Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over, and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future. The most important element when searching for a videographer is a comprehensive sample of their wedding work. Ask to see a recent, completed video from a wedding – not just a highlights tape – so that you know exactly what you would receive from them, should you hire them. Consider the quality of the picture, the sound and the editing. A bad, poor quality video is a waste of money, but a good, high quality video is priceless.

Fresno Videographers:

Schafer Studios
Choice Imaging
Dazzling Productions
Haro Entertainment
Party DJ Party

Questions To Ask
• Can I see samples of your work?
• How long have you been a professional wedding videographer? How many weddings have you done?
• What packages do you offer? What do they include?
• Are you able to accommodate any restrictions with lights and tripods at the ceremony location?
• Can I keep the raw, unedited footage as well as the finished product? Is there an added fee for this?
• Do you offer DVDs?
• What is the charge per extra copy made?
• Will you be able to film while a photographer is present?
• Will you be the one who will be shooting my wedding? If not, can I speak with that person?
• What types of cameras and microphones will you use? How new is the equipment? Where will they be placed?
• Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
• How long will it take to receive our completed video after the wedding?
• Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?
• How far in advance must I book your services?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
• How far in advance must I book your services?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Related articles

• Why You Should Hire a Videographer. (weddinglovely.com)
• MVP Weddings Partners with the Premiere Bride Wedding Center Utilizing Art and Technology to Provide New Cinematic Wedding Videography Options in Central California (prweb.com)
• Lovely Video (weddingbee.com)

Wedding Dress For Happy Couple in Love (Photo credit: epSos.de)

Be realistic. If you plan a religious ceremony that calls for possible kneeling, you may want to opt out of the form fitting / mermaid dresses.
Popular with guests. It is not written in stone that your wedding ceremony has to take place between ten and two. Think about having an evening/night wedding by doing the photos first and therefore not making your guests wait around for the shin dig to re-start between the ceremony and dinner.
Themed Weddings: Have a themed wedding –a specific time period, a country or sports team that the two of you love. Or even a costume theme! (Be aware that most guests will not want to dress up). Think about how much fun and interesting it would be to plan the event around the theme of your choice. Some of the most popular themes are winter, tropical, and garden.
Your close connections. To include more people in the ceremony have them read a poem or prayer or sing a song at the ceremony.
A special moment for Mom. If you and your mom are very close, think about asking her to be your “matron” of honor, or have both parents walk you down the aisle. Just don’t leave out Mom.
Mistakes that turn into fond memories. Keep in mind that things will not go completely according to plan. That is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives the entire ceremony “personality” and will richen what will inevitably become the prologue to the story of your lifetime.
Two by Two: No one said your bridesmaids and groomsmen have to match in height/and or age.   Feel free to mix and match bridesmaids and groomsmen as you think they would feel most comfortable, and even feel free to throw in a loaner.
Nice extra. During the ceremony, recognize important people by giving them flowers.
Personal story. Ask the officiant to work in a story about your meeting or courtship into the ceremony.
Fun and furry. Can’t find a ring bearer? Use the family pet!
In the round. At the ceremony, arrange the chairs so that everyone surrounds you.

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Bride in a white dress descends from an open horse-drawn carriage decorated with ribbons at a wedding in Minnesota. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Luxurious Limousines
Limousines can be acquired for the entire day, picking you up at home and delivering you to the ceremony, the reception, and even to the airport to depart on your honeymoon. Most companies have a one to two-hour minimum for their services, so put some thought into what the most cost-effective option will be: keeping your limousine on call throughout the entire ceremony and reception or hiring one limousine to take you to the ceremony and reception, then another for leaving the reception.

Traditionally, one limousine carries the bride and her father to the ceremony, while a second limousine or sedan transports the bride’s mother and bridesmaids. Of course many brides opt to have both parents or their attendants ride with them. It’s simply a matter of personal preference. After the ceremony and reception, the newlyweds ride together, either alone or with the maid of honor and best man.

