The weddings 5 do's

Do, say I do to these...

The big day is approaching and getting the most out of your wedding photos is a big deal. Here are five super cute moments that may add a little “pop” to your footage.

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1) First Look

This one may not be applicable if you are very superstitious. But first look photos are really very sweet and intimate. Its a chance for your photographer and videographer to capture you as a couple for the first time on your wedding day. Most couples usually pick a quiet corner or path some place around the venue . Some exchange gifts, others just touch hands and don't actually see each other. Either way you choose you'll have the memory forever.  

PRO TIP:  You will need to squeeze this one into your time line and it may take a bit of planning. After the first look you can use the time to take bridal portraits and formals which may save  you time after the ceremony.

2) Confetti

Whomever has to clean it up is going to be a little upset, but they’ll get over it. Maybe let the venue or hotel know ahead of time of your plans to use confetti, but whatever it takes, use confetti.  We deem any time a good time for this treat but you'll probably want to stick to the more traditional moments for it, for example the dance portion of the reception, during your prep with your girls/guys or even  at the end of the ceremony after the big kiss.

This is sure to elevate the level of fun by at least 99%

3) Bubbles

Bubbles, need we say more? Your guest will love being a part of the excitement. Any interactive activity with them will leave a lasting impression of your wedding. Bubbles also double as favors and triple as awesome elements for photos.

 4) Puppies

If you have a dog and sometimes love them more than people, their presence  during your big day will probably be one of the most touching memories you’ll have in your album.  After all,  they are your first baby as a couple or maybe your closest companion before you met your soul mate.

Dress them up, buy them a bow tie or flowers for their leash and they'll be very happy. Dogs might not always be very obedient and might not walk straight down the isle but its nice to include them in your engagement sessions or bridal portraits. 

5) Sparkler Exist

 Sparkler exists were invented for beautiful videos and photos (or at least we think so.) Not only will your loved ones relish in the excitement of a mini sparkler party but the footage will be a slam dunk. If you need proof, visit our video page and check out some of our recent  videos for inspiration.

A post shared by DANA LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY (@danalynnphotos) on Dec 16, 2016 at 2:03pm PST

DLP Top 3 Garden Venues in Miami

3 Garden wedding venues you’ll love!

One of the many perks of living in the sunshine state is the greenery, specifically gardens and foliage. Here we’ve made a short list of our favorite garden venues for that fairy tale wedding. Click on the images to see more!

The Walton House https://www.waltonhousemiami.com

The Walton House 

Homestead is home to a few venues where we really enjoy shooting. It’s the South Floridian Country side if you will. Boasting amazing greeneries and historic estates like The Walton House built in 1917 by W.K. Walton. 

Five lush acres of wilderness meets english sophistication complete with candle lit dinners, exotic animals and rustic cobble stones make this venue absolutely beyond anything we could ever describe, but we'll try.

There is one common statement amongst past patrons of the Walton House; that it's "breath taking." Whether you fancy flowers, exotic birds, tranquil koi ponds, or whimsical cottages, the Walton House will transform your wedding into a fairy tale. The House's charming decor, foliage and natural setting makes the Walton House a photographers dream. 

Redland Koi Gardens http://www.redlandkoigardens.com/

Redland Koi Gardens

Red Land Koi Gardens was founded as one family's get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. When the Cruz family started building their version of Shangri-La they never suspected that their family get away would become the amazing venuethat it is today.  

For over 20 years the Cruz family has been in constant evolution of their ponds and Japanese garden. The elegant 2.5 acre landscape is the perfect setting for weddings and events, the shimmering koi pond and sparkling waterfalls provide a peaceful setting to create a true feeling of harmony unique to Miami. Romance resonates through out the coral walls, lush canopies and traquil sunsets.

The Cooper Estate http://www.thecooperestate.com/

The Cooper Estate 

The Cooper Estate is a spacious native limestone manor that sits on three acres of manicured landscaping. Its lush green sunken grotto provides beautiful processions down the isle and stunning photographic back drops. Waterfalls, rare exotic palms and massive mature oaks are just part of the charm of the old world ambiance.

