Look Beautiful in Every Wedding Photo!

Your Perfect
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Wedding
luxlight
photogr phy
www.luxlightphotography.net
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A Say About Your
Hii! My name is Melissa
2
Wedding Day!
And I have been a wedding photographer in Traverse City for seven years, and I LOVE helping out brides just like you!
Welcome to the world of wedding grandeur-every package, tip, trick, and secret to designing your perfect wedding day in Traverse City, Michigan!
Your day is all about relfecting your style, personality, and relationship...and trust me, I have been around long enough to know that this can
be...let’s just say, a tad MORE than overwhelming. But breathe a sigh of relief, because I have designed a list of resources that encompass not
just your wedding photography, but everything else in between - wedding timeline, makeup tips, and the BEST vendors to choose from in the
Northern Michigan area. Everyone that meets me knows that I am a “list” person and developes each day based on all the activites and goals I
need to accomplish-and probably things so long that they will overlap into the next millenium.
So I have created the ULTIMATE list for you and all those other women who like me, need more than just pen and paper to plan their wedding day.
5 Tips to P lanning Your Wedding
S tep 1. Meet Your Vendors 2. P ick What’s Important
It is crucially important that you meet face-to-face with every
vendor. On the day of your wedding, you are going to be
thinking about a thousand things, and the last thing you need
to worry about is…who is my florist again? I don’t even know
what my photographer looks like!
Enjoy this process-it is afterall, just for you!
5 MUST HAVE Secrets to Planning
the Perfect Wedding
First Look Advice
Getting Ready - Hair & Makeup
Preferred Vendors
Posing Guide
All Wedding Photography in this Wedding Guide is by me, Lux Light Photography!
231-633-9410 | www.luxlightphotography.net
Just For Grooms
I know, this one sounds a bit funny…because a wedding
is the start of a marriage, isn’t it all important? Of course
it is! What I am really saying is, find a few priorities, put
the most energy into them, and then accept the fact that
your secondary items may or may not happen exactly perfectly, but that will be ok.
I have seen so many poor brides come into my studio, crying from being overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhausted
from the planning stages of a wedding.
Let your vendors organize and keep track of your details. You
deserve to live in the moment, because before you know it,
the wedding day will be over. But you can’t leave all the details of the wedding plans in the hands of your vendors, if you
don’t TRUST them! So definitely meet them, feel them out,
get comfortable - so that on the day of your wedding, you are
meeting a friend, instead of simply a vendor you hired.
But is it VITALLY IMPORTANT to remember that the real
reason you are planning a wedding, is to start a marriage
with the person you love the most. It is NOT about table
decor, or how the bow should be properly tied around the
reception chairs. Yes, the details are exquisite. Yes, they
will make memories of a lifetime. But when all is said and
done, what you will remember most about your wedding
day, is your FEELINGS. Your emotion.
So make it a priority to feel the love, feel the joy, experience the pure happiness on this day. And if something
goes wrong, let it go! Your dream wedding will come true
with this attitude, I guarantee it!
3. Know Your
Wedding Party
Will your groomsmen be rowdy? Will everyone
be willing to participate in the type and posing of
wedding photos that you truly want? These questions are great to ask yourself, because it not only
prepares you, but also can prepare your vendors
so that they know, they might have to have a firm
hand on keeping the guys in check. Or maybe offer a bit of encouragement to the bridesmaids who
aren’t comfortable standing in the front of the camera. Whatever it may be, let your vendors know so
that they can assess the moods and attitudes of the
wedding party, and correspond appropriately. This
will make a much more enjoyable experience not
only for you, but also for your wedding party!
4. Have a P lan B
So many weddings in Northern Michigan are outside, because the beauty of the landscape is usually
what draws us to get married here in the first place!
But unfortunately, Mother Nature isn’t the nicest
leaf on the tree, and she can bring in not-so-pretty
weather. Be prepared for this occurrence, both emotionally and physically. Emotionally, because it can
be disappointing to not have a gorgeous day. And
physically, because if you are planning on being
outside, you might not want you and your guests
to get soaking wet. But there are ways around the
weather! If the weather is looking wet 3 days in
advance, go out with your bridesmaids and each
purchase a cute umbrella and rain boots! Make
your guys wear funky socks and roll up their pant
legs for some retro-mod wedding pics! Have fun
with it! That way, rain or shine, you will still enjoy
whatever Mother Nature throws at you!
