Posts Tagged ‘raleigh wedding news’
Wedding Trend Report: Photo Booths
It is undeniable that today’s wedding is shaped by the ever-evolving world of technology. One of the coolest and still relatively new trends that modern technology has brought us is the use of photo booths at weddings, which has taken off in the past few years. They are all the rage, and you have most likely experienced one at a wedding. But, you probably don’t realize how much the field has changed just recently, and how many new features are available with photo booth rental.
We spoke to Neal Zipser, who launched ShutterBooth’s Triangle/ Central/ Eastern NC division in 2008, about the future of photo booths in weddings.
“We brainstormed, we researched, we identified gaps in services and, of course, we spoke to brides,” Neal says, “We decided that being a trend setter is better than being a trend follower.” Neal told us about a few ways ShutterBooth has predicted the needs of brides and incorporated technology to do stay fresh.
ShutterBooth identified a gap in spontaneous video, as well as personalized footage of guests other than the wedding party. They added ShutterVideo (still behind the curtain of the booth), where guests have the option to leave a taped message to the newlyweds.
Then, they looked at the affordability issue. Neal says, “While I believe a ShutterBooth is a ‘must have,’ the reality is that it typically is something that brides want badly but sometimes can’t afford.” So, they created the revolutionary ShutterRegistry, which allows brides to register for a ShutterBooth, so their guests help pay for the service.
In our TMZ/celebrity world, they also found a desire for a “red carpet” experience. So, ShutterBooth now offers the option of the booth without the curtain, so that spontaneous photos can be taken against branded backdrops. The creative possibilities here are endless.
And finally, while a photo booth provides instant gratification with on-the-spot photos, guests still want the availability to access their photos online as soon as possible. With the new Shutter and Share, guests sign up on a laptop at the wedding to have an email notification sent to them when the photos go live.
There is no question that the photo booth experience is one that guests are sure to enjoy and make a wedding event memorable. The photo strips are a wonderful keepsake for the guests and newlyweds alike. And now there are extra user-friendly options from organized help to acquire the booth in the first place, to fun new features and options once you book it. I’m sure the world of photo booths will only continue to grow to fit brides’ needs, and we will be sure to report it!
Photos Above Left to Right- Dara Blakely Photography; Luster Studios
ISS Experience NC Recap
ISS is an event industry resource, including a magazine, mentoring programs, and the “Experience” seminars that travel the nation. The event is framed to inspire, educate and connect wedding business professionals. The event kicked off with a cocktail party in which The Cotton Room was decorated beautifully by a team of Triangle wedding vendors, led by Erin McLean Events. Throughout the event, attendees were fed delicious food by Triangle Catering. Other local sponsors & contributors included The English Garden, Heart Stone Films, MakeUpForYourDay, Joe Bunn DJ, Tesh Parekh Live Painting, Ice Occassions, Vesic Photography, The Green Kangaroo, CE Rental, and Party N’ Post.
The nontraditional seminar consisted of presentations and live interviews/group discussions with prominent national event professionals, including ISS Founder Stacie Francombe, Design Superstar Preston Bailey, Weddings Unveiled Editor Brooke Thomas, and Celebrity Cake Designer Jay Qualls.
Although we at SB&G focus on the local event business, we follow national trends so that we can share them with our family of vendors and brides. This was a unique look into the mind’s of some of the national wedding business’ forefront movers and shakers.
One thing that stood out was something that Preston Bailey said on his success, “I surround myself with people who teach me things, and who inspire me.”
This is a fabulous way both to live life and approach your career. At SB&G, we live by that principle; we are very lucky to work with such amazing event professionals, and are always continuing to be amazed and inspired by our fabulous group of wedding associates!
SB&G Launches Summer/Fall Cover and Shares the cover couple’s story!
This cover couple is Jill and Dave Padilla, who were married in Raleigh last fall. The moment was captured by Stacy Borelli of Swank Photo Studio as the newlyweds rode from their wedding ceremony to their reception at Solas on the back of Jill’s father’s 1964 cadillac.
Jill is seen in the cover image wearing a stunning bridal gown from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique with a gorgeous bouquet by Fresh Affairs. Her hair was done by Bella Trio and her jewelry is from Bel Canto Designs. Dave wears a tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear.
To read more about Jill and Dave’s Real Raleigh wedding, and see a full slideshow of images, click here!
Congrats to Stacy of Swank Photo Studio for being the 2012 Summer/Fall cover photographer!
Fearrington House ranks #1 US Luxury Hotel for Weddings
Fearrington is one of Southern Bride & Groom’s favorite venues and we could not be happier for them! Check out a recent Fearrington wedding that we featured on our website, the wedding of Jennie & Karl, with beautiful photos by Dara Blakeley Photography (as is the photo below).
SB&G’s April Honeymoon Winners
We selected two winning couples this week and are giving out two seaside getaways.
Danielle and Jerry won a 3-night stay to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a castle-like historic resort off the coast of Georgia. Danielle and Jerry are getting married next April at the Grand Marquise Ballroom.
Amy and Mike won a 2-night trip to Sands Resort North Myrtle Beach. This couple will be wed in Durham at the King’s Daughters Inn.
Raleigh Wedding Show: Southern Bridal Show & Expo
The Southern Bridal Show & Expo is Sunday, April 22 from 11:00am-4:00pm at the Jim Graham Building of the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
This bridal show is an annual event which showcases over 150 Triangle wedding experts who will inspire you. Enjoy hourly wedding fashion previews from the latest trends in bridal and formalwear. Meet and connect with talented Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill wedding venues, caterers, bakeries, photographers, wedding planners, and more!
Southern Bride & Groom will be there handing out our current magazine and offering a special vacation prize giveaway, so be sure to stop by our booth!
SB&G Photo Shoot Contest for Triangle NC Couples
We are looking for a loving LOCAL couple who is engaged or recently-married. We want to hear your story- how you met, fell in love, and got engaged! We also want to see your on camera chemistry since you’ll be SB&G models for the day!
To be considered for this photo shoot, submit your story via the “FEATURE MY WEDDING” tab at the BOTTOM of the REAL WEDDINGS Page. When submitting, make sure to check “Yes” to the box that asks if you’d like to be considered for the Photo Shoot Contest (one of the last questions). Then, email a few wedding or engagement photos of you and your boo to info@southernbrideandgroom.com.
Photo below from last year’s couples’ shoot, by Neil Boyd Photography.
SB&G and Tre Bella on NBC-17′s My Carolina Today
We did a special shoot at Tre Bella Bridal in Durham this week, with Sharon Delaney, and showed a couple of the trendiest bridal gowns of the 2012 season.
Sharon and SB&G have something in common – we are both a part of Tre Bella’s fashion event, Altar Ego, which will take place at the Washington Duke Inn on Saturday, March 31. This will be a full evening of entertainment – with food, drinks, live music, inspirational table displays, and best of all, a fashion show! This will include bridal, bridesmaid and menswear attire, as well as local designers and boutique clothing. It will be an evening to remember. Get your tickets HERE!
Solas Raleigh Event Showcase
SB&G will be there, and giving away a special prize! RSVP to events@solasraleigh.com ASAP!
SB&G Discusses its 25 Years on UNC-TV
A big thanks to UNC-TV for hosting us!