One of our favorite features of the cooper estates is a massive beautifully lit bridal suite. It's larger than your standard hotel room and it really enhances the quality of the wedding prep photos and video footage.

When the party moves indoors  guests  are welcomed into an impressive renovated Barn House, vaulted wooden ceilings, rustic rot iron chandeliers and candle lit dinners ( always a must) all the elements to romance and to the perfect garden wedding.  

Q: Why an album?

A: Because they are soooo worth it!

Chances are your wedding budget six months ago or even last week is not your wedding budget today. Your ever expanding guest list, the never ending cuteness found on Etsy and the hidden costs of the wedding your venue, church, planner, loved ones and D.I.Y Pinterest boards insist you have, have truly become outrageous and often times absolutely necessary! [cue: Doves, confetti cannons, bubbles, peonies...] But lets get real, the single most important part of your wedding aside from you and your boo, is the documentation of it all even happening and that's where your photography budget comes in to a very real debate.

Digital Files vs Wedding Albums

1) Do you want a wedding album? Yes.

2) Do you also want to save money and cut corners? Yes.                                  

:::psst::: cancel the doves, they're super awkward

3) Should you consider NOT having a wedding album on top of the expense of hiring a very reputable and established photographer who will capture the memories you always dreamed of? Absolutely NOT!

Wedding albums might seem unnecessary now amidst the chaos of planning your wedding. But it often is the only tangible thing once you've said your nuptials. Specialty albums are filled with durable, luxurious heavy weighted smooth pages that beautifully flow through your weddings sequence of events, in a manner that is ascetically pleasing and arranged to bring tears to your eyes each time you relive it. Each time you excitedly pull it out to show your families when it first arrives and as it proudly sits displayed in your home through the years. An iPad or a computer screen could never evoke the same sentiment in your family as it grows and your children marvel at its pages and all the loveliness and magic that was shared on that day so long ago. In good times and in bad times when you reminisce of all the details and people who made your wedding so memorable.

Wedding albums are invaluable keep sakes that your family will forever treasure and if you choose to make it yourself on shutter fly or hand it over to a relative with a Costco card it may never even happen, and that's sorta tragic. Because your wedding album it’s not like the rest of many miscellaneous projects on the back burner of everyday life. This is your wedding, this is the greatest day of your life. So what I’m saying to you is, do your beautiful memories justice and get the album. It will be worth it. You will be forever glad you did.

Every Wedding Needs a Professional Photographer

Wedding photographs are much more than just simple images from your day. They are frozen moments from one of the most precious and memorable occasions of your life. Weather your wedding is big or small, having a professional photographer will ensure beautiful, quality images for a lifetime.

Here are the top three reasons why hiring a professional wedding photographer is the only real answer.

Quality

True professional photographers produce the highest quality results and have experience you can trust. Wedding photography is a full-time profession that pros dedicate their time, talent and lives to. You only get one chance at your wedding day, make sure you hire a professional wedding photographer who cares as much as you do!

Alexandra & Chris' Wedding, Dana Lynn Photography

Peace of Mind

You can save yourself a lot of hassle by just hiring a professional from the start. Don’t worry about unanswered calls, lost deposits, or worst off all; being a no-show on your wedding day.  Set your mind at ease by knowing every aspect of your day will be captured with care and creativity.

Alexandra & Chris' Wedding, Dana Lynn Photography

Affordable (really!)

Weddings can be expensive and many couples assume that hiring a professional wedding photographer is not within their budget. This isn’t always true! Many wedding professionals are willing to offer smaller packages, payment plans and reduced rates. Compare prices and request quotes! Budget this expense into your plans; After all, why arrange a beautiful wedding that won't be documented beautifully?

Alexandra & Chris' Wedding, Dana Lynn Photography

Of course, there are many, many more reasons why it’s important to budget for a professional wedding photographer.
Contact our service consultants and we’ll tell you more!