Choosing the best time of day for your wedding photographs

Drat. The honeymoon's over, you get your wedding shots back and you look, erm, a bit pale. What's more, the background is completely dark. No sign of the beautiful garden you were photographed in. And you have red eyes. Wanna wring the photographer's neck? Sure, that's a start. But think back about the time the pics were taken. Was it close to sunset? Aha. Now there's a clue to the disaster in your wedding album.

So what went wrong?
The wedding picture session probably started too late. Which meant the photographer probably could not use the flattering late afternoon light at the venue to show you to your best effect. Quite simply because it was probably so dark he had to resort to unflattering straight flash. Although unavoidable at weddings, any good photographer would try and minimise his use of this light source. Some careful planning, advice from your photographer and the table of sunset times below are a start to plan your wedding pics. Ideally, you want to start your picture session at least 30 to 45 minutes before the sun sets.

That means you have to take the sunset time on the day of your wedding, and subtract:
travelling time from the church to the picture venue; about fifteen minutes for the family shots, and about half an hour for the pics of the couple.This is the time you should be getting into the Rolls after the wedding ceremony, driving off to the picture venue.

Sound simple?
Not so - getting into your car with droves of people wanting to congratulate you is not easy without seeming rude. But you'll have to be firm and push off. Because if you don't allow your photographer enough time to use the best light of day, you're wasting your money.

French Wedding Customs

Many times, in smaller French towns, the groom will meet his fiancée at her home on the day of the wedding and escort her to the chapel where the ceremony is being held. As the couple proceeds to the chapel, children will stretch long white ribbons across the road which the bride will cut as they pass.

At the chapel, the bride and groom are seated on two red velvet chairs underneath a silk canopy they called a carre. Laurel leaves may be scattered across their paths when they exit the chapel. Sometimes small coins are also tossed for the children to gather.

At the reception, the couple customarily uses a toasting cup, called a Coupe de Marriage. The origin of giving toast actually began in France, when they literally dropped a small piece of toast into the couple's wine (to ensure a healthy life). They lifted their glass to "a toast" as is common in Western culture today.

Some couples choose to serve a croquembouche instead of a wedding cake. The dessert is a pyramid of crème-filled pastry puffs, drizzled with a caramel glaze.

At a more boisterous wedding, tradition involves continuing the celebration until very late at night. After the reception, those invited to the wedding will gather outside the newlyweds' window and bang pots and pans. They are then invited into the house for some more drinks in the couple's honor, after which the couple is finally allowed to be alone for their first night together as husband and wife.

Another practice that is becoming more common at wedding celebrations is "beheading" a bottle of champagne with a sabre made for the occasion. It was started as a way for the Hussards (under Napoleon's command) to celebrate victories and exhibit their horseback skills: they would "behead" the top off a bottle of champagne while on horseback. Legend has it that the skilled horsemen would ride at a full gallop while brave women held up bottles of champagne. The sabre must strike the neck of the bottle at exactly the right angle (champagne bottles have over 100 pounds of pressure per square inch).

This practice spread throughout France as a way to celebrate special occasions. Now decorative replicas of these special sabres can be purches from artisans in Thiers, France (the French capital of cutlery).

General Wedding Customs

General customs Wedding ceremonies may contain any number of different elements, however most contain wedding vows of some kind and a proclamation of marriage, usually by the officiant.

Other elements may include music, poetry, prayer, scripture, or other traditions. In most societies a number of traditions or customs have emerged around the wedding ceremony, many of which have lost their original symbolic meaning in the modern world. Other wedding traditions are relatively recent. Some elements of the Western wedding ceremony symbolize the bride's departure from her father's control and entry into a new family with her husband. In modern Western weddings, this symbolism is largely vestigial, since husband and wife are of equal power and status. Recently in some cultures, same-sex weddings have begun to be celebrated.

The Western custom of the bride wearing a white wedding dress came to symbolize purity in the Victorian era (despite popular misconception and the hackneyed jokes of situation comedies the white dress did not actually indicate virginity, which was symbolized by a face veil). Within the "white wedding" tradition, a white dress and veil would not have been considered appropriate in the second or third wedding of a widow or divorcee. The specific conventions of Western weddings largely from a Protestant and Catholic viewpoint, are discussed at "White wedding."
Weddings in modern China combine both traditional elements and elements influenced by the West. The actual civil ceremony consists of registering the marriage with the local registrar and is brief and done without much ceremony. The wedding reception, however, is elaborate and complex, and the one prominent element of modern Chinese weddings is the Chinese wedding album.

A wedding is often followed or accompanied by a wedding reception, at which an elaborate wedding cake is served. Western traditions include toasting the bride and groom, the newlyweds having the first dance, and cutting the cake. The bride throws her bouquet to the assembled group of all unmarried women in attendance, and the woman who catches it is supposedly going to be the next to wed. A fairly recent egalitarian equivalent has the groom throwing the bride's garter to the assembled unmarried men; the man who catches it is supposedly the next to wed.
German Wood Wedding FiguresBut customs vary and in multicultural ceremonies the customs may be varied, mixed or totally created to suit the personalities and interests of the couple. Again, such ceremonies are more common when performed by Civil Celebrants, as in Australia.
A long-standing modern tradition is for brides to wear or carry "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" during the service. It is considered good luck to do so. Often times the bride attempts to have one item that meets all of these qualifications, such as a borrowed blue handerchief which is "new to her" but loaned by her grandmother (thus making it old.)

Las Vegas Photographers for Weddings

If you’re looking for a list of Las Vegas photographers for weddings, this is the place to be! We have provided you with a list of 5 of the most popular wedding photographers in Las Vegas to make your life easier. Why do the leg work when we’ve done it all for you? By clicking on the links you can read more about each individual photographer and the specific services they provide.

Cashman Professional
3595 S. Highland Dr. Suite #3
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: 1.702.365.6660
Fax: 1.702.248.0175

Far from being solely a las Vegas wedding photographer, Cashman Professional makes a point of capturing Las Vegas history in its galleries of memories. If you want pro pictures, you won’t go wrong with this group.

Costello Photo
Las Vegas, NV
702 459 3121
email: Info@costellophoto.com

This award winning company will email absent friends and relatives a selected photo from your wedding. Choose from selected moments or hours of studio shooting.

Highland Photography
Phone: (702) 263-0489
Toll Free: (800) 856-6052
Fax: (702) 269-6758
Email: Hlandphoto@aol.com

Born in Scotland, Jill Jennings was bitten by the photography bug at her sister’s wedding. The WPPI (Wedding Portrait and Photographers International) recently honored Jill’s work in the area of wedding photojournalism. She continues taking workshops and seminars from top photographers to improve her skills, and is a popular photographer in Las Vegas.

Moonlighting Photography
Las Vegas, NV
702-460-8785

This full service las Vegas photography service is among the best of the las Vegas photographers. All packages include negatives, a CD or DVD, and prints in an album. Choose from dozens of poses, sizes, and arrangements to match your bridal theme and honeymoon celebration. The site displays plentiful examples of beautiful las Vegas wedding photography.

Paradise Design and Photography
9501 W. Sahara Ave. #2197
Las Vegas, NV 89117
phone/fax: 702.597.5208

This las Vegas photographer is really more of a family act, since this husband and wife team produce priceless photos for many kinds of occasions, not just weddings. Daughter Ruth sometimes assists to provide a nice array of perspectives for your special day. Graphic design and digital photo services are also available.

Australia Honeymoon Vacations

Australia honeymoon vacations are more than just being the pleasure of being down under. Australia is virtually a paradise on earth. Many of the people hail the continent as the capital for romance. Be they exotic beaches, fascinating wild life, rich culture, you will find all of them in Australia. You get every cent of your dollar's worth as you vibe with most incredible, knowledgable and loving people, fine destinations and a culture which speaks of a gentle mix of the modern and the classic.

Home to the most incredible and lipsmacking wines, the Sydney Bridge, and the kangaroos, Australia is the place to be when you are thinking about honeymoon packages. The Great Barrier Reef another landmark of Australia is a picture perfect place to be which no well meaning traveler could miss out on.

The five star hotels and restaurants across Australia maintain the highest standards of customer service and quality. So you can rest assured be treated royally during your stay. Most five star resorts and hotels in Australia are regularly quality assured to maintain the very highest standards. People also take time out to indulge in golf as the continent has the best golf resorts in the world. The spas and health clubs are an added luxury to you and your spouse as a part of most Australia honeymoon packages.

So, if you are looking forward to having an incredible time in your honeymoon, then let Australia honeymoon be your catchline. Whether you plan for tours, cruises or adventures, Australia honeymoon vacation promises you fun and mirth all the way.

Candlelight Wedding Chapel

Candlelight Wedding Chapel is a well-known las Vegas entity that has been featured in a country music video by Diamond Rio. Howie Mandel married here, and John Tesh renewed vows with his wife. This las Vegas wedding chapel has a lot to offer clients from around the world and enjoys a brisk business near the financial district. Close to business and entertainment, this longtime chapel has the experience and credentials to provide you and your beloved with a memorable and enjoyable visit. You don’t have to wonder whether they can carry it off or the day will be ruined. Put your wedding into the staff’s capable hands and then relax.

Set on a lovely, well-kept piece of land, the Candlelight Chapel attracts visitors and prospective couples who are considering marriage due to its well-known reputation and the natural features that make this chapel popular to locals and visitors alike.

When you purchase an affordable wedding package, you can bring along family, friends, and other guests to take part in your exchange of vows. Prices range from $199 to $499 and include a bevy of services. The lowest fee covers the chapel rental, marriage certificate holder, CD music, several photos, and carnation flowers. The $299 package upgrades flowers to roses and adds more photos. You also can get a video of the ceremony. For $399 you get a rose cascade arrangement, a professional organist, and a candle-lighting ceremony. The $499 price adds a unity candle, wedding garter, and a leather-bound wedding album.

Additional amenities include the option of ordering a cake or other pastries, a helicopter ride, and Elvis weddings. But the prices do not cover the minister’s fee or the chauffeur’s gratuity. The chapel takes pleasure in treating guests like royalty to ensure their wedding day is as special as they had hoped it would be. Several newlyweds contacted the Candlelight Chapel within a matter of days, months, or weeks to emphasize how happy they were with the service that was provided and with the overall outcome of their special celebration.

You can join the ranks of civilians and everyday people alike by leaning more about what this romantic little chapel has to offer and possibly choosing to hold your own service here. From the limo driver, to the minister, to the coordinator who helps you pull it all together, everyone makes it their business and their duty to ensure that your dreams come true when you choose the Candlelight for your wedding festivities.

Find out ahead of time what you can afford to pay so there will be no surprises afterward. You can visit this chapel online at Candlelight Wedding Chapel.

Costa Rica Honeymoon Vacations

Couples experiencing their first Costa Rica honeymoon vacations are never dismayed. This scenic Central American nation is rich in nature and wildlife, with pristine oceanic coasts on two of its borders. The landscape and climate are so multifarious that one can drive through less than an hour of terrain and it will feel like an entirely new country.

Unlike some of its neighbors, Costa Rica is a very politically stable country. "Pura vida" is a commonly uttered phrase, which roughly translates to "pure life" in English. This motto encompasses everything you will encounter during your Costa Rica honeymoon. To the locals (affectionately known as "ticos"), pura vida is a philosophy that is lived, but not so easily described.

After agriculture, tourism is the largest industry in Costa Rica. The rainforest wildlife is some of the most diverse in the world. Most Costa Rica honeymoon packages are designed to put you in touch with as much variety as you can possibly experience within the few days of your stay.

For the more adventurous couple, nature hikes, scuba diving, and canopy safaris will keep you on the move. Canopy safaris are extensive cable and pulley systems set up hundreds of feet in the air, allowing you an exhilarating trip through the upper quarters of the green jungle.

Costa Rica is also host to a growing number of some of the finest championship golf courses in the world. If golf is your thing, you cannot go wrong by selecting a Costa Rica honeymoon package that brings you near the famed and acclaimed Cariari Country Club.

Although Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken as a second language, so communication should not be too difficult. It is still worthwhile to learn some basic Spanish in case of an emergency. Showing such an interest in the culture is taken as a gesture of good will and can lead to many fun and interesting conversations with the locals.

The monetary exchange rate is very favorable and makes these Costa Rica honeymoon packages extremely affordable. If you have priced similar vacations with other destinations, you will be pleasantly surprised when your agent shows you the price of all the amenities provided by Costa Rica honeymoon resorts. When your vacation is finished, of course, the attractive price will be the least important memory carried home with you.

Changing Your Name After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage. It can be as easy as saying, “I do!”

Are you planning on changing your name once you finally tie the knot? If you decide to do so, there are so many options. Do you hyphenate, keep your maiden name as your middle name, combine both names, or be traditional? Well whichever option you choose, the name change process can seem overwhelming. There are numerous forms to gather from many government agencies. You’ll need a social security form, US passport form, driver’s license form, voter registration form, IRS forms, forms to send to your employer, insurance company, utilities companies, and all organizations of which you are a member. Many brides put off the process and wait for months or even years to change their name. The process is really not that horrible. Once you gather your forms & complete them, most can be sent in through the mail. The only office you’ll need to visit in person is the motor vehicle department.
If you plan on traveling overseas on your honeymoon, the name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport. Therefore, wait until you return to change your name and book your tickets in your maiden name.

The bride taking the groom’s name is not the only way to go. A groom can also legally change his last name to the bride’s. This is not as popular, but it does happen. A groom may have a long last name or a name he isn’t fond of and decide he wants the bride’s name.

Daffodil Wedding Theme

With the bloom of spring in the air, beautiful daffodils raise their heads in triumph of a new season. Choosing daffodils as your wedding theme can also be used to signal the blossoming of a new marriage together.

Daffodils come in a variety of colors, although the ones most often seen are in white, yellow and peach tones. The center portion contains a trumpet-shaped corona surrounded by a ring of 6 larger petals. They make a very striking arrangement both alone or in a grouping of flowers.

When planning your daffodil theme wedding, choose items that reflect this interesting flower. Daffodil shaped cookie favors make a sweet treat to delight guests, while a single daffodil in a bud vase placed before each table setting will brighten your table decor as well as your guest’s homes. If you like the idea of making your own favors, try your hand at candy making using daffodil sucker molds.

Potted daffodils bought at a garden center can be placed directly on the tables for eye catching centerpieces, and they’ll definitely be less expensive than a flower arrangement. Have each of your attendants take home one of the pots at the end of the evening as a thank-you gift. For additional table decor, use a daffodil shaped punch (check scrapbooking suppliers) to create your own table confetti. These punched out shapes can also be used for enhancing other decorations such as pew markers, the guest book or perhaps a card/gift box.

Use white and yellow to enhance your theme idea further. For example, you could use White table linens with butter yellow napkins, white tulle draped in front of main tables and secured with large yellow ribbon bows, and clusters of white and yellow balloon bouquets placed throughout the room. All of these will lend an air of spring freshness to your wedding ceremony and reception locations. After all, a new marriage is blooming!

About the Author
Rose Smith owns Wedding Themes and More where you can find a wealth of ideas and articles covering wedding theme planning. For further suggestions and information on a daffodil theme wedding, visit our website at http://www.wedthemes.com/

Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are the very start of your wedding for most of your guests. Although you have been planning carefully for months, or even years, the wedding invitation is the first thing that most of your guests will see. Your wedding invitations need to be special, to reflect your personality and to let you guests know that they are special and you want to share the best day of your life with them.

There are many different types of wedding invitations available and there is sure to be one to suit you. Many like a formal type of invitation and these cards can be bought in a variety of styles from pure white with calligraphic lettering to subtle shade of yellow with raised gold lettering.

But if you require something a little special it is also (if the budget allows) possible to get cards made to your own design. Although these are a little more expensive they are generally within reason. There are many printing firms that will make them for you and either design them, or put your ideas into a workable design. There are also many local printers that will do this and working with a small firm can make it seem a little more personal.

Many shops and websites these days also stock more contemporary cards and these can make an interesting change from the more standard designs and help to make your wedding stand out in the mind of your guests.

You can even buy invitation cards with petals in them. If you are of a more “crafty” nature and would like your cards to be more personal, then you can always buy blank cards and make your own. If you are not concerned with formality them you can personalize each card, or even add picture of yourselves.

You can, if your taste is a little more out of the ordinary, find some very good humorous wedding invitations. After all its your day and there is no reason that you should have a traditional invitation if that doesn’t convey who you are. And they are going to your friends and if they know your humor then they will, hopefully, laugh along with you.

Thee are also cards to suit all different religions available. These day’s most religious communities are well catered for but again you can always have your cards printed to your own design if these do not suit you.

To avoid any last minute problems or delays it is best to order your cards as far in advance as possible. Then, if there are any delays, it shouldn’t be a disaster. This is even more important if you are getting the cards designed for you. There are things that can go wrong and it is best to give yourself as much leeway as possible, in case the printer doesn’t deliver, or you do not like the designs when they arrive.

You might also like to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitations, so that the guest can just add their congratulations and mail it back to you. Not only is this a nice way of inviting guests, it also means that you are much more likely get your replies sooner if the guest doesn’t have to remember to find some paper and an envelope to send you their acceptance.

The wedding invitations should not be sent out too far in advance, but you do need to allow the guests enough time to make any preparations for the big day. Some may have work commitments to rearrange, or other social plans that they may need to reschedule.

So be sure that you give them enough time to do this, as otherwise there may be friends that are unable to attend. Usually 6 weeks is about the right amount of time to allow all of your guests to make their plans but is not so far in advance that the momentum of the big day is lost.

Your wedding invitations are the beginning of your wedding to many of your guests and as such it is important that they are what you want. And that they convey the message to your guests that you want to send. If you order well in advance and give your guests plenty of time to reply, then the first part of the beginning of your lives together should go smoothly and show your guests that they are special and you want them to be a part of your special day.

See http://www.findstationary.com/ for an awwesome collection to spark you off.