VENUE NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2015
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 3 Letter From the Bellagala Team 4 Featured Event Sites 10 Tips & Tricks | Wedding Day Photo Checklist 12 Featured Artist Reviews
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It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. A deeper look at that phrase simply leads us to understand that a picture can capture the emotion of a situation, the essence of a landscape or the vibe of an atmosphere better than the words that would be chosen to describe it. Think that’s not true? If so, ask yourself this – why do so many marketing and advertising agencies choose pictures of babies and puppies? It’s simple - they know the powerful emotions uncovered in the masses when we see images of cute, adorable, cuddly little babies, human or canine. They bank on those emotions to sell whatever product or service they are peddling with the images they have chosen. Images in the wedding industry are equally as powerful. A picture of an embracing bride and groom can truly capture the emotion of that singular moment. Hand-in-hand, eyes locked, completely drawn into each other – the rest of the world doesn’t exist. A picture outside in the rain, on a balcony at sunset, or in the middle of a packed dance floor with everyone’s hands in the air. These are all images that allow you to know what is happening at that moment without the need for words. But you don’t need humans in a picture to elicit emotion. A picture of a ceremony site, all dollied up, chairs just so with floral and lighting accents used perfectly can just reek with anticipation. A reception site ballroom beautifully prepared, with each place setting appropriately apportioned and adorned with specific accents in color and texture gives us feelings of regality and exquisiteness – or a thousand other words. Bellagala photographers all understand the power of the picture. That’s why they do what they do. That’s why they are all continually working to improve and perfect their craft, their art form. That’s why we are so selective as to who gets to call themselves Bellagala photographers. Many of you have taken advantage of the artistry of our photographers and use images from weddings that one of them shot at your venue. Thank you! And we encourage you to continue to “go to the well”. There are plenty more shots where those came from. For those of you that haven’t, we hope you consider contacting us to see how we can help you choose pictures at your venue that can tell the story of your reception site better than the words that you would choose. We look forward to you using our photography to help tell your story. It would be an honor, just like it is each time we get to work in your venues. Thank you for the hospitality that you always extend. We hope to hear from you soon!
The Bellagala Team
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featured event site
ARIA DYA NA & J O S H UA | S E P T E M B E R 2 6 , 2 0 1 4
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Situated near Downtown Minneapolis in
The old-world elegance and gothic archi-
the historic Warehouse District, Aria is an
tecture of Aria acts as a captivating back-
urban, one-of-a-kind space. With its ex-
drop for an unforgettable celebration.
posed brick walls, sky-high 30 ft. ceilings,
Whether you’re planning a smaller occa-
unique artwork, and crystal chandeliers,
sion or a reception up to 1,000 guests, Aria
Aria will not only impress but also inspire
provides the wide-open space for dancing
both you and your guests.
the night away.
Dyana and Joshua’s stunning event was full of stylish details and timeless beauty. From the fresh greenery and twinkling candles to the endless dessert bar, their glamorous and fun reception stole our hearts.
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featured event site
L A FAY E T T E C L U B S O N YA & D E R R I C K | M AY 1 6 , 2 0 1 5
Over the years, the Lafayette Club has rightfully earned the reputation of a sincerely memorable and jaw-dropping wedding venue. Located on 38 acres of land alongside Lake Minnetonka, this refined and notable country club offers spectacular year-round views for any occasion. For Sonya and Derrick’s spring wedding, the contemporary and elegant style of the location provided the perfect backdrop for their big day. With a soft and romantic color palette, the pair decorated their reception flawlessly with vintage touches and fresh
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flowers in shades of pink. The reception was filled with dancing, delicious food, and plenty of laughter and love—it was truly a modern day fairy tale. The Lafayette Club’s Grand Ballroom has held celebrations for over 100 years, and with its polished hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, and enclosed sun-filled veranda, the historic venue continues to exceed expectations. 7
featured event site
C A M RO S E H I L L F L O W E R FA R M R AC H A E L & E R I K | M AY 2 2 , 2 0 1 5
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As far as outdoor venues go, there is nothing quite like Camrose Hill Flower Farm in Stillwater, Minnesota. What once was an old dairy farm, is now a romantic and dream-like retreat making it a highly sought after location for summer weddings. Slightly rustic and oh-so-chic, Rachael and Erik’s wedding day vision was brought to life at Camrose Hill. Pulling inspiration from the vibrant scenery, the couple used a mix of greens, navy, and orange for their décor, floral arrangements, and wedding party’s attire. One touch we especially loved were photographs strung amongst the trees honoring loved ones who could not be there on their special day. The Farm is also the home and workshop to Cindie Sinclair, a floral designer known for natural garden style arrangements. Sinclair has thought of every detail, making the space have a private and personal appeal. If you are looking for a quaint and picturesque location, look no further than Camrose Hill.
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[ 1] Create a beautiful space where the bride can hang up and show off her dress before the ceremony.
Millennium Hotel
[2] Clear out the reception area before guests arrive and allow time for the photographer to capture all the details.
Sepmle Mansion
[3]
[ 1]
The first look is oftern couple’s favorite memory of their wedding
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day. Designate a private, well-lit area for the moment that the photographer can capture easily.
Radisson Blu - Mall of America
[4] Always invite the photographer to come tour your venue before the event. This will allow them to become more familiar with your space, and might provide them inspiration for some unique shots come wedding day.
Landmark Center
[3]
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W E D D I N G DAY P H OTO C H E C K L I S T Brides and Grooms spend months and months planning their wedding, and just like that, it passes them in a blink of an eye. That’s where you and their photographer can step in. Photos can capture every aspect of their special day—especially the tiny details they might have forgotten to notice. To make things easier, We’ve compiled a list of thirty-five must-have moments to capture.
PRE-WEDDING · Wedding dress portrait · Bridesmaids getting ready · Groomsmen getting ready · Bridal portrait · The first look · The Bride’s bouquet · The rings
CEREMONY · Alter backdrop · Family at the ceremony · Bride walking down the aisle · Groom watching the Bride walk down the aisle · The vows · Any special ceremony tradition · First kiss · Couple walking down the aisle together
FA M I LY & F R I E N D S · The couple with the Bride’s family · The couple with the Groom’s family · Bride with her family · Groom with his family · Bride with her Bridesmaids · Groom with his Groomsmen · The entire wedding party · Flower girls and Ring Bearer
RECEPTION · Reception location · Tablescapes · Décor details · Cake & dessert table · Cutting the cake · The entertainment (DJ, live band, etc.) · Candid kisses · Toasts · Father/Daughter dance · Couple’s first dance · The send off
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P H O TO G R A P H Y
A RT I S T R E V I E W S
JESSICA R | ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER “Our wedding day would not have worked at all without Jessica. Not only did she make us feel relaxed during the photo shoot, she kept the entire day on schedule! She was so calm and confident, I knew everything would work out fine on the big day. We had worked with Jessica previously, she did our engagement shoot as well as part of a Bellagala package. We really felt like she was an old friend and she made us feel so at ease.” – Colleen
JAIME R | STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHER “I have to say that our experience with Bellagala was outstanding! Not only was the company great to work with but we were blessed to work with such a great photographer in Jaime! She treated us like gold and made sure that we got all the shots we wanted. Even when a little rain came down, she was rolling around on the ground just to get a better shot! That’s going above and beyond! We can’t recommend Jaime enough for your next photographer!” – Nicole
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KIRSTEN S | ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER “My first meeting with Kirsten put my mind at ease! She is down to earth, kind, calm and a great listener. Kirsten was proactive with communication and always fast to respond to emails. She is very organized and I always had a clear idea of the plan for my big day including a photo schedule that I shared with my wedding party, which made the day smooth. She helped bustle my gown with my mother and sister! Kirsten was everything I hoped for and more in my wedding photographer!” – Jillian
AMBER J | APPRENTICE PHOTOGRAPHER “Amber was great to work with, both leading up to the wedding day and on the day itself. She gave great advice on what to expect the day of, and what we could do to make sure our families and wedding parties were assembled and prepared for photos when the time came. She listened to what was important to us and provided this information back to us in notes, which gave me confidence that we were all on the same page. As a result, things went smoothly on the day of, and we stayed on schedule all day! Thanks so much, Amber!” – Kamela
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We love working with our local venues! Have you had a Bellagala Wedding Photographer at your venue recently? Let us know—we’d love to share the images with you! All image requests can be sent directly to our Marketing Coordinator, Darac Moua. You can contact her via email at darac.moua@bellagala.com or call 651.227.1202.
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255 E 6th Street St. Paul, MN 55101 bellagala.com | 651.227.1202