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Jun
21
The Knollwood Country Club was the setting for the wedding of Natalie and Anthony. It was such a great celebration for friends and family of both the bride and groom. They met cute in high school when Natalie “tapped” Anthony’s car.
The ceremony was held outside in a garden area overlooking the golf course. The officiant was the same minister who had baptized Natalie as a baby!
The toasts were both moving and funny, coming with plenty of stories to embarrass them both! The buffet was incredible and it seemed like almost everyone got out on the dance floor! A great time was had by all!
Jun
21
Such a great day! Perfect in every way. We did mountain wedding photos in Tehachapi, CA at Jennifer’s Terrace.
It is what I would call a “secret” location, because when you enter the rustic gates, you are transported to a “secret” garden. There is a beautiful, relaxing fountain in the middle, with roses and other flowers throughout the whole venue.
The bride and groom did their “first look” photos inside the office which is a converted house. It is filled with lots of little touches and antique furniture.
With a guest list of about 50 people, it was just the right size. The ceremony included the vows and ring exchange, but with an added twist(literally). The bride and groom did the chord of 3. They did something I have never seen, they “braided the chord on a cute plaque like board.
After the “I Do’s, the guests mingled and were treated to a dessert buffet. This featured chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast like quiches, fruit tarts, a marvelous chocolate pudding and of course cupcakes. These cupcakes were the some of the best with blueberries on top and in the filling.
The bride and groom changed into their going away clothes, and Crystal Wheeler, the coordinator at Jennifer’s Terrace, had a great idea to deadhead the roses and then handed out the petals to the guests. As Jacob and Michaela walked through the pathway, they were showered with rose petals to send them on their way.
http://www.jennifersterrace.com
Feb
08
Insider Tips on Bridal Shows by a Wedding Professional Photographer
Bridal Show Insider Tips
Picture this. You are a bride who is planning your wedding and you have been waiting since you got engaged to meet all the wedding “professionals” in your area.
You have your bridesmaids together and enter the Bridal Show.
The first booth your approach, the person in the booth seems harried or stressed, even like you are keeping them from enjoying their morning coffee.
What gives? Truth is, they probably arrived late, didn’t have time to eat a proper breakfast, they are frantically trying to finish setting up their booth.
This is clue #1.
Do you want a wedding vendor who can’t manage their time and didn’t plan better?
Look I know things happen, the alarm didn’t go off, they had an event the night before, or their help stood them up.
But there are clues here not to be missed.
Next scenario.
You are looking for a Wedding Photographer. You go to one booth.
It looks like a photographer. It has pictures. Yet there is no sign.
There is one lone wedding album on the table.
This is clue #2.
This photographer is probably just starting out. Go ahead and look at the album. You might like the photos.
Is this a “best hits” album? In other words, is the album of different people on different days? It isn’t that hard to come up with one stellar image from one wedding. I mean that is the goal of every wedding photographer.
A true representation of a photographer’s work is a complete album of one bride and one groom from the beginning of the wedding day to the end.
What can you tell from this?
You can see if they can handle different lighting challenges. It’s probably not going to be the same light all day. You will probably go from daylight, to sunset, to indoors, to nighttime. You can see their true range.
Rancho Vista Golf Club
On to the next booth.
Here we have a caterer. There is no food to sample.
Clue #3. They are telling you about their great tasting food.
But where is it? If they don’t have any food to sample, what is the point?
I get that food is expensive, and there will be people there who just want something free, but how do they know if you are a bride or not? Pass.
You approach a booth and it has a sign for a DJ, but they are trying to pushing everything else on you.
Clue #4
This could one of those “jacks of all trades” out there. They claim to do your music, a photo booth, photographs, oh yeah videos too. Oh they can also hook you up with a tux, flowers, and a wedding dress. A wedding cake?
Wait, what?
This is just my opinion, but these bundles don’t really service the bride and groom.
Why?
Because, they would rather have a bigger piece of your wedding budget, than offer you the best in each category.
They are getting other vendors at a reduced price to do each thing, and they are not the cream of the crop (again my opinion.)