5. Remember, Remember
the Love!
I can’t stress this enough…remember WHY you are planning a wedding. Remember WHY you
are designing centerpieces and bouquets. It is because you are starting the adventure of a lifetime,
and promising to love someone forever. I know we touched on this one earlier, but that is because
if you forget every other tip I shared with you, this is the most important one to remember. This is
the start of your lives together. Live it. Breath it. Covet it. You will live in peace, happiness, and joy.
And most of all, you will experience each and every moment of this journey together. Congratulations, your life starts now! So go out, and enjoy it!
11 Makeup Tips
for Beautiful Brides
Wondering how natural or glam you should go?
Check out these tips for your photo-perfect style!
Tan at Least Two Days in Advance
If you’re going to get a fake tan before the big day, spray-tan at
least two days prior to your wedding. It’ll darken on the second
day, and by the third day, it’ll have settled and be perfect.
Get Wide-Awake Eyes in Seconds
Always use a shimmer powder in the inner corners of your eyes before
taking any photos. It makes a huge difference — it really will give you eyes
that look bright and awake.” Use a brush with a smaller head to get right
into the inner corners of the eyes.
Waterproof Makeup Is Key
If you’re worried you’re going to cry on your wedding day, use a great
product by Benefit called She Laq that will seal everything. Take the She
Laq (it comes with four different brushes for easy application) and put it
all over your lid to seal in shadow and liner so it won’t run when you cry.
And don’t forget waterproof mascara! Even if you don’t like waterproof,
use it as an extra coat over your other mascara. And, if you’re wearing
false lashes, use a glue that’s waterproof, too.
Use Eye-Enhancing Makeup Techniques
Consider Climate Before Applying
Play Up Your Makeup for Photos
Especially for brides getting married in warmer climates, consider using as many oil-free products as possible — primer, moisturizer, foundation, etc. — and keeping oil-free blotting sheets
on hand.
Put on a little more makeup than you would apply normally,
more than you think you need, since the camera and lights will
tone down your makeup. If you’re doing your own makeup:
Practice and take pictures before the big day. Start with less,
because it’s easier to add more if you need it than having to
remove excess makeup, which can get messy.
Use a Primer
You want to make sure you cleanse and really moisturize the
skin before you start applying your makeup. Then, after you
moisturize and before you put on your foundation, there’s a
really important step — primer. It’ll make your makeup go on
smoother and last a lot longer. You’re going to have a long day
ahead of you, and you want your makeup to last you all day
and all night.
Primer for Eye Shadow
Using an eye shadow primer ensures smudge-free makeup, a
must when you’re wearing all white.
For a Natural Makeup Look
Try a cream blush. It goes on sheer and looks healthy and fresh.
If you want more staying power, try layering a powder blush on
top of it.
Focus darker eye shadow on the outside of eyes, moving lighter and
brighter as you work in, so you don’t close off the eyes. You want them
to look big, bright, and beautiful. And if you happen to mess up on your
eye makeup? Just take a little makeup remover or eye cream on a Q-tip
to clean it up. If you use a wipe, you’re risking ruining your foundation
and concealer too.
You Can Learn Where to Place Your Blush Just
by Smiling!
When you smile, the apple of your cheek pops out. Place your blush right
there and blend into your temple — this will make it look like you’re
naturally flushing.
Play it Safe
If you’re considering making a drastic change (i.e. lightening brows,
changing hair color, doing an intense tan), think twice. Changing your
look so significantly before such a big event can be a big mistake. Instead,
aim to look like yourself—just enhanced.
enjoy yourself!
All Wedding Photography in this Wedding Guide is by me,
Lux Light Photography!
231-633-9410 | www.luxlightphotography.net
Keep having regular haircuts.
At your trial, your artist can give you guidance
on whether you need to grow your hair. If your
hair is very long or unlayered, it can be difficult to manage and style, limiting the looks
your artist can show you at your trial.
Don’t get your hair cut just before the wedding!
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so avoid having a cut too close to your wedding. Especially
avoid a radical change of style.
hair
No need to stress about how your veil is going to integrate with your hair-do or
if that piece from your grandmother will fall out! Let the solutions commence!
Look after those locks.
Pay special attention to hair care in the weeks
before your trial and wedding, so that your
hair is shiny and healthy. If you’re unsure of
the best products for your hair type, consult
with your stylist.
Be product-free on the day.
On the day of your hair trial, bring anything you think will help your stylist understand the looks you love or the style of your wedding. Have
a friend take a photo of you in your dress at a fitting. Bring a swatch of fabric if you think that will help. Bring pictures of brides, celebrities,
models -- anyone whose look inspires you.
On your trial day and wedding day, have clean,
dry hair. Avoid using a lot of conditioner that
morning, especially a leave-in one. Stay away
from silkening products that weigh your hair
down and make it slippery to work with.
Enhance your unique beauty.
Be flexible.
Be open.
Your hair trial gives you the chance to live with a look and discover whether you feel comfortable with it. If your hair artist suggests looks that
you hadn’t considered before, don’t feel pressured to follow their advice, but while you have their expertise at your fingertips, you may as well
give it your consideration.
Say it rains or a wind suddenly springs up on
your wedding day, and that down style you
had your heart set on just isn’t working. Don’t
worry -- last-minute changes can be okay, so
long as you and your artist are prepared. When
you come in to Once Upon a Bride for a trial,
your artist will show you a couple of styles and
variations so that you have options on the day.
Accessorize.
Flaunt it. Enjoy it!
Show and tell.
When you’re finding pictures to show your stylist, try to find ones that don’t stray too far from your own look and style. If you are the kind of
girl who loves having her hair down and flowing, maybe you don’t want to go for a sleek updo -- and vice versa. I think it’s best to go with the
look you normally go for when you dress up for an occasion, and then glam it up a notch for your wedding day.
There are so many great hair accessories available now to add a gorgeous accent to your wedding hair. It will depend on the look you’re going
for. For a more classical look, you might want to wear a Swarovski crystal brooch. Jeweled barrettes can be great. Some of my favorites at the
moment are bird-cage veils, feathers, and unstructured fabric flowers, which go beautifully with more flowing, playful gowns.
Extend yourself.
Don’t shy away from having hair extensions for your wedding day; it’s way less of a drama than it may sound. And no one needs to know -- it
can be our secret! Extensions are great if you want a little more length or fullness, or if you or your artist is worried about your hair holding a
particular style all through your wedding day. Even if your own hair falls, the extensions won’t.
So you are probably tired of hearing from
everyone, just enjoy your day and don’t
stress!Yeah, ok, whatever you say. But at least
for the morniing, gather your girls, drink those
bloody marys, and watch the magic happen as
your stylists rubs and relaxes your hair! Put
your mind at ease and let your bridal party
distract you from your details of the day. They
will come when the time is right!
Make each other laugh.
Posing guide!
OK, ladies (and gents, too) I’ve been so excited to share this feature with y’all! I love, love,
love when our brides give us tips of any sort, since, well, they’re the pros! One thing most
of us probably don’t think about until the day arrives, is how to look natural in front of the
camera. It can be challenging to forget that your every moment is being captured and to
always achieve a natural look. Here are a few of my tried and true modeling tips that will
result in the best outcome possible… laid back, happy, gorgeous photos that are all you!
Laughter is a beautiful thing! The camera
LOVES it. Even if you don’t think of yourself
as a comedian, you do know your fiance
pretty well. I bet you could think of one or
two things to whisper to him/her to make
them react, right? (And if you know where
they’re ticklish, then hey…) And making another person laugh is a chain reaction. Soon
you’re laughing at their surprise, and voila
– a real moment for the camera to capture.
Sometimes it’s as simple as acknowledging
that its kind of awkward taking pictures in
our wedding clothes while a bunch of people
are staring at us. Just laugh at the moment
and enjoy it.
Avoid Looking
at the Camera
Have you ever wondered why you don’t see
actors looking directly into the camera in the
movies? One of the reasons is to give the impression that the camera is “invisible.” So,
watching a movie is like seeing all the action without being noticed. Not looking to the
photographer will yield more natural-looking
pictures.
Show Off Your Love
Do you want to know one thing that EVERY
wedding photographer likes? Wedding photographers like couples who interact with
each other. What instantly makes a wedding
picture more appealing are couples that look
at each other, that smile at each other and
that show off their feelings and love. And
stay together during the reception! Spend
time visiting friends and family together,
eat together, and of course, dance with each
other!
