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Why Your Wedding Needs a Private Last Dance: A Perfect Ending to Your Day

Picture this: the reception is winding down, your guests are chatting and celebrating, but you and your partner step away for one last intimate moment. Just the two of you on the dance floor, with the world fading into the background. This is the magic of a private last dance—and here’s why it might be the most unforgettable part of your wedding day.

Wedding Days Are a Blur

Between the excitement, endless congratulations, and whirlwind of activities, your wedding day will fly by in a blink. Most couples find that there’s barely any time to truly soak in what’s happening. A private last dance creates a moment where you can slow down, reconnect, and reflect on the day you’ve just experienced together.

private last danceWhy a Private Last Dance Matters

  1. A Moment to Reconnect
    After spending most of your day surrounded by loved ones, a private last dance offers a rare moment of peace and connection. Just you, your partner, and a song that means something special. This quiet time together lets you pause, look at each other, and truly appreciate the incredible journey you’ve begun.

  2. A Chance to Catch Your Breath
    The reception can be a blur of dancing, toasts, and mingling with guests. A private last dance allows you to take a deep breath and savor the final moments of your wedding day. It’s a brief but meaningful pause before stepping into the next chapter of your lives as a married couple.

  3. A Photographer’s Dream
    From a photographer’s perspective, a private last dance provides some of the most emotional, genuine shots of the entire day. Without the distraction of guests, we can capture the quiet joy, the smiles, and the soft, intimate moments between you and your partner. These images often become some of the most cherished ones in your wedding album.

  4. End the Day Your Way
    As your guests enjoy the final songs of the night, a private last dance lets you end your celebration in a way that’s intentional and meaningful. Whether it’s to your favorite song or something that feels more reflective, this dance is yours—without interruptions, just the two of you ending your day with love and calm.

  5. Smooth Transition to Your Grand Exit
    A private last dance also helps with logistics. It gives your wedding party and coordinator time to organize and prep for your grand exit. This quiet moment together allows everything behind the scenes to flow seamlessly, ensuring a perfect transition to that magical send-off.

Private last dance weddingWhy You Should Consider It

Including a private last dance in your wedding timeline doesn’t just create a beautiful moment to cap off the day—it offers you a chance to breathe, connect, and reflect before stepping into your future together. It’s a peaceful, heartfelt way to end the night and make sure your final moments as newlyweds are truly unforgettable.

So, when planning your big day, think about adding this one final dance for just the two of you. It’s a small but powerful way to make sure you leave your wedding with love, intimacy, and a moment you’ll cherish forever. 🌟

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

 

Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer: Beyond the Price Tag

How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer: Key Questions to Consider

When planning your wedding, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While the price is a significant factor, it’s crucial to dig deeper to ensure you find a photographer who perfectly aligns with your vision and needs. Here are some essential questions to ask your wedding photographer that go beyond just discussing the cost:

1. What is Your Photography Style?

Understanding a photographer’s style is key to ensuring their work aligns with your vision for your wedding day. Whether you prefer traditional posed shots, photojournalistic storytelling, or fine art photography, make sure their style matches what you envision for your special day.

2. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?

It’s easy to be swayed by a photographer’s highlight reel, but to get a true sense of their work, ask to see a complete wedding gallery. This will give you insight into how they capture the entirety of the day, from start to finish.

3. What Is Included in Your Packages?

Different photographers offer various packages, so it’s important to know what’s included. Ask about the number of hours of coverage, whether a second photographer is included, and what extras are part of the package, such as prints, albums, or digital files.

4. Do You Have a Backup Plan for Equipment Failure?

Technical issues can happen, so it’s crucial to know if your photographer has backup equipment ready to go. This ensures that they can handle any unexpected problems without compromising the quality of your photos.

5. How Do You Handle Unpredictable Situations, Like Weather or Venue Restrictions?

No one can predict the weather or specific venue restrictions. Ask how the photographer adapts to such situations and how they ensure they can still capture beautiful photos regardless of the circumstances.

6. How Many Weddings Have You Shot?

Experience matters in wedding photography. Find out how many weddings the photographer has covered to gauge their level of expertise and their ability to handle the dynamics of a wedding day.

