Long gone are the days of film. Nearly all wedding photographers use digital cameras. It’s great because professional photographers are now able to take unlimited photos. They also have the opportunity to make edits in Photoshop to fix small problems and use cutting edge techniques to make your photos look incredible.  

Now here’s the bad part. Because of this, everybody thinks that just about anyone with a digital camera is qualified to take photos for weddings. WRONG!  Often, the assumption is that the job is simple. It’s not. Photography is not a matter of being present and clicking a button. It’s about having years of experience, proper software to make edits, knowledge and ability to make multiple backups so your photos are not inadvertently lost or deleted, and expensive cameras and equipment, not to mention a plethora of lenses for each unique setting. It’s about being able to assess lighting situations and knowing how to manipulate the camera so you are able to capture the best shot.  

Thank you to Heavenly Portraits for capturing our priceless moment...My Husband and I after "I Do"

It’s about making sure you don’t miss key moments on the most important day of your life. Not just the first dance or the cake cutting, but the very precious moments. You and your new husband are walking back down the aisle and you share that private moment together when you look at each other in awe that you finally tied the knot. Yes, that moment is priceless. However, the inexperienced will miss it. From time to time, I’ve even seen professionals miss the smallest of details like the escort table or the bouquets, so how can you possibly expect the newbie for which you shelled out a mere $1800 to get the shot?  

You need to ask questions. You’re sitting in an office that offers multiple photographers for hire. You’re looking through a ton of albums and you realize you love the work of one particular photographer. Ask if that same photographer has creative control. Will he be the one making the final edits and putting together your album? Make sure the album you are reviewing is a correct representation of the company as a whole and not the photographer’s separate company. Is the photographer simply for hire or does he have another company he runs where he has vested interested in doing a better job?  

When searching for my own wedding photographer, I remember looking through a photographer’s album, and I fell in love with the photos. Somewhere near the end of the interview, my husband asked the photographer if it was his own work. It was only then he confessed it was not his photos but rather a sample book. Needless to say, we did not hire that photographer. Ask the questions, no matter how silly.  

Did you ever wonder why one photographer charges around $1,000 and another starts at $3,000? The current economy with its fair share of layoffs has seen an emergence of new photographers. Take caution in any photographer willing to do your wedding for free or less than $3,000. Ask to see reviews and multiple albums. A wedding is not the proper time to test out one’s abilities. There are no repeats and once it’s all over, the photographs are the only thing you have to remember the day.  

Venue and food: $20,000, flowers: $3,500, wedding gown: $5,000, wedding photography; priceless!  

Looking for an Orange County Wedding Coordinator?  I’d love to hear from you!  

Photo Courtesy of Greg Thompson from GPT Photography

 1. Get recommendations of stylists experienced in working with updos and   bridal hair. These stylists not only know how to style your hair so it lasts all day, but they also know you are on a timeline, so they typically work quickly.   

2. Once you’ve found your stylist, make sure you schedule a trial run about 5 weeks before wedding day. This is the perfect amount of time for your stylist to give you a quick trim to liven up your ends and make sure you hair is healthy for wedding day.   

3. Bring photos of different hair styles to the trial run. Also, don’t forget to bring photos of your dress. Certain hairstyles go better with different dresses. A fabulous stylist will be able to give you advice on what hairstyle will compliment your dress.   

4. Bring your veil, tiara or whatever hair pieces you have selected so your stylist can properly work with them ahead of time. And bring a camera! Your stylist is going to do over a hundred styles in between the trial run and your wedding day. By taking photos from every angle, and providing your stylist with these same photos on your wedding day, your stylist will recall the exact style you have in mind.   

5. Discuss with your stylist what pre-maintenance needs to be done in the days before the wedding. As an example, hair that is washed the night before is far more manageable than hair washed the morning of your wedding.   

6. Establish a hair timeline for each person in your bridal party that will be getting their hair styled. Different stylists require different amounts of time to get the job done. It’s better to find out in advance exactly how much time is needed so everyone can be ready in time for photos.   

Happy Hair Planning!   

Check out the detailed trim and beading on the overlay.

Jessica (Jessica Elizabeth Photography) and I love to shop. We found these plates and knew they would compliment our linen perfectly. I fell in love with the contrast of the copper brown charger between the plates and overlay. 

Admittedly, I was not excited about the inner corners of the chargers showing, so Kelly of The Olive Rose came to the rescue with some lovely feathers.

We wanted to add some fun items to tie the entire look together. Can I tell you how much I LOVE this vase? I love it so much that I paid full price even though it had a huge crack down the back. Upon purchase, I sent a text to Kelly and told her we needed to add some fun white feathers for the vase. As you can see,she delivered on that vision.

Another piece I simply couldn’t part with…I kept if for my own collection.

What girl does not love a brooch? So many uses – place them on the napkins for your head table, pin them on your bridal bouquet,or tie them in with your hairpiece/veil.

The gorgeous florals consisted of hellebores, thistle, hypericum, mini cymbidium orchids, & amnesia and leonida roses.  

Can you believe Kelly designed these beautiful arrangements by only reading texts and emails? I think that clearly shows a higher level of talent.

I love Peacock feathers, but I would have never guessed how amazing they would look with the soft florals Kelly selected. The design is so romantic.

Notice the copper and aqua beads? I almost didn’t pick those up, but for some reason I couldn’t get them out of my head. A tiny detail, but now that I see them in the photo I think they were well worth the 15 minute stop.

So you’re planning your own wedding? This photo makes you happy but you’re not sure how to put it all together? Rest assured you don’t need to replicate each element. Select a few items you love and build upon them. Maybe you learned you love peacock feathers mixed with soft florals, or perhaps you want to incorporate a brooch. OR could it be the aqua-copper combination that you love? Whatever it is, I hope this tablescape is a source of inspiration in planning your own wedding. Happy planning!

A special thank you to Robert and Jessica of Jessica Elizabeth Photography for these gorgeous photos.

And a big thank you to Kelly Manson of The Olive Rose for designing these lovely florals.

Thank you to the talented Jessica and Robert of Jessica Elizabeth Photography for taking these magnificent photos!

The underlay consists of a silver charmeuse satin linen. To convey that rustic feeling, we placed a chocolate charmeuse satin linen on top and left it blowing in the wind…..a bit crooked too. Yes, we did that on purpose to achieve just the right look! To compliment, silver cushions were placed on fruitwood chiavari chairs. A very special thank you to Fusion for the beautiful linens.

Notice how Kelly used a mixture of Leonida, Black Bacara and Black Velvet Roses to make the table pop with color against the chocolate linen. I borrowed that embroidered lamp from my parents’ home. I saw it and couldn’t resist. I think it fits in just perfectly!

The napkins are a chocolate pintuck. Resting on top is one of my custom favor boxes that I love to make for brides looking for something a little more original to match their decor/color schemes.

Oh yeah, these are my very favorite charger plates! I love them so much, I keep them on my table at home all the time. You never know when an unexpected guest will stop by; I believe your table should always look great for entertaining.

Don’t you think this would be the perfect setting for a proposal? All you guys thinking about about getting engaged, give me a call. I’d love to arrange a romantic setting for you and your soon to be fiance.

Check back soon for another one of our tablescapes…..see you then!

This Boutique Style Hotel is comprised of 7 Stories with 138 Rooms and 12 Suites.

Level of Service – From the minute you step foot in the lobby, you feel welcome by warm smiling faces. It’s obvious their employees are proud to work at this hotel.  

The Lobby - Check Out the Tree Trunk Vase with Orchids!

 Simplistic Beauty – You can tell much thought went into the design of the hotel with its calming spa colors and natural elements.  

The Lobby - Love the use of driftwood in floral arrangements!

 Appreciation for Local Area – As you enter the lobby, you are reminded that you are not very far from the surrounding waterfront area.  

Stare at the Ceiling and you will find a Painting of an Aquarium.

Culinary Pride – Don’t bother looking for your standard chicken dish here. Chef Tony Maalouf believes in mixing up flavors to create a signature dish for your event. He’s all about the presentation of the dish. Love it!  

The AVIA Kitchen

Special Touches - From 5-7 PM in the AVIA Lounge, the chef offers complimentary small plates which pair well with their wines.  

AVIA Lounge - At the end of the lounge area is a cozy space. Comfortably seating 7 people, it’s an intimate and fun area for the couple to do their menu tasting with their parents.    

Lots to Do! – The AVIA is located in The Pike, a waterfront entertainment district located in the heart of Long Beach. Ideal for your out of town guests looking for something fun to do while in town.  

The Rooftop Pool Terrace  - I think the pictures say it all! Isn’t this amazing?  

  The View – Imagine your friends sipping cocktails for your engagement party while checking out this view from the Rooftop Pool Terrace.  

The Grand Prix is Scheduled for April 16-18, 2010. Looking for a Great Seat? How about the Rooftop Pool Terrace?

 Check back next time for photos of the Gallery, Courtyard, Club Room, rooms and suites. I will also share some beautiful nighttime photos of the hotel.  

Thank you to Jessica Elizabeth Photography for providing these lovely photos.  

Kerry Pulverman www.de-luxe-events.com  

Kerry@de-luxe-events.com  

 714.225.2841/949.859.1792