JJC - Weddings - October 2022

Picture perfect wedding day photography tips

Few things document weddings more effectively than photographs. Carefully curated wedding albums and portraits hung on walls serve as daily reminders of a couple’s special day.

Photography is often left in the very qualified hands of professional photographers. However, couples can pitch in to make their photos really pop. These picture pointers from industry insiders can help couples put their best smile forward.

Leave ample time

A carefully orchestrated timeline can ensure photos are the best they can be. Why? Because a couple who is relaxed and not overwhelmed will notice that attitude translates to their photographs. When planning wedding timelines, couples should leave ample opportunities for getting dressed, chatting with the wedding party and going through various photography settings to grab great photos, advise the experts at Martha Stewart.

Put together a short list

The photographer will

in mind should relay that information to their pho-

The photographer will have his or her ideas of which shots to cover, but a couple with specific goals in mind should relay that information to their photographer. For example, if a grandparent is getting up in years, request some solo photos of that person so you can look back on happy times together. Certain couples want to be snapped posing with a beloved pet. Putting that on the list helps ensure it will happen.

Enlist a family photo coordinator

If the photographer does not have his or her own assistant, recruit someone who is assertive to help wrangle everyone for the family

How to give weddings a modern touch

No two weddings are the same. Some couples go to great lengths to personalize their weddings, while others make a few minor tweaks to traditional com ponents to make ceremonies and receptions more reflective of their style and the sentiments they hope to convey.

Embracing modern trends is one way couples have looked to set their weddings apart from traditional ceremonies. There are no rules governing weddings, and that affords couples certain freedoms as they seek to incorporate a modern sensibility into the festivities. For example, couples can modernize certain compo nents of their weddings while remaining loyal to more traditional elements, or they can fully embrace a modern aesthetic. That choice of how modern to make a wedding is up to the couple tying the knot, but the following are some ways to give weddings a modern touch.

u Leave a small carbon footprint. Eco-conscious couples can embrace an environmentalist ethos when planning their weddings by doing everything they can to eliminate waste and promote conservation. Send electronic invitations and save-the-date cards in lieu of paper alternatives and choose a reception venue that serves only locally sourced food and beverages. In lieu of wedding favors, which tend to be individually wrapped, make a donation in guests’ names to a local environmental group and share that information with loved ones. When picking a hotel for guests, find lodging that incorporates sustainability into its day-to-day operations.

u Retire certain traditions. Couples need not feel pressured to incorporate traditions that no longer reflect modern sensibilities. It’s up to couples to determine which traditions to retire, but customs like the garter toss and bouquet toss may no longer resonate with modern couples or their guests. In addition, brides who want to be walked down the aisle by both of their parents, as opposed to just their father, should not hesitate to do so.

u Look for a modern venue. One of the most awe-inspiring ways to give a wedding a modern touch is to choose a venue that reflects a modern aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows can create a clean, modern feel. Outdoor ceremonies also can create a modern ambiance.

u Adjust your attire. Black tuxedos and white wedding dresses are among the first things to come to mind when imagining traditional weddings. Couples can stay formal but embrace a more modern look by choosing more colorful tuxes for grooms and groomsmen and picking a wedding gown with a flair of color. Brides also can allow bridesmaids to pick their own bridesmaid dresses to expand the modern look even further.

There’s no shortage of ways for couples to give their weddings a modern touch

Black is Trending for 2023

Photos Submitted By: Girls In White Satin

Photo #1: A timeless sheath silhouette with fashion forward details of black lace and low-back illusion.

Photo #2: Soft asymmetric pleating lends a statuesque elegance to this strapless Mikado gown.

Photo #3: Chic one-shoulder bridesmaid dress is lustrous silky satin with ruched waist detail and front skirt slit.

Photo #4: The Michael Kors Legacy Performance tuxedo is tailored in a unique fabric that gives you the upmost comfort and flexibility on your special day.

Definitely all black is trending for 2023!

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shots. Attempt to get family photos when family members are relaxed but not too far rumpled by dancing or having a good time.

Play your style safe

A wedding day is not a time for the bride or groom to try a dra matic new style, according to photographer Amanda Lamb. Resist the urge for a daring cut or color. It’s also likely not the place to try out new facial hair or heavy makeup. A couple unaccustomed to the way they look may be shy in front of the camera.

Delve into the details

Prepare wedding details, like gowns, shoes, accessories, etc., in advance to save time once the photographer arrives, suggests Desi Mendoza, a pro from Dez and Tam Photography. Invest in a beautiful hanger for the wedding gown as well, because you may want to photograph that on its own.

Learn to pose

Couples can practice posing in front of mirrors to get a feel for body positions that put them in their best light. A photographer’s advice in regard to posture is invaluable as well. Create space between arms and the body and learn how to angle the body so you look your best.

2Photos will capture wedding day memories forever. Couples can put themselves in the best positions for success by following some photography guidelines.

Catering at most quality venues in Central Illinois

Paul’s Paradise

Villa Dewolf is a beautifully restored 1857 mansion located at 876 West State Street in Jacksonville.

It is the per fect venue for your elegant, intimate wedding. The one- of-a-kind ballroom seats 50 guests, and our elegant, luxurious boutique suites can accommodate you and your wedding party

We also offer bridal photo shoots with your photographer, to create that once-in-a-lifetime experience. This elegant mansion is also the per fect setting for bridal showers, anniversar y parties, vow renewal

How to take the hectic out of your wedding day

Weddings are among the most complex events many people will ever plan. Couples often try to go the extra mile in an effort to make the day memorable for themselves and their guests. That pressure can make a wed ding day feel a little frenzied. Thankfully, there are various ways to ensure the vibe of the big day is happy and not hectic.

Hire a wedding planner/coordinator

Leaving the nitty gritty to a professional wedding planner takes a lot of pressure off of couples. The renowned wedding resource The Knot says wedding planners are clued into everything there is to know about a wedding and they can be tapped to take care of just about anything on couples’ to-do list.

Consider a package deal

All-inclusive resorts are popular vacation spots because variables like entertainment, lodging, food, drinks, and more is all taken care of, leaving vacationers with little to do other than show up and relax. Couples can apply that same approach on their wedding day. Host the ceremony and reception at the same site, which takes the potentially problematic issue of getting guests to and fro out of the equation. Some venues may even provide in-house vendors like photographers and florists. Such vendors’ familiarity with the venue reduces the risk of surprises that can derail wedding day schedules.

Pick your priorities

Avoid getting bogged down on a million details by making a list of your priorities when planning. Couples can revisit this list a couple of days before their wedding so they remember what’s most important to them on the big day. This refresher can ensure couples don’t get too concerned if minor issues arise during their big day, helping them remain calm and keeping a focus on all the fun to be had during the day.

It’s easy for couples to feel a little overwhelmed on their wed ding day. Some simple strategies can take the hectic out of couples’ wedding day and ensure they keep their focus on one another and their loved ones.

Nobody on this planet has a love story like yours!

Have your unique story told with a legacy wedding film that can be shared for generations to come.

You will spend months, maybe even years planning your perfect day. From the venue and reception location, to your wedding colors, wedding flowers, and most importantly that perfect wedding dress that will transform you into an absolutely stunning Bride!

NOT HAVING A WEDDING VIDEO IS THE #1 REGRET OF COUPLES AFTER THEIR WEDDING DAY IS DONE.

Don’t be that couple who says, “I wish we would have”, be the couple that gets it done.

Let me ask you a question. What would it mean if to you if your Grandparents had a video of their wedding day?

What would it mean to have a video you could watch and actually hear their voices and see what they looked like and sounded like 50 years ago. Having the ability to hear their voices crack when they were overcome with emotion during their vows as they were beginning their lives together generations before.

WOULDN’T IT BE AMAZING TO HEAR YOUR ORIGIN STORY STRAIGHT FROM THE MOUTHS OF THE ONES THAT STARTED IT?

That’s the power of having a wedding video! This isn’t just a pretty music video, this is a wedding film that tells your story for generations to come and far beyond.

The honor of sharing all the intimate moments of a couples’ wedding day is something I don’t take for granted. These are special times and only your closest friends and family are allowed to witness them. It’s an amazing gift to be allowed to share in those moments as well. Your wedding day is as important to me as it is to you, and I treat it as such. This job isn’t just about the money, it’s about capturing one of the biggest, most important days in your lives, and then telling YOUR story with music, audio and visuals from the day. I love joking around and laughing with my couples all

day long, and I do my best to relieve the stress that always comes with a wedding. Whatever I can do to help with anything, I’m on board, whether that is digging dirt in a unity plant, or helping organize the reception table cards, this is what I do, and this is what I love!

I have met so many amazing families and couples since I began this journey, and it means the world to me when a family member reaches out and tells me how much the wedding film meant to them. I want my wedding films to become a tradition for families, a beautiful way to be transported back in time to relive their wedding day. My ultimate

goal is to make a positive impact on the families I meet along the way, and if I can do that, then I’ve done my job.

Steve Weber Films is the premiere wedding videographer in the Central Illinois area. Established in 2018, I have had the honor of capturing over 100 love stories all over the country, and amassing nearly 150,000 views on YouTube, this job is my passion!

You can find out more about who I am and what I do by visiting my website www.steveweberfilms.com. There you can find videos that explain every aspect of how I work, as well as podcasts that cover topics that couples want to know. I look forward to working with you to create a wedding film you can be proud of. Contact me today.

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