Lee Grantham Photography: Blog

10 Unique and Apperciated Bridal Party Gifts

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:32:22 GMT

Bridal parties are an important part of any wedding celebration, and it is customary to thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen for their support on your big day with a special gift. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect bridal party gift. To help you out, we have put together a list of the top 10 perfect bridal party gifts that your bridesmaids and groomsmen will love.

Personalized Jewelry: Personalized jewelry is a timeless and elegant gift that your bridal party will treasure for years to come. From necklaces and bracelets to earrings and cuff links, there are endless options to choose from. You can choose pieces with each member’s initials or birthstones to make it even more special.
Custom Robes: Get your bridesmaids ready for the big day in style with custom robes. These comfortable and practical gifts will keep your bridesmaids looking fabulous while they get ready for the wedding. You can have the robes monogrammed with each bridesmaid's name or initials.
Personalized Tote Bags: Give your bridesmaids a gift they can use every day with personalized tote bags. These versatile bags can be used for shopping, traveling, or carrying their essentials to and from the wedding. You can have them monogrammed with each bridesmaid's name or initials.
Spa Day: Treat your bridesmaids to a relaxing spa day as a thank you for all their hard work leading up to your wedding. Gift certificates to a local spa or wellness center are a great way to pamper your bridesmaids and help them de-stress before the big day.
Wine Tasting Experience: Wine tasting is a fun and unique experience that your bridesmaids and groomsmen will love. You can arrange for a private wine tasting event for your bridal party, or gift them with certificates to a local winery.
Custom Flask: For the groomsmen, a custom flask is a practical and stylish gift they can use for years to come. You can have the flask engraved with each groomsman's name or initials to make it a personal and meaningful gift.
Personalized Sunglasses: Personalized sunglasses are a fun and stylish gift for your bridal party. These practical gifts are perfect for outdoor weddings or destination weddings. You can have each pair of sunglasses engraved with each bridesmaid's or groomsman's name or initials.
Personalized Picture Frames: Give your bridesmaids and groomsmen a gift they can display in their home with personalized picture frames. You can choose frames with each member’s name or initials and have a special picture from the wedding placed inside.
Customized Coffee Mugs: Customized coffee mugs are a practical and useful gift that your bridesmaids and groomsmen can use every day. You can have each mug engraved with each member’s name or initials and filled with their favorite coffee or tea.
Personalized Candles: Personalized candles are a great gift for your bridal party, as they are both practical and stylish. You can choose from a variety of scents and have each candle customized with each bridesmaid's or groomsman's name or initials.

Yes, choosing the perfect bridal party gift is an important part of your wedding celebration. From personalized jewelry to custom flasks, there are many options available to choose from. Whatever you choose, be sure to select a gift that is meaningful and personal to your bridesmaids/groomsmen.

13 Tips For Hiring A Wedding Photographer

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:07:49 GMT

Your big day is coming up and you have all this planning to do. How do you choose your vendors? Well here’s a list of things to look for when it’s time to decide on a photographer.

1. Always ask to see a whole wedding from their portfolio. Photographers always post their best photos online, leaving you the impression that all of their pictures are fantastic. This is hardly ever the case. Make sure all of the photos in their weddings are in focus, and not too light or dark.

2. You might want to educate yourself on what makes a proper photograph. Most people don’t know a good photo when they see one. Simply google what makes a good photo, and look for these things in your photographer’s portfolio.

3. Many photographers get angry when I say this. Ask your photographer if they shoot in manual mode or auto. When a photographer shoots in auto mode it shows that he or she doesn’t understand how to control the camera to be the most creative. It’s very common for new photographers. How do I know? Well, (cringe) I did it for longer than I care to admit and I know other photographers who still do it. The following question will test them: “What are the three settings on a camera that effect how light or dark a picture will be?” “Shutter speed, ISO and fstop or aperture”, is the correct answer. You don’t have to know what that means but your photographer should. If not, politely move on and look for a more experienced photographer.

4. Ask your photographer for references. Don’t rely on written testimonials. Many of these are fake. When I posted my work on a wedding site for the first time, I didn’t have any reviews so the employee from the site suggested that I make some up to help me book weddings. I refused. So take reviews with a grain of salt.

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5. Choose a photographer whose style is eclectic. If you choose a photographer whose style is trendy, 30 years from now your photos will look out of style. Be aware that styles such as “light and airy” look good now but may not look as well decades from now. But it’s ok to choose a trendy look if you really like it, as long as you are aware of this.

6. Remember, there are three things you come away with after the wedding, the rings, the dress, and the photos. Make sure you get a photographer with the most experience and best portfolio for the money. Try not to cut corners on the photography. But if you have a low budget, don’t be afraid to look on places such as Craigslist or Thumbtack. Photographers with a range of skills charge a full range of prices, so some good photographers may charge lower amounts, and bad photographers sometimes over charge.

7. Always get an album. Your photos on your phone or computer can be lost if your computer crashes or you lose your phone and even if you have them backed up, digital photos may become unreadable in the future as technology advances. But an album can be passed down for generations and will always stand the test of time as long as it’s well constructed with quality materials. Many albums also have a lifetime warranty and can be replaced for free if they are lost, stolen, or ruined by fire or flood.

8. Try to get a package that includes videography. A nice highlight video set to music is money well spent. You will always enjoy watching it and showing it to you children and family.

9. Also try to get a package with two photographers. One photographer can’t be everywhere at once and, for instance, one photographer can shoot the bride getting ready and one can shoot the guys getting ready.

10. Don’t hire your photographer sight unseen. Always have a meet and greet. This way you can get an idea of the photographer’s personality to see if it’s a good fit. A good photographer should be polite, tolerant and energetic. If you don’t get the warm fuzzies…..enough said.

11. Make sure the photographer doesn’t have a lot of onerous rules and policies in their contract. This is a red flag. A lot of photographers seem to think that their main job is to keep clients from taking advantage of them. This is super small-minded. The photographer needs to make a profit, but generally speaking, a good photographer is flexible and tolerant, always putting the needs of the client ahead of their own.

12. Ask your friends who are married which photographer they used and if they were happy with their photos. Interview this photographer. Look at your friend’s photographs and see if you like them. Ask questions about the personality of the photographer they chose. Ask about the photographer’s policies, and see how long it took to get their photos and album.

13. Agree on whether or not you are going to feed your photographer and their assistants. Most couples allow the photographer to eat with the guests. Some photographers agree to pay for their meal. But most of the time the photographer goes without eating for long periods during a wedding. It’s a nice gesture to let them know that they are welcome to grab a plate. The best time for the photographer to eat is when everyone else is eating. Pictures of people eating are not very flattering. This applies to all the vendors at your wedding. It can get quite expensive to feed everyone so be aware of how many vendors will need to be fed.

So there you have it. Follow these suggestions for finding a great photographer and have a wonderful wedding day!

10 Scientifically Proven Ways To Overcome Wedding Day Jitters

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 16:36:51 GMT

Wedding day nerves are a common phenomenon experienced by many couples, with studies suggesting that approximately 80% of brides and grooms feel nervous before their big day (Brides, 2019). This can be attributed to various factors such as the pressure of the day, public speaking anxiety, and fear of the unknown. However, with the right approach and resources, it is possible to overcome these nerves and make your wedding day a truly memorable experience.

Here are some scientifically-backed tips for overcoming wedding day nerves:

Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Research has shown that mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can significantly reduce stress levels (Psychology Today, 2018). Make it a daily habit to focus on your breath and let go of any worries.
Stay organized: Studies have linked feelings of overwhelm and lack of control with increased levels of stress and anxiety (Psychology Today, 2019). To combat this, make sure to stay organized by creating a wedding planning checklist and delegating tasks to friends and family members.
Surround yourself with positive people: Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people has been shown to have a positive impact on one's confidence and mental well-being (Psychology Today, 2020). Seek the support and encouragement of your partner, friends, or family members.
Focus on the present moment: A study by the American Psychological Association found that those who focus on the present moment are less likely to experience stress and anxiety (APA, 2021). Take time to appreciate each moment and experience the day, rather than worrying about what's to come.
Embrace your nerves: It's important to remember that wedding day nerves are a normal part of the experience. Embrace them, and use them to your advantage. A little nervous energy can help you stay alert and focused, and can add excitement to the day.
Get plenty of sleep: Lack of sleep has been linked with increased levels of stress and anxiety (Sleep Foundation, 2020). Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Exercise regularly: Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels, and boost mood and energy levels (Psychology Today, 2021). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as going for a walk, doing yoga, or hitting the gym.
Take a deep breath: When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and focus on the present moment. This has been shown to immediately reduce stress levels and calm the mind (Harvard House, 2022).
Seek professional help: If your wedding day nerves are affecting your quality of life, consider seeking professional help. Talking to a counselor, psychologist, or life coach can help identify the root causes of your anxiety and develop strategies for overcoming them (Psychology Today, 2019).
Remember why you're getting married: Finally, it's important to remember why you're getting married in the first place. Research has shown that focusing on positive aspects, such as the love and connection with your partner, can reduce stress and bring a sense of peace and happiness (Psychology Today, 2020).

In conclusion, overcoming wedding day nerves requires a combination of the right approach and resources. By practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, staying organized, surrounding yourself with positive people, focusing on the present moment, embracing your nerves, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, taking deep breaths, seeking professional help if needed, and remembering why you're getting married, you can make your wedding day a truly magical and memorable experience.

APA. (2021). Mindfulness Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/reduce-stress-anxiety

Brides. (2019). 80% of Brides Report Feeling Nervous Before Their Wedding Day. Brides. https://www.brides.com/story/80-percent-of-brides-report-feeling-nervous-before-their-wedding-day

Harvest House. (2022). 5 Ways to Beat Wedding Day Nerves. Harvest House. https://harvesthouse.com/5-ways-to-beat-wedding-day-nerves/

Psychology Today. (2018). How Mindfulness Reduces Stress. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindfulness-in-plain-english/201803/how-mindfulness-reduces-stress

Psychology Today. (2019). The Benefits of Staying Organized. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-peer-pressure/201906/the-benefits-staying-organized

Psychology Today. (2020). The Power of Positive People. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-peer-pressure/202002/the-power-positive-people

Psychology Today. (2021). The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/202101/the-benefits-exercise-mental-health

Sleep Foundation. (2020). How Lack of Sleep Can Affect Your Mental Health. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/how-lack-sleep-can-affect-your-mental-health

How To Choose The Right Wedding Venue

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:45:20 GMT

Choosing the right wedding venue is a crucial part of planning your big day. It sets the tone for your wedding and can have a significant impact on the overall experience for you and your guests. Here are some tips to consider when selecting a wedding venue:

Determine your guest list: One of the first things to consider when choosing a wedding venue is how many guests you plan to invite. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you choose a venue that can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
Consider the location: Location is an important factor to consider when choosing a wedding venue. Think about whether you want a venue that is close to your home or the location of your ceremony, or if you prefer a destination wedding. Also consider the distance from transportation and lodging for your guests.
Determine your budget: Your budget is an important factor to consider when choosing a wedding venue. Determine how much you are willing to spend on your venue and stick to it. Keep in mind that venues can vary significantly in price, so it's important to shop around and get multiple quotes before making a decision.
Think about the style and atmosphere: The style and atmosphere of your venue will set the tone for your wedding. Consider the type of wedding you want, such as a formal or casual affair, and choose a venue that aligns with your vision.
Check availability and book early: It's important to check the availability of your preferred venue and book it as early as possible. Popular venues can book up quickly, so it's a good idea to secure your venue as soon as you can.
Consider the amenities and services: When choosing a wedding venue, it's important to consider the amenities and services that are included. Some venues may offer catering, decorations, and other services, while others may require you to bring in outside vendors. Determine what is included in the cost of the venue and what you will need to arrange separately.
Visit the venue in person: It's important to visit the venue in person before making a decision. This will give you a sense of the space and allow you to visualize your wedding there. Take the time to walk through the venue and ask any questions you may have.

In conclusion, choosing the right wedding venue is an important part of planning your big day. Consider factors such as the guest list, location, budget, style and atmosphere, availability, amenities and services, and take the time to visit the venue in person before making a decision. With a little bit of research and consideration, you can find the perfect venue for your special day.