Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan » WEDDING ADVICE & PLANNING

Are Wedding Planning Timetables a Thing of the Past?

Jen — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:23:26 +0000

Gone, it seems are the days when people get engaged and then plan for a year before the big day. Okay, I correct myself. They ARE waiting a year and sometimes even two, however many a wedding specialist can attest to the odd trend of brides waiting until the very last minute to book major parts of their wedding day. It used to be that we would give deep discounts for brides who booked with less than 3 months to go, however since this seems to be the MO of many brides for the past two seasons the discounts are going away more and more as specialists get more savvy to the times. The true sadness that I am seeing are brides who really wanted to use my services but they waited until too late and I am already booked on their date. Chalk it up to the economy and people’s uneasiness about booking too far out with little security for what the future holds, but I am still a traditionalist. I like my clients to do it right. Why? If you book late AND your photographer happens to have your date available you will miss out on several really wonderful rights of passage as an engaged person. There is little to no time to do an engagement session with an announcement and photo in your local newspaper and what about doing a bridal session? Your wedding gown will likely be the most expensive and beautiful dress you will ever own. Do your hair and makeup trial along with having your photographer capture you in all your glory when you are not rushed on your wedding day. These are time honored traditions that seem to be the first to hit the round file for brides who book late. Here is my recommended time table from the moment he pops the question to the moment you walk down the isle.

TIME TABLE

Immediately After the Engagement:
- Discuss a budget, the size and style of the wedding.
- Decide who pays for what.
- If you will be using a wedding consultant, enlist their services.
- Meet with officiant; schedule pre-marital counseling.
- Reserve wedding/reception sites; make initial catering contacts.
- Register at local bridal registries.
- Contact photographers; hire one.

Six Months or More Before:
- Compile the guest list.
- Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
- Choose wedding rings.
- Send your engagement announcement to newspapers.
- Select and order wedding gown.
- Select the attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen).
- Choose and order bridesmaids dresses.
- Select one usher for every 50 guests.
- Check out videographers. Hire one.
- Make arrangements for the music at the wedding and reception.
- Check out bakers for your cake. Get estimates. Book the date.
- Plan beauty preparations (nails, diet, hair, skin care, and makeup).
- Make all transportation arrangements for the day of the wedding.
- Complete all honeymoon plans.

Four Months Before:
- Complete the guest list and confirm final details with the caterer.
- Order invitations and personal stationery or “Thank You” notes.
- Order napkins and purchase any other items needed.
- Check with the caterer to see what he/she includes.
- Get estimates and order flowers and floral arrangements.
- Get estimates and order decorations and favors.
- Book room for wedding night.

Three Months Before:
- Order wedding rings. Allow time for any final engraving.
- Order tuxedos for the groomsmen and fathers.

Two Months Before:
- Mail invitations (6 weeks before wedding; 8 weeks to out-of-town guests).
- Make appointments with the hairdresser for the bride and attendants.
- Buy a wedding gift for your future spouse and gifts for attendants.
- Finalize arrangements of accommodations for out-of-town guests.

One Month Before:
- Choose all accessories, shoes and lingerie for bridal gown.
- Have final fitting for bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.
- Have beauty consultant do a trial run with bride’s hair and makeup. Schedule this appointment on the day the bridal portait is taken.
- Contact the photographer again to discuss specifics.
- Have bridal portrait taken.
- Have groomsmen registered and measured at the formal wear store.
- Check with the newspapers on wedding announcement requirements.
- Finalize plans for rehearsal dinner.
- Plan seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
- Complete change-of-address information for post-office.
- Keep current with “Thank You” notes.

Two Weeks Before:
- Get the marriage license. Be sure to bring all needed documents.
- Inform those who will attend the rehearsal and dinner.
- Inquire about a dressing room for you and your attendants.
- Walk through the entire event in your mind. Consider things like parking, access for handicapped guests, etc.
- Confirm all transportation plans.
- Check in with vendors to confirm all arrangements.
- “Break in” wedding shoes at home.

One Week Before:
- Appoint someone to be the “organizer” to handle any last minute issues.
- Give a final guest count to the caterer.
- Review final details for those in the wedding party.
- Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
- Pack for the honeymoon. Know what you’ll wear from the reception.
- Enjoy a day with your friends. Visit a day spa and relax.

One Day Before:
- Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants.
- Give the rings and officiant’s fee to the best man.
- Organize gown, accessories, etc. to go to ceremony.

Wedding Day:
- Mail wedding announcements.
- Get hair, makeup, etc. done.
- Enjoy the day!

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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

How to Look Your Best in Photos

Jen — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:46:49 +0000

It is often said a picture is worth a thousand words. The goal then would be to make those words good ones! I have photographed every body type big and small and I can tell you, any girl in a strapless gown is going to have back bulge, even if they are rail thin. The key is not to stress about the things you cannot control. Us photogs can take care of things like that in Photoshop. However, there are a few tips and tricks you will want to remember whenever you get your photo taken. Here are five of my favorites.

1. Never, and I mean NEVER stand in front of your man. If you are in front of him, make sure the camera is to the side so your faces are on the same plane to the camera lens. I like to put the ladies just slightly behind the man. If you are even 1/4 inch in front of him you will look bigger than he does. Not good.
2. Giggle. Every time someone takes your photo, giggle a little bit. Even if it is fake. Just by making a noise your brain will trigger your laugh muscles in your face and not your smile muscles. They are a completely different set of muscles and I guarantee you like your laugh muscles better than you smile muscles.
3. Try to look up. If you can make it so the photographer is above you (sit on a chair) you are less likely to have a double chin. Even the skinny ninnies get double chins when the photographer is below you.
4. Know where your light is. Always face towards the light. If you are outside don’t face into the shade, face into the light. You will look better every time.
5. My absolute best advice is to have fun and smile a lot! Photographers love people who smile and laugh. If you see, out of the corner of your eye, a lens trained on you just smile for a bit. The photographer will take the photo and leave you alone. I promise.

Enjoy your day and soak it all in. The more “into” your day you are the better your photos will come out. Leave the stress behind. Remember, on your wedding day there is nothing more to be done. Just let it go, and enjoy!

Below are some of my favorites from my very first courthouse wedding on April 1, 2010, and I got to be the witness! LOVE IT! It was at the Beverly Hills Courthouse and we walked the streets for some fun photos around the area after the ceremony. See how I always try to keep my couples on the same plane to me or I will put the bride slightly behind the groom. Lots of love between these two! Who says you can’t elope AND get great shots!

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Picking your PHOTOGRAPHER

Jen — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:53:11 +0000

My top three things I always tell potential clients are:

1. Make sure you like the personality of your photographer. They will be the one service provider that will be with you the entire day!
2. Really LOOK at their work. Can you see yourself in their shots? Scrutinize their photography. If you don’t LOVE it, then keep looking. You want your heart to melt when you see their work. And look at an entire days worth of shots, not just the best ones. You would be surprised at how easy it is to get a few good shots and the rest are terrible.
3. Price is important, but remember, these photographs will be your heirloom! If you need to take small amounts from other categories to beef up your photo budget, do so. It will be the only thing you have left after everything is said and done.

Here is something to consider with price:
For coverage only, no albums. This is based on my experience in Los Angeles only, so please no backlash from other states.

$1,500-$2,000
The majority of photographers fall into this budget range. The photographer will be okay and if they are really talented and good, they may not have a bunch of experience: 1-3 years. If they have a bunch of experience, they may be doing 50-100 weddings per year which means you will not get the best personal service before and after the wedding. You can also find very experienced photographers at this rate but they are only charging you for their time and you will have to pay for prints later. These are the more traditional photographers. These are just facts.

$2,500-$3,000
The photographer will be a good solid investment however they may only have 3-5 years of experience. You can find some artists at the $3,000 range. Mostly photojournalists who will shoot and give you the files and that is it.

$4,000-$5,000
More experience and camera understanding and more artists and portrait journalists than traditional photographers. You will get better service as these shooters tend to stay in the under 40 weddings a year range.

$6,000-$8,500
These photographers are a more full service breed. You start to get into artwork that you will want to blow up on huge canvases in your home. These are the word of mouth, better photographers who average 25-35 weddings per year.

$10,000 +
These photographers do only a select number of weddings per year and have a solid following. You will get impeccable service and photography at this rate (at least you SHOULD!)

$25,000-$50,000
These photographers are celebrity wedding shooters. Strictly word of mouth.

