How Much Should You Spend On Your Wedding Reception?

What you want to spend on your wedding reception depends on the type of meal and how you would like the meal served.  Sit down or buffet?  Buffet style is less expensive with the same quality of food without the individual severing.  If you have a limit budget stay away from foods that are more labor intensive such as appetizer and stuffed entrees.  These type items take longer to prepare and will cost more.

Photo courtesy of OneWed.com

Tips For AMAZING Wedding Photos!

Choose a dress that flatters your body and pick a color that flatters all of your bridesmaids' colorings, but don’t worry about how it will show up in pictures; color correction will make any color look incredible.

Go for natural makeup and hair. Have professional make-up done, but don’t over do it! Take some advice from America’s Next Top Model and smile with your eyes.

Dab. If you are planning on getting married in the summer and want outdoor photos, oil dabbing strips are a MUST HAVE! Make sure the groom has a hanky too.

Look for a photographer that will take posed shots (that don't look posed) as well as candid photos. Christina Johnson Photography captures the emotion of the occasion, your personality as a couple and all the people that make your day so special.

Time is of the essence. Make sure to allot more than enough time to get your hair (and bridesmaids) done, especially if you have a large party! Nothing causes more stress than being late for photos because your hair is not done.

Say no to glitter. Glitter and other luminescent lotions can end up looking like sweat, not sparkle, in pics. Plus, they tend to rub off on everyone you hug…say, a groom wearing a black tux.

Flower power. Hold your flowers down low so we can see the top part of your beautiful dress (this will also make you appear thinner).


Lighten up. DJs and bands love a dark dance floor to entice people to get loose. Photographers, of course, want this too and want to get fun dance shots of the crowd, but we need a little light to focus on people. Ask the venue ahead of time not to turn off the lights entirely. Also, during your first dance, have spotlights!

Pose. Put your weight on your back leg and lean forward to appear thinner to the camera (we will take care of all these traditional posing techniques while keeping couples relaxed and comfortable so they ENJOY their day which leads me to the most important tip...)

Have fun and be happy. Happiness is beauty. I have discovered that the brides and grooms who looked the best were the ones the showed their emotion and had the most fun! These couples were not concerned when the table cloths were the wrong color, or when the band played a song they didn't enjoy, or even when a few raindrops started to fall. These couples were beaming, laughing, and genuinely glowing in a way that makeup and creative lighting can't replicate. The way you gaze at each other will reveal your passion, and it will allow us to capture those true moments.

Theme Grooms Dinner?

Image courtesy of Brides Cafe

 Grooms dinners are a way to thank your family and friends for being a part of the start of new and wonderful life as husband and wife.  You want to them to relax and have a little fun try a theme groom’s dinner.  A taste of the island with non-alcoholic margaritas and all you can eat fajitas, tacos, Spanish rice, chips, and salsa.  Decorate the table and have the guest dress up make to make the night to remember.

Contact The Royal Catering for great menus and prices!

Tips For Planning A Honeymoon

Ensure the best honeymoon experience for you and your spouse when you work with Bursch Travel to purchase a honeymoon.  We will help you find the destination, activities, amenities and locale you both enjoy.

Purchase your complete honeymoon in advance, including your flight, hotel and activities.

Make sure to leave at least one day in between your wedding day and your honeymoon trip.  Most flights leave in the early morning, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to get to the airport.

Make your honeymoon unforgettable experience with fun activities for you and your partner to enjoy.

Attention brides! If your passport is issued in your maiden name make sure the information on your flight and hotel reservations match your passport and any other required travel documentation.

Bring a copy of your marriage certificate.  Many hotels require proof of marriage to take advantage of special amenities exclusive for honeymooning couples.

This is a trip of a lifetime, so pamper yourselves by flying first-class, upgrading your room to a suite or by considering hotels that cater to honeymoon couples.

Go for the all-inclusive honeymoon package! With your food, beverages, accommodations and amenities taken care of, it will be one less thing on your mind.

Once you arrive at your honeymoon destination remember, enjoy yourselves!  Relax, rejuvenate and make sure both of you are enjoying your honeymoon.

Bursch Travel
Lois Sullivan, Manager
Specializing in Honeymoon & Destination Weddings
320-632-3633 or 877-578-8665

Choosing A Wedding Photographer

Hiring a photographer for your wedding is an important decision. Prior to booking ANY photographer you should schedule an appointment to meet with them face to face. The photographer you choose will influence your entire wedding day. Here is a short list of things to look for...

