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I know, I know
I’m Totally delinquent on many things, including, but not limited to updating my website, BLOGGING, reviewing all our photos from our 4 week vacation, cleaning out my computer, re-doing wedding paper-work for the 2012 season, building a buddha garden in our yard, etc. It’s been just one month off, and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. We have returned from our 4 week holiday and I am refreshed and ready for some WEDDINGS. I promise to be back blogging real soon and my whole “SUMMER TO DO LIST” will be complete (who cares if it’s done next summer) It will for sure all get done! Glad to be back and HAPPY END OF SUMMER!
Loving the color for 2011 bridesmaids dresses. I LOVED the dark eggplants of 2010 but I must admit, I am ready for something new. I love new and exciting!!!! Check out a preview of this amazing and refreshing color here http://shine.yahoo.com/event/the-thread/honeysuckle-the-color-for-2011-2422496/#photoViewer=1
Hello Friends,
For those of you that have read my bio or know my history, you will know that I started in this business over 20 years ago dancing at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for a DJ company on Long Island. I credit this jurassic job for my success in today’s industry. Part of my job description entailed helping unload the van of audio gear and help the crew setup. I remember staring at the milk crates full of records (def. record [rek-erd] noun, 1. commonly known as a vinyl record (in reference to polyvinyl chloride), is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove). I would sit wondering how I would get the strength to help carry them inside the venue. As a dancer I would take my water breaks behind the DJ booth and I remember being amazed at how the DJ knew by heart where to find every album in the milk crates. I would watch him thumb thru the records with such speed, grace, and dexteritity. Also, I recall the DJ made himself available at moments notice to change albums and perfectly beat mix while never taking his eyes off his turntable, not to mention how fast he could change a needle! (def. record needle [rek-erd need-l] noun, 1. stylus that formerly made sound by following a groove in a record).
The purpose of today’s blog is that I am noticing a HUGE return of DJ’s at weddings. My past 3 weddings have all used a DJ in some capacity (by the way, that is a whole separate blog). So here we are (mumble muble) years later and I STILL sat in amazement watching the DJ’s, but in a different vein. If I may, I am NOT saying they weren’t super talented…….. BUT, gone are the days of records, milk crates, and 45’s. Yes, I said 45’s (45’s were 7″ records)
Todays DJ loads in with a lap top.
Todays DJ has internet and can download any song on request
Todays DJ does not need to know how to beat mix, the computer can do it for them!
Today’s DJ can play 45 seconds of the song and mix out of it because we all have such short attention spans today and who wants to listen to 4 minutes of the same song! People love mash up’s and re-mixes and today’s DJ can do it all!
I remember when DJ’s had to join record clubs so every week they would get the delivery of the hottest new records out there. I remember how excited we all were when we got to open the ballroom up to Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up!
This blog is to give a true old school shout out, and personal nostalgia trip, to the DJ’s who were masters of skill behind the wheels of steel. You are Old School Pioneers and I give props to you all! Thanks!!!
It happened again! For some strange reason, couples sometimes say to me, “We don’t want a wedding video!” Since it’s my pleasure to uphold the wishes of my clients, it’s ALSO my job to educate them on the modern day videographer. So here is my words of wisdom to all those out there thinking about NOT having video…..
Today’s modern videographer goes by many titles … filmmaker, storyteller, visual artist. Whatever you want to call them, they all have their own unique way of telling your story. And YOUR wedding day story is unique and must be told. FINALLY, there is a new breed of videographer out there to fulfill the role of “artiste” in addition to what we all know and sometimes fear. In other words, there is something for everyone and every budget. Listen people…. VIDEOGRAPHY IS A MUST!
A videographer friend of mine gave me the perfect analogy…
“A wedding is a LIVE event, you wouldn’t go to the movies to watch a picture!”
Now wait!!!! Before all the photographers start chiming in, let me say this, photographs of your wedding are priceless, beautiful, and MUCH NEEDED (and I will write about the necesity of the Wedding Photographer in the near future), however, even the best photographer can’t capture the sound of your laugh, the emotional voice crackle during vows, and your father’s toast of how he remembers when you were still a baby in his arms and he was fearing the day you would marry. As I did some technical research for this blog, think about this. Video shoots 30 frames per second… Thats 30 pictures per second! So, in one minute you have 900 photos!!! If a picture is worth a thousand words, then video is worth….. you do the math! An experienced wedding videographer knows how to capture every raw and true moment at your wedding. These moments get pieced together to evoke an emotion. Aside from the obvious benefits of hiring an expert (i.e. professional equipment, experienced eye, dedicated shooter, editing skills) a wedding video has the magical ability to make those ethereal moments tangible all over again.
Sometimes I wonder if couples still think video is the same as it was in the 80’s? Think about this, videography has only been around for a little over 25 years… THATS IT! So because of it’s infancy, people remember the cheesy edited videos and the image of a video guy holding a giant camera with cords and a spotlight attached. If that does not appeal to you, then NOW there are fantastic options, everywhere! People may have a dozen reasons why they shouldn’t have a video but sometimes fail to remember why they should. I make it my duty to tell clients why they need it and why it’s just as important as photography. Here’s a great tip: “If budget does not permit for videography, then perhaps it’s time to revisit the spreadsheet and cut the charger plates!”
On a personal note, I LOOOVE watching my parents’ old Super 8 films, and as much as I LOOOOVE ribbing my mom for her “high-teased” hair, I think how beautiful she was and loved watching her interact with her family… makes me want to be there. Granted, I don’t know if your children will tease you about anything they watch 20 years from now (that can be resolved with my blog on timeless fashion and style, also coming soon), but I CAN guarantee that with proper video of your event, they will get to see their parent’s love and special day and wish that they could’ve been there.
Lots of options out there too people. Some FABULOUS options are:
1) Long Form videos: These are the traiditional videos your parents would think of when you say video. Typically long and boring to watch, HOWEVER, you get the entire day, ceremony, and reception to watch 2) Highlight films: This is the most modern and popular form to date. The editor takes the best clips of the day and make an emotionally charged 20-40min film that anyone can watch without getting bored. Lots of ways to customize this, you have to talk to the videographer for more insight (i.e. raw footage, adding full ceremony as a separate chapter on dvd). Let them know what you want! 3)Same Day Edit: This is my favorite for those of you who “don’t want video” AND with a bonus option for those who want a little something different at their wedding. The S.D.E. basically captures the wedding day up until the first dance, all the while they are editing behind the scenes so that at a scheduled already seated time slot, they produce a screen and everyone gets to watch a 4-8minute highlight of the entire day right there and then! Always a memorable tear jerker and show stopper! Another option I’ve seen is to show it the next day at brunch reception (called appropriately Next Day Edit). The bonus is that if you like, you can ask them to stay and film and work out a deal to collect the raw footage and you just got the best of both worlds! 4) Love Stories: My second favorite option for those that “don’t want video”. It has the SAME effect and production value as the Same Day Edit (i.e. always a memorable tear jerker and show stopper, as well as the option to show at the next day brunch) but the difference is that it is typically filmed months before your wedding and it documents how you met, your whole story basically is documented with music, emotion, and some very creative and FUNNY cut aways.There are lots more options to chose from and this is DEFINITELY one of those “you get what you pay for” industries. There is plenty more to blog about regarding who to book, the right fit, what a contract should look like, negotiating terms, etc… but that’s my job, so hire a planner and get a wedding filmmaker!
Love, Peace, and Good Wedding Guru’ism!!
PS. Sign of the times: Chelsea Clinton had a wedding video! Also, why even read what I wrote… watch this and you get the idea of the power of video. After you watch, imagine what you’d miss if this were just a still picture!
Lets face it, there are THOUSANDS of websites for the bride and her ladies, BUT, what about the men who are there to represent your man? Finally an amazing website designed for the super cool groom and his super cool groomsmen. This site has amazing gifts for the guys. Lets face it, some men need all the help they can get with buying gifts. Check out
http://www.groomstars.com
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Not that I have anything against Etta Jame’s “At Last” or Michael Buble’s “Everything,” — they’re both perfect first dance songs — but I’ve heard them both WAY to many times at weddings. So, I’ve compiled a list of totally not overused first dance songs that were my most favorite from the season!
The Beach Boys “God Only Knows”
Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is”
Van Morrison’s “Sweet Thing”
Toussaint McCall’s “Nothing Takes The Place Of You”
Al Green’s “Love and Happiness”
Rolling Stones “Wild Horses”
Led Zeppelin’s “I’m gonna Crawl”
Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”
Peter Gabriels “The Book of Love”
Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You”
Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day”
Captain Beefheart’s “I’m Glad”
Barry Louis Polisar’s “All I Want Is You”
Cat Power’s version of “Sea of Love”
Madeleine Peyroux “Dance me to the end of love
Ingrid Michaelson’s “Cant Help Falling in love with you”
Goo Goo Dolls “Iris”
Katie Melua’s “Just like Heaven”
Being in your wedding party is an honor, but don’t make it a burden. Chances are your girls will never wear that dress again. How do I know that? Did you ever wear the last bridesmaid dress you wore again? Neither did I. So, be kind when it comes to how much the dress is going to cost, especially considering their other expenses, like hotel, airfare, a wedding gift, your bachelorette party, etc..
We seem to give people way more credit than they deserve. This is not me being mean, this is me simply knowing the questions I get every weekend when guests call me. Once everyone is at your wedding, make everything as easy as possible. Let them know where they they need to be and when and how and what. Tell them how happy you are that they are there with you, and then tell them again. Think about how you would like to be treated if you were a bridesmaid or a guest flying in for a wedding. Your wedding party and your wedding guests are happy to be there for you, it’s a great idea to show it! As a planner, I print welcome books for every wedding. These books provide guests with my number and outline every single detail for the weekend. You would not believe the phone calls and questions I get. I assure you that without a planner, these questions will all come to you! Assume nothing. Spell out everything. Where to go, how to get there, who to talk to, what to say. Think about what you really hated at the last wedding you went to, and make sure that’s covered. Think about what you really loved at the last wedding you went to and make sure that’s covered. If it’s hot, cool and hydrate your guests, if it’s cold, warm them. You know how many times I had to run out on a wedding day and buy Pashminas? If there’s a long wait between ceremony and reception, ENTERTAIN THEM! Make it a goal to say hello to every single one of your guests. Don’t let the food run out. Don’t let the drinks run out. Keep the dance floor hopping. That all being said, some people will never be happy, so just smile and thank them for coming. You might be related to some of those people, but do it anyway!
P.S. ALWAYS HOST THEIR VALET PARKING!
Hello,
This is my first official Blog. I have been staring at the screen forever thinking, “what should I blog about” I decided that I want my blog to be filled with ideas, tips, and advice from all my brides. I also want to “spotlight” certain vendors and get their take on certain trends and ideas. Feel free to ask me questions, pick my brain, or simply just say, “HELLO”
Be patient with me, as I am learning this as I type.
So, welcome to my blog and I look forward to sharing my world of weddings with you!
Love
Sara
partyguru.wordpress.com 