Vendor Spotlight - La De Da Photography

Hello everyone,

I had the wonderful experience of working with La De Da Photography at Camrose Hill Farm for a beautiful August 2013 wedding! I would certainly recommend Melissa Mlejneck as a professional, creative photographer. What makes her so special is that she uses film photography, which is kind-of a lost art these days. I asked her to answer a few questions about her business so that the rest of you can get to know her and La De Da. Enjoy!

1) Why did you decide to start La De Da Photography and what services do you provide?

I started my love for capturing moments especially when I had my 3 boys. I always loved looking at pictures, as a child I always felt like it was this whole new world to live through. I would sit for hours, as a kid, looking through old photographs. I decided to begin services for others, when I had friends and other people tell me how much I made their pictures feel easy and effortless. I love what I do for a living! Capturing the most important stages, the fleeting moments during a wedding day, is amazing! Watching a family grow is one my ultimate favorite things to do as a photographer.

 

2) What would you say best describes your style of photography? Why is this the medium you chose? 

My style is most definitely described as spontaneous. I am always on the look out for something extraordinary, and those special moments that happen very quickly. My main media of choice is medium format film. I am very connected to film, the way my camera sounds when I click the shutter is sort of addicting! Shooting film also keeps me very connected to my surroundings. Each roll has 16 frames. I can choose what I love, and unlike digital, you can shoot so many frames and then edit them later. Although I do use my digital camera for the night shots, and I love looking at new and old camera's. So I am a bit of mixed media gal.

 3) What are your favorite things about being a photographer? 
Being able to convey what I see, into art for my clients. Or when my clients receive their custom designed wedding book, and tell me how they can re-live their day over and over. It's an amazing career to be able to do this for a living.

4) What are your plans for La De Da Photography? 
My plans are to always be a high quality artist, and never sacrifice quality for anyone. To also, always be inspired by all the great artists in this world.To capture my life around me, as I see it.

 5) What advice do you have for couples on their wedding day? 
I would say the number one piece of advice I can give brides and grooms is to please hire a planner! You would not believe how much smoother the day goes when you have a planner. The planners really do know what it takes to make the day seem effortless for you and your immediate family. They truly do keep track of all those little details, so you, and your family members can also enjoy your day. Your wedding day is a reflection of who you are as a couple, and you want it to be a reflection of fun, and relaxed atmosphere for your guest. The event will have an amazing energy when the Bride and Groom are relaxed and not worrying about when vendors arrive, etc.


(Can I just add an AMEN here?!!)

 6) What locations are you available for? 
I have traveled to International places for weddings, such as Italy, Costa Rica, Venice. Also National states, I love, love, love to travel. I consider my self a "local" photographer for other states. I will travel anywhere for weddings.

 

7) What equipment do you use and why?

 

I am primarily a film shooter. I use a Contax645 which is a medium format camera. I also use a 35mm film and digital camera. I have all the necessary lenses to capture those really quick moments. I was mainly taught with fast lenses, and love using them to this day.

 

8) Are there any photographers that have influenced you and helped you develop your particular style?

 

 I adore Sally Mann. As an artist she is very raw, and individualized. I love looking at Vivian Maier and, of course, one of the great photojounalists, Henry Cartier Bresson. Keeping connected to art is very important for my inspiration. I love checking out new artists in local museums, or book stores too.

 

9) How do you capture the important candid moments of a wedding?

I am always on the look out for moments that are about to happen, it's really a keen eye being able to anticipate those fleeting moments. It also comes with just making people feel comfortable, almost like I am not there.

10) What is the development process for La De Da? How soon can clients expect their photos?

  The very first image, they are most likely to see on my blog. I will pick one favorite picture. From that point, they will receive a proofing gallery to view their wedding images. They will be free to pass the gallery on to friends and family. The process of developing, they are likely to see images 4-6 weeks after the event.

 

I hope this snapshot of La De Da Photography inspires you to check her out. Especially if you're considering the medium of film photography, which is a niche these days!

Happy planning, everyone!

 

PHOTO CREDITS: LA DE DA PHOTOGRAPHY

Oooooohhhh! That's Super Cute!

Hello everyone!

Today I want to talk about a few super cute and functional ideas to add creative details to your wedding. My first pick is Menu Set Rubber Stamps from Paper Source. This set features a stamp for chicken, beef, pork, fish, and vegetarian!

Menu Set from Paper Source

What a great way to mark each escort card so catering knows which meal each guest ordered. Many times, I've done the color coding for escort cards but I think this is better because it cuts out a step for catering. Instead of having to remember which color represents each dish, catering can just look at the escort card emblem. Like I said, super cute and functional!

