Save-the-dates can come in several forms. You can send out physical cards or magnets or, you can save time and money by sending out save-the-date ecards. For added convenience, you can even include a clickable link directly to your wedding website on your save-the-date ecard so your guests don’t have to physically enter your website URL into the browser address field. And, because ecards are electronic, they are also good for the environment!

If you make note of your wedding website address on your physical save-the-date or ecard, you can direct your guests to the site for more information. Doing so will not only make your guests aware of your wedding website and where to go to learn more about your wedding plans, your recommendations and where to go for future updates, but it will also prevent you from having to personally field calls or emails about where to stay, what to do or where you’re registered because all of that information will most likely already be available on your wedding website – if you choose to include it.

If at all possible, try to create a cohesive look across each of your wedding elements by coordinating the look of your save-the-date with your wedding colors and/or wedding website design. This will allow you to set the tone for the rest of your wedding from the first introduction.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

Whether you plan to have an intimate wedding ceremony or a grand soirée, your friends and family members will likely have a desire to get involved or contribute to the planning process in some shape or form. While you may not want them to offer too much advice, there are fortunately some fun and easy ways to keep them included. And who knows, you may even find that you receive some helpful information along the way.

First, if you have a wedding website, consider including a music request form. Not only will your guests be able to provide you with their song wish list, but you will also be able to get a sense of what will keep the party hoppin’.

Consider also offering an address book form on your website, so your guests can add or update their mailing address information. Allowing your guests to do this on their own will not only free you up to stay focused on the other aspects of your planning, but it will also provide you with a means of obtaining the information you will need when it comes time to send out your wedding invitations.

Many couples have opted to include poll and quiz questions on their websites. Some questions may even relate back to the planning decisions they need to make. While some couples use the responses to actually help them make their decisions, such as where to go for their honeymoon, others take the advice with a grain of salt. Either way, your guests will have fun and will feel as though they are contributing to your experience.

Many brides also benefit from blogging about their wedding planning experience. Planning a wedding, as we all know, can be quite stressful. For many, a wedding blog provides an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings with friends and family members. You may find that you receive both helpful advice and much needed support via the blog entry comments. However, if you are not one to share your thoughts, your blog is great for updating your guests about any changes to your wedding plans.

If you want to allow your guests to receive regular updates regarding your wedding plans, consider including an optional mailing list on your wedding website. That way, you can alert your guests to changes with one simple email.

Planning a wedding is exciting and fun, but no one ever said that you have to do it alone, so don’t hesitate to provide your friends and family members with a way to help you with your choices and decisions. They will likely enjoy feeling involved and in the end, you may benefit from getting some helpful advice.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

You’ve seen your grandparent’s wedding photos right!? You know, the ones where everybody is lined up like chocolate soldiers with a solemn look on their face! Well, chances are you won’t want yours to look like that, am I right? Of course. Times have changed and photography styles continue to evolve. Modern brides want modern photos and this article takes a closer look at traditional wedding photography and the increasingly popular photojournalistic and creative styles.

An old traditional wedding photo... classic!

Spring is in the air and the wedding photography season is here! Countless couples are excitedly preparing for the biggest day of their lives and everything has to be perfect! After all, the bride has been dreaming about this day since she was a little girl. Now it’s getting closer, she’s starting to think more and more about how her wedding photos are going to look.

In the past, wedding albums looked pretty much the same. A more traditional style of photography was used where the bridal party and guests were carefully arranged in groups, with much more consideration for lighting. This was a lengthy process and yielded little originality in the final results. Today, photojournalism is the en vogue style. This is a more relaxed approach to the photography with more candid results and a natural feel to the final photographs. The photographer is afforded greater creativity and wedding albums can be put together with stunning, storybook designs.

