The Bridal Blog

By: Mike Garrasi of Music Man Entertainment

Probably the most commonly asked question I get asked by Brides is – “What is a great song to use for a Bride & Father Dance?” There are a lot of great songs out there, but few are useable for a Bride & Father Dance. Each Brides relationship is different with their Dad and taste in music is different also, so it can be tricky sometimes choosing a song that works for them.

I’ve compiled a list of Great Bride & Father Dance Songs that range from Traditional to Contemporary to Country to Classic. This is just a short list, but I hope it will help in making your song selection process a little easier. Enjoy!

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“My Girl” – The Temptations
“What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
“I Loved Her First” – Heartland
“Cinderella” – Steven Curtis Chapman
“Father And Daughter” – Paul Simon
“Unforgettable” – Natalie & Nat “King” Cole
“My Little Girl” – Steve Kirwan
“Daddy’s Angel” – T. Carter Music
“Stealing Cinderella” – Chuck Wicks
“My Little Girl” – Tim McGraw

By: Angela’s Bridal

The dress of the week is from designer Paloma Blanca, in honor of the Trunk Show we are hosting this weekend, February 3rd & 4th, here at Angela’s Bridal. This gown has just arrived in the shop, and is one of the latest pieces from Paloma Blanca’s 2012 Premiere Collection. Style #4265 is a modified A-line, featuring a scoop neckline and duchess satin bodice in the diamond white. The top of this gown is extremely flattering and looks sleek and slimming on any bride. The belt found on the natural waist line singes to create that perfect shape! Each belt, including the one seen with this particular style, is made of the finest materials; duchess satin, Swarovski crystal, silk thread and mother of pearls! The belts Paloma Blanca have created for their 2012 line are absolutely stunning! The bottom of this gown is extremely unique! Paloma Blanca has taken natural silk organza, layered and folded the material, to create an extremely voluminous and textured bottom, unlike any other! This gown is truly a work of art, and would be stunning on your wedding day! Please call Angela’s Bridal today, (518)869-18948 to schedule your appointment to try on style #4265 for yourself! This weekend, during our Trunk Show, is the perfect opportunity for you to come in and see why Paloma Blanca is unlike any other designer in the world! We cannot wait to make your dream dress come true!

Lily~Saratoga is having a trunk show for the Modern Trousseau Bridal Collection! The trunk show is by appointment only and the dates are Friday and Saturday, February 10 and 11. The gowns are from a couture line, made in the USA, and a rep from the company will be on hand to work with brides and answer any questions. They are offering a 10% discount on Modern Trousseau gowns purchased during the trunk show. Call (518) 587-5017 to make your appointment today!

Tiffany Wayne of Tiffany Wayne Photography wrote an article about what a “first look” is and the pros and cons of doing one!

Many couples when sitting across from their wedding photographer are asked: “Are you interested in doing the first look?” Some couples know the answer right away, others may need time to think it over, and some have never even heard of the “first look.” I’ve had a lot of couples ask me recently about the pros and cons of the “first look.” It can be a huge debate between a bride and groom, or even between the couple and their family. My hope is that this blog entry will educate you on the pros and cons so that you can make the best decision as a couple. Obviously my perspective is from a photographers standpoint-but, ultimately this decision is up to you…the bride and groom. First, let’s define the first look.

First Look: A special arranged (usually private) moment between a wedding photographer and the bride and groom before the ceremony.
Purpose: To capture the bride and groom’s reaction when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
Why?: To save time by completing all portraits and formal photos prior to the ceremony so that the couple can enjoy their guests and cocktail hour immediately following their “I do!”

The first look is a pretty new thing in the wedding industry. I know when my parents got married they didn’t have that option! Because this is not a traditional practice it creates room for debate. Typically, the groom will see his bride for the first time when she’s walking down the aisle. Then, following the ceremony we would move into family formals, bridal party portraits, and bride and groom portraits. I can only speak for myself, but in an ideal world I would love to spend 60-90 minutes (max) to complete all of those portraits. Depending on the timeline of your wedding day, sometimes this can overlap with part of the cocktail hour. Unless you have a gap of time between the ceremony and cocktail hour, chances are you will miss part of it. Now don’t get me wrong, my goal is to complete your portraits in a timely manner-because let’s face it…I want you to enjoy your day and mingle with your guests! But, if you feel like you’re going to be stressed out about time and wishing you were at the cocktail hour, maybe the first look is for you. The pros of keeping it traditional? The grand entrance wow factor.

Another factor to take into consideration is time of year. If you are planning an evening winter wedding in the Northeast the sun will set early. If your ceremony begins at 5:30pm, and you decide against the first look, keep in mind that it will be dark outside. So, you have to ask yourself how important is it that your portraits are taken outside during the day/sunset hour?

The most important thing to remember is that this is your day. It’s all about the bride and groom and what you want as a couple… it’s your moment. If you are more of a traditional person, would you regret not having the big entrance at the ceremony? Or, do you like the idea of having a special documented moment before all the craziness begins? Be honest with yourself and come to an agreement together.

So what do I think? Does the first look save time? Yes. Does it take away some of the stress? In my experience, yes. Is it traditional? No. But, again, this is about what will work for you.

No matter what the decision, when your eyes meet for the first time on your wedding day you will be filled with love from the tips of your toes to the top of your head!

…and I will be there to capture that moment no matter what!