A formal limousine seats four people, while stretch limousines can allow for six to 10. Limousines are usually black or white, and new models include sport utility varieties–the Hummer and Explorer are two possibilities for a rough-and-ready look. Some companies offer fleet rates for those who want the entire wedding party and family to arrive and depart in regal style. The choice you make depends not only on how much you wish to spend or the impression you wish to make, but also on the level of revelry. If the day is to be filled with many champagne toasts, providing safe transportation for those who will be celebrating the most is a smart idea.
Catch the Coach
A limousine is a luxurious way to travel; however, there are creative alternatives to this standard bearer that can add a distinctive mark to your ceremony and reception.

One option is a luxury coach. With all the amenities and style of a luxury limousine with room to spare, these vehicles can seat 10 or more people comfortably. A passenger coach, without all of the added luxuries, can seat anywhere from 21 to 49 people, which is a great way to transport your family and guests, especially if your reception is located in an out of the way location or if parking is an issue. A luxury coach allows the bride and her attendants to spend time together surrounded by mobile luxury on the way to the ceremony. After the ceremony, the bridal party can enjoy a grand celebration with the bride and groom while traveling to the reception.

Like limousine services, passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours. The size and type of coach will determine the hourly rate. Depending on the size of your party, it may make sense to hire two coaches, perhaps a luxury coach for the bride, groom and their attendants and a passenger coach for the guests. By having more than one vehicle, it will allow some guests to leave at different times if needed.

Unique Alternatives
For those who prefer something more creative or romantic in transportation, there are many unusual offerings. If a horse-drawn carriage is available in your city, this is a charming option. This service can vary from a simply carriage to an elaborate coach. Although space in the buggy will undoubtedly be limited, there is nothing quite as beautiful and romantic as a bride being led to a waiting carriage with beribboned steeds and driven away under a clear blue sky or starry night. It can be an unforgettable experience for the happy couple as well as a memorable sight for the wedding guests.

Vintage or luxury cars can also add a touch of class: a Bentley, Rolls Royce or even a kitschy pink Cadillac can be the finishing touch for your wedding’s personal style. Even Harleys or horses can transport the bride and groom—if that’s your style, of course.

Down to Details
Whether you choose a limousine, luxury coach or horse and carriage, you should confirm your transportation booking and verify pick up and departure times well in advance of your wedding day to avoid any mix-ups. It would be wise to have someone closely associated with the wedding party, perhaps the best man or a family member, designated to coordinate with the chauffeur to make sure that pick ups and departures happen on schedule. The size and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as personal taste, will help define your final decisions for travel.

There are many options available for today’s bride and groom, and with just a little creativity and planning, you can find the mode of transportation that best suits your style.

Related articles

• Wedding Transportation Advice (premierbridesperfectdress.com)
• Airport Shuttles of the Famous or rich (tuespacioholistico.com)
• Charlottesville Wedding at King Family Vineyards by Jen Fariello Photography (stylemepretty.com)

Wedding photography isn’t what it used to be…and believe us, that’s a great thing.

While all wedding photos are special, the current take on photojournalistic style pictures help create a rich vision of the couple, their life together and snippets into their quirky sides. Instead of being front and center, some couples are sharing their spotlight with weathered barns, wheat-filled pastures and mammoth trains barreling past them.

And we love it.

In addition to what is being called “contemporary vintage”, there are some other trends photographers are embracing. Here are some for your viewing pleasure…

Photo Booths: Yes, we know…this has been around for a while. But you can’t deny the fun to be had with silly hats, feather boas and fake mustaches!

Fine Art Photography: This is an excellent way to show off the dress and personal style. Set up like a fashion shoot, brides (and grooms for that matter) can let their inner runway model loose and have some amazing shots to show for it.

