Cool Product Alert: The Wedding Party App!

Hey Brides and Grooms! While searching aimlessly on Pinterest, I came across a new fun new app! So of course, we wanted to share it with you right away! The Wedding Party App is currently perfect for IPhone users (and android users in the very near future!). This App is so easy "even your flower girl can use it" (it's true, their site even says so!). Print out the sites great "place card directions" so your guests know what to do, upload your images and share away!

The registration is simple,you may sign up using your e-mail or through Facebook. You design your own cover photo, notify your guests and let the uploads begin!

Cool Product Alert; Wedit

We Love Fun Products and look what we came across yesterday: Wedit! We thought this was a great option for those clients that don't have a large cinematography budget yet still yearn to have a very cool video from the perspective of their guests.

So Here is the LowDown:
You receive 5 HD camera's that you can with as you please for 3 days. You can place them anywhere you want, or give them to your guests to capture all the action of your fabulous day! Then...you send the cameras back to Wedit and they either upload all of your raw footage or for a small additional fee they can create a wedding video with your guest shot video. So Cool right? And you get it for a few days so you can really capture the moments leading up to your big day...

Here's a great sample below: 

Wedit Trailer Bahamas from Brett deMarrais on Vimeo.

Media Feature: Destination I DO

This year has been an absolute whirlwind of a year for the Antonia Christianson Events Staff. In May we had the opportunity to travel to Paso Robles California, (our growing 2nd market) and design 2 amazing shoots for 2 different publications. We shared a bit from the first shoot with you previously (and will share more in the coming days from Mag Rouge) and today we are more than honored and over the moon with excitement to share the pages of Destination I DO with you. There are so many vendors that helped bring this awesomeness together...Some of the vendors that we were blessed to work with we have literally "social media stalked" for years, so the fact that we were in their presence was more than awe inspiring to us. Enough Talking...take a look see for yourself and tell us what you think:

OK OK OK, one more thing...10 pages and the cover image? I almost passed out.

  

Check out image number 6...notice anything cool? One of the things Team ACE loves is bringing in small details to each event that are unique to the client and the venue. We asked Adrienne, with Cherish Paperie, to include cork as the back layer of the stationery. It was such a subtle detail, but one of our favorite images. 

Custom Details! Something we love! Notice the custom napkins and runner that match? Thanks to Helen Price, our custom linen designer (and fab MIL) to Antonia of Antonia Christianson Events, our gorgeous purple flowers had a nice pallet to pop off of. Thanks Helen! 

Loved the Wine and Cheese Display on the wine barrel bar. Lindsey Spears of Antonia Christianson Events designed this gorgeous food display...such a simple touch that definitely packed a punch. 

 Wine Barrel Chairs for the ceremony? Don't mind if I Do! 

Love what you see...Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite detail!

Planning/Design: Antonia Christianson Events 
Photography: Allyson Magda Photography
Produced by: Be Inspired PR
Floral Design: Camilla Svennson Burns Couture Floral and Event Design
Bridal Gown and Lace Bolero: Jenny Yoo
Bridesmaid Dress: Jenny Yoo
Veil and Hair accessories: Lo Boheme
Wedding Ring: Diamond in the Rough
Hair/Makeup: Rhonda Johnson
Stationery: Cherish Paperie
Venue:  Hammer Sky Vineyards, Paso Robles California
Cake and Cupcakes in a Jar: Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach
Wine: OneHope Weddings
Table runner and Napkins: custom made by Helen Price of Antonia Christianson Events Linens

Monday Meetings: Waterford Event Rentals

A friend introduced Team ACE to the amazing women of Waterford Event Rentals in middle of last year's wedding season. We have been hooked ever since! We love their customer service, quality of product and their attiention to detail. If you are looking for a good linen rental, Waterford is a great place to start! Meet Waterford Event Rentals:

Owners Hollie and Alyse photo courtesy of Waterford Rentals

Tell us about your business!
Waterford Event Rentals specializes in chair covers, sashes, table runners, table cloths, overlays, napkins, and more! We offer fresh new ideas to enhance the overall "look" of your event. We carry over 80 different colors and many different fabrics. Don't see the color you're looking for? No worries...we special order!


What kind of packages do you offer?

