The Williamsburg Wedding Blog

Changes at Williamsburg Wedding Design

Not everyone likes change. There is a level of serious discomfort that comes with new things, and a lot of us just can't take it.

I don't mind change. I like the excitement, the new possibilities and the momentum. 

Today I will change my FB profile and it will generate a little buzz. Some have suggested that I'll change my relationship status, and alas, that will have to remain a goal for 2012. Rather, I'll be changing my employer (whose approval I wanted to get before posting, thus the anticipation). 

"Wait", you may be saying to yourself. You own your own business (two in fact)! Yes, I am changing from being a solopreneur to being an employee and part of a talented family. Well, at least in terms of my weddings (for those who know me as a freelance writer, that continues completely unchanged...and was taken into account when I changed directions). 

I am so delighted that after close to 6 years of begging them to take me, my good friends at The Flower Cupboard have agreed to add me to their team. I will be joining a group of people who I truly consider family as their in-house wedding planner.

Same job, more opportunities, and more co-workers (i.e. less lonely). 

So no one panics, here is an  important note:

For my currently signed clients, NOTHING changes at all. If you signed a contract with Williamsburg Wedding Design, you are still clients of Williamsburg Wedding Design and ME. You and I are still working together in the exact same capacity, and I am still THRILLED to be your planner. The Flower Cupboard's owner, Cathy Nester (my "other" mom) was very sensitive in allowing me to continue with my current clients without any kind of disturbance. Your relationship with your florists will be respected just as they have always been.  

Because people panic about change, I repeat - current clients have nothing at all to worry about. Nothing has changed. You just happen to be my "graduating class".

(On the same note, if you're working with The Flower Cupboard and you have a wedding planner, that's awesome! Every bride is a valued individual and when my services are needed, I'll be called on. When they're not, they have PLENTY of flower buckets for me to clean in the back!). :)

I love planning weddings, and have spent more than 7 years in Williamsburg doing just that. What I don't always love is working alone. Of course, I have Debbie Jones, my beloved associate, on wedding days, but she refuses to hang out with me for free the rest of the time. There are a lot of things you can do as part of a team that you can't do on your own. I've kind of exhausted what I wanted to do all by myself in weddings, and am ready to see what being part of a greater whole might bring. 

I can't make the change less awkward for all of you, but I can thank you in advance for being supportive and showing your love. I can also promise that my renewed energy will be spent in large part on coming up with even more ways to make Williamsburg the ultimate destination for weddings. The Flower Cupboard's spirit is contagious, and I am so grateful that they are willing to have me. 

So, to recap:

1. YES, I am still a wedding planner. You can still hire me to perform all of the same services - you will just do so via The Flower Cupboard.

2. YES, I am still a freelance writer. Nothing about that changed at all. No panicking.

2. Yes, I am closing Williamsburg Wedding Design, but with NO disruption to service. For my clients who accept this change gracefully, I'll have to come up with a collectible "graduating class" token of thanks! :)

3. No, I'm not engaged (sorry to disappoint the 2 of you who thought that was my status change).

So there you have it. You're going to ask all kinds of questions about websites, wedding blogs and probably even business cards that I'm not prepared to answer yet. I'll keep you in the loop, and I look forward to seeing you on North Boundary Street soon!

Happy New Year!

Shayna

 

Pink & Green Candy Buffet

Since I'm finally getting caught up with photos and posts this week, I wanted to share this display from earlier this year. I was called in at the last-minute to help with the setup and construction of this immense two-part buffet. The person hosting had done a wonderful job picking out the elements that she thought she'd like included - it just came down to a time thing on the wedding day and I was more than happy to help. It's always fun working with so much candy in such perfect colors! So, here's one of my favorite candy displays to date!

 

Kate & Jerry:: July 7, 2011 W&M Alumni House

I could gush about Kate and Jerry for hours – and in previous drafts of this post, I did. However, their photos, courtesy of photographic superhero Erik Leise, give an accurate portrayal of how special these two are, how much in love they are, and exactly why I adore them so. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Kate & Jerry!

Planning: Williamsburg Wedding Design

Flowers: The Flower Cupboard

Cake: Cindy’s Cakery

Venue: The Alumni House of William & Mary

Catering: Green Leafe Catering

Photo Booth: Boardwalk Photo Booth Co.