The other thing I'm really grooving on right now is having a large framed engagement photo act as a guest book. Each guest can sign their well wishes on the photo mat board that surrounds the picture of the couple.

Not only do you get to show off your gorgeous engagement photo at the wedding, later on you can replace it with one of your wedding photos and hang it in your ho
me. How wonderful to be reminded of your guests well wishes every day!

I truly hope I've inspired.

Happy planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: PAPER SOURCE, EBAY

Vendor Spotlight -Minneapolis Club Wedding

Today, I need to gush about one of the most sophisticated venues in the state - The Minneapolis Club! The old world architecture of this building, coupled with its' downtown Minneapolis location makes it the perfect place to host a chic, vintage style wedding.  In June of 2013, I had the pleasure of doing a wedding and reception at this location.

First of all, Holly - the Bride, has impeccable taste. She chose to have a vintage, yet ethereal, event design. The beautiful blush tone of her wedding gown was absolutely gorgeous! It takes a very special bride to pull off this ballet style ballgown with miles of tulle and hints of pink. In addition to her unique wedding dress, Holly incorporated a beautiful, pale mint into the mix by staggering her bridesmaids' gowns. Some were blush and others were mint. The combination was heavenly!






The ceremony was lovely, filled with fantastic music. Her cousins played the violin and piano, providing classical prelude, processional and recessional music. A family friend played a solo on his acoustic guitar to Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" and they incorporated many beautiful Jewish traditions into the ceremony. Both parents escorted the bride to the Chuppah and once married, Shawn did the classic breaking of the glass. Mazel Tov!

The flowers were an amazing accent that highlighted the sophistication and elegance of the Minneapolis Club. She chose pink peonies, roses, ranunculus and gypsum for the bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres. The same flowers were used to adorn the Chuppah and for the table centerpieces. Richfield Flowers and Events did an amazing job with all of the floral decor! In addition to florals, Holly included 36" pale pink balloons to flank the entrance and doorway of the ceremony site.


After the wedding, the bride and groom decided to do a modern take on the Jewish tradition of "seclusion." They hosted themselves and their wedding party in the Minneapolis Club Pub for cocktails and hors d'oevres. The rest of the guests enjoyed cocktails in the library across from the main ballroom where both the ceremony, and later, the reception were held.

Following cocktails, guests made their way upstairs for an amazing plated dinner. The Minneapolis Club has a customizable menu and everyone was raving about the cuisine. Of course, the fantastic centerpieces, table numbers, and menus created the perfect vintage ambiance.

While guests were enjoying their dinner, the ambitious staff of the Minneapolis Club was busy turning the ceremony space into a ballroom for the dance. Afterward, the guests moved back downstairs.
We hired Slip Twister, a local wedding band, to play the reception. They have a huge repertoire of music and even played "The Horah" a traditional Jewish dance.

In addition to the fantastic band, Holly and Shawn brought in a photo-booth and guests loved putting on silly props and taking pictures of themselves. The reception kept going until the lights were turned on! It was so lovely to be a part of such a lively night filled with rich traditions.


I truly hope I've inspired!

Happy planning!







PHOTO CREDITS: MARK PALAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Emerging Trends: Dance Performance/Lessons at the Reception

Hello, hello, hello! Well, it has been an absolute "rush, rush, rush" kind of a wedding season. Therefore, I have been mega-slacking on my blog and Facebook page. Kids, weddings, kids, weddings, it's all a dizzying tornado. So there ya go.

Tonight I found some time to report on this new trend I've been seeing at the weddings I've coordinated. Many couples are doing a coordinated dance that reflects their favorite form of dance. Believe me, this really gets people out on the dance floor whether it is honoring a cultural tradition or just a bygone era! Who doesn't like to watch an inspiring performance by the happy couple, get a lesson on how to do it,
and then try out some moves with that cute groomsman?

Here are a few ideas to try if you're an adventurous bride.

1) Swing Dancing - I know that this type of dance really lends itself to a fact pace, and it's hard to imagine a couple doing their "first dance" to this type of music. However, there are plenty of sensual, slow songs that you can swing dance to. Especially if you take lessons in a plethora of genres such as Lindy-Hop, West Coast, and Balboa. Make sure to include your guests by providing a 30 minute lesson with some basic swing moves and you'll have your guests dancing all night!

2) Salsa Dancing - Muy Caliente! This one is perfect for the couple that wants to spice things up. You don't have to have Latino heritage to appreciate this fantastic dance style. Of course, if you were going for an ethnic Latino vibe including salsa would be so awesome! It would make a phenomenal "first dance" with sultry, Samba music. Again, include a lesson for all the newbies and watch the party go late in to the night!

3) Belly Dancing - This ancient, sensual dance lends itself more to a performance rather than having your guests (especially the men) belly dancing all evening. If you're a bride that has mastered this art form, it would be a wonderful surprise to treat your groom to a sassy dance routine or have a belly dance troupe perform while guests are enjoying appetizers and cocktails.

4) Line Dancing/Square Dancing - Having a barn wedding is very popular all over the country. Making the evening a "down home" affair by offering up some classic country melodies would be fabulous! Johnny Cash, George Straight, Lady Antebellum...so many great songs to choose from. Incorporating line dancing for upbeat songs would be sure to keep the crowd on the dance floor all night! Or maybe, kick it up a notch and hire a blue grass band with a caller and teach everyone to square dance. I can't think of a more perfect way to encompass the country theme at your reception!

5) Irish Jig - Many people with Irish roots choose to display their Celtic pride by incorporating a wedding with a green color scheme, kilts, and bagpipers. However, having bagpipers usually only entails the ceremony. What about keeping the Irish vibe going by having an Irish Pub band play upbeat jigs and melancholy ballads? Again, having a lesson or performance would be the best way to welcome guests that may not be familiar with this style of music.

These are just a few ideas for highlighting your heritage at the reception. Music really sets the mood, and having a great performance or dance instruction will be sure to wow your guests! Doing something different that honors family roots is a fantastic way to have an unforgettable celebration.

I truly hope that I've inspired.

Happy planning,






PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: THEKNOT.COM, SALSAMATEI.COM, WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS LLC

Wonderful Day Weddings LLC featured in The Knot - Minnesota!

Great News! Wonderful Day Weddings has a featured wedding in The Knot Minnesota! I'm so proud to have helped Leah & Jonathan through the entire planning process. They were an absolute dream to work with and I'm happy to report that their wedding day went off without a hitch!

Leah & Jonathan wanted to have a romantic, autumn wedding. They chose ruby red, copper, plum and sunny yellow as the colors that best represented their style. Leah is a huge foodie, so of course, they incorporated some edibles into their flowers, such as beautiful artichokes and purple Kale. Leah opted to keep the centerpieces low and full so guests could comfortably mingle.

In addition to the rich color scheme, both Leah & Jonathan wanted a vintage feel to their wedding so they chose the MN Boat Club as their reception venue. The atmosphere was very important, however, so was the food! Mintahoe Catering created a fabulous menu customized for Leah & Jonathans tastes. Its' huge wrought iron chandelier and mahogany wood paneling really incorporated the old world charm they were after. Furthermore, antique copper colored vases and candle votives were rented via Sassafrass Floral to enhance the vintage experience.

The bride's dress was stunning with its' antique lace, which was replicated on a three tiered fondant cake by Gateaux Inc. Red “Dahlias” represented the ruby red dresses of the bridesmaids. By the way, the bridesmaids' dress style boasted a sweetheart neckline with a tulip skirt! Totally adorable, and they were ordered through the fabulous Flutter Boutique in Minneapolis.

In keeping with their autumn, vintage wedding, the couple opted to rent a 1939 Cadillac Coup De Seville to transport them from the Newman-Benson Chapel to a few pubs around town and then to the reception site. Justin Graddy of Graddy Photography captured my favorite photo – Leah and Jonathan posing in front of the car on the Raspberry Island bridge. Isn't it amazing? Graddy Photography has been chosen as Top of the Tiara by MN Bride magazine and Top Pick by The Knot because of delicious photography like this!

I can't tell you how ecstatic I am to have been the Certified Wedding Coordinator of this wedding. Thank you for letting me share this wonderful wedding day with all of you.

Happy planning!

Marissa Partridge

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS: GRADDY PHOTOGRAPHY

Emerging Trends - Alternative Ceremony Music

Hello everyone!

I'm so excited to share an emerging trend that I think personalizes a wedding in a very unexpected way...alternative musical selections. During a client meeting finalizing ceremony details, I was really happy to note that her music was classic and elegant but in a modern way!

Although Canon in D is one of my favorites, and always will be, I can't help but be enamored by using popular music in instrumental form as an alternative to classical. There are so many fantastic bands that have shaped the music industry in the last few years, and I'm seeing a push by Millenials to use these beautiful songs to celebrate their love.

