How To Expand Your Photography Timeline

The two biggest factors in creating (and sticking to) a wedding day timeline are the timelines of the photographers & caterers.  Mostly the photographers since there is only so much daylight and time in one day to get all the most important shots.  To condense the photographer timeline a lot of couples have started doing the "First Look" shots which takes a twist on tradition by having bride & groom see each other before the ceremony.  This is a personal choice for each couple but not everyone is on board.  For couples who don't want to compromise tradition to get all the photos they want, the newest option is the here- day after the wedding photo shoots. 

The pro's are definitely more time & a relaxed environment (as in, no rushing around) for just the bride & groom.  Couples taking a few days to relax before they go on their honeymoon are the best choice and you don't necessarily have to do the shoot the very next day, it can be the next week if that fits in better with your schedule.  This couple choose to have their day after shoot on a boat since that is a very special place for them but there is no limit on locale.  Couples can re-dress in their wedding attire or change it up for different pictures.  The flowers are still fresh and there is no pressure to keep your wedding dress clean or perfect which is completely freeing.  This couple choose to do their day after shoot in an orchard and even styled the shoot similar to an engagement session with great details.  Destination weddings are always a tighter timeline so if you want to get the most out of the location the day after shoot is a great idea like this couple did in Sedona, AZ.

The con's would be that an extra photography session will cost you and of course, you would need to find a location ahead of time for the shoot so there is extra planning involved.  Whatever your situation, it is nice to have options.  Here are some beautiful day after photos, enjoy!

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After The Wedding: (Renewal) Party Like A Celebrity

As you have probably surmised by now, I'm always "pro-party".  A few posts ago I talked about celebrating anniversaries and how every year should be special.  Then in the news this September, Lakers player Lamar Odom & wife Khloe Kardashian celebrated their one year anniversary by renewing their vows.  Lamar actually surprised Khloe with the renewal which is super cute.  Any guy who hatches secret plans for his loved one is a winner.  Lamar is in good company, enter Josh Duhamel's one year surprise renewal, Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon's 2nd anniversary vow renewal, Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta Jones 10th year vow renewal, and Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott's 4 year renewal.  All of this reminded me of another celebrity pair who loves a good vow renewal; Heidi Klum and her husband Seal.  They have made it a point to celebrate each anniversary by renewing their vows & having a huge party for all their friends.  Last year they decided to get classy and have a "white trash wedding" theme (see hilarity below).

Renewal parties are not just for celebrities though, obviously.  Celebrities may renew every year, but the rest of us probably will save renewals for big milestones; 5 years, 10 years, 25, years, etc.  What a great example to friends and family to have a big party to celebrate the vows of love, loyalty, and commitment.  The best part about a renewal party is that you get all the fun & celebration of a wedding without the high cost and stress of the first time around.  There is a definite freedom is not having any rules to follow and to be able to focus on whatever design or theme you want.  The couple can choose to have a big party or just a small gathering of family & friends.  Some hotels even have renewal packages so be on the lookout for local events.  So, if you or anyone you know (parents, friends, etc) loves this idea as much as I do, make sure to contact Felicity C Weddings to plan this fabulous soiree!     

 

Mr. & Mrs. Odom celebrating 1 wedded year
by renewing their vows. Source

Heidi Klum & Seal renewing vows
for their 5th wedding anniversary. Source

After The Wedding: Anniversaries

It is very easy for couples and their families to get caught up in the wedding planning process and not think much about after the wedding.  Of course the marriage is for a lifetime, but beyond the items on the gift registry that should be used for a good number of years, the wedding anniversary can just become an excuse to go out to dinner after a few years. The excitement of your wedding day should always be remembered, especially on anniversaries.  But going through your guest book to read the warm wishes and advice from friends and family each year may lose its charm after a few anniversaries.

Enter Happily Ever AfterWords.  This idea is as brilliant as it is thoughtful- there are cards for anniversaries 1-50 which guests are asked to fill out, put in its envelope and put into the box.  The cards can be mailed to the guests with the invitation (Pro: guests have time to write a meaningful note, con: guests may lose or forget to bring card to wedding) or you can have the cards and box set up on a table at the reception.  Each anniversary, the couple reaches into the box and reads the card with the corresponding year.  HOW GREAT!  This is something new to look forward to each year with your spouse and you can even start a new book to keep each year's message.  This amazing gift is something personalized and really is the gift that keeps on giving.  A great idea for any engaged couples you may know.

To add my personal spin on things, I love the idea of the bride and groom taking time in the weeks before their wedding to write each other a couple of letters to be opened on their 1st, 5th, and 20th anniversaries.  They can write what they wish for each other, where they expect their lives to be at that point, or any personal messages.  Hope some of this can inspire you.  Enjoy! 

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