peyton manning's wedding

When it comes to weddings, the focus is usually on the bride. Everyone thinks of it as her special day, that event she’s been looking forward to since she was a child and the time when she’ll be the center of attention as she embarks on a new life. But what about the groom? It’s his day too, and one that he should plan just as carefully as the bride. Ideally it will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for both bride and groom, so they should share the planning and the enjoyment of that magical day equally!

peyton manning's wedding

peyton manning's wedding

american wedding bachelor party

A bachelor party (United States, South Africa)—also known as a stag party, stag night, or stag do (UK, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand); bull's party (South Africa); or buck's party or buck's night (Australia)—is a party held for a bachelor shortly before he enters marriage, to make the most of his final opportunity to engage in activities a new partner might not approve of, or merely to spend time with his friends (who are often in his wedding party afterwards).

american wedding bachelor party

The history of bachelor party is thought to have originated with a bachelor dinner that was traditional in ancient Sparta (5th century BC) where soldiers would toast each other on the eve of a friend’s wedding.

A bachelor party may involve activities beyond the usual party and social gathering ingredients (often drinking alcohol and gambling), such as going to a strip club or hiring a stripper, and in some traditions more hazing-like tests and pranks at the future groom's expense, which shows the whole thing is also a rite of passage from bachelorhood (associated with an adolescent lifestyle, often in the common past of most participants, e.g. in their student years) to "more responsible" marital life.

The task of organizing a bachelor party is often traditionally assigned to a male sibling of the bachelor or to the best man. Otherwise, any (close and/or reputedly party-minded) male friend will organize it. The planned activities of a bachelor party are traditionally kept secret from the groom.

In the United States, Las Vegas, South Beach Miami, Chicago, and New Orleans are popular bachelor party destinations; they are also popular wedding locations. Increasingly, "destination bachelor parties" are replacing standard nights out, with Americans traveling to Montreal or Mexico.

american wedding bachelor party

Bachelor parties in the US often entail the mass consumption of alcohol, the hiring of a stripper and general rowdiness toward which the bride might not have a positive reaction (especially since women are not supposed to be among the invitees.) Increasingly, bachelor parties have come to symbolize the last time when the groom is truly "free" and without the influence of his new wife.

american wedding bachelor party

american wedding bachelor party

wedding photography tips

Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs - One Shot

This is it! You get one chance and one chance alone at this, the couple have probably prepared for over a year for "The happiest day of their life" . Weddings cost money and your time and photography skills are no exception, they are paying for a professional wedding photographer and that is what they should get.

Now don't get me wrong, you don't have to produce award-winning wedding photography every step of the way, like you see in magazines or in the portfolios of some of the greatest wedding photographers! By professional I mean courteous, polite, ON TIME , efficient and happy. Remember, this is a happy day for everyone.

You should consider taking out indemnity insurance against any eventuality that may arise, the couple are quite within their rights to sue if things go wrong.

Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs - Reliable or Liable?

wedding photography tips

When the wedding couple asked you to photograph their wedding (even if it is just friends) they put their trust in you 100% . They will have enough to think about on the day and trust me, the photographer is furthest from their mind. Your photos will hopefully adorn their coffee table for a long, long time as something for them (and you) to be proud of.

But it's not just the couple. I have on more than one occasion, had to put a wedding photography album, or DVD together for both sets of parents too, and even some guests. Of course, nowadays many people take cameras to weddings, but it is you that is ultimately responsible for recording the event, and you are getting paid for it usually.

Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs - Are you ready?

How can I say this without sounding like an old school book? "Prior preparation prevents poor performance"! Oh well, I can't, but it does make sense, especially with wedding photography.

If you haven't bothered to meet most of the wedding party, done a practice run, visited the church and reception or found some nice, suitable areas for the "special" shots, then you are not ready. How embarrassing would it be to get the couples names wrong, or turn up late because you got lost? Your number one priority other than taking the photos, is to prepare for the day.

As I said before, the couple have probably prepared for a long time so the least you can do is the same. See the checklist at the middle of this page. You would do well to print it off for reference too.

Remember, the list is just a general guide for you to plan your day. Most weddings are shot "reportage" style these days and this list is now quite dated.

Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs - You DO have a camera?

I read a lot of the photography forums on the web and one question about wedding photography that always crops up is "What equipment will I need?". If you are asking that question, you are still a way off from being ready to photograph a wedding. Many people reply by saying it's not the equipment but the photographer that makes the images! Whereas I agree with this to an extent, it doesn't mean you can turn up to a wedding with a digital compact camera and a step ladder.

The minimum quality I would use is a 35mm SLR film camera or an 8 mega pixel Digital SLR, both of these are capable of producing up to A1 prints.

A selection of lenses ranging from ultra wide angle to medium telephoto for a start, and if possible with a large aperture of F2.8. At least one decent speedlight, preferably dedicated to your camera so you have less to think about. Oh, and I was serious about the stepladder earlier, sometimes it is needed for the really big group shots.

I remember once having to climb up a 4 stepladder to get all 130 people in. Doesnt sound that bad, but when both hands are operating the camera it gets quite hairy. (Quick tip: A huge shout from me and a 5 shot burst later, I do believe we got everybody in the wedding party looking at the camera, including babies).

You must know your equipment inside out. You must understand how it works and how to make instant changes to cope with unforeseen circumstances. You must have a spare camera and batteries, and the batteries must be fully charged (it is easy to forget simple points like that, I have known, ermpeople who have had to stop at a garage on the way to the reception, to load up!)