Of course, string quartets, harpists, pianists and classical guitarists are all updating their repertoires to accomodate the idea that classical music doesn't have to mean "Bach" it can mean "Death Cab for Cutie." In fact, one of my favorites is the strings rendition of Such Great Heights by Postal Service.

I imagine it would be the perfect bridal processional. It is just hauntingly beautiful! http://youtu.be/rmXslBjoffs
For a recessional, I've kind of always loved Today by the Smashing Pumpkins because it is upbeat and happy but in an edgy sort of way.

Of course, this type of music is not appropriate for all weddings. Church weddings, depending on your denomination, tend to limit what music they allow. However, if you're getting married in a secular style ceremony, think outside the box in terms of music. Wouldn't it be so fun to hear a classical rendition of that song you both love, or perhaps was playing when you first met at that party?

Well there you have it! Adapting alternative music into something classical is a great way to showcase your personal style throughout the ceremony without it being purely aesthetic.

So I leave you with what I wish I could have had as my recessional....http://youtu.be/sV9pHacl2M8.

Happy planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: Michelle Huber Photography - www.mhuberphotoraphy.com

Vendor Spotlight - Tournament Players Club in Blaine

In the fall of 2012 I had the pleasure of working a wedding at the Tournament Players Club in Blaine. It is one of the premier places in the Twin Cities to host a country club wedding. The clubhouse boasts a beautiful front garden and lawn, perfect for an outdoor ceremony! The front lawn is large enough to host a medium size wedding and they have an exclusive vendor for chair rental. There are also several areas on the course that are perfect for pictures.

The TPC also has a beautiful lobby for cocktail hour and a ballroom that features an amazing panoramic view of the golf course. They also have several smaller scale rooms that could be used to host more intimate weddings. The locker rooms, located downstairs, offer the perfect space for the bride and groom to get ready.

The TPC has a number of packages available, from just the basic ceremony & ballroom rental to including a dance floor and ceiling draping! Of course, they also offer a customized menu and even an option for a candy buffet! The catering staff is excellent and they've since expanded their services to include set up and tear down, however, couples still need to organize their own wedding rehearsal.

If you're looking for a country club venue for your wedding, the Tournament Players Club is definitely a venue to check out!

Cloud Parade - It's the blend of Pinterest & Etsy!

Hello everyone!

I've discovered something that I think every couple planning their wedding should know about...Cloud Parade http://www.yourcloudparade.com/ ! It is the "marriage" of Pinterest and Etsy. I know that I've been happily pinning and thought to myself "I wonder where she got that? Did she make it herself?"

Now, I'm the type that loves to do crafty projects so if I see something unique, I like to recreate it and often put my own spin on it. However, I realize that there isn't always time to DIY, or it just doesn't make sense financially. Although I have quite the collection of cool rental items available, there is absolutely no way that I can have every type of piece in stock. I specialize in shabby chic, vintage and rustic pieces so if you're looking for something Mod, or 50's retro, I don't have it. This is where Cloud Parade comes in!

I think this site is absolutely awesome for brides and planners alike. It has a really easy search format, so if you see a vase or cake stand on Pinterest that you really like you can go onto Cloud Parade and search for something similar. You can search by event theme, category type or color! This makes it really easy to navigate the site and find the type of wedding accessory you're looking for.

I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot of time on here so I can help my clients find the accessories that are going to make their design ideas into a reality! :)

Happy Planning!

Emerging Trends - Heavy Hors D'eouvres in Lieu of Buffet

Hello everyone!

Today I want to discuss some options that I think are a fabulous idea to cut down on catering costs. Of course, the most expensive option for your reception will be to have a plated meal, after that comes the buffet. And then, for some reason, a lot of people skip straight to a cake and champagne event on a Sunday afternoon! Wh

You can still feed your guests and save money. Although the economy is picking up, there are still a lot of engaged couples that are looking at having to either drastically cut their guest list or become creative about food service. As a planner, I know that the most cost effective route is to pair down the invitees. However, this isn't always possible or even desirable.

Therefore, the next best thing you can do to be a little more cost effective is to do heavy Hors D'eouvres in place of a buffet. This means having several stations set up throughout your event space with appetizers that are very filling. Having hosted beer or wine also helps tremendously.

For this type of reception, I recommend doing a variety of dishes! Mini-cheeseburgers (known as sliders) and fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, mashed potato bars with all the yummy fixins' or Asian pot-stickers and rice! Heck, you could do something fancy like mini-Beef Wellington or Mexican Taquitos. Your guests will definitely be fulfilled, especially if they've been imbibing. We often do this for industry events, and trust me, you feel like you've been served a dinner.

