Northern California Wedding Planner | Ceremony Planning Tips

To have and to hold..

Photo by Daffodilhill Photography 

Photo by Daffodilhill Photography 

So much planning goes into this day, from the people you invite to the details on the tables.  It is one day where you get to celebrate this amazing commitment you are about to make to the love of your life!

We know that the ceremony doesn't get as much glamour as the reception details but we've gotta say the weddings that emphasized the ceremony details are the ones who have really stuck out in our minds over the years.  Personalized vows and words from the heart gives your guests a glimpse into all the ways the universe brought you two together.  

Cambria and Tyler had their ceremony at Bidwell Presbyterian church and their pastors shared testimony of how amazing these two people are, and what amazing things they will do together in life.  There were beautiful hymns and prayers, and sitting in the pews surrounded by their loved ones was pretty powerful. 

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Rose and Harry had seven friends each read a blessing or special words for the couple and it showed how they valued their core group who have cheered them on over the years while their relationship grew.  Their ceremony was officiated by a close friend who gave an emotional testimony about how this couple had already been demonstrating the commitment and unconditional love that marriage requires.  {Photo by Essence Photography via Instagram}

This past weekend at Highland Ranch Resort, Kristin and Greg had us in tears as they read aloud their vows.  It was as if they had invited us all into their thoughts and into their hearts to share all of the moments they felt throughout their relationship that "this was the one."  Greg shared notes that he had kept in a journal ever since he met Kristin, words that he had never told Kristin like how he felt after their first date and when he knew he was going to ask her to marry him.  It was special and so meaningful to see how much thought they had put into the ceremony. {Photo by Daffodilhill Photography via Instagram}

56 Likes, 11 Comments - Danielle Larsson (@daffodilhillphotography) on Instagram: "Words Cannot describe how beautiful this wedding and couple are. Congrats to Mr. And Mrs...."

If you're working on your ceremony details and feel like there is no way you could share personalized vows while balling like a baby at the altar, consider writing some short notes that the officiant could read aloud.   Or consider reading your vows/letters to each other during your first look or newlywed photos with just your photographer/videographer..talk about keepsake moments!

Stuck on how to plan your ceremony processional or what to say? Download our ceremony processional planner for more resources or shoot us a message to schedule a complimentary consultation! 
~ Happy Planning! ~

veronica-the-530-bride

White Hot Deal ~ Essence Photography

Around here we like to share good news & sweet perks with our readers! So tonight we want to get the word out about Essence Photography's special promotion for the month of February.  What better way to celebrate the month of love, than booking a fabulous photography package for your upcoming wedding.  Essence Photography will be including a free engagement session with EVERY wedding booked in the month of February (valued at $250!)  This includes a 1 hour session and 15 Enhanced Digital Negatives for you to use as you wish, such as save the dates, invitations, ceremony programs and more. Are you wanting to have a beautiful wedding album, but you aren't sure if it is in your budget?  Essence Photography is including a Free Custom Designed 10x10, 10 pages/20 side Wedding Album for all packages of $2,000 or more.  Don't forget you will also get your free engagement session!  Tell Essence Photography that you read about her promotion on The 530 Bride and get an instant upgrade to a 16page/32 side album, a value of $400. 

To sweeten the deal, for all packages of $2500 booked in the month of February, you will receive 1/2 off on your photo booth rental in addition to your free engagement session and wedding album! This includes a professionally run 2 hour long photobooth, with props provided for only $250!! (Regular price $500).  Photobooths make for a fun activity and a lasting memory for you and your guests not to mention all of the funny faces and props!

If you haven't already, make sure to check out Essence Photography's photo galleries and you will surely be impressed by all of those lovely images! Betsy Erickson, owner of Essence Photography has a way of adding something new and fresh while still capturing the beauty of the special moments.  Set up a consultation with Essence Photography today for this great promotion before it is too late!

Summer Weddings

Life is sweet, and a great example of life's sweetness is a fun and casual summer wedding.  Personal touches and thoughtful accents such as hand painted signs, framed photographs and photo-booths make for a great party!  Check out these lovely summer wedding photos shot by the talented Essence Photography.

Glass beverage dispensers and chalk-boards create an effortless and fun display, and can tie into the overall decor. Keeping the theme consistent, the guest tables are adorned with glass jars in the place of traditional water goblets.

The centerpieces perfectly capture the essence of the outdoors, varying from manzanita branches adorned with flowers, candles and green moss, to lanterns also surrounded with moss.

"Spread the Love" Jam favors at each place setting with the couples name and wedding date are a great keepsake and personal touch.

The outdoor seating is nice and open, and mixing up the centerpieces helps the decor flow nicely.

After dinner, its time to head to the dance floor! As you can see this couple chose a simple dance floor decorated with white lights which creates a nice romantic glow and looks great in pictures. Guests can enjoy themselves by hopping in line for the photo booth, using playful props and chalkboards. The photos will make for a great keepsake, and would also be fun to insert a copy of the guests photos within their thank-you cards.

Essence Photography captured some great shots of this fun crowd!

Are you a summer bride? Tell us your engagement story and wedding inspirations by emailing us at features@the530bride.com

To see more great work by Essence Photography who specializes in Wedding, Portrait, Newborn, Family, Maternity, Engagement, Special Event, and Senior Portrait Photography. Priceless Memories, At A Price You Can Afford. Visit www.EssencePhotog.com or call (530) 440-3450.