Top 10 Wedding Vendors (According to a Wedding Planner)

Top 10 Vendor Rankings According to a Wedding Planner

Hilary Majercin

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It is impossible to think of a wedding day without key vendors but sometimes couples have to make cuts based on their budget.  When a planner helps a couple make these cuts they have to ensure they still get their dream day. Aside from a planner, venue, caterer and planner these are the suggested vendors needed for a wedding day.

1. Photographer. All couples want their day to be remembered.  Whether you plan on sharing your photos to social media or getting prints it is important to have all the things documented on your day of. This person (or team of people) are with you from hair and makeup through your grand exit and it is important to have someone you enjoy being around while they also capture your entire day. 

2. Videographer.  A lot of couples think you don't need a videographer if you have a good enough photographer.  I am here to tell you that is not true.  Yes, photos capture a lot, but they do not capture all the moments with exact detail.  A lot of people also think videography is the equivalent to a family friend using their iPhone to record some stuff but it is so beyond that.  With a videographer you get a movie quality film that captures all the small moments you may have otherwise forgotten about. 

3. Officiant. Well this one is obvious - you need an officiant to get married! If you are going to a church you may have a long relationship with your officiant.  But if you are starting from scratch it is important to pick someone who is properly certified to marry you in your state and someone who will work with you to make your ceremony totally custom to you. You don't want them to ramble on about things that you don't want included in the ceremony or go off script. 

4. Hair + Makeup.  If you are going to spend money on professional hair and makeup then you better be sure you will look FLAWLESS.  With all the photos and videos being taken you do not want to look back and think you didn't love the way you looked.  It is so important to find an artist who understands what you want to look like and who creates that look for you. 

5. Florist.  There are so many DIY opportunities for weddings but a lot of those end up becoming stressful on couples once the wedding rolls around.  To keep your sanity hire a florist who can at least provide your personals day of (bouquets, boutineers, and flowers for parents).  

6. DJ/Band. It is so important to find a band or DJ that knows how to keep the party going.  You won't want an empty dance floor or bad emcee.  Find a company that really matches your wedding vibe and dance the night away

7. Transportation.  Transportation between your wedding day events is SO important and is what is most often the cause for late ceremony start times.  Go with a reputable company that you and your planner trust to ensure your and your guests experience is perfect. 

8. Bakery. Because who doesn't want some delicious dessert before a night of partying? If there is one big complaint most wedding guests have is that the cake was too dry.  Pick a bakery that totally nails design but also flavor.  

9. Paper products. You would be surprised how many things a couple needs to get printed on a wedding day.  From invitations to bar signs to escort cards and beyond there is a lot to get done. Thankfully there are tons of online platforms to create these with ease now! However, you could never replace a personal designer.

10. A good rental company.  No venue will be completely custom to you as a couple but we sure can make it seem that way! By adding a few rentals like some speciality linens or glassware you can have a wedding design that is simply you. 

Provided by Hilary Majercin, Wedding Planner

How to prepare for an Engagement Video

Engagement sessions for video are just like for photography, right…? NOPE!

With video, we get to share your story, your audio, your mannerisms, motion, and record it permanently. Your kids will love it!

The best time to shoot these are definitely before your wedding. I’ve had some want to push it after the wedding, but I don’t recommend it. It’s just different after you’re officially married.

ENGAGEMENT TIMELINE
- 90 minute or so total session
- 20-25 minutes of on-camera with each
- 1 or 2 Outfits
- Remaining time is footage of the couple being themselves. That’s it!

ON-CAMERA INTERVIEW
Interviewing anybody is my favorite part of video production. It’s the moment I get to learn about whoever is in front of the camera. During this time in the hot seat, we get learn all about you.

I’ve had many people tell me:
“you made it so easy“
“I was so nervous and you made me feel so comfortable“
“That felt like therapy.“

These moments can certainly be therapeutic for some, nerve racking for others, and something most have never experienced.

Being nervous is okay…it’s normal. I don’t even like being in front of the camera haha. It’s worth it though. All of these videos below were couples that were nervous or didn’t want to be interviewed, but they all did great! Take a look!

