As the planner of your wedding, we are always asking what is most important to you. This may change over time as more information and options are gathered. Additionally, what is most important to you may not always be what is most logical or easy for your wedding day. Nonetheless, we will forge ahead, weighing the options, parameters, compromises, etc. At the end, what is most important to you will be what is followed through with even if it is not 'easy'. So listen to yourself and not the other voices all around you telling you which option to choose and listen to your planner, the one that is outside your immediate circle who will undoubtly root for you saying, "Let's make it happen"! Many of you are starting to look for your 2016 wedding venue. Maybe there is the thought to get married at your home, the country club you grew up at, the local venue that is logical for your closest family members, etc. Whatever the case may be, make sure you are clear about what is most important to you!

In the case of one of our absolute favorites, the Metropolitan Building in Long Island City, NY, the couple here and many couples, flock to this site because it really cannot be compared to others! Either you are head over heals for it as we are or not so much. Filled with uncountable opportunities for creative photography; cool lighting, textures and props abound, what's not to love. However, its location did present some challenges.

The couple had a church wedding at the glorious St. Ignatius Loyola on the upper east side, so nowhere near the venue. However, what about having as much photography at the venue as possible? So, despite travel challenges, the bridesmaids got ready at the venue and the Groomsmen got ready at the Essex House. Back and forth, back and forth, went the bridal party, the videographer, photographer and my staff, and we managed to stay on schedule!

After all ceremonies you only have so much time for photography, especially if you want alone time before the reception and some time to mingle and enjoy those hors d'oeuvres you selected. We choose to add a half hour more than necessary between the two events, the ceremony and the cocktail hour. People needed more time to gather their coats after the ceremony and then warm up once they got inside at the venue anyhow. It was pretty cold that day, although sunny and bright!

Many thought the game plan was a little ridiculous, even myself at times, but I knew we had to go with the flow and prior plan is all. With passion and organization, and a bunch of metro cards, the bridal party made it to not one but all of the photo opt sites they desired before making it to the Metropolitan building for their cocktail hour. The subway, the church photos, the steps of the Metropolitan Musuem, the Gantry park in Long Island City and the of course the awesome venue! Shout out to Sara for helping it all pan out.

Additionally, we had another winter wedding the weekend after, challenged by the snowfall the day prior and the sheer cold weather outside. Miraculously, the bride Charlotte got the snow to fall at the perfect time for her wedding - wish I could take credit. More importantly, there were quite a few people concerned about the families driveway and the homes travel path to the venue and thought maybe they should get ready at the venue instead of her childhood home. The home was perfect for photography, adorned with multiple fireplaces and a gorgeous freshly painted staircase, we were not going to let a little snow or steep driveway stop us from getting the best possible photos on the couples bit day! We ignored those people a bit and smiled. If we had to walk up and down that steep driveway to make it happen, then we would and yes some did!

Finding a wedding venue and other wedding day decisions are awfully similar to buying a house. Make your + / - lists and listen you yourself!

Onward with the planning. Happy 2015 & 2016!

Ashley

Wedding Planning & Event Planning in CT, NYC, Hamptons & Destination

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