The Team: One of my favorite elements of working weddings is that I enjoy being part of the "team." For true professionals the team really comes together on your wedding day. That team consists of your DJ (or band leader), your photographer, your caterer, and your videographer. When the team recognizes that by working together we best serve our mutual client the results are fantastic! We look out for one another. We help one another do a better job by sharing information and insights. There are so many great guys and gals out there with whom I've worked and I look forward to seeing them time and time again. I advise that you always look for vendors who are team players.
The Cake Double-Cross! I've seen it many times. The groom, wanting to get the marriage off on the right foot, promises that the cake exchange will be neat and tidy. No matter how much the crowd may egg him on he will not smash cake in his lovely bride's face. There he stands, cake in hand, completely ready to keep his promise. I have seen the look of shock on the grooms face when suddenly he has a face full of icing! They have been double-crossed! Gentleman, I advise you not to retaliate. Some guys try but that seldon works out and it doesn't look good. The wise groom will simply let bygones be bygones and kiss his bride. The wisest of grooms just doesn't wipe the icing off his face before that kiss! Voila! He has shared his icing and who can argue with a kiss!
The Uncooperative Runner: It is a very elegant tradition. Two handsome groomsmen will roll the white runner down the aisle in preparation for the bride's entrance. Often the bride will be preceded by the flower girl dropping rose pedals along the runner. When all goes according to plan it adds a special touch.
Sometimes, it does not go according to plan. Two handsome and innocent groomsmen reach for the cord that pulls the runner along but the cord has other ideas. Sometimes it is stuck and never comes unstuck. Sometimes it is too short. I've seen the cord come untied and become useless. Then there is the surprise of finding out that the front end of the runner hasn't been secured and the whole thing pulls out of place. It becomes quite the comical scene with the groomsmen down on their knees with their fingers in the center tube trying to figure out how to get the thing rolling. I've seen them try pushing it along as guests reach out from the pews each with their own idea of how to help the situation. My personal favorite is when the cord gets stuck halfway down the aisle and 50 feet of runner goes airborne! Here is my suggestion. Find a way to give the runner a little test before the official unrolling. Click here to see our bloopers reel which contains some mishaps with runners.
Phans are Everywhere! I am finding that there is no shortage of couples who share a passion for the Philadelphia Phillies. Many weave this "other love" into the theme of their wedding day plans. Greg and Laurie entered their reception to Phillies rally towels being waved in the air by their guests. Laurie even threw Greg an imaginary pitch that he hit out of the park! At Megan and Andy's wedding they ended the reception singing along with Harry Kalas to "High Hopes." It was a Phillies garter that Chris removed from Nicole's leg at their wedding. Last October, only moments after they said their vows, I asked Jessica and Joe how they felt. They responded by spelling out the Phillies chances in the 2010 Play-offs!
Katie and Kevin carried the theme the farest. Bouquets were made to look like baseballs. Their sign-in book contained pictures of themselves from a photo shoot at Citizens Bank Park. And the ice sculpture was the most gorgeous that I have ever seen. There it was, that big beautiful Phillies' "P" done up in ice. They also entered the reception to Rally Towels being waved by their guests who were seated at tables named for current Phillies. The head table was "The dugout". The night was a big hit plus the Phillies beat the Braves 10-2. A few years back I recorded the wedding of Janine and Brendan who both were employed by the Phillies. In fact, Janine's grandfather was Willie Jones, one of the 1950 NL Champion Whiz Kids. In attendance that night was Hall of Fame Phillies pitcher Robin Roberts and another "Big Phan" made an appearance.
A Very Definite Skill-set: The more wedding video I shoot the more even I understand the set of skills needed by a good videographer. Though well-developed from the start, I find that I am always adding to my "physical and mental" toolbox. The wedding day is an ever-changing environment filled with unplanned surprises that can make my job extra challenging. Of course, there is the technical aspect. Know your cameras and know how to adapt to changes in lighting, sound, and logistics. Then there is "awareness." Just because a person is in the middle of the scene does not mean that that person is good at taking it all in. One friend describes a movie to you amd you feel like you have just seen it. Another friend describes a movie but misses so much! A good videographer has it in his heart to miss nothing! Eyes and ears are wide-open all day long! Make it complete and make it interesting! That's the goal. Before hiring a videographer be sure to understand the process. This way your wedding video will be worth every dime you pay for it!
A Veiled Threat: Ladies, here is something to consider when selecting a veil to go with your gown. Especially during the ceremony, often both video and photos are taken from the vantage point where only your profile is available. Consider choosing a veil that does not onscure most of your profile. Everyone wants to see the expression on your face when you say your vows. Too much veil hides your starry eyes! Of course, you must pick the veil of your dreams and there is no wrong choice. I just wanted to share the thought.
Happy Vendors: When you interview vendors, if you detect even the slightest hint of arrogance or less than wonderful manners, run for the door! I have seen too many brides saddened and angry because a vendor was pushy and/of ill-mannered. No matter how great a product they show you at whatever great price, don't take the chance! As one of my past-clients put it, "Choose vendors who make your day lighter."
