Make a Wish!

On your wedding day, your guests want to wish you the best of luck for your new life ahead of you. Inspire your friends and family to give their best wishes with something slightly different than the traditional guest book.

Featured in the June issue of Brides Magazine, these screen-printed wish tags from Etsy.com are sure to urge your guests to send you a thoughtful and creative message. Written similarly to a Mad Lib, these tags bring a witty twist to an old tradition.

After these wish tags are completed by each guest, they can be affixed to a wish tree that is decorated to fit your wedding decor. They can be as simple or ornate as you'd like, and are guaranteed to quickly become an eye-catching focal point.

The wedding wish tree was inspired by Yoko Ono's wish trees which were created around 1981. With the intentions of encapsulating the millions of wishes collected around the world in the Imagine Peace Tower, this global project has not only inspired peace, but also just as insightful wedding wishes for new couples.   

Another alternative to the traditional guest book is the "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls created by Erin of Bride Design. This idea features two bowls or vases, one filled with wishes from the bride and groom for their guests, and the other to be filled with wishes for the newlyweds from their friends and family. This interactive keepsake can be customized to fit your wedding decor, and is a great way to cherish the special wishes and pieces of advice from your big day. 
 

Although the traditional guest book is a classic piece to any wedding, be sure to scope out all of your other options that are sure to further enhance your wedding decor. Looking for other non-traditional pieces for your wedding? Visit  The Events Company for more creative ideas.  

MTP: Mandy & Adam Engaged

She is vibrant and beaming with personality; he is charming and completely in love with her. They are so much fun that they have a hard time being serious!! Mandy and Adam rock - seriously, just awesome! I had a blast photographing them during their engagement session at Thorndon Park near Syracuse University. The lens definitely embraced their personalities and will make for a great guest book at their wedding. Their August 2011 wedding at DeWitt Community Church and reception at Traditions at the Links can't come soon enough. Even my 2nd shooter is excited to meet and photograph this fun-loving pair after seeing this session! Check out my blog for more great photos from their session!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg

A First Class Bash

Music at your wedding is a key facet of your event. It adds a whole other dimension to your ceremony and reception. For an elegant touch, you should consider an orchestra or band. They can provide the traditional sounds of instruments such as a piano, flute, or violin. You can specifically choose songs that have a personal meaning, and when sung by a talented singer like Maria DeSantis of Maria DeSantis Music, the song will begin to take on a whole new form.

MTP: The Studio Featured

Good morning! I hope everyone had a happy, safe and healthy holiday weekend with friends and family! I had a great wedding on Sunday at the Genesee Grande Hotel and spent some QT with family on the 4th. Good times. I just wanted to share that I featured The Wedding Studio on my blog today. Love being a part of this awesome group of professionals. Hope you have a great short week ahead!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg

Name that Tune

The music at your wedding is such a crucial part of your big day. It's important to put a good deal of thought into what music will be played, and more specifically which songs you choose for the traditional dances: father and daughter, mother and son, and of course, your first dance as a couple. Although these dances are not mandatory, they are quite common and it's a good idea to put some time and effort into making just the right musical selection. Here are some tips to get started.

1. Choose a song that has a special meaning for the two of you. Is there a song that always makes you think of the other person? Is there a song that you both really like? You these questions as grounds for possible song choices.

2. Choose a popular song with a good dance tempo. Some professionals suggest staying away from the more emotional songs that will only leave the two of you with tears in your eyes. If this sounds like you, then a song with an upbeat rhythm will let you enjoy each other's company without getting too sad.

3. Do some research. If no particular songs come to mind, then ask around. Your family and friends, or even Google can help you think of a perfect choice. Another great option is consulting your DJ for suggestions. Our friends at Ormond Entertainment will be happy to help you come up with a solution!  

MTP: Engagement Sessions Are Key To Your Wedding Day

One of the many things I love is having the opportunity to photograph my brides and grooms before their wedding day. Engagement sessions are an awesome way to get to know one another more, experience the pace of my photography style, practice some posing, get comfortable and just relax. These sessions also build trust; after seeing their e-session photos, couples are even more excited for their wedding pictures and have direct, hands-on confidence that I will help make them look and feel great. Couples can share what they like and don't like in regards of posing which I make note of and incorporate into their wedding day. There are tons of great locations through out the Central New York region and I'm happy suggest places or you are welcome to share a place that has sentimental value to you. You can have fun, be creative, reflect your style as a couple, and bring props if your heart desires! Either way, consider having an engagement session done with your photographer before your big day!

Nicole & Josh opted for a late afternoon session in Skaneateles, NY.

Stacey & Matt chose their session at Upper Onondaga Park in Syracuse, NY.

Be sure to check out my brand new blog for more images from these beautiful engagement sessions!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg

MTP: Kristina & Art Married @ Elks Lodge

"All gave some. Some gave all." Memorial Day Weekend was a great time to honor to those with loved ones who have served our country and those who continue to.

Perfectly fitting, I photographed the laid back wedding of Kristina and Art on May 28, 2011, which was rescheduled from last year because of his military commitments. So this long-time coming celebration came at the right time!

Married at St. Mary's in Oswego, NY, check out my brand new blog to see more photos and slideshow from Kristina & Arts Wedding Day!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg