Lighting is Everything!
Planning your perfect reception
When it comes to planning your perfect reception there are tons of factors. What formalities do you want to carry out, cutting the cake, the tradition dances? What type of music do you prefer, a DJ or maybe a live band? But hold those thoughts because from your photographer's perspective, the most important element to your most perfect reception is your lighting. Lighting can and will affect the entire ambience of the evening and more importantly the ambiance of your photos. You could have the most stunning live band and such a sweet first song to dance too, but the perfect lighting is really what's going to bring that moment from sweet to straight magical. I don't know about you, but when I imagine the perfect wedding, I imagine the wow factor. Enter mood lighting!
Option 1:
Twinkle Lights
Enjoy the Magic
If you have been following us for a while, chances are you have seen this photo. I can't tell you how many of my brides and even other clients and photographers reach out to me in regards to this exact photo. And everyone wants to know how did she do it and how to recreate it? The short answer is twinkle lights! The long answer has to do with the photographer (Kinzie in this case) using a little copper pipe to create the rings. YES this is all done in camera, it is not a photo shop effect. But what's important to know is this photo is only possible with multiple light sources that are fairly close together. And by multiple I mean criss crossed string lights. So if you are like majority of our clients or even someone else's interested in this type of magic, string lights are an absolute must. Apart from this type of cool photograph string lights are sure to create a feel and an ambience that is hard to beat. Weather outdoor or indoor they give that low light magic that really feels romantic & it also makes for some way more epic reception shots.
Option 2:
Candles
Enjoy the Dreamy-ness
If you're not feeling the workload of hanging up and taking down lights, or you just don't like them for what they are, another fun choice is candles! Personally I love the feel of candles. The only reason I feel it comes second to the string lights is you can't capture some of the same magic you can with candles simply because you can't get them up in the sky as easily. I have seen some people do hanging candles and that is straight magical, it's definitely on the more luxury end as far as cost! However you can roll with candles sprinkled on tables and other things for a super dreamy vibe.
Option 3:
Other Soft lighting
But what happens when your venue won't allow for candles or string lights. Or maybe, you don't have the option or desire too. There are so many other ways to have soft lighting! Your DJ might bring lights, your venue might have lamps or other softer light sources. You might be able to purchase softer light sources. Whatever they may be, your soft light choices are endless. I have seen lamps done so well! I have seen some venues have sconce lighting that is sooo romantic! So if string lights or candles aren't in the bag for you, here are some more choices.