Let’s have a look at the differences between traditional and photojournalistic / creative wedding photography…

Traditional Wedding Photography

If you hire a traditional wedding photographer they will concentrate most of their effort on carefully crafted, posed shots of the wedding party and friends/family. They will give a lot more direction throughout the day and will make sure everyone looks absolutely pristine. They will maybe bring special lights that can be arranged in multiple setups to control the light and the ultimate quality of the photos. If you hire a traditional wedding photographer you should allow additional time to make sure you get all the photographs you want…

You can have lots of fun with traditional wedding photography too! Below are 2 examples of slightly more traditional photos. They are both posed group shots of a wedding party. The first one is very carefully arranged with everyone following strict directions on how to stand and look at the camera. The second photo however, is similar in that everyone has been told where to stand and to look at the photographer. But, in this shot a fun element has been added to make the scene a little more modern and in keeping with the journalistic style. It almost looks as though the bridal party initiated this scene by themselves and the photographer simply snapped the image!

A more traditional capture with a bit of a regimental feel

Crafted by the photographer but with a fun, lighter feel to it...

Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

A photojournalistic wedding photographer concentrates on capturing candid moments throughout the day with very little emphasis on direction. The pictures generally express more emotion and portray the feelings experienced by all involved. A good photojournalist incorporates interesting angles, lighting and framing into their work. At Blü Studio, we bring our own imagination to the photos and hopefully allow you to experience every moment again and again.

Photojournalistic style shot capturing a priceless, natural moment...

Photojournalism is by far one of the most popular styles of wedding photography at Canadian weddings today. This probably has a lot to do with the glitz and glamour portrayed by Hollywood and cosmopolitan fashion magazines. Brides want to look stunning, just like their favourite actress, and require photos that have a real impact. With photojournalism a picture really does say a thousand words!

Creative Wedding Photography

Creative wedding photography is a style not unlike photojournalism. However, rather than the photographer following around and taking completely candid shots, a creative photographer will place the subjects in predetermined situations and then allow them to be themselves and take the candid pictures from there. Blü Studio are creative photographers with a touch of the traditional. We find that modern couples are mainly looking for a more creative style of shot that captures the raw emotion of the day. However, our parents still tend to be a little more traditional and prefer more staged shots where everyone is organized and looking at the camera. There’s nothing wrong with shots like this and they are not old fashioned either, just a different style. They are often quite charming and can add to the perfect blend of “old & new” styles for your wedding day photography. Everyone can be happy!

Contact us now at info@blustudio.ca to find out how we can capture your story in a beautiful, timeless brilliance that will be enjoyed by generations to come! You may also visit the website at www.blustudio.ca/weddings for more information.

What is an engagement portrait and what is its purpose? Well, for me, engagement portraits are such an important part of your wedding package. Most couples have lots and lots of photos of themselves taken with camera phones and point and shoot cameras at clubs and parties etc. What they don’t have is one really good image, the image that captures the essence of why they’re together in the first place. Here at Blü Studio we strive to capture that very image, one you can enjoy in your home for many years to come…

Aren’t we going to get plenty of images like that on the wedding day? Yes, of course, but the engagement portrait captures a moment before the wedding day, a moment of anticipation and excitement. This is the first time you will work with us and suddenly it all starts to feel that little bit more real…

When to book the engagement portrait, where to go, what to wear???

There’s not really a right or wrong time to schedule your portrait. If your book over the winter, you might like to wait for the better weather. We recommend you organize the shoot for no later than 1 month before the wedding day. This gives you time to choose your framed image and for us to have it shipped from our lab in the US.

In terms of where to have the session, that’s a personal choice that only you can make. Some couples like to come into our studio but I always think it’s more appropriate to revisit a special place. Maybe the proposal spot or a park you like to stroll through on a regular basis.

For clothing, you don’t need to dress up too much, but make an effort. The picture is all about the two of you and what you mean to each other. Just try to be yourselves…

What can we do with our engagement portrait?

Obviously, long term, it’s going to hang on the wall of your home. In the short term however, there are a number of uses for your portrait. Why not include it in your save the date notifications? How about displaying it on your wedding website? On the wedding day itself, stand the portrait next to your guestbook at the reception for everyone to see…

Give us a call to book your engagement session with us. You don’t need to book a whole wedding package. We have many clients who simply cannot afford a professional wedding photographer but would still like a portrait to celebrate their nuptials.

