Best Shoes for Your Wedding

There are as many styles of weddings as their are brides. Picking your shoes can be a challenge, do you want a heel or not? Peep toe or closed toe? Here’s a list of the perfect shoes for a variety of brides:

1) Beach Bride

While many brides choose to go barefoot for a beach wedding, you may want to have shoes for photos or the reception. We suggest a simple flat sandle. We love this Tory Burch thong sandal. Or, for a little more bling, these gold flat sandals from Jimmy Choo.

2) Modern Bride

For a modern bride, a sling back is the perfect choice. This slingback from Christian Louboutin has the perfect amount of glitter and glamour.

3) Vintage Bride

For brides with a vintage style, you can’t go wrong with a bit of old Hollywood glamour. This peep toe from Badgley Mischka is perfect.

4) Budget Bride

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, look no further than these sandals from Lulu Townsend. They would be lovely with a shorter dress for your reception.

5) Bold Bride 

For brides that are looking to make a statement with their shoes, you’ll want to choose a bold option. If you’re wanting to look like a rock star on your wedding day, take a look at these dazzling crystal-studded suede pumps from Christian Louboutin. We also suggest this bold 5″ heel in metallic leather from Giuseppe Zanotti.

What kind of bride are you? What type of shoes do you plan to wear for your wedding day?

How to Avoid Being a Bridezilla

Planning a wedding is stressful. Not only are you planning an event, but you’re also making big decisions when it comes to the budget. And, of course, managing relationships and conflicting ideas of what the big day should look like. No bride sets out to be a bridezilla. But with the stress of the wedding day, sometimes it happens to the best of us. Here are 5 tips to avoid being a bridezilla.

1) You can’t have  the perfect wedding

At some point, you’ll have to come to terms with the fact that you can’t have a perfect wedding. It doesn’t exist. Something is bound to go wrong, but you’ll just have to roll with the punches. Chances are, your guests won’t notice that the place cards came on the wrong paper or your veil is a couple of inches shorter than you wanted.

2) Focus on the marriage

It’s easy to get caught up in all the details. While planning a wedding is exciting, it’s also stressful. By focusing on the reason for the wedding – spending the rest of your life with the groom – you’re bound to keep things in perspective.

3) Crazy diets will make you crazy

Many brides hope to lose weight before their big day, but crazy diets have a tendency to make brides a little crazy. Extreme dieting and exercise can leave you feeling drained. If you’d like to drop a few pounds, talk to a nutritionist to find out how you can do it so that you feel healthy and energized for your big day.

4) Hire quality vendors

It is a lot easier to give up control on your wedding day when you have hired vendors that you trust. When you’re hiring wedding vendors, ask a lot of questions. Everyone from the caterer to the wedding videographer will be able to provide you with samples and references – hire people you trust so you can let them handle the details while you enjoy your big day.

5) Be thankful

So many people are investing time and money into your wedding. Take time to appreciate the people that are going to be part of your big day. If your parents or other family members are helping financially, make sure they feel appreciated. Be sure to let your bridal party know how excited you are for them to be part of your wedding day. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, but commit to being gracious.

What tips do you have for brides to avoid being a bridezilla?

5 Tips for Getting Your Wedding Featured in a Top Wedding Blog

For many brides, a wedding is a culmination of a year or more of planning. You have spent countless hours scrutinizing every detail of your big day to ensure perfection. Whether you had an unlimited budget or chose to go the DIY route, your nuptials can help inspire other brides in search of their own beautiful wedding day.

If you are looking to have your wedding featured in a wedding blog, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. The wedding experts at McElroy Films compiled a list of tips to help brides increase their chances of success:

1) Submit Inspiring Photos and Video

Pick and choose the images to submit carefully. Most wedding websites and blogs are looking for magazine style photos. Photographs should highlight the most memorable parts of the day and show off all of the details that brides take time to create for their wedding day. You can look at past features to see the style of photos that the publication features to get an idea of the types of photos to submit. You can also submit your wedding video to increase your chances of being included.

2) Share a Great Love Story

When looking for real weddings to feature, many editors are also looking for an inspiring love story. Rather than writing, “the bride and groom met in college and got married a few years later”, brides should share details of their love story. For example, “Sarah and Nathan met in a history class in college and Sarah instantly thought he was charming and would be perfect fit for her best friend. So she set them up on a blind date. When her friend came down with the flu and couldn’t make it, Sarah and Nathan ended up hanging out instead. She had no idea that would be the beginning of epic love story.”

3) Follow the Guidelines

Whether a bride is looking to submit her weddings to a magazine like The Knot or a wedding website like Style Me Pretty, there are guidelines for submission. Some require images to be a certain size, others ask for specific credits for vendors. For the best chance of being included, brides should follow directions for submissions carefully. Even if an editor loves the wedding images, if they have to track down information, they may move to the next submission.