I have witnessed some pretty bad videographers who were bundled in with the DJs. These videographers have never even met the couple until the wedding day. They ask me what the bride and groom’s names are. (picture me scowling). They step in front of our shots, ask what we are going to do next, and expect me to do their job for them.
Ask yourself how important is it to know beforehand who will be working with you on your wedding day?
You approach a booth.
They ask you how you are doing. They tell you briefly what they do.
They let you look at their product.
They listen thoughtfully to any questions you may have about their products.
They show you samples.
Clue #5
Now you have hit the big leagues, the true wedding professionals.
Regardless of the vendor category, a true professional will always want to know what you want. What is the dream you have for your wedding day?
Some Tips for attending a Bridal Show:
- Make a list beforehand.
What services do you still need? What are the top 3 vendors to visit?
- When you get home or the next day: spread out the handouts you got from the show.
Can you remember who those vendors were? Did they make an impression on you?
- Call those vendors who you would most like to find out more about, in a more relaxed quiet atmosphere.
Remember this. Most vendors can only do one event a day. If you know you want someone, don’t hesitate to call them before someone else books them.
Enter the contests. Have fun. Eat, drink and be merry!
May
10
Wedding Photos at Le Chene
Wedding & Event Venues / Wedding Photography / Wedding Portraits / wedding-photos / Weddings Posted by jsutton
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Wedding Photos at Le Chene
Wedding photos by Sutton Photography, Lancaster, CA
Le Chene French Restaurant was the setting for Chris and Amanda’s perfect wedding. Le Chene has a beautiful outdoor setting right off the patio/deck for weddings and other events. There are little vignettes all around the area perfect for photos, from a bridge, to a “bicycle” under an arch, the famous water wheel, and the neon sign out front. So many places, so little time! Chris and Amanda had a great time. They had taken ballroom dance lessons, and it really paid off for their first dance. Watch out “Dancing with the Stars”! They even danced down the aisle after they were pronounced “husband and wife”! These two are a dancing couple! We had amazing food at the reception. Those potatoes were the best I have ever had! The cake melted in your mouth, it was so light and fluffy. Chris and Amanda had thought of everything, from the decorations, to the centerpieces, to the favors that every guest received, they left nothing out! They were both fun, as well as very affectionate with each other. All the guests had a great time and everyone was so happy for the new couple. I hear that Le Chene has a great Sunday brunch. It would be perfect for a birthday or anniversary celebration. http://lechene.com/
Feb
18
Bridal Show – Wedding Photography
Engagement Portraits / Wedding & Event Venues / Wedding Photography / Wedding Portraits / wedding-photos / Weddings Posted by jsutton
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Bridal Show – Wedding Photography
The Antelope Valley Fairground’s Bridal Show is the premier
showcase in the Antelope Valley for everything you need for your special day
Sunday, February 21, from noon till 5:00pm
Stop by our Booth at the AV Fairgrounds Bridal Show
Enter our Drawing for a FREE Metal Wall Print
Visit our booth to see our new albums, wall prints, and other new products.
Visit with us about your wedding day and your plans.
Nov
21
Wedding Photography Elegant Affairs
Wedding & Event Venues / Wedding Photography / Wedding Portraits / wedding-photos / Weddings Posted by jsutton
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Wedding Photography Elegant Affairs
Lancaster, CA
On a perfect November day, we were so excited and honored to be the photographers at Tayler and John’s wedding. They choose The Elegant Affairs in Lancaster, CA as their venue and it was so beautiful. Besides the weather being perfect, friends and family gathered together to celebrate the love and commitment between these two amazing people. The setting was beautiful with twinkle lights and a gazebo beautifully decorated. The ceremony was both touching and fun, and the reception was a party! Thanks to everyone that helped to pull this great wedding together and all the fun guests who made it a very special and memorable day!
