Friday, July 27, 2012

How to Entertain Guests During Wedding Photos

Photography has become a huge component of wedding day. Here in Chicago, with the beautiful parks, lakefront, and urban architecture that the city has to offer, it's no wonder that brides today want to do extended photo sessions with their new hubby and bridal party after the ceremony. But while the bride is with her entourage snapping photos around town, what are the guests to do? Here are some ideas for keeping guests entertained during the downtime.

If possible, try to limit your post-ceremony photo session to an hour. That way, guests can go directly to the cocktail hour to enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation while you enjoy being the apple of the camera's eye. Don't worry about missing out on the cocktail hour food. Your wedding coordinator or caterer can set aside a plate of hors d'oeuvres for you and the groom to sample when you arrive.

If that hour simply won't cut it for your big photo plans, then arrange an activity for your guests.  A trolley or bus tour is a fun way to keep guests together, show them the city sights, while allowing them to save their feet for a night of dancing!


Many wedding venues are museums or historic sights, where guests can go on self-guided tours before the cocktail hour.  Or, maybe there is a museum or attraction nearby.  You can arrange to get a block of tickets for your group of guests.



If your guests don't mind a little action, send them on a photo scavenger hunt! Or, at an outdoor venue, set up lawn games!


A smooth flow from one wedding activity to the next will make your wedding day a more fun and enjoyable experience for your guests.  So, don't leave 'em hanging during your photo time, get planning!

What ideas do you have to keep your guests entertained?

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Whitney & Andrew: Antique Sophistication

Whitney & Andrew's wedding was filled with antique accents and personalized details. The reception took place at Architectural Artifacts, where you can incorporate the shop's antiques into your decor! Check out the beautiful photos from Clary Photo:


Right before the processional, the bow on the bride's shoe decided to unstick itself! That's exactly where my overly stuffed emergency kit comes in handy. I simply grabbed the super glue and voila - all fixed. No sweat! Of course, Clary caught the photo. :) Moral of the story is make sure you or your wedding planner has a wedding day emergency kit for those unexpected moments!


I always love the shots of the grand exit. Pure joy!

Photo by Camille McLamb
We scoured the bins at Architectural Artifacts to find these vintage letters of the happy couple's initials.


I snapped this photo of the escort card table. Interspersed among the cards are crystals from old chandeliers that we hand-selected from Architectural Artifacts' massive collection.


Another quick shot by me. One of the gorgeous centerpieces by StemLine Creative.


Each table featured a vintage treasure, hand-selected by the bride and groom. Notice the spool of thread? 


Beautiful shot of the cake by Clary. Quick tip: Specify to your caterer to have a plate and two forks on the cake table.  Seems obvious but it's often forgotten! Your day-of-coordinator can give a reminder and ensure it's there for the cake cutting.



Props to the father of the bride who strung up additional lights to make his daughter's wedding day extra bright.



Congratulations to Whitney & Andrew!


Vendors:
Photographer - Clary Photo
Ceremony Musicians - Quartet Parapluie
Wedding Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

For more photos of this wedding, see the feature on Style Me Pretty!