Aug
01

Spiral Ceremony Seating

There are literally thousands of ways to personalize your wedding day. Let’s talk seating arrangements for a second—specifically spiral wedding ceremony seating. If you’re that non-traditional couple, ditch the straight lines! You can still have your assigned seating, but leave the rest of the guests guessing where the best seats will be. Forget about dividing your guests on the bride and groom’s sides… encourage them to sit next to each other and witness the union in close company. Not only will they get to know each other a bit and warm them up for the reception, it can actually help to strengthen your marriage across family lines in the long run.

Planning your wedding… the one you’ve dreamed about since you were little… should be fun! Your wedding day is a huge part of the amazing, lifelong journey you will enjoy as a couple. You should make every effort to make it personal and memorable. Make it unique!

How can this be done? Today, I want to share with you a fun, practical idea for a small, intimate wedding ceremony. Strawberry Pines, in Poteet, Texas, put together this spiral wedding ceremony seating arrangement for a styled shoot we worked on together earlier this year. It’s perfect for smaller weddings where attendance will be limited.

Spiral Wedding Ceremony Seating

The spiral ceremony seating allows the bride and groom to pass by and make eye contact with each and every carefully-selected guest as they make their way to the alter. What better way to put a personal touch on your wedding ceremony?

From Your Perspective: Make sure you only use this setup for smaller weddings. I would estimate that if you’re going to have more than 90 guests, this is not your ideal wedding seating arrangement. If you’re planning on a smaller number of guests, say less than 50, you can use spacers to make your spiral bigger, like Darlene did in the image above. Be sure that your aisle is wide enough so that the recessional can be completed safely without tripping on your guests’ feet. You will also need to decide which way you will face once you reach the “alter.” Since the spiral design is 360°, you can literally face any direction you choose to recite your vows. I would personally recommend making sure your moms and grandmothers have the bird’s-eye view! While you’re busy being all non-traditional, you can also decide what side you’ll stand on. Remember, in this seating arrangement, there is no bride side/groom side. Will you remain true to custom and face your groom from the left or be willy-nilly and do it from the right? It’s your wedding!! It’s your choice!! Have fun.

From the Photographer’s Perspective: This isn’t the easiest setup to shoot, but it can be done. I would advise to make sure you leave enough room for your photographer to navigate in and out of without disrupting your guests too much. Creating a “secret door” access, just a simple gap in the chairs to the left or right of the alter, would be ideal so your photographer can quickly get in and out without having to navigate the entire circle. And, I would also advise to make sure there is ample room on the outside of your spiral that your photographer could safely set up a six- or eight-foot-tall ladder to shoot over the guests’ heads for better and different angles.

Here are some more detail shots of the spiral wedding ceremony seating:

The other vendors who participated in and donated their talents to this amazing styled shoot were:

Models: Recently married Mr. & Mrs. John Jenschke, and part of their actual wedding party!!
Flower Arrangements: Tony, Ambiance Floral and Event Designs
Chairs: Melissa, Party Rentals

The post, Spiral Wedding Ceremony Seating, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Apr
13

Mistakes for Save-the-Dates

Don’t make these mistakes for save-the-dates. Brides are generally very excited to get the wedding planning going and one of the first things that “officially” announces the wedding plans is the save-the-date cards. It’s the first form of communication you will have with your wedding guests. You need to give everyone ample time to make all the necessary plans to attend your wedding (travel, lodging, time off from work, babysitters, gift choosing, etc.), make sure you’re intentions are received warmly by avoiding these common etiquette mistakes.

