Wedding Photography Checklist For Your Big Day

Are you done planning your wedding?

Have you booked a photography professional to save your big day forever?

Do you think there is nothing left on your to-do list?

Well! You might have done it all in your mind, but you must make a checklist for the purpose. 

The bride must stand out with her dress and makeup on. And her beauty has to be captured in its true essence.

When all the events and fun at your wedding are over, all you have will be your photographs. You will be coming back to those photographs to relive the memories. So, make sure all your special moments are there.

The person you chose might be incredibly professional at wedding photography services, but not all couples have similar requirements. You have to convey what you want beforehand so that you and your photographer are on the same page.

We are here to share your burden and provide you with your ultimate wedding photography checklist.

Wedding Photography Checklist

Pre Ceremony – Getting Reading

The getting ready experience for your big day has its own story. You surely want to capture those magical moments. Here’s the wedding photography checklist:

First Things First

  • The wedding invitation

  • Engagement rings

  • Wedding bands

  • The outlook of the venue

  • Inside the venue (before the guests arrive)

  • Venue details’ closeup (flowers, furniture, table decor etc.)

  • The wedding car for the newlyweds

Bride’s Experience

bride's experience

  • Solo shot of each: bride’s dress, jewellery, makeup, perfume, shoes (hanging/ arranged in some setting

  • Collective snapshot of bride’s gown, jewellery, shoes, makeup, and perfume

  • A full-length snap of the bride wearing the dress

  • Closeup shot of bride’s dress

  • Bride wearing the shoes and jewellery (separately)

  • Bride’s mother buttoning her dress

  • Bridesmaids wearing their dresses and accessories

  • Bridesmaids looking at the bride for the first time in a wedding gown

  • The makeup team dolling up the bride (Book HN Wedding for your desired look)

  • Bride holding the bouquet

  • Bride’s father’s first reaction

  • Bride’s solo candid shot

  • Any heirloom for the bride

  • Bride’s snapshot with parents (both together and separately with the bride)

  • Bride chattering with siblings (or a portrait)

  • Bride going to the car with her bridesmaids

  • Bride settling in the car

Groom’s Experience

groom's experience

  • Shot of each of the groom’s details (cufflinks, perfume, tie, bow, shoes, watch)

  • Groom getting ready

  • Groomsmen getting ready

  • Groomsmen’s reaction on seeing the groom all dapper

  • Groom wearing the watch, adjusting tie and cufflinks (separately)

  • Full-length snapshot of the groom

  • Groom’s solo shot (candid)

  • Any heirloom for the groom

  • Groom’s parents’ first reaction

  • Groom with the parents (both together and separately with the groom)

  • Groom with the siblings

  • Groom with the groomsmen

  • Groom walking towards the wedding car

  • Groom settled in the car



Moving to the Ceremony – the Venue

the venue

Moving to the wedding venue is an exciting experience for both – the bride and the groom. They are experiencing mixed emotions: a bit confused, overwhelmed, excited, and maybe nervous at the same time. These are the precious moments that must make their way to your wedding photography checklist. Before introducing our take on these special moments, we recommend you to visit HN Wedding for some creative angles.

The First Look

  • Bride walking the aisle

  • Groom’s first reaction seeing the bride

  • Groom’s reaction holding the bride’s hand

  • Guests joy witnessing them being together (precisely the close friends and family)

vows

Exchanging wedding bands

  • First kiss after marriage

  • First reaction after being married


The Newlyweds’ Tribe

The newlyweds would want to have some memories with their friends and other family members. If it is pre-planned to be at the ceremony venue, then go for it. But if the couple has pre-arranged a different location, it is better to keep the people involved, ready to save time. The wedding photography checklist will have the following:

  • The couple’s photo with both sets of parents

  • The couple’s photo with each duo of parents (separately)

  • A photograph with the grandparents

  • A few snapshots with other relatives

  • Few clicks with the friends

  • The special friend(s)

  • The school gang

  • The college pals

  • The office colleagues

  • Any other

  • A particular gift (maybe a homebaked cake, a self-painted portrait etc.)

  • Transport clicks (in case the ceremony and reception are at different venues and you have arranged a unique vehicle for your guests for travelling to the decided venue, a vintage bus maybe or a funky coaster)

the reception

Post Ceremony – the Reception

Your wedding photography checklist must have the following planned for your reception.

At the Venue

  • The venue’s outlook

  • Inside arrangements (follow every detail – the table decor, furniture, floral arrangements, lighting, chandeliers, wedding favours etc.)