4) Offer Exclusivity

Nearly all wedding magazines and websites are looking to feature real weddings that are exclusive to their publication. Brides should do research to see what publication will be the best fit, and start there. If their wedding is not chosen, then they can submit it for other publications.

5) Be Kind.

Editors for leading wedding publications get hundreds of submissions each month. They carefully go through them to find the ones that fit their publication and current needs. Unfortunately, they can’t include every submission, so it is important that brides are gracious when dealing with rejections. Sometimes weddings aren’t a good fit at the time because of the season or current trends, but editors may be able to use it in the future and would be more likely to want to work with a kind bride.

Here’s a few blogs if you’re ready to try:

Green Wedding Shoes (http://greenweddingshoes.com)

StyleMePretty (http://www.stylemepretty.com)

Ruffled (http://ruffledblog.com)

Brides (http://www.brides.com)

100 Layer Cake (http://www.100layercake.com/blog/)

Wedding Chicks (http://www.weddingchicks.com)

5 Tips for Hiring Your Wedding Videographer

A videographer is on the must-have list for many couples planning their wedding. While photographs capture moments from the wedding, a timeless wedding video can help you relive your big day for years to come. The bride and groom can’t be everywhere on the day of their wedding, and your wedding video will help you see the big picture of your event.

Here are 5 tips for hiring your wedding videographer:

1. A photographer isn’t a cinematographer

Wedding photographers are great at what they do; they take amazing photos that capture the moments from your big day. These days, many photographers are also offering wedding videos as part of an all-inclusive package. Unfortunately, brides are ending up disappointed with the quality of their wedding videos. Many photographers are just starting to work with videos, but true cinematographers went to film school and have worked in the industry for years.

2. Watch the demos

When hiring a videographer, you should always watch samples and demos. Pay attention to the details. For your wedding video, audio is very important. Often, the quality of audio separates professionals from amateurs. You want to make sure that you can hear your vows and the speeches clearly.

3. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Most of us are looking to get a good deal, especially when it comes to a wedding. However, there are plenty of wedding videographers offering bargain basement prices for videos. If someone is offering a price a lot lower than the competitors, you should definitely find out why.

4. Stick to your budget

Many videographers offer video packages for weddings. But, most will be willing to work within your budget, creating custom packages. They can help you pick and choose what is most important to you.

5. Make sure the style fits

These days wedding videos range from documentary to very cinematic. Make sure that you see samples of work that align with your style. A cinematographer that exclusively focuses on documentary style filmmaking may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a cinematic wedding video.

5 Unusual Boston Wedding Venues

Boston is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the country. From the State Room, with views overlooking the breathtaking Boston skyline, to the Harvard Club, there is no shortage of extraordinary wedding venues in this historic New England city.

However, whether it’s because of the cost, timing (popular venues book 18 months out) or the desire for something different, many couples are choosing unexpected wedding venues in Boston. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Cambridge Brewing Company

When it comes to weddings, sometimes it can feel like it’s all about the bride. A wedding at the Cambridge Brewing Company is sure to make the groom, and all of his friends, very happy. The brewery also focuses on locally grown ingredients, so the food is sure to be fresh, and of course, delicious.

2. Griffin Museum of Photography

Located in Wincester, the Griffin Museum has an idyllic setting on the Judkins Pond. This unique location features vaulted ceilings and unique photographic exhibits. They have a lawn for outdoor weddings, and plenty of room inside the spacious gallery for receptions.

3. Larz Anderson Auto Museum

Home to America’s oldest car collection, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum is located in the original Anderson Carriage House of the Anderson Estate, now Larz Anderson Park. Inspired by the French Chateau “Chateau de Chaumont-Sur-Loire”, the carriage house in Brookline was built in 1888 and is a romantic and unique wedding destination.

5. New England Aquarium

Not only is the New England Aquarium one of the top tourist destinations in Boston, it’s also a popular wedding venue. There are a variety of venue options at the aquarium. Whether you want to dine alongside 80 penguins in the main exhibit gallery or prefer a harbor view, this is an unusual, and breathtaking, location for a wedding.

5. Fenway Park

If you are looking to have an event your guests will be talking about for years, a wedding at the historic Fenway Park is sure to fit the bill. America’s most beloved ball park has a variety of locations where they can accommodate weddings, from the roof top deck to the luxurious EMC club.

Top Honeymoon Destinations for 2013

A honeymoon destination can be one of the most important decisions a couple makes when planning their wedding. It also can be one of the most difficult. Do you want fun in the sun, or a unique cultural experience? Are you looking to relax at the beach with a drink in hand or comb through local markets for treasures? Regardless of what kind of honeymoon destination you are looking for, you’re bound to find something in our list of the top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2013:

10. Turks & Caicos

Although there are more tourists these days than in years past, Turks & Caicos is still both secluded and exclusive – perfect for a honeymoon. A network of 40 islands, there is plenty to do.

