From the blog of Hildebrand Photography……..

By visiting the Seattle Wedding Expo, you will learn from the best in the business – all in one place all under one roof.

Seattle Wedding Expo

January 14-15, 2012

Seattle Center

299 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Phone: (206) 684-7200

Hours

Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday; 11 am to 4 pm

Tickets: $15.00 – buy your tickets now and receive 2 for the price of 1!

MEET THE EXPERTS

Interview multiple vendors in one afternoon!

GET INSPIRATION

At the Wedding Expo you’ll be able to interview multiple wedding photographers, bridal salons, florists, caterers, wedding and reception sites, DJs, bakeries, and more — all in one fabulous afternoon. The show gives you the ability to compare prices, style and personalities right there on the spot. Ask questions and look for that special connection with your favorite company and then don’t hesitate to book them because their calendars usually fill up fast!

Get a closer look at what the vendors can do for you! Stroll through the wedding photography booths to get an idea of who will capture your style and character best.  Choose a photographer you feel you connect with and who’s art you like the best.

SHOULD I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO THE EXPO?

Yes! Your fiancé, family members, wedding party, and friends can be a great asset to you as you plan your wedding. They can collect information, provide valuable input, give you support, and assist in decision making. Over 50% of our brides bring several guests with them. Even if you can’t attend, please send anyone you wish to collect information for you, the show is completely open to the public.

The smartest thing you can do at an expo is book wedding vendors on the spot to take advantage of special discounts that may be expo only.  The next smartest thing is to book as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can.  Sometimes, if you show the vendor you are genuinely interested in them by booking a consultation, they will extend their expo special until you meet again.  It’s a neat trick to allow you time to consider your options and still get a deal.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE EXPO

• Pre-Printed Address Labels/Business Cards are a definite time saver :  Many of the vendors will ask you for contact information to enter you in drawings to win extras for your wedding day. Filling out your name and phone number over and over can get tiring. Be sure to register with everyone so that you will be eligible to win the great prizes they give away. This also assists the vendor in following up with you. 

• CHECKBOOK :  Some vendors offer special show discounts if you book them the day of the show. Keep in mind certain vendors can only handle one wedding per day and their date books fill quickly. For that must-have vendor, be ready to reserve your date!

• CALENDAR : You will want to bring a calendar with you so you can make appointments with the businesses that you have an interest in. Remember that the show is a bit overwhelming so as we said before you will want to schedule as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can… One decision at a time and your calendar will help you keep all of your appointments in order.

HOW MUCH LITURATURE WILL I RECEIVE AT THE EXPO

You will acquire a lot of information from the show which is really wonderful. With so many vendors, expect a lot of material to be offered to you. Take what you want and what you feel you will need to make an informed decision about that company.

Ask for pricelists as well. You may also want to use a two bag system giving you the ability to sort the information you want into two bags of interest. Keep both so you will have access to everyone’s material for comparison.

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW

So shine up that new ring, and REGISTER to attend the Seattle Wedding Expo today. Here is your link to get the 2 for 1 discount pass https://secure.bridesclub.com/seattle/ordertickets.cfm . It’s the smartest decision you’ll ever make. (next to saying, “YES”)

Recently many of you may have participated in the Most Romantic Proposal Give Away!  This was a fun contest we ran on the BrideClub Facebook page for engaged couples to submit their engagement stories to us for a chance to win a trip Vegas!  It was amazing to read all of the wonderful stories!  Once the story and photo were submitted, our facebook fans got to vote on them. 

The lucky winner was Kainani Collins!  Thanks to Vacations Hawaii, they won a trip for 2 to Las Vegas!  Here’s their photo and story!

Dance Into Spring 2012

 

Directly from the color experts at Pantone…….

For spring 2012 designers are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of
styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. “They
have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent
choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an
anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.
Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue
adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an
adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a
perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango
and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle
alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more
practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer
bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

When your guests arrived at the reception, if you want to really blow their minds, the place to start is really the guest tables!  Then mold the rest of your decor around them.  Well decorated guest tables will pull together the whole reception.

A great centerpiece is the anchor of beautifully decorated table.  Traditional floral arrangements can always do the trick!  There are tons of unique flowers to choose from, but do keep your budget in mind while letting your imagination go wild.  If you’ve decided you have enough flowers in your wedding already, you may choose a centerpiece that’s a little less common.  Asian lamps have been making their way into the wedding scene over the last few years.  Turn down the lights in your reception to really set the mood.  Another option that has been growing in popularity is the use of fish in fish bowls.  Betta fish and other colorful species have been used as the center of the table!

