follow us:

Exploring Wedding Ceremony Styles: Unplugged vs. Non-Unplugged

Weddings are deeply personal celebrations that reflect the couple’s style, values, and vision for their special day. One increasingly important decision couples face is whether to have an unplugged or non-unplugged ceremony. Each approach offers unique benefits and considerations, catering to different preferences and priorities. Let’s delve into the characteristics of both styles to help you decide which aligns best with your wedding dreams.

Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies:

Embracing the Moment

1. The Digital Detox: In an unplugged ceremony, guests are encouraged to disconnect from their devices. This fosters a serene atmosphere where everyone can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the ceremony without distractions. Professional photographers capture the essence of the event, ensuring that intimate moments remain private and special.

2. Respectful Engagement: By asking guests to refrain from taking photos or videos, couples emphasize the importance of being present. This not only enhances the emotional experience but also shows respect for the sanctity of the ceremony.

3. Enhanced Privacy: Couples who value privacy appreciate the intimacy an unplugged ceremony offers. Without guests capturing and sharing every moment online, the focus remains on the couple and their vows, creating a more sacred and personal atmosphere.

Some ways to achieve this (Repetition is key!) :

  • Announce on your wedding website what you expect from your guests during the ceremony
  • Remind guests on your programs
  • Have your ushers/officiant remind guests before the ceremony starts
  • Promise to share photos with the wedding guests once you get them back

Non-Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies:

Celebrating with Technology

1. Guest Participation: For some couples, involving guests in capturing the ceremony enhances the sense of community and celebration. Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos, sharing the joyous occasion in real-time with loved ones who couldn’t attend. During your ceremony, you might want to enforce some rules (like the people on the isle seats are not allowed to use their devices, but can pass them to the person next to them to make sure they are not in your photographer’s way).

2. Immediate Sharing: Non-unplugged ceremonies allow for instant sharing of special moments on social media platforms. This can be particularly meaningful for couples who want to include distant friends and family in their celebration or who enjoy the immediate gratification of seeing their wedding day unfold online.

3. Diverse Perspectives: Guests’ photos and videos provide a variety of perspectives and memories of the ceremony. This can complement professional photography by capturing spontaneous moments and candid emotions that add depth to the couple’s wedding day story.

Some ways to achieve this:

  • By allowing guests to take photos during a designated time at your wedding. You may have your officiant ask guests to take their phones out once you are both at the alter then have you turn to your guests and strike a pose for them. Then they ask your guests to keep their phones in their pockets for the remainder of the ceremony.
  • You can also have your officiant lay down a set of rules before the ceremony starts. i.e:
    • All devices are on silent
    • You may not stand to get a photo or be disruptive to the guest behind you.
    • If you are in a coveted aisle seat, you have one of the best seats in the house and because of that, you are not allowed to take photos or video with your devices, but you can have the person next to you take pictures and videos with your device.

Choosing the Right Style for You:

1. Reflecting Your Values: Consider what matters most to you as a couple. Are you drawn to the idea of a serene, distraction-free ceremony where you and your guests can be fully present? Or do you envision a lively celebration where technology enhances the communal experience?

2. Privacy vs. Sharing: Think about how you want to share your wedding day with others. Do you prefer to keep intimate moments private, or do you enjoy the idea of sharing your joyous occasion with a wider audience in real-time?

3. Creating Memories: Reflect on the type of memories you want to cherish from your wedding day. Are you more interested in curated, professional photos that capture the essence of the ceremony? Or do you value the spontaneity and varied perspectives that guests’ photos and videos provide?

Ultimately, whether you choose an unplugged or non-unplugged ceremony, the most important thing is that it reflects your love story and makes you feel comfortable and joyful on your special day. Each style offers its own unique charm and benefits, ensuring that your wedding ceremony is a true reflection of your personalities and priorities as a couple.

Enchanted Rock Adventure weddingShirley Acres Wedding Photography

Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

Here’s Why It Might Be the Best Decision for Your Big Day!

