Palmer House wedding: Courtney & Erik

I was extremely excited to shoot my first wedding event at the Palmer House.  While I have shot corporate events and many brides preparing for their day at the hotel, I have never shot a ceremony and reception in that space.  I am looking forward to working with the hotel more!  In fact, I have a 3-day Hindu wedding this coming May at the Palmer House.  Warmer weather combined with the Palmer House will be welcomed in my book.  

I walked into the room where Courtney was getting her makeup done.  Well, actually … she was supposed to begin makeup when I arrived, but she just completed both hair AND makeup.  Arg.  Thanks, Courtney!  Now what?

Courtney is so calm, so mellow, so accommodating, she instead sent me downstairs to get details of the room before people arrived for the ceremony.

Hot damn.  Now that room was decorated very well.  Nothing over the top, or too elaborate.  But definitely very well thought out.  The finishing touch on the space was simple custom lighting.  The ceremony/reception room was flanked by several tall pillars of spot lighting which tagged rows of  beautiful white branches set in tall glass vases.  Perfect for a winter wedding.  It definitely said, December.  

If you want my $23.42 worth, custom lighting is the bomb.  Seriously.  There is one thing each one of your guests will recall from your wedding.  The ambience.  There are a few things that contribute to the feeling and mood of your event.  A fantastic band and custom lighting.  So why not take a room and add some sophistication and glamour?  It doesn't take a lot of lighting to transform a venue.  

Luckily, more and more of my clients are hiring bands.  And for good reason.  Human beings love live music.  We crave it.  I have never been to a wedding with a band that didn't have a packed dance floor.  However, I don't shoot many weddings with custom lighting.  Which is a shame.  Custom lighting will not only leave an impression with your guests, but it will transform the pictures I take and leave you with unique, one-of-a-kind images from a space that is rented out to hundreds of couples each year.  

Like all wedding vendors, there are simple solutions and expensive solutions.  But there is a solution out there for you.  Set the scene accordingly, hire a good band to carry the party out of dinner and into the night, and get that kick-ass photographer to document the event so you have stellar images for the rest of your life.

Your children and grandkids will thank you.  I know I will thank you

At least think about it.

Happy planning.

Courtney & Erik

December 19, 2009
Ceremony: Palmer House Hilton
Reception: Palmer House Hilton

Ceremony: Palmer House Hilton
Reception: Palmer House Hilton
Caterer: Jane Himmel Palmer House
Music: Moeller Music and Dan Hayes Orchestra
Flowers: Derrick
Makeup: Marla DelAngel
Hair: Studio VItale
Officiant: Joellen Hosler
Videographer: ABSA
Deserts: Take the Cake
Invitations: Elizabeth Grace
Program and menus: Program by Elizabeth Grace and Menus by Jane Himmel of the Palmer House Hilton
Dress & Designer:  Vera Wang
Your Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Suit: Men's Warehouse and Ralph Lauren
Shirt & Tie: Men's Warehouse and Ralph Lauren
Jewelry: (310) Boutique