REAL Questions to ask a Wedding Photographer

I came across this link on Pinterest yesterday and thought I would share it with everyone. The article is written by a real wedding photographer and list's 10 questions that she wishes people would ask her when hiring her for a wedding. The questions are straight forward and give some good tips and helpful information. I encourage all brides to read this article and add the questions to their own list. 

http://www.kayenglishphotography.com/wedding-photographer/

Just remember, photographs are special and they are a reminder of your wedding day but don't get swept away and let the photographer steal you from your own wedding. 

Here are a few of my own tips to help prevent that from happening: 

1) Decide whats more important:  a gazillion picture options or spending time with your friends and family and tell the photographer !

2) Make a list of "must have shots" so you and the photographer know what's really important ( do this and email to the photographer BEFORE wedding day)

3)Give any props to photographer and sample pictures if needed BEFORE the wedding

4) Think about doing a first look with your groom to allow less pressure to get shots done after the ceremony 

5) start a file on your email or pinterest with photo ideas and looks so your photographer can tell you if they're doable 

6) Always do the engagement session , even if you never use the pictures it allows the three of you to get comfortable with each other and see if you made the right choice for your wedding day

 It is very easy for photographers and you to get caught up on the wedding day and miss half of the very expensive party you planned and paid for, so go in prepared with what you want and what's important. 

Mr. & Mrs. Nishimura

Shannon and Damon got married this past Saturday, August 16, at Spanish Oaks Ranch in Santa Margarita. They had a beautiful ceremony over looking a pond and had a fantastic reception outside with a rustic barn as their back drop. They had great food, wine and a few surprises for their guests. They had a photo booth that seconded as their guest book and a local cigar shop that came and hand rolled cigars for guests. I took a few pictures with my iphone to share with everyone.

Disclaimer: I am not a photographer I am a day of coordinator so I apologize for the quality ;)

DIY planter boxes with succulents and the table number  in the middle

The Bridal Party in front of the barn doors

Mr. & Mrs. Nishimura's First Dance 

Damon and Shannon had a great wedding and were able to enjoy the party with their friends and family while I took care of all the behind the scene details.  I had so much fun working with them before, after and during their wedding. For more information and a list of their vendors email me at vjvevents@gmail.com

Congrats Again!!!!! 

Events By Valerie

I have decided to make a big decision and change the name of my coordination business from A+ Planning to"Events By Valerie." I  have a new website and business card to go with it and am happy with the decision. If you are new to my blog and view an old post you might see A+Planning, but I i'll be doing my best to update old post's with my new name. 

I also wanted to share a picture of my new baby boy because he' just to cute not to :) ......

Jack Darnell Voglin

Check back next week for a post about the Nishimura wedding from this weekend !!!

Back to Work, If That's What You Call It....

I haven't posted in a while because I took a long "break" and had a baby, but it's back to work doing what I love and helping people plan and execute their special day. If you need a professional and energetic weeding coordinator please email me for a quote and free consultation at vjvevents@gmail.com

My favorite wedding quote:

8 Tips to Get Organized

Getting organized is easy for some couples but can be a challenge for others so trust me when I say these tips are helpful!!

8 Wedding Planning Tips to Get Organized

Ask any newlywed couple -- even couples that have been married for a long time -- and they'll all say the same thing: The key to a planning successful wedding (read: a wedding that goes smoothly, without any major glitches) is in the planning. Small things go wrong at every wedding. But keep in mind that you can save yourself from migraine headaches and crying spells by making a plan and simply sticking with it. These simple wedding planning tips will help you take some of the stress away (or at least minimize it!).

Lose the Laziness

One mistake that many couples make is basking in the glow of their engagement until 4-6 months before their wedding date. Then they try to cram all of the planning into a too-short period of time. Of course you should just sit back and be thrilled about your engagement for a while, but then you've gotta get cracking!

Buy a Calendar or Datebook

Once you determine your wedding date, set specific dates by which you want to get things accomplished. For example, you got engaged in June, and your wedding date is April 24. On August 31, mark in that you want to have the ceremony location and reception hall reserved. Try to get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic.

Set Aside Time

Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

Share Duties

This is the best way to get things done. You both should be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half. Each of you choose what you want to do. This will make grooms want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Sure, your sweetie probably isn't concerned with exactly which flowers you carry. And maybe you're not picky about what tuxedos he and the guys wear (or maybe you are!). But involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too -- something he helped plan, not just something he has to show up at. Which brings us to...

Talk, Talk, Talk

We can't stress this enough. Be sure that if you're sharing duties that you're also sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't contracted with twice!

Be Flexible

Okay. So you really didn't want the groom/ushers in those tails and top hats. And maybe he doesn't want the cake to be lemon with pecan icing (!). Each of you is going to want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must. Be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be duly heard and noted. Just give the other person a chance to explain why he/she really wants to arrive at the reception in a hot tub in the back of the limo.

Details, Contracts, and Negotiations

When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.
Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Stay Organized

This one's pretty obvious! The more organized you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a notebook, and keep all your wedding information in it. Receipts, contracts, ideas -- everything. You might also want to get notebooks for your maid of honor/bridesmaids and the best man. Put info such as dates, times, locations, and duties. This will keep everyone organized as well, and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal time.

These tips came from theknot.com, it's a website geared for those planning a wedding. Most of the information is broad but can be very helpful during the planning process. They also offer free wedding websites that you can set up and share with your family and friends, it's free to sing up and use. 

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/8-wedding-planning-tips-to-get-organized.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Kind Words From the New Mr. & Mrs. Cohen

A few weeks ago I wrote about Andrew & Jen, a wonderful couple that I had the pleasure to work with on their special day. I checked my email today and recieved this from the happy couple.

Thank You so much for the kind words. I had a great time and am so happy you were pleased with my services. 
-Valerie

What's a Wedding REALLY about?????

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,

A church filled with family and friends.

I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,

He said one that would make me his wife.

~Author Unknown

I found this quote today and thought it was the sweetest way to remind Brides and Grooms that it doesn't matter if you get married at the Ritz Carlton or Town Hall, your day is about becoming Husband and Wife and that's what really matters.