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Mistakes for Save-the-Dates

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  1. Not including clear information. Don’t be obscure with your information. Your save-the-dates should have the main information of your names, the date and the location. It is also a good idea to send hotel information that you have guest blocks at for all your out-of-town guests. If you’ve already secured a wedding date URL, you can also include that. It’s important to keep it short and sweet. Save the details of your day for your invitation.
  2. Not including the location. Even if you don’t know the exact venue, at least give your guests some idea as to where you will be having your wedding—especially if it’s more than 250 miles from you and/or your fiance’s hometowns.
  3. Not sending them early enough. You should send your save-the-dates at least four months in advance of your wedding—closer to a year in advance if it’s a destination wedding. Be sure to give your guests plenty of time to prepare to attend your celebration. Six months is generally a very safe rule of thumb.
  4. Not inviting the family and plus ones. You need to let your guests know if their entire families/children are also invited. If you’re sure you want a single person to bring a guest, let them know at this stage. It will help them with planning their hotel bookings and transportation. Every guest should feel welcomed and valued.
  5. Asking for an RSVP. Now is not the time to ask for an RSVP. You should only do that on your invitations.
  6. Including your registry information. This also isn’t the time to start asking for gifts.
  7. Typos. I can’t say enough about proofreading. Misspelled words and transposed numbers can be frightening—especially if you’ve invited your grammar teacher. But seriously, a misspelled word will degrade the elegance of your paper suite. Check, double-check and triple-check every last detail—this also includes the wedding guests’ names and addresses. You don’t want to offend anyone or have their save-the-date end up at the wrong address.
  8. Not sending an invitation. Think very carefully before you finalize your save-the-date recipients. Getting a save-the-date but NOT an invitation is just like being uninvited. Sending your save-the-dates before your guest list is finalized is actually one of the worst save-the-date mistakes you can commit. Don’t send a save-the-date to someone you are considering only inviting to the evening festivities. It’s totally acceptable to send out two batches of save-the-dates: one to your A-listers, and a second batch to the people you had to carefully scrutinize over because of limitations on space or budget.
  9. Including confetti. No matter how excited you are to get the party started, don’t include glitter, confetti or any other messy ingredient. Your guests will not be very pleased when they have to get out the broom or vacuum after opening your envelope. If you’re adamant on an enclosure, include something like rice paper, a photograph or a hand-written note.
  10. Sending save-the-dates when you’re on a tight budget. If you know you’ll be on a tight budget, there is nothing set in stone that says you have to send a save-the-date. Save time, energy and money by skipping this step all together and start working on your invitation list.

The post, Top 10 Mistakes for Save-the-Dates, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Mar
24

Mother of the Groom Duties

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the ten mother of the bride duties. The mother of the bride is plays a pretty important role in the planning and execution of the actual wedding day. However, the mother of the groom has some pretty important tasks to peform as well.

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As with all modern weddings, traditions and rules have changed significantly over the last few decades. Traditionally, the parents of the bride took on most of the responsibilities associated with the wedding planning and the parents of the groom took more of a backseat. However, with today’s weddings, both sets of parents are major players in the wedding planning process—especially if the financial burden is split equally or near equally. I might add though, that the parents of the groom should still exercise caution and take all lead and direction from the parents of the bride.

Mother of the Groom Duties

  1. Express Your Happiness-If you haven’t already participated in an engagement celebration, you should call the parents of the bride and invite them out (or over to your house) for dinner and cocktails as soon as you learn of the engagement. Express your happiness for the newlyweds and your willingness to help with any aspect of the wedding planning. If the bride’s parents are divorced, exercise caution with inviting her parents to your house. You may have to plan separate meetings in order to avoid any awkwardness. If your side of the family has not had a chance to meet the bride-to-be, you may also plan a dinner to introduce her to her soon-to-be family.
  2. Provide a Guest List-After the bride/bride’s parents let you know how many people you can invite to the wedding, you should provide an accurate guest list with current mailing addresses and zip codes.
  3. Advise of Family Traditions-You should be able to advise your son and future daughter-in-law of any religious or cultural/ethnic traditions that are normally carried out at your family’s weddings. If they choose to incorporate any of these traditions into their wedding day activities, you should be the one to advise them how to properly carry these traditions out.
  4. Point of Contact–Only if you are asked and usually only if the wedding will take place in your son’s hometown and the bride’s family does not live there, you can serve as the point of contact to all the wedding day creatives (florist, cake designer, photographer, etc.). Make sure you have detailed conversations about these aspects of the day so it is easier for you to answer questions when they arise. This way, you only have to trouble the bride or bride’s mom when you don’t know the answer.
  5. Help with RSVPs-You should offer to telephone any of your family members who did not RSVP in a timely manner. This will help to have an accurate number of guests and to plan accordingly. You can also help your family’s out-of-town guests with reservations and travel needs.
  6. Purchase Your Dress-After the mother of the bride has chosen her dress and relayed the details to you, you should choose your dress. You should make every effort to match in style, grace and elegance. If the bride’s mother chooses a long dress, so should you. If she chooses a short dress, you are to also wear a short dress. Your dress should not be the same color as the bridesmaids or the mother of the bride’s dresses, but correlate nicely. Your dresses should complement, not compete with each other. (Never wear white.) You can also invite the bride when you shop for your dress.
  7. Plan the Rehearsal Dinner-Plan and host the rehearsal dinner.  This can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like. It is customary to invite the entire wedding party and their spouses or significant others. The parents of any children participating in the wedding are also invited. Planning is usually completed at least four months prior to the wedding date.
  8. Reception Receiving Line-Your official first duty as the mother of the groom is to stand in the receiving line to introduce your friends and family to the bride and her family. Traditionally, you should stand between the bride and her mother.
  9. Mother/Son Dance-Not only do you dance with your son following the first and second dances, you can also recommend a song for your dance to your son. The final decision should be his.
  10. DO NOT BE A MOMZILLA-This isn’t only for mothers of brides! Don’t be overpowering, controlling or unreasonable. Just don’t. This day isn’t about you. Also, become familiar with the maid of honor’s responsibilities so you can avoid stepping on her toes.

