbers during your engagement session. If you are using your engagements pics for “Save the Date” cards of other wedding related correspondence, this will ensure a consistent look, as all the photos will be taken on the same day.

Trend Alert: Metallic Wedding Cakes

Metallic trends are really hot right now in the wedding world. From adding these type of accents onto bridal fashion to having them on tables in the décor details these accents are popping up all over the place. One big way metallic is making a splash is on the wedding cake. You can tone it down with a few accents here and there or go with an overall metallic cake and really turn heads. Whatever you chose will make your cake the perfect accessory to your celebration. Here are some examples:

 

Baraat ideas... One horse or Six hundred horses

The traditional Indian wedding establishes a bond between two families and their cultures. The marriage ceremony is a series of colorful event spread over two to three days. One of the important and fun ceremonies is the arrival of the groom (known as Baraat) on the day of the wedding. A Baraat is a huge parade of family and friends of the groom, dancing their way to the ceremony site. This is the grooms chance to make a grand entrance with his friends and relatives, who are called the “baraatis”.

I have seen a groom enter on a horse, an elephant and even a Ferrari. A baraat is generally for about 30 minutes, during which the friends and family members dance around the groom. They usually have a Dj and Dhol player to add to the mood.

Traditionally, the Groom’s entrance is on a beautifully decorated White horse. Recently grooms are opting for different entrance options to really impress and the limitation is their imagination (And maybe rules of your Venue!)

Baraat options we have recently discussed with our clients are:

Tampa Trolleys, car, yacht, speed boat, jet ski, helicopter, elephants and convertibles.

Some additional baraat tips:

·         For an evening baraat fireworks are a beautiful addition

·         Have guests throw flower petals which will look gorgeous in photos

·         Serve light refreshments of cold beverages to guests, especially if it is taking place outside during summer

·         Consider giving matching safas or scarves to the male guests to wear. This could become favors after the procession.

Escort card ideas

Indian Themed escort cards

Escort cards come in many different styles.  There are many to choose from.  When choosing these for your big day it’s important to take into consideration what your theme or colors are for the event.  If you can’t find one that goes with your theme or colors try getting an elephant style like the ones below.  Elephants symbolize good luck and are a great way to say thank you.

Here are some examples of Indian themed escort cards that we love...