Capturing the Moment: Tips on How to Choose the Right Videographer

            Capturing every single moment of your big day will be something you will appreciate in the future.  Hiring a videographer will not only help you see what your day was like but they will also capture the moments that you had not noticed during your wedding day.  From taping everyone’s emotions during the special moments, to having loved ones express their joy and share their hopes and dreams for you as a couple, a videographer will create a video that you will treasure for the rest of your lives.  This video is a timeless item that you will be able to share with those who could not attend and most importantly to your children and to generations after.  This is your Cinderella story, so make sure to hire someone who shares the same vision and someone who is just as passionate about capturing the moments that you will never forget.  In order to find the right videographer for you, we have created a couple tips to have when choosing this person for your wedding day. 

Tip #1:  How to Search for a Videographer

            First things first, start as early as possible when searching for the right videographer for you.  Set up meetings and hire far in advance, because they usually are booked for months to even a year ahead.  For the actual searching process, we recommend that you turn to your friends and family for recommendations and advice.  These individuals know you the best and will know if they have a good match for you or not.  Other various ways to search are through internet research, looking through magazines or attending Bridal Expos.  Make sure to set up meetings with various videographers right away because you never know if you will have a match or not with the first or even second appointment. 

Tip #2: Experience is Key

            Knowledge and experience will be the most important factors to look at when meeting with a videographer.  You want someone who knows everything there is to know about the equipment, editing, your venue, and has created a video for weddings many times before.  If you want something absolutely breathtaking, professional and well edited, do not hire someone who is not experienced.  One more tip would be to look at their physical appearance.  If they take the time when it comes to their appearance, this might indicate that they take their time with creating videos and care what it will look like.  We have created a list of questions to ask during your initial meetings so you will be prepared to know if this person is a perfect match or not.

1.      May I see an example(s) of past videos you have done?

2.      After meeting us, what is your vision for creating this video?

3.      Do you have any creative recommendations?

4.      How many years do you have of experience?

5.      Can you tell me something about the equipment and how many cameras will you be using?

6.      Do you have someone else assisting you?

7.      Do you have back-up equipment and DVD’s?

8.      Have you ever been to our venue or not?  If not will you be visiting the venue in advance to gain ideas?

Tip #3: Style/Creativity and Artistry

            When you watch this video and look back on your day, do you want a straight forward boring video without any effects or creativity?  Or would you like to see various clips, stills, colors and have a possible theme to the video?  Well when paying as much as you are for a videographer, it is important to not only get a video that is worth that amount but to also have a video that’s fits your style and is something that is creatively put together and entertaining.  This is where experience is extremely important.   During your interview, the videographer should ask questions about your vision and who you are as a couple.  A great videographer will want to match how he captures and edits your video to fit your needs and wants while incorporating his own personal style.  We have put together a list of things to pay attention to when watching an example of a past video that he/she has created and be sure to ask multiple questions.

1.      Look for their emotional style and if it fits perfectly with yours. 

2.      Look at important filming elements such as lighting, angles, close-ups, and if it is a good quality image in high definition. 

3.      Also, look at important editing elements such as an incorporation of colors, black and white additions, stills, live video, titles, songs and if it flows all together.

4.      Ask if they can customize it to your exact wishes.  An example of this is adding short clips of your loved ones saying their best wishes and any advice they might have. 

5.      Will they have the option for multi-camera coverage?  And if so, will it cost you more?

Tip #4: Pricing and Packages Available

            The amount of money you are willing to spend on the videographer all depends on the quality of video you would like to receive.  As you can tell from all the various questions, there are a lot of important elements to consider when choosing your videographer.  Make sure to research, research and research different packages available and compare prices for what you will get for the amount of money you are willing to spend.  You want a package that describes exactly what you would like to see on your video and that you are also receiving a videographer that is completely professional with every aspect when he is creating his masterpiece.  One piece of advice we could give is always ask multiple questions and make sure you know exactly what you are getting.  Also, make sure to determine ahead of time how many hours you would like to be filmed so you can determine the amount of time in your contract.  Signing a contract is key when it comes to hiring a videographer in order to ensure you are getting exactly what was agreed upon for the price.  To most, this video is a vital part to capturing every detail of one of the best days in someone’s life, so make sure it is something in the end that you will be pleased with. 

            

A videographer can capture every important moment of your wedding day as it is happening.  From getting a close up of the bride and groom saying their vows to one another, to capturing the tears from the mother’s eyes when they say I do.  Seeing the emotions of yourself and your loved ones will really show you just how much you are loved and how truly important your union together is to those sharing this day with you.  This video is a precious keepsake, so make sure you are hiring a videographer that cares about this as much as you do.  

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Lurain & Alvarado Wedding: Simplistic Elegance

This wedding was gorgeous simply because of the location, when you have your event at the University Club, there are so many things that a decorator is able to accomplish, as there are many things that can be decorated. This event was very simple, with the little accent decor for each area of the room to add to the over all look! Family oriented, it made everyone feel as if they were at home celebrating! 

Scissors, Cell Phone and Inspiration

Have you ever seen a Bride’s notebook?  I have, and it has notes, doodles, and vendor interviews, but most importantly, it has bridal magazine clippings of her dream wedding.  In the notebook you will find a picture of her perfect dress, her bouquet, colors that she loves and flowers that she has fallen in love with.  For a floral designer, nothing produces a successful meeting more than seeing what the bride’s vision entails.  It may seem that your choices are disparate, but sorting through pictures to find your style can transform your wedding day into a personalized, branded, event. 

Fairy tale weddings can only be reigned in by a budget.  Drama of tall centerpieces, mood set with specialty lighting, lounge furniture by the bar and graceful linens, they do add up.  The second largest slice of the budget, after the venue, is definitely given to the floral and décor expense.  The impact of a $20,000 floral budget will not be the same as $7,000 budget, but how you maximize it will certainly define your event.  Instead of creating $200 centerpieces mix and match the room with some high centerpieces and some low centerpieces.  Linens are the least expensive option to add impact to the event design.   If you work with a full service event studio the threads of your vision can be presented to you with a complete visual sampling.

So I say to the Brides, find a good pair of scissors and cut out as many pictures as you can of centerpieces. If attending a wedding, take pictures with your cell phone of things that you like, but also of things that you do not want at your wedding.  Be Blissful, Be Inspired, Be an Artists Palette.

BBFN

Olivia

Bridal Show

You’ve got the ring, you’ve called your family and friends to share your good news, and now, you are registered to attend a Bridal Expo to start the journey of planning your big day.

Depending on where you live, and the time of year, you will most likely find a wide variety of expos, trunk shows, boutique events and Bridal seminars to attend, all geared to helping you plan the perfect day. Each show has its own unique, creative format for providing this information.  Feeling overwhelmed as to which showcase(s) to attend? 

Here are some tips and tricks to help you figure out which shows are best for you to attend:

Define your expectation of the show

What are you looking to get from the show? If you are looking to gather information and special offers from a large number of vendors about their services, then one of the larger shows is a great place to start. If you are looking for design inspiration, be sure to look for a show that is being hosted by a décor company. Wanting a better idea on how to start planning your wedding? Look for a show that features a wedding planner to help point you in the right direction.

Decide how much you are willing to spend on a ticket?

There is a wide variance in the cost of these events, some are free and some can cost upwards of $100. One factor in cost is what kind of food and beverage, if any, is being served. Another consideration is what you, as the bride, will take away from the event. Will you get a Swag Bag full of goodies? Some of these events are hosted as fundraisers for different not-for-profit organizations as well.

Are you looking for an intimate experience or a large crowd?

Some events will draw hundreds of brides and their friends and families. Some smaller shows will only have 10 – 20 brides in attendance and will offer a more intimate experience for the attendees.

What shows are your already selected vendors participating in?

If you have already selected a venue, florist, photographer or some other vendors for your big day you will want to find out what shows they are participating in. It is likely that the vendors they work with will also be in attendance. This is a great opportunity to meet those vendors in person and set-up appointments to discuss their services.

No matter which show(s) you decide to attend you will surely have a good time and take away information that will help you plan your day.

Best of luck, and hope to see you at one of our events!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

A Decorators Perspective

Who lights the candle?

It is hard to be invited to a friend or family members wedding as a designer, I am always working on the weekend. On a rare occasion few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding as a guest. It’s a different world when you get to be a guest, enjoying a Raspberry Lime martini and tenderloin on a crostini, with a dollop of crème fraise.

Oliveaire Design Studio

I heard a chime signaling me up into the ballroom, and as I entered I was……… not sure what I was.

There were beautiful flowers, the lighting was just perfect and linens had set the stage for an elegant dining experience. But, the candles surrounding the centerpieces and floating in the tall cylinder were not lit. At that moment I saw the bridesmaids and the Banquet Captain approach each table to light the candles. Unfortunately not all of the wicks were to ready to be lit, so the whole process was a bit challenging. 

Oliveaire Design Studio 

This experience got me thinking about the pampering each of our Event Designers and Creative Director at Oliveaire strives to provide for our brides and grooms. We work to make each wedding a perfect day for our clients, and how this is truly an “Oliveaire experience”.  But enough about that. 

Oliveaire Design Studio 

I want to share some tips for the brides who are interviewing florists, or already working with a florist, to prevent some of the issues that may potentially arise on the day of your wedding:

1. If you have candles that are part of your centerpiece, and they are being provided by the florist, ask them who will be responsible for lighting them, and when they will be lit. You want to make sure that they are lit in your room photo shots, but are not lit so early that they burn halfway down by the time your guests enter the room.
2. The glass container that these stunning floral centerpieces reside in, are they yours to keep, or for guests to take home? Most of the time, unless written in the contract, glass containers are a rental item, and they are picked up at the end of the night.
3. Will the florist come back at the end of the wedding night to pick up all the glassware?  Your venue may dictate this policy.  They may want all vendors to clear out all items and inventory by certain time.
4. Will the boutonnière include two pins, and will there be extra pins sent? Also, will they be individually labeled with the bridal party members’ names on it?  This will avoid any confusion as to whom the flowers belong too.
5. Is a sample floral centerpiece included?  This will give you the opportunity to admire your vision, as well as make any changes to your floral design in advance.

