When talking about wedding attire, most people immediately think of gorgeous white wedding dresses. But weddings are about the bride and the groom. Let’s give those grooms some love and check out the latest groom’s wear trends to keep them looking sharp. We’ll have you both dressed to the nines for your big day. Power couple, here you come! Groom’s Wear Trends for 2018-2019Two-Toned Tuxedo JacketsYour mind may automatically go to white jackets with black lapels (which also looks great), but if that’s not really your style, try a different color such as grey, deep green, or burgundy with black lapels for an extra sharp, formal look Blush TonesIf the bride wants to incorporate blush shades into the wedding theme, why not start with the groom’s suit?! If you aren’t ready to dive into pastel pink, try a subtle blush tone or go with a darker version to keep it more masculine. This color is more versatile than you might think and can be used in any season—it’s great alternative to white for a fall or winter wedding. Earth-Tones SuitsThink olive, rust, light sand, rich brown. You can go lighter for the warm months and darker for the cooler ones. These hues are trendy and add some color but still have a classic feel for grooms who only want to take a step or two out of the box. These shades look so handsome and flattering Brighter Shades of BlueNavy is a classic and still very much in style, but for something more vibrant and eye-catching, take it up a notch with cobalt or royal blue. These shades, although a little brighter than what we’re used to, complement just about any color scheme. They look great with greenery and any floral shade. These bright blues create striking portraits by making both the bride and groom stand out against the background. It also pairs very well with wedding-white or ivory—all eyes will be on the two of you! ChecksWe’ve been loving the checkered look that grooms are rocking lately. This look is great because you can decide how you want to pull it off—it’s not an all or nothing style. For a subtle pattern, stick with just a checked waistcoat/vest (both small and large checks look good on a vest). If you’re loving the look, try a checkered jacket. And if you want to own the look, try a whole suit! The grey suit with subtle checked pattern is our favorite, but we’ve also seen plenty of bolder versions, too. If you’ve checked out this list and decided none of these styles are you, you can always go 007 with a tuxedo and black bowtie! That sexy look is always in.
Grooms deserve some love too! Read on to check out the latest groom’s trends from one of the Best Wedding Photographers DC! The post Best Wedding Photographers DC | Groom’s Wear appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/best-wedding-photographers-dc/
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Congratulations! You’re just a few weeks away from saying “I do.” As the final few weeks before the wedding day starts drawing near, take a few deep breaths and start writing down the last minute tasks you need to complete. Follow these tips to sail through the final weeks of wedding preparations. Put the Complete Ensemble OnIt’s important to make sure that everything fits perfectly and no last-minute adjustments are needed. Put the complete wedding day ensemble on at least a week or two ahead of time, even after the alterations have been completed. Start by doing a few laps each day around your house in the shoes you will be wearing so they will be broken in. It may not be a bad idea to add in gel inserts for added comfort throughout the day. Practice your first dance with your fiancé in them as well. Having your dancing shoes ready is important. The groom will want to make sure that the tux fits him properly and that any additional items such as new cufflinks, ties or bowties match well. Steam the tux free of wrinkles and properly hang it up to keep it neat. If you need to get a haircut or close shave, do say more than 24-hours ahead in case the new cut is not up to your standard. For the bride, the dress should be tried on with all jewelry and proper undergarments. Many seamstresses suggest wearing a comfortable and versatile strapless bra to help correct any last minute fit issues. Also, try on your jewelry and the lipstick color you will be wearing that day so you can visualize the way everything will go together. Finalize Vendor NeedsYour vendors are arguably the most important guests at your wedding as they are the reason it will all be coming together. No need to stress, for you can place your trust in them. They are trained professionals in all things wedding and last-minute stress. Review and confirm each of your vendor contracts. Check that the date, location and times, as well as set-up and take-down, still work for each of them. Also, prepare envelopes with tips for each vendor ahead of time. This is an easy way to make sure that you won’t forget, and you can hand them off to someone else to pass out on your behalf.
Square Things Away at HomeIf you have any pets, ensure you have someone for them to stay with or a boarder the can go to for a puppy vacay. Speaking of vacations, if you will be leaving directly from your reception for your honeymoon have your bags packed well in advance. Prepare a packing checklist so you can check items off as you pack them. Try to see if you can bring them to the hotel ahead of the day of the wedding. Gather up your passports and travel items in a place where they can’t be forgotten. Confirm with work that all big projects and deadlines are finished before heading out on your paid time off for the wedding/honeymoon to avoid work stress. Clean your house and make the bed. It’s a great feeling to come home from vacation to a house in order. Give your Team TasksRemember that you’re only two people. It’s hard to do it all by yourself. If you feel like you still have a lot to do in the last few weeks before the big day, ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen for help. Divide up items between them that they can bring to the reception area for you. Give them a shopping list and money for any last-minute items. Have your best man take your rings to get cleaned. Invite the girls over for a relaxing night of wine and movies to calm your nerves. Whatever tasks you have left to do are sure to get done as long as you ask for help.
