District Weddings

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Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

Photo Booth Backdrops

ACME Party Box just introduced a brand new product – “photo booth” backdrops!

Available in a wide range of chic colors and designs, ACME Party Box’s custom “photo booth” backdrop comes with two chalkboard “bubbles” that wedding guests can write their own messages on to the bride and groom. These are retailing for $135.00, perfect for those who have not necessarily budgeted for a full traditional photo booth.

The 3.5′ x 7′ backdrop can be repurposed in a many different ways post-wedding, keeping in line with ACME’s philosophy of sustainability and reuse. Seriously, they have so many cute things, I can’t stand it!!

Abby Jiu Photography

A few weeks ago I updated the District Favorites list and I could not be more excited about the new addition of Abby Jiu!  Not only is she an extremely talented photographer, she is super adorable and stylish – a total sweetheart!

Today, we are catching up with Abby to hear all about her take on being a local DC photographer — it is great insider advice for us all!

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What should a couple look for when meeting with (and eventually deciding on) a photographer?

I’ve found the most important things when it comes to choosing a photographer are style and personality.   There are so many different styles, and initially couples are learning about what they want.  For many of them, this is the first time that they begin learning about photography and end up figuring out what they want after research and help from their planners.

It’s important for not only the couple, but also the photographer, to feel that they are working with someone who is a good fit for them, and that both will enjoy working together.   Although it is very important for the couple, photographers many times are selective as well, preferring to work with couples that share the same vision and appreciate the type of photography that they specialize in.   And for personality, that is something that you can immediately tell on the first call or meeting.   A photographer is with the couple for most of the wedding day, and couples are looking for someone they feel comfortable with and can enjoy being around.

For the photographer, it’s important they help to create a memorable and enjoyable experience throughout their day and finding a couple who you get along with is key. It’s a much more enjoyable experience for the couple and photographer if personalities mesh and work well together.

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Fabulous February Events!

Despite this short month, there are SO many fabulous events coming up soon – here is the scoop:

First up, the Justin Alexander Trunk Show from February 4th to 6th at Chevy Chase Bridal. Call 202.363.9301 for an appointment!

We also have oh-so-lovely Modern Trousseau Bridal Trunk Show at Hitched on Friday, February 4th & Saturday, February 5th.

RSVP at 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com (Gown trials are by appointment only!)


So once you have the dress, you need those beautiful baubles and accessories!  Carine’s Bridal Atelier’s Designer Accessories Trunk Show starts on Valentine’s Day!

The semi-annual trunk show starts on February the 14th until February the 18th and offers discounts on veils and all jewelry items: 10% off for 1 item purchased, 12% for two items and 15%  for three items! Fab!!

The appointments are a half hour long and can be made by calling 202-965-4696 or by email at info@carinesbridal.com.

And – Now extended until the end of the month – here is a little something nice and naughty for V-day from Love Life Images…Ooo-la-la!

Monument Pictures

As a D.C. resident, I sometimes forget how lucky I am to live right among the nation’s most famous and architecturally impressive monuments. They are pretty cool and so “D.C.”, right?!  But, if you are thinking about including the monuments as your photo backdrop on the big day, you will want to consider a few things…

First, while going to the monuments on your wedding day may seem super romantic and so very patriotic, it can be quite challenging to coordinate transportation to and around the Mall area. Be sure you leave plenty of time and understand that this might pull you away from other happenings of the day.

Second, although tourists can walk up and take pictures as they please to document their trip, pics of a bride and groom do require a bit more paper work by the couple or the photographer.

Photography Credit: Abby Jiu Photography

Here’s the scoop  on the “Red Tape” –

In order to obtain a photography permit for the National Mall you have to fill out a short application for filming/photography. The application can be viewed and downloaded in PDF format at www.nps.gov. Permits are specifically located under the Park Home section, under Fees & Reservations, and then Permits. The application would have to be accompanied with a $50.00 payment that can be in the form of check, money order, or credit card. The division dealing with photography and filming is the Division of Park Programs and they can be contacted at 202-619-7225. Their office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm.

With that said, if it is your dream to have your pictures taken by Abe, then happy photographing! As seen in these pics by Abby Jiu Photography, the monuments really can be breathtaking.

Brides, are you planning to do this on your big day? I would love to hear about your plans! ox.

Wedding Photography: Bride Blogger Update

Today Kimberly tells us about her wedding photography…or shall we say documentation…

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.  ~ Eudora Welty

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography

“Don’t forget to enjoy the moment.  Your wedding will fly by and you won’t remember a thing.”  This is what countless people have told me.  To keep this from happening, I need to find someone that would be able to document the day with pictures.  After the day is gone, photos are all that remain.

To be perfectly honest, I HATE taking photos – doesn’t matter what type we are talking about – Work ID, Driver’s License, group shots, whatever!  I’ve never been that person that makes an effort to purposely have their picture taken.  My dad (who has more photos of me than the law allows), had all but stopped asking me to pose for photos until I got engaged because every time he would, I would scowl and run in the other direction.

Photo Credit: Alswang Photography; Venue: Meridian House

While I loathe being the subject of a photograph, I do love a well taken photo.  Of all the methods, the one that I identify with the most is a Photojournalistic style.  Here’s how I see it – if I have a photojournalist document my wedding, I have struck the perfect balance of having my photo taken, while not “knowing” I had my photo taken.  Maybe this won’t be so bad after all…

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