7. Can You Provide References from Previous Clients?

Talking to past clients can offer valuable insights into the photographer’s professionalism, work ethic, and overall satisfaction. Ask for references to hear firsthand experiences from couples who have worked with them.

8. How Will You Coordinate with Other Vendors?

Smooth coordination with your wedding planner, videographer, and other vendors is crucial for capturing the best moments. Inquire about how the photographer works with other professionals to ensure a seamless experience.

9. What is Your Approach to Posing and Candid Shots?

Photographers vary in their approach to posing and capturing candid moments. Clarify whether they prefer directing poses or focusing on candid shots, and discuss how they handle special requests.

10. What is Your Editing Process?

Editing can significantly impact the final look of your photos. Ask about the photographer’s editing process, how many photos you can expect, and the style of editing they use to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

11. What is the Timeline for Receiving the Photos?

Understand the expected timeline for receiving your photos. Photographers usually take time to edit and process images, so ask about how long it will take to get your final photos and in what formats they will be delivered.

12. Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs?

Be clear about any potential extra charges. This could include travel expenses, overtime, or additional prints and albums. Knowing about these upfront will help you avoid surprises later.

13. How Do You Handle Copyright and Usage of the Photos?

Discuss the rights to the photos and how you can use them. Ensure you understand the photographer’s policies regarding social media sharing, printing, and any limitations on the use of the images.

14. What Happens if You’re Unable to Attend the Wedding?

In the rare event that the photographer cannot attend your wedding, it’s important to know their contingency plans. Ask if they have a backup photographer or an alternative solution to ensure your day is still captured beautifully.

Asking these questions will help you get a comprehensive understanding of your wedding photographer’s approach, experience, and services. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and ensure that your wedding photos are everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Learn more about the Wedding Experience when working with me.

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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

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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Enchanted Rock Adventure wedding Photography
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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)​ .

Consider a Photo Dash

 Have you ever heard of a “Photo Dash”? I hadn’t until this year.

What is a “Photo Dash”?

Photo Dash

A Photo Dash is where you and your spouse run to each table at your reception and take a quick group photo before the song you have playing ends. Each table gets a couple of seconds of your time. Tables will decide what pose they want to do as you and your photographer are running around the reception. It’s a lot of fun.

Why should you do a “Photo Dash”? The why is really simple. Time.

Even though you’ve really only spend 10 seconds with each table, your guests feel like you have spend some quality time with them. Also, you get fun photos of you and your guests before the night runs away with you. It feels like after a couple does a Photo Dash, they get more time to quietly eat their dinner without all of their guests coming up talking and asking for a photo. Photo Dashes are also a lot of fun!

How do to a “Photo Dash”?Photo Dash

Talk with your DJ, wedding coordinator and your photographer. Make sure the song you choose it both fun and gives you enough time to get across your reception. Make a plan where you are starting and where you are ending. It’s best to start at one end of your reception and work your way to the other end, ending with the head table so you can easily sit for dinner right after.

What are your thoughts? Would you have a Photo Dash at your wedding?

Photo Dash

Running out of time at your wedding!

How to stay on time at your wedding.

One of the big things I notice at weddings is a lack of time. When you schedule photos and events at your wedding, an unrealistic timeline is created. So how can you alleviate this?

  1. Get started earlier than scheduled. If you intend on being at your venue at a certain time, make sure you’re actually there at least 30 minutes early.
  2. Make sure, if you’re having to bustle your dress after your ceremony, that someone knows how to do it. Go over the instructions with your person before the wedding starts. You can do this while you’re getting your makeup done and the dress is hanging up.Houston Wedding photo
  3. When taking family photos, make sure everyone you want photos of stays put and that you have someone (it could be you and your new spouse, or a family member or friend) to wrangle your family for photos.
  4. Make sure to give yourself more time than you think is needed for each element of your wedding. Give yourself some breathing room.
  5. Try to be ready about an hour before your ceremony. This gives your photographer time to get a few bridal portraits, groom portraits and portraits with your wedding party.
  6. By the night before your wedding have everything you need for your wedding packed in a bag or two. When I’m packing, I like to make a list that I keep by the door about a week before. As I think of things, I add it to the list. When I start packing, I can cross those items off my list, ensuring that I don’t forget anything.
  7. Delegate! Delegate, delegate! Put trustworthy friends & family in charge of certain things and give them a time to make sure it’s done by.
  8. The most important scheduled parts of your wedding to try your best to keep are:
    1. The ceremony
    2. Your grand entrance
    3. Your grand exit

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How to hire a wedding professional

Do you have concerns about hiring a wedding vendor? I’m here to help guide you through the easy steps.

Step 1: Get a note pad and write down your vision. What do you want to accomplish?

Step 2: Develop a budget for your vision.

Step 3: Research vendors who align with your values and style. You can contact vendors who you’ve already booked to help you find like-minded vendors.

Step4: Reach out to the vendors who best fit the above.

Doughnut Wedding Cake

So let’s break this down into a scenario. You’re planning your wedding and you’ve decided you want to hire someone to decorate for you. DIY is fun, but you’ve already got A LOT on your plate and it’s worth it to delegate that to someone else.

What will you need to complete your vision? Linens? Stemware? Mini light saber centerpiece/lights?

How much money can you allocate to decorations? How much money were you planing on spending on decorations if you did them yourself? Take that number and multiply it. Now you have a base number for decorations. On average, decorations cost between $1,000 – $2,000.

Now that you have an idea of what you want and how much you’re willing to spend, reach out to some of your vendors you’ve already booked. Your wedding venue, wedding planner or wedding photographer are great places to start. They should already have an idea of your personality and vision. You can obviously look into sights like The Knot or WeddingWire, but also try looking into blogs that share your ascetic. Are you planning a unique wedding with hints of a Naboo themed wedding? Try looking into Offbeat Bride or Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. Type in your style to the search bar and add “blog” or your city to the end of the search and see what comes up.

Once you’ve made a list of several potential wedding decor artists, start contacting them to see if they are available for your wedding and if they will fit into your budget. Once you’ve found your perfect vendor, don’t let them slip through your fingers! Hire them!!

Now put a big red check next to that item on your “to-do” list then treat yourself!

The Orchard at Caney Creek wedding photography

One important bit of information. If you don’t take anything else away from this blog but this, then it’s a success.

The time frame with which you should hire a wedding vendor is 100% dependent on the amount of time they will have to spend at your wedding. This means that if a vendor spends the entire day at your wedding (like a wedding planner or photographer) then you need to hire them much earlier than anyone else. If the vendor doesn’t spend any time at your wedding and can do their job remote and you pick up whatever it is they made/did for you then you can hire them much later in the planning process.

Have a fun, stress-free wedding

Stress is to weddings as the sun is to heat… but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you follow these simple steps you can have a stress-free wedding.

  1. Stay organized. Keep a spreadsheet, a binder or a notebook with a calendar. you can color coordinate your to-do-list. Red for things that MUST be done, green to start thinking about certain things…
  2. Identify your priorities and your potential stressors. Do you have a perceptually late friend or a rowdy family member? Make a note and a plan. What are your top priorities? Make a list of the things that mean the most to you and your fiance at your wedding.
  3. Develop a game-plan for your stressors.
  4. Hire trusted wedding professionals. Check out the reviews of professionals before hiring someone. Ask if you can speak to one of their old clients.
  5. Set deadlines. Using your organization talked about in #1, set deadlines for yourself. Make sure to give yourself enough cushion for your deadlines.
  6. Schedule regular planning meetings. Whether you have a wedding planner or you’re doing it yourself, plan to meet with your wedding professionals to hash out some of your details, your desires and your fears.
  7. Establish a “No wedding Talk” time with your fiance where you do not spend an ounce of your time thinking, talking or planning your wedding.
  8. Delegate, delegate, delegate. you are the CEO of this event and you don’t have to shoulder the whole weight. Play off your friends and family’s strengths to help you with your wedding planning.
  9. Do not second guess yourself. Your first instinct is usually the right one. The more you second guess something, the more you worry and stress yourself.
  10. Maintain perspective. At the end of the day, you;re marring the love of your life and that’s the most important part.
  11. Be aware that Murphy is a regular, uninvited, wedding guest. It’s important to not sweat the small stuff. (Murphy’s Law: “things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance”)
  • Shirley Acres Wedding Photography
  • Star Wars Houston Wedding Photographer

 

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