We hope our DC Wedding Photographer Tips will help you plan for the most amazing day with a focus of having the time of your life! The post DC Wedding Photographer Tips | What to do the Weeks Before You Say “I Do” appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/what-to-do-weeks-before-i-do/ Several years ago, long before I was one of the top professional photographers in Northern VA if someone mentioned that a couple eloped it usually meant that a bundle of joy would be coming soon or signified an act of defiance by young couples whose parents had not blessed the marriage. But now, elopements are on the rise and for good reason! An elopement could mean that the couple just wants to focus on their love and not get lost in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning or that they want to have a destination wedding without making guests feel obligated to attend So often, we see couples get lost in the details and forget what truly brought them together in the first place. I’ve even watched couples call off weddings in the middle of planning because of the stress and pressure. There is a time and place for big, ornate weddings—the excitement of planning brings some couples together even more—but it isn’t for everyone. Choosing to have a small, intimate wedding or elopement by no means makes it less significant. Take a peek at these five reasons to consider if an elopement is right for you:Repurpose your money.Maybe after talking to your partner you realize that having a big wedding was never a dream for either of you…but traveling is. Instead of having a large wedding and skimping on the honeymoon, say your vows and then go big on a once-in-a-lifetime trip! The memories are there for the making! Time is of the essence.I’m not necessarily talking about a shotgun wedding to beat the due date. There are plenty of reasons couples face a time crunch: military deployment, job transitions, and travel situations are just a few situations that make elopement more practical or necessary. Relieve stress.Even with all of her magical wedding planning tricks, a wedding planner can’t eliminate nosy and opinionated people. If large crowds, argumentative family members, or awkward small talk make you cringe, doing a more intimate wedding may be your saving grace. You can focus on tying the knot and sharing your love without any distractions. See the world!Do you and your partner dream of saying your vows on a remote island surrounded by the ocean blue? Inviting 400 guests just isn’t practical, but remember that just because you elope doesn’t mean you can’t have guests, cake and flowers. Many destination venues have beautiful wedding packages that you select from the comfort of your sofa, and it’s all ready when you arrive! Just invite your closet friends and family who will probably love the opportunity to travel to a beautiful location and celebrate with you! Seize the moment!You met your soulmate, so why wait?! If you both of you want to skip the line and get on to your next adventure, waltz over to the courthouse or hop on a plane to Vegas. After you tie the knot, you’ll be ready to take on the world hand-in-hand!
Being one of the premiere Professional Photographers in Northern VA, I’ve seen every type of wedding, from huge to small. Each love story is beautiful! The post Professional Photographers in Northern VA | Breaking the Norm | Elopements appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/professional-photographers-in-northern-va/ I was reviewing examples of wedding planning timelines the other day when I came across a checklist that was three pages long! As soon as I looked at it, I felt my eyes glaze over. As one of the premiere Wedding Photographers in Washington DC and business owner, I love a good checklist, but going overboard defeats the purpose and creates more stress. If you recently became engaged and feel a little overwhelmed about the next step, we encourage you to enlist help! Photographers, wedding planners, friends, and family are all great resources to help you set off confidently in the right direction. We want your wedding planning process to go as smoothly as possible and have a ton of fun doing it. Instead of bombarding you with the world’s largest list, we’re providing just the first few steps to get you started! Enjoy your engagement party!Before you hit the ground running, take some time to share and celebrate your exciting news with friends and family! Plus, you can probably get some good ideas and advice from guests who have already planned weddings! Set the budget.Not the most fun part of planning but probably the most important. Get with your partner and decide what you’re both willing to spend. If family members are contributing, discuss their part as well. Once you decide on a ballpark number, prioritize. Have each person make a list of what is most important down to least important (DJ, cake, photography, venue, food/drink, wardrobe, etc.). Take the top 3 from both of your lists and plan on allotting extra for those things while cutting back on the less important items on your lists. Organize the guest list.Before you begin looking at venues, it’s important to have a general idea of the size of your wedding. Most venues have a minimum and maximum capacity. You want to make sure you get your money’s worth if many guests can’t attend while allowing for wiggle room if all of them attend. You’ll need this number while booking other services such as catering, rentals, and cake as well. Select a wedding party.Knowing the size of your wedding party is helpful when selecting a venue, ordering flowers, and planning attire. It’s also important for the everyone in the party to know as early as possible so they can plan to attend pre-wedding events as well as set aside time to help out—you don’t want to be scrambling to find a maid of honor a month before your big day! Book a venue.Before booking, decide if you want to have your ceremony and reception at the same location, whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding, and how many people you need to accommodate. If you’re looking at outdoor venues, don’t forget to ask about weather accommodations such as heat lamps, fans, or an alternate location in case of rain. Set the date!This is pretty self-explanatory, but there’s one thing to consider: if you have fallen in love with a venue that’s booked or out of price range, see if they have availability or offer a lower rate during the offseason or for a non-Saturday wedding. Hire a photographer/videographer.Here’s where we come in! Finding your dream photographer is one of the most important steps in the planning process. I know we’re a little biased, but do you want the most important day of your life left in the hands of guests with iPhones? Find someone who you feel comfortable with and who understands your vision and shares your style. You will want these memories to last a lifetime!
