Never let guests walk into a quiet room. Before opening the reception doors the band or DJ should already be playing a high energy song in a genre that sets the tone you hope to communicate. Music will help to continue to build the energy that’s already been built during the emotional ceremony and the festive cocktail hour.
Above image courtesy of Steve Steinhardt from Bettina & Brian’s Malibu Wedding at Gull’s Way
Before hiring a photographer always ask to see a full wedding rather than just a few of their favorite, edited down images they show online. Everyone can get a few pretty shots, but looking at a full wedding will allow you to see if they can consistently create beautiful images throughout the day shooting in a variety of elements, lighting, etc. While not every image in a real wedding has to be perfect, you should resonate with more than 5 to 10 of the over 1000 images you are likely to receive. Pay attention to how they capture portraits, intimate moments/candid shots, details and any other priorities you might have. Some photographers are amazing at posed portraits, but aren’t as intuitive when it comes to capturing those little hidden moments. And, some photographers can capture amazing magazine worthy details, but aren’t the best at shooting those heirloom family portraits everyone needs. Some are perfect at shooting in natural light, but not great with nighttime shots. Identify what’s most important to you and that will help you find the best fit overall.
The above image was capture by one of our favorite and oh so consistent photographers, Steve Steinhardt from Jaime & Wes’s Bali Wedding.
Image & meme courtesy of Steve Steinhardt from Jennifer & Canute’s Vermont Wedding at Trapp Family Lodge
My current obsession is disco balls. I truly want to see them EVERYWHERE! Come back later in the week to see Kelly & Andrew’s fabulous wedding which featured a ceiling of disco balls at their after party as shown in the first picture below.
TOP ROW: Canopy of Disco Balls from Kelly & Andrew’s After Party captured by Steve Steinhardt
2nd ROW: Oh my, those stairs will be mine somewhere courtesy of Romanticizing Regular / Disco Balls for your eyes from Fuck Yeah Makeup
3rd ROW: Blingy Disco dress from Fashiolista/ Disco ball in my apartment, yes please! Found here.
BOTTOM ROW: Disco love from Saddlerock Ranch
Here are just a few of our favorite means of transportation…
TOP ROW: Guest arrival by Clydesdale at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont from Steve Steinhardt /Vintage Rolls Royce at Liz & Chris’s Figueroa Farmhouse Wedding by Aaron Delesie
2ND ROW: Vintage buggy at Jaime & Wes’s Bali Wedding at Amanusa Resort by Steve Steinhardt
3RD ROW: Tess & Peter basking in the moment in a Vintage Bentley by Amy & Stuart
4TH ROW: Jessica & Chetan cruise the Siene in a Vintage Bateau by Steve Steinhardt
BOTTOM ROW: Jackie & Fred pose in a Vintage Firetruck at Olowalu Plantation in Maui by Manuele Photography
I try not to be overly high maintenance, but I do love a fancy pants cocktails on occasion. Room Forty put together some amazing cocktails for me awhile back and I just had to share the recipes so ya’ll can make these at home. My absolute favorite is the Collins Rouge . Here’s a picture of each courtesy of Steve Steinhardt. Enjoy!
Here are just a few of the lovely ways we recommend being earth friendly at your celebration…
Instead of printing individual menus, have one or two larger menus on mirrors, chalkboards or printed in a frame…For throw pillows and area decor, choose fabrics and details that you can then turn around and incorporate into your home decor.
Image by Jonathan Canlas from Nina & Russell’s Smog Shop Wedding
Succulents are the ultimate in being friendly to the world. After the wedding, you can literally throw them in your back yard where they will reroot and continue to thrive.
Image by Steve Steinhardt from Zoe & Griff’s Brentwood Wedding
Choose linens of natural fibers when possible like these Russian Linen drapes from La Tavola. Also, ask your linen supplier how they clean and process the linens to be sure they are doing their part to keep the earth happy.
Image by Corbin Gurkin from Michelle & Austin’s Clambake in East Hampton
Using found furniture and items is a great way to bring life back to older items. For this French wedding, we collected furniture throughout Paris to create both an eclectic and eco-friendly design.
Image by Steve Steinhardt from Jessica & Chetan’s Parisian Wedding
Use nature as your decor. Consider acorns, pine cones or other details to add charm and be kind to the earth. Potted plants and herbs that can be repurposed after the wedding can also be very chummy to the world.
Left Image by Jose Villa of Louisa & John’s Malibu Wedding
Right Image by Steve Steinhardt of Alyssa & Ryan’s Wedding at Saddlerock Ranch.
When possible feature local products and farms on the menu or in favors. Above, Angie & Brett, made homemade jam with Santa Barbara strawberries. So lovely!
Image by Meg Perotti of Angie & Brett’s Santa Barbara Wedding at San Ysidro Ranch
Centerpieces made of fresh fruit that can actually be consumed is always a hit and nothing is more earth-friendly than using heirlooms instead of buying new. For this Malibu wedding, we used a ring bearer pillow that had been through several family weddings.
Left Image by Steve Steinhardt of Jessica & Chetan’s Medieval welcome party at the Chateau d’ Esclimont in France.
Right Image by Steve Steinhardt of Bettina & Brian’s Gull’s Way Wedding
Inspired by mother earth…
Top Row: Wood Erns from Tess & Peter’s Bel Air Wedding
Second Row: Organic Wedding Cake/Garden Favors via La Tartine Gourmande
Third Row: Winston Howes tribute to his Late Wife/Rustic Stationary from Amelia & Danny’s Colorado Wedding
Fourth Row: Mountain Ceremony Backdrop from Amelia & Danny’s Colorado Wedding
Fifth Row: Floral Headdress via Studded Rose/Ferngully from Kari & Elan’s Carmel Wedding
Sixth Row: Book of Irish Poetry via Coralie Bickford-Smith
Last Row: Frida Kahlo Self-Portrait/Potted Tablescape from Amelia & Danny’s Colorado Wedding
We are all totally about tribal right now. These prints and references always add a bit of culture and even edge to some of the sweetest weddings…
TOP ROW: Jimmy Choo goes Native American at Amelia & Danny’s Colorado Wedding / Welcome table from Surya & Nick’s Big Day
2ND ROW: Mismatched china from Casa De Perrin / African Rug from Zoe & Griff’s Brentwood Wedding
3RD ROW: Totem from Jonas Peterson / Lovely upholstery from Found Vintage Rentals
4TH ROW: Our couple, Emily & Brandon and her fab Tribal print jacket, photo by Amy & Stuart
BOTTOM ROW: Tribal drums from Nina & Russell’s Big Day / Gorgeous rug from Anthropologie
Just a few of our favorite lighting moments…
TOP ROW: Whimsical Paper lanterns at Karen & Al’s Malibu Celebration/Butterfly Drum lamps from Natalie & Patrick’s Napa Wedding by Jose Villa
2ND ROW: Vintage chandeliers at Jessica & Chetan’s French Countryside Wedding by Steve Steinhardt at Chateau d’ Esclimont
BOTTOM ROW: Twinkly canopy at Tara & Kurt’s Big Island Wedding at Four Seasons Hualalai
TOP ROW: Sweet Candelabras at Stella & Peter’s Maui Wedding at Haiku Mill/Moroccan Lanterns at Zoe & Griff’s Brentwood Wedding
2ND ROW: Mason Jar Chandeliers at Surya & Nick’s Aspen Wedding by Jonas Peterson
BOTTOM ROW: Indian Lanterns from Nina & Russell’s Smog Shoppe Wedding by Jonathan Canlas/Tiki Torches from Tara & Kurt’s Big Island Welcome Party
