Woyski Photography www.woyski.com

The wedding venue may be one of the most important decisions that you make during the wedding planning process. Not only does it affect the largest portion of your budget, it also affects every element of your design and theme.  Although it is a momentous decision that will take a lot of time to consider, this should be one of the first items on every bride-to-be’s to-do list.

MCE has compiled a list of things to consider when choosing the location of your first dance as a married couple:

1. Capacity. You need to have a general idea of how many guests will attend. Unfortunately, not all venues can accommodate 500 guests. On the other hand, some venues will look empty with 50 people inside.

2. Geographic Location. Do you want your venue to be close to your parents and/or the majority of your extended family or would you rather it is close to your current home? Do you want to ignore both of those things have a destination wedding? The location of the wedding will determine how many of your guests are able to attend.

3. Type.  Hotels offer the advantage of allowing out of town guests an easy place to stay afterward. If your venue is a remote vineyard, you may need to hire a shuttle to a local hotel.  Community centers are typically larger and more affordable. A family or friend’s large home creates a more intimate setting (yet the cost of renting a dance floor, tables, etc will add up). A museum can create a very unique vibe. You must really consider which elements are more important to you when choosing the venue type.

4.  Willingness to Accommodate. This a huge factor that many couples overlook.  Many venues will require you to use their caterer or cake designer, or won’t allow you to add your decorations of choice (candles are often not allowed). Some venues will not permit loud music past a certain hour. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible about any restrictions.

5.  Availability. Obviously, not all venues will be available on the date of your choice. You may have to change your date or decide to forgo a venue based solely on the date.

6.  Cost and Extra Fees. All venues have difference pricing options and nearly all of them add on extra fees. Be sure to find out what the fees are up front so that you aren’t surprised when you receive your final bill.

7. Theme. Your venue is going to alter the entire theme of your wedding. An outdoor garden reception is going to turn out differently than a grand ballroom reception. A ballroom that only has gold chairs available may not be suitable to your silver and black themed wedding. It’s important to choose a venue that suits the vision you have for your color scheme and table-scapes.

There are so many elements to consider when choosing a venue. Once you’ve considered all of the above, tell your wedding planner your requirements for each of them and express which are the most important to you. This will help her create a list of venues for you to visit.

During the venue visits, be sure to note whether or not they fit with each of your requirements. Other questions to ask the venue include: the number of parking spots available and if guests have to pay for parking, if a mock lay-out of similarly sized events is available, and alternatives in the event of rain (if part of the reception will be outdoors). If possible, have a meal at the venue restaurant either when you visit on a separate occasion to assess the quality of food and service.

When you find venues that you like, be sure to ask the representative if they know of other couples considering the same date. If so, you may need to make your decision quickly. Don’t feel pressured to chose a venue just because it may book, but do know that just because you viewed a venue and it was available at the time, it may not be free after you’ve viewed the rest on your list.

Happy venue hunting!

greenvilledailyphoto.com

The love of your life just asked you to be his wife. You can’t contain your excitement but you also know that you have a very large task ahead of you – planning your wedding! MCE is here to help explain what exactly to do (and not to do) after you get engaged:

1) Live in the moment! You will only be engaged once and it’s time to enjoy it. If he proposed in a private location, try to fight the urge to call everyone you know immediately. Instead, gush over the ring, talk about your future, and enjoy each other’s company for the last time before everyone is bombarding you with wedding planning questions.

2) Tell your family and close friends. Call everyone individually and don’t assume that people will find out through others. Then, if you’d like, you can send a clever, thought out E-card to your close friends and family with a picture or video of the two of you with the story of the proposal and an expression of your excitement that each of the recipients will be included in your big day. Be sure to let all close friends and family know before posting anything to your Facebook account, no matter HOW tempting it may be to let 500 of your closest acquaintances know that you are engaged.

3) Discuss a date. The length of your engagement is completely up to you. Do not let others pressure you into rushing or prolonging your engagement. Some things to consider when picking a date include your financial situation (do you need to save money to pay for the wedding?), the demand of your job (try to plan your wedding at least a month after any busy periods at work) , the weather you’d prefer (although as we all know this can never be counted on), and your personal taste (do you prefer light, summery colors or bold, dark winter colors?).

4) Settle on a general budget guideline. No budgets are set in stone and it may take time to determine what exactly your budget will be, but it’s good to have a budget in mind when starting out the planning process. Later you can set a budget in stone and break it out between the various categories of expenses.

