Wedding Wednesday {Best Cleveland Area Wedding Vendors, Tips, & Ideas}

(I know.  I know.  It’s Thursday.  But doesn’t Wedding Wednesday have a much better ring to it?)

Allow me to introduce Ryan to you.  He is one of the DJs at Beach Boyz Entertainment and I asked him to tell us a little bit about himself and the business.  I firmly believe that your wedding entertainment is an essential piece of hosting a wedding people enjoy.  If your guests aren’t having fun you will be disappointed and believe me so will they.

Some DJs in the industry are fantastic and others are just so so.  Do yourself a favor and hire a fantastic one like Ryan here.  :)

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a person who loves to have fun and take life by the horns. I have been married now for 7 years and I have two sons. Austin and Trevor. Austin is 6 years old and in the first grade and Trevor is 3 years old. They are incredible. I just recently bought a home in Firestone Park and loving it. It’s so nice to have the freedom of owning and doing whatever I want, which means, I was able to get a Pet! We have 1 cat named Charlie and a Dog soon to come!

2. Tell us about Beach Boyz Entertainment…where are you located?

Beach Boyz is a wonderful DJ Service. The customers come first. That’s how we separate us from everyone else. It’s not our show, it’s theirs. We want to cater to all that our clients want. We have around 20 guys at the present time working for Beach Boyz. Range from Rookies to guys who have been there for 15 years.

3. How did you become a DJ?

I used to work at Todaro’s Party Center in Akron as a busboy so I got to see DJ’s first hand and got to see how much fun people had. I wanted to be that guy who provided the fun. I loved it when Beach Boyz DJ’d the parties because they made it a night to remember. So that’s why I decided to become a DJ. Didn’t know music too well and was a little quiet, but wanted to try. Now I know thousands upon thousands of songs and have been with Beach Boyz for 11 years. I get to provide the entertainment and provide the smiles as people walk out the door remembering how much fun their event was!

4. What do you think is the most important role of a DJ at a wedding reception?

The most important thing about the role of the DJ is becoming the one to take care of the flow of the night. For Weddings, we make sure that all events are planned, ready to go…and we keep a good pace. If you let the party drag out and check in the guest(s) of honor, then people lose interest and the client thinks “what’s next…” Being able to work the flow of the music is most important too! Anyone can hook up an IPOD and run music off of it all night, but do they really know how to work the crowd. Do they know what song to play next to keep people dancing? No. They usually just have a pre-determined list and just the play button. We don’t do that. We work the crowd off the lists the Client provides plus what we feel would keep the dance floor alive. Also, our DJ Service works closely with all Photographers and Videographers. That’s the last thing a Bride and Groom would want…no pictures for a special event on their Wedding Day…a Father-Daughter dance could be missed. All Vendors know what is coming up. We Emcee the event and Coordinate all events.

5. What should a bride and groom look for in a DJ?

As you look for a DJ, get to know them. Get comfortable with them. The reason I say that is because they are the one’s DJing the night you are going to remember the rest of your life. The DJ makes or breaks your reception. People don’t really remember the food, or the drinks…but they remember the music.

6. What are some unique things you (Beach Boyz) offer?

Beach Boyz offers a variety of unique things. We have basic lighting to intelligent lighting…Fog Machines/Snow Machines/Bubble Machines/the list keeps going. We have props for all kind of events when it comes to Kid Parties (Hula Hoops/Miniature Bikes/Wide Selection) to keep people entertained. We also interact with the crowd. We don’t stand behind the DJ Table with our arms crossed the whole night or sitting down eating and drinking alcohol. We don’t eat and we don’t drink alcohol at events. Our concern is the Bride and Groom…not our party life!

7. Do you have any fun stories or experiences that you can share?

I have tons of stories that could take up pages as to things that have happened in my 11 years so I will keep it short and sweet. The experiences I have meeting new people every weekend are awesome! But the best part is when you run into those people down the road and they remember you! They say they still talk about their reception and how much fun they had. They say that every family gathering they have, their reception comes up as a topic every time and memories start flying out their mouths and they can’t stop talking about it. That is the best experience. I once had a Bride and Groom I DJ’d for 5 years ago…well, their friend got married this past summer and they were guests. They came up to me and said “you were our DJ and I am so happy to see you here tonight. We told them to go to Beach Boyz and get Ryan.” So for couples to remember me that far down the road is the most amazing feeling. I love being a DJ and I will leave you with a quote that I will hold true to and you will see how much I love being a DJ by this quote:  ”The day that this becomes a job is the day that I call it quits”

Thanks for talking to me and hope to see you all soon!!

Here’s a couple shots from a wedding last season where Ryan is keeping the floor hopping:

Happy Valentine’s Day

I’m off to second shoot a wedding, but wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.  Hope it’s a great one with lots of love from friends and family.

{For a fun project–Crayon Hearts…check out this page.  We made them for Zeke’s class last week.}

Should we see each other before the wedding? {Wedding Wednesday}

When I was planning our wedding I went with the traditional custom and didn’t see Josh before the ceremony.  Not seeing him just seemed like the “thing to do.”  But, if I had to do it all over, I would opt for a first glance.  After being right there as so many others have enjoyed this special moment…I just with I would have known.

Many of our brides also choose not to see their groom ahead of time.  Please know we would never try to talk anyone into seeing their hubby-to-be if they felt strongly about it, but for those that are just not seeing each other for the same reason I did…I have a few reasons why you may want to opt for this newer trend.

1. It’s often the only time of the day when the bride and groom get to be together alone.
2. It’s comforting.  When a couple sees each other they often are able to calm one another’s nerves and focus more on the day.  (I spent most of my own ceremony thinking, I have no idea what is being said.  I can’t focus at all.)
3. I’ve had more than one couple tell me it was their favorite time of the day AND resulted in their favorite photographs of the day.
4. We can still capture both of your faces the first time you see one another; it’s just not in front of everyone else, making the moment much more intimate.  (Dave and I have become pros at orchestrating the location and placement in order to get some great shots.)

Here are two examples of the first glances from 2009:

Jasmine Star, a photographer in Southern CA who I adore, also blogged on this same topic.  I would highly recommend checking out what she has to say here and here.

Wedding Albums {Gallery Matted}

A few weeks back, I shared our new album company with you.  After much consideration, we decided to go with the Finao One Album and the Finao Matted Album. Today I’d like to quickly share some of the Matted Album images.

Drum Roll Please…

A frosted cover:

I am working on my sister’s album right now.  I can’t wait to share it with you when it arrives.

Save-the-Dates

I’ve been working on save-the-date cards for Steve and Angela.  I met with them Saturday to discuss their ideas and this is what I’ve come up with so far.

What do you think?

Don’t forget to enter our contest!

Ohio Wedding Photographer {Casey & Jennifer}

They say she was always pretty cool about guys.  She dated but always kept her head.  Then she went out with him and something was different.  She was falling in love.  And so was he.

We spent the last hours of 2009 watching as Casey and Jennifer were married in front of their friends and family.  New Years Eve promises so much: a new future, fresh opportunities, starting over.  What could represent more of a new beginning than the joining of lives?  The night was magical as each of them pledged their hearts and lives to the other.  Everyone gathered around them waiting to say goodbye to a year and to wish blessings on two people who are so in love.

With all my heart I wish these two the best in everything.  I hope 2010 brings so much happiness and joy to both of their lives.

Here’s Jennifer with her made of honor.  And Jennifer was, well, Jennifer was beautiful.

Casey and Jennifer chose to see each other before the ceremony (an idea I just LOVE) and Dave and I were there to capture every second of it.  A “First Glance” allows for an intimate moment where the couple can be together before the stress of the day begins.  It’s also one of my favorite moments to shoot…because it is always so special.

I think he’s impressed…what do you think?

Casey…hamming it up.

The hotel lobby had some incredible spots to shoot.  This lobby + This couple =

We stepped outside for a few shots, but the chill chased us away pretty quickly.  I think it was worth it though because look at these:

Here’s one of the moments that makes you melt.  I love the way he loves her.  He whispers in her ear and although no one but Jennifer knows what was said…you know it was sweet…because her smile gives it away.

Casey’s sister sang at the start of the ceremony.  She may have one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard.  Seriously.

There’s something about the next one I love.

After the toasts, Casey shared some words of his own.

Casey was planning the following surprise since he got down on one knee.  He secretly had their engagement photographed and added the photographs to the end of their reception slideshow.  Look closely at the screen…it says, “Will You Marry Me?”  I think Jennifer’s reaction was priceless.

Isn’t she radiant?

Less than 30 seconds from 2010.  I love this shot Dave captured…Casey and Jennifer with all their loved ones crowded around them.

Welcome 2010.  Welcome a new life together.

Thank you both for inviting us to share your day.  Blessings to both of you.

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Akron Wedding Photographer {Bryan & Michelle}

She’d moved all around as a child but ended up living in Ohio and attended Kent State for college.  That’s when they first saw each other.  It was a mutual friend’s idea (and a good one, I’d say.  :))  She introduced the two of them and they immediately hit it off.  In fact, they’ve been together ever since.  They eventually moved to Chicago but planned the wedding in Akron where not only would they be married…they’d be able to unite a family that’s all over the country.

They have a quiet kind of love.  They are not the kind to flaunt their relationship but if you pay attention and look closely you see a bond that won’t be broken.  They love each other and want each other.  But it’s more than that.  They need each other.

As everyone travelled from all over the country to get to the wedding, the wedding dress was almost left in Chicago.  No worries though.  Obviously it made it and it was beautiful.

Michelle and her grandmother made all the bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres.

The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s on Brown Street in Akron.  The church has windows everywhere and the light was beautiful that day.  Michelle looked just radiant on her father’s arm.  Don’t you think?

Their joy was contagious.

We then headed to Firestone Metro where Bryan and Michelle were engaged.  You might remember their story here.

The weather was gorgeous!  No it was even better than gorgeous.  Who would have ever imagined the last weekend before December would look like this?  The purples looked fabulous with the fall colors and blue sky.

The following two might be my favorite shots from the day.

…I’ll leave it to Michelle to explain what was so funny.

The next one just makes me laugh.

Despite the beauty of the day…it was still a bit chilly so we headed to the reception at Chenoweth.  As usual, Donna, Chenoweth’s wedding coordinator had every detail cared for.

More from their first dance.  (You can see a couple more here.)

I’m not sure why, but I love this shot.

Michelle wore her mother’s veil.  She had pearls added to match her dress.

The reception was a blast.  Bryan…I have to say…I never expected such a show!

This just may be one of my favorite dancing pictures ever.  Isn’t that adorable!

Dave stayed for the rest of the reception and I am sorry to say that I missed this:

Reception Hall: Chenoweth Banquet Hall Donna does a tremendous job.

DJ: DJ Crew We worked with Jeff and Aron.  They kept the dance floor going all night.  Check out the slideshow and see for yourself.

Congratulations to both of you, Bryan and Michelle.  Thank you for sharing your day with us.

Please click below to view the slideshow of more images.  (If you are viewing this on Facebook or an RSS feed, click on the following link and scroll down to view: www.heritagestudioandgallery.com/blog.)  Please be patient as the images first load.  It’s worth it.

I Love Weddings

I do.  (Pardon the pun.)  But I really do.  There is so much to love about them….not the least of which are the photographs.  I wish I could share the complete wedding of Bryan and Michelle with you but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I want  to make sure it is all perfect.  For now I will leave you with one two more image.

Obviously, I attend a lot of weddings.  I always spend most of the day smiling and laughing but I rarely cry.  I am just not a happy crier.  Bryan and Michelle’s first dance teared me up a little though I must admit.  They held on to each other as if they never wanted to let go.  It was beautiful.

Unique Bridesmaid and Groomsman Gifts

It’s Wedding Wednesday (I know, I know, almost Thursday ) again and I wanted to share a thought I recently had.  If I had it to do over, I would choose different gifts for my bridesmaids and groomsmen than what we gave.  There is so much available these days (gosh, I sound like I’m 80!).  One search on the internet will bring up hundreds of options from personalized jewelry to handbags to t-shirts.  And don’t get me wrong…some of these things are cool.  Really cool.  But yesterday I started thinking about the gifts I have received that meant the most and one kept coming to mind again and again….books.

I imagine selecting a title for each one of my attendants…something special just for them…and inscribing a meaningful message inside.

Here are some fun ideas just to get you started:

• The chef in your life…How about the best selling cookbook of all time?  Joy of Cooking 75th Anniversary Edition
• An avid traveller…A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveller by Frances Mayes
• Sports fan…Quiet Strength: The Principle, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy  (Josh loved this book…and despite being an English teacher, he’s not a big reader.  Shhh.  Don’t tell his students.)
• A movie buff….1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die by Stephen Jay Schneider
• The Interior Designer…House Beautiful The Home Book
• An art lover…National Geographic Image Collection by Michelle Anne Delaney, National Geographic, and Maura Mulvhill or Ansel Adams in Color by Ansel Adams, John P Schaefer, Harry M Callahan, Andrea G Stillman, and James L Enyeart

I’m not sure if it’s a good idea….but I hope it helps someone.  I’d love to hear what ideas you have or what you gave.  Feel free to comment below.

Savor the Season

I haven’t written in a few days and I’m not completely sure why except that I don’t know what to say.  It’s not that there is nothing going on.  In fact it is just the opposite.  My mind seems to be spinning already with Christmas and I just want to curl up under a blanket and take a nap.  But, this year I am determined to not get stressed.  (Is that possible?)  I hate that the season that is supposed to mean so much usually ends up lost in rushing around.  This year, I will savor the season.

I sit here typing with my first plan for enjoying the winter moments…online shopping with my coffee and pumpkin spice cream.  Mmmmm.  Love the combination.

Do you need some gift ideas?  Here’s some of the things I am looking at this year.

• The frame shop has some options that might be great for friends or family.  Remember the letter frames?  They are completely customizable and you can spell a last name or favorite team.   Dave can also frame a number of items…family heirlooms, football jerseys, baby outfits, etc.
• A great gift for a little girl is Loving Family Dollhouse and accessories.   My little girl LOVES it.  She wakes up most days saying, “I wanna git up and pway wif my doll house.”
• This one can’t be ready in time for Christmas…but what a fun gift for kids.  Totally customizable too.
• I love supporting home businesses.  This guy makes some cool wooden toys.  Here’s his  semi truck.
• I’m considering the “Create Your Own–Three Dress Set” for Eden since she LOVES dress up.
• O.K.  This last one has nothing to do with Christmas shopping…but it’s the outfits I’ve picked out for the kids to wear on Christmas.  This one is for Zeke.  And this is for Eden and her doll.

I am at a loss for what to buy the adults in my life…but I’ll have the kids done in no time.  I try to keep it to three gifts for each of them.  Well, three gifts and and an ornament.  I select an ornament that has some meaning relating to the past year and it’s my hope that when they move out they will have a set of ornaments to take with them.

And since a blog post without a picture is like December without hot chocolate.  Here is a small peek of Bryan and Michelle’s wedding Saturday.  Can you believe this weather?!

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