The post, 10 Mother of the Groom Duties, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Feb
22

DO NOT Say These Things

There are a lot of lessons to be learned in Wedding Etiquette 101. As a wedding guest, knowing when to keep your mouth shut is probably the most important lesson to learn. Well, that and not becoming the belligerently drunk at the open bar. Knowing these simple ten topics that are off limits will keep you from looking like a clown, being resented and will ensure the bride and groom’s wedding night is a pleasant memory. Do NOT say these things to a bride or groom.

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Things NOT to Say to a Bride or Groom

  • Divorce: DO NOT mention divorce in any regard, no matter what statistic you just read, no matter what your personal experience is, no matter the circumstances of the bride or groom’s family. Just. Don’t.
  • Cost: Do not ask about the cost of anything! Nothing. Zilch. Nada.
  • Babies: Do not ask how soon babies will come, or how many they are planning on having. And, DO NOT ask if the bride is already pregnant.
  • Reference to Time: Make no reference to how long it took for the bride or groom to get married. Statements like finally, it’s about time and I can hardly believe it are all inappropriate.
  • The Dress: Do not comment on the color or the style of the dress. Most likely, the bride LOVES her dress. Do not ruin it for her. Just tell her that she is beautiful.
  • Help:  Do not bother the bride and groom for any reason. If you have a problem, a better idea would be to take the problem to the wedding planner/coordinator, the venue operator, or the wait staff. If you really feel a catastrophe is about to happen, tell the the best man or maid-of-honor so they can pass along the information.
  • Congratulations: It’s a simple play on words, but saying congratulations to the bride implies that she is lucky to be marrying—that she didn’t have her choice of suitors and it wasn’t guaranteed that she would marry. The proper thing to say to the bride is best wishes. However, it is not considered bad manners if you say congratulations to the groom. After all, he is the lucky one.
  • Comment on Someone Else’s Wedding: This is the bride and groom’s big day and they are not interested in what so-and-so did their wedding. Keep it to yourself.
  • Defend your Gift: If you couldn’t afford a really lavish wedding gift, make no excuses about it. Simply give your gift and sentimental note card in love and leave it at that.
  • Innuendos: Do not make any comments about what the  bride and groom will do on their wedding night. If you must comment about what a great night it is going to be, state the obvious. Comment on what a great time you’re having right now. Let the bride and groom know their wedding celebration is amazing and how grateful you are to have been a part.

The bottom line is that most of things are just none of your business. Don’t be that person!

The post, Do NOT Say These Things to a Bride or Groom, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Jan
25

25 Backyard Wedding Tips

A backyard wedding can hold special meaning to you and your parents. It’s very sentimental. There is charm and there are memories. There is a family history here. If you are planning a backyard wedding, there are tons of ways you can transform a backyard into a beautiful space to make the experience classy, gorgeous and memorable. Facebook’s Marc Zuckerberg got married in a backyard wedding, why can’t you?

