Connecticut Photographers

We just wanted to announce that we have filled the space for Connecticut Photographers in the 50-80k budget. We're so very excited to announce the photographers who will be representing this category, and they are:

Bruce Plotkin
website: www.bruceplotkin.com

Leslie Dumke Studio
website: www.lesliedumkestudio.com

Megan Dey Photography
website: www.megandey.com

Matthew J. Wagner
website: www.matthewjwagner.com

Also, the space for Connecticut Photographers in the 80k+ category is filling up quickly so we have very limited space. If you are interested, please feel free to email us at info@kateparkerweddings.com.

Wedding Photography Schedules - No. 8, Megan Farley from Megan Dey Photography

Megan from Megan Dey Photography gives brides some great advice on taking formals on the big day! Check out her work below or visit her website: Megan Dey Photography




















It is most relaxing for the couple to take the photos without being rushed. Sometimes there's room between the ceremony and reception and sometimes there's not. I know guests complain about a big break between the two but if it it makes you THE BRIDE (and groom of course) happier then do it your way it YOUR DAY not theirs. Before the ceremony is the best as make up and hair are fresh, you can still get that "first look" moment it just won't be the traditional way of doing it.

Just because its traditional doesn't mean you need to do it. Look for an album that will tell a story, how many photos of each person do you really need? Do you need every bridesmaid walking down the aisle? It gets a little repetitive and they're going to be in the fun formals anyway.

Try not to do formal photos in the sanctuary, or should I say at the alter. You're whole ceremony took place by the alter switch it up a bit. Then you also don't have to worry about the cross appearing the in the photo like its coming out of someone's head.

To keep formals short only worry about key players like immediate family and wedding party. Extended family photos are best saved for a lull in the reception, or the end of cocktails as everyone moves to their seats. Some families who are camera junkies will eventually line themselves up and then you just need to pop in the B&G.

It's much easier to take formals without a big group around. You have no idea how hard it is to get a group of people to all look at you when your taking a photo, adding people behind the photographer just makes the photos take longer. As they distract and interact with the people in the photo.

The longest part about taking a photo is the gathering of the people, if you have a good group who listens to the photographer or better yet a photographer can take command you're set. A big group of rowdy (sometimes drunk) people is no fun and gets frustrating for the B&G as they try to get their photos taken.

I often get asked many questions from my couples on their wedding day, my answer is ALWAYS what do YOU want to do, don't worry about anyone else but you. I'm there to make sure you get great photos and have a great day!

The Wedding Budget- Ceremony Flowers

The challenge with Ceremony flowers is that they're used for a very short amount of time in comparison to the rest of your reception flowers. Sometimes you can re-use your ceremony pieces at your reception but some churches ask that your flowers remain at the ceremony as a donation. There are quite a few options to consider when designing your ceremony flowers:

Altar Arrangements
Aisle Adornments
Aisle Runner
Entrance Arrangements
Entrance Wreaths
Chuppah
Arbor Flowers

In our previous post about flowers for your wedding, here is what you should expect to spend depending on your overall wedding budget:

$2,000.00-$2,500.00 8%-10% of an under 25k overall wedding budget (based on 25k)

$3,000.00-$3,750.00 8%-10% of a 25k-50k overall wedding budget (based on 37.5k)

$5,200.00-$6,500.00 8%-10% of a 50k-80k overall wedding budget (based on 65k)

$8,000.00-$10,000.00 8%-10% of an 80k and up overall wedding budget (based on 100k)

You should expect to spend about 10% on your Ceremony flowers. That would break down to:

$200-$250.00 - under 25k overall wedding budget

$300-$375.00 - 25k-50k overall wedding budget

$520.00-$650.00 - 50k-80k overall wedding budget

$800-$1,000.00 - 80k and up overall wedding budget


Altar Arrangements: Probably the most popular choice for ceremony flowers, altar arrangements are used to bring the focus to the bride and groom. They can be used at any location, indoors and outdoors. The containers can vary greatly- galvanized buckets, glass urns, silver compotes, stone or ceramic urns would work perfectly well for large-format arrangements. I would suggest larger scale blooms for these arrangements because they will be placed very far away from your guests. Examples of large blossoms: hydrangea, roses, spider mums, football mums, bells of Ireland, stock, dahlias. Other items that will help create a large arrangement: curly willow, bear or lily grasses, dendrobium orchids, and even some leaves- lemon, variegated pittosporum. Altar arrangements usually range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on the size, scale and type of flowers.



