HD Wedding Video: the 5 requirements

I watched an HD wedding video the other day. "Hmmm, this doesn't look any different from the video I watched last week." So I called Rob at AMC video to get the scoop.
I was shocked (actually a little angry)to find out that not some, but most HD wedding videos aren't actually truly HD. This is a problem considering so many of my clients have been asking for HD for the last 2 years or so. Well, perhaps I should change that statement. Most of our grooms ask about it.
I think a short list works fine on this occasion because honestly, technical stuff is not my thing.
So- here's the list of requirements for a true HD video experience:

1. Your video must be shot with an HD camera
2. Footage must be edited in an HD format
3. The edited video has to be burned onto a Blu-Ray disc
4. The disc must be played by a Blu-Ray Player
5. The tv must also be HD

And there ya have it. Take one of these pieces out and you're aren't watching a truly HD wedding video. If you're making the investment for this higher quality video, make sure you have all the elements to actually experience it!
★COMMENT ALERT: Really great comments on this post, please read

Wedding Venues: Is that what it really looks like?

Sometimes it is hard to determine if what you see on a wedding venue website is truly how it appears. Mostly because you know that the pictures on the website are very much staged. Sometimes, what they show in a location isn't even something they offer! I can't tell you how many times that has happened. Quite deceiving yes, but proper preparation will pre-empt any disappointments. If you're planning a destination wedding, it's particularly scary to have this question running through your head, "What if it's not really what we think it is?". Even if you are able to make a scouting trip, you may be limited on time and need to narrow down your choices prior to actually getting a site tour. So what to do:

Google. Google is your friend. Simply do a search on "insert venue name wedding" and chances are that you'll have oodles pop up. Even better, also check out Google images.

Going down the list of links you'll probably see links to the actual venue- skip those. You've seen that already. Rather, look for blogs by wedding planners, brides, florists and photographers. Why? Because these professionals have documented the venues in some shape or form. You're going to get a real view of how the ceremony and or reception venue you're considering really looks like at a wedding. Just keep in mind that what you're looking at may not be what you want to see; every wedding is unique to each couple and you're bound to see some that don't reflect your taste in the slightest. I know this is hard, even I struggle, but try to look past it. You're also going to notice that some weddings at a venue look the same one after another. That's a sign. Notice it. Ask why – it may affect your decision.

Also keep in mind that what you see is not always available. Rooms may have been painted, new banquet chairs may have been purchased, special lighting may have been used, and furniture may have been rented and brought in by a wedding designer. Oh- this is a good way to come up with some questions for your venue coordinator to find out what is and isn't included and/or allowed. For instance, in one wedding you see on a wedding planners website there are royal tables (rectangle tables of 10-12), and then on a photographers website you see all round tables of 8. You can then ask the venue coordinator if both those options are available to you, if there's a charge for it, or if you'll need a designer to come in and handle the logistics of that kind of thing. The key is to ask.

A quick tip: The Catering & Sales Manager at the locations you are scouting for your destination wedding will think the world of you if you send them a list in advance of questions they can offer answers to while on your tour. Give them a few days to get prepared and get the answers. This will make your time spent much more efficient and enjoyable and will allow you to determine if the location is perfect for the celebration you're planning. Remember, they want your business, so give them the opportunity to sell it to you!

Champagne Cocktails on the fly

Bellini: Champagne & Peach Schnapps
Blood Orange Mimosa: Champagne & Blood Orange Juice
My thought: Delicious
Use them for: Wedding or farewell Brunch, bridal showers, welcome bags,
Present them in: White tissue papers (at least 4 pieces) tied with double faced satin ribbon in your wedding colors.
Cost: $10-$13 each. Have to love that.

Get married in Naples. Better yet, get married in 2009 at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

If you don't know already, it can be very difficult to find a location that,

"Can hold over 150 guests for a ceremony on the beach,

cocktail hour on a lawn (with sunset still in view),
a ballroom for the wedding dinner & dancing,
a world class chef,
a restaurant to have our rehearsal dinner,
a poolside space to have our farewell brunch,
another waterfront space to hold our welcome reception,
gorgeous hotel rooms for our guests,
and a spa"

Especially when you're limited to a few select dates. Not kidding, I get this request almost every day. Luckily, I can actually say yes, this amazing place you're asking for exists. That's when I pick up the phone and call Lynn Alexander at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples. I called Lynn last week for just this very thing and she told me about this special they're offering. If you book a wedding for a date this year, you can choose from one of the below:

• 50% discount on Site Fee
• Waived Resort Fee
• His & Her Discount Spa for her, Golf for him
• Airport Transportation for Bride & Groom
• Specialty Linen Upgrade
• Complimentary One Hour Cocktail Reception the night before the wedding. Value of $1,500
• Complimentary Pre-Ceremony Beverage Station Champagne, Sparkling Water, Lemonade
• Complimentary Weekend Cabana
• Complimentary Suite Upgrade for Bride & Groom

Pretty good deal I think, so I asked her if it would be okay to share with my readers. Here is the link to LaPlaya and you can reach Lynn directly at LAlexander{at}LaPlayaResort.com
Photo Credit: Heather Donlan of Heather Donlan Photography

Winners of the Idea & Inspiration Notebooks

Congrats to:
Kristi L. and Kay Wooten! Email us your mailing addresses and we'll get the notebooks out to you this week. Oh, and I'd love if you'd send back a picture of your "noted up" notebook :)