Ceremony Music: Tim Olbrych, Classical Guitarist

Reception Entertainment: Smith-Wade Band

Rentals: Williamsburg Event Rentals

Hair & Makeup: European Beauty Concepts   

 

Elizabeth & Joe - Rocking Wedding Video Trailer

Jason Faulkner, Videographer, shared this trailer of a wonderful wedding he filmed for us in May. Elizabeth and Joe had a beautiful day celebrating an even more beautiful relationship, and I know that the many of us who were able to help were so honored to be there.

This trailer isn't your typical wedding video - Jason had an "out-there" vision for it, so put aside your conservative Williamsburg sensibilities and enjoy the fun take on this amazing event.

Elizabeth & Joe's Wedding Trailer from Jason Faulkner on Vimeo. 

Thank you to Carol Hayes Photography (whose photos I promise to feature soon!), The Alumni House, Catering Co., The Wren Chapel, Emily Hudspeth, Williamsburg Field Musick, A Cake to Remember, The Hotcakes Band, FritzPro Music, Jason Faulkner and many others for making this such a special day.

Shayna, Williamsburg Wedding Design

Weddings and the Crim Dell Bridge, College of William & Mary

One of the most iconic images of the Williamsburg wedding scene is the Crim Dell Bridge on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Every freshmen learns the legend on the first day of orientation: kiss your sweetheart on the Crim Dell and someday the two of you will marry.

The bridge dates back to 1966 when it was opened on the first-ever "Parent's Day". It is nestled in a private little dell at the end of the Sunken Gardens and is the result of damming College Creek. Evidently before becoming a romantic destination students used to use it to dispose of their trash (nice). Most visitors wouldn't even know it was there, especially in spring and summer when the foliage has returned and shrouds it in secrecy.

The bridge was funded by the 1964 class gift - that class seems to have endowed half of the college, incidentally. It is named after "distinguished alumnus" John Crim (Class of 1901). The plaque that is mounted near the bridge features a quote from the college president who commissioned the bridge, Davis Paschall: "that one may walk in beauty, discover the serenity of the quiet moment, and dispel the shadows".

It is certainly the beauty (and even the shadows) of the bridge, along with the legend of the kiss that bring to it newlywed and engaged couples alike, with photographer in tow. But there are other rumors about Crim Dell too (that would be as cool in photographs if you ask this alumna): the only cure if you've kissed on the bridge to prevent marriage? You must throw the person you kissed off the bridge (I'm sure campus security loves that one). And another gem: women should not walk alone over the bridge. If they do, they are doomed to a life of spinsterhood.

It's lucky, then, that the bridge doesn't provide convenient access to anything. In fact, if you decide to take the requisite "Crim Dell Bridge Photo" on your wedding day, be prepared for a little offroading. All paths that lead to the site are unpaved and involve weathered steps or steep grading.

Did you, or will you have a Crim Dell photo taken on your wedding day? Why don't you share your photo on the Williamsburg Wedding Design Facebook page and tell your best bridge story!

Resources:

Photo courtesy of Brad Howe Photography: www.bradhowephotography.com

Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crim_Dell

Website of the College of William & Mary: https://alumni.wm.edu/magazine/spgsum_2006/feature_5.shtml

Top 5 Reasons to Wed in Williamsburg

It occurred to me that it's been awhile since I've reviewed the main reasons that people cite when they first call for holding their weddings in Williamsburg. This region is a unique mixture of accessible, convenient and appealing. These were first featured on our World According to Weddlady blog back in 1997...but they are absolutely timeless Is your reason listed?

1. They visited Williamsburg many moons ago and fell in love - with the 'burg!  It took them a little longer to find Mr. or Ms. Right, but now they're on their way back for the perfect destination wedding.

2. Williamsburg is a popular retirement area - if Mom and Dad live in Williamsburg and are paying, they may just have a say in where the nuptials will be held!

3. They attended the College of William & Mary: whether or not the intention is to marry at the Wren Chapel, something about 4+ years at this venerable institution draws alumni back to wed near their alma mater...or makes them feel entitled to do so!

4. We're right in the middle - of the east coast, that is.  We've hosted many couples who have family from New York to Florida and beyond.  We're near easy transportation, have great historical facilities and excellent access to accommodations and services.  We're ideally situated to help with geopgrahic compromises!

5. They are local - of course, if you were born and raised here, there are dozens of reasons that could compel you to take the plunge in your home territory.  Maybe local parents are paying, maybe your high school football team will be in your bridal party, or maybe your little girl (and little guy, I suppose) dreams of a fairytale wedding involve a fife & drum or horse-drawn carriage on DOG street.  In any case, many true Williamsburg natives stay close to home to wed.

I hope Williamsburg is right for you too!  I'd be delighted to help you decide - start by requesting your complimentary copy of the Where to Wed Guide to Williamsburg, Yorktown, Providence Forge and Newport News, or give me a call at 757-592-3365!

Image Courtesy of Brad Howe Photography

Happy Planning.

Shayna Walker

Owner, Williamsburg Wedding Design

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Blogger's Day of Silence - For Japan, With Love

I'll be observing a Blogger's Day of Silence on Friday in support of Japan during this terrible crisis. You can read about my personal experiences with Sendai and the Japanese people, as well as the day of silence on the Weddlady blog: http://www.weddlady.com/2011/03/bloggers-day-of-silence-for-japan-with-love.html.

Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design

Wedding Planner Secrets for Choosing the RIGHT Photographer

Photographers and wedding planners have something huge in common – both work in an oversaturated industry (especially in Williamsburg and the surrounding areas). Even if you were able to clearly eliminate the “obviously bad” ones in either category (and with all of the smoke and mirrors, I dare you to try), there are a lot of decent to great ones leaving you a ton of choices.

Know that in both categories, a fancy website can be an indication of great quality, or could be hiding something like: “I woke up yesterday, decided to become a planner or photographer and my boyfriend/college roommate/superhero pet rabbit is really good at web design”.

I’ve worked with tons of local (and non-local) photographers over the years. There are plenty of guides in magazines (some good, some sketchy) to tell you what to look for in contracts, packages, pricing and more. But here is my list of trade “secrets” to help you further narrow the field and find a photographer who is truly going to help make your big day feel magical:

Is he a team player? Great photographers know that their role is as part of a team. You might laugh at this, but if I had a dime for every diva with a camera who ended up causing tears because they didn’t understand the delicate balance between capturing a beautiful moment and creating an excruciating one, I could retire today. 

A professional photographer works WITH the professionals around him not against them. You’ll understand the importance when your wilted salads are served to your angry dining room full of guests because your photographer just needed one more shot at the expense of another hour of shooting.

A great photographer communicates with the couple and the planner or other pros, in advance, so that plenty of time is scheduled at the necessary moments to get the great shots – and respectfully adheres to the schedule to the extent humanly possible.

A great photographer doesn’t dismiss critical guest comfort unless you (the bride and groom) specifically order him to.

Does he understand what you love about him? Maybe you think you’ve selected a photographer for one reason, but he has a different understanding. To be fair and ensure success you need to communicate this clearly.

Tell your pro if you chose him because you love his candid shots.

Explain that you’ve never seen more exciting looking formals and that’s what you’d like to see in your albums.

 Be honest if you just liked his price (not a reason for hiring, by the way) because he might think you’re all about the “guests eating at table” shots (ick!), and you should probably give him (a lot) more guidance.

Pay a ton of money for or invest hours of DIY time in your décor? Make sure your pro knows that those detail shots are critical to your enjoyment of his photos.

Photographers are not mind readers (if they are, they should charge even more). Avoid those with artist egos – the ones who are sure you hired them because they are gods among men. No matter what your priorities are, you’ll end up with their vision of your day (that’s okay if that’s what you want – but be sure it’s what you want).

Great photographers know who they are. If you’ve heard rumors that a particular photographer is a time hog, or doesn’t “do” formal photos, it’s imperative that you ask him point blank about the reputation. A great photographer will understand where those rumors are coming from, and will probably explain to you what it is about their style that might lead people to feel that way.

A less-savvy photographer will look at you blankly, or get extremely defensive. Guess what? Bad sign.

Great photographers have a body of work, bought their cameras more than a week ago and have great references from pros and happy clients alike. Enough said.

There are some great photographers in and around Williamsburg, Virginia. Seek them out, tell them I sent you and reap the rewards when you open your stunning albums (real or virtual) for decades to come.

Call me if you want some of those great names too – I am more than happy to share!

Shayna Walker (757-592-3365), Wedding Planner

Williamsburg Wedding Design

Local Expert DJs - Advice from a Williamsburg Wedding Planner

I've traveled some over the past couple of years, on wedding-related missions, and I've seen some absolutely jaw-dropping work from DJs and entertainers. In major markets you will find everything - my favorite is combinations of live musicians and DJs that make for seamless event experiences. There are markets where you can't swing an i-Pod without hitting an awesome, outstanding DJ or entertainer, and if you live in those markets you are extremely lucky.

Williamsburg, Virginia is not a major market compared to New York, Los Angeles or the like. But we do have access to two fabulous, professional and consistently wonderful wedding entertainment companies, and since I'm asked about them all the time I figured I'd take this opportunity to share.