Above all, once you are confident, have fun and enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory of wedding photography, that you will at some point get in the way, and you may get some grief from the guests. As long as you are polite and as efficient as possible, the day should go smoothly.

wedding photography

wedding hairstyles

Many brides try out several different wedding hairdos before making a final decision of the style they like best. This is a good idea, since you can take your time to decide which wedding hairdo suits you best. There is a wide variety in length and styles of wedding hair. Whether you prefer very short and sassy, medium, long and luxurious or swept up into customized updo hairstyle, you are sure to find many complimentary to your facial shape, wedding attire and overall appearance.

wedding hairstyles

One big decision you have is whether to have your hair professionally styled or do it yourself. Whichever you choose you need to really look after your hair for it to look the very best for the big day.

One thing bear in mind is that the wedding day will be busy enough without some DIY, why not pamper yourself and get a professional in. Why not include a manicure and pedicure as well. After all, you do your own hair every day, so few extra hours of relaxing is called for.

Your hair should also be trimmed, to look its best. When you decide to go to a professional for your wedding hairdo, it is best to take along your wedding dress or at least a photograph. Having a photograph or wedding dress to look at will help your hairdresser help you find the most suitable wedding hairdo.

wedding hairstyles

A great top tip is to wear a button up shirt while having your hair styled on your wedding day. This will eliminate the need to take a garment off over your head and possibly messing up your wedding hairdo. Remember that if you are having your wedding hair professionally styled, you will need to schedule your appointment early and not wait until the last minute to do so.

You can always start early and try out many different wedding hair dos months before your special day. If your hair is shorter than you would like it to be for taking wedding photograph keepsakes, you may want to consider making use of hair extensions. Hair extensions come in a wide array of colors from the very lightest blond to the deepest bluest black. You also have a choice of materials as hair extensions are made from as well as various lengths and styles, such a straight or curly. They are easy to care for and easy to wear, while adding just the right flair to any wedding hairdo.

Most importantly, your wedding hairdo should be in a style that best compliments your facial shape, fashion style, wedding style, and makes you feel beautiful.

wedding hairstyles

Fall Weddings

Summer has always been affectionately known as “wedding season”. A couple can get married outside, have gorgeous bouquets and anything goes. Fall, however, is not typically known as a wedding season but can still be beautifully done whether the bride and groom want to go extreme with pumpkins and gourds or want to keep it simple by just infusing fall colors.

Invitations

Fall Weddings

The invitations and “Save the Date” cards can be done numerous ways without going overboard on the theme. These can be printed on paper with leaves faded in the background or can have a leaf border. The idea is to subtly infuse Fall with the wedding, not smack guests in the face with leaves at every turn.

If the leaf image isn’t quite what the couple is going for they can simply have invitations created in the colors of fall; orange, yellow and red. Each piece of the invitation can be a different color, from the actual announcement and the RSVP card, to the directions to the ceremony. A nice touch on those would be a leaf shaped charm connected to each announcement.

Ceremony and Flowers

Fall Weddings

To decorate the pews the couple could opt for fall colored flowers or they could go a little funkier and use wheat stalks with some hypericum berries tied on with fall colored ribbon. The flower girl could drop fake fall leaves down the aisle instead of rose petals to really elicit that Fall feeling.

The bouquets of summer can be much like the bouquets of autumn. If the bride loves roses the flower arrangements can be Fall colored roses. According to wedding experts at Elegala.com, brides should choose a bouquet based on what's in bloom during that season. Autumn brides can choose between roses, gerbera daisies, marigolds, sunflowers, and more. The hypericum berries look very festive in the bouquet as well.

Fall Weddings

wedding ideas that include children

A child is often a wonderful addition in any wedding ceremony especially when you have children from a previous marriage or other young family members. There are many creative and meaningful ways to include them in the entourage or even in the wedding vows. But unfortunately children can be very unpredictable so it's best to assign them a task that is appropriate for their age. It is also important that you make them as comfortable as possible during the actual ceremony.

wedding ideas that include children

Be sure to tell the child early on about his task so he will be able to look forward to that day. Set a special day for shopping or fittings for dresses or tuxedos with a reward trip to an ice cream parlor afterwards.

Young boys and girls usually fit the roles of ring bearers and flower girls. It is a beautiful sight as the child is dressed in a beautiful gown or little tuxedo walking slowly down the aisle. This will definitely be a sight to behold in your wedding videography. Older children may also join the wedding entourage as junior bridesmaids and groomsmen. They may also be asked to act the role of ushers and usherettes. This will be a responsibility they can surely do well.

wedding ideas that include children

It is also a good idea to include them in the ceremony if they are musically gifted. Ask them to play an instrument or sing a short song while the bride and groom sign the marriage contract. Your guests will definitely enjoy this short entertainment. Older children may also be chosen to perform readings and possibly give a toast in the reception. Also assign them the task of handing out confetti as the wedded couple departs the church.

It is important to make the event fun and enjoyable for the children so that they will not be bored easily. Tell them your expectations so they will know what to do. Give them simple instructions and explain this carefully. For children who will be attending the actual ceremony, place a spot tape on the floor so that they will not be confused on where to stand. Also suggest letting the children practice more than once during rehearsal so they will remember easily what they are going to do on the wedding day.

There are many creative roles that children can partake in a wedding ceremony. Not only is it a great way to make them feel special but it also adds charm and creates a wedding that is both unique and memorable for you and your guests.

wedding ideas that include children