Red Pattern

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Picture (Or Video) Is Worth A Thousand Words

After choosing our venue, the next big decisions that we nailed down were our photographer and videographer. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I wanted to have both of these things professionally done. I know that looking back at pictures and having videos to watch in the years after our wedding is going to be so important, so I want to make sure they're done right!

First up, our photographer, the lovely Miss Megan Fortner. I am so excited to have this girl taking beautiful pictures of our wedding day. I actually knew Megan from school, but only recently did I discover how talented she is with her camera. I love that she will have a young and fresh outlook and ideas for our big day and we had the best time doing our engagement shoot with her - can't wait to share that with you guys soon! 
Image via Megan Fortner Photography
Image via Megan Fortner Photgraphy
Image via Megan Fortner Photography

Next, comes the super talented Vanessa McKellar. I'm not the first bee to hire Vanessa - you might remember seeing the wedding videos she did for Mrs. Snapdragon and Mrs. Frozen Yogurt a while back.  I discovered Vanessa’s blog during my freshman year of college (stalking wedding sites when I should’ve been studying) and literally fell in love with her work. I knew wedding videos were somewhat common, but I had never seen anything like what Vanessa did. The videos she films/edits/works her creative magic on are nothing short of amazing. Had I not discovered her work, I could see myself being unsure about wedding videography, but after I saw what she could do, I knew I wanted her to capture our day.

Vanessa was the first person I contacted (aside from friends and family, of course) after Mr. Coach proposed. I was so excited she had our date available and  I was able to send her the deposit and book her for the wedding. I haven’t been able to meet Vanessa in person yet, but I can already tell she is going to be an absolute joy to work with.  I think that genuinely caring to get to know people is part of what makes her work so special and unique to each person. She’s awesome – I can’t wait to see what she does with our special day. 


Just for fun, here's a beautiful piece of work by the talented Vanessa McKellar - it's one of my (many) favorites! 



Did you know 100% that you wanted professional photography and/or videography, or were you on the fence about either? 

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The Search for a Venue: The Winner!

Previously, I listed all of the venues we had visited and what I liked/loved about some, as well as the details I wasn’t so crazy about at others. Now, it’s time to talk a little more about the venue that we fell in love with, and are absolutely thrilled about - The Piazza in the Village!
Image via Tru Identity Photography
Image via Jennefer Wilson Photography
There are so, so many things I love about this venue. Most importantly, I love how much Mr. Coach likes the Piazza as well! After we had finished our appointment, and visited a few other locations, he would be the one to mention how it just didn’t compare to the presentation we’d been given (shout out to Lorna, who was awesome!!) and the whole atmosphere of the location. Of course, I was thinking the same thing, but something about hearing your fiancĂ© say it out loud just makes it even more true.
Image via Piazza in the Village
The entire venue is elegant & romantic, but doesn’t feel too formal. The chapel could easily be used just the way it is, without any extra decorations added, and it would be stunning. For the reception, we chose the smaller of their two ballrooms, the Village Ballroom, which I believe will be the perfect size and atmosphere for all of our family and friends. It (along with the chapel) has these beautiful chandeliers and the entire place was very carefully designed. Seriously, even the bathrooms were cute! The Piazza will be doing the catering, which I am very excited about. After our visit, I read a lot of reviews and I think we are going to be very happy with the food they prepare. 

The Village Ballroom / Image via Piazza in the Village
Tell me some of your favorite things about your wedding venue! Do you love that it can be used just the way it is, or are you looking forward to dressing up a "blank slate" of sorts?