There is my 2 cents.
I fall in the $5,000-$7,000 range and the one thing I consistently hear over and over from my clients and their family is “I cannot believe how beautiful everything came out, you and your staff were so great at the wedding, and I am floored at how your attention to detail, even after the wedding, is so high.”
My biggest concern outside of killing myself to get “the shot” is to make sure my clients are enjoying their day. I am known to cry at the ceremony and laugh out loud during the reception all while shooting away trying to capture every definitive moment throughout the time I am there. My clients become my friends and I love every one of them. It is as important that I want to work with you as much as you want to work with me.
If you are looking for someone that will truly take care of you and give you phenomenal wedding photography, make sure your budget is in the $5,000+ range. You will be thankful when all is said and done.

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography
357 South Robertson Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-494-6547
http://www.jenosullivan.com
jen@jenosullivan.com

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism. She is known for her beautifully captured emotion filled moments, stunning details, and imagery that has a storybook feel.

Jen O’Sullivan, LLC | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Beverly Hills Social

Jen — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:06:06 +0000

I recently hosted the Beverly Hills Chapter Grand Opening of Wedding And Event Specialists. There were so many great people in attendance and it was a huge success. We had Jaime Macias of Lensely Automatic bring in one of his “photo booths” to capture some fun images. The greatest thing about his booths is that they face out towards your party, so the more lively the action in the background, the more random and fun it can get! Here are a few from the event. Enjoy!

People in attendance:

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography (Photographer)
http://www.jenosullivan.com
jen@jenosullivan.com
310-494-6547

Jaime Macias
Lensley Automatic (Photo Booth without the Booth)
hello@lensley.com
http://lensley.com
310-895-0974

Melinda Piligian
CAKEgoodness (Cake Artisit)
info@cakegoodness.com
www.cakegoodness.com
661-755-1367

Marc Dahm
Blue Cat international (Videographer)
marc@bluecatintl.com
310-360-0631

Tara Dowburd-Luftman
Make-Up Therapy (Make-Up Artist)
www.makeuptherapy.com
tara@makeuptherapy.com
(310) 709-6585

Sherene Hulugalle
Wisteria Lane (Eco Florist)
shulugalle@yahoo.com
www.organicfloraldesigns.com
888-345-6101

Josh Kafka
Blisscape (Travel and Bliss Agent)
josh@blisscape.com
www.blisscape.com
877-78-BLISS

Felice Keller
Felice Keller Productions (Custom Songwriter)
felice@felicekeller.com
www.felicekeller.com
818-232-0335

Arley Ann Laman
Events Me! (Event Planner)
arleyannlaman@gmail.com
www.aalstudios.com
310-909-4049

Linda Okwor
Bwell Fit (Fitness and Nutrition)
linda@bwellfit.com
www.bwellfit.com
877-319-1133

Lorna Small
Small World Travel (Travel Agent and Destination Weddings)
lorna@small-world-travel.com
www.onelovetravelclub.com
www.small-world-travel.com
310-397-2704

Michael Willms
Entertainment Design Events (Wedding and Event Production)
Michael@EntertainmentDesignEvents.com
http://www.EntertainmentDesignEvents.com
310.385.8001

Wendy Young
BB J Linen (Fine Linens)
wyoung@bbjlinen.com
www.bbjlinen.com
310-204-0363

Jen O’Sullivan, LLC | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Paper Source

Jen — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:33:15 +0000

I’m in love! This past weekend while up in Westlake Village I got to visit my sister’s new passion: Paper Source in Thousand Oaks. WOW! This store is C-R-A-Z-Y! Be prepared to spend some cash in this place. Soooo much fun! And here is the kicker: they carry new Diana cameras! These babies were so hard to find and they are making them again! Online you can only see the mini Diana but they have the full blown big girl at the shop.

Something else I noticed at the check out counter for all you engaged couples: they are hosting three great events for you. First on Saturday, February 20th from 10-11am you can sign up to have tea and view their 2010 Invitation Collection. Second, on February 20th and 21st at noon they are having complimentary demos on making your own invitations, favors, table tents, and escort cards. The demos happen throughout the day so check with them to see the times. Third, on March 4th from 6-8 you will see how to create a wedding suite of correspondence that is uniquely yours all while having wine and cheese. Super fun!!! Go to their website to sign up or give them a call at 805-496-6400.

Paper Source

The Oaks Mall

190 W. Hillcrest Drive #70

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

805-496-6400

Jen O’Sullivan, LLC | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Have Fun With Your Cake!

Jen — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:09:53 +0000

I so often see brides getting the normal cake: traditional, white, flowers, gorgeous, boring. Think outside the box and go with something fun! If you HAVE to have the traditional you might consider doing a “Groom’s Cake.” These cakes are meant to be fun and funky. Check this cake out by Melinda of CAKEgoodness. She wow’s me every time!

Jen O’Sullivan, LLC | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Wedding Advice to Brides: How to Tip

Jen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:56:51 +0000

Tipping your vendors can be a bit tricky and a lot overwhelming. You have just paid for one of the most intense events you will probably ever throw and tipping after the party seems like an odd way to end the night. There are two options: 1. pre-tip or 2. have your best man or maid of honor dole out the tips in pre done envelopes. The problem with pre-tipping is you never know how the service is going to go. For my wedding we pre-tipped the cake person and our cake was the worst thing (monstrosity) ever! And we paid $10 per slice! I would have never even tipped him had I thought to do it after rather than before. If you choose option number 2, make sure the person doling out the tips knows who the envelope should go to. I have had this happen twice where the envelope was given to my assistant and not me. The first time it happened, my assistant knew better, and handed it right over. The second time, my assistant told me about it, but said that the person handed it to her and told her it was for her. So she kept it. A, hello??? The tip was more than I paid her for the night. Obviously the person who gave it to her was not clear as to who it should have gone to. Here is a list of service providers and the appropriate tips to consider:

Coordinator: 10-15% of the bill.

Caterer: most add in 18-20% and it is up to you if you want to give a tip above that.

Bartenders: 10% but make sure your guests are not tipping them. Place a sign at the bar if need be. It is in bad taste to have your guests tip anyone at your wedding.

Hair and Makeup: 15% of the bill

Limo driver: 15-20% of the bill but not more than $150

Music: $25 per band member or 15% of the bill for DJs

Cake: 15-20%

Officiant: considered inappropriate however a donated gift of $50 – $75 is welcomed.

Flowers: not normally tipped but if they do a really great job, 10-15% is welcomed.

Photographers: since I am a photographer, I will give you the inside scoop. Normally photographers are not tipped, however it is welcomed and I always feel really appreciated when my clients do tip me because only about 10% of them do, so they stand out in my mind. It can get a bit tricky tipping the photographer because it is a larger portion of your bill. You would not do a percentage but rather a flat value tip. $100 to $300 is what I normally get from my clients who want to tip me. Occasionally I will get flowers sent to me or a nice gift card. This is another way of thanking a vendor for an exceptional job done.

With all your specialists, remember, they are your team and without them the wedding would not be the day you dreamed about. If you are on a tight budget, a thoughtful handwritten thank you card after the day will go a long way!

Jen is a boutique wedding photographer based out of Beverly Hills, California.
She specializes in alternative, photojournalistic wedding photography and is known for capturing the unique definitive moments during your event.

To view more helpful photo tips go to JensTips.com and learn something new today!
Copyright © 2012 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com

Wedding Planning Tip: The Timeline

Jen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:44:31 +0000

It is important that brides give their photographers their timeline well before the wedding. Often times the coordinator will base it on general photography needs and each photographer is different. Remember: your photographer will be with you the entire day, from beginning to end. They are the only vendor you will hire that will literally be in your face for most of your event.

An additional bonus: I memorize my client’s timeline because I am usually the closest person (in proximity) to the bride who is wearing a watch. I always here the question “What time is it? How much longer until I need to be walking down the isle?” No one can ever answer that question right away because they are searching for their cell phone in a bag somewhere. I always can give her the quickest answer because I have a watch and I know when things are supposed to happen. The coordinator will be doing his or her job getting things into place and is usually not just sitting around in the bridal prep room. The photographer should assume this role and all will be happy.