Planning your dream wedding can be one of the most magical journeys you embark upon. However, it also involves a whirlwind of details, decisions, and deadlines that can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re finding yourself torn between excitement and stress, or if you’re the type of person who can get overwhelmed quickly, it might be time to consider hiring a wedding planner. Here’s why bringing a professional on board could be the best decision you make for your big day.

1. Stress-Free Planning

One of the primary reasons to hire a wedding planner is to alleviate stress. From choosing the perfect venue to coordinating with vendors, a planner handles all the nitty-gritty details, allowing you to focus on the fun aspects of wedding planning. No more sleepless nights worrying about whether you’ve forgotten something important!

2. Expertise & Experience

Wedding planners bring a wealth of experience and insider knowledge to the table. They know the industry inside out and can navigate any potential pitfalls with ease. Whether it’s securing that highly sought-after venue or negotiating with caterers, their expertise ensures everything is executed flawlessly.

3. Time-Saving

Balancing work, life, and wedding planning can be incredibly challenging. A wedding planner saves you countless hours by managing your schedule, handling the research, and making sure everything is on track. This allows you to enjoy your engagement period without feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists.

4. Budget Management

Weddings can be expensive, and costs can quickly spiral out of control if not managed properly. A wedding planner helps you create and stick to a budget, finding the best deals and ensuring your money is spent wisely. They know where to splurge and where to save, helping you get the most value for your budget.

5. Creativity & Personalization

Have a unique vision for your wedding? A planner can bring your ideas to life with creative solutions and personalized touches that reflect your style and personality. From custom decor to unique ceremony ideas, they ensure your wedding is as unique as your love story.

6. Day-Of Coordination

On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with logistics. A wedding planner takes charge of the day-of coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They handle any unexpected issues, coordinate with vendors, and keep the timeline on track, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in every precious moment.

Hiring a wedding planner can transform your wedding planning experience from a stressful chore into a joyful journey. They bring peace of mind, expert advice, and a touch of magic to your big day, allowing you to savor every moment without worry. If you want to ensure your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of and more, consider enlisting the help of a professional wedding planner.

As a wedding photographer, I find it easier when a client has hired a wedding planner, or at least a day of coordinator for their wedding. The coordinator helps me round up the wedding details, makes sure everyone is on schedule and updates me when things are running behind.

Want a list of recommenced wedding planners? Shoot me a quick email and I will send over my list!

Sandlewood Manor Wedding Photography

A Red Wedding with a happy ending (because we all needed one!)

Lukas & Tori’s stunning wedding at Sandlewood manor was one for the ages! I honestly don’t know how they did it. Everything was immaculately selected and matched perfectly(red is an IMPOSSIBLE color to match!) Their personality was so bright and bubbly, the red was a perfect choice against the staunch white of the venue.

Because of the venue’s policy on real flowers inside their chapel, we had an abundance of real red rose petals after the ceremony that we were able to play with. It was so much fun getting the wedding party involved!

After taking our time getting all the amazing portraits, we headed into the reception hall for the grand entrance and the first dance. The couple had a desert bar as well as a coffee & tea station (so cool!) and probably my most favorite part of their reception decor was the red telephone for guests to leave a sweet message for the couple.

As the night winded to a close, Tori had an outfit chance then the couple had a private last dance while guests set up for the sparkler exit on the front drive. Lukas and Tori exited amongst friends and family through the sparklers flames to the cherry red Corvette.

What a night! Check out the vendors & photos below

 

Working on your wedding Timeline

A comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect wedding timeline.

Planning a wedding involves many details, and creating a wedding day timeline is crucial for ensuring everything runs smoothly. A well-structured timeline helps coordinate vendors, manage the flow of events, and keep everyone on schedule. Here’s a detailed guide to help you craft the perfect wedding day timeline.

Housotn lgbtq+ wedding photographer
Enchanted Rock Adventure wedding Photography
Nerdy wedding photography
Houston Waterwall Wedding Photos

Key Components of a Wedding Day Timeline

1. Getting Ready (4-5 Hours)

  • Hair and Makeup: Schedule hair and makeup for the bridal party, usually starting with the bridesmaids and ending with the bride. Allow about 30-45 minutes per person.
  • Getting Dressed: Plan 30 minutes to an hour for the bride and bridesmaids to get dressed. You will want your bridesmaids to be dressed first if you want any photos of them helping you into your dress.
  • Photos: Allocate time for pre-ceremony wedding photos, including shots of the bride, bridal party, and immediate family as well as first looks (with your soon-to-be spouse or someone special in your family). This typically takes 1-2 hours.

Example Timeline:

  • 8:00 AM – Hair and makeup begin (don’t forget to eat breakfast & lunch)
  • 11:00 AM – Bride gets dressed
  • 11:30 AM – Pre-ceremony photos

2. First Look (30 Minutes)

  • If you opt for a first look, plan about 30 minutes for this special moment and the accompanying photos. You will want to have these done at least 30 minutes before guests should start arriving so we can stash you back in your hiding spot.

3. Ceremony (30 Minutes to 1 Hour)

  • Factor in time for guests to arrive and be seated. The ceremony itself usually lasts between 20-30 minutes but can vary depending on the type of service.

Example Timeline:

  • 1:00 PM – Guests begin to arrive
  • 1:30 PM – Ceremony starts
  • 2:00 PM – Ceremony ends

4. Post-Ceremony Photos (1-2 Hours)

  • Family photos, bridal party photos, and couple portraits are typically taken during this time. Ensure you have a list of must-have shots to keep things moving efficiently. To ensure this moves smoothly, make sure to designate someone to be your “family wrangler.” This is someone who knows your family and can make sure they are where they are supposed to be (in their seats waiting for their turn, in the photo…)

5. Cocktail Hour (1 Hour)

  • While photos are being taken, guests can enjoy cocktails and appetizers. This is also a good time for the couple to have a brief moment together before the reception.

Example Timeline:

  • 2:00 PM – Cocktail hour begins
  • 3:00 PM – Cocktail hour ends

6. Reception (4-5 Hours)

  • The reception timeline includes the grand entrance, first dance, dinner, toasts, cake cutting, and dancing. Here’s a breakdown of common reception events:

Example Timeline:

  • 3:00 PM – Reception begins with the grand entrance (you can shave time by going right into a first dance after your grand entrance)
  • 3:15 PM – First dance
  • 3:30 PM – Dinner is served
  • 4:30 PM – Toasts and speeches
  • 5:00 PM – Cake cutting
  • 5:15 PM – Dancing begins
  • 7:30 PM – Sneak out for sunset photos
  • 8:00 PM – Last dance
  • 8:15 PM – Couple’s send-off

Tips for a Seamless Timeline

  1. Communicate with Vendors: Ensure all vendors are aware of the timeline and their specific roles.
  2. Build in Buffer Time: Add extra time between events to account for any delays. If you know you have perpetually late friends/family (or if that’s you), make sure to account for that.
  3. Delegate: Assign a trusted person, like a wedding planner or coordinator, to keep the day on track.
  4. Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt the timeline as needed. Weddings can be unpredictable, and a bit of flexibility can help keep the day stress-free.

Conclusion

A well-planned wedding day timeline is the backbone of a smooth and enjoyable celebration. By organizing the day’s events and allowing sufficient time for each activity, you’ll ensure that your wedding day is as stress-free and memorable as possible. Whether you’re working with a wedding planner or managing the details yourself, a clear and detailed timeline is your best tool for success.

For more detailed templates and examples, consider checking out resources like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Brides, which offer comprehensive guides and customizable timeline templates​ (Atlanta Magazine)​​ (All-American Atlas)​ .

Embracing Your Inner Geek: A Nerdy Guide to Wedding Bliss

Welcome, fellow nerds, to a celebration of love that’s as epic as your favorite saga and as magical as a critical hit… your wedding!

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of nerdy weddings—a realm where love, passion, and fandom collide in the most spectacular ways.

For too long, the term “wedding” may have conjured images of traditional ceremonies and cookie-cutter receptions. But fear not, fellow geeks, for your special day can be anything but ordinary. It’s time to let your nerd flag fly high and infuse your wedding with all the quirks, passions, and obsessions that make you who you are.

First things first, let’s talk themes. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a dedicated gamer, or a devoted bookworm, there’s a theme out there just waiting to be embraced. Imagine walking down the aisle to the sound of your favorite movie soundtrack (especially if it’s the instrumental version), exchanging vows in a setting straight out of a fantasy novel, or cutting the cake with a lightsaber. The possibilities are as limitless as the multiverse itself!

But it’s not just about the decorations and attire—it’s about infusing every aspect of your wedding with your unique personality and interests. From incorporating your favorite quotes into your vows to designing custom invitations inspired by your favorite fandom, the devil is in the details, and the nerdy possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget about the entertainment! Why settle for a boring old DJ when you could have a live band playing all your favorite video game tunes? Or how about a cosplay photo booth where guests can dress up as their favorite characters and strike a pose? The key is to keep the fun and excitement going all night long, ensuring that your wedding is a celebration unlike any other.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your wedding day is about more than just the theme or the decorations—it’s about celebrating the love and connection that you share with your partner. So whether you’re exchanging rings in a galaxy far, far away or saying “I do” in a language only fellow nerds can understand, never lose sight of what truly matters: each other.

So go ahead, fellow nerds, and let your imagination run wild. Your wedding day is your chance to embrace your inner geek, celebrate your passions, and create memories that are truly out of this world. So grab your lightsaber, don your wizard robes, and get ready for the nerdiest, most epic wedding celebration this side of the TARDIS!

Shirley Acres Wedding Photography
Star Wars Houston Wedding Photographer
Texas Ren Fest festival wedding photography
Adventure wedding couple details
Enchanted Rock Adventure wedding Photography
Houston Wedding Photography
Lord of the Rings themed wedding
Wedding Day Details
Houston wedding photography
bright and bold houston wedding photographer
Houston Wedding Photographer
Games at your wedding

Enchanted Rock Wedding

Phillip & Erica’s Enchanted Rock wedding photos

A few of weeks ago I showed you Phillip & Erica’s Brazos Bend engagement. This week, I have the pleasure of sharing their adventurous wedding photography at Enchanted Rock with you!

You can make plans all you want and sometimes life will throw you curve ball after curve ball. It’s not about the curve balls, but how you handle them. Phillip and Erica were masters of their pitches!

The couple love to hike and are super adventurous. They wanted to have a wedding at the top of Enchanted Rock. It’s a bit of a hike and on the wedding day, mother nature wanted them to have a magical misty wedding. We were informed by the park that they were going to close the trail to Enchanted rock so if we didn’t start climbing, we wouldn’t be allowed to have the wedding where Phillip and Erica wanted. It was a wet and sometimes slippery climb.

My Husband and Spawn accompanied us (because I had surgery the week before and wasn’t allowed to carry anything). Andy not only helped carry my equipment but he hung back and made sure some of the guests at the back of the pack could make it up. The spawn happily chatted anyone and everyone’s ears off who was in his vicinity as we climbed.

Everyone reached the summit without any issue and we were able to have one of the most romantic wedding ceremonies I’ve ever had the honor of being a part of. Though we were wet and maybe a little out of breath, the sight was unbelievable. The mist made it feel like we were thousands of feet in the air instead of a “mere” 425 feet.

After the ceremony, we slowly (and I mean at a snail’s pace) made our way back down. The rock face at Enchanted rock isn’t the grippiest of rocks and it was slick from all the rain. We were surprised by Troop 999 who had come down to came from Plano. They noticed a wedding and wanted to organize a grand exit for the couple. They set up along the stairs and cheered as the couple passed.

Phillip and Erica had a small cake they wanted to do a cake cutting at a picnic table before heading to their reception for brunch at a Western Edge Kitchen & Cocktails in Fredericksburg.

What a wedding! A marriage sure to be filled with adventure & excitement!

See some of their amazing photos below!

 

Look sexy, but still you!

How to look smexy in your photos, while still looking like you!

As you may (God I hope you have) noticed by now, I specialize in all things nerd. I love a good nerdy couple with their nerdy interests sprinkled, or shoved, into your face in their photos, their wedding decor, their whole being. One thing I can tell you I hear a lot from my couples, I always feel awkward, or I’m not really sexy.

Here’s what I want to ask you my nerd:

  • Is Hahn Solo sexy?
  • What about Princess Leia or Queen Amidala (especially when she’s kicking ass like in Attack of the Clones)?
  • Is there an Anime character you had/have a crush on?
    • As a kid, I crushed HARD on Quatre Raberba Winner…
  • Is Rhysand or Xaden sexy?
  • How about Flynn Rider?
  • What about a DND character you or someone else created?

The point is, those characters are sexy because they were heroic and confident. They were filled with passion and desire. Anyone can be heroic and confident! You can take your passions and personality and form them into a shell to enhance your sex appeal. Use it!

Here are some tips to using your passions to help you feel & look sexy in your photos:

  • Think about your favorite character you want to emulate and get into their stance, their gait their slouch… Then make it your own.
  • Be gentle while still feeling powerful.
    • Your hands & fingers should always be touching your partner delicately, but you should be using your strength to pull them tight against you.
    • Using a single finger (like your thumb or pointer) push your partners chin up to look at you.
  • Take deep confident breaths
    • One of my favorite things to do to help make an image sexy is to have my couple lean in to kiss painfully slowly. Take a breath with your mouth right before you kiss.
    • Take deep confident breaths with your mouth while nuzzling your partners neck or hair.
  • Be possessive of your partner (More passion!)
    • This person is yours. You would die for them. You would kill for them… hold them accordingly. Look into their eyes like you mean it. Kiss them as if it was your last kiss.

Take these suggestions and make them your own. I will always be here to help you look good, but you need to feel confident and madly in love with your partner to make your images hit that level of fire! Be confident in who you are! You are the only you there is in this world (and probably the next).

Houston romantic engagement photographer

Texas Renaissance Wedding

Christopher & Maureen’s Texas Renaissance Festival wedding.

As a kid growing up in the Houston area, I felt like we always managed to go to the Ren Fest at least once a year. I have vivid memories of wearing flower crowns and playing with wooden swords with some friends. The Texas Renaissance Festival holds a special place in my heart. I am so fortunate to be able to do one of my favorite things (take wedding photos) at one of my favorite places.

The one thing I know working a Texas Renaissance wedding is that this place is just as special to me as it is to my couples, and Christopher & Maureen were no different.

Maureen rode the carriage with her wedding party to the English Garden Wedding Chapel which is covered in lush green vines with an open air seating area. When the officiant got to the rings part of the ceremony, a falcon delivered them. This, I think, is one of the coolest benefits to having a wedding at the Ren Fest (that and the built in entertainment).

The couple had a procession from the chapel to one of the reception areas in the back of the grounds. There, they did some traditional things like cake cutting & speeches. After their reception was over, most of the guests were free to wonder the grounds. Some of their closer friends and family followed along for the fun of wedding portraits. We went to some of the couple’s favorite places to take photos and just enjoy the beautiful day. They told me they went to the forge the day before to have some custom things made.

We finished the day with a drink at the Pirate bar and a little jousting entertainment. Maureen’s sister is a professional jouster, so it was extra special.

Congratulations to Christopher & Maureen!!

 

Vendors:

Venue & Food: Texas Renaissance Festival

Wedding Gown: Inga Ezergale Designs

 

Welcome

I'm so glad you stopped by. I love sharing my experience and odd-ball imagination with my brides and groom.

 

Take a look around.
Leave a thought or two.

Categories

Inspiration

blue brazos bend state park country downtown houston engaged Engagement engagement photographer engagement photography engagement photos engagement portraits Galveston Engagement Photographer Galveston Wedding Photographer hermann park houston houston engagement photographer Houston Engagement Photography houston engagement photos houston engagement portraits houston wedding houston wedding photographer houston wedding photography hydrangea katy wedding photographer lgbtq love is love nerdy wedding photographer offbeat wedding photography Pink purple rainbow rustic Summer sunflower texas texas wedding photographer unique wedding wedding wedding inspiration wedding photographer wedding photography wedding tip white white oaks on the bayou yellow

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.comKelly Urban Photography

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.comKelly Urban Photography

A Houston wedding photographer

Cresta Facebook Messenger