The first is DJ On the Side. Owner, Chris Phillips, and I have worked together for the last several years on weddings of all sizes and in all kinds of venues. His team is professional, dignified, polished and reliable. My personal favorites are Ryan and Chris himself, but everyone on the team has his awesome attributes.

You have likely never seen someone so deeply invested in pleasing his clients as Chris is. The man has absolutely no (evident) ego and is meticulous with creating engaging, appropriate and wonderful playlists. I tease Chris because we have a sort of non-verbal connection during an event - he is constantly looking for crowd reaction and possible issues and resolving them before anyone has a clue they are coming. Planners, caterers, photographers and videographers alike all love working with Chris (and his guys) because DJ On the Side understands what it means to be part of a team.

The second company is Arch Entertainment, and particularly DJ Rodney Charles. Another consummate professional, Rodney shares with Chris a kind of passion for serving wedding clients that you just don't see in every entertainer. He reads a crowd with expertise, predicting what will work and encouraging everyone from your 80-year-old grandmother to your college roommates to engage and enjoy. He is classy and dedicated, and a pure pleasure to work with as a colleague.

I was lucky to be introduced to Rodney by Missy at Antonia Christianson Events (southside) - anyone in the industry who knows me knows that it practically takes an act of a higher power to get on my "list" (which isn't actually a list, but that's another story) of refer-able vendors. Rodney proved hands-down in interviews and in performance that he deserved to be there though, and Williamsburg couples are lucky to have him as a resource.

There is only one other Williamsburg-area DJ who I recommend (who doesn't advertise, so I'll keep him my best-kept secret...however you can call me if you want to know) - that's it. After 7 years planning in this region only 3 have made the grade enough to be considered my go-to guys.

Yes, I have had the pleasure of working with other good DJs who aren't listed here (the best have gone out of business, sadly!). And yes, I've had the "other" kind of experience as well. With confidence, however, I share with you this planner's real secret for entertainment success: call Chris or Rodney. You won't be sorry. 

Shayna Walker, Wedding Planner

Williamsburg Wedding Design (757-592-3365)

This is not a sponsored post. DJ On the Side is an advertiser in a sister publication that I publish - the Where to Wed guide. Arch Entertainment is not. Both deserve the accolades in this article based purely on the results of their hard work.

{Guest Post} The Engagement Session: Key to a Successful Wedding Day

It's our pleasure to feature a guest post today from one of Williamsburg's long-time favorite photographers, Gene King of Creative Worth Studios. Gene's explanation of why engagement sessions are so important can be carried over to other disciplines as well. Sometimes what may seem like an unimportant additional feature to you, might actual be critical to the process and to delivering a superior product on your wedding day.

Thanks Gene for your contribution and expertise!

The Engagement Session: Key to a Successful Wedding Day 

An Engagement Sitting is part of this photographer’s wedding package no matter how big or small.  Pretty much invariably it’s the bride that will call, or bride’s mother, to enquire about my availability for the wedding day.  From that point on the communication is between them regarding details of timing, locations, special instructions, etc and me.  It’s a rare occasion that I get to meet the groom before the actual day of the wedding.

 

 

 

Thus I make the engagement sitting the vehicle for meeting the groom and getting acquainted with not only him but also both of them together.  The valuable thing is it affords me the opportunity to experience them interacting and responding to one another.  Not only do I get to ‘fit in’ with them as their photographer but also I get some great shots of how they express feelings for each other.  It’s about what they will be celebrating on the wedding day and I have already started being their private chronicler.

 

 

 

The ‘get together’ is very casual in manner, style, and technique.  We meet at a location that is conducive to romantic and relaxed posing. There is no instruction manual given them about what to wear, how to primp, or when to exfoliate.  You laugh but there are serious professional and published photographers out there who do; for me that’s a little over the top.  There may be some questions about what to wear to which I suggest that they choose what they think is compatible, casual, and comfortable.

 

During the session we chat about how they met, what they do in the work-a-day world and maybe what they want the special day to be like.   While this is going on I am doing some posing and some candid’s of them being together.  Through this we create a light rapport that will spark acknowledgment and communication on the Day of.

 

The equipment I use is simple.  One camera and on-camera flash for subtle fill light.  I schedule these sessions, if at all possible, for late afternoon when sunlight is soft and enhancing of skin tones.  The session is short, maybe an hour, but it creates a conduit for performing a professional contract and celebrating a very loving and personal event.

 



www.creativeworth.com