Adam + Sarah Photography Engagement Shoot (click to view video)

Paparazzi (or Proposal Style): I’m calling this Paparazzi Style since it’s usually not expected and used to capture a proposal in action. Fun and fast, it will document an event that you’ll love to re-live together again and again.

Adam + Sarah Photography http://www.adamplussarahweddings.com/

Trash the Dress: If you’re the sentimental type, you may want to move on past this style. If you’re a bride that loves art, this is for you. Instead of sealing your gown for future generations that may or may not (gasp!) love your dress, you trash it. The photographer captures every splash of dirt and every splatter of paint as it lands on that beautiful fabric. Awesome.

Cherish the Dress: Obviously the opposite direction of trashing the dress, cherishing the dress shares similarities to fine art photos. Dress up, find a fabulous location and smile!

No matter what style you choose or where you decide to have photographs taken, make sure you take the time to interview several photographers. By understanding what style photos you’re looking for, your photographer can provide you with shots you’ll cherish a lifetime.

Related articles

• Trash the Dress – Tampa Wedding Photography – Blue Star Photography (bluestartampaphotography.wordpress.com)
• Trash the Dress by Melanie Rebane (satinandsnowflakes.com)
• Don’t Banish the Trashing of the Dress, Elevate It (tlsphotography.wordpress.com)
• The New Post-Wedding Wedding Dress Fate (fabsugar.com)
• Beach wedding photography (bluelemonphotos.wordpress.com)
• Featured Video: Underwater Trash the Dress (weddinglovely.com)

Looking for some wedding planning assistance? Premier Bride Magazine offers loads of great tips, beautiful gowns and an abundant list of wedding professionals to choose from. Most importantly, it’s all wrapped up in a perfect sized magazine that can easily slip into a messenger bag, tote or handbag.

Click the photo for more information about receiving your free planning book!

Now, if you’re like I was, you’ll carry this poor little magazine everywhere, until it resembles nothing more than a tattered, shredded mess to the untrained eye. But we know differently. That little book holds plans, dreams and ideas, all of which will eventually become your wedding.

Some brides may prefer to keep all of their information on-line. Not a problem. Premier Bride  has a virtual planning tool for you to use. Simply register (a quick & simple process!) on www.pbcv.com. Here are the benefits of registering for FREE with Premier Bride. This site also features a downloadable version of this planner.

Another great planning tool is the on-line bulletin board, Pinterest. There, you can see what other brides are doing – DIY ideas, wedding trends, design concepts and most importantly, this will become an invaluable tool for planning & visualizing your wedding day. Combined with the Premier Bride Magazine, you’ll be unstoppable!

In addition you will:
• Automatically be entered into our Grand Prize Honeymoon Giveaways and Monthly    Drawings
• Save your favorite wedding vendors
• Special offers by email
• Can create your own web page

Some of the benefits that you’ll find will also include:

The Wedding Timeline
Wedding Day Check-List
The Wedding Budget
Sharing The Cost
Planning Information For Cakes, Catering, Flowers, Music & Entertainment, Photography, Reception Information and Videography, Wedding Attire Planner and Important Information & Notes
Whether you plan on toting your book along with you, keeping everything organized on-line or BOTH, Premier Bride is here to help you through all of the planning stages. Pick up your copy at Premier Bride’s Wedding Center or during our upcoming Premier Bride’s Showplace , Sunday, August 22st, 2012.

Related articles

• MVP Weddings Partners with the Premiere Bride Wedding Center Utilizing Art and Technology to Provide New Cinematic Wedding Videography Options in Central California (prweb.com)
• Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress “Press and Dress” Deal (premierbridesperfectdress.com)
• The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 (premierbridesperfectdress.com)

You may already have some idea of what you like, but once you start shopping for your engagement ring you still may find the choices overwhelming. Solitaire, gold, platinum. Matte finish, satin finish. There are so many options, each beautiful in its own way, which means you’re faced with the difficult task of finding the perfect ring that feels and looks just right for you. After your selection then comes the often difficult task of also paying for it.

Many people are aware of the two-month rule, which suggests the value of an engagement ring should equal two months of the groom’s salary. Therefore this makes your purchase a considerable investment. The groom will also be purchasing the bride’s wedding ring, and although tradition indicates that the bride purchase the groom’s wedding ring, some grooms purchase this as well. With such a great deal of money involved, it is imperative to get what you pay for, so here’s a quick guide.

The Stone: Diamond Basics
The most important element to consider when shopping for a diamond is cut, color, clarity and carat–the four Cs. Contrary to popular belief, cut and not carat is the number one factor in determining the value of a diamond.

Cut

A well-cut diamond beautifully directs rays of white light to the diamond’s facets, the small planes on the surface of the stone. The reflected light emanating from the facets defines a stone’s fire and brilliance. Fire is the intensity of the rainbow of colors cast outward in a prism-like effect, while brilliance indicates the amount of sparkle generated. Cut should not be confused with the shape of a diamond, which includes brilliant (round), oval, pear, marquis, emerald, square, heart and triangle.

Color
The color of a diamond is the next quality to consider. The best color is no color at all, since an absolutely colorless diamond reflects light most beautifully. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamonds on a standard 23-grade scale, from D through Z. D, the highest rating, indicates a perfectly colorless stone, while Z, the lowest rating, indicates a light yellow stone. The color ranges within this scale are colorless, near colorless, very light yellow, and light yellow.

Clarity
Next to consider is the clarity of a diamond, which is defined by the number, color, nature, size and position of natural marks–called inclusions–contained in the gem. Inclusions occur naturally during the process of crystallization, when minute traces of minerals are trapped in the diamond.

To determine clarity, an appraiser examines a diamond through a jeweler’s loupe, which magnifies the stone 10 times. The fewer and smaller the inclusions a diamond contains, the greater its clarity and thus its value. Excellent clarity means light is able to pass unimpeded through the stone. The GIA judges clarity based on a standard 11-part grading scale, as follows:

FL & IF: Flawless and internally flawless (Inclusions not visible Under 10x)
VVS1 & VVS2: Very, very slight inclusions (extremely difficult to see under 10x)
VS1 & VS2: Very slight inclusions (difficult to see under 10x)
SI1 & SI2: Small inclusions (noticeable under 10x)
I1, I2 & I3: Imperfect (flaws visible to the unaided eye)

Carat
The carat weight of a diamond is the final consideration. In ancient times, gem size was measured against carob seeds, which are remarkably consistent in weight. One carat equaled the weight of a single carob seed. In today’s terms, a carat is the standard metric weight of 0.2 grams, or 1/142 of an ounce.

Another way to indicate a diamond’s weight is in points, with one carat equaling 100 points. So a diamond of 50 points, for instance, equals 1/2 carat. Diamonds of more than one carat are extremely rare (one in a thousand), and therefore very valuable. But remember that carat weight is only one factor in determining value. Two diamonds of the same size can vary considerably in value depending on the other three factors cut, color and clarity.

Appraise It
Once the rings have been selected and purchased, request an appraisal. This is a written estimate of the value of your jewelry. Appraisals of diamonds should include specific indications of the four Cs. Immediately after the purchase, have your jewelry photographed for insurance purposes, and make sure your current policy has adequate coverage. If it does not, consult your insurance agent about amending your policy.

Take Care
Although diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man (2,000 times harder than rubies or sapphires and 3,000 times harder than emeralds), you should not wear them when performing rough work. A hard blow can still chip a diamond. You should also avoid direct contact with chlorine bleach or chlorinated pool water, which could pit and discolor the mounting.