5) Start looking for a wedding coordinator. If you have decided that you’d like the assistance of a wedding coordinator to help you plan your wedding, now is the time to look. Wedding coordinators have an abundance of resources and knowledge regarding venues and vendors. It’s best to hire your coordinator before these important decisions have been made. Even if you’d like to just hire a someone for day-of coordination, its best to book in advance, as the best coordinator’s schedules fill up quickly! Also, your day-of coordinator may be able to offer you a little bit of advice into the planning process despite not being hired to help you with all the details. Another reason to book a planner early is that you can forward him or her all of your wedding planning correspondence with vendors and venues as you get them so that she is in the loop every step of the way.

6) Draft a guest list. I could write a whole blog entry about guest lists, but for brevity sake, I won’t. Divide your list into a few categories. Start with immediate family and very close friends – the people that definitely will be invited and will be allowed to bring a date. Create a second list for extended family and friends that you stay in touch with regularly. The last list will be very extended family (perhaps step-family members, distant cousins that live states away, your mom’s best friend from kindergarten that you see every three years, your college roommates that you promised to invite to your wedding but haven’t had more than a few conversations with since you graduated). Count up the first two lists and that is your starting point.  The last list is the list that you can begin to cross people off of if your budget doesn’t allow. You won’t really know if your budget allows until you start looking at reception venues. One important tip is to consider crossing off entire groups (i.e. all coworkers) rather than one or two people from each group. This will avoid hurt feelings.

7) Now the fun and creativity really begins. Buy a bridal binder! Although your planner will have her own binder with all the details for your wedding, it’s a great idea to buy yourself a binder with sectional tabs to store your wedding planning ideas, contracts, and information (or even create a folder on your computer and save all research to word and excel documents). Some good starting points for sections are 1) Guest Lists 2) Budget 3) Contracts 4) Dress Ideas 5) Bridesmaids 6) Invitations 7)Flowers/Cakes and 8 ) Reception Ideas. Your binder can serve as both a source of organization as well as a source of inspiration. Buy wedding magazines and start clipping out anything that appeals to you and file these clippings in the respective areas. This will also help you work with your coordinator on generating a vision of what your wedding will be like.

Above all, remember to enjoy this time and try to keep stress at a minimum. In the end, it’s just one day of your life. Celebrate the wonderful relationship that you and your fiance share.

Happy planning!

*For more information about this press release or the Spartan Hike, contact Elizabeth Giles, at Elizabeth@maxcap.net or Daniel Arcand at Daniel@AmericanSpartanInc.com.

American Spartan Inc Press Release:

Marines Hiking 419 Miles for Wounded Veterans Fundraiser by New Non Profit

American Spartan Inc. has gathered Marines from Camp Pendleton to hike 22 days along the coast. The Spartan Hike is a fundraiser to aid veterans wounded in combat.
American Spartan Inc. 

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. Jan. 4, 2011 – A dozen United States Marines will be hiking a total of 419 miles along the coast to raise money for the nonprofit organization, American Spartan Inc. Leaving San Francisco on Feb. 12, the Marines will hike 19.2 miles daily, until arriving in San Clemente on March 5. American Spartan Inc. provides financial assistance to combat wounded veterans.

The volunteer hikers are all Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. The Marines are sponsored by both businesses and individuals for each mile hiked. The Spartan Hike is the first large fundraiser for the new non profit, and a testament to the organizations dedication to meet their first goal of $100,000.

“As casualties climb during our nine year, two front, War on Terror, there is a greater demand for financial and moral support for wounded veterans.  Thus, there is a greater need for organizations like this, and who better to start one than US combat veterans,” said Chairman and Founder, Sergeant Daniel Arcand.   

According to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, 4,481 warriors were wounded in Afghanistan in 2010 alone. Living through combat is only the first step in an uphill battle for the injured service men and women. Support from family and friends is crucial and costly, as many surgeries take place overseas. American Spartan Inc. aims to provide financial assistance to the families, so they may be with their loved ones during this time. Following the surgeries and military discharge, American Spartan Inc. seeks to help the wounded as they transition back into the civilian world and continue their rehabilitation.

American Spartan Inc. was founded and operated by volunteering, active duty Marines. The purpose of American Spartan Inc. is to provide financial relief and moral support for wounded veterans and their families, with the Spartan Hike being their first large fundraiser.  Those interested in learning more about American Spartan Inc. and the work they are doing for wounded warriors, can visit their website at http://www.americanspartaninc.com.

Woyski Photography www.woyski.com

Autumn, especially in southern California, is a great time to host a wedding for a number of reasons. The weather is slightly cooler yet comfortable yet prices are often reduced so you’ll leave for your honeymoon with a lighter wallet. Autumn weddings also mean that your wedding has potential to stand apart from traditional spring or summer weddings as there are so many new colors, flavors, decor, and flowers to choose from.  Maximum Capacity Events has put together some things to consider when planning a fall wedding:

Colors:

Although brown is the most common color theme for a fall wedding, it’s a great idea to mix in some brighter shades. The key to mixing in a traditionally “summer” color such as baby yellow or pink, for example, is to offset the bright with a flattering darker hue. For example, pair hot pink and charcoal grey or navy blue with a bright gold.  When it comes to outfitting your bridal party, the most flattering bridesmaid dress shades for this time of year are rust, aubergine and deep green.

Flowers:

Some of the most popular fall flowers include roses, orchids, gardenias, mums and dahlias. 

Venue:

As for the venue itself, a library, lodge, vineyard, or even a barn make for a beautiful setting. And remember that just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean that all of the festivities must take place indoors. If the reception is early enough, it’s can be refreshing to hold the cocktail hour outdoors. Be sure to have heat lamps set up and have all guests indoors by the time the sun sets.

Tablescapes:

One option for a beautiful fall tablescape involves tall reception centerpieces made of willow branches paired with candles in clay votives. If you are looking for a more fun, lighthearted way to celebrate the season, utilize pumpkins, cornucopia, and even bales of hay to decorate. For a more formal Autumn wedding, alternate low, lush arrangements of dark red roses and calla lilies with tall, candlelit floral centerpieces.

 Food and Drink: 

There are a  variety of ways to incorporate seasonal dishes into your fall wedding. You can serve your guests egg nog at cocktail hour or as an after dinner drink. Serve pumpkin soup  or a pear or pomegrantae salad to start. Pair a bold meat with seasonally delicious squash or a sweet potato puree for an entree. Traditional wedding cake is acceptable at any time of year, but if you desire, choose a cake with fall flavors such as pumpkin or cinnamon.  

Favors:      

A creative way to help guests get ready for the upcoming holidays, you could give holiday-inspired favors such as an Christmas tree ornament with your names and your wedding date on it. Another idea for fall favors are maple candles. Last, you could laminate one of your favorite holiday cookie or candy recipes and tie it to a bag of the home-made treats!  

Bargain Hunting:

Although pretty much all vendors will be willing to negotiate with you during the off-season, there are certain vendors that are more likely to cut you a deal. Photographers, videographers and limousine companies are particularly open to negotiation during the fall because weddings typically make up the majority of their business. Hotels and florists are likely to stay busy during the fall hosting corporate events. As always, remember to approach negotiations tactfully – try complimenting the photographers work but mentioning your lower budget rather than outright asking for a off season discount.

Happy Planning!

THE VENDORS:

Ceremony: Linda Lane Park, San Clemente, CA.
*Overlooking the ocean, the couple said their vows to the sound of waves crashing in the background.  The pier that Tyler proposed on was in perfect view of the couple.

Officiate:  The OC Wedding Guy 
*Todd Rodarmel had never met the couple before their wedding day, but he paid close attention to every conversation he had with the couple via phone and was able to make the ceremony personable and unique.

Reception: Private Rental Home, San Clemente, CA
*The large Spanish style house boasts ocean views from the multiple decks, a tropical saltwater pool, and waterfalls over the grotto and romantic Jacuzzi.  With multiple fire pits and a plethora of tropical greenery, it feels very private.

Caterer: Avila’s El Ranchito, Costa Mesa, CA
*Continuing the Spanish theme, the Mexican food was served with flare and make right in front of the guests.

Bartender: Wayne Wolfensberger
Wolfsbergerbuyamerica@msn.com
*A debonair gentleman, Wayne brought class, style, and delectable mixes to the cocktail hour and reception. 

Wedding Gown: Chiyos Bridal, Aurora, CO

Tuxedo Rental: Men’s Warehouse, Irvine, CA

Photographer: Jodi B. Photography
*Friendly, creative, and extremely talented, Jodi Betancourt made sure that every moment was captured.  It can be hard to please a client who’s also a photographer, but Jodi’s direction, patience, and attitude made for a thrilled bride and groom.

Videographer: Mneme Production
*Doug Wagner was the perfect wedding videographer – he was close enough to all the activity to capture it on film, but he was never in the way or your face.  The video will be gorgeous!

Music: Timur Duel
*This Spanish Guitarist played a sweet melody through the ceremony and cocktail hour.  It was the perfect addition the Spanish theme.

DJ: DJ Tempoe
*DJ Ryan Girgis kept the party hopping all night long, knowing just when to turn it up and when to pull back.  He was so good; the kids couldn’t stop from getting their groove on long before the dance floor had opened up.

Florist:  Floral Poetry
*Linda and her team did an amazing job finding blooms to suit this bride’s selective tastes.  They went above and beyond and the results took everyone’s breath away.

Bakery:  Hector’s Cake Shop and Bakery, San Clemente, CA
*Hector is the most amazing cake decorator and baker I’ve ever worked with.  His passion is clear, his talent is undeniable, and that gorgeous cake was gobbled up in the blink of an eye.  All that remained were guests licking their plates and fingers.

Signature Party Rentals:
*They were the only rental company with the cabana in the style the couple longed for.  Great rentals, prices, and selection.

Mr. & Mrs. Riesling!

Tyler’s unity sand came from Florida and Canada. Callie’s came from Colorado Springs and San Clemente.  They truely united their pasts.
Callie always dreamed of saying their vows on the San Clemente Pier, so they did the next best thing and stood on a piece of wood from the pier that her parents rescued for her when they redid the pier a few years ago.

Since Callie’s father and fiance both work for FedEx, it was only fitting that FedEx would make a delivery in the middle of the wedding.  The adorable ring bearer acted on behalf of the company and delivered the couples rings in a FedEx envelope.

These two dolphins were frolicking in the ocean water throughout the entire ceremony.  They were, of course, coordinated and cued by me, the most amazing wedding planner in the world.  If you didn’t believe it before, you better now

The precious flower girl placed her petals neatly alongside the decorative petals. Adorable!

The bridesmaids were dressed in striking hot pink, knee length dresses, with bright orange trim.

This is just the most adorable picture ever!  These shots by friends and family came out so well, I can’t wait to see the professional shots!

Of course their grand entrance into the reception was a playful and fun, just like their personalities.

Callie’s parents, Matt and Jenn, poured their heart and souls into making Callie and Tyler wedding everything they dreamed of.  Tyler is lucky to be getting such incredible in-laws!

The couple and their friends all arrived a few days prior to the wedding so they could relax with fishing, spas, and Disneyland days.

The reception venue.

One of my favorite things about this couple is that they personalized everything.  Instead of a traditional guestbook, they bought a large bottle of Riesling wine (like the couples last name) for the guests to sign.

Callie couldn’t stop herself from picking up a camera on her wedding. Once a photographer, always a photographer, even on your wedding day!

Just like a fairytale!

Stay tuned!  The professional photos will be ready soon and you don’t want to miss see the gorgeous details of this unique wedding.

*This is the first time I’ve blogged about a couple’s wedding.  Since I’m somewhat new to this blogging game, I was a bit overwhelmed at where to start when there are so many MILLION things I want to share about each wedding!  Finally, I’ve decided the only place to start, is the beginning… their beginning.

Callie and Tyler reside by the snow capped Rocky Mountains in Colorado Spring, Colorado.  Born and raised in Southern California, Callie left the beach, but never parted from her California Girl roots.  While Callie was swimming with dolphins and building sand castles, Tyler was bundling up and shoveling snow in Canada.  He traded in the ear muffs for board shorts and began commuting between the sands of Florida and the snows of Ontario, in his quest to improve his flourishing hockey skills.  He soon landed in Colorado Springs to play for the Pikes Peak Miners.

Callie’s brother is also an avid hockey player, so it didn’t take long for destiny to work its magic.  The young lovers met at… a hockey game of course!  They went on one date, and haven’t stopped talking since February 2007. 

During a trip to San Clemente, California, Tyler promised his heart to Callie at the end of the pier.  A few years later, they made it official during a trip to the mountains.  Callie is photographer, so the clever Canadian snuck the ring into her camera bag, knowing she would find it as soon as she pulled out her camera to capture the snowy mountain day. 

These kids are the paradigm of sweet, young love.  Her blonde hair, bronzed skin, sparkling brown eyes, and toothy grin ooze the glow of adoration and devotion out of every pore.  Tyler’s reserved demeanor keeps his feelings hidden behind his brown locks and shy smile… Until you catch him mouthing “I love you” through the window and smiling just because she walked into the room.  Ahhhhhh……

Of course they decided the only place they could ever get married was on the beaches of San Clemente, California.  Their destination wedding was the most unique affair I’ve ever had the privilege of planning.

Stay tuned for another blog!  The professional shots from their wedding aren’t in yet, but I’ll post a few that were taken by friends so you can have a sneak peak.     

 ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

www.woyski.com

You’ve eaten the cake, the flowers are wilted, and you’re back from your honeymoon. After all the planning and excitement, how will YOU remember your wedding day? You have only one chance to get amazing photographs of your wedding so it’s important to be prepared before the big day. Denice Woyski of Woyski Photography, has provided Maximum Capacity Events with some tips that will help you get the most from your wedding photographer(s) and photographs by preventing unnecessary stress and strife on your wedding day.

1.  Select the best photographer for YOU!

-Your photographer is the only vendor with whom you’ll spend all day – it helps if you like them!

- Consider their personality as well as their style, quality and expertise

2. Consider your wedding day timeline very early in the planning process

- Want lots of natural light/daylight photos? Allow for sunset!

- Allow for extra travel time if wedding & reception are in different locations

- Have realistic expectations for the time it takes groups to gather (think “herding cats!”)

- Have a detailed planning session with your photographer. Plan what will be photographed and when and schedule appropriate time for the photographs you want

3. KNOW your wedding venue(s)!

- Avoid unexpected disappointments due to photography restrictions, limited space and/or time for portraits

- Get your photographer’s advice on locations if you want photos somewhere other than at the ceremony/reception location(s)

4. One photographer or two?

- One photographer = 1 place at 1 time

- 2 photographers = 2 points of view, different perspectives, 2 places at 1 time

-2 photographers isn’t just twice as many photos, it is also DIFFERENT photos!

5. Engagement Sessions

- Give yourselves and your photographer a trial run

- Get to know and get comfortable with your photographer, your photographer gets to know you

6. What to wear? Hair? Make-up?!

- Select dresses that FIT, are comfortable and make you feel good!

- Give your hair stylist and make-up artist a trial run before the big day too

- Select hairstyles that fit your location – i.e. loose hair on a windy beach is probably not a good match

7. Have a “Plan B”!

- Talk with your photographer about alternatives in case of rain or other inclement weather

8. Don’t be the “coordinator”

- Have a professional  coordinate your day. You’ll be less stressed and focused on getting married and having fun!

www.woyski.com

Woyski Photography is a husband and wife team with over five years of experience servicing Orange, Riverside & San Diego counties.  Denice is known for her creativity and ability to make couples feel at ease during their engagement sessions and wedding day. These two qualities combine to create unbelievably stunning, unique photographs. For more photographs and information on  Denice and her husband Ron,  see www.woyski.com.

The Best of 10news.com’s A-List features more than 3,800 of San Diego’s best local businesses. Eligible businesses are nominated by their readers and Winners are determined by popular vote meaning that YOU choose the Best of 2010.

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We appreciate every vote, and especially the clients who nominated up for the award!

~ Provided by Woyski Photography ~ www.woyski.com

2.   Cool fabrics such as linen, chiffon , crepe, and organdy are ideal for bridesmaid dresses.

3.  Remind bridesmaids and groomsmen to keep their knees bent slightly during the ceremony. Record heat and locked legs have caused a number of wedding party members to faint during the nuptials!

4.   If your wedding is outdoors, be sure to select a venue with shady areas for guests to cool down before the ceremony and during the reception. If no shade is available, rent tents and set them up within a short walking distance from the ceremony site. 

5.  Have a “Plan B.” If the heat reaches 110, it may not be practical (or beautiful) to take pictures of the bride, groom and bridal party sweating profusely. Scout out some beautiful indoor or shaded areas in advance that may be used for backdrops for pictures.

6.   Hand out hand-fans that match the theme of your wedding. You don’t want everyone using the wedding programs you spent so long selecting or designing as a self-cooling device!

7.  Serve food that compliments the weather. Skip soups and spicy horderves in favor of cool watermelon prosciutto or mini-lemonade popsicles.

Summer in San Diego came a little late this year. Now that is here, hopefully these tips will help keep everyone focused on your special day and not on the weather!