Corey Talks: Receiving Lines
Posted on May 31, 2009
One of the most often under-estimated times when it comes to a wedding time line is the time that it takes for the receiving line after a wedding. Today I hope to help the brides understand a bit more about the tradition and how long it REALLY takes for a bride and groom to greet their guests after the wedding. Why in the world is this on a photography blog?? When brides underestimate the time that it will take to greet guests after a wedding, the first thing that goes is the time for photography after the ceremony because the time the bridal party needs to be at the reception is usually non-negotiable. Instead of having two hours after the wedding, I have ended up with as little as 15 minutes to do all family formal shots, bridal party and bride & groom shots!! So this VERY MUCH will affect me and in the end, the bride and groom whom may not end up with as many pictures of themselves as they had originally hoped for. I am quick when it comes to formals but there is only so much I can do when I have only about 5 minutes with a bride and groom for portraits – and yes, this has happened!
To Receive or Not to Receive??
This is entirely up to you. Up until about 5 years ago, I would have always said that you *must* do some sort of formal greeting of your guests after the ceremony no matter what. However, now that isn’t so much the case. I’ve had quite a few weddings that have bucked tradition and greeted their guests at the reception during a cocktail hour or during the reception. Personally that style is right up my alley as it gives me a) more photo time after the wedding and b) better photo ops when you greet your guests. This style is especially great for Intimate Weddings (75 guests or under) and/or Destination Weddings where typically the all around format for the wedding is more casual. Decide what works best for you and go for it. Often people say that guests will be upset, but as a wedding guest myself – I dread waiting in that long line after a ceremony to get a quick two seconds with the part of the bridal party I know and a lot of uncomfortable moments with the ones in the party I don’t know.
I Want a Line… What Are the Options?
If you know you want a line, there are many options that you can choose to take with a receiving line. First, the typical line is formed at the end of the main aisle and includes the bridal party, parents of the bride and groom and the bride and groom. A line forms of guests (either released by row by ushers or on their own) and everyone says their congratulations as they exit the ceremony. The second type that is starting to become more traditional is a smaller version of the above with just the parents of the bride and groom and the bride and groom. The final option is having just the bride and groom release each row themselves and greet each guest as they are released.
How Long Should I Estimate?
All three of the above lines take around the same times, with the bride and groom releasing on their own taking a BIT shorter time. From my personal experience, for every 150 guests expect 45 minutes for them to exit or around 3 guests/minute. It is always better to overestimate than underestimate when it comes to the receiving line. So if your ceremony starts at 4:30PM, is over at 5:00PM, guests start exiting at 5:05PM and you have 200 guests expect to be doing a ‘grand exit’ from the ceremony location around 6:00 -6:15PM. Photos would begin around 6:30PM – taking 15 minutes for the bride and groom to return from their exit, the guests to leave, everyone in the formal shots to make their way to the ceremony location and Aunt Betty to finally stop talking the ear off the Mother of Bride!
Did This Help???
Did this help demystify the timing of the receiving line for your wedding day for you? Please let me know as I love to hear feedback!!! I’m not ever sure that my Corey Talks posts are valuable to anyone so hearing that they are would make me smile!!!
Married: Kate and Ravi 05.25.09
Posted on May 28, 2009
Memorial Day was gorgeous, a light breeze with a abundant sunshine – which was absolutely perfect considering that Kate and Ravi were having an outdoor wedding! Their wedding is exactly what I would have wanted if we had got married here! Their wedding was an intimate wedding, held outdoors at Fieldcrest in North Canton and had the most amazing flowers! Have I mentioned on this blog how flower-crazy I can be? Well I am and Kate’s flowers rocked my world. Beyond all the amazing details, Kate and Ravi have an amazing connection that is easily captured on film. They wrote their own vows for the ring ceremony and I’ll admit to tearing up when Kate started reciting a line from The Little Prince in her vows. Just amazing. The reception was another perfect event that had some of the best dancing that I have ever seen – this could be in part due to the fact the bride and groom met swing dancing and their friends are also avid dancers. YAY! I love Swing Dancing!!!! See why this was such an amazing wedding?? Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your magical day!
Vendors
Ceremony, Reception and Catering: The Lodge at Fieldcrest in North Canton, OH
Florist: Dee Tritt in Massillon, OH
Cake: Johnnie’s Bakery in Canton, OH
DJ: Bill Manos in North Canton, OH
Kate peeking through the window as Ravi arrives.
Kate and Ravi wanted their family formals out of the way before the ceremony so their transition from the ceremony to the reception would be seamless for the guests since the event was held at the same location. Great idea and I always love when I get the chance to shoot family formals outside!
