Being a full-time wedding photographer I get to witness many ceremonies and receptions.  Wedding vows and toasts add a personal, intimate touch to a wedding day. While some ceremonies include traditional vows, couples may opt to write from their own hearts and share those words while exchanging rings. Often during the reception family and friends gather to celebrate with a meal, and personal words of affection and toasts can continue to bring memorable moments to the gathering.

Wedding Vows
It is the moment that will change your life forever, when you pledge yourself to your partner. If you are writing your own wedding vows, consider incorporating the following ideas into your promises.

• A reflective moment about what drew you to your partner
• A description of why you are happier or a better person because of your partner
• The characteristics of your partner which you value
• Your hopes and dreams for the future
• Promises such as vowing to support your partner’s dreams, work together to solve problems, or never ignore your partner’s needs

You don’t have to be a poet or a published author in order to write your own vows. Your partner knows your heart and will be forever touched by the effort you put into publically sharing your promises. You might want to consider giving the best man a copy of the vows, just in case the moment overwhelms you!

Wedding Toasts
Traditionally the wedding toast is given by the best man and the maid of honor. These can be toasts presented jointly or separately, and in honor of the happy couple. Funny stories, sweet memories, or personal anecdotes about the bride, groom, or couple are great ways to connect the guests with the wedding party and honor the bride and groom. If you are the best man you might share how your buddy told you he decided to propose, or if you are the maid of honor it might be a childhood memory of your best friend creating a backyard wedding with stuffed animals. These personal touches create a moment that will be memorable for everyone.

Wedding Reception Speeches
The bride and groom might choose to give a wedding speech at the reception as a way to thank all of the guests for sharing in the celebration. You can begin by sharing a special detail with the guests that they might not already know, such as where you were when he proposed, what you did on your first date, or about the first time you told him you loved him. If there are guests who helped in special ways to make this day possible, use the wedding speech as an opportunity to let everyone know how much you appreciate them.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Ring Style
Your wedding and engagement rings should be examples of not only your love, but your life together. Brides who lead extremely active lives, have jobs that require extensive and sometimes labored use of their hands often decide to select understated rings and bands so that they can wear their rings on a daily basis. Keep in mind your average week and then think about how easy it would be to do those same activities with a raised setting and large stone.

Besides the height and extravagancy of the rings, couples have other styles from which to choose. There are popular, trendy settings, vintage rings, and classic pieces. If you are drawn to vintage rings, you can save yourself money by purchasing a new ring set modeled after vintage pieces, and leave the high price tags of actual antique vintage jewelry to the collectors. Just because they look old doesn’t mean you have to pay for rings that carry the price tags of vintage rings. If you search hard enough, sometimes you can find true vintage rings that have lost the sparkle – literally. You can take the beauty of a vintage band that has lost its stone and replace it with a new one often for a reasonable cost.

The metal of your ring will most likely be one of three popular choices: yellow gold, white gold, or platinum. When choosing between them, consider what other colors of jewelry you wear often. White gold is a more economical choice than platinum, and delivers a similar, beautiful shine.

Ring Stones
Educate yourself on the 4 Cs of diamonds (color, carat, cut, and clarity) if you are considering this popular gem, as they will significantly influence your purchase. These help rank the quality, size, price, and style of stones in wedding and engagement rings.

The carat weight of the diamond is measured in metric carats on a 100-point scale. This measurement can go as low as 1/10 of a carat and move up to much larger sizes. The weight has a significant impact on the price.

While you might think the color of diamonds doesn’t really change, they can all be rated from colorless to near-colorless on a letter scale, with the highest rating of D indicating complete colorlessness. Jewelers discern this through a magnification process.

Another detail of engagement and wedding rings is the clarity, again something seen under magnification. The clarity ranks any blemishes, known as birthmarks, which are naturally formed on the diamond.

The cut of the diamond is one of the things brides often concern themselves with the most. There are cut styles such as the marquise, solitaire, round, oval, and triangle, all of which reflect the buyer’s personal style choices. Sometimes the difference in price is only reflected in the current trend for popular cuts.

If you choose a stone other than diamond, research the durability, especially if you plan to wear your ring every day. As a general rule, the darker the gem, the more durable it will be (i.e. a ruby compared to a pearl).

Ring Prices
The costs of engagement and wedding rings can vary as dramatically as the personal stories of each couple. Sometimes rings are passed on through generations, purchased at the local mall, or selected at the finest jeweler in the country. All of these will determine price. However, you can influence the price range by your decisions on style (simple bands will be less than large stones), and by your preferences for stones. Engraved messages or symbols on bands can increase their sentiment, yet not break the bank. No matter which rings you choose, they will be reflections of your commitment and future.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

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I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Sunday, August 29^th -  8am to 5pm

Wedding Photography Intensive  -    $200

Today is all about Weddings with  photographer William Innes.  This hands-on workshop will be an action packed full day.  The day will include everything from an actual bride and groom photo shoot.  You will learn posing, how to work with your couple and dealing with lighting.  Once we are done shooting we move into the studio and hit the computer.  William walk you through his actual workflow, from import, picking images to processing.  He will demonstrate his editing tools, from Lightroom to actions to Photoshop.  William will also take your favorite image from your shoot and process it with his spin on it.  We wrap the day with our Q&A with William as he answers every question tossed in his direction.  Please bring your camera, lenses, flash and laptop as this is a hands-on workshop.  Please note that lunch is included with this workshop.

So hurry and register at www.scvphotocenter.com or call (661) 904-2092.

Location, Location, Location

After you’ve nailed down a venue for your wedding, planning for your dress should commence soon after. The location and ambiance should be an important factor in deciding the style of wedding dress you choose. If you’re planning to tie the knot on one of California’s many beaches, a less-formal dress would be more appropriate (and comfortable) than a multi-layered gown typically worn at indoor ceremonies.

Pace Yourself

Finding the perfect wedding dress will take some time, so don’t rush the process. Many wedding dress retailers have strict return policies, if they allow returns at all, so you’ll need to be absolutely certain the gown you buy is “the one.” In the months leading up to your date, set aside a day each week to try on a wedding dress or two. If you try them on all at once, you’ll be overwhelmed and won’t have time to make the right decision. Don’t go alone when you’re wedding dress hunting, but also don’t bring a gaggle of friends to help you decide. If possible, bring your mother or a close friend who will give you her honest opinion, while leaving the ultimate decision to you.

The Right Style

Do you prefer a traditional gown that can be passed down as an heirloom piece, or a super-trendy gown that’s made just for you? A slinky sheath or a princess-style ball gown? Some may choose a couture wedding dress, while others prefer to do a vintage gown. With the myriad of styles, fabrics and colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming, but you should choose the wedding dress that best suits your personal style and comfort level. Remember, it’s your big day and no one else’s, so choose the wedding dress that makes you feel best.

Get a Good Fit

When you’re trying on gowns, be sure to wear the  shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure an exact fit. Most wedding dress manufacturers have their own size charts, so what may be a size 4 from one designer is actually size 6 in another. Once you’ve ordered and received your dress, you may need alterations. You should keep adjustments to a minimum, bearing in mind that while it may be easy to take in a wedding dress, it’s nearly impossible to let one out.

Keep these pointers in mind, and let your wedding dress be a perfect expression of you on your wedding day!

William Innes is a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Don’t Procrastinate on Planning

The first step in wedding planning is to hit the ground running – don’t wait until just a few months before your wedding day to start planning. After announcing your engagement to family and friends, start putting the wheels in motion. Buy a calendar that will be used solely for wedding planning, and note milestones and goals that you want to have reached by certain dates.

Teamwork Works Best

Communicate with your future spouse and plan together. Set aside a night or two each week to focus on wedding planning. Both of you should discuss your ideal wedding and what it would look like. There are so many tiny details that go into wedding planning, so it’s best to have “two heads” instead of one. Don’t forget to compromise on ideas, but keep the overall theme cohesive. Also remember to share the duties of wedding planning so neither one of you gets too overwhelmed.

Keep In Touch

Depending on the size, your wedding may or may not require you to contract with several different vendors – florists, caterers, musicians, photographer and more – and you’ll need to stay in constant contact with them over the course of your wedding planning. Keep a list of your vendors’ contact information handy so you can quickly get in touch with them if last-minute changes arise. You’ll also be interviewing vendors before you settle on a match, so be sure to make a list of pros and cons for each when you meet with them.

Plan within Your Means

Another important tip in wedding planning revolves around finances. The cost of a wedding can quickly escalate without proper restraint, so be sure to establish a total budget with your fiancee. Calculate for everything from napkins and invitations to limousine rental and a wedding singer. Also note that things can sometimes go wrong for even the most meticulously planned wedding, and it may be wise to have a little extra saved up just in case.

Stay Positive

The end goal is perhaps most the important thing to remember over the course of wedding planning. This is a joyous and momentous occasion that you and your partner are working towards, so don’t let the stress overwhelm you! If you need to take a week or two off from wedding planning, do so and return with a fresh mind and a renewed spirit.

Los Angeles Wedding Photographer – William Innes

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Your wedding flowers should not just sit in the background, but be a lively part of your ceremony and reception. Hiring a professional to help you determine the best look for your ceremony is the best choice.

Hiring a Florist

Meeting with a florist or floral design specialist is an easy solution to navigating the wide world of flowers. Though you likely won’t be ordering your wedding flowers for a few months before the ceremony, you should get an early start in finding a florist, as they often get booked a year in advance.

A florist can help you determine what type of bouquet you want to have, as well as the color and style that coordinates best with your wedding ceremony. Similar to when choosing a wedding photographer, you should get referrals and recommendations for a florist. Simply choosing the first name that comes to you may result in disappointment, so be sure to vet several candidates beforehand.

What Flowers Do I Use?

In addition to your bridal bouquet, you can add floral details for your bridesmaids and groomsmen, centerpieces for your reception and as adornment for the venue where you will walk down the aisle.

Different flowers hold different meaning, so when choosing your wedding flowers, consider both the color and appearance, but their significance as well. Roses, hydrangeas and gardenias are popular blooms for weddings, but don’t be afraid to branch out to more exotic varieties like chamomile, alliums or foxgloves.

Remember the Details

As you choose your wedding flowers, keep in mind details like your wedding location. If your wedding is outside, choose blooms that can withstand wind and other elements. If you are holding a ceremony in a small, intimate venue like a church, choose flowers with a subtle scent that won’t fill up the entire room. Also note that some people may be allergic to certain scents, so when possible, opt for hypoallergenic varieties of flowers.

Also remember how your chosen wedding flowers will look on you. Brides with a smaller figure should chose arrangements that are similarly petite so they don’t get overwhelmed, as taller brides can go for a bouquet that is a little more substantial.

Resource Box: Flowers make a special wedding that much more memorable. Choose arrangements that complement the ceremony without stealing the spotlight. Remember that the wedding photographer won’t just be taking pictures of you and your spouse, but the scenery overall – including your floral arrangements.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – www.innesphotography.com.

Many of my brides will tell you how much I love to photograph shoes! I find it to be a very important part of wedding photography. It’s all about capturing details. I have even had some brides planning on wearing ballet slippers or flip flops go and buy a nice pair of shoes for me to photograph.

Shoes are just one of many details to keep track of when planning a wedding. In addition to nailing down a wedding photographer, caterer, band and reception hall, you have to remember the small things like thank you notes, flowers and your wedding shoes.

There are a myriad of sources for wedding shoes – both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. If you already have an idea of what you want, buying your wedding shoes online could be more cost-effective because of online sales and a much greater variety. However, if you want to be able to touch and try on your shoes, the store is a safer bet. If possible, consider purchasing multiple pairs of shoes to take home and try before committing. However, whether you purchase on the web or at a specialty boutique, you must understand the retailer’s return policy when buying wedding shoes.

The Total Package

When you are trying on your wedding dress, it is a good idea to bring shoes that will be a similar height to the wedding shoes you intend to buy. Pick the height of your heel bearing in mind that it will determine the hem of your dress. If you have an elaborately designed dress, your shoes should be simple so as not to outshine the dress. Conversely, if your dress is more conservative, a dazzling pair of wedding shoes will make your gown stand out.

If your wedding dress has embellishments like pearls, sequins or rhinestones, your wedding shoes should have these details as well, but used sparingly so as not to detract from your gown.

Coordinated and Comfortable

The color of your wedding shoes should coincide with your wedding’s colors overall. If you want to match your dress to your shoes, be sure to take a swatch of fabric with you when shopping; what may look like a perfect match in the store may not be the same under different lighting. For a bolder look, consider matching your shoes to your bridesmaid dresses. It is a good way to add an accent color and put together a cohesive look. As a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer – I know it’s all about style!

You will be on your feet for practically your entire wedding day – from walking down the aisle to having your first dance. Before your wedding, spend an entire day in your wedding shoes. Walk around on carpeted and clean surfaces so as not to damage the bottom of the shoes in case you need to return them. If after just a few hours your feet are killing you, it may be a wise move to go back to the drawing board.

Resource Box: Finding a great pair of wedding shoes is just as important as the dress itself. Your weddings shoes need to be stylish yet comfortable enough to last all day, starting from your trip down the aisle to tossing the bouquet and posing for your wedding photographer.

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

One of the wonderful displays was from Serendipity Wedding and Event Planning. I decided to interview owner Odalys Monge and find out the answers to some of those questions than today’s brides may be asking. Here are the questions and answers:

• Tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with everything weddings?

I have always had a passion for everything wedding related.  I could spend my days flipping through bridal magazines, researching online and watching all of the wedding shows!  At a very young age, I was always planning parties and events for families and friends – they seemed to rely on me to give them an opinion.  After graduating from UCSB with a degree in Communication, I took a Group Sales position with a large upscale hotel chain.  After three years at the hotel and planning my parents surprise 30th anniversary party and my own destination wedding – I knew I had found my calling!

• How did Serendipity Wedding & Event Planning get started?

I had the great fortune of being offered a position with the largest and oldest upscale bridal show in California – Festival of Brides, The Upscale Bridal Show.  As a Marketing/Sales Representative, it was the perfect place to meet and develop relationships with the best professionals in the wedding industry.  In conjunction with my background in hospitality  I knew that I had all the resources necessary to finally pursue my dream of owning my wedding and event planning company.

• Why do you think it is important for couples to have an event planner?

No matter what the budget, it is absolutely necessary to hire an event planner to assist a couple them with their wedding.  If their budget is a little tighter, a “day-of” or “month-of” package could be a great option to ensure that the couple and their family and friends can actually enjoy their wedding day.  If the budget is a bit more flexible, a couple should consider an “full-service” package that includes event design, unlimited vendor referrals and assisting with planning and overseeing their wedding from start to finish.  An event planner has the expertise to pull together an event that is not only beautiful, but well thought out.  They will ensure that no detail goes unnoticed and can provide you with referrals for vendors that are trustworthy, knowledgeable and meet your budget.  This not only allows the couple time to enjoy their engagement, but also the peace of mind of knowing that the most important day of their lives is in the hands of a professional.

. I know all planners carry an emergency kit with them on the wedding day. Tell us something in your kit that may surprise us?

Smelling salts!  You never know when somebody might faint!

• Are there any recent trends you see taking place in regards to wedding ceremonies or fashion?

I’ve noticed a trend of natural/rustic elements and the use of neutral tones with wedding colors showing up only in the details of the decor, (place cards, napkin rings, favors, etc.)  Another great and fun trend is keeping the ceremony monochromatic in white/ivory tones and shocking the guests with a reception that is just the opposite; full of rich, bright fun colors.

• This is a very popular time for wedding engagements. What advice do you have for recently engaged couples that are just starting to plan a wedding?

Take notes, keep pictures, look everywhere for inspiration, even in unexpected places – your home for example is a great place to find what your personal style is and incorporate that into your wedding.  Most importantly – remember that your wedding day is about the two of you and the beginning of your life together – you will not be able to please everyone!

I would love to hear from you – please contact me.

To see more of my work – click here.