Jun
22
Wedding Albums
On location weddings, Vegas
We were honored to be able to travel to Las Vegas to photograph the wedding of Chris and Krysten. I have photographed Krysten’s senior portrait, as well as their engagement session.They had planned their wedding for well over a year, and the excitement was building! My assistant, Tawnya (who came out of retirement to help me, (not literally!), couldn’t wait to go. We had out bags packed and off we went. The hotel/casino “The Aliante” was amazing. They have all these restaurants, gaming, and of course a spa. When I am photographing a wedding, I am always thinking of how the wedding album could be put together. I am thinking of series of photos to tell their unique story. I believe strongly in wedding albums as the bride and groom’s first family heirloom. A wedding album is a legacy for their children and grandchilren , ( sorry I went on a rant there!) We started out in the hotel/casino with photos of the groomsmen and then met up with the bride at the Grove. Krysten put so much thought into everything (I am giving Krysten credit for all the little details, because it’s usually the bride, but who knows!) There were little handmade signs, these great mason jars with flowers, her bouquet was beautiful. They had these great drink cozies for guest wedding favors customized just for them. It was a beautiful May day. The friends and family all gathered round during the ceremony as the minister made us all laugh and cry, right down to his socks, literally! After the ceremony, the guests went into the reception room to greet the newly married couple. The toasts were all heartfelt, along with a lot of humor. The guests all had a great time dancing and partying the night away. The DJ had almost everyone out on the dance floor. The bride and groom went all out for the cake cutting, sparing no frosting! The nightcap to the evening was the bride and groom exiting through sparklers! They walked through the line up of guests holding lit sparklers, and exited to start their life as husband and wife. It was perfect.
Jan
20
San Fernando Mission Wedding
We were so excited to photograph a wedding on a perfectly beautiful, sunny January afternoon at the historic San Fernando Mission. The bride was lovely and the groom handsome, so what more could you ask for. The mission is a working mission where brides and grooms can get married. The altar is ornately decorated with gold and ornate woods. The ceremony was very special and moving. The grounds feature a special garden honoring Bob Hope. There is so much to see and enjoy at the mission from the bell that tolls on the hour to the living history that is all around you. We ventured across the street, running quickly to avoid the traffic, and meandered around the maze like park settings. The sun was just going down as we made around. Another truly memorable area. Then we made our way to the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, where the service is matched only by the great food. The bride, groom, and guests dined and danced the night away. The toast given by the bride’s father was one of the highlights of the evening. Their was a caricature artist there to render likenesses of the guests. A great day was had by all and there are so many special memories to take away from the day.
Nov
25
Wedding at Newhall Mansion, Piru, CA
Beautiful November Wedding in Southern California
Wedding at Newhall Mansion, Piru,
Wedding at Newhall Manion, Piru, CA. It was a perfect Southern California fall day, warm and sunny. The wedding took place at the Newhall Mansion, built in 1890. Rich in history with a Victorian era vibe to it, it was a perfect setting for the bride and groom, truly in love. The Newhall Mansion is located in the tiny town of Piru. It is truly a hidden jewel. If you are looking for a unique place for a wedding, look no further! This location has it all. The beautiful outdoor setting comes complete with a gazebo, pool, and an outdoor dance floor. There are multiple places for guests to mingle and walk and talk. We kept remarking on how peaceful it was there. Then there is the amazing interior with multiple bedrooms, each with it’s own theme. The wedding couple left no detail to chance, making for a memorable day. From the cake, cookies, dessert buffet, the ceremony, everything was amazing and tasty! It was a day and wedding to remember. We were so honored to be there and to capture the memories forever.
Mar
01
Rancho Vista Golf Club Wedding Expo
come visit the Sutton Photography booth to see our wedding photography
We would love to meet you in person and chat with you about your dream day!
Sunday, March 16th Noon-4pm
Bride and groom at Rancho Vista Golf Club
Meet with local vendors (such as Sutton Photography!)to assist you with the decision making process for your upcoming wedding. Visit your one stop shop for your dream wedding. Raffles, complimentary appetizers and wine will be provided.
Stop by the Sutton Photography booth to get your special gift. Click on this link for the code!
Take a tour of the club & be entered for a free wedding for 100 people a $2,250 value!
Free wedding includes ceremony and reception sites basic linens, bridal suite, bar set-up, cake cutting and champagne toast, but excludes the cost of food and alcohol. Wedding dates based on availability. Must be present and take tour on 3/16 to be eligible to win.
www.ranchovistagolfclub.com/weddingexpo
3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale, CA 93551 (661) 272-9830
