Tag: bitterrootphotographer

Decoration Ideas – 5 For Your Special Day!

jpalinphotography

Are you struggling with where to start planning for your decorations? I have some great helpful tips to get you started! Check out my top 5 decoration ideas below to get your planning the kick start that it needs.

  1. Flowers – This may not be a surprise to you, but flowers are great fillers for decorations! Whether you choose to go with real, fabric, wooden (Yes, they’re a thing!), succulents, etc. incorporating your color theme into your flowers is a must! Also – You can use these as guest gifts if you want!
  2. Mirrors – These are a great way to double the look of your decorations! You can get bulk packs from just about any craft store. All you have to do is place your decorations on top and surprise you just expanded your decoration budget!
  3. Ribbon/Fabric – This is another great filler product! Use satin, mesh, burlap, etc. to tie your theme together and make your tables pop with color!
  4. Vases/Motifs – You want to be sure to not get too tall with your centerpieces. You can get vases and motifs in all sorts of sizes and shapes though to bring structure to your pieces! The dollar stores are a great resource for these items! What’s fun about using vases and motifs is that you can choose clear or match them to a certain color for that extra pop!
  5. Personalized element – Throw in some fun personalized elements. There are a bunch of different websites that will allow you to personalize decorations. I’ve seen vase holders, golf tees, and candy used as keepsakes within the wedding decorations.

**Bonus** – Lights!!! – You can’t forget the lights! When the lights go out, it’s always nice when the wedding decorations have a little sparkle and shine. You can use holiday lights (try not to get LED – they flash very quickly that the camera can pick it up), fairy lights, or custom colored lights to make your decorations perfectly unique!

Keep it Simple! – All in all, just keep it simple. All eyes are going to be on you and your significant other during the day! The decorations are there to add your creative element to tables and walls. Add a pop of color, throw in some filler, give it sparkle, and personalize those decorations to round out your venue to make it unique for you!

Engagement Sessions — Why do you need one?

jpalinphotography

An engagement session may seem like an unnecessary part of your wedding package, but believe me, you need one! Engagement sessions have many benefits and you won’t regret it! Some of the reasons why you need this session are below.

  • Cameras Aren’t so Scary – Most people aren’t used to a camera or having their pictures taken professionally (I know I’m not — I enjoy being behind that camera!). An engagement session gives you a chance to get in front of that camera and get comfortable!
  • Getting to Know Your Photographer (Me!) – The engagement session gives you a moment to get to know your photographer. Sure you’ve seen the portfolio (or I hope you have!) but actually getting to be around the photographer and seeing how they work is a HUGE necessity.
  • Announcement Pictures – Use these pictures for your save the dates or to officially announce your engagement/wedding.
  • Celebrate You and Your Loved One! – This session gives you time to just enjoy one another and capture those moments in the process. Do you honestly need another reason then to just love on one another?
  • Authentic Photographs – Since this session is done in clothes you wear in a place that is familiar with you, some times couples feel their engagement photos are more authentic. Include your pets, items that have meaning (vehicles), or just go to a special place that has meaning, that is what these sessions are all about.

Most of my wedding packages include an engagement session just for these reasons! I enjoy capturing these moments and sharing them with my couples. Going to places or including items that have meaning is what makes these sessions so much fun! I try to have a quick turnaround on these sessions so you can use the photographs in your wedding day, save the dates, announcements on whatever platform you choose, wedding websites, and so much more! These are your photographs to enjoy and use!

I look forward to talking with you about your big day!

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Choosing a Wedding Venue

jpalinphotography

When choosing a wedding venue there is a lot to consider. I’ll walk you through the checklist that I preferred when shopping for that perfect spot!

  • Location, Location, Location

Where do you want to be married? Do you want to be married close to home, do you live farther away from home and want to do it where you live, or do you want to elope? Each option has their pros and cons, I have even seen couples split their wedding up. In this case, the couple elopes but does an after party closer to home in order to celebrate with friends and family.

  • Venue Timeframes

Something I wasn’t aware of was timeframes. Not scheduling but some venues only allow you on the property for a certain amount of time for your big day. Be sure you check the fine print when booking. I felt more comfortable with a venue that allowed us in 24 hours prior to the wedding, allowed the reception to go as long as we wanted, and gave us 24 hours after our day to clean up. This gave us the flexibility to plan and decorate along with ensuring the venue was spotless afterwards.