Waterford Event Rentals is a full service linen provider. This means that in addition to high quality linens at affordable prices, you also have the opportunity for our staff to set up your event. No matter how big or small, Waterford Event Rentals can relieve your stress by taking care of not only the product, but the service as well!


How do you make your work unique from other vendors?

Waterford Event Rentals is unique because we spend a great deal of time getting to know our clients. We find it very important to understand the style of our clients in order to suggest the right linens for their event. We enjoy working together to arrive to a conclusion that is sure to impress others.


What advice would you give couples who are in search of nice linens?
If we were to give couples advice about searching for nice linens, it would be to do your research! There are a lot of different types of materials out there and some that are definitely better than others. If you come across a price that is "too good to be true," it probably is. Be selective when it comes to choosing linens! Also, don't be afraid to mix colors and fabrics. Too many people think everything needs to match...this is NOT true! Have fun with your linens...put different shades and textures together to achieve a unique look.

What has been your most favorite moment while in the wedding industry?

We don't think there was one particular moment, rather a series of events that resulted in excitement. Waterford Event Rentals is a fairly new company that gained experience in the wedding industry quite quickly. The rapid rate of success has been attributed to wedding planners, such as Antonia Christianson Events, and venues that believed in our products and services from day one. We think the day we realized Waterford Event Rentals was going to be a huge success was an extraordinary moment for both of us. As recent college graduates, this is truly a dream come true.


See some of Waterford Rental's work below: (all photos courtesy of Waterford Event Rentals)

Monday Meetings: Photographer Echard Wheeler

It's that time to introduce you to another amazing vendor: photographer Echard Wheeler! We always love working with Echard. His laid back style is always so appealing to us and our clients.  Echard has such creative, yet timeless, taste in photography. Meet Echard:

Tell us about your business!  
I know it sounds like a cliche, but I love photography. I love everything about it--whether it's digital or film (which I still use and regularly develop myself). The whole process is comforting to me, and has been since the moment I picked up a camera in my teens. I have a camera in my hand 99% of the time. Whether I'm on commercial assignment, a portrait shoot, documenting a wedding or just hanging around town, you can bet I'm taking photographs. Every. Single. Day. Because it's second nature to me, and if you love photography then you're inspired by anything and everything, every day.'

I consider myself a documentary wedding photographer. My goal is to capture your wedding day naturally, the human element, the grace, the beauty--a visual wedding diary, to be cherished and visited over and over again.

What kind of packages do you offer? 
Every couple I meet with is different, and they usually want a package that is customized to fit their needs on their wedding day. I start with a base 6 hour package. We can then add to it -- hours if need be, and all the extras like portrait sessions, photo booths and albums. By working with a couple to customize what they want, you get to know and understand the couple, so that as a photographer you fulfill their vision.

How do you make your work unique from other vendors? 
I have a beautiful wife and daughter and I know how it feels to love so much that your heart explodes. I can relate to all those emotions on a wedding day--the intense love a groom has for his bride, the pride and bittersweet adoration a father has seeing his daughter marry her soulmate. I feel it, and there have been many times at weddings when I am photographing with tears in my eyes. That's what it's all about--that's what I capture. I'm not going to stage you throughout the day to make pretty photos for my site, or retouch you beyond recognition. I'm going to record those precious moments that happen throughout your wedding day, those moments that take your breath away, caught when you didn't even realize I was there (my ninja photographer skills). That's been my goal when I began photographing weddings 16 years ago and I still have that fire in my belly today. 

What advice would you give couples who are in search of a good photographer? 
First, choose me--always choose me as your photographer :) And hire a great wedding planner!!!
Really, I think the most important thing a couple can do is to make sure they are a good fit with their wedding team. Know the work of the people you're choosing for your wedding day and make sure your vision is in sync (ie: don't hire a traditional photographer if you want photojournalistic photos) I like to have a comfortable relationship with my couples, so that on the wedding day there's an ease and trust between us. My photography work tells the beautiful and unique story of your day, and it's important to me to capture it sincerely and creatively.

What has been your most favorite moment while in the wedding industry? 
I love the real moments. There are those times that bring tears to your eyes--that special time between a father and daughter before the bride walks down the aisle...a grandmother's laugh...a child doing just about anything...a groom seeing his bride for the first time. So when I capture those magical moments for my couples, I know I've given them something they will cherish forever.

