Weddings by Michelle

Check out the website here: Heather Hughes Photography! 

Today we are thrilled to be featuring the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Katie Glaser, Marketing Coordinator at the Convention Center was kind enough to share a little insight with us.

Your wedding is an extra ordinary occasion to be cherished forever. Our romantic ballroom and meeting rooms have the flexibility to meet your every need, from the floor where you first dance as husband and wife to the first-class dining where guest will toast to your lifelong commitment. Set the mood with the custom lighting to match the colors of your wedding theme. Enjoy your reception knowing that our caring and hardworking staff is behind the scenes tending to every detail. Our vow is to make your wedding day perfect.

How did you get your start in Weddings?

Predominantly through word of mouth. Back in 2006, we hosted a large wedding for 900 guest. We were the only facility in the are that could accommodate that size. From that wedding, we received a number of leads who complimented our building and raved about our on-site caterer, Distinctive Gourmet.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

Every wedding here is completely unqiue. The menu is customized to the bride and groom and each space is designed different based on their wishes. Our building’s architecture offers so many stunning options for photographs. Serveral photographers have commented that the building is a “photographer’s dream” Our moderns spaces are so easy to decorate with lush carpeting, metal accents and the oak walls in our ballroom. The glass,light, water features and wood decks lend itself to that “outdoor” feel but you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. We can host the ceremony and reception here and provide a holding space for the bridal parties in the tower’s VIP Lounge. We have received so many testimonials from brides that say we treated them with sincerity and the truly felt special.

What are some of your personal wedding dos and don’ts for brides as they plan their wedding?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Entrust us and your family and friends with the details and delegate an on-site coordinator and/or Master of Ceremonies to manage the “small stuff” and keep everyone on schedule. Do coordinate a lot of the decor and other details off-site so that you’re not rushing around on your big day. For example, assemble your centerpieces ahead of time and make an extra or two just in case. Do confirm with your vendors that they’re familiar with the wedding location-make sure they know where to park, which space you’ll be in, which door to enter through, etc.

Do review the bridal checklist that we’ve created for you. We produce our own checklist, based on our experience hosting weddings here.

What is your most favorite wedding memory?

Opening the doors of the space once the bride and groom have become husband and wife. We feel like we’ve taken a part in a new chapter of their lives. We were part of making their special day and one that they’ll cherish forever. We’ve had so many extravagent entrances and “wow moments” including a helicopter carrying in the bride and groom, a horse and carriage, the bride and groom arriving on horseback. We’ve set up so many unique arrangements including setting up tables in X’s and O’s and orginized in “pods” where tables are arranged together in clusters allowing several guests to sit together. We’ve also held smaller ceremonies in the tower’s glass observation deck with views of the ocean and resort area and also in our tower’s VIP lounge. We are always looking for innovative ways to set each wedding apart and make it that much more unique.

What advice can you give brides to ensure they enjoy their big day?

Please remember that we are professionals and to trust us. We are here to ensure that every detail is done to a “T” There are so many moving parts to a wedding and as professionals, we are always a step ahead. We also encourage the bridal party to just embrace the day and remember that all of their favorite people are in one place, celebrating them and their new lives together.

Thanks for sharing Katie!

Contact information:

Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451

(757) 385-2000

VBCC@VisitVirginiaBeach.com

www.vbconventioncenter.com

Top photo: Keith Cephus

Middle Photo: Calma Photography

Bottom Photo: Eric Green

Today, we’re excited to sit down with Bob of Royal Coach Limousine, located here in Virginia Beach.  It’s great when all of the wedding details come together but everyone knows that the details won’t mean a thing if you can’t get to where you need to go! J

Without further ado, here’s Bob!

How did you get your start in Weddings?

I have been involved in the limousine industry in the local market for 30 years. Royal Coach was started 15 years ago to cater specifically to wedding clients by offering the only vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom-V formal limousine available in Virginia.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

The best ingredient for a memorable wedding day is planning. I prepare for each wedding by putting together a tentative transportation itinerary for the clients so they know what to expect and when. That also helps the clients wedding coordinators…

What are some of your personal wedding dos and don’ts for brides as they plan their wedding?

