Wedding Away, Wedding at Home

Hold Two Events so All Can Come

Destination weddings are fabulous, but not all can attend. Mobility, expense, work... many things prevent invitees from attending. How do you include everyone in your wedding joy? A simple home wedding following the destination wedding is a cost-effective and satisfying solution. Photos or videos of the destination wedding can be shown, but keep the presentation short.

There is no need to re-create the destination wedding; it's best to have a new approach. The "home" can be anyone's home - parents, grandparents or friends. In planning, take an observant walk through the home before the planning process begins. Don't try to create special spaces from scratch, use what's there. A simple table or window sill can be decorated. That's the fun of home weddings - they allow more creativity. Be sure to think through the movement of people throughout the event. From arrival when coats need to be hung, to seating for those who will need it, to eating and drinking. If possible in the original invitations, tell the guests they may choose one event to attend. It's better if the home wedding is planned in advance instead of as an afterthought. Everyone will feel honored.

Before the Wedding...Look Twice at What You're Creating

Look at what you're creating through the eyes of the guests and through the eyes of a camera. This is a very important part of the wedding preparation process. The way your guests see things and the way the photography will capture them is different. For example, guests will look at a little table with theme-based items on it and think how cute. The camera will capture the shape, size, color, and style of the items. When you look at your photos over the years, you'll remember those special touches and be glad that you created them. During the long process of wedding planning, it can feel like this is just too much trouble. Yet the photography will prove that isn't so.

It's also important for brides to let a trusted friend look closely at the details for an objective viewpoint. The rule of thumb for objects to be pleasing is to put them in groupings of three or five. Plan the visuals for your wedding with great care and you'll treasure both the smiling faces of those you love and the unique ambiance you created for years to come.

Wedding Photo Books Give Timeless Protection

Wedding photos are priceless. They are taken on one of the most important days of a couple's life. Only the birth of children takes precedence over the day a couple commits their entire future to each other. The expressions of emotion on the faces of the bride and groom, and on those of family and friends cannot be recaptured on non-wedding days. They are unique to weddings because for thousands of years, some form of this ceremony of commitment has existed. It's in our DNA. We humans love and value weddings. 

Photo Books are the best way to truly preserve your photos. Technology is constantly evolving. Your photos are best protected when printed and hard-bound. Plus a book is easy to grab off the shelf and enjoy any time with anyone for decades to come. Our Photo Books, available in a variety of sizes make great gifts for parents and grandparents. 

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How to Evaluate Your Wedding Venue for Photos

Venue selection is one of the top three wedding decisions to be made. The other two are your dress...and the groom! Seriously, spend time looking at your venue selections like you were a photographer. It needs to have a variety of photo-worthy backgrounds. Having both indoor and outdoor spaces for photographs is a big plus. Good weather is never guaranteed. If your selection has great outdoor spots for photos, but there’s no sun and everything will be held indoors, the venue should have good lighting and areas for photos. When you’re choosing your venue look at these: Lighting both indoors and outdoors at the time your wedding or reception will be held; spaces where you can assemble all of the wedding party for photos, and romantic little spots for the photos of you and your beloved. 

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Wedding Photo Pro Tip: Use Nature as Your Backdrop

Most couples when planning their wedding photography think of the venue and what the wedding party will be wearing. Little thought is given to the background, or backdrop as photographers call it. If you want photos that are different and extraordinary, think about the backdrop early in the process. In any season, even winter, there are places and spaces where nature can provide the beauty and drama that make photos memorable.

Mountains or even little hills, great glorious trees, water - whether in a great lake or a little pond - always adds depth and drama. Reflections in still water give a timeless effect to the photo. There is something compelling about the combination of primordial nature and the brand-new beginning of a marriage. It takes more time to plan and to execute photography that incorporates nature on a grander scale, but the resulting photos become art for the walls of the new home, not just photos in a book.

Yearning for a Traditional Wedding? Go For It!

If you long for a traditional wedding, then create one! Disregard what magazines, friends or influencers say is “trending.”  It’s your dream! The beauty of a traditional wedding is that it celebrates your religious or cultural background and provides a bridge to your future. Do what feels “right” to you and your betrothed. Don’t get caught up in the social media madness that everything in your wedding has to be curated. Weddings are all about creating new branches on a family tree. Be authentically you.

Be One with Your Wedding Bouquet

Most brides choose flowers that will go with their overall wedding theme. Weddings require so many flowers - for the bride and bridesmaids, the wedding venue, the reception, etc. Often the bridal bouquet is just a bigger version of the bridesmaids’ bouquets.  We suggest an alternative! Coordinate the flowers all you want for the entire wedding, but customize the bridal bouquet so that it enhances you, the bride!

When you walk down the aisle, the first thing people see is the bouquet you’re carrying, followed by your smile, then your entire dress. The flowers you are carrying should complement your dress, your skin, and your hair.  They will be part of your unique look both to the guests and especially in the wedding photos.

When you choose your dress, plan your bouquet too so that it blends beautifully with your radiance as a bride.

Show Who You Are, Not Just What You Look Like

Most graduating seniors focus on their appearance for their senior photos. The whole idea of senior photos is to preserve a record of who you were at this pivotal time in your life. It’s essentially the launch of the rest of your life as a grownup! What will matter, years from now, is the spirit and zest for life that you exemplified when you were a senior. That’s what will thrill you. How full of promise and potential you were as a vibrantly alive human being.

Work with a photographer who cares as much about who you are as what you look like. You’ll have photos to remind you to live up to your potential!

Does Your Photographer Thrill You?

We often speak with couples trying to find the “right” photographer or one that “fits”.

Anyone can buy a bunch of equipment and become a wedding photographer, but that does not mean great photos. Excellent photography captures the emotion, color, spirit, and special moments of a wedding.  It comes from the eye, experience and passion of the photographer. That’s what sets Daniel Photo Pro apart. Daniel loves and lives for photography.

That’s why we encourage and offer free engagement sessions. Daniel wants to see you through the lens of the camera. Some people always look good in photos, others need the photographer to discover how to capture their best look.

As far as the nuts and bolts go, we offer packages to meet the wide variety of needs and budgets, but it works best when we hear what you want so we can customize for you. In the end, it’s about the photos and whether or not they will thrill you. Ours will.

Location Spotlight - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Put a little Wild in your Wedding!

Northeast Ohio is a land abundant with natural beauty both in the wild and in the cultivated areas. The great Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a little of both! With dappled natural light coming through the trees, our Zoo is a marvelous place for photography for it adds a quality of timelessness. The softness and colors of nature bring out the beauty in humans as well.

Plus, the Cleveland Zoo has created First Class venues for weddings and receptions; state of the art facilities that pamper guests and nurture the bride and groom. We love doing wedding photography at the Zoo. You will love everything they offer.

Give us a call to explore natural areas for your engagement, wedding, and family photo needs.

Daniel Photo Pro photography brings out the best and most beautiful in you!

https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/plan-your-event/zoo-weddings-events

Love Each Other and Allow Your Photographer To Capture This Magic Moment
 

There is something truly magical about the moment when two people exchange vows and commit to spending their lives together. It is a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a beautiful journey. In order to preserve this special occasion for eternity, it is essential to have a skilled photographer capture every precious moment.A wedding photographer is not just someone who takes pictures; they are an artist who can encapsulate the emotions, joy, and love that radiate from the couple on their big day. They have the ability to freeze time and create memories that will be cherished for generations. By allowing a professional photographer to capture your wedding day, you are ensuring that every detail is documented flawlessly. From the nervous excitement before walking down the aisle to the tears of joy during heartfelt speeches - these moments deserve to be preserved in all their glory. Moreover, having a professional behind the lens allows you and your loved ones to fully immerse yourselves in the celebration without worrying about capturing every single moment yourselves. You can relax knowing that an expert is capturing all those candid smiles, stolen glances, and intimate gestures that make your love story unique. The investment in a wedding photographer goes beyond just capturing images; it's an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. These photographs will become family heirlooms passed down through generations, reminding future family members of your love story and how it all began. So why not put those rings on your fingers and allow your photographer to capture this magic moment? Trust them with preserving one of life's most significant milestones so you can relive those cherished memories over and over again.

A Small Family Wedding Can Give You The Same Satisfaction As A Big Expensive Wedding

            Weddings are often seen as grand events, filled with extravagant decorations, lavish venues, and a multitude of guests. However, it is important to remember that the true essence of a wedding lies in the celebration of love and commitment between two individuals. Therefore, a small family wedding can provide just as much satisfaction as a big expensive wedding. Firstly, a small family wedding allows for a more intimate and personal experience. With fewer guests in attendance, the couple can truly connect with each guest present and create lasting memories. This closeness fosters an atmosphere of love and support that may be lacking in larger weddings where the focus is often on impressing others rather than cherishing the moment. Additionally, smaller weddings are often more budget-friendly. By opting for a smaller guest list and simpler arrangements, couples can save significant amounts of money that can be used towards other important aspects of their future together such as buying a home or starting a family. This financial freedom allows for greater peace of mind and less stress during what should be one of the happiest times in their lives. Furthermore, small family weddings offer an opportunity to prioritize quality over quantity. With fewer guests to cater to, couples can invest more time and effort into creating personalized experiences for their loved ones. From heartfelt speeches to meaningful gestures, every detail becomes more significant when shared with those who truly matter. While big expensive weddings may seem appealing on the surface due to their grandeur and extravagance; it is important to recognize that true satisfaction lies in celebrating love surrounded by those closest to us. A small family wedding provides an intimate experience filled with genuine connections and cherished moments that cannot be replicated by any amount of money or extravagance.

What to do for those who can't attend your destination wedding

PWE - Pre-Wedding Event!

If there is one word to describe destination weddings for both the wedding givers and the wedding attendees it’s this: expensive! There are usually family and/or friends that you would like to attend but can’t afford the travel or can’t do it for health or timing reasons. It’s disappointing for all.

The solution is a Pre-Wedding Event (PWE). It’s not a shower or an engagement party, it’s a gathering of people who share in the engaged couple’s joy and want to give them the hugs and good wishes they would give if they could attend the wedding. This type of event is a loving and gracious way to treat those who can’t attend the grand affair. PWE’s can be simple or elegant, depending on your budget. Sometimes they are hosted by relatives who are willing to open their homes for a small crowd, or to offer use of their church or club for a gathering. The intimacy of such a gathering can be very special.

As in all events, food and drink, however simple, are the connecting elements. The PWE can be a luncheon, or just an afternoon of desserts and drinks. The aim is to connect with those who cannot attend and to make sure they don’t feel left out. It’s a great chance to include photos of people important to the engaged couple who won’t be at the official wedding, in the whole wedding experience.