We especially love Echard because of our favorite staff picture he captured:

Meg of Fluttering Flowers. Lindsey, Antonia Christianson, Stephanie of ACE

Below are some of Echard's favorite shots from weddings he has had the privilege of shooting:

An Engagement Story: Chris and Adeena

We just love getting to celebrate when one of our own gets married! 

A few weeks ago, Antonia Christianson Events was honored to help with the proposal of our very own Adeena. Chris asked us to help in the preparation for the proposal. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, and Trivium Studios got some great photos of the proposal. I don't know if we are more excited about their wedding on the Eastern Shore or their tailgate style rehearsal dinner!  Their engagement story was featured on the "Oh Lovely Day" blog and you can see check out their story HERE!

{Vendors} Planning/Design - Antonia Christianson Events / Photography - Trivium Studios / Videography - Jeremy Mitchell / Venue - Sweetwater Cuisine / Floral arrangement - Vivid Expressions / Stationery -  RSVP  / Cake - Alicia Taylor / Hair Makeup: Rebecca Wood / Linens: ConnieDuglin Linens

Monday Meeting: Stephanie Greeves

It's Monday! And you know what that means...another fabulous event vendor to introduce you to! Today, we'd like you to meet Stephanie Greeves...not your typical wedding vendor, but someone that most brides can agree, she's someone they'd love to meet and work with before (and after) their big day. Stephanie is a born and raised Virginia Beach gal with an extraordinary dance background. She has taken her love for dance and fitness and combined them into one...her dance studio Center Stage Dance Company started offering fitness classes this past year and they are a humongous hit (and the studio is packed).  Zumba is a fave of ours...but the studio also offers stretching and conditioning classes. (and you can even see a few of our staff in their adult tap classes). 

Meet Stephanie:

A few ZUMBA regulars performing our love for fitness at the annual Fairfield Fall Festival.
(Instructor, Stephanie Greeves, in Center)

What is your dance and fitness background?Dancing has been a part of my life for the past 30 years.  I began dancing as a toddler and haven't stopped since!  My dance training involved a variety of styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe, and contemporary.  I grew up in a local dance studio which gave me an amazing foundation for dance.  I also trained with master teachers in the area to further develop my teaching style and help me become a stronger dancer.  Most recently, I obtained my Zumba Instructor's License....exercising has never been so much fun! 

What made you leave teaching career to pursue opening a dance studio?

My love for children and my passion for dance were the perfect marriage and instrumental in my decision to open a dance studio!  I was formerly a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher (in addtion to a dance instructor).  I was given the opportunity to host a mobile dance program for a group of local preschools, which solidified the idea that teaching dance was what I was meant to do. As the children began to grow out of the preschools, I had to just let them go...like little butterflies out into the big wide world!  Sometimes this resulted in children joining a dance studio in their neighborhood, but often it just meant they were finished with their dancing hobby.  I wanted to give these little ballerinas a place to call home. Opening a dance studio is the best of both worlds.  I get to nurture and train children in a discipline that I feel so much passion towards!   I wanted to give adults a chance to dance as well, but so many ladies are intimidated by the typical ballet class. I decided to offer Zumba to expose adults to many styles of dance without having them attend the traditional dance class. 

What is your favorite style of dance?

I have two favorite styles of dance, one for the traditional dance studio and the other is my Zumba favorite!  Tap is hands-down my favorite style of dance.  I love the sounds, both simple and complex, and how taps can create their own music! You have the chance to be a little over-the-top when you tap!  Tap takes practice, it is not an easy style to pick up, but once you get it, I guarantee you will be hooked!  Salsa is my favorite interntational rythm.  I love the way the music gets you moving. You just can't stop dancing once you get that beat in your head!

What can someone expect when they come to your studio for the first time?

You will find both our dance classes and fitness classes are very welcoming to new students.  The students in both of those classes are never competitive and always embrace an additional dancer.  New ladies who attend Zumba classes always worries they won't know the routines, but that is the beauty of Zumba...you catch on to the choreography quickly becuase of the repetitive nature of the dances. Ladies always worry that they will look silly or that they don't know how to dance.  I always tell them "no one has time to look at you!"  Everyone is consumed with themselves and trying to follow along, that they just don't have time to notice that you might be on the wrong foot!  99% of the ladies who try the first class return for a second class! 

