Posts Tagged ‘triangle weddings’
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
Downtown Raleigh Wedding Venues
Weddings in the heart of the city are popular these days, and one good reason is that with the downtown revival, restorations and growth, everything is close by or within easy walking. Restaurants, parks, museums, churches and late night bars are plentiful for the weekend entertainment.
Tie the knot at All Saints Chapel before moving on to a fabulous downtown reception. This is a beautiful, nondenominational chapel for the modern bride who wants to walk down the aisle.
The venue choices range from grand hotels like the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, and the Marriott Raleigh City Center, that offer a choice of luxurious banquet spaces along with the convenience of room accommodations with special rates for all wedding guests. It’s so nice for both the host and the guests to have their “room away from home” central to the weekend events.
Unique event spaces have opened in downtown that appeal to the bride who is looking for lots of personal choices to display distinct style. Cobblestone Hall, stands out in historic Moore Square at City Market. The all-red brick building has 20-foot high ceilings and an Old World look. Another new favorite is The Stockroom, an urban venue with big city “loft” flair situated on the second floor at 230 Fayetteville Street.
Although the name implies the past, sophisticated or avant-garde might well describe the grand three-story lobby and curved staircase, soaring granite columns, cathedral ceiling and glass walled entrance of The North Carolina Museum of History. Views encompass the State Capitol and other downtown landmarks. The Museum of History should also go on your recommended lists of activities for guests no matter which downtown venue you choose.
Elegance abounds in downtown Raleigh with the distinguished sister clubs, Cardinal Club and Capital City Club, each designated as “downtown’s best views to say I do”. Our newest “old” club is the just opened Grand Ballroom on 16 Martin Street, a 1930’s historic men’s club newly refurbished and ready for wedding affairs on the penthouse floor.
Caffe Luna creates great Italian wedding menus and offers top-notch service in their three art-filled private event rooms as well as specializing in off-site catering.
These many beautiful event choices above, paired with the excitement of the downtown capital city gives any couple the chance to enjoy their own unique day.
Top photo by Neil Boyd Photography; Other two by Brian Mullins Photography
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!
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 Discusses its 25 Years on UNC-TV
A big thanks to UNC-TV for hosting us!
Cary Magazine’s Elegant Weddings Gala
This annual sophisticated bridal event will take place this Thursday, March 8, from 4:30-8:30PM at the Angus Barn Pavilion in Raleigh (Hwy 70).
The Weddings Gala offers brides the chance to meet several of the Triangle’s finest wedding professionals, while touring the beautiful Angus Barn, who is sponsoring the event. Bring your groom, mother, or another wedding helper along to enjoy displays, drinks and music.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To purchase your discounted tickets, click HERE.
Don’t forget to pick up your Southern Bride & Groom magazine at the event if you don’t have one already! Hope to see you there!
Follow SB&G for News on Triangle NC Bridal Shows & Wedding Events
Follow our Blog, Facebook and Twitter for a feed of what’s coming up where and when! Also check our website’s Wedding Shows page regularly for a quick snapshot of upcoming events you don’t want to miss! Finally, subscribe to our newsletter for monthly bridal news!
Below are a couple of photos of Publisher Donna and Art Director Patricia at Forever Bridal‘s January 2012 show. Thanks to Fresh Affairs for the stunning floral display, and Photography by Walters & Walters for the images.
SB&G Launches Sortable Venue Guide on Website
Always trying to improve our offerings for our brides, SB&G has just launched a digital version of this chart on our website, which is sortable by category. Even better, once you sort to your preferences (say: Durham area, over 200 seated, outside catering allowed, and has outdoor space), you can click directly on the websites of the venues that match your desires!
Brides will still be able to browse through all of the SB&G venues as well, but hopefully, this option will allow for even simpler and more effective planning!
Valentine’s Day Feature: Rose Hill Romance
Today we are happy to feature a beautiful love story and wedding that took place last year at one of the most romantic wedding venues in North Carolina – Rose Hill Plantation. Angie Wright of Chic Details planned this beautiful wedding to the tee, with a whole team of SB&G pros! Read the full story of Catie and Josh, and see fabulous detail photos HERE!
photo by nancy thomas photography