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The most important thing to do is treat the space exactly as you would if it were a high-end wedding venue. Have a vision of what your day will look like and create a seamless theme. Don’t overlook any detail that will help your vision become a fruition.

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Tips for Your Backyard Wedding

  • You should still consider hiring a wedding coordinator. They will be able to give a unique perspective on the property with fresh eyes and imagination. At the very least, employ your maid-of-honor or a very close friend to help you stay organized.
  • You may want to consider supplemental home owners insurance for the event. Make sure your vendors have their own liability policies.
  • Notify your neighbors so they won’t host a party on the same night or decide to mow the lawn during your ceremony.
  • Make sure your outdoor space has room to accommodate your anticipated number of guests.
  • Have a backup plan indoors should the weather not cooperate. Make sure it will comfortably hold your guests and make sure Plan B is as good as Plan A.
  • Start babying your lawn way before it’s time to exchange vows. This may be a good time to consider replanting flower beds or reseeding lawns. You could even plan a separate garden to grow all your own wedding flowers. Succulents are a great choice for a backyard wedding!
  • If you’re putting up a tent with lighting or hiring a catering kitchen, make sure you have the necessary power to operate these. A generator may be necessary to avoid knocking out the power to your entire block.
  • Don’t wing it. You still need a rehearsal and a timeline of events.
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  • Tents will provide shelter from rain, snow, wind and sun and can be your saving grace. They are available with walls, floors and heating/air conditioning.
  • Consider boarding your pets for the event, or at the very least, make sure they are out of the way.
  • If your yard is uneven, temporary outdoor floors may be needed so the cake doesn’t topple over and so that guests can boogie the night away.
  • If possible, consider separate areas for ceremony, reception and a comfortable seating area away from the music so your guests can easily mingle.
  • Unless you have a 25-room estate, make it clear who will be staying overnight. Recommend a close hotel for your guests.
  • Check with city ordinances and fire departments. You may have a restriction on noise levels or need an inspection or permits for parking.
  • If parking will be an issue, ask your neighbors to borrow their drives for the night. Encourage your guests to carpool or arrange a valet service at the nearest church/school.
  • Plan on three bathroom trips per guest and one bathroom per 35 guests. You may need port-a-potties, but not to worry. There are some very upscale options that include lighting, mirrors, air conditioning, sinks, and hot water.
  • Use a hired cleaning crew before and after the celebration.
  • Make sure your chosen officiant will give their blessings at a place outside their worship.
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  • Greet your guests with signage/balloons/streamers welcoming them at the street or entrance to your property.
  • Plan your alter to be in a place in the yard that brings back those carefree childhood days.
  • Don’t decorate at eye level only; look overhead for ways to incorporate tree limbs, eave overhangs, light poles. etc.
  • Take full advantage of any existing landscaping, yard decor or water features.
  • Your music and lighting have to be on point. Purchase Chinese lanterns and battery-operated tea lights online in bulk. If a band or DJ is out of the question, consider a commercial-free Spotify account. At $10/month, you can create your very own wedding day playlist.
  • Plan yard games. Cricket, horse shoes or a bean bag toss will provide something for your guests to do while they have a cocktail or wait for you to take photos. Make sure you especially plan activities for your younger guests like face painting, coloring books, or a bubble station.
  • Above all else, personalize the day! Make this as personal and possible for your guests—after all, that’s the advantage of having a backyard wedding.
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Having a wedding in your backyard should be exciting, not scary! Just be prepared. This is an amazing idea and your guests will forever remember the unique, intimate and personal time they had. There couldn’t be a more perfect place to say, “I do.” Find the right people to help you carry out your vision, and you will walk down your backyard aisle stress-free.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to read more, receive exclusive content and special news from Ata-Girl, please take a moment to subscribe to my newsletter. I usually only send them once a month! Until next time, be positive, happy, healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of A to Z Photography. The images are copyrighted by A to Z Photography but are used herein with permission.

The post, Tips for Your Backyard Wedding, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.