Typically, how many calories do you burn in a Zumba class?

 It all really depends on your body type and the amount of effort you put into each workout.  Typically, ladies can expect to burn at LEAST 500 calories.  A few of my regular Zumba girls wear monitors and have reported burning over 1,000 calories on multiple occasions!   

What makes Zumba so enjoyable for you?

I love that you don't feel like you are exercising when you Zumba!  It just feels like fun...a dance party!  It makes me so happy to see my friends and Zumba crew working hard on their fitness goals and to know that I am a part of their journey.  There are many reasons why ladies attend a Zumba class...some for help with their weight loss, others just to help them lead a heathier lifestyle.  I am so honored that we have formed a bond that goes far beyond the typical gym membership!

You can check out Zumba yourself 6 times a week at Center Stage Dance Company. 

($5.00 per class or a 10 class punch card for $40.00)

Mondays at 8:30

Tuesday-Thursday at 8:00pm

Saturdays at 8:00am 

Sundays at 4:00pm

Signature Drink Saturday: Cranberry Ginger Fizz Cocktail

How pretty is this drink? Fresh Cranberry, Lemon, Refreshing Yumminess...how could you go wrong? 

http://punchfork.com/styu9i

You'll need:

1 cup of fresh cranberries
1 wedge of Lemon
4 sprigs of mint 
1/2 an orange slice 
3/4 cup sugar 
1 cup ginger ale
3/4 cup water 
1.5 cups dry gin 


Here's what you'll do: (taken directly from Creative-Culinary)

1. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; pour off all but one cup of syrup, reserving any extra for another use.
2. Heat the syrup to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Add the cranberries and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they just begin to burst. Remove from heat and let cool in syrup.
3. Place 2 Tablespoons drained cranberries and 6 Tablespoons cranberry syrup in a large pitcher; add the lemon wedges and orange slices.
4. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, vigorously mash the fruit.
5. Stir in gin and let steep for at least 5 minutes.
6. Strain into a medium pitcher.
7. Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and 1/4 cup ginger ale.
8. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then pour half the cranberry mixture into the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, strain liquid into two glasses. Repeat.
9. Mound additional ice on top of each glass and garnish with 3 candied cranberries and a mint sprig.

Wedding Pros Wed! Ashley Barnett and Jeremy Mitchell

Today's post is a little different...Today I am going to share with you a fun video of two dear friends of mine, Jeremy Mitchell and Ashley Barnett. Both of these amazing vendors are friends of mine outside of the wedding world and dear colleagues inside of our little wedding bubble. A few weeks back when Ashley and Jeremy were at their annual photography conference in Las Vegas I saw a random status on Facebook from Jen (Ashley's partner) about being a bridesmaid...and I immediately knew that something amazing was going to happen. I knew that Jeremy had popped the question to Ashley and they were going to be married...boy was I ever right! Within 36 hours at this world renowned photography conference two of my dearest friends would be engaged and married (at the cutest pop up chapel ever!). The text messages between Ashley and I immediately started, and while I am sad that I was not able to be there in person, I feel blessed that they were surrounded by some of the most amazing photography and cinematography minds in our nation and around the world...how else would we have received this awesome video? Thank You Stillmotion!

Ashley and Jeremy, Thank you for sharing this day with us...and for allowing us to help guide you through planning "the big wedding" in 2013! Team ACE Loves you both!



a pop-up wedding // Ashley + Jeremy in Vegas from stillmotion on Vimeo.

Monday Meeting: Ava Clara Bridal

Happy Monday! Only one more day until spring, and you know what that means, time to pull out your sandals and sundresses (and "wedding season" is right around the corner!) This week in our Meeting Monday, we are featuring Ava Clara Couture Bridal, one of our favorite unique bridal shops in the Hampton Roads area! You can't officially kick off "the season" without your perfect dress! Ava Clara is owned by Karen Tilley and Alex Schneider...so today's post is a bit different! You get to hear two perspectives into the bridal wear business.

When and how was Ava Clara Couture Bridal established?

Ava Clara opened in June of 2010, after a whirlwind of brainstorming, big dreaming, and some late, late nights!

Karen: I started working in an Atlanta bridal shop after college, in 1996 (so…forever ago!), and the bug never left! Having managed other bridal shops, there was a lot of time to figure out what I would like to do differently, given the opportunity. Alex and I met while Alex was planning her own wedding.

Alex: Frustrated with the options and resources I found during my own wedding planning, I knew there had to be a better way! Why should brides have to be overcharged and pushed through like cattle? This is supposed to be fun! I left my job in the finance industry and started over.

How does a bride’s experience at Ava Clara Couture Bridal differ from other bridal shops in Hampton Roads or around the country?

Karen-First and foremost, we want everyone to have fun. There will be so many other stressors over the course of wedding planning; finding your bridal gown should never be one of them! We've heard so many stories about pushy salespeople, snobby environments…that is so not our speed. I'm proud to think that Alex and I have been able to provide a lighthearted, happy experience without sacrificing the style, quality, or integrity that matters.

Alex- I agree. I love knowing that so many of our clients are not just Ava Clara brides, but have become our friends. That speaks volumes to me about what we seem to be doing right. We also work very hard to offer different designers and styles from any other shop locally. Why should a bride have to leave Hampton Roads for a dress? Why can't we offer the same fashion that they'd find in D.C. or New York? Many of our designers are exclusive to Ava Clara, so brides really get to see some unique styles and fashion.

What are your favorite current wedding trends?

Karen-I love that there aren't as many trends anymore! There isn't one overwhelming style out there right now, so brides can really make it their own style! That being said, I love the whole retro, Audrey Hepburn-esque vibe, and I love subtle color and texture (pale pink Swiss dot makes me a happy girl!).

Alex-Lace! And deep, low backs-I love that classic look mixed with a dash of sex appeal! I also really love the sashes and belts we have. They are the perfect way for a bride to customize her look. The right belt takes a pretty dress and pushes it to perfect!

What tips would you give a bride looking for the perfect dress?

Karen-Don't shop with too many people-one or two at most. That flurry of opinions can be confusing. Be open minded. Bridal gowns fit differently than other clothes, and definitely look different than they do in those photo-shopped magazine ads!

Alex-I think it's important, too, to shop when you're ready to buy. If you're idea shopping or getting your feet wet, you don't approach the experience in the same way. If you find a gown you love but aren't ready to order it, it can be a letdown. Who wants to leave without their dress? Not to mention that prices can change, as can styles. You often end up having to start from scratch later down the line.

Here are a couple ACE clients in their Ava Clara Gowns!

Bridal Gown and Bridesmaid dresses from Ava Clara: Images from Dustin Lewis

Bridal Gown from Ava Clara: Images by David Schwartz

Images Courtesy Tracey Sanders

Image Courtesy David Abel

We love gowns so much we always have an Ava Clara gown in our studio. Image Courtesy Ashley Barnett

Monday Meeting: Jeremy Mitchell Cinema

Ahhh...Cinema! Here's the funny thing about wedding videography or cinematography...It's kind of a big deal! Throughout our years of business we have seem many peaks and valley's in terms of wedding videos. The video trend used to be really big and then it kind of went into extinction (probably because the amount of "stereotypes around cheesy wedding videographers and their more cheesy product")...but now thanks to companies like Jeremy Mitchell Cinema who take a backseat approach to creating a truly gorgeous product we are glad to say the trend is back and in full swing (hopefully...it is going no where soon!) 

Ladies of Gentlemen: Meet Jeremy Mitchell! 

Image Copyright: Justin and Mary (who the way i can't wait to work with at special wedding celebration October 2013!) 

How did Jeremy Mitchell Cinema get started?

Jeremy Mitchell Cinema got started in an odd series of coincidental events that just happened to work out. I used to film and edit skateboarding videos back in high school and my first few years in college. Nothing I ever really took seriously. As I slowly got out of it and focused on my career and in that timeframe I made friends with my partner Nick Godsell. He was working at the mall with a friend of mine and we had in common a huge love for music. Fast forward a decade later and my girlfriend (now wife) Ashley is having me tag along with her to help photograph weddings. At the same time Nick had been videoing his world travels for fun. I somehow got the notion to shoot weddings but with utilizing my film background and called upon Nick and the dynamic just worked!

How do you describe your style?

