Bogging yourself down with too many groups.

Many brides give me a long list of groups they want on the day. They have no idea how long it takes to do so many groups. For example ten groups taking 6 minutes each (depending on their size and the discipline of your guests) will take about an hour to do. It’s difficult because you also don’t want anyone to feel left out. I also recommend that any photos that you want done as individuals is done before the ceremony to take a little pressure off the schedule after the ceremony. For me it’s really funny when a bride swears at me when I produce HER list at cocktail hour.

Sample of a good schedule: Part two

This is for a wedding in June or July in Ravello. Held in the Cathedral.

7:30 Get out of church – a lot of kissing and a big group photo takes you at least half an hour often more
8:00 photographs of the two of you (we run ahead to Cimbrone -15 minutes to get to Cimbrone if you weren’t sensible with your dress and shoe choice or it could take an hour)
8:15 Guests make their way up to the Villa
8:30 Guest arrive
8:45 Final guest arrive and you join them and finally have a drink and snack
9:15 unfortunately now we need to do groups before it’s too dark and already boring pictures will be even worse. The bigger your list the longer it will take. So think- Do you really want to be doing loads of boring group shots when it’s cocktail hour and one of the best moments for reportage?
10:00 Dinner and speeches
11:00 Dancing and cake
12:00 Start of after party

Sample of a good schedule: Part one

This is for a wedding in June or July in Ravello. Held in the Cathedral.

3:00 Boys get ready at Cimbrone
3:30 Photographer shoots putting on of ties and sharing a toast. And some loose Tarentino style black and white groups and portraits.
4:00 Photographer leaves and boys go back in the pool – hair and make up starts
4:05 The photographer starts with the bride (also staying at Cimbrone)
5:00 The groom leaves with his friends and family to the piazza with a second photographer – shooting reportage
5:30 The bride can have a few portraits and groups with friends and family
6:15 Bride leaves for church
6.30 Church

Should I feed my photographer? – Part two

There are always brides who will take it to the opposite extreme. They will insult some poor guest by putting the photographer on their table. Spelling out, you are on the bottom ranking old chap. Although I am very grateful for the kind gesture of putting me on a guests table I find it does distract me from my work. I do have to loose a little time to socialise when I sit with guests, even if it’s just enough not to be rude. During dinner between courses I like to be on the hunt and during the food I download and check photos. It’s best to organise a separate room, even the hotel’s staff quarters, so that I don’t have to be spreading out equipment at the table.

Should I feed my photographer? – Part one

This is a difficult one. In Italy the photographer considers the meal as part of the deal. However we consider it a privilege and so you just need to let us know if you feel it’s asking too much. That way I can organise something with the venue but I do need to organise something since I cannot work more than five or six hours without a at least snack. I run around a lot and I have to refuel. I don’t expect to eat what your guests do but a simple pasta and a coke will do nicely. And maybe a quick espresso. So no you don’t have to feed your photographer but at least let them eat.

Italian folk music for your wedding

Looking for entertainment which will please both young and old can be difficult. But choosing music which appeals to both because it maybe new or because it’s fun, will make the wedding enjoyable for all. The only music I have found which involves young and old would be Italian folk music and dancing. Everybody loves it and though it’s sometimes new for destination couples it’s antique roots some how make it familiar. Contact Marco at Wedding Music in Ravello.

My Favourite colour schemes.

1. From Lavender to Deep Purple.
2. Beiges and Creams with touches of Black.
3. A multitude of crazy colours but having a theme, all pastels, all darks or shade of pink.
4. Shocking Pink with Baby Pink.
5. Greens and Whites are pretty
6. Yellows, I hate to say it, they have crept into my heart, especially bright and pastel yellow
7. Never been much of a fun of Reds for weddings unless the bride wears Red shoes
8. I love Black and Xream, bridesmaids dresses are so stylish in Black