Sample Traditional American Wedding (Jen’s Recommended Event Flow)

3:00    Preparation photos of Bride and Groom getting ready
4:00    Photo session with Bride (alone, with attendants, etc.)
4:30    Bride and attendants in sequester
5:00    Ceremony
5:30    Family and Bridal Party group formal photos
5:45    Cocktail hour
6:00    Newlywed’s photo session
6:45    Newlywed’s alone time with champaign and hors d’oeuvres
6:45   Guests Ushered Into Reception Area
7:00    Newlywed’s grand entrance straight into First Dance
7:15    Toasts and salads served
7:30    Dinner served
8:00    Father/Daughter   Mother/Son dance
8:15   Open dancing
9:00    Cake cutting
9:15    Bouquet toss
9:25    Garter toss
9:30    Open dancing
11:00 Departure/Send-off

To view more helpful photo tips go to JensTips.com and learn something new today!
Copyright © 2009 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com

Green Wedding: Going Paperless

Jen — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:29:07 +0000

If you are considering using a paperless service for your invitations such as Paperless Post I would recommend it as a supplement to a simple smaller invite. Big bulky invitations usually have 5 to 10 if not more page inserts. Why not design something classically elegant on one piece of exceptionally nice double or triple rag paper with beautiful letterpress. On this card you would direct them to the paperless post invite which can act as your RSVP.

On a larger scale, have someone (your photographer) create a website for you that is a complete invitation with location, directions, dinner choices, your registry, event timeline for multiple day events. Think about including other fun things such as the story on how you met, engagement photos, baby photos, photos of “the players” aka your wedding party, the sky is the limit. After your wedding it will act as a landing page for blog posts, wedding photos, honeymoon photos, pregnancy pho…. oooh, sorry, one thing at a time! You get the idea. Basically, have fun! Here are a couple sample websites for you to take a look at: Cheri and Ryan Sean and Sarah

Soi-Meme: The Independent Eco-Bridal Salon (Green Weddings)

Jen — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:21:43 +0000

I had the privileged of attending one of the most forward thinking bridal shows on the Planet: Soi-Meme: The Independent Eco-Bridal Salon. The event is put on by exceptionally talented, Sarah Shewey of Pink Cloud Events. If you are wanting to “go green” with your wedding take a look at some of these talented people!

Sample table setting by Pink Cloud Events in the James Irvine Japanese Garden at the JACCC.

One of the sessions on green weddings.

Hey Mister DJ, Lee Dyson

Melissa working the front table.

Yummy, yummy cakes from Cakes By The “Pound”

Gabriel Vidauri representing Cakes By The “Pound”

Mendy Pound specializes in hand painting on cakes AND is also known for making them as good on the inside as they look on the outside! Not an easy feat!

Paige of Bash Eco Events and her hubby taking a break.

Event producer Paige Anderson Appel of Bash Eco Events with good friend and “A Team” gal Stephanie Elhayani of Seed, and event designer and florist.

Great hanging flowers from Seed.

Great sustainable party favor idea from Seed.

Great little bridal emergency kits from Bash Eco Events.

Event coordinator, Arley Ann Laman of Event Me! at her table.

Event coordinator, Arley Ann Laman of Event Me! with her assistant.

Nailah Blades of Safiya Beauty at her table.

Nailah Blades of Safiya Beauty with some friends.

These soaps from Safiya Beauty smelled scrumptious!

Lindee Daniel of Puridee makes some of the most beautiful gowns. You have to check out her site!

Rachelle and Emily of Wiley Valentine are an invitation design team complete with in house letterpress. Gorgeous stuff. I was very impressed!

Tracy Helper and Lauren Johanson of Your Daily Thread, a green-conscieous city guide.

Sherene Hulugalle of Wisteria Lane provides organic floral designs using local growers.

Linens from the best linen provider in the country, BBJ Linen.

Sarah Shewey of Pink Cloud Events, Paige Anderson Appel of Bash Eco Events, and Arley Ann Laman of Event Me!

Here are a list of some of the wonderful wedding specialists who were featured at Soi-Meme:

PINK CLOUD EVENTS (PLANNING & PRODUCTION)

JACCC (VENUE)

GOOD GRACIOUS! EVENTS (CATERING)

GIRARI SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE

THE GREEN LIFE CO. (GIFT REGISTRY)

BASH ECO EVENTS – WEDDING PLANNING

BBJ LINENS (LINENS)

CAKES BY THE ‘POUND’

HEY MR. DJ (DJ)

LARGE MARGE SUSTAINABLES (CATERING)

O.N.E., ONE NATURAL EXPERIENCE (BEVERAGES)

PAPERLESSPOST.COM (ONLINE INVITES)

PURIDEE (GOWNS & FASHION)

SAFIYA BEAUTY (PERSONALIZED GIFTS & BEAUTY)

SEED FLORAL COUTURE – FLORALS

WILEY VALENTINE (INVITATIONS)

WISTERIA LANE FLOWER SHOP (FLORALS)