Jun
27

The Importance of a Wedding Day Timeline

If you’re envisioning a wedding album filled with shots of the couple getting dressed, playful interactions between the groomsmen, the bridesmaids doing silly dances, shots of the altar and reception area without any guests, and shots of every well-thought detail that went into the 12-month planning of your wedding day, then make sure you prepare your photographer for success!  The only way to guarantee you get a wide array of wedding images like this, is to plan ahead.  Planning is key. In the Army, we used the saying “setting me up for failure” to refer to when you were asked to do something, but weren’t given all the necessary tools or information.  What I want to cover today is setting up for success!

wedding day timline

If you want lots of images of you and your groom, prepare for it.  You want images getting ready, prepare.  You want detail shots of the rings, tablescapes,  signage, then prepare.  You want to capture that loving glance your parents give you right before the ceremony, prepare.  Again, preparation is key, vital, essential.  I can’t stress this enough.

  1. Make realistic goals for each item on the timeline.
  2. Add cushions of time to the really important items.
  3. Always add time for the hair and makeup routine.  An extra 30 minutes is ideal!
  4. If there are different wedding day sites involved, allow for travel and traffic.
  5. Want to enjoy more of the cocktail hour?  Plan for a first look.
  6. Know what time the sun sets.  Schedule a short session during the golden hour 30-45 minutnes prior.
  7. If you want sunset images, make plans to steal away for a few minutes during the reception.
  8. If you want pictures of both you and your groom getting dressed, select a collection with a second shooter.
  9. Enlist the help of your maid-of-honor to round up family members for group shots.
  10. Just prior to the cocktail hour officially beginning, plan to briefly clear out the reception area (of staff and guests) for a clean photograph.
  11. If the timeline starts to slide, don’t panic.  Deal with it and reasonably try to make up the deficit.
  12. Make sure your photographer reviews your timeline at least 45 days prior to the wedding and again at two weeks out. That way, if scheduling changes need to be made (hair dresser, etc.), chances are they still can.

the importanc of a wedding day timeline

Being that the wedding photographer is the only vendor you book that will be spending the entire day with you and also responsible for documenting it all, I believe your timeline is key to maximizing your wedding photography experience and to adequately allow for each part of your story to be captured!  The goal of a timeline is not to rearrange the overall flow of your day, but to plan around your static details like the ceremony and reception.  This will ensure the wedding day will be fluid and have plenty of time for photos.  Ultimately, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your day!

Wedding Day Timeline

Here is a very basic wedding day timeline to get you started:

When What Where
Pre-Ceremony
11:00 AM photographers arrive, coverage begins venue
11:00 AM hair & makeup/getting dressed shots nursery
12:30 PM clothing gets picked up from house couple’s   house
1:00 PM ring, dress, bouquet, etc. detail shots venue,   inside, outside
1:00 PM second shooter gets groom’s details study   room
1:00 PM venue opens venue
1:15 PM catering staff arrives venue,   inside
2:00 PM sound system arrives/is set up venue,   inside
2:15 PM bride/bridesmaids shots outside
2:15 PM second shooter gets groom/men shots outside,   opposite side of church
2:30 PM florist arrives to set up flowers venue,   inside
2:30 PM second shooter shoots reception area details venue
2:45 PM couple’s first look/wedding party shots venue,   outside
3:00 PM cake delivered venue,   inside
3:15 PM pre-ceremony family pictures venue,   outside
Ceremony
3:45 PM guests start to arrive venue,   outside
4:00 PM official start time on invites venue,   outside
4:15 PM processional venue,   outside
4:35 PM recessional venue,   outside
4:40 PM family and bridal party formal photos venue,   outside
Cocktail Hour
4:40 PM second shooter shoots reception area details venue, inside
5:00 PM cocktail hour begins venue,   inside
5:15 PM alone time for couple study   room
5:30 PM couple joins cocktail party/mingle with guests venue,   inside
Reception
6:00 PM guests seated for dinner venue,   inside
6:10 PM first guests to buffet venue,   inside
6:30 PM last guests through buffet venue,   inside
6:30 PM toasts – four total venue,   inside
7:05 PM brides’ dresss gets bustled venue,   inside
7:10 PM first dance venue,   inside
7:15 PM father/daughter, son/mother dances venue,   inside
7:30 PM couple sunset pictures venue,   outside
8:00 PM cake cutting venue,   inside
8:10 PM dance party! venue,   inside
9:00 PM
bouquet/garter toss
 venue,   inside
9:40 PM last call venue,   inside
9:50 PM official send off venue,   outside
11:00 PM reception/coverage ends venue

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san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, The Importance of a Wedding Day Timeline, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

Jun
12

Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue

San Antonio Wedding Photographers

To find the perfect wedding venue, you should start looking at least one year in advance of your special day according to this wedding planning timeline.  Popular venues will  book up quickly.  If you have your heart set on a venue and you wait too long, you may have to compromise your wedding date.  To further help you  in your wedding day planning, I have put together this checklist to help you find the perfect wedding venue!

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Rose Hall at the Sandy Oaks Ranch, Devine, TX

First things first!  Before you ever step foot on a venue or even a venue’s website, you need to decide these four things:

  1. What is your budget?
  2. How many people are you inviting?
  3. Will the ceremony be held at the same venue?
  4. What style or theme are you going for?

After you’ve answered these four questions, you’ve narrowed down the list of possibilities to hold your wedding/reception and you’ve just reduced your mental anxiety by more than half.  Now, you can use this checklist to make the final cut!

  • Location
    The first thing you want to ensure is that the location of the venue is acceptable.  Problems with the airport next door or the proximity of ample hotel rooms could pose real problems on the night of your wedding.  Look for a venue that is easily accessible with plenty of nearby lodging options.  Make sure there are no other logistical obstacles to overcome (ie. road construction, large annual event nearby).
  • Guests
    How many guests can the facility accommodate?  If you’re planning on having 450 guests, make sure the venue can reasonably accommodate that many people.  Ask to see a seating chart or pictures of other events with the same number of guests.  It may be one thing for 450 people to stand comfortably in the facility but an entirely different ball of wax when they’re seated.  Everyone enjoys elbow room.  Second to elbow room:  make sure there are more than enough bathroom facilities!
  • Decor/Colors/Style
    Make sure the general appearance of the venue is somewhat pleasing to your colors, theme and vision.  It is unlikely that the event decorator will be able to transform a rustic, country barn into the dreamy ballroom you are expecting.
  • Privacy
    If you are considering a larger venue, one thing you must consider is whether or not they host multiple events on the same night.  If this is a possibility, be sure to inquire how the scheduling is handled.  Consider how easily guests may become confused if there are two weddings or cocktail hours which begin at the same time.  It would be best if the events were staggered by an hour or so to prevent the mere chance strangers may attend.  Another thing to consider is whether or not the venue still allows patrons to enter during the events.  Imagine having your wedding on the grounds of a winery, yet patrons are still allowed to roam about the property during the event.  If this is the case, you may want to inquire about a “buy-out” option.
  • Sufficient Parking
    Ensure that there is enough free parking for all of your anticipated guests.  If parking is not free, try to negotiate a bulk rate for your evening so that your guests do not have to pay for parking.
  • All-Inclusive
    What all is included in the rental fee?  Does that include access to the kitchen and appliances… how about servers?  Is there a separate service fee?  Does the rental fee include the tables, chairs and linens?  How about clean up?  If you’re venue is in a hotel or restaurant, this may be included.  But, if the venue is a garden or a park, they may not be.  
  • Hidden Fees
    Are there hidden fees?  For example, some venues charge a “cake cutting fee” if you do not order your cake from their preferred vendor.  This seems like a totally unreasonable and “bullying” charge… on the surface.  But I’ve realized that if you do order from within, you often receive upgrades that you originally would not have (ie. plates decorated with syrup, chocolate covered strawberries).  Also be sure to ask about sales tax, gratuities, and an extra charge for the champagne toast.
  • Deposit/Cancellation
    What does the venue require for a deposit?  Since the venue will be one of your largest wedding expenses, (#7 on this list of wedding expenses) do they offer a payment plan?  If the unexpected should happen, what is the policy about cancelling or changing the date?

There is certainly lots to think about!  You may need to add more questions to your checklist based on your own situation—like, does the venue allow pets in the ceremony or how can they accommodate someone with limited mobility?  With organization and proper planning, this will be a fun process and you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot for your wedding.  Happy hunting!

san_antonio_wedding_photographers_atagirl_photographyD7I_6243

Waterfall at the Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Woodlands, TX

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san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.

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