9. Paris

The city of lights is a perfect destination for honeymooners. With unforgettable cuisine and world-class museums, this city is ideal for a couple celebrating their love.

8. Maldives

If you are looking for a honeymoon destination that is off the beaten path, and far from your new in-laws, consider the Maldives. There are no direct flights from the United States, but your patience will be rewarded with clear blue water and luxurious resorts.

7. Puerto Rico

Looking to stay a little closer to home? Consider Puerto Rico. Less than three hours by air from Miami, Puerto Rico offers both charm and relaxation on the breathtaking beaches.

6. Edinburgh

What’s more romantic than exploring castles with the one you love? Edinburgh is a city full of history and provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate your honeymoon.

5. Napa Valley

Perfect for wine lovers, Napa Valley is a wonderful honeymoon destination that doesn’t even require a passport. Between the luxurious hotels, gourmet food and, of course, the wine, it doesn’t get much better than this.

4. South Africa

A honeymoon in South Africa means you can be laying on the beach one day and embarking on a safari adventure the next.

3. Italy

It is no surprise that Italy has been a top honeymoon destination for centuries. Couples can enjoy their time together under the Tuscan sun and going through the canals of Venice.

2. Tahiti

Part of the French Polynesian Islands, Tahiti is the perfect location for newlyweds. With 118 islands, couples can island hop or stay in one place enjoying the warm water of the Pacific Ocean and breathtaking coral reefs.

1. Costa Rica

Number one on our list of the best honeymoon destinations for 2013 is Costa Rica. A perfect location for newlyweds to relax after their wedding, Costa Rica offers a unique vacation whether couple choose to stay beachside or explore the rainforest.

Top 5 Modern Wedding Traditions

A wedding is one of the events in our lives that is still steeped in tradition. From the music to the dress, many brides follow time-old traditions when planning their big day.

Here are 5 modern traditions gaining popularity:

1. Trash the Dress

Modern brides are getting more mileage out of their wedding dress with trash the dress photos. Many photographers capture these moments in water, taking photos under towering waterfalls or on sandy beaches. These days, brides are opting for paint, or even mud, to get these one-of-a-kind glamorous photos in their wedding dress.

2. Wedding Videos

Long gone are the days where Uncle Mike stands in the back of the church recording couple’s wedding ceremony with a camcorder. Many couples are opting for professional wedding videos to document the cherished moments of their day. Still photography is important, but a wedding video allows couples to relive their wedding.

3. Ditching the Send-Off

Guests throwing rice at the happy couple as they head off for an exotic honeymoon destination was once a time-honored wedding tradition. Now, the roles are reversing, modern brides and grooms are choosing to close down the party and make sure their guests get home safely.

4. Father Daughter Dances

Many brides still have the traditional father daughter dance at their receptions. Some are choosing to dance with other influential members of their lives, as well. Many brides are choosing to honor their mothers with mother daughter dances at their weddings.

5. Seeing Each Other Before the Wedding

Not seeing each other before the wedding has been a long-standing wedding tradition. But having the time to capture beautiful wedding photos after the wedding can be challenging. Instead, people are opting for first-look photos, capturing the tender moment when couples see each other for the first time.

The Best Reception Entrances of 2012

Some weddings are the picture of class and civility; formal occasions that test your knowledge of etiquette and waltzing. And then some weddings take the celebratory part of weddings seriously. Kara & Scott’s wedding party took their entrances and turned them into incredible masterpieces. Watch and learn how it’s done my friends! We challenge any of our brides and grooms to out do them in 2013!

Enjoy!

 

The State Room

The State Room is one of the premiere event venues in Boston and we were ecstatic to be able to film there once again for Dylan and Brian’s fall wedding. The day started at the Ames Hotel in the financial district for pre ceremony footage. Then we traveled to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross for an amazing ceremony featuring a Diocesan boys choir. After, the bride and groom took photos in the beautiful park near Post Office Square. From there it was only a few blocks to the reception at the Stateroom where this elegant wedding partied in style!

 

Top 20 Fabulous Boston Venues to have a Summer Wedding

We’ve assembled a list of the 20 hottest wedding venues in Boston to have a summer wedding. The videos below are trailers from each of these weddings at their respective venue.

This past summer have been a blast! We’ve shot from downtown Boston to the Cape and everywhere in-between. As professional videographers we see and hear everything on that special day. Breathtaking views and heart-felt vows. Every wedding trailer has some unique message and the venue plays a key roll in the whole day.

Here’s an [Ultra] short list of some of the ‘Best of Boston Wedding Venues of 2012’ We’ll be launching a Best of Fall to follow in a few months.
Weddings are not in any particular order.

