Children and Weddings

  There is nothing more precious than a small child all dressed up as a flower girl or ring bearer. But there are a few things to keep in mind when inviting children to be part of your wedding party.
  Weddings are hard on small children. They are asked to wear clothes that are different, every adult they know is busy, dressed differently and maybe a little stressed. Children pick up on the adult stress and become stressed themselves when asked to not crawl, play or run around because they are dressed up.
  Here are a few suggestions for having children in your wedding party:

•     Always make sure the child has had a nap a couple of hours before the wedding.
•     Make sure children have eaten.
•     Bring small toys that will keep them happy and occupied while the adults are getting ready.
•     Dress children at the same time the bride is getting dressed so not to worry about clothes getting crinkled hours before the wedding.

  Keep in mind that small children can be impulsive, a child who did great at the rehearsal can freeze up on the day of the wedding. So keep a sense of humor and enjoy that sometimes wonderful memories are made by unexpected mishaps
  One wedding I shot the flower girl was about 4 years old. She did wonderful at the rehearsal and looked like a darling little princess the day of the wedding. After the wedding party had made their way down the isle, the little flower girl was left standing in front of the bride. The doors to the chapel were closed. Everything was perfect.
  Then the doors opened....
  This little princess got a look of panic on her face when she saw all the people standing for the bride. She managed to toss a few of her flowers, then turned around, ran behind the bride and out the door.
  Everyone, including the bride laughed a bit, and the child's mother jumped up to catch the little girl...and a precious unexpected memory was made.
 
   ~Bonnie

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

   When interviewing photographers for your wedding keep in mind you are not only looking for what fits your budget, but also someone that fits your personality.
   Why are personality's important? Your wedding is a very personal moment. It's the day that marks a moment in your life when things change. Also keep in mind that when the food is gone and the DJ has left the building, what you will take with you for years to come is your photographs.
    On the day of your wedding, your photographer is the vendor you will spend most of your time with. While the coordinator, caterer or family and friends are getting everything in place, we are photographing our bride and groom. We are there while they are getting dressed, and talking with friendsg  and family. We are often with them the moments before the ceremony after the bridal party has left the room. This is why your photographer should be someone you feel comfortable with.
   Not every wedding is perfect and no matter how well planned, things can go wrong. Kelly and I believe for every problem there is a solution. So in an effort to help make sure its the best day possible, we have been known to momentarily put down our cameras and do what was needed.
   We have moved furniture to bring an outside wedding inside. Kelly has knocked on the doors of beach houses to see if a ceremony on the beach (rained out) could be held under someones house so the shoreline could still be in the pictures. I have sewn dresses that didn't fit right, I have stayed with and reassured brides when weddings have been delayed. When there has been no coordinator and things have gotten chaotic, we have stepped in to help.
   So remember when choosing your photographer you want someone who will smile with you when everything goes right, and someone who will help you smile when things go astray.

~ Bonnie