HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 6

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 6

Finding a dress is difficult but it is very important ! Wedding dress shopping can be fun however this can be a frustration process as well.  It can take up too  4-6 months to have your dress shipped to you. If you are getting your dress from a local shop usually the process is about 1-2 . It will take more than a few times to choose something that you look absolutely amazing in . This is the last thing you want to worry about!!!  Remember, there are alterations that may need to happen as well. And alterations need time and work and visits.  Instead of going to a shop that special orders go to the bridal stores that carry multiple dresses in stock. Try to find a dress off the rack that doesn't need to be ordered. You don't have time for constant fittings. Dresses that lace up the back are easier to fit and will require fewer trips to the seamstress. Try something that is easy to put on as well. Laces take time meanwhile a zipper just takes seconds . 
You may need to drive to a larger city to find a store with multiple sizes in multiple dresses. Usually Manhattan has amazing bridal salons such as Karen willis Holmes  , etc. Also we recommend you going into the bridal salon with a few friends, maybe your maid of honor , or mother . Take your bra and a pair of heels to check the length, preferably you can take the shoes you are going to wear the day of your wedding if you have them . Also have your phone ready for a selfie . You def want to remember how the dress looks like on you before you buy. 
If sometimes doesn't fit don't be afraid, given the time , you can always make alterations . Especially if you made your mind up with a certain dress. 
Maybe you can even wear your mom, grand mothers , or aunts dress. Usually Vintage gowns make the event much more special. It will be an honor for them to see you in their dress . Believe me , and also ask if you can have it altered. I don't think they are going to wear it anytime soon . 

I hope this helps .

Filippo Barbarotto

originphotos

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HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 5

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 5

Believe it or not officiant, priests, rabbi, are very important for your ceremony. So make sure you contact one .  Certain religions or churches require couples to attend pre-wedding counseling. Pre-wedding council is important because if you want a spiritual connection with your spouse this will help you understand each other in a deeper way .  If you want a religious officiant, your officiant will likely want to meet with you and your partner before the wedding to discuss the vows, and special speeches , or any type of special traditions that you may have . Remember the ceremony part the majority of the times , its really for the parents & grand-parents as well as YOU (bride and groom ). It is a very emotional part of the day. Maybe the most emotional part especially the moment when both of you are reciting the vows. Don't wait until the last minute. Ministers book well in advance but they can usually do several ceremonies in one day. Give yourself a 6 month window gap because of your desired times. If they aren't available you can ask if an associate pastor is available on their team or perhaps a colleague.  

Filippo Barbarotto

originphotos.com

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Dayna & Chris @ Long beach Boardwalk Engagement pictures

Dayna & Chris @ Long beach Boardwalk Engagement pictures 

Ever heard of Long beach boardwalk in long beach NY. A very famous boardwalk that was destroyed by sandy nearly 2 1/2 years ago . I remember it was pretty bad. Take a look at some of the images that I pulled off the internet to show you the progress that NY has made. This place is not nicer then ever and this is the reason why Dayna and Chris decided to have their engagement portrait session here.

Regardless it was my second time back since the storm. I honestly didn't even know how nice it was until I showed up. It was full of tourist and different people who were there just to enjoy a beautiful sunny june day .  As I got to know Chris & Dayna a little more during our conversation  , I learned of Chris's recent back surgery so I couldn't really ask him to pick Dayna up or do the usual piggy-back rides. It didn't really matter at this point because Chris and Dayna had amazing body chemistry. They were really into each-other and less into the photos which made it a little bit easier for me . Although there were tons of people at the boardwalk & beach  we tried to shoot in such a way that the photos was composed of just the two of them .  Their is an entry fee of 12$ per person. So if you are wondering or want to stroll the Long Beach sand and water, be prepared to have 12$ on you. No credit cards or debit cards . I took them on a stroll on the actual beach. We took some portraits by the rocks and then i proposed this idea .  I asked them if they were ok to go into the water and they agreed. This made for some amazing photos. I actually fell into the water because one of the waves snuck up behind me and made me loose my equilibrium , but the camera was fine. It was worth it for the shot.

 Filippo Barbarotto
originphotos
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HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 4

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 4


Decide on a date and an alternate date. Call your ceremony location , Venue locations, portrait location and see your options to find out what is available and how the cost fits into your overall plan. If you find the right venue and ceremony location for you and your budget. Don't wait to long because someone will jump on that opportunity . 

If the site is out of your price range , you can inquire about having it on an alternate day. Friday and Sunday weddings have become more common . In some cases it becomes more cost efficient compared to a saturday wedding . 

You can always ask to have a daytime wedding if the wedding venue is booked during the evening. That is always a good option and more cost efficient.

Be realistic, A Valentine's Day wedding, or a July 4th wedding  will be extremely hard to book on short notice unless you can be really creative. The prices usually almost double when you want to book a wedding on a holiday 

Make sure you find out all of the "What if's" such as refunds, cancellation policies, moving the day to another month, etc. The contract usually has all of this info clearly stated. 

Normally the deposits are about 20% , so really think twice before leaving that check. 

Hope this advice helps deciding on booking a venue on short notice . 

Filippo Barbarotto

info@originphotos.com

Origin photos 

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 3

Guests list, or determining where everyone will sit. You have to be civil and yet separate the people that don't like each other. 

LOL work with your hubby on this. It will take a few weeks but it will get done . 

 Do the math realistically. Determine how many people you can entertain with the budget and space you have available. Keep in mind that whoever you invite there is usually a 10% drop out rate. 10% of the people you invite won't show up . 

 As you proceed through the planning process, your guest list size may influence your destination choice, and venue choice. 

Some venues and reception halls have a restricted amount people allowed into the building. Its by law. 

Therefore, your choice depending on who your inviting and budget  may also affect how many people you can invite. If you start getting an idea of guests together early, it will help you throughout the whole planning process. Start getting their addresses together. Instead of writing everything down , use a google calendar for just the wedding. 

Input all of the information properly so that you can even print it out Alphabetically . This will eliminate frustration and perhaps some stress when making the cut-Sheet.

  Don't worry about invitations until you're sure you want to invite (and can accommodate). You have to set aside all of the politics first . 

Filippo Barbarotto
info@originphotos.com
Origin photos

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME part 2

I constantly hear of budget So I figured I would address some information about this.  Unfortunately this is the first step in planning any wedding. The budget is very important so it is important to make sure you allocated an IDEAL amount of spending towards the wedding. Once again THIS IS VERY DIFFICULT . As wedding vendors and wedding professionals. We completely understand the struggles of this tight situation .  However,  even more important when planning on a short time line. Sometimes you don't have enough time to plan everything out and go out there and visit different vendors to see and receive the best deals .  Because of the short time frame the money you spend won't be spread out over a year or two. This is something very difficult to accept and difficult grasp. Imagine you start to book different vendors and all of sudden you just saw your checking account and you are 5k-6k in a whole.  You need to look at what funds you have to spend and be able to live and pay your bills as well . You have rent, mortgage, honeymoon to plan , phone bills and ETC. You may need to scale down the vision of your wedding. It's very easy to rely on credit but you need to seriously consider if entering into a marriage with a debt is something to look forward too. Also don't rely on the gift and envelops of guests. I know what you are all thinking , " Well receive X-$$$ of dollars. Perhaps that would cover the party expenses. " No one wants to start a marriage in bankruptcy. The number one reason for young marriages failing is financial stress. Keep your eye on the ball. I read a few articles online and this one came to mind and I'm quoting from it .  "Does your financial security determine your personal security? If you’re like us, you probably want to answer ‘No’, but have to answer ‘Yes’…" Please read it  HERE. So it is very important for a healthy marriage to spend wisely. I'm not saying to go on craigslist and hire a photographer for 250$ .  Just think of what's important and start with that . According to your budget .

Filippo Barbarotto
Info@originphotos.com
Origin photos 

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME


The initial thing you must do is preparing yourself. This is going to be a bumpy ride full of ups and downs. You need to be in the right state of mind and accept that some things are our of your control . 

 Be prepared to compromise. Enter into the planning of your wedding with an open mind and flexibility. Keep a flexible point of view on things because not everything will happen like it happened in your mind.  Be ready to alter and change things as they go. 

For instance if you want an outside ceremony and it is Pouring outside , they be prepared to have a plan B . Not only will you need to be flexible with your planning but you need to be willing to make the proper investment for your wedding day. 

Remember it only happens Once. Don't sacrifice your only day to shine . Don't try to over plan or be too controlling. You can always hire a wedding coordinator to relieve some of the wedding planning stress. Take everything with a grain of salt and a sense of humor. 

Believe me everything will work out and beyond with the right people by your side. And remember you are marrying the man or women of your dreams. Your soul-mate.

Filippo Barbarotto,
Info@originphotos.com
Origin photos