Q:  You do a lot of Engagement Sessions, so let’s talk about why engagement pictures are  important for couples…

A:  Aside from the obvious — couples get amazing pictures of themselves during this most important occasion to share with family and friends — the Engagement Session has really become the foundation of the relationship we build with our wedding clients.  It gives us a chance to connect with our couples prior to their wedding day. We all know that weddings can be pretty hectic, so it’s important for us to spend some quality time together in a more relaxed setting. We’ll normally meet at a restaurant or coffee shop, maybe have drink or a cup of coffee, and then spend the next couple of hours just hanging out and getting to know each other. It’s like a double date, except we have cameras pointed at them most of the time. Ha-ha!

Q:  Besides getting to know your couples what are the other benefits of an Engagement Session?

A:  There are definitely some mutual benefits to shooting the engagement session. For the couple, not only do they get to see how we work, they also get used to having a camera pointed at them. The level of comfort they gain during the session helps in preparing them for their wedding day photos. For us, we get to see how they interact with each other and we learn which shooting angles and poses work best for them. But the most important benefit of all is having fun! This is a fun time in their lives and it’s meant to be enjoyed. We fall in love with every one of our couples and these sessions are huge part of that.

Q:  What do your Engagement Sessions cost?

A:  We feel that these engagement sessions are so vital that we include one in every wedding package…..at no additional cost. At one time they were only included in our full coverage wedding packages, but we feel they’re so important that we decided to include one in every wedding we book.

Q:  What types of settings do these sessions take place and how long do they last?

A:  When it comes to location, the possibilities are pretty much endless on Long Island. When planning the session, we ask our couples to come up with locations that mean something to them. It could be where they first met, where they shared their first kiss, their favorite hangout, or simply a place they’d like to be photographed. As long as no one is going to get hurt (or arrested) we’re open to shooting just about anywhere. A typical session lasts about two hours or so. We don’t have a time limit, but that seems to be the norm. For us, it’s all about making  our couples look good and capturing them at their best. We’ll shoot for as long as it takes to get the images we want.

Q:  What happens with the images that are captured during the Engagement Session?

A:  Almost all of our clients use the images in their wedding guestbook. We design our guestbooks in-house using 20 to 30 images from the session. The images can also be used for a variety of “Save the Date” products. One of the more popular product purchases are our canvas gallery wraps. In addition, we also provide the client with all of the images (fully edited) in web resolution on CD so they can share them via e-mail with their family and friends or post them on social networking sites like Facebook.

Thanks, Alan!

Q:  What is La Piele, and how is it different than other spas on Long Island?
A:  La Piele is an exclusive, private skincare studio that offers advanced skincare services. One of the things that differentiates La Piele from other places is that as the owner, I perform all the services, so all clients experience my expertise directly. I have over 11 years of experience and a B.S in Health and Disease Prevention. In addition, we treat the skin from a holistic perspective.  Your inner health is reflected through your skin.  We create a personal program for you based on what we observe visually in addition to an analysis of your overall health intake.  I give my clients my full attention in an intimate, relaxed setting, with a personal touch.   Each client is treated on an individual basis, where they receive a thorough lifestyle, health and skincare consultation.  From there, we devise a full home care and professional treatment program based on your individual goals, and financial and time commitments.  We can combine several of our treatments to fulfill your treatment goals.  We offer facials alone, or combined with peels or microdermabrasion.

Q:  When brides come to you, what are they generally looking for?
A:  When a new bride comes, they all seem to look for the same things.  The most common concern is the pore size and blackheads, which actually go hand in hand.  Equally important to a bride is the under eye area.  In my experience, most brides I have consulted are concerned with the fine lines around the eyes and the darkness underneath.  It’s no coincidence, because the eyes are the first area to show aging starting as early as the 20’s.  Lastly, most brides strive for a more even complexion.  Basically, they would like to reduce some of the broken capillaries and hyper pigmentation on the skin created as a result of sun exposure.
Q:  What do you recommend for brides, in terms of skin care, before the wedding?
For one, a professional-grade, anti-aging serum consisting of alpha-hydroxy acids, and/or beta hydroxyl acids as well as retinol, which will help improve the overall texture and health of the skin, making it smoother, softer and more even.  I also recommend a non-clogging serum consisting of hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up fine lines and wrinkles and address dehydration on the surface of the skin, as well as serve as humectants to draw water into the skin, keeping it supple and moist.  Lastly, I recommend consulting with a professional esthetician 3-6 months before the wedding in order to have treatments to take it to the next level, and create a beautiful canvas for makeup application the day of the wedding.  Because no person’s skin is the same, a true consultation with your esthetician is key — she may recommend deep pore cleansing facials, or more corrective peels.  It all depends on one’s skin type and condition.