Be Natural.
So simple, and this is truly the most important tip. Leave the difficult stuff
to your photographer (figuring out how and where to pose you). But you
will be such a help to them by looking and feeling as natural as you can.
Natural, relaxed, comfortable. It’s the feeling part that counts. It’s kind
of amazing how what you feel inside is literally broadcast on your face
and in your body language.
One way to achieve this is to pretend the camera is catching you in a real
moment. For example, maybe your photographer has directed you to embrace one another. Then focus on the affection you feel for your partner.
Breathe it in. Whatever you need to do to achieve that state of mind – do
it. Close your eyes, sneak a kiss, revisit a memory of that person that
makes you feel good.
P lay With Something.
Your posture is important, and so are your hands. The camera loves interaction. I always make sure that the hands in a photograph are doing
something – not just hanging. Your dress, veil, bouquet, your hair, his
tie – there’s ways to play with all of these things – and that can create
a more dynamic picture. It can be as simple as reaching up to fiddle
with one of your earrings, or reaching down to smooth out your dress.
The subtlest movement or moment might take a “good” photograph to
“amazing”.
The less you look and pay attention to the camera-the better!
Use your bridesmaids to get those awkward “fake laugh” moments started and soon,
‘you’ll be rolling in the dirt (hopefully not literally!)
All Wedding Photography in this Wedding Guide is by me, Lux Light Photography!
231-633-9410 | www.luxlightphotography.net
your experience will be flawless!
These PREFERRED VENDORS are the top
in their business - truly Traverse City’s best of the best!
1
Wedding Vendors
Park Shore Resort
www.parkshoreresort.com
Phone: 231-947-3800
Park Shore
Resort
Traverse City MI
Lux Light Photography
Lux Light
P hotography
www.luxlightphotography.net
Phone: 231-633-9410
Name: Melissa Lande
Traverse City MI
Premier Floral
www.premierfloral.com
Phone: 231-947-1167
Name: Pam Devol
Bella e Dolce
My
North
Chelsea had her dream come true when her wedding
photos was recently featured in My North’s Wedding Magazine!
Photographer: Lux Light Photography, Venue: ParkShore Resort
www.bellaedolce.com
Phone: 231-625-8232
Name: Kim Sperl
3. Get Your Suit Tailored
Since you won’t be renting, make sure to get your suit, tux, or whatever you wear
tailored to fit you perfectly. Some guys like to lose weight before the wedding, so
get it tailored a month or two before the wedding when you’ve reached your ideal
size. Ill-fitting clothes automatically add ten to fifteen pounds in photos, so avoid
the in camera weight gain and make sure your suit or tux fits your body perfectly.
Tips Just For Grooms
4. Add Personal Details
You bought the ring, popped the question, and now you get to kick back until your wedding
day rolls around, right? Well, that’s one option, but the best way to keep her happy -- and you
out of the doghouse -- is to get involved.
1. Fit the Wedding
When it comes to picking your groom look, don’t just go with a basic rented tux and colored vest that matches the bridesmaids – can you say
blah? Pick an outfit that helps you feel your best. This is your wedding day, folks, not your prom, so find a suit or tux that will fit the look and
feel of the wedding as well as your personality. Are you getting married in a meadow under an oak tree? What about a light gray suit with a
fitted jacket and a pop of color in a patterned tie? Is it going to be a backyard casual reception? Think about linen slacks and colored shirts for
a casual jacketless look instead of tuxes. Get creative!
2. Buy. Don’t rent.
Before you make another move, please hold up your left hand, place your right
hand over your heart, and repeat after me.
“I will not rent my wedding day suit. So help me God.”
Rentals are meant to fit every shape and size, so even though the wonderful folks
over at the rental shop wrap you in measuring tape and give you a suit ‘perfect
for your size’, I can’t tell you how many baggy tuxes with crazy long shirt sleeves
we’ve had to photograph. There is nothing personalized about a rental no matter
what they tell you. We see the finished product every weekend, so please trust me
when I say that no guy looks good in a rented outfit. Plus, I’ve heard way too many
horror stories of rental shops forgetting to include shoes, shirts, pants, or the right
sizes altogether.