To kick off this list, we felt the Ocean Edge Resort was one of the funnest venues on the cape this year. It’s so luxurious inside and out. Abby & Fred couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club: Abby & Fred – Trailer from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Granite Links Golf Club Located in Quincy, MA, this is a fabulous place for a wedding. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Boston, it’s really a perfect place to get married, and Erin & Mike took advantage of those beautiful rolling hills that you can’t find anywhere else!

Granite Links Golf Club: Erin & Mike from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Another great place is the Black Swan Country Club. Tucked away in Georgetown MA, and formerly called the Georgetown Country Club. This venue has a lot of amenities to offer. Great rolling greens and brand new landscaping were a beautiful combination for Anne & Nicholas!

Black Swan Country Club: Anne & Nicholas from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

 

This fantastic wedding took place at the Renaissance Boston. You can’t get any better than this venue. The attention to detail for Shikha & Derek was incredible for this traditional Indian, Hindu wedding.  Check out that parade!

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel: Shikha & Derek from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

This rainy yet elegant wedding was shot at the Biltmore in Rhode Island and the reception followed at Lake Pearl Luciano’s. A little bit of a commute to RI, but well worth the drive for Elizabeth & Daniel!

Lake Pearl Luciano’s – Elizabeth & Daniel from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

This Four Seasons wedding took place in middle of June, downtown Boston. Can’t get any better than this! Jessica & Derek had amazing formals in the Boston Commons followed by a knock out reception. This is one fabulous. Great DJing by Beat Train Productions too!

Four Seasons Hotel Boston – Jessica & Derek from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

The Omni Parker House is known for it’s rich history and haunted rooms. It’s also where JFK was engaged. This old school venue was a great fit for Brittany & Brendan this summer.

Omni Parker House: Brittany & Brendan from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

One of the best couples of the year! So easy going and very cute. Held at the one and only Boston Seaport. Julie & Zach’s special day couldn’t have gone any better!  The bursts of bright yellow really made everyone feel sunny!

Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center: Julie & Zach from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Can’t go wrong with a wedding at the State Room. Mia & Ringo sure know how to have a great time, from beginning to end, non-stop! We also love the choice of music they picked for the trailer. Enjoy!

The State Room: Mia & Ringo from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Saphire Estate in Sharon, MA is one hidden gem of a venue. Stacey & Joe planned on an outdoor wedding but mother nature did not cooperate. Still a lovely day that made the ‘Best of’!

Saphire Estate: Stacey & Joe from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Another fantastic wedding at The Seaport. The ceremony wasn’t too shabby either!  Maria & Barrett had a classic wedding that was undeniably making this list! Also, love the Florence and the Machine music choice!

Old South Church – Maria & Barrett Trailer from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

An amazing new venue for us this year is the Bedford Village Inn. A great place for a wedding in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Alexandra & Kevin had amazing weather and a beautiful service to boot.

The Bedford Village Inn: Alexandra & Kevin from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Jackie & Tom made the most of out of their rainy wedding at the Boston Public Library. Great details from pre-ceremony to the reception.

Boston Public Library: Jackie & Tom from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Another hidden gem can be found at the Villa at Ridders Golf Course. Jessica & Brian had a great wedding party. So fun to be apart of this special day.  Got to love a nice Foo Fighters song for a trailer, too!

The Villa at Ridders Golf Course: Jessica & Brian from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Martine & Jacob had amazing photos at the commons with unique ceremony and reception locales at the Boston Public Library. What more can we say about this one? Oh and the Park Plaza makes a cameo in this one.

Boston Public Library: Jacob & Martine from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

One of our favorites for the summer of 2012. This wedding took place at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Very affluent & elegant in all aspects. Jacqueline & Brian were just a great young couple. We’re so happy for them.

Boston Harbor Hotel: Jacqueline & Brian – Trailer from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Can’t go wrong with a luxurious wedding at the Wequassett, Cape Cod. This beach-front wedding was breathtaking. Formals on the beach & around the grounds. Natalie & Pete had a fabulous wedding!

The Wequassett Golf and Resort: Natalie & Peter from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

The Smith Barn located in Peabody, MA is quaint and homey. Kristen & Chris were a wonderful couple and had a gorgeous wedding. Nice formals in the apple & pear orchards. Just amazing.

The Smith Barn: Kristen & Chris – Trailer from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Haven’t shot here in a long time! We missed shooting here until this year. The Willowdale Estate is old and fashionable with many rooms you would get lost here in a second.  Kara & David had a great day and very touching.

The Willowdale Estate: Kara & David from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

Technically this was shot in the beginning of September. Does this count as fall yet? We love the Barn at Gibbet Hill it’s definitely worth a look. Donna & Steven will be on the top of the list this fall when the blog comes out later this year.

The Barn at Gibbet Hill: Donna & Steven – Trailer from McElroy Weddings on Vimeo.

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