Weddings By Sandy

Not too long ago, I had just finished officiating a wedding when a couple walked up to me to compliment me on my execution of the ceremony.  As we were talking, they told me that I “looked nice.”  I, of course, responded with “Thank you!” Then they proceeded to tell me about their own wedding. Surprisingly, their officiant came dressed as if she were attending a vintage 40’s or 50’s themed event; she even wore a hat and gloves. Really! I asked them if they had a themed wedding, and they replied, “No, we thought she looked really weird! “  Uh- oh! 

As officiants we may wear many things. Each of us wears what we feel comfortable in; some wear ministerial robes or a stole, or both, while others feel more comfortable in a dress or a suit. There are several factors to consider: is the wedding casual or black-tie formal, is it on the beach or in the back yard, will it be religious or secular, will it be down-home American or multi-cultural, the same faith or different beliefs? All of these things drive what people wear. But here is the difference between a professional and a non-professional: a professional officiant will ask his or her couple during the client interview what is appropriate to wear on their special day: a black suit or a brown suit, no suit, or maybe a more casual look – an Earth Mother look with a flowing dress and flowers in your hair, or a tailored look with a pale silk blouse and a smart jacket and trousers. I want the people who see me to see a professional and then I want them to concentrate on the couple. I personally wear a black suit because I want to “look” official.  Once I wore overalls! The bride and groom wore denim and asked me to do so as well, so I happily complied. You know it is your special day, so why should I be the one to look out of place! Not only does it make me look odd, but it takes away from the couple, especially the bride. After all, it is their special day!

So, whatever your theme, make sure you ask your officiant what they plan to wear if they don’t discuss it with you first. There is nothing more uncomfortable than having the most necessary member of your bridal party look out of place. Never assume they are going to dress the part. Always make sure you tell the person officiating your wedding what they should wear, and if you are not sure, think about what you want your photos to look like. That should answer all of your issues related to dress. After all, the officiant is there for you!

When was the last time you held an event? Did you need something that isn’t usually in your garage or basement? Maybe you needed simple things like extra glasses, cutlery, or matching tables and chairs, or maybe you needed a moon bounce for 40 kids at a birthday party, or maybe you required something larger like a tent for a wedding.

No matter the event, no matter the size, there always seems to be something out of the ordinary required when planning your event. Where do you go and what do you do when you need these extra things? Do you purchase them? That can be expensive and often impractical. Have you ever considered renting? Renting things like a tent or a moon bounce can save you time, energy, and money; besides, where would you store a moon bounce?!

So, who do you go to? Who can you trust? Why not seek out Dwain Remsberg from Grand Rental? Grand Rental is located in Frederick, MD,  is a member of the Frederick Area Bridal Network (FABNet) and has been in business since 1994. Dwain and his team are passionate about helping working 1-on-1 with you to create the vision you want.  Brides benefit when they select Grand Rental along with two other FABNet members because they get something such as a gift or discount to help them with their budget for their wedding day!

Not long ago Grand Rental helped AOL with their 25^th Anniversary event that included 2,500 guests. This stellar anniversary party was held on AOL’s northern Virginia lawn. Dwain and his team worked hard to create the atmosphere that made this event successful. As you can see, Grand Rental likes taking on a challenge!

So no matter what size your event is, you can count on Grand Rental and Dwain Remsberg to help you make your event a GRAND RENTAL Event! Dwain says, “Our goal is to Make it a Grand Event – Any Size, Anytime, Anywhere!”

To contact Dwain, email him at dwain@grandrentalevents.com or call him at 410-690-5407 to make an appointment in Frederick.

The Western Maryland Regional Sales Office in Frederick is located at:

1780-A North Market Street
Frederick, MD 21701

They also have a showroom located in Odenton at:

8251 Telegraph Road
Odenton, MD

You can visit their website for more detailed information at:http://www.grandrentalevents.com/

Join them on Facebook at Grant Rental Events – Frederick.

I know the next time I need something unusual, like Chinese lanterns or a red carpet with ropes and stanchions; I plan to contact Grand Rental!

Today starts a new series for my blog, I am interviewing the professional colleagues of the Frederick Area Bridal Network (FABNet).

The first interviewee is Susan Centineo, owner of STUDIO C Photography.

In the wedding business there are thousands of photographers, but every once in awhile one will stand out among all the rest.  One of those that rises to the top is STUDIO C. Photography owned by Susan Centineo.  Ms Centrineo has been in business for over 6 years and tells me that she was inspired to get into photography by Fashion Photographer Roy Cox while at his house for a party.  Ms. Centineo has a strong art background, and after 12 years of real estate, needed to flex her creative muscle. So now, she does video, graphic arts and design at her studio on Market Street downtown Frederick, MD.   Ms. Centineo enjoys taking candid, journalistic and wedding photographs, and has developed a following in the fashion, portrait and boudoir industry as well.

What I discovered from Ms. Centineo is this, according to her, “Many people don’t realize that 80% of our business is from referrals; we are the preferred photographer for several venues; and we are right downtown Frederick!”

During our interview, I asked Ms. Centineo the following questions:

What do you love most about your business?

The finished product! I love editing and laying out the books, the entire creative process. Plus the FRIENDS I make!

What do you believe makes your business special and different than other businesses in your category?

In an economic environment where many photographers have closed their doors or experienced a huge drop in business, we have consistently grown every year, and last year we actually doubled our business from the previous year. We also have an actual Studio – we don’t work out of our basement, or do this part-time.

What is the most interesting thing that has happened since you have been in this business?

I studied Fashion Photography in New York under Claudio Basso, and went on to write articles about his workshops that were published; and now, I teach Fashion and Wedding photography in New York at Calumet Photographic, in Baltimore, and DC. My students are professional photographers from all over the world, including Belize, Mexico, Canada, Trinidad and Italy. It’s VERY cool! And fashion makes you a better wedding photographer.

So, if you want more from a photographer, be sure to check out STUDIO C Photography and Susan Centineo.

You can contact Susan at:   Phone:   240.446.6085     Email: studiocphotos@yahoo.com

Susan Centineo

STUDIO C Photography

154 North Market Street

Frederick MD 21701

http://www.studio-c-photography.com

http://www.bootcampmodels.com

As a wedding officiant, I realize the importance of connecting with the right vendors; those that can capture your special moments. I believe choosing professionals that are timely, responsive and work with you to transform your ideas into the living breathing dream you have always wanted, is the most important aspect of planning.  The professionals of FABNet do exactly that, and more!   Check back with me soon as we explore more of the Fabulous professionals of FABNet!  When you book 3 or more vendors, each vendor will give you a gift!  To learn more about FABNet, check out their website at: http://www.fabnet.info/

What do henna, horses, and head scarves have in common? A multicultural bridal show! Attending a bridal show is fun and time-saving – there are many vendors in one location so you can look at dresses, saris, and tuxedos, sample appetizers, entrees, and wedding cake, watch wedding videos, see how elegant a bride can be on horseback (sidesaddle, of course!), visit wedding venues without actually going there, find a 1931 Packard for your limo, see a fashion show, check out beautiful jewelry, and find a wedding officiant, all within an hour or two!

Why is this important? It is a great way to look at trends in weddings and events, and see the latest and greatest in wedding gowns and cake designs as well as floral arrangements and invitations. It is always a lot of fun. You can also pick up valuable discounts and ideas and even win prizes. Most bridal shows give away a honeymoon trip and other valuable things almost every couple needs to make their day special.

Although bridal shows can occur at any time of year, it is always in January when the most bridal shows happen. This is because of engagement season which is typically from November 24 (just before Thanksgiving so couples can break the news over the turkey and stuffing) to February 14 (Valentine’s Day – for obvious reasons!); thus, you will find the most bridal shows in January.

To some brides and couples, bridal shows are overwhelming; to other couples they are just what they needed to shift into the wedding planning gear. And yes, guys… grooms do often attend bridal shows! 

So check out the “Events” section of your bridal vendors’ websites and check out all of the shows coming up. And if you happen to see us at one, stop by and say “hi!” We’d love to talk with you!

Article written by Rev Sandy Bearden with assistance from Kathleen Bell, Officiant with Weddings by Sandy

As a wedding officiant, I carry a basic wedding day emergency kit with me to each wedding.  My kit carries most of the items I have listed below.  But as a bride you can make your own emergency day kit that has your own stuff in it.  Being prepared can really help make your day less stressful and much more enjoyable.  Below is a list of things you might consider:   

For the Bride:
Brush or comb
Hair spray or extra hair product, pins, etc.
Dental floss
Extra panty hose (if you wear them)
Tissues
Mints
Compact mirror
Makeup essentials, such as blemish concealer, lip color, mascara, and foundation
Perfume or scented spray
Antacid and pain reliever
Hand lotion
A small sewing kit, which includes needles, thread, and safety pins.

A lint brush or you can add a roll of double sided tape, which can come in handy for quick hem fixes and other potential emergencies.
Stain remover
White chalk. If you get a spot or stain on your wedding dress, don’t panic. Dab it over with chalk to mask it. Also make sure to ask at the dress boutique or your seamstress what to do if you spill something on your dress. Should you get out the club soda or baby powder?
Deodorant. It’s a stressful day; smell your best.
Tampons or pads.
Wet wipes and/or stain removing wipes.
Cell phones and important phone numbers.
Healthy, energy-boosting snacks, such as fruit and granola bars.
Chocolate. Brides tend to get frazzled and stressed out on their wedding day.

For the groom stock:
Extra black socks
Brush or comb
Cologne
Corsage pins
Shirt buttons
Lint brush
Quick sewing kit with buttons, needles, safety pins, thread, and small scissors
Shoe polish
Breath mints
Deodorant

You can purchase pre-made wedding emergency kits, but it is just as easy, and much less expensive, to assemble your own.