When it comes to transportation I recommend the client take the time to visit the transportation service and view the vehicles they have available for their day. Once an agreement is reached be sure to write the tag number of the vehicle on your receipt. That helps resolve any potential “bait & switch” issues.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory?

I have so many, and they all involve getting a big hug and a “Thank You” from my Brides at the end of the service.

What advice can you give brides to ensure they enjoy their Big Day?

Hire a professional wedding coordinator! They have contacts with many wedding professionals that are tried-and-true. Selecting any vendor off a Website is no guarantee you have a reputable vendor. You may not think you need a wedding coordinator 6 months to a year out , but by the time the wedding rolls around you will wish you had.

Thanks Bob for stopping by today!

Contact info:

Phone: 757.420.9331
Email: royalcoachlimo@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Hayne Photography

Today, we’re sitting down with the wonderful Sam Hughes of Sam Hughes Photography. A long time photojournalist, Sam found the perfect fit with wedding photography when he moved to the Hampton Roads area over 10 years ago. As Sam says, “Seeing the ins and outs of how a story works, with a beginning, middle and end, I take that same approach with my wedding photography, to be sure to cover everything that is important to the bride and groom.”

It sounds like Sam has enjoyed every last bit of the past decade as he went on to say, “Weddings are emotional and I am always ready to capture that emotion, whether it be a tear streaming down a bride’s face while dancing with her father or bellowing laughter after someone’s cracked a joke.  I never tire of seeing those things.”

Without further ado, here’s Sam-

How did you get your start in Weddings?

“While working for a newspaper in Mississippi, I had a father call me to say he was really enjoying seeing my images and wondered if I might be interested in photographing his daughters wedding?  I told him I’d think about it and after doing some research on how to actually shoot a wedding, I told him “sure, but I can’t promise anything.”  He told me he wasn’t worried.  Since shooting her wedding, I’ve been hooked and have been doing them ever since.”

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

“I think the biggest killer to the emotion of a wedding is S-T-R-E-S-S.  Well, at least emotion you’d want me to capture.  Take it easy and enjoy the day.”

What are some of your personal wedding dos and don’ts for brides as they plan their wedding?

“There are so many, but I think the most important one is sticking to your schedule.  My weddings are usually timed down to the minute, so if there’s any interruption, it could throw things off.  Also, and this is a big one, DON’T YELL AT YOUR MOTHER!!”

What is your most favorite Wedding memory?

I think I’m going to stay clear of this one, as I have so many great memories.  I will say, the moment that gets me emotional is when the bride and groom dance that special dance with their parents.  I tend to tear up at most of my weddings.  I think it has a lot to do with me having a 10 year old boy and I think about when he will be dancing with his mom at his wedding one day.  That’s the icing on the cake to say that person is really leaving the nest…kind of a goodbye.  Gets me every time.”

What advice can you give brides to ensure they enjoy their Big Day?

“Just relax!  I know this seems a bit cliche, but it’s true.  There’s nothing you need to stress about.  Strut down that aisle to your man, get hitched, and have a great time!”

Thanks Sam for stopping by!

 Contact info:
Sam Hughes Photography
1119 Larchmont Crescent
Norfolk, VA  23508
757.489.1320
sam@samhughesphotography.com

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to all around wedding guru Rachel Butler of  Blue Steel Light Design, who specializes in wedding and event lighting, assisting brides with setting the mood for their Big Day, as well as transforming the venue with lighting accents that are impactful, unique and exciting for events. Their flagship office resides in Virginia Beach and this past Spring, Blue Steel Lighting Design opened the doors to its Richmond office.

Without further ado, here’s Rachel!

How did you get your start in weddings?

I  first began working for Blue Steel in April of 2010 and currently serve both the Virginia Beach and Richmond markets. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of  brides to set the “stage” for their event- from their “walk in” look used to wow the guests upon arrival, to changing the color of the room for the First Dance to the custom monogram that can be displayed on the dance floor throughout the evening.

What are the ingredients for a memorable day?

Happiness, love, and an all star team of vendors! Surrounding yourself with the experienced, seasoned wedding professionals will make you breathe a bit easier on your wedding day. And I may be biased here, but great lighting on all the great details, doesn’t hurt either!

Any do’s or don’ts for wedding planning?

Do- Hire experts.

Don’t- Invest in event lighting without also having a professional wedding photographer.

Do you have a favorite wedding memory?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one wedding. I think the best moment for me is when the bride get’s to see their venue lit up for the first time.

What advice do you have for our brides?

Don’t stress!  That’s our job.

Thanks Rachel for stopping by!

Photography Credits:
Brooke Mayo Photography
DM Photo
Hayne Photography
PW Photography

Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Daevid Reed, owner of Floral and Decor Specialty shop Daevid’s of Norfolk. Opening his doors nearly twenty years ago, Daevid and his amazing team pride themselves on the individual attention each client receives, as well as their unique and personalized designs. Their fabulous Mission Statement says it best- “Listen, collaborate, and partner with our clients to take their dreams from concepts to breath taking memories!”

Without further ado, here is Daevid-

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?
Make sure that you are relaxed and enjoy the day.

Any do’s or don’t’s for wedding planning?
Hire professionals in each area of their expertise.

Do you have a favorite wedding memory?
My most favorite Wedding memory is Skyping in a bride’s brother for her ceremony.  He was unexpectedly deployed two weeks before the wedding and we arranged, with her dad, and his command, to Skype her brother in for the ceremony.  At rehearsal they had decided to just play a song where he was to sing.  We were fortunate enough that the church had a great audio visual department.  After most of the ceremony was finished it came to the part where her brother was to sing.  The bride had no idea what was about to happen.  At that moment, we queued all parties-her brother and the audio visual department.  The next thing they heard was her brother singing, “Jesus Loves Me”.  A song that that he and the bride sang together, a lot.  He was to sing it at her wedding and did-live on Skype!  The bride did not realize what was happening for over 30 seconds!  Her fiance/groom grabbed her hand and turned her to the main screen.  After the song was finished.  He said his hello’s and gave a prayer of heartfelt joy.  Connecting from a world away and making dreams come true.  My favorite moment.

What advice do you have for our brides?
Take 5 minutes, during the night to stand in one corner of the room and look at everyone, and everything, and the celebration.

Thanks Daevid for stopping by!
Contact Info:
Daevid’s of Norfolk
757.313.9700
daevidsofnorfolk@gmail.com
http://daevidsofnorfolk.com/

Photography Credit:
Brandon Bogue

Today, we’re excited to chat with DJ Rodney Charles, owner of Arch Entertainment here in Virginia Beach. Rodney and his impressive line-up of DJs specialize specifically in weddings, and it comes as no surprise that they were recently honored as Best of Hampton Roads 2011 by The Virginian Pilot.

Without further ado, here’s DJ Rodney-

How did you get your start in weddings?

I got my start in weddings by getting to know Shawn Cox, owner of The Boardwalk Photobooth Company. Shawn was the house DJ at Chevy’s Nightclub and when I met him and brought me on board with the company he was working with at the time. I spent a lot of time at Chevy’s and eventually got the chance to cover a wedding. I was instantly hooked! Since then I’ve had the pleasure of performing at literally over 1,000 wedding receptions and special events. Still going strong and loving every minute of it!

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?
The ingredients for a memorable wedding day are: good music (of course I would say this), good family and friends, and a heavy-handed bartender doesn’t hurt!

Any do’s or don’t’s for wedding planning?

Your celebration is going to come and go in the blink of an eye so make sure to step back and soak it all in.   We know you want everything to be perfect but don’t be too specific in choosing your music, allow a little room for your DJ to do what he is good at. Lastly, dance and enjoy yourself! Your guests will feed off of your energy. If you have fun, they will also.

Do you have a favorite memory?

My most favorite wedding memory can’t be narrowed to one specific event. My favorite part of any reception is knowing that I just helped give a client the reception of their dreams. There’s nothing better than a sincere,  heartfelt “Thank you” from a client once their event has come to an end.

Thanks Rodney for stopping by!

