As gifts start rolling in, do yourself a favor and write a thank you note...immediately! Keep a notebook including who sent the gift, what it was and your personal note to them as soon as you open them. This way, once you get those fabulous, custom designed thank-you notes (that we would be happy to design for you), it won't take days...or months to send your notes of gratitude to friends and family.

Believe me, you will thank me later!

The After Session

Stunning photography by the talented Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Stunning photography by the talented Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

It used to be a tradition to have your formal bridal portraits taken well before the big day. However, the days of being awkwardly posed in front of a camera with your hand propped under your chin, are long gone!
Then brides began trying to have their bridal portraits taken on the day of their wedding. Later realizing that they just didn't have enough time or energy to dedicate to such an important element of your big day.

The solution...the bridal portrait after session. This post ceremonial photo shoot can take place anytime after you have had the wedding of your dreams or once you come back relaxed from your honeymoon. An after session gives you an opportunity to once again put on that fabulous dress. You know, the dress that took you months, maybe even years and not mention hundreds (or thousands) of dollars to find...the same dress that people swore would never see the light of day again. So why not get more use out of it, right? This type of shoot allows you to be more comfortable, and show
your personality without all the wedding day jitters getting in the way.

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

Maya Darasaw -M.A.D.Works Photography www.madworksphotography.com

"Loved doing a post bridal shoot! It gave me an opportunity to, relax, be more creative and really show my personality. No crazy wedding to do's involved, just me and the camera". Jahnisa Tate

So go for it! Get back in that dress, slap on some lipstick and get your inner model on!

 

Why wouldn't you? When investing in particular vendors (especially those that are a priority item for your big day), you should not only look at their cost and experience; you should also pay attention to if that particular vendor invests in themselves as well!

A good vendor should be a student of their own craft, especially in this ever-changing, ever-evolving industry. Pay attention, and ask questions. Do they constantly train and educate themselves on what they specialize in? Study latest techniques, products, etc? We sure do!

 

Traditional vs. Non Traditional Wedding

"Every couple deserves to have the event they want, not what we have come to believe is required." - Chérie Ronning

I personally think traditional weddings are always captivating and heartwarming (and predictable...), however Ive learned over time that there are ways to incorporate tradition without cramping your personal style. It's also nice as a new couple to start your own traditions. You may get a disapproving look from Grandma, but think about how much happier you and your fiance would be if you worked together and did it "your" way and not "the" way!

So many rules...to break!

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34348793@N00/2334522545">Happy Bride</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

Bride must wear a white wedding dress...today it is perfectly fine (fun and unique) to wear something with a little color. Blush, mint, and even black! (yes, I said it) Black dresses can help showcase a brides unique style on the couples big day! It may not be for everyone but if you find yourself stuck while looking for the perfect white gown, let your hair down, relax and let go! Find a dress in your favorite color and express yourself!

Bridesmaid to Groomsmen ratio must be equal...great for pictures, yes, but does it always make sense for the bride and groom? NO. Do what feels right. Select people who you want by your side for the right reasons, not to fill in spaces.

Formal attire is a must...It's fun to play dress up every now and then but if you're both feeling like you want that special day to be a bit more casual, there's nothing wrong with that! It should be all about sharing your love with each other and your guests. And it most certainly doesn't have to be runway show if you don't want it to be.

Formal dinning style is also a must... Again if elegance is what you're after, passed heavy hors d'oeuvres, or chef attended stations are good ways to get your guests to mix and mingle, and can also lead to a more exciting party, while maintaining a posh and elegant style!

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25712082@N05/4957642545">coxwedding09</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)</a>

You have to cut a cake...most people do not even understand the meaning behind this one and do it anyway simply because it is "tradition". The Greeks (and Romans) would break bread into tiny pieces over the bride’s head as a symbol of her fertility. Now clearly this is not so today and people have taken on more of a modern meaning. The first task as man and wife together! Either way, its definitely left to your own interpretation.

Brides parents pay for everything...lets be realistic. Today's economy simply does not allow this to even happen for everyone. Today the couple along with the parents help cover the expenses for there special day.

What traditions will be a part of your special day? Are there any that are unique to your family? And I'd love to know what exciting bride is ditching these wedding traditions all together!