  • The couple’s car

  • The entrance of the newlyweds as a couple

  • The dress-up details of the couple

  • Guests entering the reception venue

  • Dancefloor (both empty and filled with guests)

  • Candid clicks of the friends and family enjoying the day

  • The cake

  • Cake cutting 

  • Raising the toasts

  • Speeches for the bride and groom

  • Couple receiving guests

  • Couple with the family and friends of each

  • A group photo with the family and friends

The Couple

  • Their first appearance at the reception venue

  • Their first dance

  • Their toasts to each other

  • Their solo portraits

  • Their portraits together

  • Their candid shots of the moments together

  • Bride’s dance with her father

  • Groom’s dance with his mother

  • The couple leaving the venue (if they are going before the guests)

  • After-party shots (if there are any fireworks arranged)

If you are still confused about posing for the perfect photographs on your big day, follow HN Wedding

Our Recommendations

Whatever your priorities are for your wedding album, keep your photographer in the loop. It is best if first, the couple sorts out the possibilities or their plan together. Then, arrange an in-person or a virtual meeting at least a week before their big day. You may also go for a phone call.  Share a copy of your wedding photography checklist.  You may also like to have a few video clips of the events. Whatever, sort out the details earlier so the photographer can deliver what you have imagined.

To turn your dream into reality, check out HN Wedding.

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Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress Using Rental Services

You may be on cloud 9 planning the dream wedding that you have pictured in your head for so long. It’s finally time to choose a venue, plan the decor, and find the perfect wedding dress! Wedding dresses are the most beautiful piece of clothing you can imagine and certainly make you feel you are getting married. 

Ahhh! So many options between lace, without lace, low backs, pearls, long trains. Being quite excited, you may want to have them all!

But then, reality hits. Wedding dresses are expensive! According to The Knot, brides pay an average of approximately $1,281 buying their bridal gown. The scary part is that many brides are genuinely willing to spend even more. The amount you spend on your wedding dress is totally up to you but what’s important is finding one that makes your special day feel special. We believe the cost of the garment shouldn’t prevent anyone from having their ‘perfect’ dress!

If you want a beautiful and luxurious wedding dress, why not consider renting one? Wedding dress rental services are growing more popular as brides realize it’s a convenient way to get their dream dress without breaking the bank. You can rent a fairytale wedding gown that is not only affordable but looks as if it is made for you. If renting a wedding dress suits your wedding plans, there are a few things to keep in mind. For that, there are some tips that we want to share. They’ll help you a lot in renting your perfect wedding dress! But first, you’ll want to take a look at our wonderful selection of carefully crafted, customized rental dresses suitable for any occasion!

Tip #1: Choose Reliable Rentals

reliable rental

It's your marriage, after all, and you want your bridal gown to arrive on time. Ensure you choose a reputable bridal boutique or online store to prevent any problems obtaining it. Referrals from friends and acquaintances are a good place to start. See if they offer accessories or not. Always choose experienced companies with good client reviews like HN Wedding which provides different wedding services including rental dresses, photography, and many more.

Tip #2: Have More Than One Option 

wedding dress options

When you are looking for a nice wedding dress to rent, the greatest advice is to look at all of your possibilities. Visit different stores and websites to get a sense of what's available. Don't just go with the first dress you come across. Continue to shop, examine, and consider all of your possibilities before making a decision. This will assist you in obtaining the gown of your choice. Since each style comes in only one size, renting can be difficult. So, it's wise if you have various options to go to. 

Tip #3: Know What You’re Looking For

dress to look for

Who is going to wear the perfect wedding dress? You! So, be clear about what you want. As you know there are limited options if you are going for a renting option. It means you must figure out early what exactly is your demand. Knowing this beforehand will save you a lot of time. You know your style and ideal fit while remaining open to other ideas. When in doubt, stick to your guns.

Tip #4: Try the Perfect Wedding Dress Before Renting

perfect wedding dress

It's just as vital to try on several dresses as it is to look at a lot of possibilities. You can imagine something that seems like the right fit, length, or design for you may be a totally different story once you put it on. When you've found a few bridal gown rental possibilities that you want, always try it on. This will assist you in determining what looks good on you, what feels comfortable, and what you must avoid. Trying wedding dresses can be tiresome, but it is worth it because that’s how you’ll find “the one”.

Tip #5: Go Through Terms and Conditions

wedding dress

Most of the rental services work on contracts and it is the right way too. Check the clauses of the contract regarding the days of keeping the dress, damage charges, and other things. Clear any doubts before finalizing the deal. Sign the contract only if you feel the terms and conditions are comfortable. Exercise your right to ask questions and inquire about when you may pick up the wedding dress and if you return it late would there be extra charges. Once you've signed your contract, make sure to follow up before the wedding to ensure that your gown is ready on time.

Getting a perfect wedding dress is every girl’s dream. Despite tradition, there’s nothing wrong with taking a more practical and budget-friendly approach to your wedding by renting your dress—especially when it’s something you only plan to wear once. On your wedding day, it’s possible to feel as beautiful in a rental dress as a purchased one and we’re here to help. For more information on our wedding dress rental service, contact us!

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Wedding Planning Checklist

So, you are getting hitched finally. 

Well, congratulations!

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You certainly have plans for this day. It is your one-of-a-kind day. And for your big day, you want everything to be flawless.

Have you selected the perfect wedding dress?

Have you booked a breathtaking venue?

Is your appointment with a photographer done to cover your event?

You have made your guest list, haven’t you?

Well, the answer to all these questions might be a YES. But still, it is better to make a checklist before you start planning your event to save the last-minute hotchpotch. 

