{6 Reasons to do a First Look}

The First Look is a wonderful time when the bride + groom see each other before their ceremony. While I completely understand if people choose to travel the ‘traditional’ route, I am so in love with this idea. 

My husband and I did a First Look and it is still the {reason number one} most memorable moment of our wedding day for me. To have that special time, {reason number two} just the two of you, is something you’ll never forget!

The quiet few moments to say hi and pray together will provide {reason number three} peace of mind. It gives you both time to really take each other in and enjoy each other before the craziness of the day begins.

It also allows you {reason number four} get some of the photography “formalities” out of the way. Which ultimately means, {reason number five} more time to party later!

Oh yeah, and grooms? {reason number six} You’ll still cry when your bride walks down the aisle. Promise.

<3 Stephanie

image: stephanie rita photo

Colors of Spring | Styled Shoot

In preparation for Joie Issue 2, we wanted to share the full styled shoot from Issue 1! We weren't able to show the entire shoot in the magazine, so I thought sharing the entire thing here would be a fun thing to do! We had so much fun with this shoot and we hope you enjoy the full collection!

Vendors:

Photography: Stephanie Rita Photography | Boston, MA

Styling: TarynAlyse Weddings+Events | Keene, NH

Hand-painted sign: HeartCrafted Co. | San Francisco, CA

Cupcakes: Cupcake City | Reading, MA

Florals: Whole Foods Market | Wellesley, MA

Hair+Makeup: Kathy Dunbar | Whitman, MA

Dress: La Reine Bridal | Waltham, MA

Lace Chandelier: DIY (tutorial www.julietgracedesign.com)

Dinnerware: Thrifted

Candle Holders: Heirloom

Models: Sarah and Alex

Location: Wellesley College | Wellesley, MA

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Venue

Melissa Robotti Photography

As a wedding planner, I see a lot of brides forget to ask some vital questions when considering a wedding venue. Although some are pretty obvious, like, is my date available, or how many people can the facility accommodate? There are many questions that are often forgotten and could unexpectedly increase the cost of the facility, or save the bride and groom some money if known prior to booking. Here is a list of questions I highly urge you to ask a prospective venue.

1.     How many tables and chairs does the facility provide? Obviously, if the venue does not provide enough of either tables or chairs you will have to rent those from another company. Also, if you don’t care for the chairs they provide you may want to consider renting chiavari chairs, or whatever floats your boat.

2.     What time can my vendors start arriving and setting up at the venue? Is it possible for any vendors to set up the day or night before?

3.     Do you provide any of the linens? Some venues will provide you with tablecloths and napkins, but usually they are a pretty simple white or cream, so if you are hoping to incorporate your color theme, you may want to consider renting these out.

4.     Do you provide an in-house caterer, and if so, is it still possible to use an outside caterer? Many venues will not allow you to use a caterer other than the in-house caterer if they provide that service.

5.     If I hire an outside caterer, is there a kitchen available for them to use?

6.     Do you provide tableware or will I have to rent plates and silverware?

7.     Is there a cake-cutting fee?

8.     How much is the charge for overstaying past the contracted time. Many venues will charge you a couple hundred dollars per hour you stay past.

One of the most important things to remember at a venue is there is always a tax and service charge on top of the venue’s pricing. If you don’t remember this, you will be in for a big surprise when you receive the final bill. 

~Taryn