Weddings by Michelle

Today, we’re chatting with Justin Hankins of Justin Hankins Photography. Justin is a Virginia Beach-based photographer who travels around the world documenting the happiest moments in people’s lives. He was named a Best of Weddings winner by The Knot magazine for both 2010 and 2011, and his work has earned an accolade of excellence from Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. In addition to weddings, Justin teaches workshops on photography and Apple software,and volunteers his services to several local nonprofit organizations.

Without further ado, here’s Justin-

How did you get your start in Weddings?

I was the Creative Director for a design firm in DC and made the decision to spin my photography work into a new career. I focused on commercial and fine art work until friends of mine got engaged and essentially forced me to photograph their weddings. At the time, weddings terrified me. I was nervous about carrying people’s priceless memories on my shoulders. But after the first one, I was completely hooked. It’s extremely fast-paced, difficult work, and I found that I thrive in that type of environment. The bonus, of course, is that I get to spend every weekend celebrating some of the most special moments in people’s lives. It’s a very challenging, rewarding experience.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

No bride is an island! Surround yourself with a team of people who can provide you with a great customer experience, then hand them your trust and let go. Be the CEO of your wedding, not the mail-room clerk who has to oversee all the tiny details. You don’t have the time or the sanity for that. Steer your team. Advise them. Offer constructive feedback, but don’t tell them how to do their jobs. And remember: your role is as critical as anybody else’s — be timely and thorough with your communication.

The saddest thing I see at weddings is when a bride has to answer everybody’s questions all night, and she doesn’t get to enjoy her own event. Create a master plan with your team of vendors, commit to it ahead of time, and then relax and enjoy your evening.

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

Do:

Assemble the best team you can:
- Make sure your vendors have insurance.
- If you don’t hire a wedding planner, make sure you hire a doubly-amazing DJ.
- Evaluate third-party review websites when choosing vendors.
- Make sure you get along with your vendors and feel comfortable
voicing your opinions.
- When interviewing bands, ask how often they take breaks during the night.
- Interview officiants as critically as you’d interview other vendors.
- Invest in photography — it’s the primary tangible memory you’ll
have after the day concludes.

Don’t:
- Don’t hire your relatives.
- Don’t hire your relatives.
- Don’t hire your relatives.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory?

There’s a point in every ceremony when the bride and groom experience an acute moment of clarity — where they realize the culmination of what led them to that point, and they relax and let go of whatever stress they’re carrying. For a brief second, they’re living entirely within that moment, and everything in their world is completely perfect. The simplicity of that instance, and the purity of that love, knocks me over and leaves me in tears at every wedding I photograph.

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

Weddings are an interesting hybrid of emotion and logistics. On one hand, you have the dreams and aspirations that have been swirling around your heart since you were little. On the other, you have a very complicated puzzle of events that needs to be solved as efficiently as possible. It’s important to understand the reciprocal nature of these two ideas and determine areas where one can yield to the other in favor of improving the overall experience.

A great example of this is finishing all your formal photos before the ceremony. On one hand, your emotions are telling you that seeing each other ahead of time violates some unspoken wedding day rule. On the other, your brain is calculating how much time (and money, and sometimes quality) you’ll sacrifice by waiting until after the ceremony to do them. Being honest with yourself about why you’re making decisions, and maintaining balance between logistics and emotions, will help keep you on the path toward a great wedding day experience.

Thanks Justin for stopping by!

Contact info:

Justin Hankins Photography
http://www.justinhankins.com
http://www.facebook.com/justinhankinsphotography

Today, our i do! Spotlight feature brings us to Sweetwater Cuisine, who opened in July 2004, as a full-service catering company, specializing in southern cuisine.  In April 2011, Sweetwater Cuisine relocated and now offers lunch service as well as on-site event space.    

Jodi Moore is co-owner of Sweetwater Cuisine and took the time to chat with us more-

 How did you get your start in Weddings?   

Weddings have been a part of my life since I was old enough to know what they were.  And that’s when I started dreaming.   My mother planned, directed, and even catered most weddings in our community for years.  Each one was always unique and beautiful.  When I moved to Virginia Beach and opened Sweetwater Cuisine, I began searching for wedding clients immediately.  We participated in our first Karen Eagle Show in January 2005, which served as our debut in the wedding industry.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day? 

Hire vendors that speak your language and understand your vision your wedding.   Once you’ve found them, you can let go of the details and focus on other things.

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

Don’t take on too many tasks yourself for that day, hire great vendors that will take care of these things for you.  Make sure that someone else besides you is prepared to make decisions.   Communicate with all your vendors before the event to make sure that everything is all set or hire a planner to do this for you.   Hire professionals, instead of a friend of a friend.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory? 

There are SO many.  One that shall ever be in my mind….this couple decided to take all of their photographs prior to the wedding.  The bride was outside on the terrace with the photographer and the groom quietly slipped up behind her.   When she felt him behind her, she turned to him with the most loving look, and they cried.    We all cried, too!

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

EAT. Make sure you take time to eat at your reception, even if it is only a bite of everything.  You don’t know how many clients talk to me following their event and ask if I can prepare the wedding menu for them for a private dinner at home because they didn’t get a chance to eat.  They want to enjoy it fresh, not as leftovers.

Thanks Jodi for stopping by!

Contact Information:

4216 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Virginia Beach, VA  23452

askus@sweetwatercuisine.com

757.403.7073

Photo Credit:
OnOn Digitography

Today, we’re featuring the lovely Rebecca of Faces by Rebecca Wood. Rebecca grew up in Virginia Beach and began applying make-up in 2004, later obtaining her Cosmetology license in 2005.

As Rebecca says, “My work is not only about applying QUALITY make up, but creating an experience to enhance the BEST you.   Nothing compares to walking into a room, all eyes on you, and feeling like the most beautiful woman there!”

We couldn’t agree more- and without further ado, here’s Rebecca-

How did you get your start in Weddings? 

I worked with M.A.C. Cosmetics in 2005 and met a lot of brides and vendors that often asked me to do weddings. I fell in love with being a part of other peoples special day and felt honored being able to contribute.

What  are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day? 

There’s no place like home. A great family and best friends is ALWAYS the key ingredients. There’s something special and intimate right before the wedding starts and there is a room filled with laughter, inside jokes and memories that only they know and understand.  The joy of being together again in a room for only a couple of hours before everyone goes back to there daily lives is completely under rated.

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

1.) DO take extra care of skin months before wedding so make up will look as natural as possible and can fuse with skin properly.  Also. make sure you schedule any facials 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding date.

DON’T try new products  or facials a couple of weeks before wedding, just in case it reacts with your skin poorly.

2.) If you choose to tan, DO work your skin up to the desired color and make sure you use tons of MOISTURIZER.

DON’T burn your skin or try for orange. A natural, sun-kissed tan is always more photogenic.

3.) DO hire professionals.

DON’T hire your best friends.

4.) DO have a mimosa on your wedding day.

DON’T have 10 mimosas.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory? 

This past year I did a wedding on my birthday. After I finished everyone’s final touch ups and the show was getting ready to begin, I excused myself to the restroom to wash my hands.  As I returned in the room, the lights were off and the bride held a cake with lighted candles and the entire room sang happy birthday to me. How nice of a bride to share a moment of her special day with me. Thanks Arlene!

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

Don’t forget to stop and look around you. Remember the important, fun part of this day. All the things that you want to stress out about, don’t. People search for love all the time, how awesome is it that you’ve found someone you want to build a life with…. why would anything else matter today?

Thanks Rebecca for stopping by!

Contact Info:
Faces by REBECCA WOOD
757-567-4612
FaceByRebeccaWood.com

info@FacesByRebeccaWood.com

Photo Credits:
Eleise Theuer Photography
Sam Hughes Photography
Whitebox Weddings

Today, we’re excited to sit down with Mark DiVenuti of the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center. Mark has been planning weddings for over twenty years and has been with the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel for ten years as the Director of Catering.  The Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel has two beautiful ballrooms plus waterfront outdoor space to fit every special wedding.

Without further ado, here’s Mark-

How did you get your start in Weddings? 

I started as a Banquet Manager and after handling so many weddings on that end I decided that I wanted to be on the planning side.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day? 

Stop.  Look.  And Listen.

Remember what the bride’s and her family’s vision was for the day and execute it that day to exceed their expectations.  And great weather doesn’t hurt!

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

Do research on all of your vendors and seek recommendations.

Go with vendors who you feel most understand your personal needs.

Don’t leave key planning elements to family members or friends.  (The family friend who takes great pictures is not always the best choice for your photographer).

Use professionals for the most important pieces of the wedding.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory? 

Every single wedding I have done has provided one special memory of that day.  So many different things….the dress, the lights, the flowers, the linen.  What was the wow factor of that one day.

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

RELAX!!!!!  Eat a good breakfast.  Spoil yourself a little bit.  Hair, makeup, manicure, pedicure and a glass of champagne!

Thanks for stopping by Mark! Mark can be reached at 757.673.3003 or by email at markdivenuti@remingtonhotels.com.

Photo Credit:
Images in Light

Today, we’re chatting flowers with Hollydays! Hollydays! Inc. is owned by Holly Hoffler, who has been a floral designer for 27 years, having mentored under Paul Hughes and many other talented designers throughout her career. Holly started Hollydays! Inc. 15 years ago and are located in the Driver (northern) area of Suffolk.  They specialize in weddings, parties, corporate designs and Christmas decorations.

