Hillendahl Photography's Blog (31)

Basic Wedding Day Timeline

Getting Ready – Typically can take a bride 1-2 hours. The last 30 minutes to an hour is typically what a photographer

will cover.  This allows you time to begin the process of getting ready, often leaving you feeling more comfortable and the pictures more flattering.

Ceremony…

Why do photographers charge so much?

A question asked often, yet still so many people are still unaware of the answer. People often pay for an hour photo shoot and then wonder why it costs so much for that single hour. Wonder no more; know whatever amount of time you think you are paying for, in reality, can usually be multiplied by a minimum of 3.…

Vow renewals are a great way to get closer to your spouse by reiterating that the love you proclaimed before is still true. It has many similarities to a wedding. Similar to a wedding, you exchange vows (the same or new ones from your original ceremony) and have the option of exchanging rings. In addition, it takes a lot of planning for things such as: the guest list, flowers,…

There is hardly any lifestyle I can think of that is more difficult and rewarding than the life of a military wife- especially when you’re married to an active duty soldier. So many people tell me that they don’t know how I do it, that they could never do it, or that they would never let their husband do it. While the intention behind these statements is good, I find that if…

Take advantage of these great discounted prices! Sales like this don't happen everyday!

I recently read an article online that was discussing different ways that sexual intercourse benefits relationships. One thing I found particularly interesting was when the focus was turned to a decreased libido, something so many couples (both married and not) face. It stated the following:

“When couples aren’t intimate, over time, both partners actually experience a decreased interest in doing the horizontal hustle. Not having sex can cause irritability, lower self-confidence and a…

Succumb by the desire to obtain “cute” shoes many people disregard the importance of comfort.  The craving for fancy shoes is understandable, but certain considerations should be made before you settle on the most glamorous pair of shoes.

• How long will you be stuck in your shoes? This should include time getting ready, possibly helping set up and clean up for the…

The guestbook is something that people have come to expect at a wedding.  Today a guestbook serves simply as a nice reminder of who attended the wedding. However, it didn’t begin that way. The guestbook was originally designed to keep record of all the witnesses to the union. It was something was mandatory that tradition has adopted and changed over time. In addition to no longer being regulated to keep record of witnesses, it also no longer has to be an actual book. There are many…

Buying your wedding dress can be very stressful. This seems especially true for brides trying to work on a smaller budget. However, if you are trying not to murder the wallet there are still options. Don’t fret you can get a beautiful dress on most any budget!

A few things you will want to consider before even beginning your search are:

• What is your budget?
• How long do you have?

Figuring out your budget is mandatory.…

Typically the parents of the groom are the least involved people in the wedding party. However, that doesn't mean they don’t have responsibilities. Below there are a few duties they are typically in charge of.

Groom’s Mother

• Try to coordinate your outfit with the bride’s color scheme. Traditionally the mother of the bride should contact you to let you know about the wedding scheme.
• Typically most of the planning is handled by the bride and her family.…

Do you know what your parents are supposed to help you with at your wedding? Do they know? Parents of the Bride do have responsibilities. Often times, however, the parents themselves aren’t sure exactly what to do or what is expected of them. Make sure to take the time to sit down with them and discuss these things with them. Some things you may not want them to be involved it, whereas there also may be things not listed you are hoping for their assistance with. It is all about…

Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor have the same responsibilities. Why do they have different titles for the same thing? Traditionally a Maid of Honor is not married, where a Matron of Honor typically is married. They are both chosen the same; both are usually a best friend or close relative (i.e. sister). If you are asked to be one, you should feel privileged. Take it seriously and show that you deserve the title.

Before The Wedding

• Host a bridal shower…

If you have been chosen as the best man then you must hold a special place in the groom’s heart. Keep that in mind and take your responsibilities seriously. You can help ensure the wedding goes smoother. Below is a list of things commonly and traditionally carried out by the best man.

Before The Ceremony

• Plan and execute a bachelor party. Share the cost with the groomsmen.
• Assists in getting other groomsmen and ushers in tux fitting
• Get…

When groomsmen first began, they began as a means of protection for the groom. They were the “bodyguards” ensuring that the groom was able to take his place beside his bride. Times have changed since this custom first originated however.  It originally took place when things such as kingdoms were uniting through a wedding, or a single union of two high standing people, could substantially change a situation (or entire countries for that matter). As times changed so did many pieces of the…

Weddings rarely (if ever) go exactly as planned no matter how extensive the planning may have been. You will put your stress into super drive trying to calculate all the possible incidents that could arise on your special day. Instead, merely make sure to plan adequately and be prepared for small things to not go as planned. At the end of your wedding day the most important part is that you are married to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

The World English…

Interested in learning how to make a romantic looking cake yourself? How about a cake with a top entirely covered with icing roses? Read on to learn how to make the cake pictured. I have included tips for a richer more moist cake, as well as tips to avoid a problem or two that arose for me when tackling this DIY project. I hope you enjoy making (and eating it) as much…

How to Set Up an Icing/Piping Bag for Cake Decorating (for large tips)

Step 1: Gather Supplies

• Icing Bag
• Tip(s) you will need
• Scissors

Step 2: Cut the tip of the bag, so that when you drop the tip inside the bag a small portion of it protrudes through the opening. No more than half of the tip should be coming…

Succumb by the desire to obtain “cute” shoes many people disregard the importance of comfort.  The craving for fancy shoes is understandable, but certain considerations should be made before you settle on the most glamorous pair of shoes. 

• How long will you be stuck in your shoes? This should include time getting ready, possibly helping set up and clean up for the wedding, and not just the allotted time for the ceremony and reception.
• Do you have time to break the shoes…

Are you considering having fish instead of traditional flowers as your wedding centerpiece?

Personally, I love the idea. However, having fish as a centerpiece is very contraversial among many people, because more often then not they are not responsibly taken care after the event. If you are in deed interested, please…