As one of the premiere Wedding Photographers in Washington DC, we know the wedding planning process can be a stressful one! Let us help! The post Wedding Photographers in Washington DC | The First Steps in Your Wedding Planning Process appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/wedding-photographers-in-washington-dc-2/ Growing up, my wife had a friend who had been planning her wedding since she was twelve years old. She would cut out pictures of dresses, cakes, tuxedos, and bouquets from magazines and paste them into her wedding journal. She had everything set and knew exactly what she wanted. Years later when she found the man who would forever hold her heart, the wedding dress styles and the cake themes had all changed, but they still said their vows under an arch in the chapel that she had always dreamed of. But it’s not always that easy. You’re ready to say, “I do,” but now where to? As one of the premiere Wedding Photographers in Washington DC , I know finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important steps in the wedding planning process. Which means that it’s also probably the hardest step…unless you’re like my friend. So, some things to consider: Outdoor/IndoorFirst decide on whether you want to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception (or both—many people have one inside with the other outdoors). Do you want to go traditional with a church wedding, or are you looking for somewhere a little trendier? What speaks to your heart most? If you choose to have an outdoor wedding, ask the venue owners about weather accommodations (tents, heat lamps, fans, etc.) CapacityNext, get with your partner and come up with a guestlist. As you visit venues, ask about capacity requirements—most have a minimum and a maximum. Be sure to leave lots of wiggle room. Usually anywhere between half to two-thirds of the people you invite will attend, but I’ve also witnessed situations where nearly the entire list showed up! You want to have plenty of room for everyone to get their best dance moves on! BarIf you’re going to serve drinks/alcohol ask the venue about their policy and what kinds of bar amenities they can provide. AmenitiesSpeaking of amenities, ask for a full list of amenities and services they will provide and what you need to find on your own. A few include:
We hope that this list helps you get a get a good start on finding your fairytale venue. And remember, if you are feeling stressed out, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Rodney Bailey, we are not just photographers and wear many hats in our line of work. We have been in the wedding industry for years now, and with experience under our belt, we can confidently help you navigate the process. We know some of the best venues around that serve as the perfect backdrop for capturing your day of celebration and love! Best wishes!
As one of the premier Wedding Photographers in Washington DC, I know just how deeply the perfect venue can impact your big day! The post Wedding Photographers in Washington DC | Picking the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/wedding-photographers-washington-dc-picking-perfect-venue-wedding/ When I was younger, my mom loved getting our family together once a year to take family portraits. I can still remember her explaining to all of us that we all need to be matching, so pick out our nicest pairs of khaki pants—or in my case my only pair—and a blue shirt. They all ended up being slightly different hues. I still have fond memories of those days, and I wouldn’t dream of getting rid of those pictures, but I am definitely thankful that those overly-matching (or I guess mismatching in our case) days are over. Engagement Session Wardrobe
How do you know if you’ve honed your look? First, pick a style. Are you going for a classic look? Utilize the white dress shirt or cardigan, but dress it up a little with a chunky necklace or a coordinating sweater for him—i.e. don’t both wear a plain white button-down. For a trendy style, keep it simple, elegant, and uncluttered. If you like bold colors, choose complementing colors without clashing or overwhelming prints. Also make sure that your formality is consistent—he should not be in a suit if you are in jeans and a t-shirt. Basically, shoot for balancing, complimentary outfits that fit within the same style. Wardrobe determines the overall feel of the session, so keep that in mind. After you pick a style, make sure that it goes with whatever you plan to use the pictures for. For instance, if you are hanging them in frames, do the colors match your home décor? Are you planning on using them for Save the Dates? You could shoot for colors that tie into your wedding theme. Accessories Add Texture
And contrary to popular belief, accessories are not always out of the question for portraits. Since you will probably choose outfits without bold patterns, you can add some texture to the portraits with fun jewelry, ties, or scarves to tie the look together. I distinctly remember a bride-to-be bringing a sunhat to their outdoor engagement session, and it ended up being one of our favorite props for a few whimsical shots!
