THIS MONTH'S VIVA LA WEDDING Q&A

Q - Thank you notes... How long after my wedding do I have to send them out? I've heard some people say I have a month, others say I have a year. Which one is it?

A - Obviously the sooner the better but etiquette says you have three months to get those thank you notes out to your guests.

Looking for tips on writing thank you notes? Stay tuned...

THE FIRST LOOK

The first time the bride and groom see each other on their wedding day is such a special moment.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic and are going to wait until you walk down the aisle or prefer the intimacy of having that first look take place before the ceremony away from all your guests, it's a moment your photographer is sure to capture on film and a moment you won't want to forget.

Photographer Penny Sylvia captured the moment Adam saw his future wife Kelleigh for the first time on their wedding day. Could Adam's reaction be any sweeter?

THE PHOTO BOOTH

How great is this twist on the classic wedding photo booth? A large piece of wood was covered with wallpaper, vintage frames were hung over cut outs, then framed wedding pictures of the bride’s and groom’s families were hung around them. LOVE IT!

Looking to rent the classic photo booth for your wedding? Check out Mastermind Events here in Ottawa.




Photo Credits: Elizabeth Messina

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

Michelle Pattee has been shooting weddings for almost fifteen years and has stared down many, many brides through her lens. Here are five great tips she has to offer on creating wedding day images that will make you smile for years to come.

1. Get some rest, and plenty of it. The night before your wedding will probably be a party, but make every effort possible to get eight hours of sleep. It is the best beauty treatment out there and it does not cost a cent. Try to pack in the sleep hours the week before your wedding also – it will definitely make a difference. If you are feeling overwhelmed with tasks, then delegate, delegate, delegate, so you can hit the hay!

2. Don’t get your first facial the week of your wedding. If you have never been to an aesthetician, then pace yourself and schedule your treatments in advance. Your skin may react unpleasantly and you need a window of time for it to calm down. Skin treatments are more effective in a series, and should begin at least six months before your Big Day.

3. Drink water. I know you have heard this plenty before, but it plumps the skin. Plus, it ranks as another FREE beauty treatment and we like those. Eat something too. You may be too nervous for food on your wedding day, but you must eat, especially breakfast. You need the fuel food provides to get you through the party (and the photo session).

4. Put your faith in yourself. Go with your gut when you hire your photographer. She or he will be in very close proximity to you on a day in your life that is like no other. Listen to your instincts when you are interviewing prospective shooters and ask yourself these questions: Can I be comfortable around this person, even in my bathrobe? Will my family and friends be comfortable with this person? You will be relaxed and confident, and that will translate through to the photographs, if you are at ease with your photographer.

5. Put your faith in your photographer. Once you have hired your photo soul mate, hand over the reins and let them fly. Tell them in advance of your wedding day, about any insecurities or opinions you have when it comes to being photographed. Once that is covered, don’t give it another thought. On the day of your wedding, let the photographer direct you and try not to second guess their instructions.

JENNIFER & RÉJEAN GET MARRIED!!

On Sunday July 5 2009 Jennifer & Réjean had their wedding ceremony and cocktail reception At the Schoolhouse. What an amazing afternoon! The ceremony was just beautiful and the speech Réjean gave declaring his love for Jennifer was so heartfelt. Here are a few moments of their day captured by m photography.

Venue: At the Schoolhouse

Caterer: The Mixing Bowl

Photographer: m photography

SNEAK PEEK AT JENNIFER & REJEAN'S WEDDING

The talented Mélanie Rebane of m photography captured this special moment between the bride and groom on their wedding day.

OUT OF ORDER

To anyone who has recently tried to contact Viva la wedding using the link found under our profile, unfortunately we were just informed that it has been 'out of order'. A big apology to those who have tried to contact us and never received a response. The link is now working again and we look forward to hearing from you!