Category Archives: Tips & Ideas
Wedding Inspiration | New Traditions
One of the cool things about being a part of so many weddings is that we get to see creative new traditions. I love it when our couples are inspired to find new ways to make their wedding meaningful to them.
In October, Ann Marie and Brandon did something that I had never heard about, but absolutely loved. They placed a bottle of wine and two glasses inside a wooden box and locked it. The box is meant to be opened either when they have their first fight as a married couple, or on their 10th anniversary. Whichever comes first.
Now, I know that some of us married couples might need a few boxes because we might have more than one fight in our first 10 years of marriage. I loved the thoughtfulness of acknowledging and committing to resolve the inevitable conflicts that come in marriage from the very beginning.
Maybe we should build a wine cellar and call it our “conflict resolution center.” Ha!
Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond. Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.
FAQ: Wedding Day Timeline | Chicago Wedding Photographer
For most of our couples, it can be hard to know how much time they will need on their wedding day for photography coverage. It can be hard to know how much time you will actually need at different times of the day, and how to schedule your day so that you have enough time to actually enjoy it. We’re always happy to work with couples based on their individual schedule, but I thought it might also be helpful to be able to look at a sample timeline based on our experience.
This timeline is based on having a first look, which I wrote about in more detail last week. As you can see, when we do a first look we are able to do the majority of your photography early in the day so that you can fully enjoy your time with your friends and family once the ceremony starts. Trust me, it’s great. 
1:00 – Photography Begins:
Detail shots of your dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation, bouquet, etc.
Final hair and makeup touchups
Candid shots of bride, bridesmaids, and family
2:00 - Bride Dresses
Candids of bride putting on dress
Portraits of bride in her dress with fresh hair and makeup
2:30 - First Look
Bride and Groom see each other for the first time
Bride and Groom portraits
3:30 – Bridal Party Photos
4:00 – Bride arrives at ceremony site, out of sight from guests, to refresh and compose herself for the ceremony
Shoot ceremony details, guests arriving, etc.
4:30 – Ceremony Begins
5:00 – Ceremony Ends
5:10 – Family photos
5:30 – Cocktail hour
Photograph Reception Details
6:30 – Grand Entrance, cake cutting,
6:45 – Dinner, toasts, etc.
7:30 - Depending on time of year, Sunset shot with bride and groom
8:00 – Father-Daughter, Mother-Son, First Dance, dancing dancing dancing
9:00 – Photography Coverage Ends
Every wedding is different, but this should at least give you a place to start. Remember to leave yourself extra time if your ceremony and reception are in different locations, or if you plan on going to a separate location for your portraits. Always plan for more buffer time than you think you will need. Everything takes longer on your wedding day.
Finally, remember to consider what time the sun will set on your wedding day. We will want to plan on doing as many of your portraits as possible with sunlight, and we will also want to try and capture a sunset image if we can.
Wedding Inspiration: Best Party Favor
Happy Monday! We’ve been having a blast with our “Best of” series, and today’s just makes me smile every time I think about it. Maybe b/c it already feels like summer, or maybe because St. Pat’s Day was just this weekend, but I couldn’t help posting this today.
There were so many beautiful, fun, unique, special, moments from Mary and Tim’s September wedding, we couldn’t help but fall in love with them. It was so unique that it was featured on WedLoft back in November.
Mary and Tim were not only gorgeous, romantic, nice, and fun, they also knew how to throw a great party. For our favorite party favor of 2011, we have Mary and Tim’s HOME BREWED BEER.
Yes, this is, without a doubt, the best party favor ever. And check out the labels. SO CUTE.
Thanks for the great inspiration, Mary and Tim, and Contratulations!
Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond. Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.