The post Virginia Engagement Photographer | How to Dress for Your Engagement Session appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/engagement-session-wardrobe-what-to-wear/ Well it’s finally happened. The questions been popped, your answers been given. Now the work begins!! For some of us, the idea of wedding planning is an absolute dream come true. Our Type A brains jump for joy at the thought of organized binders, planners and color coordinated sticky notes (music to my ears!!). For others however, this task will inevitably prove to be a daunting one. Regardless of your personality type, here are a few tips when first diving into the joy and job of planning your perfect day. The First Five Things To Do After they Pop the Question#1 – ENJOY yourself and treasure the moments. This is such an exciting time in our lives. Society has taught us to start stressing at the drop of a hat. You don’t have to become overwhelmed with wedding planning 5 minutes after they propose. Give yourself time to be excited and celebrate. Maybe even throw an engagement celebration before diving into the stresses of wedding planning. #2 – Decide on a budget and stick to it. Emphasis on stick to it. Regardless of who’s fronting the bill, the last thing you need on your wedding day is financial strain, worry and guilt. #3 – Prioritize your desires for your big day. As a Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC, I can wholeheartedly attest to the fact that photography lasts forever. As such, most commonly people spend the most there and place it high on their priority list. It’s not only fun to take pictures, its a timeless documentation of the most important (or one of) the most important days of your life! #4 – Create a vision board that you can share with your friends/family/photographer/wedding planner/other vendors. This way, everyone will be on the same page when it comes to your design vision.The last thing you need it your future mother in law purchasing a bright green chandelier for your romantic blush/champagne themed wedding (true story guys…) #5 – Involve your fiance. Remember, even though one person inevitably bears most of the load of the planning process, this is not just your day. It’s a celebration of the love and bond you both share. Make sure to combine elements of both your personalities
Are you overwhelmed and intimated at the thought of wedding planning? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Trust your Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC! The post Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC | The First Five Things To Do After they Pop the Question appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/professional-wedding-photographer-in-washington-dc/ Washington Engagement Photographer | Top 5 Locations for Engagement Photography in Washington DC8/10/2018 Over the years I have received a fair amount of Save the Date cards with couples posing stiffly while holding up signs announcing the date of their upcoming wedding. As cute as they are, most of those cards have gone forgotten. Washington, DC offers an abundance of amazing locations that will take your engagement photos to the next level, turning them into lifelong keepsakes as opposed to postcards that end up in recycling. Here are a few of our favorites! The Washington Monument – Most Notable Building in Washington, DCAre you and your soon-to-be spouse history buffs? Why not go to the heart of Washington, DC. for truly unforgettable engagement photos at the National Mall. As experienced DC photographers, we already know the prime locations for photos as well as any photography guidelines in the area. How many engagement photos have you seen with the regal Washington Monument standing tall in the background?! Plus, if we plan the session for the beginning of April, the cherry blossoms should be in full bloom throughout the city! The United States Capitol – An American LandmarkWant to go even bigger? We can travel up to Capitol Hill to the iconic Capitol Building for an epic engagement session. The grounds of the Capitol are surprisingly photography-friendly for non-commercial use. We have endless options. In the daytime, the building displays its brilliant and intricate architecture, filled with a multitude of windows, columns, and engravings. The white building is gorgeous against a blue sky. At night, the building is gloriously illuminated. Like the cherry blossoms, in the spring tulip beds fill the grounds with bright pops of color. CityCenterDC – A Vibrant EpicenterDo you love being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life? CityCenterDC provides a trendier modern environment for engagement sessions. The group of buildings have a sleek, more industrial look, and there is always something exciting going on. Paper balloons, beach balls, fall leaves, and snowflakes hang overhead between the buildings, changing with the seasons. Shops and eateries abound. Luscious green gardens sprout from the tops of each building. CityCenterDC offers a more energetic vibe for those looking for a little more diversity. The Blind Whino – For the Creative HeartsAre you looking for something more avant-garde? Check out the Blind Whino! This hidden artistic gem is a repurposed historic church. Built in 1886, the underlying architecture remains untouched, displaying an eclectic array of architectural styles. The building was recently repainted in bright shades of every color and contains a fabulous courtyard. The inside is filled with every form of art and exhibits a graffiti room, art gallery, and performance hall. It is truly a place you would have to see to believe. James Madison Memorial Building – Simple EleganceFinally, for the ones looking for an architectural beauty (or if you’re a book lover), the James Madison Memorial Building could not be any better. With larger-than-life columns, the Cascade of Books, and ornate James Madison statue, the building is the largest library in the world! You will have plenty of space and freedom to find just the right spot for a memorable photo that will long outlast the Save the Date announcements. At a glance it may seem like just another concrete building, but up close it is really a sight to behold. The post Washington Engagement Photographer | Top 5 Locations for Engagement Photography in Washington DC appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/washington-engagement-photographer/ Well it’s finally happened. The questions been popped, your answers been given. Now the work begins!! For some of us, the idea of wedding planning is an absolute dream come true. Our Type A brains jump for joy at the thought of organized binders, planners and color coordinated sticky notes (music to my ears!!). For others however, this task will inevitably prove to be a daunting one. Regardless of your personality type, here are a few tips when first diving into the joy and job of planning your perfect day. The First Five Things To Do After they Pop the Question#1 – ENJOY yourself and treasure the moments. This is such an exciting time in our lives. Society has taught us to start stressing at the drop of a hat. You don’t have to become overwhelmed with wedding planning 5 minutes after they propose. Give yourself time to be excited and celebrate. Maybe even throw an engagement celebration before diving into the stresses of wedding planning. #2 – Decide on a budget and stick to it. Emphasis on stick to it. Regardless of who’s fronting the bill, the last thing you need on your wedding day is financial strain, worry and guilt. #3 – Prioritize your desires for your big day. As a Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC, I can wholeheartedly attest to the fact that photography lasts forever. As such, most commonly people spend the most there and place it high on their priority list. It’s not only fun to take pictures, its a timeless documentation of the most important (or one of) the most important days of your life! #4 – Create a vision board that you can share with your friends/family/photographer/wedding planner/other vendors. This way, everyone will be on the same page when it comes to your design vision. The last thing you need it your future mother in law purchasing a bright green chandelier for your romantic blush/champagne themed wedding (true story guys…) #5 – Involve your fiance. Remember, even though one person inevitably bears most of the load of the planning process, this is not just your day. It’s a celebration of the love and bond you both share. Make sure to combine elements of both your personalities Are you overwhelmed and intimated at the thought of wedding planning? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Trust your Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC! The post Professional Wedding Photographer in Washington DC | The First Five Things To Do After they Pop the Question appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/professional-wedding-photographer-in-washington-dc/ With Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media outlets full of ideas and inspiration, wedding planning (or choosing) is harder than it used to be. An abundance of options for everything from dress style to floral arrangements can be more overwhelming than helpful. As your Washington DC Wedding Photographer, we want to help you enjoy the planning period and have confidence in what you decide to go with by offering posts on how to choose the options that best fit YOU and your other half. MetallicNeed a little shimmer and shine for your big day? With edible luster dust, you can design a luxurious golden cake, or you can add just a few subtle metallic highlights to a classic cake. Luster dust comes in just about any metallic color, including silver, bronze, and even trendy rose gold. This is a great option if you really want to showcase the cake. DripLooking for a cake dripping with sweetness? Decadent drip cakes are a tasty trend right now. You can dress up a cake by incorporating a few simple frosting drips over the side, or you can go all out with more complex and rich drips like chocolate ganache, caramel, or fruit flavors that tempt all who walk by. You can even choose colored drips that fit your wedding theme! NakedOr are you looking for elegant simplicity? Naked cakes are also commonly called “rustic, exposed, or half-dressed” cakes. This is a very versatile style. You can keep it lightly frosted with the cake subtly showing through, or it can be completely naked with frosting just on the top (or none at all). These cakes are nice because they can be decorated however you like—floral designs, fruit, cake toppers, etc. Dress it up or just let it be! WatercolorWant to embrace your inner artist? Watercolor cakes are also fairly versatile and fun, but still wedding-perfect. The watercolor look can be done with both buttercream and fondant, and you can use just about any color combination—pastel, bold, or ombré. The lightly-smudged frosting around the edge with blended colors looks like an artist carefully painted a watercolor piece around the sides of the cake.
One of my favorite parts of wedding photography as a Washington DC Wedding Photographer is capturing all of the yummy sweet treats!! The post Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Cake Trends of 2018 appeared first on Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey. Source: https://rodneybailey.com/washington-dc-wedding-photographer/ |
ABOUTHad some great experience deploying bassoons in Gainesville, FL. Prior to my current job I was managing country music in Pensacola, FL. Managed a small team lecturing about basketballs in Minneapolis, MN. Spent several months promoting the elderly in Orlando, FL. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |