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Why Your First Dance Should Follow Your Grand Entrance

The grand entrance at a wedding is one of those big, unforgettable moments. You and your partner step into the room as newlyweds for the first time, and everyone’s eyes are on you. It’s electric, exciting, and filled with joy. So, why not take advantage of that energy and dive straight into your first dance? Here’s why having your first dance right after your grand entrance can be a magical choice:

1. Ride the Wave of Excitement

Your grand entrance sets the tone for the rest of the celebration. The energy is high, the crowd is cheering, and everyone is already on their feet. This is the perfect moment to glide straight into your first dance while the excitement is at its peak. It makes the transition seamless and keeps the momentum going, making the moment feel even more special and cinematic.

2. Break the Ice and Calm the Nerves

Let’s be real—dancing in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking. But guess what? The hardest part is already done. You’ve walked in, the spotlight is on you, and everyone is already cheering. By jumping right into your first dance, you can get the most nerve-wracking part of the reception over with quickly. Plus, that initial excitement can help ease any lingering jitters, allowing you to focus on each other and enjoy the dance rather than worrying about it all night.

3. Create a Natural Flow for Your Reception

Starting your first dance immediately after the entrance creates a smooth, natural flow to your reception timeline. It avoids the awkward “What happens next?” moment for both you and your guests. Your guests are already focused on you, making it the perfect opportunity to keep the spotlight and move effortlessly into a romantic moment. Afterward, you can transition into dinner, toasts, or even open up the dance floor, all without missing a beat.

4. Capture Stunning, Emotion-Filled Photos

Your photographer is primed and ready to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments during your grand entrance. By having your first dance right after, you’re giving them the perfect opportunity to capture a sequence of high-energy, emotional shots. You’ll get photos filled with raw, genuine emotion—the joy on your faces as you walk in and the love between you as you share that first dance.

5. Keep Your Guests Engaged

Let’s face it—there’s always a bit of a lull in the wedding reception when guests are waiting for the next big moment. By going straight into your first dance, you keep the energy high and the guests engaged. It’s a way of telling your guests, “The party starts now!” Plus, it gives them a beautiful, intimate moment to enjoy before they get swept up in the festivities.

6. Start the Celebration on a Romantic Note

Your first dance is a beautiful, romantic highlight of the day. By starting the reception with this intimate moment, you set a loving tone for the entire evening. It’s a way to signal that this celebration is about the two of you and your unique love story. The rest of the night then becomes a continuation of that story, with your guests dancing, laughing, and celebrating alongside you.

7. Maximize Dance Floor Time Later

By having your first dance early, you free up the dance floor for later in the evening. Once the formalities are out of the way, you can spend more time on the dance floor with your guests without worrying about fitting in your first dance. This means more time for everyone to let loose and enjoy the party!

In Summary

Having your first dance immediately after your grand entrance is like catching lightning in a bottle. It’s a seamless, exciting way to keep the energy high, engage your guests, and start the celebration with a romantic flair. You’ll break the ice, set the tone for the evening, and create a series of unforgettable moments that flow naturally into the rest of your reception. So, why wait? Take that energy and turn it into a memory you’ll cherish forever.

  • Shirley Acres Wedding Photography
  • Star Wars Houston Wedding Photographer

 

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    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.

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    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!

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    2023 Wedding Trends I’m excited for!

    Here’s a list of the 2023 wedding trends I’m excited for.

    Color! Even as a child, I’ve been obsessed with color. I memorized the order of the rainbow before I was in elementary school. I’m also flabbergasted when adults don’t know the order (or what primary colors mixed together make what secondary colors). Color in weddings is making a big & bold statement. It’s in bouquets, in bridesmaids gowns and in the decorations. Be bold with your color choices. Consult a color wheel to help you pick the perfect harmonic balance.

    Colorful wedding dress: I have always loved a wedding dress that stands out from the norm. Some of my ALL-TIME favorite weddings dresses either had a pop of color, like a floral pattern, or were a solid color instead of white. Be fun and bold… who cares what your stuck-in-the-mud relatives think. It’s your wedding, own it!

    Custom Dance floor: This year, couples are opting to deck out their dance floors. Maybe you have an awesome marquee lighting your space or you have a flower bedecked disco ball hanging from the ceiling. If the dance floor is a place you want to be and you want your guests to join you, make it fun, flirty & memorable.

    Private Last Dance: Still holding strong from last year. The private last dance is one of my favorite things to shoot. I love that the couple gets one last moment enjoying their wedding night in a quiet space with only their DJ & Photographers for company. One of my favorite things to do during private last dances is to move through the back of the room framing the couple with their dark & empty tables.

    Sustainability: I’ve always been a tree-huger and can see how weddings can become wasteful. Some of my favorite things couples have done include seeds and living plants as wedding favors. Some things you can do to have an Eco-friendly wedding — use Eco-friendly invitations & decor, encouraging guests and wedding party to carpool or use a bus to transport guests, use biodegradable confetti for your grand exit, don’t use single use dinnerware and glassware

    Capes! Seriously, capes are in this year. I LOVE this for us! I’ve seen brides pin muslin to their gown with gorgeous brioches to make a cape. I’ve also seen some awesome capes with groom’s attire. There’s a very fine line from elegant to gimmicky with capes, however. Be careful & use an editorial eye.

    Embroidered veils: This is such a neat idea. I’ve had a couple of brides do this and it really added to the entire look. Make sure to include colors and flowers you intend on having at your wedding to really pull the whole look together.

    Comfy & cute shoes: Who says fashion has to be pain? Wear those converse at your wedding. You can really spruce up your sneakers by embroidering them, bedazzling them or personalizing them in any way. Do you have a really comfortable pair of boots? Wear those! As cute as the shoes are, if you’re ditching them halfway through the night, were they worth it?

     

    What are your thoughts? What trends are you really excited for and what trends are you ready to disappear?

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

    A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
    Richmond, TX

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

    A Houston wedding photographer