On the rare occasions when you do not wear your diamonds, store them alone in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a jewelry box with separate compartments. This precaution keeps your diamond ring from scratching against other jewelry, including other diamonds.
Diamonds, like other gemstones, get smudged and dirty from natural oils, lotions, perfumes and hair spray. To keep your jewels clean, regularly soak them for about 30 minutes in either a commercial jewelry cleaner, or homemade solution comprised of equal parts cold water and ammonia, or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Brush the stones gently with an eyebrow brush, then rinse thoroughly under warm water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Have your rings checked annually by your jeweler for loose prongs or settings. You’ll be repaid for these small precautions, and the gentle care you give your ring, with years of enjoyment and pride in this precious symbol of your marriage.

Recommended Jewelers

The Vault Fine Jewelers 559.225-5363

The Diamond Gallery 559.434.3688

Related articles

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• Engagement Ring and Diamond Ring Trends (raymondleejewelersblog.com)

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Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:00am until Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 5:00pm

Trunk Shows are exciting events where authorized Maggie Sottero® retailers present our latest breathtaking styles. This fashion experience is an exciting and fun way to view our Maggie Sottero® gowns from this current season.

Special purchasing incentives will apply for this preview event, so please bring someone with you whose opinion you strongly value. Space is limited, so please book your appointment early.

Call us today at (559) 435-8888 to schedule an appointment for this event! See you there!

Sizes: 0-24

Colors: Steel

Fabrics: Tulle

Available Colors: WHITE, IVORY, STEEL

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Planning to elope.
If you elect to elope, don’t worry about offending anyone. Send out a photo postcard, along with a printed message that conveys the when and where you got married, and then ask for blessings from the recipients. Plan either an elaborate party or have an informal gathering to celebrate.

Image via Wikipedia

Should or shouldn’t?
Although bridal registries are a great time-saving system, it is offensive to include registry information with your wedding invitation. Leave that to the people planning your shower.

The time is right.
Although there is a rumor out there that the wedding couple has a year to send “thank-you cards” for gifts, most gift-givers would prefer not more than three month’s time before receiving an acknowledgement for their thoughtfulness.

It matters.
Yes, you are exhausted after the wedding, but don’t skimp on your thank-you’s by pre-printing a verse on a photo card. Your guests invested in your celebration by giving their time, money and thoughtful gifts to you; in return, you must be gracious and write a personalized thank-you note. It’s simple etiquette.

Position of honor (and responsibility).
Your maid or matron of honor and best man are in positions of esteem, but don’t assume that they know what is expected of their roles. Plan to have tactful conversations about the duties you expect them to perform and make it fun and meaningful. Find articles that cover this information rather than verbal instructions.

Set the right tone.
Consider the tone of your voice when dealing with family members who are helping out.  Relationships last longer than the day of your wedding and the words you use will either create a foundation of kindness and thankfulness, or will set up resentment.

Time Management
If your wedding is earlier in the day and there is a long span of time until the reception, don’t feel that it’s necessary to entertain everyone. Plan activities for your bridal party and don’t worry about the other guests; they will find something fun or relaxing to do.

It adds up.
Be careful with monetary expectations for your bridal party. Offering to pay for portions of the showers is a good-will gesture.

What really matters?
Acknowledging your guests and personally greeting them is more important than having an over-the-top event.  Make every effort to show gracious attention to everyone you invite. If the numbers appear too much, cut back.

Kind works and deeds.
Don’t be rude to anyone – whether vendors, service people or your bridal party and friends.  You will set the tone for a graceful and loving wedding if you mind your manners. You must set the example.

Last Resort
Think twice about inviting people to just the reception and not the dinner. They will most certainly find out and the hurt feelings aren’t worth the savings.

Fool Proof Plan
Track those gifts and thank you notes. It’s so important to have a fool-proof system to record gifts received and thank you notes sent. With a flood of gifts coming in, and so many notes to write, if you rely solely on memory you’ll become quickly overwhelmed. Thoughts of “did we send Aunt Velma a thank you note yet?” can haunt you.

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