How to Use the Color Green to Create a Wedding Filled with Life 

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As green abounds everywhere on this great traditional holiday, it’s a reminder that Spring is also coming. Hurrah! At long last, after a long winter, and two long years of a worldwide pandemic, the beauty of Spring is appearing. With Spring and Summer come engagements, weddings, and other family gatherings, all of which create Joy, especially for children. It’s been said that if you want to go somewhere fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with friends and family.

The many hues of green are huge in home decorating and wedding planning these days. The isolation required by the pandemic led to a boom in using plants to bring the solace of nature indoors. Many people have created “urban jungles” in their homes with hanging, trailing and giant potted plants filling the spaces. The jungle vibe has also taken hold of wedding planners and decorators as many turn to plants rather than florist’s flowers to create indoor gardens for a wedding. Because Mother Nature can be fickle in Spring, many brides plan outdoor weddings but also prepare indoor spaces decorated with plants as a backup. Plants can be rented of course, but if you purchase them for your wedding décor, they can move with you and your beloved to your new home. Think Green! 

How to Choose a Photographer to Tell Your Love Story 

From the engagement to the wedding to the christening of children, to graduations, family gatherings, and milestone anniversaries, photos over time tell the story of a family. When the special occasions are photographed by the same photographer, the story in pictures has a dimension of quality and continuity that doesn’t happen in a mishmash of photos.  Over time, the photographer gets to know how to set up the photos so that the best attributes of each person appear. The best light, angles, and mood of the occasion can be more easily set up by a photographer who knows the subjects. That’s why famous painters, paint the same subject over and over. Da Vinci worked on the Mona Lisa for seven years!

If you’re engaged, looking forward to a long life, creating a family and your unique story, consider your initial photographer carefully. Does he or she have children? (Photographers take countless photos of their own children and become very good at capturing the spirit of kids). Are they able to create great photography indoors as well as outdoors? Will you look forward to working with the photographer over the years to create your story? Your engagement and wedding are the springboard for a wonderful life. Take good pictures!

What is the New Normal for Weddings in a Post Pandemic World?

As pandemic fears and cases subside, life is changing, but it will never be the same as before. People, especially the older generation, are more aware of their vulnerability. Weddings are traditionally a gathering of friends, family, and associates where physical proximity is a huge part of the experience. Hugs and kisses, dancing, and close conversations have always been normal at a wedding. As a bride or couple planning a wedding you may wonder “what is the new normal?” How do you plan the wedding of your dreams that accommodates the concerns and feelings of those you love?

First of all, accept the reality that there is a new normal and no one is quite sure what it is, because it’s evolving. Also accept the reality that even more than before, the generations see things differently, as do people with health challenges. If you want your family and friends to lavish love on you by being part of your wedding, think of them with empathy. What will make your grandparents, parents, and older attendees comfortable in regard to physical proximity? Ask them! Before you plan the seating for the ceremony or the reception, ask them how they feel about it, so there’s no uncomfortableness that day. A happy bride is an organized and informed bride – you don’t want to be scrambling on the day of the event to make people comfortable. When planning food and beverage, keep in mind that almost everyone is more conscious of the downside of shared food. No hands in the chips anymore.

Open-air events are more comfortable for everyone these days, and fortunately warmer days are coming. Sometimes a combination of church and outdoor reception works well if marrying inside a church is important. Don’t stress over planning your wedding, just think of others and plan, plan, plan!