Wedding Planning Checklist 

If you have enough time on your hands, it is better to plan as early as possible. Maybe a year before your wedding date? 

Sounds weird? But that is how it works the best.

If you start early, you will have time to divide your tasks, making it only two to three jobs per month. Pretty easy to manage with the routine work, right?

So here is the ultimate wedding planning checklist that can help you to be on track:

Plan your Budget

You have decided to get married. The first thing is to take aside your budget. Make use of your mathematics skills. And start counting numbers. 

Who is going to finance the event?

How much money are you willing to spend?

Jot down the details and make a rough draft. You will get to know the total expenses at the end. Now, prioritize and cut down any unwanted costs. You have a list to take action. 

Keep in mind that this draft is not your final list. When you start spending money, there will be a few adjustments. Leave space for that too. For ease, the best practice will be to use an electronic spreadsheet or a similar app.

wedding location

Decide the Venue

Your next big step will be to decide the venue. Explore your options that fit into your budget. You and your partner are the sole reason for this event - you both should be involved in this decision. Once decided, book a slot for your event. If you are planning ahead of time, you will certainly get your desired venue. 

Hire Services 

Hire professional services within your budget. Be it the spa or your hair and makeup on “the” day. It can be the photographer or maybe the catering services, the flower vendor, the wedding favours, the DJ or the band, every person who will make your event fun and colourful. 

You might find all or most of the services from one vendor. Choose wisely.  A little market research will come in handy here. 

Choose your Wedding Outfit

It is your event. You certainly want to steal the show. You might already have a plan for your outfit. 

Now is the time to turn your dream into reality and select your wedding dress. 

A piece of budget-friendly advice will be to rent out the dress. You can spend that amount somewhere else. For your desired options, check HN Wedding Dress Rental Service. They have adoring options. You will get your pick. 

wedding dress

Select Shoes, Jewellery and Other Accessories

Your wedding dress - checked. 

Now it is time to take care of the shoes, jewellery and other accessories to add charm to your wedding outfit. Try on shoes, jewellery or maybe a cape (if you are planning a winter wedding). List down the necessary articles that you need to complete “the” look and head to the shopping spree.

Go for a Hair and Makeup Trial

Though you have worked out your wedding day look in your mind and had a conversation with the concerned services, it is better to have a trial first. Quite possible, your thought-of look does not go with the flow. Or simply, it does not suit you. It is best to try out the possibilities before the big day to save any last moment inconvenience.

Finalize your Guest List

You two need to sit down together and finalize the guest list. It can be a small list for an intimate ceremony. Or, you might have to work out a long list for a grand wedding.

You might need to make a hotel booking for your guests to stay. Wedding day transportation also,  maybe? Work out the details and make the necessary arrangements now!

wedding guest list

The Invites

It might seem a small task, but deciding what invites you want to choose for your guests is a hectic job in reality. 

A month before your wedding (we are expecting you to have time), print them off. Start writing off the names from your guest list and send them.

Write Your Vows

It seems like you are about with the wedding preparations.

But there is still a crucial task to do.

Your vows. 

If you opted for a personalized version then, sit together and write your vows.  See what works for you as a couple.

Plan the Seating Arrangement

The day seems near. Plan how your guests will sit. 

A tough job, right?

To respect the relations, handle egos, maintain a balance.

Make a seating guide. 

Take your Photographer on Board

You have hired a professional who knows his job. 

But you have some poses or moments in your mind that you want to capture forever.

Your big day will not return. To avoid any regrets, we suggest that you two first make a photography checklist. Then, at least a week before your wedding, have a meeting with your photographer. Share your list. So there are no regrets later.

Final Dress Trial

You must have tried your dress earlier. But, it is essential that at least six to four weeks before the event, you final dress trial.

Way to Go!

Pat your back. You have come so far.

We hope your big day is smooth and fun.

Avoid overcrowding your vendor list by hiring a team that provides multiple services.

For the best hair, makeup, wedding dress rental, photography and cinematography package, check out HN Wedding.

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7 Best Destination Wedding Locations in British Columbia

Do you want to choose a far-off location for your nuptials?

Well, your far-off destination wedding location does not have to be in some other country. Though the destination wedding locations can be overseas; however, a lake in the neighbouring town, a peaceful park on the outskirts, or the beach on a few hours' drive can also be your destination wedding location. 

When it comes to British Columbia, the province has breathtaking landscapes. Thus, providing numerous destination wedding locations. From panoramic mountains to picturesque lakes, from exciting parks to calm ocean, you can have a venue that will leave you and your guests in awe. 

7 Best Destination Wedding Locations in British Columbia

Here is our list of the best 07 destination wedding locations:

Westwood Plateau

Is an urban destination wedding location your choice? Then Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club is the answer. For a sweet experience of your wedding day, check them out. They provide a spectacular setting and a delicious menu.

Westwood Plateau provides three wedding packages. If you want a small intimate wedding this year, keeping the health guidelines in place, they have a perfect setting for you. Are you planning your wedding next year? They have day and evening packages for 2022 as well.