As far as style would go I would best describe it as honest. We shoot the day as it happens, with as little directing as possible. As lame as it sounds we capture the moments as they happen and won't interfere unless absolutely necessary. We also try to capture all the details and style of the day, almost from a photographer viewpoint. 

What is your favorite thing about videoing a wedding? 

If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about shooting a wedding it would just be being involved in the insane amount of fun that is happening that day. A wedding is the best day of two peoples lives and I love that we get to share that and call it a "job." I mean seriously, have you ever met anyone that does't think weddings are an awesome time?

What is your biggest advice of couples looking for a wedding videographer?

The best advice I can give to a couple looking for a videographer is to make sure that they like the videographer(s) as people as well as the product they produce. A wedding is an intimate affair and you're really allowing the videographer into your lives so you should be able to trust them and enjoy the experience. There's so many people and studios out there that can make a great product but you should be able to enjoy yourself and your time with them throughout the whole process.

Here's a link to film I rather love. Also, I heard the planner of this one was pretty alright!

Jesse and Brandon from jeremy mitchell on Vimeo.

Venues to Love!: Sweetwater Cuisine

I thought i'd share a little gem of an event venue in Virginia Beach with you all... I often hear from my clients that they can't find a rehearsal dinner venue that will hold their larger guest count or we even smaller wedding venue that is quaint and reasonably priced. So, to those clients I say, check out Sweetwater Cuisine!

Sweetwater Cuisine started as a well known catering company in Hampton Roads and the Region surrounding that recently opened a delicious restaurant that is open to the public for lunch during the week and to private events during the evening and weekends. The venue holds 80 guests comfortably for a seated dinner and larger groups can be accommodate with cocktail style events. Check out a few images below and contact Sweetwater Cuisine for all of your on and offsite catering needs!

Thank you Ramone for these gorgeous venue image and Waterford Event Rentals for the linens pictured. 

Monday Meeting: Dustin Lewis Images

I am a believer! (well sometimes!). I am the first to tell you that I do not recommend friends or loved ones working on your wedding day...Unless of course, they do the task at hand in their "professional life!". I have a million and one horror stories I can tell you...but thankfully, this story is not one of them. Last year, I had the blessing of planning the wedding celebrations for the Doucette Sisters. Both girls I have come to know and love, but both also brought new photographers into the forefront of my mind. The photographer I am going to share with you today is Dustin Lewis. He is an acquaintance of Jesse (the second sister to get married) and a fabulous photographer. I knew of his work before the wedding but wasn't sold when Jesse and Brandon told me that their friend was shooting the wedding. Thank goodness I bit my tongue because I absolutely ADORED their wedding images. Dustin is definitely making a name for himself in the wedding world. Here is a little Q&A Dustin answered for us:

How did you get started?

As a visually motivated person photography has always allowed me to express my artistic vision by providing lasting images for clients. In 2004 I received formal training and earned a commercial photography degree from the Visual Arts Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. The knowledge I gained through my college courses helped me refine my photography skills as well as prepare myself for entering the small business world. I have had my business license in the City of Virginia Beach since 2005. Currently I shoot 25-30 weddings a year regionally and I also maintain several commercial client accounts. 

What is your favorite moment to capture at a wedding?

I love using my images to document the entire flow of the day, from the nervous anticipation, through the ceremony and reception, finishing with the send off. If I had to pick one moment, it would have to be the short period of time following the ceremony that I usually get to spend alone with the newlyweds. I feel truly honored to be part of such a special moment where the couple has their first chance to share some private time as a married couple. The raw emotions they display create compelling and emotional images.

What is your style of photography?

My style is best described as a mix of classic portraiture and candid moments that capture the unique spirit of weddings. I use my photojournalistic background to tell stories and create timeless memories. My commercial photography experience allows me to provide extreme attention to all details.

What are some words of advice for couples seeking a photographer?

www.DustinLewisImages.com !!!! (Kidding!)

I recommend that couples take time to do the research when hiring a photographer and make sure that they are comfortable and mesh with the photographer's style and personality. I always prefer to meet each couple in person prior to booking in order to discuss the details of their wedding day and more importantly hear the story of how they met as well as the proposal.  I then use my creativity to showcase each couples personality in their engagement sessions. Oh and lastly, please make sure the photographer is passionate about their work and takes pride in what they do. Trust me, you will thank yourself when you have beautiful images to cherish for years to come.