Capturing the Beauty of the Season

How do you plan on capturing the beauty of the season in the fall? Have you sat down with your photographer and made a plan on capturing not only the moments of your wedding, but how to incorporate the season’s beauty into your photos? Fall is a beautiful season alone. Now imagine saying “I do” amongst the glory autumn has to offer. Most fall couples select fall for the season. They want to be immersed in all the season has to offer. We’ve worked more than a handful of weddings in this season and we’ve definitely learned tips and tricks from our favorite photographers. There is a way to not only capture all of the beautiful moments between you, your partner, and your family and all the season has to offer. 

#01: Use your Surroundings
We highly suggest you meet with your photographer at your venue. Especially if your photographer has not worked at the venue prior. Most of the time, photographers are pretty familiar with the area, or vendor. But it never hurts to ask them to meet you, at the time of day you plan on tying the knot. You’ll want to search for spots around the venue that feature the landscape of the venue and dynamics of fall. Search for gorgeous spots of scenery, tree lines, and focus on being in the nature, not just standing in front of it. Be immersed in fall and all mother nature has to offer. 

#02: Find your Lighting! 
Fall is filled with gorgeous opportunities for lighting. Fall features the most beautiful golden hours. There is something about the autumnal landscape and when the light hits the land. Step outside, intentionally plan to hit golden hour and we promise you, you and your partner will have glowing nuptial shots. Take advantage of the natural lighting and step outside into nature. Plan on carving some time between the ceremony and reception to take intimate shots in nature. Your guests can enjoy a brief cocktail hour and you can enjoy some time with your spouse in all that nature has to offer. 

#03: Utilize the Colors of Fall 
Whether you chose to incorporate fall colors into your overall theme or palette. We love fall for it’s rich colors, tones, dark and moody hues, and bright lighting. There is definitely double the opportunity if you choose to decorate with fall decorations, like gourds, pumpkins, seasonal blooms, and colors. You can pair and elevate the season, so don’t worry that your wedding will look like Hobby Lobby - you can make fall decor, modern and sophisticated. 

# 04: Get Out and About 
This one takes a little bit more planning, but we recommend you get out and about, and get moving around the town with your wedding planning. Instead of just taking wedding photos at your venue, hop in the car or party bus and shoot some documentary style photos around the town. Capturing fall in the beauty of the city is amazing. We love seeing our couple explore Tacoma and Seattle during the season. Some of our favorite candid shots come from these adventures. You can even through on a cute accessory, have that excuse to buy that cute “Mrs” leather jacket you’ve been eying and take season pics around the city. 

#05: Incorporate Seasonal Elements
If I were to say “I do” again, I would honestly select fall to the backdrop to our wedding. Bottom line, fall has so much to offer. There is a plentiful bounty of items at the farmers market, from pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers, farmer’s market bouquets, fresh fruits. In Eastern Washington there is an area called Green Bluff, that features breweries and apple orchids galore. Incorporating autumn into your wedding will help you establish your wedding backdrop and provide beautiful seasonal touches. So whether you plan on choosing a venue that incorporates fall, or carefully selecting seasonal touches, embrace the season wholly. 

#06: Find the Right Photographer 
Finding the right photographer to fit your needs is so important, we cannot stress this enough. You want to meet with photographers that not only share your style, but understand your vision. Whether you want sepia filled photos, candid shots, or want crisp and clean documentary style photos – you need to find the right photographer for you. Once your wedding day has come and gone, your photos are what will make the memories last. Budget appropriately and meet with photographers that share your vision. 

An autumn wedding is THE backdrop. It’s like no other. The landscape, the colors, it is truly picture perfect. Find and meet with your photographer to develop your vision and time frame for taking the perfect fall shots. Don’t be afraid to step outside and explore all that nature or the city has to offer seasonally. Use this imagery and nature to tell a story of your love and capture all of the moments from the biggest day of your lfe. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Festive Winter Wedding Cocktails

Are you looking for a way to keep your guests warm during your wedding ceremony and reception? One of our favorite ways to keep your guests warm is with the addition of festive winter wedding cocktails — or mocktails! They are a fun way to incorporate some of our favorite winter flavors and add a little bit of adventure to your big day. You can even work with your bartender to create signature cocktails to reflect you, your partner, and your overall wedding theme!  Whether you like fresh or spices, we’ve got a cocktail, or mocktail for you and your guests to try! So, grab a shaker and a glass, see what is in your pantry or fridge and let’s get some festive drinks rolling! 