After the family formals were done, Kate and Ravi walked down to the main area of Fieldcrest with me for some relaxed portraits.
Kate has some of the most stunning eyes I’ve ever seen!
Ravi is quite dapper in his sut!
I have a love for tree lined drives and while I was taking far away shots, Kate and Ravi practiced their first dance.
Kate carried one of the most unusual but gorgeous bridal bouquets that I have ever seen. GORGEOUS!
Kate’s sister’s bouquet was equally as beautiful.
The florist, Dee Tritt, knocked it out of the ballpark with this stunning arch and urn arrangement for the ceremony!!!
The guests showered Kate and Ravi as they exited with lavender, the smell was intoxicating.
Kate and Ravi dancing beautifully for their first dance.
Ring shot on the amazing flowers at the altar.
Some guests kick up their heels to In the Mood.
Married: Jessica + Ryan
Posted on May 27, 2009
Saturday could not have been a better day for a wedding! What a gorgeous day it turned out to be and what a gorgeous wedding I was honored to attend! Despite a few mishaps throughout the day, Jessica and Ryan still had a fantastic wedding day and neither of them ever stressed about anything that was going wrong. They just focused on the right – them being married. Jessica wore the absolutely most adorable hat/birdcage veil combo I have ever seen!!! The reception was held at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts and it was such a great venue that’s a bit different than the norm!! My prom was there when I was in High School (and ironically the same night was my alma mater’s prom across the way at the Canton Civic Center!) and I have always loved that space! The DJ rocked the night and even the kids got into the groove of things. Thanks to you both for allowing me to be there to capture your day!!!
Vendors:
Ceremony: Johnson Center, Malone University – Canton, OH
Florist: Bloom Floral Designs – North Canton, OH
Reception: Canton Cultural Center for the Arts – Canton, OH
Caterer: Boots Catering, Charles (Boots) Wood – Canton, OH
Cake: Amy Richard LLC – Canton, OH
DJ: Russell Sound Lab, Joe – Canton, OH
Engaged! Elizabeth and Jared
Posted on May 23, 2009
Who doesn’t love a couple that starts off the shoot with gifts from both of their homes – candies from Elizabeth’s home in Florida and Amish Cookies (YUM!) from Jared’s home in Amish Country. What a way to start the shoot!! Yesterday I met up with this amazing couple whom are not only thoughtful, but so sweet and amazing together. You can tell within moments that they’re really meant to be together. We started off at the monument but once they warmed up to me and the camera we headed over to the garden center and had a blast. I had SUCH a great time playing with theses two!! I’m just sorry that they’re getting married in Florida so this is my only time to play with them! Thanks to you both for a WONDERFUL evening and I hope that your wedding (and lake party!) are that much more fun!
It’s very hard to choose, but I think this is my favorite from the session.
This is a VERY close second though, I do love lens flare!
When I say fun, I mean they were fun, they even played TAG!
You all know my shoe obsession right? I love this shot!
Thanks again!!!! I had a great day!
Engaged: Jacki and Brad
Posted on May 21, 2009
Sometimes when coming up with a photo location for engagement pictures is not as easy as it sounds but with Jacki and Brad, it was easy – where they got engaged at Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland, Ohio. We met up in the afternoon on Sunday and I hiked up with them to the very high cliffs to the spot where Brad proposed. The view from the top was amazing! You can see Lake Erie as well as the skyline of Downtown Cleveland. It was a great time and I love finding new places to shoot (I know next time to leave my heeled Born shoes at home! YOW!). Thanks to both Jacki and Brad for being SO much fun to play with for the afternoon! I can’t wait to your wedding in May 2010!!!
Enjoy the photos!
This is the exact spot he proposed. I’m not one to recreate moments but I did want a shot there 
My favorite shot from the shoot!! Jacki is actually the one that saw these awesome rocks, I’m glad she did!
Married: Codi + Joe 05.16.09
Posted on May 19, 2009
It is hard to believe that I met Codi and Joe less than a year ago at Heidi and Devin’s Wedding. Codi and I instantly hit it off due to our love of shoes! I also have to admit to falling in love with their gorgeous and amazing-petal-tossing daughter Grace. I was extremely stoked when I found out that they finally set a date after being engaged for years AND they wanted me to be their photographer!!! We met back up at Svetlana and Sandor’s wedding in November and I couldn’t have been more excited for this date! I have discovered in the past two years that revisiting familiar faces is always a good time and makes for a bit more intimate pictures because you know the backstories.
The day of the wedding was unexpected but delightful – just like their relationship and marriage. The day started out gloomy and I was terrified of the rain coming down all day but it cleared up and made for a gorgeous afternoon just in time for the outdoor session overlooking the viaduct in downtown Cleveland. I spent the beginning of my day with the girls and my second shooter, Thomas of T1Photo spent his afternoon with the guys. The ceremony was gorgeous, perfect and full of happy tears. I think just about every person in the bridal party was spied wiping a tear or ten during the ceremony. Then it was off to the reception at Massimo da Milano’s where there was more tears with the toasts, more smiles with the cake cutting, happy tears during the special dances and smiles again finishing out the night with phenominal DJ’ing from Spencer Reynolds from Jerry Bruno Productions.
This wedding also showed me that despite my eyes being welled up with tears, I can still get the shot in focus. The brother/sister dance was a heartbreaker. I teared up editing the images!!!!
Congratulations Codi and Joe (and Grace!). I am honored and blessed to have been a part of your magical story this weekend!
Vendors:
Cake: The Bake Shop at Giant Eagle in Rocky River, OH
Ceremony: Church of the Ascension in Lakewood, OH
DJ: DJ Spencer Reynolds of Jerry Bruno Productions in Cleveland, OH
Florist: Blooms by Plantscaping in Cleveland, OH
Reception & Catering: Massimo da Milano in Cleveland, OH
Salon: Revelations Salon & Spa in Lakewood, OH
Transportation: Mr. A1 Limo in Wickliffe, OH
Wedding Coordinator: Heidzillas in Avon, OH
Heidi, Matron of Honor, steps in to tie the perfect knot in Codi’s sash.
Codi had these Converse custom made for her brother, I think they are pretty darn awesome!!!
While waiting to get married, Codi sat on the couch and opened a gift from Joe’s Grandma. I found that the coffee table had a great reflective surface and took advantage of it.
Codi is channeling Tyra here and being fierce, sometimes even reality TV can lend a helping hand to photography!
Joe’s co-Best Man Jason getting the rings and Groomsman Sandor helping him find a safe place for them.
I told you, Grace is seriously an awesome petal tosser. I wish every flower girl of mine went to town like her.
An enormously emotional moment for Codi & Eric but they made it down the aisle to Joe.
Grace got bored standing so went to sit with her Grandma. However that grew old too and she climbed out of her arms and stood in the aisle. Luckily before she either broke into the ceremony or busted a move in the wide aisle (she LOVES to dance) Grandma escorted her quickly down the aisle. However I love this shot, you aren’t the boss of me!!!
Time’s a tickin’!!!
This may be one of my favorite group shots ever!
A toast from the Best Men.
A toast from the Matron of Honor.
A toast from the Man of Honor, whom quickly turned these smiles into tears. Codi is so lucky to have such an amazing brother.
Eric gave another speech before the dance, which took the place of the traditional Father/Daughter dance. Their father recently passed unexpectedly and the song was the one her father wanted to dance with her to. Having lost my own father in the not too distant past, I was crying right along with them. They may have lost him, but you can tell through them his love will go on forever. *sniff*
Svetlana snagged me to snap a few shots of her and Sandor… the proud parents to be! I seriously couldn’t be more thrilled, she looked AMAZING!! I hope to get to meet Baby Milan someday! They are going to be stellar parents.
One of my favorite dancing shots ever, thanks Devin!
Thanks for reading!
Miss Gabriella… Shoot Two!
Posted on May 15, 2009
Last Sunday I celebrated my first Mother’s Day in years (I seem to always miss the celebration at my Mother-in-Law’s and my Mom has been dead for a long time) by taking One-Week-Old pictures of my new niece!!! She’s quickly developing her own personality and likes to use her lungs often! She still steals your heart and is adorable as they come!! I even got to hold her this time so I’m pretty much enthralled with my new niece! Wouldn’t you be… just look at her
One week old and she’s already got the Olan Mills pose down pat!
The new family! Nutter, the dog, is still not quite sure what to make of this noisy thing they brought home.
They are officially smitten!
Woo hoo eye contact!! I’m telling you, she’s a natural!
Well… I got a few in right? I love this shot regardless, cracks me up every time!
By far my favorite shot of the day. Such a great image for Mother’s Day!!!
Love you all
Corey Talks: Wedding Planners/Day of Coordinators
Posted on May 14, 2009
By far, the biggest tip I can give to future brides-to-be is to hire a Wedding Planner or Day of Coordinator (of course beyond hiring a great photographer *cough*). I know it’s not exactly related to wedding photography, there is a trickle down effect and it is related in a way – you’ll understand in a bit I promise!!! Why is this the biggest tip?? You spend so much time putting your wedding together, picking out details, choosing your cake and so forth that when the day of the wedding comes, you NEED to be the bride and groom!!!! The day of the wedding should not be spent sorting out the last minute crisis of why Aunt Betty suddenly refuses to sit next to Uncle Bob, why the cake is an hour late or why your ceremony now won’t allow votives. Those are easy ways to quickly ruin your day – and things you shouldn’t have to be concerned with the day of your wedding! While I am not trying to encourage bridezilla like thoughts, it truly is your day to celebrate this amazing love you’ve been so lucky to find and the minor details shouldn’t be what makes that day less perfect.
How does this effect me as a photographer? Since I am the vendor that is with you the longest day of your wedding (typically), sometimes coordinator type things fall onto my shoulders. I am also helpful by nature and it goes against everything about me to stand aside and not do something when it would only take me a few moments to help and make the day that much smoother for you. I’ve done hair, I’ve fixed a million veils, I’ve pinned many flowers on tuxes, I’ve put together bouquets, I’ve lit candles at a reception and I’ve bustled many a gown! I do NOT mind whatsoever helping out with these sorts of items, however having a coordinator there to help with these as well as a multitude of other things is priceless! Even if you’ve got the planning down pat, I still highly recommend hiring a DOC (Day of Coordinator) to help make the things the day of go smoothly.
Beyond the professional aspect of things, I can speak from experience! While not one to air my dirty laundry, I will fully admit that I was married before when I was younger. Heck, you Google sleuths probably already found it out! Anyways, I planned that wedding entirely myself and had no one but me the day of the wedding to solve the millions of issues that came up. From the priest loosing all the notes he’d taken about our ceremony leaving us to recreate everything minutes before the rehearsal, to a minor fire during the ceremony on my fingers (nail polish and unity candles = bad) to a hurricane moving through where our cruise was supposed to leave the next day – I had all kinds of problems! Had I of had a Wedding Planner/DOC I would have not been worried about any of this much (well save for my finger going up in flames). Instead I didn’t so I spent much of the evening on the phone with our travel agent and cruise line, running around trying to find everything I had already put together for the ceremony that the priest LOST and so forth.
The second wedding was SO MUCH BETTER! I hired a coordinator and she was wonderful – Nannette of The Proper Setting in North Carolina was amazing. Not only did she help me pick out a reception location when my original choice fell through nearly last minute, but she was the front man the day of the wedding and took care of literally EVERYTHING for me. I had the best wedding day ever – I would relive every minute if I could. However, it wasn’t without faults, trust me! My hairstylist got sick the day of and we had to get a replacement. The caterer dropped and broke a slew of rented dishes and glasses during the toast. My flower girl darn near brought down the arch on the beach during the ceremony. There are more trust me – but I never stressed once – actually laughed about it because I knew that Nannette would take care of it and it wasn’t going to be a worry for me or something else I had to deal with.
So this all leads to me telling you that my biggest tip is to find and hire a Wedding Planner/DOC!!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Local Wedding Planners
Here’s a few planners that are local that I either know and can vouch for or have worked with!
Heidzillas
Kirkbrides
The Savvy Bride
Always Eventful
Married: Averel + Jeffrey 05.09.09
Posted on May 13, 2009
For my first wedding of the season, I got to be a part of Averel and Jeffrey’s amazing wedding in North Canton, Ohio. The day started out perfect, however there was that pesky High Wind Warning that put a bit of a new spin on our plans for outdoor pictures!!! Luckily though, the rain held off for most of the day after a few spurts in the morning and the winds were the only worry! The reception at Shady Hollow Country Club was nothing short of fantastic and boy, these guests could DANCE! Most of the dancing was ballroom dancing and my Dancing With the Stars lovin’ self was in awe of all the talent!
Thanks to you both for allowing me to take part in your day!
Vendors:
Second Shooter: John from Red Moments in Green, OH.
Salon: The Hair Shoppe and Spa in North Canton, OH
Ceremony: St. Paul’s Church in North Canton, OH
Florist: Seifert’s Flower Mill in North Canton, OH
Limo: Thomas Limousine in Akron, OH
Reception + Catering: Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon, OH
Cake: Liddy’s in New Philadelphia, OH
DJ: Steve with Russell Sound Lab in North Canton, OH
One of the bridesmaids explaining to another what the bride’s hair looks like.
This may be one of my favorite shots of the day, I love the daylight reflecting in Averel’s eye.
A gorgeous bubble exit from the church!
The bride wanted some pics downtown before heading to the country club and really wanted some shots of the bridal party walking together, however we didn’t realize how hard the bride’s dress would be to walk in!!
You can’t walk on a golf course in heels so Jeffrey picked Averel up and carried her to the green!
Maid of Honor toast.
Intimate Weddings
Posted on May 11, 2009
Me and my Hubby are featured on today’s Intimate Wedding’s blog!