Q:  What are your top three pre-wedding day tips for brides-to-be?

A:  My three pre-wedding tips for the bride-to-be are:

1.  Don’t stress: Stress causes aging.  Take up yoga and meditate to reduce any anxiety.
2.  Eat clean:  Limit sugar, white flour products, alcohol and processed foods.  All of these choices turn to sugar, creating extra body fat and create inflammation in the body which leads to premature aging.
3.  Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, sleep and take your vitamins. Your skin is a direct reflection of your internal health.  Take good care of your body, and your skin will glow health.

Thank you, Michelle!

]]> http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/11/cordially-invited-guest-michelle-kelly-la-piele/feed/ 0 http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/08/cordially-invited-guest-lori-girl-creations/ http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/2009/08/cordially-invited-guest-lori-girl-creations/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:13:00 +0000 Claudia G. Copquin http://gettingmarriedonlongisland.com/?p=464 Today’s guest is Lori Miller, founder of Lori Girl Creations, based on Long Island.   Lori Miller is an interior designer who can work with engaged couples and newlyweds in creating their first home together.

Q:  As an interior designer, can your skills be applied to design wedding receptions?  If so, how are you able to help couples create their dream wedding decor?
A:  Wedding receptions are fun and colorful. The trick is to coordinate what colors the attendants are wearing, the flowers, the cake, invitations, etc. and work that with what napkins and tablecloth choices are offered by the caterers.  Interior designers can help make those selections as well as locate outside sources that may have a larger selection.  Maintaining budget is key these days and a one-  or two-hour consultation can go a long way for the details that will show in the photographer’s shots.

Q:  Couples often have different ideas of what their wedding reception should be like.  Does this have the potential to translate into decorating their first home, too?

A:  I can’t tell you how many times I hear brides say, “My fiance has no interest in the napkin colors or what the flowers look like.”  The same holds true in decorating the first home. “My husband told me he doesn’t care what the window treatments look like: just get them.” and yet when the wife brings them home the first words from the husband are, “They have flowers!”  It is important to get their opinions, gather your information and then present the final selection before signing on the dotted line. They may not want to run around shopping but they do want to be included.

Q:  So what do you advise to your clients who don’t necessarily share taste -  i.e. he likes contemporary, she likes classic.
A:  As an interior designer, our training is to study all areas of design: the lines, colors, fabrics, style, etc.  Blending styles and tastes can be easily accomplished by listening to each other and truly analyzing the details of why the individual likes something.  Maybe it is just the feel of the fabric on the sofa, not the style or the color of the pillow.  These factors can help blend styles and assist the couple in a compromise that looks beautiful.  If they are truly uncomfortable a designer can assist with this. We are skillfully trained and have the knowledge to back up our decisions.  In the long run our fees save time, money and the marriage.

Q:  What are the essential furnishings couples must start with as honeymooners?
A:  Furnishings are costly and a couple would not want to purchase items hastily. To start, I recommend a mattress with a sumptuous comforter — a headboard is not a necessity; a kitchen table or bar stools if there is an island. Couples need a place to have coffee and/or eat together and a dining room table can be costly.  A loveseat/sofa with a few chairs and a TV/DVD/Stereo.  Quiet time at home, entertaining friends, socialization is always important.  These pieces get the most use and provide two distinct areas for the alone time a couple needs, as well as the together time.

Q:  What are your top tips for couples who are about to put their first home together?
A:  My top tips for couples putting their first home together are: Make lists, make lists and make more lists!!!  Each person should make a favorite color list, a priority list and a budget list.  The lists should then be compared.  Filter out the similarities and make those the priorities.  Argue about the differences –  I swear, arguing is healthy!  Communication is a necessity! Colors should be agreed upon as wall colors make the home and are the first item you see when you walk in.  Flooring choices are the hardest as most men want soft, plush carpet and women want pretty rugs. Men see the leather sofa and flat screen as priority and women want a fully-finished home.  I can’t stress enough my top tip: Communication.

Thank you, Lori!

Q:  When starting to plan their wedding, what should couples consider in terms of hiring a DJ vs. a band or orchestra?
A:  The elegance they would like to portray in their reception is probably primary. The makeup of their guests attending (everyone under 35 may want a more club atmosphere, however, a mix of ages and generations is usually better served by a band).  Also their budget – a DJ for four hours will cost $3000 to $4000 less than a band.

Q:  What sort of different types of entertainment options does your company offer?
A:  Everything from Classical Soloists (Violin, Guitar, Harp)  and Chamber Ensembles (String Quartet, Harp-Flute-Cello  to 15 Piece String Orchestra)   to Gypsy Bands, Latin Salsa, Steel Drums, Greek Bouzouki, Israeli, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, German Octoberfest, Brazilian, Flamenco Guitar and Dancers, Trumpeters,  Society,  Swing, Jazz, Country Western, Line Dance Callers, Dixieland , Banjo, Accordion, Sinatra Singer, Rock Top 40 , Sitar and Tabla, Mariachi,  Bagpipes, One Man Bands, DJ’s with Plasma Screens and Light Shows,   Plus we have Caricaturists, Ventriloquists,  Belly Dancers, Ballroom Dancers, Comedians, Magicians and a full range of children’s entertainment from puppet shows to clowns and story telling.

Q:  In your experience, how much should a couple set aside to hire a band or orchestra for their wedding?
A:  That varies according to the number of guests. If you are having an intimate wedding of 50 people or so you may want a trio for dancing but if you are having 250-300 I’d suggest eight pieces or so.

Q:  In terms of the actual music, do you go over a complete list of songs that will be played during the reception?  How does this work?
A:  I let the bride and groom choose the types of music they want and  the things they definitely do not want to hear. They  fill out a list of their specific favorites including all the special dances  (first dance, father-daughter, son-mother) . They select not only types but specific songs. I try to guide them according to the guest-age background makeup
which is important. You must understand no one can make up a minute to minute list as each function varies widely. Years of experience are the key to success.

Q:  What are the three most critical things a couple needs to know when hiring entertainment for their reception?
A:  Reliability.  Ask yourselves –
1) Is the Band or DJ you are hiring the one you will see on your wedding day?
2) Will they do the music you requested and learn some of your special requests (bands need at least a month prior to the day to learn unusual requests or particular ethnic requests).
3)  Is the leader available via phone and/or e-mail to answer all your questions; are you comfortable with his or her professionalism and years of satisfied clients?

Thank you, Stan.

Q: As a stress management specialist here on Long Island, do you often work with brides-to-be?
A: Yes, some have come to me specifically for stress management consultations through my health and wellness business.  Throughout my years at North Shore University Hospital and in my private practice, others have come with some general anxiety issues for coping strategies that incidentally also helped them get through “the big day” and on with their lives in general.  I teach the stress management through specific coaching, counseling, and using high-tech computerized or hand-held biofeedback devices that they themselves can purchase for real-time practice of managing dysregulated nervous systems.  It may just be as simple as an hour and a half consultation to put the right tools in their hands.  Their learned stress management skills become part of what they can do lifelong.

Q: So what are their most common issues, in regard to stress?
A: I would have to say money and relationships are key stress triggers.  Every bride has an idea in her head about how her most important day should unfold.  Many have “mentally” planned and rehearsed this day for years.  When one adds budget concerns and other “key players” who have their own ideas and interests into the planning process, it just adds to the strain of planning for this perfect day.  It’s very easy for the bride to become frustrated with the whole process.  What should be an enjoyable and memorable time in her life becomes monumentally exasperating.  She often finds herself making unwanted compromises in order to please everyone.  This does not serve her or her fiance well.

Q:  What kind of toll does this sort of stress take on the body?
A:  Physical and emotional tension builds up in the body as the incidental stressors become more frequent and problematic.  If the stress on the mind and body is not kept in check, it can manifest itself in debilitating symptoms such as migraine and tension headaches, stomach problems, sore muscles, back problems, jaw tension, sleep problems, and generalized anxiety responses.  Other health compromising habits can arise such as increased nicotine, drug, or alcohol usage. The trick is then to address the problems before the symptoms entrench themselves in the individual.

Q:  What can you do to help brides then?
A:  One must take a proactive approach to meet, head-on the impending stressors that are inevitable.  By teaching them to connect with their bodies and minds on a deeper level, learning to watch for reactionary signs to stressors, they can use these valuable skills as coping mechanisms.  There are various strategies that can be taught that become innate over time.  These are specific self-regulation tools that can be called upon when necessary.  Also, learning effective and assertive communications with everyone who is involved in the planning process, can help make them  feel empowered and alleviate “hard feelings” and “guilt feelings”  that surface when negotiations are in play.  These strategies help facilitate a smooth transition from being engaged to being married.

Q:  Are you generally covered by health insurance? What would the cost for your services be?
A:  As a N.Y.S. licensed counselor, my services can be covered depending on the individual’s insurance policies if the brides are experiencing physical and psychological symptoms.
The initial consultations and one-time health and wellness consultations are billed at $200 for  hour and a half sessions.  If continual sessions are needed, they are billed at $120 per session.

Q:  What are your three best tips for harried brides brides who are planning their weddings right now?
A:   My top tips are:

1.  Do deep diaphragmatic breathing.  This helps the brain reset the body system so that it can remain self-regulated.

2.  Be aware of any muscle tension in the body to prevent the escalation of physical and emotional symptoms.

3.  Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun, laugh often at the situations that arise.  Laughter can release stress-relieving hormones and help you cope with the tasks at hand.       There are always solutions to every challenge.

Thank you, Marianne!

Q:  What is Arbonne exactly and how does it compare with other cosmetics lines?
A:   Arbonne is a health and wellness company offering pure, safe, beneficial skincare and cosmetics as well as nutrition, diet, aromatherapy products (and more!)  for all walks of  life. Unlike other cosmetics, Arbonne’s cosmetic line is botanically based, made in the United States, and the products are formulated with anti-aging ingredients without the use of mineral oil.  The result:  Beauty with Benefits!  In addition, all of the products are vegan, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and never tested on animals.

Q:  Do you work with Long Island brides-to-be? If so, why do they come to you?
A:   I have recently had the pleasure of working with Long Island brides-to-be, their bridal parties, mothers, and even grandmothers.  I offer my clients free skincare and makeup classes in a fun, relaxed, private setting.  The ladies can try all of the skincare and cosmetics, and they  learn how to apply their makeup by watching a DVD produced by a professional makeup artist.

Q:  What’s important for them to know about Arbonne?
A:   Well, in addition to amazing products, Arbonne product classes are a great way for brides to get together with friends or their bridal parties at their convenience and in the privacy of their own homes.  Brides can even “register” with me.  And I’ve done  bridal showers, bachelorette parties–there are so many ways to enjoy Arbonne!

Q:  What would a bride expect, when she sees you for the first time?
A:  At a client’s first appointment, I perform a complete skincare and custom color analysis.  My clients have the opportunity to receive 20% to 80% off of their products and will receive a 10-piece makeup brush set when they include two or more guests at their appointment.  We start with skincare and continue with a complete makeup application from foundation to eye color and finish with lips.  The guests can choose from four eye styles:  smoky eye, casual eye, v-shaped eye, and the elegant Hepburn eye.  I also offer free “refresher” sessions.

Q:  What are your top three tips for a bride-to-be?
A:  My top three tips for the bride-to-be (and any woman for that matter) is:

1. Avoid premature aging by always using sunscreen under your makeup and using foundations with a minimum of SPF15.  It is much better to achieve that healthy glow with a great bronzer!

2.  A good makeup application starts with clean, healthy skin.  Always wash your face before going to bed and begin using good skincare products and habits at least three months before your wedding.

3.  Don’t wait until the month of your wedding to start experimenting with makeup and different looks.  Your wedding day is special and the bride should look elegant, but natural, too.

Thank you, Geraldine!

Q:  Can you recommend any Long Island wines for a wedding reception that won’t break the couple’s budget?

A:  The Pellegrini East End Chardonnay is crisp and very food friendly and at $12 a bottle, it won’t break the couple’s budget. But no reception is complete without an equally stunning red – try the Wolffer Reserve Merlot for $16.

Q:  What does champagne for the reception typically cost, and are there any less expensive options?

A:  Champagne can be 10-30% of your reception budget with each bottle starting at about $30 for drinkable Champagne.  A great alternative is Prosecco from Veneto, Italy.  Not only is this wine 1/5 the cost of the typical wedding Champagne, but it’s easy drinking and nearly universally loved.

Q:  Does the reception have to have an open bar?  This can get pretty expensive.  What are other ideas?

A:  Open bars can put a couple’s budget over the top. Instead, close down the bar during speeches and one hour prior to the end of the reception – this is also a safety tip for drivers.  Another way to be equally sophisticated is to limit your options. Serve one white wine, one red wine, one beer, and one “special” drink that you have the venue create and keep ready in pitchers.

Q:  What ‘s your top tip for the bride and groom when it comes to selecting wine for their reception?

A:  When picking wine for a wedding, you want to pick one white wine and one red wine. Make sure they’re food friendly and that they’ll please a wide spectrum of palates. Don’t pick extreme or non-food friendly wines, e.g. a sweet white wine, a big Barolo, red Zinfandel, etc. Plus, you need a sparkling wine for the toasts. My picks for wedding whites include: a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (especially the Marlborough region), a dry Riesling from Washington State or Alsace or an unoaked Chardonnay (known as White Burgundy in France.) For reds, I would pick a Pinot Noir (known as Red Burgundy in France.) Great choices come out of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the classic region of Burgundy. They’re very food friendly or perfect on their own and easily please a wide taste range.

Q:  What about the budget for wine?

A: Assess your crowd. Some crowds are more likely to consume wine, beer and cocktails. The ratio is up to you, but assume people drinking wine consume one glass per hour.

Q:  For couples who really love wine, do you have any reception ideas?

A: Pick wines that are special to you and indicate the meaning behind the choice to guests via small tent cards. Place the tent cards in front of the wine or near the bar. This gives guests a little insight into you as a couple.

• When  either the bride or groom come from a wine-friendly area, such as Long Island, pick a wine from there then.
• Have you vacationed in wine country?
• Are you especially environmentally conscious and planning a “green” wedding? Pick all organic or biodynamic wines.
• Have you picked a wine to be your new “home” wine?
• Do you have a special restaurant where you shared your first date, where he proposed, etc…? Pick a wine off their menu.
• Are you going to a honeymoon spot known for its wine: Napa, Australia, France, Italy, Egypt, even India?

And here’s another idea: Be different and have a wine tasting cocktail reception! Swirl, as featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, The Knot and more, does wine tasting parties in the NY, NJ and CT region. We can set up stations, each with one wine and a sommelier or bartender pouring and discussing the wine. Pair an appetizer or cheese with each wine being tasted and keep it at the station. Get score cards printed with the names of the wines and the station number. Hand these to guests so they can vote for their favorite or write notes. This keeps guests occupied and encourages mingling between guests who might not know each other.

Thanks, Anu!

A:  Venues and off-premises offer two different worlds. On one end you have a brick and mortar place that might have beautiful settings, but they are hard to change. They usually produce the same type of wedding every weekend. Same setups, same design, same flower guy that always puts the roses here and the lilies there, same repainted moldings and stained carpets. Off premises offers, to those that want, a new design based entirely on your imagination. A company like mine has limited venues with a focus on off premise dining. We specialize in the fresh cook method, something that brings the off-prem idea to the forefront of catering.

In the first stages look at price, site fees especially and the hidden costs in the upgrades you want. You should have a good idea on the flow of the event and the look. If you have trouble, ask the caterer or an event manager. These are the people performing the event. If you don’t get a good feeling from them, run!!  Often venue caterers are so used to the same thing, if you want something different you want a person who understands you and can deliver.

Q:  How much money should the couple budget for if hiring a caterer?

A:  With price nothing is normal. The guide to use these days on Long Island is broken into three parts for an off premise event.

#1-Site fee: Is this a Gold Coast mansion or Uncle Bob’s house? Find out all the fees needed to use the site.  Ask questions regarding the bathrooms, electric, etc. These are all things an off-prem caterer would want to know. Estimated cost is $3,000-$10,000 per event.

#2- What exactly do I need to entertain my crowd? Think and walk through the entire event. Do I need the guitar player during the cocktail hour? Is that $5,000 rented bathroom needed, do the glass and gold plates really matter? Estimated cost is $40pp-$100′s pp.

#3- Food from bistro tables to apps. It’s all about how much of a foodie you really are. You can always move money in and out of the food budget. Can we change from Filet Mignon to Flank steak to save money? Yes, it’s all how much you want the food to speak about you, your fiancé and your guests. Estimated cost is $80pp-$100′spp.

Q:  What else do they need to take into account when hiring a caterer?

A:  Rentals: goblets or all purpose wine glasses?  These things can make or break budgets every day. Find out what you think looks pretty. Does the china seem too boring?  Rental companies have an almost unlimited supply of ideas when it comes to this.  Do you have a wedding planner or do you want the caterer/event manager to help plan and coordinate your wedding ideas?. You always need to designate who is planning and deciding for you. Then work with them.

Food: (of course) What has the caterer done before? Can you taste their food? Are they food focused? Can they help you find something different than a cake? Can they plan a menu that showcases a blend of what you like, and what your guests like? Ask questions!  This seems impossible to figure out, but remember –  the food, just like the flowers or design, should have something to do with you, your style, your taste. Then you always add a few crowd pleasers or classics to fill in.  Let’s say you love BBQ but hate French food. Try adding a fun BBQ station during cocktail hour. You get to eat what you like from one side, and the guests can enjoy the Filet Mignon with port wine reduction.

Q: What’s trendy and new in wedding cuisine?

A:  Some new trends are cook-to-order or flash prep; fun action stations that break up the monotonous buffet or center of the plate presentations.

Q:  What’s your best advice for couples planning a wedding on Long Island?

A:  My best advice is to think about what makes them happy. Try to use your experience as a couple to build the wedding. Did you and your fiancé meet at a bar with a special drink?  Have an incredible dinner date that you can never forget?  Use these experiences to guide you. A great event management/caterer can give you great ideas and add to your experience, but you must have some basic ideas in the beginning.  The best experience I have with clients is with those couples that work with me on the experience.

Thank you, Bill!

Q:  When choosing a photographer  there are endless options here on Long Island.  How does a couple find one that’s right for them?

A:  There are a number of forums and websites devoted to wedding planning on Long Island. Many of these will include reviews of and/or advertisements from local photographers. The best way to begin is by visiting as many websites as you can — keeping a notebook handy so that you can document those you really like.

Everyone has a different vision of what their day will look like–and finding a photographer who works in a style that complements that vision is imperative. When all is said and done–when the cake has been cut and the final dance is over–it is the photographs that will endure for years to come–providing wonderful reminders of that
special day.

Q:  What type of questions should the couple ask once they find a few professionals that seem appropriate?

A:  Some good questions to ask:

Does the quoted fee include travel?

Is the photographer using a digital or a film camera (despite the
popularity of digital photography–some photographers still prefer to
use film)?

Does the photographer have backup equipment?

Does the photographer have backup photographers they can call upon in the event
they are unable to make it the day of the wedding?

Is the photographer insured?

What is the photographer’s deposit requirement and cancellation policy?

Will the clients receive high resolution jpeg files of the images shot (or the negatives if film is being used) so that they can have the ability to reproduce prints at will?

Be sure to get in writing everything that you and the photographer have agreed upon before signing a contract and giving a deposit.

Q:  Can you recommend great outdoor photo-op spots here on Long Island?

A:  Long Island is an amazingly versatile place. There are the vineyards out east, a number of beaches (including Fire Island), The Planting Fields and the Bailey Arboretum, Old Westbury Gardens and a number of other parks which provide beautiful settings for photographs. Even quirky spots–like Adventureland or Old Bethpage Village can provide
a fun backdrop for some unique photographs.

Q: With so many new, high tech options in wedding photography these days, how can a bride and groom sort all of these out without it taking up a great deal of time?

A:  There is an increasing trend of “special effects” that many photographers utilize. What really matters, however, is the quality of the original image. One can always saturate colors, convert to a sepia tone finish or use selective focus filters to create a more “arty” look to the images later on, but if the original image is not strong to begin with — the ”bells and whistles” don’t matter.

Q:  I’ve heard of couples waiting over a year for their wedding photo albums, and then some wait only months.  How does this disparity happen?

A:  The turnaround time for images and albums should be included in the contract itself. As long as the client has it in writing — they have recourse if the photographer does not keep up their end of the bargain.  It is very important to maintain an open line of communication between the client and the photographer throughout the entire process (from pre-wedding to post-wedding–until all aspects of the contract have been satisfied).

Q:  What’s your best wedding day tip for the couple?

A:  As cliche as it sounds–enjoy your day! No one is going to notice if the napkins are folder from left to right or right to left. Things happen. I’ve photographed weddings where the wrong bouquets were delivered and the place cards were misplaced. You have to just roll with it. So long as you and your significant other are together — among family and friends…nothing else really matters.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Q:  Is there anything brides need to be aware of regarding fabric options when selecting a wedding dress?

Synthetic materials i.e. polyester, are more forgiving than natural ones i.e. silk. We tend to refer to polyester as “non silk” because the polyester connection has a bad connotation and there are some really nice polyester piece goods.

Q:  What sort of stain remover tips can you offer brides for wedding day emergencies?

My best advice to any bride on her wedding day is “Don’t freak out.”  I have counseled too many brides with a plethora of situations and I always try to get the point across that  Uncle Bernie is not going to see the little spot on your gown. I speak from experience, having been through two weddings of my own, that they are over in an instant and it doesn’t pay to spend more than a few seconds freaking out over a minor stain. We have been asked to open for emergency cleanings and we have, but they are expensive and STRESSFULL!

Q:  I understand certain flowers tend to stain wedding dresses.  What can you tell us about that?

Any flower like lilies that have loose pollen can cause staining.  If you are carrying them, make sure you remove the pollen buds.

Q:  After the wedding, what does a bride need to know in terms of storing/protecting her wedding dress?

The gown should be cleaned properly soon after the wedding. Special attention needs to be paid to sugar-based stains that do not come out in routine dry cleaning. White wine, champagne, even ginger ale or Sprite can be present on the gown and if not treated properly, will caramelize and cause staining while stored. There is no secret to a preservation other than proper cleaning and proper packaging in ph neutral archival materials. We wrap all of our gowns in unbleached cotton muslin and place them in boxes that museums use to store textiles. After the gown is cleaned and preserved, it is critical to keep it away from excess heat and humidity. The best cleaning and preservation can be spoiled by storing the gown in a basement boiler room.

Q:  What does it cost to do this?

Our cleaning and preservation on silk gowns start at $602,  non silk $450.

Q:  Any other tips/advice you can offer brides in regard to their wedding gowns?

As I mentioned prior, it goes by fast so eat, drink, dance, play on the beach or grass and even jump in the pool — then leave the cleaning to us. I still chuckle by the brides who say “I didn’t eat cake or dance because I didn’t want to get my gown dirty,”  because it is over in an instant.

Thanks, Wayne!