Contact information:
Arch Entertainment
www.archentertainmentcompany.com
757-559-1712
archentertainmentcompany@gmail.com

Photo credits:
Catie’s Photography
Sam Hughes Photography

This week’s i do! Spotlight is All About Honeymoons.. literally! J If you, like many brides and grooms, are looking forward to relaxing after months of wedding planning, then Jack Keller with All About  Honeymoons is your guy!

Today Jack shares more about how to make sure your wedding day- and your fabulous honeymoon- the very best!

Without further ado, here’s Jack-

How did you get your start in the wedding industry?

We started about 7 years went into business about 7 years ago. Myself and Robin Spelman are both retired Navy. We both love to travel and have been to many places around the world, so based on our travel background it seemed to fit perfectly.

What are the main ingredients for a memorable wedding day and honeymoon?

One of the main ingredients to a memorable honeymoon is for couples to talk in detail about ideas and places they’d like to visit. To experience something new together. We talk in detail with our clients to find out about their travel experience and help to develop ideas about locations and the types of resorts that would fit their dream.

A destination wedding is a unique idea and a great way to have an exotic wedding. It can also be a great economic benefit since most resorts offer free weddings. A destination wedding isn’t for everyone. Brides especially have dreamed of what their wedding day will be and flying off to the Caribbean or Italy may not be that dream. Family matters and this is a big decision that should be discussed with your loved ones.

What are some do’s and don’ts that our brides need to keep in mind?

Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your honeymoon.. We recommend that at the 9 month mark you have made some decisions. And no later than 6 months you should have everything booked. The benefits are abundant, but space availability, budgeting, and  stress are tops on the list.

Do use a travel professional. This is the most important trip of your life. Don’t leave it to an online company that is not going to give you the expertise a travel professional can. Look for a professional who doesn’t charge fees. We do not, our services are complimentary.

What advice would you like to share with our brides?

Best advice for your honeymoon as dream about it and talk with one another. Have some ideas about where you’d like to go.  And plan ahead.

Thanks to Jack for stopping by!

Contact information
Jack Keller
757-870-9552 or 757-673-2552
jack@allabouthoneymoons.com
www.allabouthoneymoons.com

Photo Credits:
Sandals

Today, we’re excited to sit down with Tracy Creamer, Event Director with One Fish-Two Fish, which boasts casual waterfront dining as well as private dining accommodations for up to seventy-five guests.  We love their mantra “upscale without the uppity” and if you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying dinner there, we hope you make it your next stop!

Without further ado, here’s Tracy-

How did you get your start in weddings?

I started working at One Fish-Two Fish when I was just newly engaged.  We planned our wedding over approximately a 12 month period and realized there are so many components in planning such a memorable day.  I realized we had the perfect venue for Intimate Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners and Engagement parties.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

Once the day has arrived, take the time to enjoy your planning.  So many couples get caught up with things they can’t control.  It’s important to realize the wedding is one day in a very long marriage.

Any do’s or don’t’s for wedding planning?

I recommend couples work with professionals in the industry.  This is our career and we have the experience to suggest the best way to make each couple’s dream wedding come to fruition. My one “don’t” is to include family in the planning but don’t let them take over.  I realize they want to help and are excited for you but sometimes, their opinions cause the couples to doubt their choices.  Remember, it’s your day.

Do you have a favorite memory?

This couple had a unity candle as part of the ceremony and, coincidentally, a floral wreath was hung directly above it.  During the ceremony, it was time to light the unity candle and it would not light.  Come to find out, the water from the wreath had dripped directly into the candle and prevented it from lighting.  At least this couple did not take it as a sign of their future.  They still laugh about it.

What advice do you have for our brides?

After the wedding, sneak away for a few minutes with your Groom and enjoy the moment.  Throughout the reception you are greeting guests, dancing, staying on schedule; it’s important to realize a union has just happened and take a breath.  Express your appreciation to each other that all the planning has paid off and your journey together is just beginning.

Thanks Tracy for stopping by!

Contact information:
One Fish-Two Fish
2109 W. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach Virginia 23451
(757)496-4350
http://www.onefish-twofish.com/

Photo Credit:
Sam Hughes Photography