Without further ado, here’s Holly-

How did you get your start in Weddings? 

I got my start in wedding design mentoring under Paul Hughes. He was “the master” of floral design and a local legend in our industry whose designs where way ahead of his time. He taught me to pay attention to details that make a difference and the importance of “old school” mechanics (priceless tricks of the trade). Every bride’s wedding – whether it is intimate or extravagant is the most important day of her life and we feel honored to be a part of such a special occasion.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day? 

I think one the ingredients for a memorable wedding day is giving yourself a moment to think about all those cherished wedding day dreams you have been waiting for since you were a little girl. I think the wedding should reflect the personal style of the bride and groom by incorporating special touches with the “perfect” dress, music, lighting, food and of course, the floral décor.

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

One of my personal favorite moments is when the Bride and Groom with their parents “steal” a moment to take the first look into the reception area before the guests enter. The reactions, expressions, and tears of joy are so rewarding after many, many months of planning their dream day. One of my personal don’ts for a bride is to stress over things and situations that are totally beyond their control and enjoy this precious time. Let others worry for you!

What is your most favorite Wedding memory? 

My favorite wedding memory is every time I hand a bride her bouquet and she cries tears of joy or says it is beyond her expectations. It is such a special moment when you’ve been a part of the journey uniting this couple as one and these families together.

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

The best advice I can give any bride is to plan in advance and work with a professionalplanner and take their recommendations for other possible vendors. Brides are so busy that they do not have time to take care of all the necessary details. These wedding professionals have great experience and chemistry working together. The right team of wedding professionals can take every moment of stress away where the bride and her family can enjoy the entire wedding planning process.

Please contact Holly at hollydaysfloral@aol.com or visit their website at www.hollydaysfloral.com. They can be reached by phone at 757-538-3944.

We are just thrilled to bring you our weekly i do! Spotlight- a chance for us to give you an insider’s look into the amazing professionals that make up the i do! family.

We start off this week with Glenn Bashaw, owner of Images in Light. Glenn’s love of photography began at the age of seven with his very first 110 camera. As Glenn says, “I’ve always been fascinated with being able to tell a story, convey an emotion or capture a moment in time through photographs. There’s so much I can communicate through images that can’t be said with words.”

Glenn graduated from the Hallmark Institute of Photography in 1989 and has been able to use his technical training ever since to shape subject composition and lighting to create unique Images in Light.

We asked Glenn to stop by to chat with us more-

How did you get your start in Weddings?

I started photographing weddings right after I graduated from photography school. I was immediately drawn toward them since they offer such a great opportunity to capture the moments of each bride and groom’s special day.

What are the ingredients for a memorable wedding day?

The most important thing is to be yourself. Your personal style will then shine through. Weddings that show personal touches by the bride always leave a lasting impression. Include close family and friends in your ceremony and reception. These are people that care most about you and all their positive energy will just add a great mood to the day.

I know it is not traditional, but I love it when a bride and groom do a sneak peek before going down the aisle. They take about 10-15 minutes of time to see each other before the ceremony. It is just the bride and groom. I try to stand as far away as possible and just capture the special moments between the two of them from a distance. These can be some of the best pictures of the day.

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

As a photographer, I always remind the bride that besides the groom, your photography is the other thing you take home with you at the end of the day. Be sure to hire someone who you really enjoy. You’ll be spending one of the most important days of life with your photographer, and you want your personalities to mesh.

Be sure to meet with your photographer and have a in-depth meeting of what you want from your wedding photographs. Don’t be afraid to speak up. I always tell brides if they think they need to tell me about the tiniest details of their day, I welcome the phone call. There is never too much information you can share with your photographer.

What is your most favorite Wedding memory?

My favorite wedding memory was when I photographed Carter and Johnʼs wedding. They had decided to do a sneak peek. Iʼve known Carter and John for a few years and just love them both. We set up the sneak peak by setting Carter up in the little garden outside the Chrysler Museum. John came out the front and around the corner. When he saw Carter he couldn’t contain his emotions and had tears streaming down his face. They hugged and really spent some great moments together. Afterwards, Carter told me that it was the first time she had ever seen John cry. It was such a great moment.

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

Just relax and enjoy your day. You have spent all the time and effort to get to this moment, so you really need to enjoy it. Once your day gets started, if something doesnʼt go exactly as planned, itʼs okay. None of your guests will realize it, and as long as you remain happy and excited, everyone else will too. You deserve to enjoy the fun of that day.

We certainly second that!   Thanks again to Glenn of Images in Light for stopping by!