A Maui Wedding

Aug 20
2010

The summer has been filled many weddings and beautiful couples. Here’s just one of several recent couples that stood out. I had so much fun with this couple that I am still laughing when I think back at our day together. If your looking for a Maui Wedding Photographer please give Nicole a call at Behind The Lens Maui.

808 205-2366

Wedding Day Planner

Apr 12
2010

Wedding Day Planner

From the day you were a little girl, you have always dreamt of your wedding day. Well the time has finally come and everything you have imagined must now be planned out. There are many things to consider, but some of the most important is how you will look. Afterall, it is your red carpet moment that will also be captured on film forever.

To start, you will need to decide if you are going to go with a traditional style or be daring and be creative. Also, is this your first wedding, a second wedding, a public wedding to validate the private service you recently had or maybe it’s a renewal of vows. Depending on the type of ceremony, you can then decide on your hair style, your color theme, accessories and other aspects.

Color Schemes

With many of the traditional weddings being in white, more and more modern day weddings are turning away from white and going other versions of color. Thanks to many of today’s designers, color and tradition have been set aside for a new level of creativity. From the traditional pure white, to the off white or ivory, to pastel colors such as shades of pink, blue, purple or yellow, the trend doesn’t seem to stop there.

In addition to the main colors as focal points, colors are being added to gowns. Designers have begun to incorporate sparkling colors such as silver or gold to the dress to accent the dress and give highlight to a particular area of the dress or to compliment an accessory that the bride may be wearing. Remember, before you go to creative with colors and accents, be sure to discuss these with your photographer and videographer to determine how these color schemes will appear on camera. The worst thing you can do is to be all dolled up, but that doesn’t transpose well on film, thus giving you a look you did not want to capture forever.

Hair Styles

One of the decisions you will have to decide on is whether or not your hair style will be done separately from your wedding party, will you all match or will you all be going with a wedding theme, where the hair design will be based upon.

In the event you and your party are going with a similar hair theme, you will need to consider those in your wedding party. Is their current hair length going to allow for a design that will work or not, or will you have to be a bit creative. You may have to consider a short haired bridesmaid in a long haired theme the possibility of hair extensions. Another issue to consider is whether a bridesmaid is coming from out of town and will she get there in time to have her done properly to match the rest of the wedding party.

As you and your party are planning out the hair style, you need to take into consideration other aspects. The dresses, the veil, the different types of accessories all may play a part in your hair styles. For those obsessed with their hair, you may want to go with a hair design before picking out a dress or accessories. You will also want to consider the type of dress you have chosen. What kind of neckline does it have or how far down the back is your back exposed.

In general, the more the gown flows, the recommendation is to go with a longer hair design and for the high collared dress, and you may want to consider a hair design that is up. Are you still not sure? Going with a traditional style is always a good fall back plan. For example, your hair is pinned up, with some tight curls trickling around the neck line, giving you a very glamorous look regardless if your wedding is formal or informal.

No matter your hair style, there is always something that can be done to give you that right look. In most cases it’s the accessories. You can add accessories such as pins, barrettes, a chignon, wraps, lace, ribbon or other fabrics to really bring out the best in your hair design, your dress and your face. There are so many things you can add to give your hair that extra flare on your special day.

So as you can see, planning a wedding properly is usually done in a year in advance. You will also experience, if you are not prepared, that the big things are the easiest to plan for, such as the ceremony and the reception. However, it’s the little things that are the most tedious, such as your clothing, hair style and accessories for you and your wedding party. Plan ahead and have fun with it all and have a great wedding.


Wedding Planning Guide

Nov 20
2009

Wedding Planning: A Countdown Guide To Your Big Day

For some, a wedding planning guide is just what you will need to help you stay organized for a perfect big day. Below is just the guide that help you stay on track and not so stressed about missing anything.

Months Before

  • Decide upon your wedding date and budget.
  • Meet with your local minister or registrar.
  • Start looking for your wedding dress.
  • Decide on your bridal party.
  • Make a guest list.
  • Book the wedding reception.
  • Book the band or DJ and/or other wedding entertainment if any.
  • Book the caterers, the florists, photographer and/or videographer.
  • Book transportation if required.
  • Book the honeymoon. If needed, apply for a new passport (the bride may wish to travel under her married name, but be prepared to be unable to travel until your wedding date, as your old passport will be invalid).
  • Order the cake.
  • Book an over-night stay in a hotel room/bridal suit if needed.
  • Confirm all bookings in writing.

6 Months Before

  • Get initial fitting for the wedding dress. Choose wedding shoes and accessories.
  • Choose attire for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers.
  • Choose the wedding rings.
  • Order your wedding favors.
  • Notify your bank, building society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and the date it will take affect.
  • Order the invitations and other stationary.
  • Take out wedding insurance, if required.
  • See your hairdresser about the hairstyle that you want. Brides should bring a picture of the dress, veil or headdress and other accessories to help the hairdresser create a hairstyle that will complimentary.

3 Months Before

  • Buy your marriage license from the registrar.
  • Send out the invitations.
  • Decide upon your wedding list. Make it available to all your wedding guests.
  • Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodations now while there is still availability.
  • Confirm your ceremony details with either the registrar or the minister.
  • Decide your wedding music or hymns.
  • Arrange for the wedding program to be printed.
  • Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids.
  • Discuss the seating plan with the caterer.
  • Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required.
  • Start to plan your bachelor/bachelorette parties.
  • If you have a Will, get it updated to ensure it remains active after your wedding.

1 Month Before

  • Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress.
  • Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, transportation and all entertainment.
  • Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements.
  • Have bachelor/bachelorette night.
  • Finalize the seating plan with the caterer.
  • Arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal, if required.
  • Send out thank you cards to all guests who have responded to your invitation.
  • Telephone any guests who have not yet responded to your invitation.
  • Organize a date when you can pick up your wedding outfits.
  • Write any wedding day speeches.

7 Days Before

  • Have the wedding rehearsal.
  • Pack for your honeymoon.
  • Wear-in your wedding shoes. Allows brides to practice walking in high heels.
  • Organize an emergency wedding kit just for the bride. Containing makeup and repair kit for the dress, so you can be ready for any minor hiccups through the day.
  • Give your wedding program to the minister.
  • Order your foreign currency and/or travelers cheques.
  • Give rings to the best man.
  • Give best man a list of all the wedding services involved in your wedding day, in case they need to be contacted.

The Day Before

  • Take the day off from work.
  • Brides and grooms have your nails manicured.
  • Grooms have your hair tidied up around the back and sides.
  • Spend the rest of the day relaxing and try and get an early night.

The Day of the Wedding

Based on a 2pm wedding, the bride’s timetable should run like this:

08:00   Take a relaxing shower/bath.

08:30   Have breakfast, but don’t have anything too heavy that may upset your stomach.

09:00   Polish your nails.

09:30   Have hairdresser style your hair. See if they will come to you instead of you going to them.

11:00   Best man arrives to collect any cards and luggage, if needed.

11:30   Bridesmaids and pageboys arrive.

12:00   Have your makeover.

12:30   Bride and bridesmaids get dressed.

13:00   Photographer arrives. Takes pre-arranged photos.

13:30   First wedding car will take mother and bridesmaids to the church.

13:45   Second wedding car will take the bride and her father to the church.

13:58   The bride and her father will stand at the entrance of the church, with the bridesmaids lined up behind you. The verger will greet you.

14:00   Ceremony begins. Good luck and congratulations.

Ten Things to do before the Wedding

Nov 23
2008

Ten Things to do Before the Wedding

1. Complete the Dress:

Have your wedding dress steamed and pressed. Walking down the aisle in a wrinkled dress would be the worst thing that could happen for any bride. It is your big day; make sure you shine in a beautifully flawless dress. You will be glad you did it when you look back at photos!

2. Finalize the Details of the Ceremony:

Contact the venue and church to verify any last minute scheduling. As we all know things can be hectic right before the big day and if you have a wedding planner do not worry. However, if you do not have one, make sure and verify a couple of days in advance. This way there are no surprises.

3. Choose The Hairdo:

Make a hair appointment to have your stylist help you figure out the hairdo for the wedding. This gives you a chance to not be stressed trying to make the decision the day of the wedding. Wedding Tip: Make sure and bring your veil with you to eliminate having to put it on yourself.

4. Pick The Poses:

Make a list with your photographer of all the shots you want them to capture on your wedding day. This way they know what you want and don´t miss out on any photograph you want for the album. It is hectic on your wedding day so if they can order you all around to get the shots it will take the burden off your shoulders.

5. Get Your Nails Done:

Make an appointment for the day before the wedding to get your nails done. This ensures enough time to dry without smudging and gives you a chance to sit down and relax for a couple hours. Pedicures are a great way to relax and most places have chairs for you to sit in and get a massage.

6. Choose Your Flowers:

Meet with your florist to discuss the colors she will be including to match your theme or color scheme. This is the time you would give her the swatch of fabric to match the colors of the linens, decorations or dresses.

7. Finalize the Cake:

Call the bakery to discuss the fine details of the cake. If you would like the color to match your wedding theme or colors, give them a piece of fabric with that color to match for making the decorative frosting.

8. Break In Your Shoes:

Put your wedding shoes on while you are at home to wear them in a little and ensure comfort at the wedding. This way if you have any hot spots on your feet, you can put some mole skin on the strap to ensure it will not be bothering you at your wedding.

9.Get the Girls Together:

Make sure you make a date with your bridesmaids and maid of honor to chat about the details. Give them a time and place to be so you can all get ready together. Wedding Tip: It is fun to get your hair done together too if you can make appointments at the same salon you are going to.

10. Coordinate With the Groom:

Make sure you communicate the last minute details with your husband to be. Keep him aware of where you are getting ready and possibly get him a hotel for the day of the wedding to stay in with his groomsmen so that you don´t accidently cross paths. Then the men can get ready and go to the wedding before the girls arrive.