Think about it this way: the wedding is the perfect opportunity to buy a super nice
tailored suit or tux that will last for a lifetime. Every guy needs a nice suit in his
wardrobe for job interviews, black tie events, career opportunities, and upscale
dinners, so why not invest in one for the wedding? You’ll thank me later when your
bride gets invited to that swanky black tie fundraiser event at her favorite boutique
hotel and you don’t have to worry ‘cuz you already have the perfect outfit…
Once you’ve chosen your suit, add some personal touches that are meaningful and
reflective of you. For example, we’ve had groom’s wear:
•
Rainbows…
•
Vans…
•
Ostrich leather cowboy boots…
•
Striped socks…
•
Pocket watches…
•
Crazy nice watches…
•
Sytlin’ hats...
And everything in between to add personality to their looks. Do what fits your
personal taste, but add a little somethin’ somethin’ to round out your wedding
day style.
5. To Bout or Not to Bout?
Boutonniere that is.
While I’m a fan of boutonniere’s, I always suggest keeping them simple and a
bit masculine using flowers that are hardy. I’ve seen one too many boutonnieres
fall apart from hugs and heat long before the ceremony starts, so make sure that
the flowers you choose for the guys will last through the hardship they’ll be put
through. Or follow Calen and Kendall’s lead and go with cute fabric designs from
Etsy.
With that being said, if you’re looking to cut back on part of the floral budget for
use elsewhere, skip the groom and groomsmen boutonnieres altogether and just
order some for moms and grandparents. Focus on the overall style of the guys’
outfits instead of the small flowers since the suits will make a much bigger impact.
6. Speaking of the Groomsmen...
I think it’s only natural to put a lot of effort into the look of the bridesmaids there’s so many options, colors, fabrics, and styles with the girls that it’s just plain
FUN. But I have had my fair share of rockin’ bridesmaids matched with severely
blah groomsmen, so don’t forget the boys on your inspiration board. One tip: think
retail. We’ve had entire bridal parties outfitted with suits & dresses from places
like Express, Bloomingdale’s, H&M, Forever 21, and Nordstrom and sometimes it
ends up being the same cost if not a little cheaper for your best man to purchase
a pair of slacks, a colored shirt, a funky tie, and a classy vest from Express than to
rent a suit. Plus, you can typically be a little more creative because retail just plain
has more options to choose from. The look of the groomsmen has a big impact on
the entire look of the wedding, so help the guys look and feel stylin’ by thinking
retail instead of rental.
One of the hardest decisions a couple has to make when planning their wedding is whether or not to do a First
Look. I’ve talked about first looks a lot on my blog, why I love them, the pros and cons of both sides, and why I
would personally decide to do one. I think the biggest reason couples are unsure about a first look is that they don’t
want to take away from the “aisle moment” – the moment where the bride walks down the aisle toward her groom.
I know for my husband, that was his biggest hesitation in doing a first look – he didn’t want to detract from that
moment! And I don’t blame him – neither did I!
Here’s some of the tips brides have shared with me, on the best “First Look,” that will not detract from the precious
moment of your ceremony!
Having a private moment between you and your husband-to-be is almost unheard of on your wedding day (believe it or not.) The
First Look has become the most private part of your day (away from wedding party or hovering mothers.) It is quiet and peaceful
and allows time to LOVE on each other (with your photographer there to capture it all so that you can always remember this moment and the expressions that go with it.)
Coordinate with your photographer or wedding planner to make sure that there is enough time after your “first look” that you are
able to leave the premises to give yourself atleast 30-45 minutes before your ceremony to digress and relax (and also allows time
for the adrenaline to build back up until you see your hubby-to-be again as man and wife!) This also hides you from your guests!
Planning the First Look usually allows for planned time to do all family photos before the ceremony. The benefits you ask? After
the ceremony (and all the nerves that go with it) you are now free and clear to relax and enjoy the FUN! Rejoice in the moment
and live it up with your hubby and bridal party! It also shortens your time in between your ceremony and reception, so your
guests aren’t waiting so long and you can look forward to ab earlier dinner!
TIP: This also cuts down on cocktail drink expenses if you are on a budget!
Questions? Comments? Want to book
your Wedding Photography? Contact
me below and I’d be happy to help!
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photogr phy
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