  • Venue Accommodations

It’s always nice when the venue provides a getting ready suite for the bride and groom. Pictures are fantastic and you don’t have to worry about finding a place to get ready or scheduling the travel arrangements. Other accommodations to look for are if the venue has tables and chairs or do you have to rent, does the venue provide a Plan B (tent, indoor area, etc.) if there is inclement weather, what is the restroom situation (do you need to bring in a porta potty), are there locations for guests to stay that are close by (does the venue have RV hookups), is there a dance floor, does the venue supply any decorations, and is there enough room for parking? If the venue you are looking at doesn’t have some of these items, you may need to budget for them.

  • Tour the Venues

This one seems like a no brainer but ask to walk the venue – you won’t regret it. Get a feel of the space and the views to see what works best for your vision. Place where you want the ceremony during your walk through, where you are going to have your food setup, your cocktail setup, etc. This will help to give you a feel of the venue and if it is going to work for you and your day.

  • Consider Multiple Venues

I’m not saying book multiple venues, but consider them. Write down the pros and cons to each venue, I recommend choosing your top three, and writing down honest and fair feedback for all three. This will give you a chance to compare and plan if you need to rent or buy anything additional once you choose a venue.

  • Venue Locations

Let’s talk about some locations in my neck of the woods. Here are 7 locations that are great and offer different accommodations depending on what you are looking for. Each venue brings something unique and interesting to weddings!

  1. Anglers Lodge and Cabins – https://www.bitterrootrvpark.com/ – Located in Hamilton, MT and is great for that outdoorsy person.
  2. Bitterroot River Inn – https://www.bitterrootriverinn.com/ – Located in the heart of Hamilton, MT and has a lot of space with a pond and is a short walking distance to the Bitterroot River.
  3. Daly Mansion – https://www.dalymansion.org/ – A historic mansion just on the outskirts of Hamilton. The architecture and views are to die for!
  4. Hidden Legend Winery – https://www.hiddenlegendwinery.com/ – Located in Victor, MT is the unique spot you’ve been looking for!
  5. Rye Creek Lodge – https://www.ryecreeklodge.com/ – Nestled into Darby, MT, these hand hewn log cabins and outdoor accommodations are fit for any rustic wedding.
  6. Teller Wildlife Refuge/The Barn at Teller – https://www.tellerwildlife.org/weddings – That classic barn wedding with an old time feel in Corvallis, MT.
  7. The Barn on Mullan – https://ranchclub.com/barn-events/ – Located in Missoula, MT, this rustic but elegant venue is perfect for your Montana wedding.
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Wedding Decoration Deals!

jpalinphotography

It’s no surprise that weddings can be very expensive, but they don’t have to be. I bargain shopped for our wedding decorations and it made a huge difference. Now is the time to shop those deals too!

  1. Holiday Lights – These will be going on a MAJOR sale after the holidays. Any extra strands of lights that are on the shelves I’ve seen be as low as $0.50!! Just remember to get those LEDs (I’ll explain in later blogs!)
  2. Discount Party Sites – If you watch Oriental Trading or other party sites and create an account, they will usually send you a discount for signing up or send you their promotional flyers. Be patient and wait for those deals!
  3. Add Items to Your Cart – I try to be slightly tricky when I’m shopping for decorations. I’ll add whatever it is to my cart and sit on it for around 1-2 weeks. Usually in that timeframe (if I have an account created) the site will send me discount code to get me to actually purchase that item! Shutterfly is notorious for this! This just makes ordering prints or photo decorations for your big day that much cheaper!
  4. Wait for a Holiday – You probably missed that big Black Friday events, but don’t fret, the big box stores always have MASSIVE deals around every holiday. JoAnne’s and Michaels especially have coupons that come out during the holidays! Wait until right before any holiday and I guarantee some coupon will hit your inbox.
  5. Use Coupons – This sounds like a no brainer, but wait for those coupons. I know a lot of the craft stores send out weekly coupons or their item of the week that will be discounted. Be patient and score that deal!

Don’t break the bank on your wedding decorations. Try some DIY, use those coupons, and look for those killer deals! Above all else, enjoy and have fun with this process!

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Holiday Mini Keepsake Sessions

jpalinphotography

Are you wanting that unique holiday picture? Do you want an experience with Santa for your children rather than just a picture on his lap? Santa is opening his workshop for an amazing event!

We are now booking our Holiday Mini Keepsake photoshoot the weekend of 12/10 – 12/12!! Plenty of time for you to have your photos in-hand for the holiday season!

There are limited spots available – $25 reserves your 20 minute keepsake spot!

Send me an email (JPalinphotography@gmail.com) or an IM with any questions and/or to make a reservation!

More information about this event is on my website under the portfolio tab: www.jpalinphotography.com