Centerpieces are definitely a necessity but you don’t necessarily have to go all out if you use linens to spruce up tables!  Many brides are discarding the idea of the traditional white linens and attempting to wow guests with brightly colored or even iridescent table clothes and even napkins!  Throw on some table runners in bold or pastel colors for extra splashes of color.  Linens in shimmery fabrics add an extra luminescence to candle lit centerpieces.  If your venue doesn’t have colored linens, almost all event rental companies do.

Once you’ve drenched your tables in color, there’s no need for the traditional patterned china!  Brides today are sticking with a simple white dish with more modern shapes.

So, start planning your perfect guest table and stun your guests as they enter your reception!

Some of our favorite vendors for linens are:

IN SEATTLE -

Grand Event Rentals - www.grandrents.com

American Party Place - www.americanpartyplace.com

IN HAWAII -

Les Saisons - www.les-saisons.net

REA Events - www.reaeventshawaii.com

Photo & Blog By Gordon Star Photography!

We recently received an email about a situation during a wedding with a blended family, so we would like to address this little-talked-about aspect of a wedding day.

“My daughter’s father remarried. When the photographer called for the bride’s family, my ex-husband and his wife ran up there and his wife stood next to my daughter and I had to go stand by the groom. That was the only picture that was taken with father and mother so I did not get a photograph next to my daughter. How do you normally handle a situation like that?”

As wedding photographers, we are sensitive to these situations. There are photographers out there, we’re sure, who are oblivious to these things. The way we do it is we ask beforehand if it is a blended family situation, so we can be prepared if any animosity or conflict should arise. Here is our flow for the traditional, immediate-family photographs:

1. We ask for the mother of the bride and the father of the bride. To clarify, we have even said, “Biological,” once or twice. The best thing to do is call the mother and father by name if we know it beforehand. (We never say, “The parents,” because that means diffent things to people. For instance, the biological father may have just come back into the bride’s life and they are now re-establishing a fragile relationship, yet the bride was lovingly raised by her step-father.) Those family members would be the only two people, besides the bride and groom, we want at that moment. The photo session then commences.

2. Mother with bride.

3. Father with bride.

4. Both with bride.

5. Mother with groom.

6. Father with groom.

7. Both with groom.

8. Mother with bride and groom.

9. Father with bride and groom.

10. Both with bride and groom.

We then follow suit with the groom’s side using the same flow. The bottom line is preparation from the bride. Only she knows how certain people will interract with others and she can direct the traditonal portrait scenarios. There have been times where we would have to photograph mother and father at different intervals just to keep the peace. We are sure whomever the photographers are, they will be more than accommodating provided they know the situation with ample time to prepare.

I wanted to share some beautiful wedding venues in the Seattle area.  These wonderful venues will be exhibiting at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall!  See www.bridesclub.com for details….

Blue Ribbon Cooking - They are a unique venue location over the water on Lake Union.  They offer all inclusive wedding packages custom tailored to meet your needs!

City of Mukilteo Community Center - Located in Mukilteo of course, the community center has a few options to choose from for rental space…. choose from the Rosehill Community Center, the picnic shelter, the Wedding Circle and the Lighthouse Grounds!  They are prepared for your wedding, rain or shine!

Hilton Downtown Seattle - A new addition to the Seattle Wedding Expo!  A beautiful downtown Seattle venue!  Get married in style!

These are just a few of the great venues you can find at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th!  We have more of course at the Tacoma & Lynnwood Wedding Expos this January as well!  www.bridesclub.com for all the details!

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all the brides, grooms, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-brides, father-of-the-brides, friends of the brides and of course the AMAZING Wedding Professionals that made the Fall Wedding Expos a great success this last couple of weeks!  We had a great time and enjoyed seeing each and every one of you!

At the Seattle Wedding Expo, Prop Gallery made the fashion show stage really stand out with chair covers and stage decor that went perfectly with our new signage! 

Wedding Expo Sponsor, Marci Jewelry from Bellevue came out to the show and their display cases with the diamonds galore!

Leah with Balloon Masters provided really unique balloon displays and covered the expo with them!

And all these wonderful brides and their guests filled the aisles of the Wedding Expos!  

THANK YOU to all that made the Fall Wedding Expo season successful and enjoyable!  Be sure to drop by www.bridesclub.com for future show dates and details!

This is Dawn Hildebrand of Hildebrand Photography.
My biggest tip to saving money on your wedding photographer is to book us at the expos.
We run specials for expos only plus it helps guarantee you book your favorite photographer before
anyone else takes your date.

2. choose a photographer based on their style of photography and very importantly, their personality.
Your photos will turn out much better if you click with your photographer…no pun intended :)

3. Be sure to allow plenty of time for photography before your wedding ceremony.It’s especially fun to go to a different location for photos the day of and maybe share a toast with your bridal party, have fun with your friends in celebration of you and your groom starting this incredible journey of next chapter of your life.

Take the time to look around and soak in the moment and appreciate all the love and celebration that surrounds you.

4.Try not to wear yourself out before the photos begin. Del-e-gate!!!! Delegate as much work as possible for the day of tasks. Your friends and family are there because the love you and would be honored to be included in a part of your day. Give them day-of tasks in advance so you

You want to be as relaxed and as happy as possible. The guests at your wedding are there because they love you and would be happy to help you.

Happy planning and we’ll see you at the expos!

Dawn Hildebrand

Hildebrand Photography

www.hildebrandphoto.com

206.790.8995

1. Hire a professional DJ!

I know it seems funny to hear a photographer promote a DJ but it’s a very

integral part of your wedding day. 

a. They keep you at ease by making your reception run smoothly so you don’t have to.

b. They set the mood with great music to keep your guests happy.

c. They make sure the events ie. cake cutting, first dance etc. happen in a timely fashion so guests

don’t lose interest and leave.

All of this is important to us the photographers because I want you to have

the best time of your life and to capture that happiness and share it with you in

your wedding album.

2. The first dance.

a. Dance with your fiance in the kitchen. Put down the dish towel, turn up the music and

just dance with your sweetie in the kitchen.  This may be a bit of a challenge but if you tell him

it’s important to you he may give in. Practice doing a gentle easy dip with your fiance. Do a few

slow turns holding each other’s hands over your head. Or turn with your back to him, rest your head on his chest and sway together. 

The first dance is a photographers time to get the two of you being sweet and loving in a natural setting,

not posed.  Anything you do on the dance floor during your first dance that is different than just facing each other and swaying makes for fabulous photos.

3. Make-up artist.

Hire a professional make-up artist. It’s much more cost effective to go to them rather than having them come to you.

Know that it takes about 45 minutes to an hour for them to create the perfect look for you.

Have them do your practice session the same day as your engagement session with us. Don’t be afraid to let them do a

little bit darker look than you are used to.  This is a day of festivities and celebration and it’s ok for your make-up to reflect

that.  If your girls are having their make-up professionally done as well then make sure there are more than one make-up artists.

4. Be kind to the guys

Take in to account the weather possibilities for your wedding day and let the guys dress accordingly.  For example, if

your wedding is in August and it’s outdoors don’t make them wear a vest with their tuxedos.  I know, vests are a nice look, a very

tailored look but those poor men who are in socks, shoes, pants, undershirt, vest, and jacket and almost always in black are

MELTING in the hot sun.  Trying to take a photo of someone who is miserable then asking them to smile is…well, dangerous.

Cheers!

Dawn Hildebrand

Hildebrand Photography

www.hildebrandphoto.com

206.790.8995

(photo provided by Sugar Box Hawaii)
If you happened to be watching New Day Northwest on Tuesday, then you probably saw Brad Buckles of BridesClub.com sharing the wonderful creations of Burning Cupcakes!  (If you didn’t catch it, click here)Among their sweet array of sugary goodness was a candy buffet!!  Yummy!  Candy buffets are becoming more and more popular as a way to transform the traditional wedding favors into one that will be more memorable. Having your guest get involved in your wedding will create a lasting impression and add to the “WOW” effect to your wedding. Candy bars also help you make a bigger statement when you tie in your theme and colors by the selection, presentation, and the little details like what Sugar Box Hawaii will provide at your candy bar display.
So, basically if you’re looking for something a little different for your wedding reception then seriously think about getting a candy buffet for your wedding!  If you’re in Hawaii, you’ll want to give Blane with Sugar Box Hawaii a call at (808) 450-3800 and he will help you out!
If you’re getting married in Hawaii, check out Burning Cupcakes or contact Allison at Sweet Scoops at (360) 894-1758.
Don’t forget, you can catch them in person at the next Wedding Expo near you.  Check out www.bridesclub.com for show dates and details!