Cranberry-Orange Whiskey Cocktail 
Nothing screams fall or the holidays like Cranberry. And we’re not talking about the cranberries from a can, we’re talking about fresh cranberries with a hint of orange. Citrus is truly featured, paired with a darker whiskey. Garnished with a fresh orange peel and cranberries make it a festive affair. Consider adding a fresh herb, like thyme to add in some greenery and you have a festive cocktail that will delight your guests. Recipe: Equal parts cranberry and orange juice, whiskey – your choice of course! Add a hint of triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup for sweetness. Top it off with ginger beer cranberries, an orange peel and thyme for a garnish. To swap it for a mocktail – skip the whiskey and add more non-alcoholic ginger beer. 

Bourbon and Spiced Pear Cocktail 

Often people consider fruit to be a summer fruit, when in fact fruit can be a staple of a winter wedding. From decor, to food and drink, adding fresh fruit can brighten any festivity! Select your favorite bourbon, a hint of orange, and pear juice with all spice and cinnamon to create a warm drink. Pour over ice and serve in a short, cocktail tumbler. Recipe: Prepare pear puree, or use an all natural pear juice. Combine juice or puree with a dash of honey, lemon juice, and seltzer or tonic weather. Add your preferred bourbon, ginger beer (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) with allspice and cinnamon. Pour over ice, and serve in a stemless wine glass or short cocktail tumbler. 

Hot Cocoa, with a Twist 
We love a good hot cocoa bar. This appeals to guests of all ages, and you can even add in a little 21+ over twist. You’ll want to create a hot cocoa bar, but add elevated touches, such as fresh mint leaves and peppermint sticks. If you’re not a peppermint fan, you can create a Mexican Hot Chocolate, or forget the mint overall.  Recipe: For the hot cocoa powder, opt for a rich hot cocoa, such as dark chocolate or a gourmet milk chocolate. The boozy twist, is a dash of creme de menthe and a mint leaf for a garnish. Ensure that milk is offered, in lieu of water, to create depth and add warmth to the hot cocoa. 

Peppermint Moscow Mule 
Moscow mules are a modern day classic. They are a great option for a refreshing summer drink, but can also be festive during the winter months! Create a classic Moscow mule, but add a candy cane, or peppermint stick and you’ll have a festive winter drink! These can either be served as a mocktail – just leave out the liquor! It is a great option, that is sure to be refreshing on your guests’ palette. Recipe: Select your favorite vodka as a base and add in peppermint schnapps. Top off your cocktail with ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and garnish with candy canes and mints! Don’t forget to serve in a festive copper mug. 

Classic French 75 
I don’t know what it is about the holidays, but when I think of the holidays, I think of a French 75. Maybe it is the bubbly, or that I always snag one before seeing the Nutcracker, but it is classic, traditional, and sure to lighten your festivities on your wedding day! The best part, is this is a very simple cocktail and perfect for a celebration of love.  Recipe: Select your favorite gin, add champagne or prosecco, and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Add simple syrup for added sweetness and shake over ice. Pour in a vintage or classic stemmed glass and garnish with a lemon peel. 

We can’t forget about our gents and girlies that enjoy good mocktails. All of the drinks can be swapped for non-alcoholic liquor or you can leave out the alcohol all together. As you craft your festive drinks, think about what will appeal to your seasonal palette, remain on budget, and won’t take too much time to make. Select drinks that are reasonable and keep the ingredient list on a low. Once you select your cocktails, or mocktails, create festive signage and don’t be afraid to get creative with the names. Ensure that your drink station or bar is easily accessible for all guests and that drinks are clearly listed. If you do choose to serve signature drinks, with alcohol, ensure that there is a limit or your bartenders do not overserve. Yes, we want guests to have a festive time, but we also care about your guests' safety. Drink responsibly and ensure that your guests have safe travel to and from the reception. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Plan a Successful Rehearsal

Are you on the fence about holding a wedding rehearsal? We get it, gathering your wedding party the night before the big day may seem like an old tradition, or something that isn’t necessarily needed anymore. Wedding rehearsals are a good opportunity to practice your ceremony, enjoy time with loved ones, and ensure that everyone knows their role for the wedding day. We highly suggest that you do some sort of wedding rehearsal, whether it’s a quick pep talk and practice in the hotel lobby, or a full blown rehearsal and dinner at the venue. Set aside time and first, rehearse. 

#01: Where to Hold it? 
Some venues will give couples the opportunity to hold the wedding rehearsal at the venue. If you want to plan in advance to have a wedding rehearsal, talk to the on-site coordinator or select a package that includes the venue the day before. But, depending on booking and when the wedding falls, there may not be an opportunity to practice at the venue. If you are able to rehearse at the wedding venue, try and practice at the same time your ceremony will be the next day. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you’ll be able to determine any kinks that mother nature may send your way – such as lighting, heat, or shadows from the tree line. You will be able to make adjustments as needed to ensure that your photographer can get the best shots and you and your guests will be comfortable throughout.                                               

#02: What to Practice? 
First, you’ll want to check with your wedding planner or coordinator and see if they will be able to coordinate your rehearsal. Chances are, they have created a ceremony timeline and have all the details worked out. You will want to practice whatever your plan is for the ceremony. You’ll want at least an hour blocked out to practice. We suggest you ask your officiant to attend to run through the ceremony. You will want to practice the ceremony, from the processional and recessional at least twice. We definitely don’t want any bridesmaids or groomsmen lost on where to stand during the ceremony. Be sure to use cues on when the next couple should walk out, walk in, and answer any lingering questions from the wedding party. As long as you practice the following, you should be ready for your wedding ceremony! 

• Processional

• Who is walking with who

• What are the music or visual cues on when to walk (ex. Walk when the couple before hits the middle of the aisle etc.) 

• Where to stand when you reach the altar

• If you have an outdoor wedding, and it’s allowed, think about using golf tees to keep your place! 

• How to face your body during the ceremony 

• Who will hold the bride’s flowers, be in charge of fixing her veil or dress

• Ceremony: 

• While you don’t need to practice the speaking parts, it’s best to run through the ceremony to know who is doing what 

• When to hold hands 

• When to say “I do” 

• Don’t forget to practice the first KISS!

• Recessional

• The couple will always exit first!

• Who will walk out next and in what order? 

• Practice waiting for the cue to walk 

• How you will walk out 

• Have your officiant leave last and make any announcements needed 

#03: It’s a Wrap!
Once you and your wedding party have practiced walking in, where to stand, and walking out, discuss where and with whom your marriage license will be signed. Typically, this is done directly after the ceremony. Ensure that the individuals who will serve as your witness know where to go immediately after the ceremony.You definitely don’t want to be searching for people post ceremony to sign. After the rehearsal, tradition is that there is a rehearsal dinner to follow. This allows guests to linger, gather, and celebrate (without celebrating too much) the night before. 

#04: The Dinner
There are many different levels to the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner typical directly follows the practice time. Ensure that guests know where to meet, and travel time is accounted for. Select a space that can accommodate your guests and don’t be afraid to create a casual atmosphere! We’ve had clients hold rehearsal dinners at fun, outdoor patio spaces, or even in the comforts of your own home. Do not feel the need to invite ALL the guests, you only need to invite your wedding party and then you can invite any additional guests from there. Keep your dinner on a time frame, you don’t want to be partying way into the night (you’ve got a wedding in the morning). Use the dinner to welcome your guests for the weekend, meet with family and friends, and mingle and chat.

The wedding night and rehearsal should be meaningful but quick. You don’t want to spend your night practicing, especially with all of the buzz and excitement for tomorrow (rest is important!). So, here is our suggested timeline, adjust the hours as needed, but this is the time frame we suggest to plan your perfect rehearsal dinner. 

5:00 Wedding Party and Important Members Arrive 
5:20 Line up to practice
5:30 Begin Wedding Rehearsal
6:30 Wedding Rehearsal Ends       
6:30 - 7:00 Travel to Dinner Site
7:00: Dinner with Wedding Party and Important Members
9:00: Hugs and Goodbye! 
10:00: GET SLEEP!     

We love attending wedding rehearsals and helping our couples prepare for the big day. If you are in need of support with planning and executing your wedding rehearsal, or even day of, please reach out to a member of our team today! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.