When Brant offered me the opportunity to throw my 2 cents in on his blog I had to say yes. Brant and I have worked together many times over the years. If you need a photographer that’s talented, yet easy to work with I strongly suggest you consider him…  he is one of the best.  (Even if he is a George Michael fan!)

I love weddings and one thing I have seen too many times over the years is a reception fall short because of poor planning. Brant’s blog is a great place to share my insight on how to pull together a reception to remember!

Proper planning is key to a successful reception.  One of the elements to consider is how important the placement of your entertainment is in the success of your reception. Whether you are using a band or a DJ, they need to be located where they can best do their job – near the dance floor, not stuck in a corner.  Their speakers should be up on stands for the best possible sound.  And if you can avoid it, do not place tables between the speakers and the dance floor. Two major problems arise when this takes place; one is that the music volume needs to be louder since it has to travel further to reach the dance floor and the other is the guests seated at the tables in front of the speakers are usually not happy about it.

It is also important that when the band or DJ is making an announcement that they can be seen as well as heard. If you have ever been to an event where someone is making an announcement, but you don’t know where it is coming from, you notice everyone in attendance looking around the room trying to find out where the announcer is.

Additionally, keep in mind that a professional DJ with good equipment does not need a lot of room; a 4 foot by 3 foot space is usually enough.  Please consider these thoughts when planning your special event.  Your DJ or band will appreciate it.  And in the end, so will you and your guests.

On another note, I want to offer a little advice on scheduling.  I have performed at over 1200 receptions and have pretty much seen it all so I feel confident in what I am about to say! Don’t break the energy of the reception by stopping for activities every 15 minutes. You will only get the guests full attention about 3 times in an evening so group your events. Don’t hold four separate toasts.  Two toasts at a time or even four is fine, if they are not too long.  The cake and bouquet/garter toss (if you are doing one) can be done back to back. While the staff is cutting up and serving the cake, the bouquet and garter can be going on the dance floor and keeping the party going.

I’m going to finish with this last thought… a timeline is important but you also need to adjust it as the evening plays out. If dinner takes 10 minutes longer than expected I recommend not rushing the cake cutting to make up time. The important thing at the end of the night is that the events took place in a timely fashion and that everyone had an unbelievably good time!

…DJ Mike Hogan from Entertainment At Large.  When I first started my business in 1999 Mike was one of the first DJ’s I worked with and fortunately I have had that opportunity many times since then.  Not only is he a good guy, he always has the dance floor packed.  He is always promoting “Stress Free Fun” so I’m excited to see what he has in store for us tomorrow.  Oh, by the way, for your next event you’ll have to consider Party Donuts for your guests… he does that too . 

Recently I posted some images from Crystal & Sean’s engagement session and promised some wedding images…so here they are!  Wow, what a great time!  Everything was so well thought out by Crystal and Sean and delivered perfectly by wedding planner Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans.  What I thought was particularly fun about this wedding (other than the surprise belly dancer ) was that it was a small intimate wedding at Bernardo Heights Country Club with their closest and most personal friends and family to share it with them.

Oh, and I can’t I forget to mention the cake, flowers & DJ…If you you’re looking for some great referrals you need to check out Sweet Cheeks Baking Company, Lois Mathews Design and Artistic Productions!

Although my primary focus is on wedding photography I am occasionally available for family portraiture as well.  With my office located in the Bernardo Winery I have optimal access to a beautiful setting that makes family sessions super enjoyable.  The location is full of rich and unique photo spots.  Why go anywhere else when I can create wonderful portraits right outside my office?

The Rinehart family were both easy and fun to work with… and they looked great!

Engagement sessions are always a blast and photographing Jerry & Setareh was more than fun!  It’s such a great opportunity to get to know the couple.  The beach tends to be a popular location and having so many choices in San Diego really makes it easy.  We decided on La Jolla Cove.  I’ve been there a number of times but it always makes for great images.  Jerry and Setareh are getting married at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines soon so keep an eye out for those too!

… bridal consultant extraordinaire Joanna Falb, from Unforgettable Event.  I have known Joanna for years and when I decided to introduce a guest blogger she was an easy choice!  My commitment with my new blog was to provide brides valuable resources and I felt there was no better place to start than with someone who does wedding planning from beginning to end.  I’m very excited to read her entry and I think you will be too!