Unique weddings

After twenty seven years photographing weddings all over the U.S and Europe I have seen it all!

My best advice to you on having a creative wedding is make it your own!  Ask yourself What are you passionate about? Next,throw tradition out the window!

Sometimes its the venue that you pick that makes your wedding unique.I had a couple who instead of spending allot of $$ on the wedding they flew a few friends to Germany and had an intimate wedding at  Neuschwanstein castle.It was just the couple their two closest friends ,me,(their lucky photographer/me) and the wedding coordinator.Personally,this was most appealing to me.We had the ceremony at the castle and afterwards went for a carriage ride in the mountains,it was breath taking like a real life fairy tale without all of the stress that comes along with most weddings.

 

 

 

 

 In my experience, its always the place that makes your wedding unique and memorable.Below,the Biltmore in Asheville N.C how incredibly beautiful!

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

 

 

 

 

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

I had an unusual wedding in Clearwater Florida,The couple was inspired by their favorite movie”Pirates Of The Caribbean ” The bride and groom dressed as Pirates,they rented a Pirate ship for the reception and all of their guests dressed as pirates!

 

 

 

 

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

If you are a fun couple and love live music,art,food excitement,New Orleans cannot be beat.In my book one of the best backdrops for photography! You can actually have your very own parade and hire a second line band!

 

 

 

 

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Some of my other favorites,in Key West Florida you can get married at Ernest Hemingways house (must not be allergic to cats)!

 

If you cant afford to get married in a castle in Germany,I recently discovered a man made castle in St Augustine Florida (there is no electricity/no bathrooms) but it is unique and beautiful!

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Its called Castle Ottis

 

 

 

 

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Also in the Florida keys there is an Island called little Palm Island (best kept secret of presidents and celebrities. Recommended for intimate weddings and a great place for honeymooners.There is no T.V’s or phones (for a reason). The private island has only thirty suites ,five acres of paradise. I dont know how the miniature Key deer got on the island but be warned they might eat your wedding bouquet!

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Wedding guests by creative freedom photo

I always tell me couples more guests=more stress,you dont need to invite 200 people to your wedding.Its  quality not quantity!

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

When to do the group shots and who should be in them? What I usually do is get the group shot session done after the ceremony.Make sure that you tell all beforehand who needs to stay put.You do not want someone who disappeared to the bathroom holding up the session.

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

What I tell my couples dont make a list of every combination you can think of.make it simple.Example bride and groom with brides immediate family,then add on the extended family,then the same with the groom.Entire bridal party,bride with gals and groom with his guys.

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Discuss with your photographer if you want them to be fun formal or both. Appoint an assertive and organized friend or family member to be in charge of the list and assisting your photographer.If you plan all of this in advance and all goes smoothly it should take no longer than twenty minuets.

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Before the ceremony is a good time to get all the guys together and all the girls for some bridal party shots.I usually look for an interesting background.They dont all have to be posed!

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Thing of creative ways to entertain your guests,receptions tend to be redundant.Photo booths are fun,or you could hire a caricature artist,table magician,cigar roller etc make it your own,make it unique,get creative!

Children are adorable at weddings and make for some great photographs.I do not recommend a candy bar,children have enough energy without all of the sugar! How bout keeping them occupied with table games ,fun things for them to do.

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

Notice  beforehand if there is an Ariel view at the venue,if so arrange to have the entire group (everyone at your wedding)  to be photographed.That is a great vantage point for a big crowd.

Or you could include all of your guests in a parting shot

http://www.creativefreedomphoto.com/

The Wedding Reception/Ideas and advice from a wedding photographer

This blog is part of a four part series on weddings. “Getting Ready” The Ceremony” The Intimate session” and lastly “The Reception”

By http://creativefreedomphoto.com/

After twenty four years of photographing weddings nationwide, I have been to allot more receptions that most people on the planet.in this blog I am going to share with you advice to make your reception memorable.

http://creativefreedomphoto.com/

The venue you choose is important,its all about the atmosphere. I know that venues are extremely expensive.Here is my suggestion,why not rent a beautiful house on the beach and have everything come to you,caterers,hair and makeup,band or D.J. Some of my favorite weddings were at private homes.Also I do believe you would save allot of money this way.

I do suggest you have live music,D.J’s are alright but so redundant .Personally I feel a live band is so much more memorable.Makes your wedding more unique.

http://creativefreedomphoto.com/

I would stay away from the big resorts,unless you want to feel like a number and see other couples getting married the same day.Some of these places to me feel like an Assembly line of weddings

Make it your own,be creative,be unique.

Why not hire a cartoon artist, a magician, a fortune teller,a cigar roller.Give your guests something to talk about.To be honest,a great deal of the receptions I have been to were a bit boring.You want yours to stand out,you want your guests to have a great time.

A photo booth is allot of fun for children and to get adults to feel like a child again.

http://creativefreedomphoto.com/

Instead of a cake, I have seen all kinds of things,a coffee and desert bar,even Key Lime Pie on a stick, again,make it your own,have fun with the planning!

As for the food,why not ask your favorite restaurant if they will cater your event, or if you have relatives who cook you could save allot of $$.

http://creativefreedomphoto.com/