Style:
Review the Photographers portfolio and make note of their style. Look closely at the lighting of their portfolio. Decide if you prefer traditional posed photography, photojournalistic (candid) photography or both. At Christina Johnson Photography we combine these styles to tell the story of your wedding day. We employ traditional style of photography to capture lasting memories of those most important to you. We also utilize the photojournalistic style of photography to capture the spontaneous, romantic moments and details that make your day so memorable.

Equipment:
Ask what kind of equipment the photographer uses and make sure they have back-up equipment and insurance. We use the latest digital equipment and software to create your lasting wedding memories. Your images will then be printed by masters of the trade on the finest quality paper.

Experience:
Make sure your photographer is experienced. Ask for references. Beware of the photographer who is willing to “just give” you a CD. Be sure you know what quality images you will receive.

The Photographer:
Make sure you know who will photograph your wedding and meet with him/her. It is important that you like their personality. We believe each image should be filled with love, joy and excitement and are dedicated to capturing the genuine spirit of your day. In addition to outstanding images, we focus on making your wedding day EXPERIENCE phenomenal. You'll be relaxed and have fun.

Service:
Ask what level of service you can expect and how long will it take to get your photos/album after the wedding. Christina Johnson Photography provides a superior level of service. It is our goal to make the entire experience pleasurable, by providing a tailored fit to your needs, a fun and stress-free wedding day, exceptional quality portraits and a quick turnaround on your order.

Cost:
A rule of thumb is 10-20% of your overall budget should be invested in your wedding photographs. Make sure you know what the final cost will be and what the package includes.

Areas to consider for decorating

Alter/Pews, Gift/Cake Table, Guest Book Table, Head Table, Guest Tables, Chair Backs, Walls/Doors, Banisters, Ceilings, and Bathrooms

Use your imagination, there are no set rules any more for decorating...make it your own special unique day!

Contact Dee's Decorating for ideas!

How To Find A "Deal"

Are you tired of paying rent every month and having nothing to show for it at the end of the year? Wish you could rip out that ugly carpet and install some gorgeous hardwood flooring, but your landlord seems very attached to that ten-year-old carpet? And anyway, who wants to pay for improvements on someone else's home, right?

If you have been waiting for the perfect time to buy your first home, let me tell you that the time is now. Interest rates and home prices are at a historic low, and homeowners are highly motivated to sell.

There are many good deals in the current housing market and even some extraordinary ones. The difference between getting a good deal and a great deal is a REALTOR with in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, outstanding negotiation skills, and proven expertise in the area of short sale transactions.

Aspire Realty specializes in short sales, and can help you find the ideal home at a substantial discount.

We also understand that buying your first home can be a daunting prospect. There is so much to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. What you need is an experienced professional to guide you every step of the way. Someone who will:

• Help you decide what type of home is right for you
• Locate the best deals in the neighborhood of your choice
• Walk you through the avalanche of paperwork and financial details
• Negotiate aggressively to get you the best possible price
• Explain the process and answer all your questions
• Help you write an offer likely to be accepted by sellers and their lenders
• And do all this at absolutely no cost to you.

ASPIRE REALTY

320.631.8197

WWW.ASPIREREALTYLF.COM

Wedding Pictures and Makeup

Your wedding pictures will hang on your wall for the years to come, so make sure your makeup lasts throughout every picture that can be taken that day! Capture your true essence by using Glominerals 100% Mineral Makeup that is perfect for HD photography and lasts all day! Flawless skin is everyone's dream, Glominerals makes it a reality. With a rich color palette of the hottest hues and timeless color classics, our professionals can create just the look you desire for your big day.

We recommend scheduling a full makeup practice prior to your wedding day to ensure you have a relaxing morning and your Cosmetologist can recreate your look when your day arrives. As always, we want your day to be Stunning... not stressful.

Contact Fresh Hair Professionals today for more information!

When Deciding On Wedding Decorations, Consider These Items { Central MN Wedding Decorator/Decorations }

• Available space
• Budget
• Color Scheme
• Locations/Setting
• Number of Guests
• Mood/Theme
• Time of Day
• Time of Year

What You Could Do With Your Engagement Pictures {Central MN Wedding Photographers}

Place an announcement in the newspaper.
 Christina Johnson Photography will send your favorite image to newspapers at no charge.

Purchase an engagement album to compliment your wedding album

Frame prints for your parents or yourselves

Use your favorite image for your wedding invitations

Send out Save the Date or Holiday cards (or a combination of both)

Purchase a guestbook with your engagement photos and space for your guests to write a personal note. These have become wildly popular!