Create a Window to Your Destination Wedding

With destination weddings on the rise, it is becoming more and more important for couples to have a means for informing their guests of their upcoming wedding plans as well as provide recommendations for out-of-town guests.

Wedding websites allow your guests one-stop shopping when it comes time for them to arrange their travel plans as well as other details. You can be as specific as you wish and link your website directly to the hotel reservation pages that you would like to recommend to your guests.

You will find that having a website is not only a time-saver but a budget-saver as well. The multiple mailings that can sometimes become necessary to communicate with your guests can easily eat up a good portion of any wedding budget. Allowing your guests to RSVP online will also cut down on your wedding expenses. No need for RSVP cards! However, you can always order just enough for those guests who may not be web savvy.

Destination weddings have definitely become a way for couples to express their style in a less traditional way. If you choose to have your wedding in a destination location, try to make it a fun experience for you and your fiancé as well as for your guests.

Destination Wedding Tips

1. Location, Location, Location. When selecting a location, choose one that appeals to your tastes and wedding style. Keep in mind, however, that because it won’t be as easy as going down the street to the local church to attend your wedding, you’ll have to assume that your guest list may be smaller. You’ll need to get a good sense about the number of attendees you wish to have before selecting your event facility so you can be confident that it will be appropriate for the crowd.

2. Less is More. Destination weddings can be expensive not only for those getting married, but also for those attending. Try to be mindful of that when selecting your wedding site so those who are closest to you can afford to attend. Consider having your wedding during the off-season so costs will be lower. Traditionally, accommodation expenses are covered for the bridesmaids by the bride’s family and for the groomsmen by the groom’s family. All other guests should be responsible for their own expenses. Most hotels will work with you to offer group discounts.

3. Assist your Guests. You may know the location that you will be flying off to for your dream wedding like the back of your hand, but most of your guests will not. Your wedding website can be a tool to help you educate your guests about the area, local attractions, accommodation ideas, the weather and directions. Making their job easier will only amount in a larger turnout at your wedding. Use your website to remind them of the things they may not consider such as a passport if required for your chosen location.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

The process of listing down and cutting down everything into specific details—the wedding date, the venue, the reception, the caterer, the designer of the gown and suit, all the way down to the wedding coverage—are the areas where stress usually ushers in.

Due to hectic schedules, most couples usually do not pay much attention to one of the crucial things in any wedding—the wedding coverage. Despite the overwhelming tension and excitement, couples do not have to be nonchalant when choosing their wedding photographers if they want their fun times and precious memories recorded very well.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PREFERENCES

To avoid making this slight neglect that usually leads disastrous results, couples have to decide first what kind of wedding photography they would want to have.

Most wedding photographers today categorize the types of wedding photography into two: the traditional or classic style and the wedding photojournalistic style.

The most common style used by wedding photographers today, the traditional or classic wedding photography is considered as a “timeless” and the “safest” style because you normally see in countless wedding albums. Characterized by classic poses of subjects aware of the camera, this style involves so much control from the photographer because he is in-charge in arranging individual and group shots before, during, and even after the wedding.

Having excellent portraiture skills, expect the photographer to focus more on the quality of the photograph by making the subject look great from the littlest details. Expect typical wedding photos like pre-ceremony pictures, formal shots of the bride and groom posing with brides maids and ushers, cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss, and the like when you choose a classic wedding photography. This style is ideal if the couple would want to keep portraits of family members for their wedding album.

If the couple is adventurous and unconventional, then you might want to consider the wedding photojournalistic style of photography on your big day. An increasingly popular style today, wedding photojournalism offers fresh and new style of taking photos in the occasion. Characterized by candid shots of the subjects unaware of the moving camera, the photojournalism style lets the attendees act freely to capture their pure and true emotion.

Sourcing style from his experience in journalism, the “photojournalist” pays more attention to minute details and candid shots rather than arranged ones. He’s more into eyeing interesting moments and capturing those in his lens to produce a narrative collection of images that tell a story.

Although some traditional poses will be present, expect photos that show actual emotions of the bride and groom and of other participants throughout the duration of the wedding when you choose the photojournalism style.

In order to avoid ruining the documentation of your wedding, here are some tips in making your wedding a picture perfect one:

1. Weddings are one of the most exciting chapters of one’s life. Make sure that you choose a wedding photographer that can meet all your standards. Meet with the photographer before hand the so you could discuss the details you want.

2. Inform the important participants about the schedule of photo sessions and make sure everyone attends the rehearsal to cut down the stress.

3. Have a reception area so guests can be informed about the itinerary. This will set the occasion in order.

- Low Jeremy

Artistic wedding photography is photography that is approached with more than just “stand and pose pictures” in mind. Gone is the day of formal – and often stiff – wedding photography. Today’s photographers have ushered in a growing trend wherein they bring creative expression to the age-old craft of wedding photography.

Some methods included in artistic wedding photography may include the use of non-traditional angles that you may have never associated with wedding photographs – including the use of light, color, shadow, and scale. A creative photographer can create dramatic works of art out of a single photograph and present you with a photographic result you can frame and hang in any room.

An increasingly popular style of artistic wedding photography is that of candid – or journalistic type – photography. Using this method, the photographer takes photographs of the couple and their guests when they are unaware of the picture being taken. Photographers who are adept at this have an uncanny ability to stay unnoticed and still get beautiful, engaging shots.

Artistic wedding photography may also include the use of the computer to add design elements to the photography in order to make them unique. The choices are really endless when it comes to creating photographic works of art. Working with a photographer who can best express the style that is unique to you and your wedding means finding one that works at a higher creative level than traditional wedding photographers. Luckily, most photographers host their own website where visitors can browse through their work and get a sense of their style.

Having a wedding does not mean that you are stuck with traditional vendors and formality reminiscent of your mother’s wedding. Infuse your wedding with modern sophistication by choosing artistic wedding photography. The memories will last you a lifetime.

- Michelle Bery

Contemporary wedding photography is defined by a modern approach to a traditional custom. While traditional wedding photography often captures a conglomerate of formally posed pictures, contemporary wedding photography often focuses on a more journalistic style of capturing photos. The result is a more candid style of photography that often captures moments that traditional photography tends to miss.

Gone are the days of wedding photography by the numbers. Today’s wedding photographers are showcasing their talent, creativity, and specialties like never before. This puts consumers in a beneficial position – creativity abounds in the wedding photography market which means that you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating unique and exciting wedding albums. But in order to realize your dream, you must first find a photographer experienced in contemporary wedding photography.

There is no better wedding planning tool for brides than other brides. Conduct your own informal research among friends who have recently gotten married or are planning their own nuptials. Take notice of other couples’ wedding photography; if you like a particular style then ask for a recommendation for their photographer.

Of course price is always a consideration when it comes to tackling big ticket items associated with weddings. Be sure that you approach each photographer you interview with a solid budget in mind – and stick to it! Contemporary wedding photography allows for non-traditional needs and requires flexibility on the photographer’s part; you’ll be surprised how much room there is to negotiate on price.

Most importantly, be sure that the photographer you choose completely understands what you want from your contemporary wedding photography. Ultimately the wedding photography that will work the best is that which accurately reflects the unique personalities of the happy couple.

- Michelle Bery

Well, the obvious thing to do is hire a professional wedding photographer.  Sure, Uncle Bob has a nice camera but can you rely on him to get the shots you’ve always dreamed about?  I mean really rely on him?  There’s so much going on when the day arrives and the last thing you need to worry about is the wedding photographer.  If you hire a true professional, he/she will be able to get on with it and all you have to do is follow their direction.  Simple right?  Not quite… there are some things you can do to prepare for the photographer and really ensure things go off without a hitch!  Here are a few tips that should point you in the right direction…

Tip One: Hire a photographer that you get on with!  Communication is key during a wedding and if you have a good rapport with your photographer the day will run more smoothly.

Tip Two: Make time for photographs.  It’s easy to purchase the cheapest package possible but if you are having a big wedding with a big reception and plan to have a group photo session too, a 4 hour package just won’t cut it.  Plan your shots in advance – who do you want in each shot, how do you want your family/friends arranged?  Your photographer should talk with you about this before the day but make sure you let people know what is going to happen.  If guests are expecting to be in photographs they tend to be there when the photographer needs them.  There’s nothing worse than spending 20 minutes looking for Uncle Bob who’s off sulking somewhere because you wouldn’t let him photograph your wedding!  If time is going to be tight after the ceremony then have your group shots taken before hand.  Your makeup and hair are fresh at this point too!

Tip Three: Ties in with tip two really, but plan your locations in advance.  You don’t want to be standing there on the day itself thinking “Where should we do the group shots”.  A lot of clients at Blü Studio have their group shots taken at a local park or the beach before heading off to the ceremony.  Visit the park before the day and pick out the spots that you find most pleasing for your photos.  Maybe go there with the photographer so you are both on the same page.  Think about the time of day you’ll be there – will it be too busy, will there be parking, what if it rains.  Always have a contingency plan!!!

Tip Four: Be natural and don’t be afraid to ask the photographer if you can try your own poses/looks.  Unless your name is Paris Hilton, it’s not often we have a camera pointed at us all day…  so enjoy it!  Be a celebrity for the day and bring a celebrity attitude with you to the shoot.  The world does revolve around you on this day. Again, planning is also key here.  Let the photographer know what you want your shots to look like.  Mix it up, some posed, some candid and some outright silly!  Look through wedding magazines and cut out clips of pictures you like.  Show them to your photographer so you are still on that same page.

Tip Five: Trust your wedding photographer.  They know what they’re doing and will provide you with the best service they know how.  Communication is key throughout but at the end of the day you need to place your faith in them and trust they will do the job.  You already know they are capable, you’d have hired Uncle Bob if you didn’t think so!

A company like Blü Studio will strive to please the client before, during and after the big day.  If you’re looking for wedding photographers in North Vancouver you should look no further than Paul Hazon and his band of trusty colleagues!

- Paul Hazon

How To Choose. The most important thing you’ll need to take into consideration about a photographer is whether or not you like them and their work. Emailing back and forth, looking at randomly chosen portfolio pictures online is generally never enough. You need to develop a relationship. Call each photographer on the phone and talk. A photographer will feel more connected to your wedding and will be a lot more relaxed, and most of the time will be able to produce better results. If possible, visit the photographer’s studio. If they don’t have one, schedule a meeting at a Starbucks and ask him to bring examples from past weddings – make sure these samples are of one complete wedding and not just highlights from multiple events they’ve covered.

Digital Versus Film. While many photographers still use film (and can produce equally good results), you’re most likely going to want to make sure you’re looking into one who’s using digital. In this day in age, digital has surpassed film for multiple reasons. On top of being much more immediate, the creative freedom digital has lets photographers shoot much more quickly. Being able to check and make sure the image is good gives photographers a second chance if they’ve missed something. And there’s never any worry about whether or not something could go wrong in post processing. If a photographer insists on using film, it’s most likely because he’s never tried digital.

What To Ask. Many professional photographers either have their own studio or work for one. Since building a relationship with your photographer is key to getting great results, the most important thing to ask them is if they’re going to be the actual photographer shooting your wedding or if they’re going to be sending someone else. If the latter is true, see if you may meet with the person shooting. Secondly, make sure that there will only be one photographer. Having multiple photographers means your guests won’t know which lens to look at. One photographer is generally able to turn out anywhere from 500 to 1000 images on their own, so you can image how hard it would be to look through double that amount.

Can I Get Reprints? As soon as a professional photographer snaps a shot, he owns the copyright to that image. Even if you pay a fee to get your high resolution digital files from the wedding, the photographer has a legal right to charge you if you ever want any reprints later on. Usually, if you are paying for the digital negatives, a photographer won’t mind if you get your own reprints, but make sure you talk to them about it first. If you can, get it in writing.

- Elaine Mora