Nita Lake Lodge

If you are planning to choose a dreamy destination wedding location, then opt for Nita Lake Lodge. You will not find a place dreamier than this. With an extraordinary team and a customized menu, your wedding day will be one fond memory to cherish forever.  At Nita Lake Lodge, the staff is very cooperative; the food is delicious; the views are breathtaking. What else can one ask for!

You can also have a fantasy photoshoot here with a view of calm water, snowcapped mountains and lush green trees.  It is one of the best places to celebrate your wedding festivities in Whistler or precisely in British Columbia. Opt for this nationally acclaimed destination wedding location in Canada for a lifetime experience.

nita lake lodge

Queen Elizabeth Park

The best part about a park venue is its lush green scenery. The bright daylight makes your photographs magical. And the different colours of nature spread around to give you a refreshing feel. Queen Elizabeth Park offers the same. A stunning view with a seating arrangement for up to 60 persons, a bridal room, and sole usability for an assigned duration.

The park has a celebration pavilion for the purpose that you can style as per your needs.

queen elizabeth park



Delta Hotels Burnaby 

If you are hoping for an elegantly unique experience of your wedding than the local ones, then book Delta Hotels in Burnaby. The place has various venues that will give you a fulfilling experience of your destination wedding. Also, professional chefs have curated the food menu. You can customize the menu as per your budget or choice. The exotic hotel will leave you awestruck with the surrounding mountainous views.

Delta Hotels will make a perfect destination wedding location with some serene backdrops for your photographs.

delta hotels



Open Door Church Maple Ridge

For a couple in love with the outdoors, Maple Ridge is your go-to destination wedding location. This place is an ultimate favourite wedding venue - from woods to sea and grass to mountains; Maple ridge has breathtaking beauty extended all over the area. The newlyweds can have all sorts of backdrops for their photoshoots.

The open door church, in particular, is a blend of contemporary and historic interiors.  If you want a simple yet aesthetic destination wedding location, then this place should be your first choice. 

maple ridge




Meadow Gardens Golf Club

A few minutes away from Downtown Pitt Meadows, Meadow Gardens Golf Club has a calm and serene outlook. With an extensive golf course and subtle gardens, this place is the most convenient destination wedding location.

The place provides personalized service offering three venues within. Each of the three venues has a different capacity to accommodate the guests. you may go for an intimate wedding or plan a gathering as grand as having 300 guests. this place will fulfill all your needs. All three venues also provide the view of the beautiful golf course, making your big day sophisticated and subtle.

pitt meadows


Hatley Castle

A federal heritage building, Hatley Castle, will make your big day regally memorable. Located just 25 minutes away from downtown Victoria, this castle is the most sought destination wedding location.

If you have always dreamt of a fairytale wedding, then this place is your catch. The Edwardian castle is no less than a wonderland. With a view of majestic Olympian Mountains spread across the land, this place is perfect for magical photographs. The gardens surrounding the castle have a heavenly appearance. Whether you plan an intimate wedding or a grand affair, this royal castle can cater to all your needs. You can opt for an indoor event or an outdoor event in the gardens - this place has all the potential to turn your big day into a memory that you will cherish forever.

hatley castle

Choose Your Photographer the Moment You Choose Your Destination Wedding Location

The destination wedding location and all the magical experience associated with it is worth saving. These are going to be one of your absolute favourite memories, and you will always love to think about them. You certainly want to preserve your special moments on your special day e aesthetically. So, make sure the job is in safe hands. Choose a photographer who is creative with the angles and captures all that is important to you.

If you wish to have creative cinematography and artistic photography of your event, visit us at HN Wedding.

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7 Best Destination Wedding Locations in Vancouver

So, you have planned your wedding in Vancouver. The first and foremost thing will be to decide the venue. With weddings lined up every other day, it will be better to plan early to get your slot booked at your favourite place.

You might have planned a destination wedding, but due to any reasons, if it is not happening, then do not stress. As per the new trends, your destination wedding location can be a far-off place in your city. Vancouver will not disappoint you with the available options to fulfill your destination wedding location dream. 

Provided a long list of wedding locations, deciding one is a tough job. We have got your back. Read below the list of the top 7 destination wedding locations in Vancouver. 

7 Best Destination Wedding Locations in Vancouver

The top seven locations to get hitched in Vancouver are as follows:

Cecil Green Park

A natural beauty with lush green scenery, sweeping mountains meeting the Howe sound, Cecil Green Park is your one-stop exclusive Vancouver experience. It is one of the best destination wedding locations. Whether you want an indoor experience or a green affair, you want a beach wedding or an elegant, intimate event; you can have it all in here. 

The best part about this venue is that it is exclusively yours for the day. The Cecil Green Park books the venue for a single event at a  time, giving you the ownership of your event without any barriers on the property. 

The park has an old-style mansion surrounded by scenic gardens. The heritage mansion gives you elegant vibes with your personalized touch. Moreover, the venue has specified catering services that provide the best meal for your family and friends. 

For a unique experience for yourself and the guests, book this place as your destination wedding location.

cecil green park



Hycroft Manor 

If you are planning to celebrate your big day at a luxury destination wedding location, then you can never go wrong with Hycroft Manor. It is luxurious, unparalleled and has the vintage + modern touch.  No matter whether your wedding day is on a sunny day or a rainy day, the magnificent Hycroft Manor in the south of Vancouver will entertain all your dreams for your big day.

The manor provides three venue options: a terrace, a rose heritage garden and a Juliet balcony. All three venues have their charm. Each of the three locations has its grandeur and views. While the balcony has beautiful pillars standing tall and providing terrific opportunities for decor, the terrace entertains the aesthetic view of the mighty mountains. On the other hand, the rose garden gives an exquisite view of the sunset in the latter part of the day.

Whatever location you choose, you are going to have some beautiful photographs of your day.

hycroft manor

Brock House Restaurant

Offering you the view of the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this heritage mansion is your perfect destination wedding location. The venue can be set up in multiple ways, the way you want. Whether it is an indoor setup with beautiful decor or an outdoor gathering with picturesque views, this place will have your heart. You can also have a waterfront set up for your big day to leave your guests in awe of the natural scenery. 

With incredible West coast cuisine, this place will provide you with all the decor services you need.

brock house restaurant


Fairmont Hotel

For a premiere experience of your wedding day, you can not have a better option than Fairmont Hotel. With the slogan "Marry me at the castle,” the hotel does provide a royal experience. Whether you wish for a romantic taste or an elegant modern touch, you can have it here at its best. As far as the food is concerned, the Fairmont Hotel excels in providing discerning platters.



Terminal City Club

Do you wish your wedding to be an elegant affair?  Then you can not have a place elegant than the Terminal City Club. You can expect a professional staff to provide you with specialized services. The food menu is also quite inspirational. You can have the seasonal food turned to its best, most fashionably. The club also offers to bake customized wedding cakes. Moreover, the club allows full access to the venue from 11 a.m. on your wedding day.

terminal city club


Grouse Mountain

Are you planning your wedding day this winter? Or maybe next? 

Do you want to romance in the snow?

Do you wish to have your intimate photos in the white backdrop of snow-filled views?

Grouse mountain is going to be your ultimate destination wedding location. Also known as The Peak of Vancouver, this mountain in the north will turn your big day into pure magic. 

grouse mountain


Rosewood Hotel

Are you looking for a sophisticated destination wedding location in Vancouver? Then book your slot at Rosewood Hotel. With the availability of three venue options, you can see what best suits your needs. With the availability of three venue options, you can see what best suits your needs. This place has a sophisticated heritage interior with a modern touch. With this place, your wedding can be - class, elegance and style. 

rosewood hotel

Preserve Your Destination Wedding Memories Forever!

The destination wedding location you choose can be the best reality of your dream. But to keep this dream in your memory forever, you need a photographer who shares your vision. 

We, at HN Wedding, are committed to preserving the memories of your big day perfectly. The thought you put into selecting your destination wedding location, wedding décor, wedding dress, and more; is all dear to us.

Visit us to know more.

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Key Elements of a Traditional Chinese Wedding

Are you going to attend a traditional Chinese wedding?

Or do you have difficulty deciding what traditions to incorporate in your traditional Chinese wedding?

Worry not. We’ve got your back.

Before presenting a quick guide to the traditional Chinese wedding, let’s understand that the traditions and rituals may vary slightly from the place that they’re from.

Good fortune, happiness, success, fertility and abundance of wealth – these are the reasons that certain wedding traditions are significant in Chinese culture.

Traditions and rituals were once thought to be rigid but today’s generation also adopts modern practices. For many young couples, there’s a balance to strike between the two.

One of the most popular traditions is to have a pre-wedding photography as it is an extremely rare and important event. This can help you not only pick the right photographer but also help prepare you for the actual wedding day.

Another reason is due to the amount of traditions to follow may leave little time for photographs and change of dresses during the day of the wedding. Sometimes, the weather may not work in your favour too. So, having pre-wedding photos built out for you and can be displayed as a slide show during the wedding became an important practice when we talk about traditional Chinese wedding.

To capture the perfect moment and preparing photos for the wedding day, HN Wedding would be the best choice.

Key Elements of a Traditional Chinese Wedding

A traditional Chinese wedding has a lot of red and gold from the bride’s dress to invites, from the wedding decor to the wedding gifts. It also involves several traditional ceremonies, each with their own significance. Let’s learn a little more about each!

traditional chinese wedding

Guo Da Li – The Betrothal

The betrothal gifts are given to the bride by the groom and symbolize prosperity for the couple. Common betrothal gifts include gold jewellery, sesame seeds, candles made from dragon and phoenix, and occasionally a bottle of wine too. The groom gifts them to the bride before the wedding ceremony.

It is considered a formal proposal from the groom. In acceptance, the bride’s parents return half of the gifts to show they wish to have a good relationship with the groom and his family.

The wedding date is also discussed and decided in this family meeting. It is a tradition to consult a Chinese monk or a Feng Shui master in this regard. The couple’s date of birth and zodiac sign, especially the bride’s particulars, help to finalize the decision.

Consulting these details is believed to bring prosperity and success to the couple’s married life.

Double Happiness Symbol

One widely used symbol in traditional Chinese weddings is the double happiness symbol. You can see it everywhere – the invitation card, the wedding décor, bride’s hair accessories, wall hangings, the floral arrangements.

The Wedding Invitations

The wedding invites are designed traditionally in red colour with letters in gold. There are a few particular details that you can see on every traditional Chinese wedding invite. This includes a double happiness symbol, the banquet date, bride and groom’s order of birth and names, the names of each set of parents, dinner venue, time, cocktail reception and the time for dinner. Along with the invites, sometimes a red packet is also sent to the guests.

An Chuang – The Bed Preparing Ceremony

The essence of this ritual is to wish prosperity and fertility to the couple. A female relative has to perform this ritual. Also, the lady must possess good fortune. That means the lady must have a prosperous family life with a husband, kids and grandchildren.

The ritual is performed at least two or three days before the wedding. New red linens and pillows make the bed for the newlyweds. Dried fruits and nuts like persimmons, longans and red dates then add to the decor of the bedding. The newlyweds have to be the first to sit or lie on the bed to enjoy a sweet and long-lasting married life.

bed preparing ceremony



The Hair Combing Ceremony

A lady with good fortune performs this ritual. The bride and groom celebrate this ritual at their respective homes a day before the wedding. The purpose is to officially announce that the couple is entering a new stage in their life as an adult.

The lady starts the ceremony by lighting an incense stick and a pair of red taper candles. The lady repeats the hair combing four times. With each stroke, she prays for a blessed union of the couple.

The ceremony completes with the clipping of the hair with red yarn and cypress leaves.

Gate Crashing and Tests for the Groom

As per the tradition, the groom reaches the bride’s home with his groomsmen. The bridesmaids test the groom to check his determination to take the bride. The groom then plays a few games as a test. Upon succeeding, the groom is allowed to reach his bride. The groom picks the bride and takes her to the tea ceremony.

The traditional essence of this ritual is to show how determined is the groom to take his bride. It also shows the reluctance of the bride’s family to hand over their daughter to someone else. However, modern Chinese weddings celebrate this ritual as a fun activity.

The Tea Ceremony

This tradition is an opportunity for the bride and groom to pay their respects to their parents. It is an effort to appreciate the parents for their love, support and upbringing. The couple serves Tsao Chun – a Chinese tea, to the parents, elder siblings, and grandparents. The crockery used is red with double happiness symbols on it.

Once the couple has served the tea, they get red envelopes with money and sometimes gold. 

wedding banquet



The Wedding Banquet

It is a reception dinner hosted by the couple’s parents. It is an eight-course meal that symbolizes health, prosperity and success in the union. The guests then raise a toast to cheer the groom on winning the hand of his bride.

bride's home



Revisiting the Bride’s Home

Three days after the wedding, the couple visits the bride’s home. The bride enters the house as a guest now, announcing that she now officially belongs to the groom.

Final Word

These traditions are time taking but worth the effort as they enhance the excitement of your wedding. You want to get dressed to your best and you sure want to capture these moments forever. Contact us to make your wedding celebrations the best memory of your life.

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5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Your big day is about a few months later, you are excited and emotional.  At the same time you are thinking constantly about looking for the perfect wedding photographer. This is the first thing anybody can think of who is getting married. When you put so much effort into everything from decorations to food and guest lists, you also want those efforts captured well. Memorable and expressive photos are the essence of any event. And here you are not thinking about ‘just’ an event, it's your wedding! 

The question is, how to find the person that makes your moments truly captured as you want? What are the criteria for selecting the photographer that makes you feel that you have taken the right decision? Take a deep breath and read on for advice for finding the right photographer to capture your wedding day.

The right photographer is not that hard to find when you do ample research. Ask a friend whose photographer did an amazing job at her wedding. Or you can narrow down your own list of photographers that you like since nobody knows you better than yourself. After that, you'll move on to the interviewing process, in which you'll contact each photographer to see whether they are available and a good fit for you.

How can you tell if a photographer is a good fit? Ask them these 5 questions to find the answer:

1. Describe your wedding photography style?

In terms of expertise and quality of the content, there are so many wedding photographers that may be the finest in the market. However, if their style doesn't compliment your vision, they are not your perfect fit. Undoubtedly, you can see their photos from their social media accounts or websites, but asking them directly is wise. This is how you will exactly know what kind of photography they are into. 

It may happen that you understand their vision and they understand yours. For the best outcome, it’s important to see eye-to-eye and share a vision.

2. How do you get along with your clients on their wedding day?

Photographers will be right there with you every second of your big day so getting along with them is going to make a positive impact. It is crucial that you feel comfortable with them and that your relationship with your photographer is friendly. It’s a good match if you can give directions and take them easily in return.   

As they have different energies and work styles, asking such a question will make you aware of their shooting style and demeanour. The best wedding photographers are the ones who give you room and whose personality complement yours.

3. How long have you been a wedding photographer?


If you want to know the experience level of a photographer, ask them about the weddings they have covered so far. Check how much knowledge the photographer has in terms of wedding photography and photography in general. Hiring an experienced photographer is always a plus. If they have been doing this for a long time, chances are they have the techniques, timing, and sixth sense to deliver. It is also a bonus if they have already worked at the same venue as your wedding and know exactly where to shoot.

While experience is valuable, it’s also important to remember that the wedding photography industry can be tiring and repetitive. Finding a relatively new and enthusiastic photographer brimming with creativity may be a better fit than the photographer who has shot more weddings.

4. What are your wedding packages?

It's essential to discuss packages and pricing. Usually, wedding photographers offer several packages that provide a specific number of hours, assistant or a second photographer, prints, albums, and other things. Discuss what you will get at the specified price and what additional services are included like travel expenses for destination weddings, extra hours, or photographing other pre and post events like the rehearsal dinner. 

Take careful note as you will be able to gauge a photographer's level of experience and organization in the way they respond to this question!

5. When will you deliver the wedding photos?



When the wedding day is done, the anticipation for seeing your wedding images builds. Before sending you all of the images, the wedding photographer will most likely take time to pare them down and edit a final selection. It's crucial to know when to expect the delivery of the images so that you don't have to keep refreshing your inbox all day. You should also inquire about how the photographs will be delivered; talk about the resolution of the images, whether they will be watermarked, and if they can create prints or a photo book.

You can also ask whether previews or sneak peeks will be shared soon after the event — chances are you will be extremely eager to show everyone on Instagram. 

On your wedding day, it’s essential to be able to be present in the moment. That becomes much easier when you are confident that your photographer will capture every detail in beautiful photos that will last forever. Remember that if you choose your photographer wisely, you can leave the rest to them. We hope these questions help you with your selection!
HN Wedding has been capturing life’s important moments since 1998. To find an experienced photographer to artfully capture your wedding, connect with us!

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What is Golden Hour Photography?

Light! The one thing that lights up the whole world. It enables everyone to see, feel and experience day-to-day life and its beauties. Specifically talking about its importance in photography, it is the main factor that makes your pictures stand out. Just imagine yourself enjoying that special time of day when the sun is tilting over the horizon. The light is bathing the landscape in vibrant colors. Do you know what time of the day that is? That's the golden hour, ladies and gentlemen!

Let’s talk about different things revolving around golden hour photography and the reasons why people like it.


What is a Golden Hour?

The golden hour is that phase of day in which the rays of light are warm and evenly distributed throughout the world and sky. It is basically the time before the complete sunrise and sunset.

The sun's angle gives it its distinctive color palette. Sunlight must travel through many more air molecules whenever the sun is low above the horizon than if it is high above the horizon. Resultantly, the high-frequency blues disperse more, whereas low-frequency oranges as well as yellows approach the earth and bathe the landscape in their warm colors.

Interestingly, this time can be varied from one day to another because of certain factors. As it is dependent on factors such as seasons and cloud covering.

What is Golden Hour Photography?

After the camera, the most powerful gadget you need as a photographer is the lighting. All the natural lights together add flavor to your picture. Consider that for a moment. You need natural light throughout your shooting whether you're a landscape, animal, or traveling photographer. You are not capable of capturing anything if you don't have proper lighting. The light and atmosphere golden hour provide you have no match. Photoshoots during the middle of the day in scorching sunlight don’t give that feeling to the photos.

Golden hour photography is probably the dream and most likely scenario for photographers as they experiment with their photography skills. The light, the warmth, the hues, and the depth it provides to the pictures are unbelievable. That's the reason this type of photography is so talked about.

As you know, what golden hour is and the photography related to that time of the day. Let’s move to the part where we will tell you about different reasons people love having photos during magical hours!

5 Reasons Why Do People Like Golden Hour Photography on Their Big Day?

Well, at occasions and big days like convocations, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays people want to celebrate. Celebration calls for photoshoots. A bad picture can turn off your mood, so you put so much effort into making your photoshoot the best. Perfect photos are everyone's demand, and that is why they ask for golden hour photography. 

Here are the five solid reasons that make such photography the best choice:


Silhouettes

Silhouettes are sexy and have so much depth and intensity in them. As the sunlight is ideally suited for capturing a silhouette at golden hour, people love these sorts of photos. The sun is at a lower position and getting photographed in front of bright light at the back creates a perfect silhouette.

Sun Flare

The sun flares are dreamy and magical. Don't you think? The rings of light that appear on the pictures of the big day look out of this world. It adds something extra at the moment and that too in a positive way, of course. You can play with the poses and light to get sun flares at different positions in your photos.

Glowing Colors

As the happy moments are reflecting your positive side and spread positivity all around, golden hour photography takes this to another level. The glowing faces and the decor appear extra vibrant and happy in natural lights. That is why people love such photoshoots.

Warm Light

If you want to show the emotions of your internal body, then nothing compliments this better than warm lights. The soothing effect magical hour lighting gives is a treat for your emotional moment. Warmness depicts the change of emotions and makes your special moments even more special for you.

Backlighting

You want to be the center of attention on your big day. Golden hour light offers such an excellent opportunity to become the focus of everything happening around you. The backlighting makes you the subject of the camera so that you can show your teeth wide open.

Conclusion

Capturing the golden hour, either of sunset or sunrise, is an art form. We believe photos should speak for the moments themselves. Photos taken during magic hours are like this. The directional and warm lights with a variety of hues give your photos a language. Such photography is challenging yet a favorite thing of photographers. This is how they display their art and skills as they experiment with the lens and light. Ultimately, the photos come out brilliant and exactly as the people want from their pictures. If you are about to plan an event photography, and you are not a photography expert, then you need to worry. Always take help from professionals, because these golden moments are to be captured perfectly so that you can keep them with you forever. You can visit our library to see how we make your moments special!

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Winter Wedding Tips and Inspiration

Frosty weather and the holiday season spark a little romance every year. Soft snow and lighting create a winter wonderland. Winter may not be the most popular time of year for a wedding, but there are many reasons more couples are choosing winter to celebrate their love. In addition to booking top venues and vendors more easily, winter brings an air of magic to any occasion.

We have got some winter wedding tips that will inspire you for your big day. Our winter wedding tips will wipe away any concerns — even your fear of cold weather!


Winter Wedding Tips

Celebrate your most awaited day in style and with comfort with our following winter wedding tips:

 Venue Check

You have your loved ones around to celebrate your big day. You sure want them to be comfortable and enjoy your wedding festivities rather than complaining about the cold weather.

While planning your winter wedding, we recommend you choose an indoor venue like a reclaimed barn or a greenhouse with a view. Transform such venues into your dream setting with twinkling lights and charming decorations.

Are you still insisting upon an outdoor celebration? We have a solution for that too. Why not opt for a venue with a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces? You can enjoy your wedding ceremony or vows in the open space and use the indoor space for the reception and party.

If you can’t convince yourself to drop the idea of your dream winter wedding at an outdoor venue, we are here to save your dream. Choose an open-air location but opt for opaque canopies or a large tent to shield from dreary weather and retain some heat. Decorate it with green leaves and starry lights for an outdoor venue with a cozy setup.

A Hot Corner

It will be cold. Do you want your guests to pay attention to the details of the beautiful arrangements, or do you want them to think about their freezing hands? Help them out with some heating lamps and an assortment of comforting drinks like hot chocolate, hot toddies, or mulled wine. It will keep them warm and chattering with delight.

Warm-up Station

Does your bridesmaid feel too cold? A furry blanket might come in handy. Set up a blanket station. You can keep a few blankets for your guests to share. You can still keep it trendy by keeping them aligned with your wedding theme.

Let them Loose

Start your wedding festivities as soon after the ceremony as you can. Turn up the volume. Let your guests dance to your favourite tunes. It will keep them warm and cheery.

Light up

Well, it is your wedding, why shy away! Spark romance in the air by lighting candles. Use them on tables, corners of the venue, an empty fireplace, and whatever place you can fit them in. Candles will not only give a romantic aura, they will add warmth too. Remember, there is nothing like too many candles on a winter night. Scented candles are a nice touch too.
Depending on the venue, you may even be able to have a fire pit or two for maximum warmth. There’s something cozy and comforting about a crackling flame.

An Extra Pair of Shoes

You certainly don’t want to ruin your Jimmy Choos in the snow. It will be best to keep an extra pair of shoes for that winter wedding dreamy photo shoot outdoors. Maximize warmth with a cozy pair of boots that make a statement too!

Invest in Accessories

Invest in a warm coat, a shawl, or cape and a trendy set of gloves to keep you warm and chic at the same time.

Choose warm and luxurious fabrics like (faux) fur and velvet. In fact, a velvet jacket can add charm to the groom’s dapper look and is a timeless classic.

A Coat Check

Your guests will be carrying coats, hats, and maybe umbrellas too. Set out a space where they can keep them safe. Talk to your event organizer or the venue authorities beforehand. If they have some arrangements, check if the provided place is sufficient. Also, check whether there is someone responsible for returning the things as received.

If there is no such space already, arrange one. It will be a warm gesture for your guests.

Cut Some Slack

Do you recall reaching a meeting in time, but a sudden weather change made you an hour or two late? The same can happen on your wedding day. Among winter wedding tips, the most important will be to plan. Start early and leave some margin for delay knowing that your guests might be delayed. Whether it is getting ready, getting your photoshoot done, or reaching the venue, start earlier so you can have all the time to have fun.

An Emergency Winter Kit

While you may already be planning to have an emergency wedding day kit, we recommend you to have one with add-ons for the winter season. You may have a runny nose, or your feet may turn dead cold. Keep some tissues, the pink powder for your cheeks, a hand warmer, maybe a pair of socks during the shoot in the snow. We have already advised on the extra pair of shoes. You might need a whole attire for this purpose too.

Conclusion

Though a winter wedding will save you from being a hot mess, it comes with its own set of challenges. But worry not! With our winter wedding tips, you’ll be ahead of the curve. You can count on these winter wedding tips to save your big day from any hassle. 

Still, need help? We will be pleased to assist you. Visit hnwedding.com to learn more about our photography, videography, hair and makeup, and wedding dress services.




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