Wedding Trend: Step-and-Repeat

On their wedding day, brides and grooms feel like celebrities, often times, with multiple cameras flashing away, documenting the celebration and festivities.  One of the newest trends to hit weddings is the step-and-repeat, where guests, too, feel like celebs on the red carpet, with a photographer to pop flashes and capture show-stopping images of each guest or group.  A large, custom-designed banner, usually at least eight (8) feet high or more, creates the perfect backdrop for staging such photos.

I was recently learned of A Red Carpet Affair, a company here on O'ahu (808-228-2520, jc@aredcarpetaffair.com), now offering step-and-repeats.  Their banners are usually 8x8ft in size, are always customized for the client, and are perfect for weddings as well as other special events.  Step and repeats represent yet another element to contribute to the overall theme of the wedding, matching the bride and groom's custom monogram from their invitations, save the dates, and escort cards, and incorporating their wedding colors, or even their wedding date. Not only are step and repeat banners a great way to add to a couple's wedding theme, they also add an extra level of excitement to any wedding, because they come complete with a red carpet, stanchions, ropes, and professional lighting, so guests can enter the wedding in style!

Step and repeats are not limited to just weddings- they would fit in nicely at a school prom, with the prom's theme, logo, or date of event, at a corporate event, or step and repeat banners could be used for a birthday party, with the guest of honor's name or birthdate listed.  The possibilities are endless!

Some things to consider when using step and repeat banners at your event are to notify your photographer, so that he can be prepared to snap lots of photos of your guests posing in front of your custom banner. Another important aspect to address is whether your venue will allow the banner and photography, and also to make sure you have enough room for the set-up (a 10x6ft space is recommended).  Thoughtful planning should also be exercised when placing a step-and-repeat outdoors, as windy conditions can make it difficult to keep the step-and-repeat from staying taught, or even from blowing over.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Day Gifts for Your Soon-to-Be-Spouse

I always find it so touching when couples choose to present their soon to be wife or husband with a thoughtful gift on the morning of their wedding.  Over the years, I've seen some truly heartfelt gifts, with gestures such as a sweet note written on a greeting card to truly say it all, to an arrangement of roses delivered to the bride's room, and of course, gifts such as jewelry or a purse or pair of shoes from the bride's favorite designer are always big hits.

For her gift to Paul on the day of their wedding, Julie selected a stunning timepiece, which was delivered to his room prior to them seeing each other that day.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

This year alone, I've seen some of the most creative and unique gifts from grooms to their brides.  Paul, pictured above, accompanied his gift with a sweet message which he took the time to record on video for his bride, Julie.  The message was "delivered" to her the morning of their wedding in her bridal suite, where she got to hear from his own lips, his words of devotion and sentiments for their future.

Julie's bridesmaids look on as she views the special message recorded for her by Paul.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

The video clip included some of their engagement photos and of course, very sweet words spoken by Paul for his bride.  Photo by Dylan Dawson Photography.

Then about two and a half months ago, Kyle surprised his bride, Sheryl, with what he knew she would truly appreciate as a wedding day gift.  Rather than sending a physical gift to her room that morning, he instead prepared in secret with us and their videographer, Kai Media, a same-day-edit of their ceremony shown at their wedding reception.  Knowing that she would love a lasting gift which she could appreciate on their wedding day, and in years to come by having this video clip, was according to her, she revealed to me after the wedding, the best gift he could have possibly gotten for her.

If in the process of planning your wedding, consider the possibility of preparing a gift for your bride or groom.  It is a wonderful way to surprise him or her on the day of your wedding, and to express the many emotions you wish to convey.  Remember that the value of the gift or message need not be measured in dollars and cents, as it is often times the thought and effort which are worth so much more.

Happy Planning!

Preparing for the ultimate bridal bod and Zerona

It seems there is no "inspiration" for getting in shape quite like a wedding.  I'm always impressed with the commitment both brides and grooms make, not just to one another, but also, to improving their physique in preparation for their wedding.  I often wished I shared their level of dedication to hitting the gym and being conscientious about their diets.

For those looking to modify their appearance, particularly in preparation for an event like a wedding, I thought I'd pass along some info about another option in addition to healthy diets and exercise.  The Center for Natural Healing at 5283 Kimokeo Street in Aina Haina (on O'ahu) offers a non-invasive, laser body contouring treatment.  They utilize the FDA approved Zerona laser, which has been touted on programs such as "Nightline," "Rachel Ray," "The Doctors," "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and others.  A recent bride who underwent a session three weeks before her wedding enjoyed a loss of seven inches!  Sculpting can be visible in the wrists, waist, hips, and thighs, and the difference can literally be in inches.

Of course, there's no substitute for healthy living than a balanced diet and regular exercise, but sometimes, a little help never hurt, particularly, if it literally doesn't hurt!  The treatments are pain-free and require no down time nor any recovery time.  For questions about Zerona, or about the treatments, contact Brittany at admin@naturalhealinghawaii.com or call 808-373-9966.

Happy planning (and healthy living)!