{ Choosing the Right Photographer }

For a wedding photographer, the goal is to capture all the important moments in the biggest day of your life.  From the first kiss as a married couple, to the wedding cake itself, it is important to record the day as accurately as possible.  Which is why choosing the right photographer is important.  

Before deciding on anything, you must first determine the style of photography you would like for your wedding - Photojournalistic, Posed/Traditional or Candid Styles or a combination of all three.  Photojournalistic style of photography is similar to the candid style, where images are captured spontaneously, but it also tells a story through its images.  You see a lot of this style in magazines.  Posed/Traditional style provides a more classic and posed style of images.  Finally, the candid style of photography are images captured spontaneously to emphasize moments and emotion. 

Once you have decided on the style, then researching the right photographer is essential – whether it be from word of mouth or simply by conducting your own searches.  Look at their portfolio and all their previous work, as well as ensure that it is the photographer’s actual work and not a mass-produced promotional package.  Is it the style you want?  Also look at the packages they offer.  Do you want printouts or albums or just a collection of the pictures on a CD?  Is the price within your budget?  How many hours will they be at your wedding? These are all important questions to ask before choosing the right photographer for you.  

Each photographer’s style is also different from one another and so it is prudent that you meet with them first to discuss your vision as well as determine whether or not they are a “good fit”.  Before you meet with them, however, it is recommended that you have a photo wish list prepared.  That is, what poses would you like, where would you like the photos taken and with whom.  

Deciding on which vendors to choose from for your wedding can be overwhelming and I hope I’ve simplified things for you on choosing the right photographer.

Let J. dela Cruz Weddings & Events help you create the wedding of your dreams.  Contact us today for a quote.  

{ A Milestone Birthday }

My mom celebrated her 70th birthday recently and being the planner that I am, I decided to throw her a big party.  It was held at Kally's Restaurant & Banquet Hall in Scarborough and the theme was "Dancing With the Stars" as my mom and her friends love the show as well as dancing ballroom.  I incorporated blue and white as the main colours throughout.

I created a seating chart and put it in a picture frame as well as create blue pompoms to decorate the table.  For favours, I bought individual chocolates and wrapped them in blue paper.

I made tri-fold menu and table cards and used a disco ball as the centrepiece for each table.

Here is a picture of my lovely mom.  She looks fabulous for 70 years old and I hope to look that youthful when I get to that age.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

{ Oh Baby! }

On Saturday, I planned a baby shower for a very good friend of mine.  It was a pink and blue themed shower as the couple did not know the gender of the baby.  We used DIY pompoms and baby clothes line as the decor throughout the room.  The baby clothes line also served as a guest book.  Each guest wrote down their well wishes on the baby clothes and would then use a clothespin to hang it on the line.

We also put together a small candy buffet which served as favours.  We used small chinese containers for the guests to put the candies in.

And here I am with the mother-to-be.  She looks radiant!  Can't wait to meet the little one.  

Congratulations to Lyn and Sam!!

{ Adieu 2011 }

2011 was a great start to my business.  Not only did I get to meet and work with great vendors in the industry but I also got to work with fabulous clients.  Without you, I would not be where I am today - thank you!

As we look forward to 2012, one of my resolutions is to provide my loyal followers with more interesting and informative articles.  Also, there will be some changes to my blog in the new year...so stay tuned.  I also look forward to the weddings and events that I will be planning in 2012.  It already looks promising and I can't wait to work with all of you.

I wish all of you a happy and safe new year!!

Love,
Jenn dela Cruz

{ 'Tis The Season To Get Engaged }

The Christmas holidays and New Years Eve are a popular time to get engaged. Even more popular than Valentine's Day.  It must be from all the mistletoe and eggnog. Needless to say, during the month of December most proposals take place. I mean, why not?  It is already a joyous occasion spent with family and friends so why not give the ultimate gift of an engagement ring during this time too. It is definitely a celebratory moment.

Here are some ideas of holiday proposals:

• A big within a box within a box. They won't expect it since rings usually come in a tiny box.
• Placing the ring in an ornament. Great way to decorate the tree together.
• Placing the ring as a stocking stuffer.
• Proposing while the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve.

The list goes on and on.

The holidays are so popular that even celebrities are taking advantage of this time of year.  Most recently, singer John Legend proposed to his model girlfriend, Chrissy Teigen in the Maldives.  How romantic!! While Matthew McConaughey also proposed, on Christmas day, to his long time girlfriend, Camilla  Alves. 

If you were one of the lucky ones who was proposed to during Christmas or is planning a New Years Eve proposal, I'd love to hear from you.  Please send in your stories to jdelacruzevents@gmail.com to be featured on my blog.

{ Happy Holidays }

The team at J. dela Cruz Weddings & Events would like to wish you and your families all the very best this holiday season!!

{ Inspiration: Colour for 2012 }

According to Pantone, the colour for 2012 is tangerine tango.  It’s bold, it’s bright and it’s very chic.