All you brides to be, your day will be breathtaking.  At the end of the day you will have transitioned from Miss to Mrs.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),

Olivia

When Choosing Your Menu

In the Indian culture, food is not only an integral part during a wedding, but for every occasion as well.  And since a wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life, they make sure the food is nothing less than delicious and grand.  Traditionally the food is chosen by the bride’s parents and sometimes with the approval of the groom’s parents as well.  There are many courses during the reception, and depending where the couple is from in India, this will determine exactly what will be served.  Also, there is many different ways to serve your food such as buffet and family serving style, and there is many ways to have it prepared including a chef or a caterer.   Whatever it may be, guests will enjoy the spices, the flavors, and most importantly the sweets on this momentous occasion.

Foods Intertwine with Location

            Depending on where you and your family are from, this affects what to serve on your big day.  Even though modern Indian brides are stretching away from these food traditions, there is still an element of where their family originated.  Here, I am going to break down the different locations in India and some suggestions on what to serve to your guests.

            North

During an Indian wedding where the couple’s families are from North India, you can expect to find luxurious options of food.  Guests are served finger foods, coffee, soups and even liquor before the main feast.  Some meals may include chicken, mixed vegetables, and Pulao which is a mixture of meat and rice.

West

Those who are from West India tend to be more on the traditional side.  The meal is usually vegetarian, which includes buttermilk, rice, paan and Kadhi.  Kadhi is a blend of rice, heavy gravy and vegetables.

East

Indian weddings that are based off of Eastern India traditions combine both the North and the West.  Guests start out with finger foods and drinks, and then are served both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.  This is also served with rice which is their main highlight.

South

Southern Indian weddings start early and end early.  The ceremony is in the morning and the main course is served during lunch hours.  They try and stay with natural foods such as rice and vegetables.  Traditionally this meal is served to guests while they are sitting on the floor, but over the years most have eliminated this tradition. 

Sweets

            I have been to many Indian weddings, and the sweet table seems to be what everyone looks forward to.  Not only are sweets absolutely delicious, but they also help to ease the spicy taste of the meal.  There are some sweets that are chosen because of the family’s heritage but, the seasonal sweets and ice cream are welcomed by all walks of life due to their universal popularity.  This year we have seen Mango ice cream and Chiroti Rava Rotti being ordered a majority of the time.  Chiroti is a flaky pastry that is wonderful served with Almond milk.  Everyone has a sweet tooth, and with any Indian dessert you decide to serve, you will be sure to make everyone satisfied. 

No matter where you and your families are from, all kinds of Indian food tastes unbelievable.  The combination of the spectacular flavors and the bold spices really make Indian food one of a kind and something everyone can enjoy.  When choosing your menu, even though it is your day, try and remember to include your family’s traditions because this will be very important to generations before you.  After everything that goes on before dinner, you can sit down, relax and have a remarkable meal that everyone will remember.    

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

For our Bride: The Balancing Act and Making Your Dream Wedding Come True

Being a bride is a balancing act in many ways. One of the toughest jobs you have is to keep all of the decision makers involved in your wedding happy. You have to establish priorities as a couple, and decide on what means the most to you. Then…

You need to figure out who else will be contributing to your wedding budget, and what spoken or unspoken expectations come with that financial contribution. Even if there are not immediately spoken expectations, they are there. Your father may be making a small contribution and seem laid back (but he assumes you want him to walk you down the aisle), your grandmother may want to pay for your gown (as long as it’s not strapless), mother may tell you that she trusts you to select a menu (as long as it doesn’t include fish), and his mother may make a passing comment that she knows a photographer (but what she is not saying is that she fully expects you to use said photographer).

Here are a few tips to help you navigate these tricky waters:

• Start the conversation early – the earlier you start to talk about each person’s vision for your wedding, the better. This gives you the most amount of time to find common ground.
• It is your day, be careful how often you assert that – everyone wants you to be happy with your wedding day. The memories will be most vivid for the two of you. BUT, you will surely earn the title of Bridezilla if you overuse that statement.
• Be prepared to make concessions – as you and your fiancé decide what is most important to you, also start to think about areas that you are willing to bend to keep people happy.
• Listen to others’ wishes – while you may be exhausted of listening to others opinions, you never know when someone will offer up a suggestion that you truly are excited about.

The old cliché is true, you can’t keep all of the people happy, all of the time. It is definitely in your best interest to figure out which people are most important for you to please, at least some of the time.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),

Olivia