CONNECTIONS
Some amazing locations can be discovered by using your personal connections.
Do you know someone who owns an amazing piece of property on the water?
Do have you have a friend who can get you into a stadium or exclusive resort?
Think outside the box and use your resources to make your engagement session unique! :) 

B-ROLL
What the heck is B-Roll? Wikipedia says this, “In film and television production, B-roll, B roll, B-reel or B reel is supplemental or alternative footage intercut with the main shot. The term A-roll referring to the main footage has fallen out of usage.“ A-Roll is the interview portion and the additional footage we’ll shoot is the B-Roll.

OUTFITS
Dress to impress for video and prepare to move. One or two outfits is perfect for some options. One of my favorites shots is with the couple walking towards the camera being themselves. Just make sure you’re comfortable.

OUTFIT EXAMPLE: Not required, but recommended
- Dressier Outfit
- More relaxed and Casual
- See examples in the videos below

PROPS
Bring pets, jet ski’s, bikes or anything that represents you two as a couple.

COST
$500 for Engagement shoots, but it’s also included in some packages.

LOCATION & PERMITS
Any where in the Virginia Beach area, unless you want be adventurous with some travel. I did a 6 Day engagement shoot in Iceland. :) (See the video below)

Think of locations that reflect you as a couple. In the country, beach life, city life, urban, indoors, outdoors, etc. I’m not picky on the location, but I will share some ideas. Keep in mind, some locations require paid permits.

SEASONAL LOOKS
Keep in mind the seasons for the look and feel you’re wanting. If you want green leaves and green grass then Spring or Summer is perfect. Beach doesn’t really have a season, but it’ll usually be cold our crowded.

CONCLUSION
Every couple should do one, but it’s up to you. Sometimes timing just doesn’t work out before a wedding. To many prep items before the wedding, work, etc can get in the way and keep couples busy.

If time allows, it’s a wonderful way to get use to a video camera and experience working together.

Get some popcorn!

Icelandic Wedding in Virginia Beach // Jordan and Stefan

Aerial Photo in Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland (Westman Islands)

ENGAGEMENT VIDEO FROM ICELAND

6 Days of adventure in Iceland with these two! Wow! Jordan is from America and Stefan was born and raised in Iceland. They met in North Carolina while he was playing College Soccer. 

During this adventure, they showed my wife and I all the touristy spots and a ton of local spots. The hidden gems! We saw so much in a short time and were doing something every minute. These interviews finished at 1:45am one night and it was still light outside! 

Thanks for enjoying our adventure!

GEAR:
GH5 & GH5S 
Phantom 4 Pro+ w Filters
GoPro 3+ Black 
iPhone 8+ 
Rode Link

WOW! These two, Jordan and Stefån are so fun to be around. It could be because we spent a week with them in Iceland before this wedding, but I don't think so. They both just have the type of personalities of people you want to be around. I know it comes from great parents and how they were raised. 

Please enjoy this video for years to come and we can't wait to see the babies. Probably not as much as your parents wanting to see their grandkids. :) 

VENDOR FRIENDS:

Venue: Lesner Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia
DJ: DJ Rodney Charles of Astro Entertainment Inc.
Photographer: Dustin Lewis Images
Lighting: Stage Right Lighting
Officiant: Tony Hash (Studio I Do)
Videography: Gibby Visuals (Brandon + Kersey)

Reynisfjara is a world famous black sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. This is also the most dangerous beach in Iceland.

Oyster Farm Wedding in Charles City, Virginia // Jaime + Bobby

Jaime + Bobby

Feature Film Video from the day!

This was a fun wedding!!! Just wait until the dancing part! VENUE: Oyster Farms in Charles City, Virginia PLANNER: Blair Daniels PHOTO: Elizabeth Friske Photography DJ: Astro (Roger) FLORAL: Lindsay Gwin Floral VIDEO: Justin and Emily

Interested in seeing the photos too? Check out Elizabeth’s blog post and photos from the day. Such an amazing day!

Military Aviation Museum Wedding // Ciara + Alex

FEATURE FILM

Gaie Lea Wedding in Staunton

FEATURE FILM

Vendors:  
Venue: Gaie Lea in Staunton, VA
Bridal Gown: Celebration Bridal in Lynchburg, VA
Bridesmaids: Azazie
Floral Design: Sweet Pea Floral Designs
Hair and Makeup: Creative Images Hair and Makeup
Groom/Groomsmen: Men's Warehouse
Videography: Gibby Visuals
Photography: elovephotos
Band: The Dundies
Cake and Desserts: Sweet Treats Bakery
Invitations: Wilson's Graphics
Wedding Coordinator: Elizabeth Shinaberry