Psssstttt. Here's a secret. Later on in the evening, when everyone's starting to get hungry again from all the drinking and dancing...order Pizza's from your favorite Pizzeria. Most catering companies/venues will let you do this. You might incur a minimal service charge either by your caterer or venue, however, it will allow you to have fed your guests during the normal "meal" hour and add some welcomed munchies during the dance portion of your reception!

Nobody will go home feeling deprived and you will have had a fantastic reception with a bevy of different cuisines! How can you go wrong? Personally, I love a grilled cheese sandwhich and some tomato soup, at a wedding or not. :)


Have fun planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: ONEWED.COM (SLIDERS/FRIES), ONEFINEDAY.TYPEPAD (MINI GRILLED CHEESE) HEROLEGALSEAFOODS.COM (MINI BEEF WELLINGTON),MARIE'S GOURMET BAKERY (POTSTICKERS), ATYOURSERVICECATERING (TAQUITOS)

Vendor Spotlight - Wild Love Photography

2012 was an amazing year for Wonderful Day Weddings! I worked with some fantastic clients and met a lot of new vendors in the process. One of them is Megan Eckers of Wild Love Photography. I was lucky enough to work with her at one of the most beautiful settings in Minnesota, the lovely Camrose Hill Flower Farm for Dave & Ashley's September nuptials.

The day went by tremendously fast! There was a lot of set up, and really fun details so I wasn't able to chat too much with Megan. We had emailed back and forth and talked for a minute or two and she struck me as  a very down to Earth personality. In addition to that, Megan was also clearly passionate about her craft.

Needless to say, she got some amazing shots of the wedding and I'm so excited to share my favorites with all of you.

 I wanted to find out more about Wild Love Photography and how Megan became the talented professional she is today. So I asked her a few questions about how she got started in the wedding industry.

Wild Love Photography started as a hobby. Megan took a black and white film photography class in school but she never saw it as a career choice. However, that changed when her husband bought her a DSLR as his wedding gift to her. How fitting that she ended up being a wedding photographer! 

"I was browsing through an issue of Rangefinder magazine and it was all about weddings. It hit me like a ton of bricks that I wanted to be a photographer. After that, I talked about photography nonstop to anyone who would listen and  photographed anyone who would let me." Says Megan. One of her close friends asked her to shoot her wedding and her journey into wedding photography began. 

Wild Love Photography specializes in weddings because she thrives in chaotic environments and works well under pressure. (I seriously think  those of us in the wedding industry are secret adrenaline junkies because we love trying to beat the clock and keeping everything rolling.)

Megan gave this insight about being part of the wedding day. "I've always liked making order out of chaos and it is really incredible to witness the happiest day of someone's life. It's kind of magical, for lack of a better word, and I haven't shot a wedding yet where I didn't cry." 

When I asked her what her favorite thing about wedding photography is, Megan replied with a really great insight into why she's so passionate about this industry. "My favorite thing about being a photographer so far has been how much it has allowed me to get to know people. I don't like to give too much direction when I shoot couples because I've found that after we all get over that initial awkwardness, people will show you who they are if you let them.  I love to ask questions to get to know people, but more than that I like to just step back and give them room to be themselves together.  If I'm lucky I get to see how they are together when they're alone, and when I get to document that I consider it the most wonderful gift."

Like most photographers, Wild Love Photography is evolving. She started out using a Nikon but switched to Canon based on her feeling that it produced more aesthetically pleasing images. "Currently I am shooting a 5D Mark III with a Mark II and a 60D as backups.  I primarily use the 35mm 1.4 lens when shooting, it's my favorite, but when I do switch it's either for the 50mm 1.2 or the 24-70mm 2.8, depending on the situation I'm in." In addition to honing her craft, Megan belongs to the Professional Photographers of America. 

Keeping things simple, Wild Love only offers one package. It includes an engagement session, a DVD of the engagement images, full wedding day coverage by two photographers and an online gallery of the wedding images.  All prints, albums and canvases are produced a la carte after the wedding based on the couple's needs.  A DVD of all wedding images are available for sale as well.

I'm so happy to share these images with you and I hope that you check her out and consider her for your wedding! Wild Love Photography.

Finally, I wanted to say big thanks to Dave & Ashley for their amazing wedding and letting us both be a part of their day as vendors. It was beautiful and befitting of such a wonderful couple. Cheers!

Happy planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: WILD LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY