Archives: June 2011

How to Use Your Engagement Photos

Posted by Kelsey Goodwin, Wedding Photography Expert on June 30, 2011

In my last post I outlined some helpful tips for planning and scheduling your engagement shoot. Today I’d like to share some ideas for fun ways to use your engagement photos.

I have these awesome images – now what do I do with them?
The most popular use of the engagement images are for your wedding invitations or save the date cards. Though there are some other very creative and trendy ways to showcase this celebration:

E-vite slideshow This is a new trendy take on an eco-friendly way to get the word out! Very creative as well. Check this out for an e-vite example.

You’re Invited! from Kelsey Goodwin on Vimeo.

Save the Date magnets. It’s always on their fridge so they won’t forget!

Decoration for Reception. Hanging on the walls, or smaller prints for the tabletop.

Guestbook. Throw in some pens and you have a very sentimental souvenir from your wedding reception!

Photo credit: Lisa Welge

Framed image with autograph room… I think there’s a more definitive term for that one.

Photo credit: Bridal Indulgence

Reception slideshow. Very affordable and innovative way to take this showcase to the next level.

Newspaper clipping. Now you have something current to submit.

Photo Album. This is timeless, there’s nothing like having a physical compilation.Photo credit: Love N Joy Photography

Photo credit: Love N Joy Photography

Canvases/prints around your abode. This is classic and should be seriously considered as part of your “nesting” decor.

You should consider the engagement shoot as an integral part of your entire wedding experience. This is where your commitment starts, the “I do’s” just seal the deal, don’t miss the opportunity to highlight the beginning of your journey together. You already said yes! Now that’s something to celebrate.

Filed under: Guest Experts, Photography

June 30, 2011 by Kelsey Goodwin, Wedding Photography Expert

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I Love Weddings – Actually

Posted by Tracie Fong on June 30, 2011

Photo credit: Posh Betty

The movie Love Actually is one of my all-time favorite romantic movies. I fell in love with the movie as soon as I saw the wedding scene …

The scene is of Juliet & Peter’s wedding ceremony. Mark (the best man) surprises the happy couple by planning a live performance of The Beatles song “All You Need is Love.” During this grand gesture, some of the guests surprise everyone by popping up with instruments and playing along with the song. This is one of the most magical things that I think could happen at a wedding, such a grand gesture is surely a symbol of love and would certainly surprise unsuspecting wedding guests!

Photo credit: www.toutlecine.com

Doing something like this would be a lovely surprise during your wedding ceremony. It will leave your guests in tears and your ceremony will always be remembered.

Photo credit: www.weareallinthegutterbut.blogspot.com

Photo credit: Toutlecine.com

If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’ve seen this scene a million times. But if you’re in the mood for something sweet, I’d recommend watching the scene again (here).

Happy Planning

Filed under: Fun & Creative Ideas, Planning & Resources, Weddings

June 30, 2011 by Tracie Fong

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Don’t Tell the Bride!

Posted by Wedding Window on June 29, 2011

Exciting news! OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, is bringing the hit UK show “Don’t Tell the Bride” to America … and you have the chance to enter to be on the show!

Photo Credit: Don't Tell the Bride

Here’s the Scoop
“Don’t Tell the Bride” gives $25,000 to 8 cash-strapped couples to create the wedding of their dreams. The only catch is the bride and groom can’t see each other for three weeks before the nuptials, and the groom has to plan the whole wedding in secret. This is the once in a lifetime opportunity for the groom to impress his bride by planning their dream wedding. Each episode focuses on one couple’s big day. Without input from the bride, the groom gets three weeks and $25,000 to plan a dream wedding.

Casting Requirements:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Currently engaged
- Willing and able to get legally married between July 2011 – September 2011
- Have a few groomsmen and bridesmaids with big personalities willing to be on the show with you
- No long distance or destination weddings. You must be willing to marry within driving distance of couple’s residence(s).

If you’re interested in being on the show, please email bride@shedmediaus.com with the following information:

Bride’s name and Groom’s name
Bride’s phone number
Bride’s email
Bride’s resident city
Groom’s phone number
Groom’s email
Groom’s resident city
A few sentences about you and why you are an ideal couple for the show
Wedding status – where you are in the process
Current photo of bride and groom (make sure we can clearly see you both)

Submissions will be accepted through the end of July!

Filed under: Our Team, Planning & Resources

June 29, 2011 by Wedding Window

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Little Retreats Giveaway Winner!

Posted by Wedding Window on June 29, 2011

The winner of the Little Retreats photo booth props giveaway has been selected! This lucky lady will be going on a $50 shopping spree at Little Retreats!!

Photo Credit: Little Retreats

The winner is Kristal. Congratulations! The winning comment that was submitted on 06/23/11 and selected in a random drawing is: “Love this stuff! So nice to see props to buy without ordering the service! Getting married Nov 19th and would love this for it!” Brooke will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your prize!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Check back in later today for our new giveaway contest and to enter for more chances to win!

Filed under: Details, Our Team

June 29, 2011 by Wedding Window

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Vendors We Heart: Rooy Couture

Posted by Wedding Window on June 28, 2011

Lani van Rooyen is the talented designer behind ROOY Couture. Her passion for creating gorgeous gowns for brides has brought her all over the world ultimately expanding her business and design knowledge. I just love Lani’s couture designs! Filled with patterns and textures, her dresses are certainly unique. She works with brides from the beginning to end of the dress making process to ensure the result is their perfect wedding gown. Learn more about Lani below …

Photo Credit: Nathan Walker Photography

Photo Credit: Katya Nova Photography

Photo Credit: Katya Nova Photography

What inspired you to start your business?
Passion. I realized soon after completing my fashion design studies that I absolutely adore designing wedding gowns – it left all other design disciplines trailing far behind. From getting to know each bride I have the privilege of designing for, and seeing her vision come together as the gown takes shape, to the fabrics and laces, pattern design and integrate handcrafting involved. I simply couldn’t not do it – and so R O O Y Couture was born.

What options for customization do you offer?
R O O Y Couture is all about the individual bride, and all of our bridal gowns are custom-designed during a one-on-one design session where the focus is on the bride and her vision. This session also includes the selection of fabrics, laces and trimmings based on the bride’s taste and budget, and extends to headpieces and veils.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
It is very cliche, but oh so important: keep perspective. Remember that your wedding day is really about getting married – treasure it and make sure to always invest in each other and your relationship.

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
I spent a year working on cruise ships as a tailor when I was younger to learn more about other cultures and countries – something I believe assists me today in designing within a multi-cultural society.

What is your one must-have item to have on-hand when you’re working?
Sharp scissors – I have several different kinds for different tasks, and simply wouldn’t be able to do anything without them!

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Thoughtful.

5 Things that make you happy?
Spending time with my husband – from watching history documentaries together to cooking up a storm
Our little baby boy’s smiles
A glowing bride on her wedding day
Helping and being there for people in need
Being surrounded by nature – it is awe inspiring!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
While searching for the perfect bridal gown – look for the gown which truly represents who you are. Your guests should see a gorgeous bride (you) first, followed by realizing what you are wearing … and not the other way round.