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by megan dey photography



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by Linsday Flanagan Photography


Aisle Adornments: Although these aren't necessary, aisle adornments add a lot to your ceremony decor. Some people use these adornments to delineate VIP seating, others use it for aesthetic purposes only. The simplest option here is ribbon- either in a bow form or in a simple knot with tendrils to the floor. Expect to pay around $10.00-$15.00 per ribbon. You can then "upgrade" and add fresh flowers to your ribbons. A simple option would be a single hydrangea blossom to each of your ribbons which will cost you $15-$25.00 per ribbon and hydrangea. Adding more flowers to each aisle adornment adds costs and you can also create arrangements in containers that can be tied to a chair or pew or they can be placed on the floor next to the chair or pew. Some brides want to go more ornate for their aisle adornments so you can always add more flowers to each aisle adornment. A typical range for a flower and ribbon aisle adornment can range from $15.00-$150.00 a piece. You can also add fabric and drape it from each chair for a dramatic affect. Remember, if you have aisle adornments that close off that side of your aisle for guest seating, let your ushers/groomsmen know that they have to seat your guests on the outside of each row.



photo by Melissa Koren Photography



photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photography



photo by Studio Nouveau



flowers by Floral Fauna, photo by Emilie Inc. Photography

Aisle Runner: If you wanted to add another element to your aisle, consider a runner. A simple white runner can be purchased from your florist or you can splurge and consider a colored or custom runner. We love working with The Original Runner Company in NYC. They create all of our custom runners for our clients. These runners can be cut to any length and can be hand painted with your monogram, wedding date, or even a quote. Pricing ranges anywhere from $75.00 for a standard runner from your florist to $150-$3500.00 for a custom runner.



photo by megan dey photography



photo by Claris Photography


Entrance Arrangements: Smaller versions of your altar arrangements, entrance arrangements can be placed on either side of the first pew or row of chairs or they can be placed in the foyer of your ceremony area. Pricing will range from $50.00-$500.00 per arrangement.



photo by Studio Nouveau


Entrance Wreaths: A classic wedding staple, a wreath of flowers on the door of your church is a simple and elegant statement for any New England bride. Wreaths can come in multiple sizes and shapes and the flowers use can vary from carnations, hydrangea, roses, orchids and the list goes on and on. Most wreaths will hang on a door using a coordinating ribbon. Make sure you ask your church or ceremony location if you're allowed to put a nail in their doors or if there is a nail already in place for you to use. Wreaths will range in price from $75.00-$300.00 a piece.



photo by Melissa Koren Photography

Huppah or Chuppah: A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony element, the Chuppah can be very elaborate or very simple and understated, depending on the style of your wedding. Four simple poles and a top cover is all you really need to have a chuppah but brides will add fabric, branches, garlands of flowers, and even candles to suit their taste. Prices can range from free if it's already in the family to $7,000.00 for an elaborate, fabric and flower covered chuppah.



photo by Studio Nouveau



photo by Studio Nouveau



photo by Lindsay Flanagan Photgraphy


Arbor Flowers: A simpler version of a Chuppah, an arbor doesn't have a religious connotation and can be used for any type of ceremony. Some arbors are covered in garlands of flowers, greenery, or even simply twigs. These will range in price from $75.00-$750.00 depending on how elaborate the design. Some arbors are already existing at your ceremony location and your florist will adorn it as opposed to bringing in an arbor from scratch.



flowers by Flora Fauna



photo by Studio Nouveau

2009 Vendor Advice and Trends from Megan Farley - Megan Dey Photography

Megan Farley from Megan Dey Photography gives some great advice when booking a photographer! Check out Megan Dey Photography to see her work: http://www.megandey.com/

- Don't shop based on price. There's a reason for the price difference, I promise. When looking at the photographer's work, do you see relaxed, posed photos or stiff people? Do they look like they're having fun?

- Take a look at the shadows. Are they harsh? If it was a bright day, are the person's eyes dark? A true photographer knows how to avoid or correct these situations.

- Look at the quality of the album. Are they hard bound or soft bound? The nicer the book the more it's going to cost, but with that, the more ooohhh and ahhhs you're going to get when people see the finished product.

- Ask how long it will take to see your photos and receive your album. My clients see their photos when they return from their honeymoon. I also have an album design all done, so when they get back, their album is ready to view. I do allow for my clients to make changes; it just depends on how long they take to make those changes.

- Don't forget about the details. You (the bride and groom) put A LOT of thought and planning into the big day so make sure your photographer will key in on all of the details. You shouldn't have to tell them, but as you hunt around for the right photographer look at their work. Does it show some of the smaller stuff such as the DIY projects you spent time on? Or if you hired an event designer, you want to remember what it looked like as I'm sure you won't have time to take it all in.

- And, make sure you connect with your photographer. This person is going to be with you for a long time on your wedding day and you want to make sure you get along; and for most of my clients, become friends :)

Also, check out some of Megan's incredible photos!