Rings, Rings, Rings

 In my career in photography, I’ve chosen not to focus on weddings as a business model.  I try to avoid being “traditional” in my approach to weddings, mixing traditional shots or types of shots with my own approach.

 One such shot is the ring shot. It is what’s known as a detail shot, and while this may not be the most important shot of the wedding, it is one of the shots that helps sets the tone of an album, and can allow for a lot of creativity if you have the time.  If the shot fails, it will definitely be noticed.

                                                     
 Ring shots are an important aspect of wedding photography. Besides the fact that clients pay a whole lot of cash for them, they’re important because of their significance as a symbol of their union. And as such, they tell an aspect of the wedding day story that’s unmatched by any of the other wedding details, like the bride’s shoes even the bouquet and garter.

 Gone are the days of boring ring shots!   An example:

showing a close up of the couple holding hands, exposing their rings is, well, a little played out. It’s time to think creatively. It’s time to apply to rings shots all of the photography skills, techniques, and knowledge that we utilize in other aspects of our photography. Really, it’s time to think of the wedding rings like you think of your bride and groom in that you want to deliver shots of your subjects with creative light, creative compositions and interesting backgrounds.

 There are many ways to go about these types of shots, some more cliche than others. The one that always comes to mind is a shot of the rings resting on the invitation, or the rings resting on a bouquet.  My preference is to find something personal that connects the rings to the couple.

 Ring shots are often my most fun shot of the day.  There’s no one stressing about their hair or makeup, and no one trying to pull their attention in a different direction. The couple does not have to look into the camera and smile on command, which makes for a perfect time to de-stress and relax.

We are happy to announce that owner of Lamar Wedding Center, member of the LGBT community, and Officiant, Rita Lamar is now able to marry both straight and gay couples in New Jersey. This is a progression in which to celebrate. We have long awaited marriage equality in the state of New Jersey. Lamar Wedding Center is excited to marry all of those who previously were denied the right. In Celebration we are offering to marry the first 25 LGBT couples for free. We could not think of anything more fitting than to catch up on all of the weddings that were previously prevented.

Lamar Wedding Center: Marriage Equality in NJ. Your questions answered....

Lamar Wedding Center: Marriage Equality in NJ. Your questions answered....: Community News Marriage Equality in NJ! Info for your license   This is the link to the  NJ Vital Statistics  site. You can downloa...

Marriage Equality in NJ. Your questions answered.

Community News

Marriage Equality in NJ! Info for your license

This is the link to the NJ Vital Statistics site. You can download and fill out the form before you go.

Requirements for entering into a Marriage:

For two persons to establish a Marriage in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:

1. Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by this State;
2. Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a Marriage with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.

Where to apply:

1. The marriage license application is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey.
2. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, submit the application in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

Please contact the Local Registrar to determine if license applications are handled during business hours or by appointment.

Required documents when applying for a marriage license:

1. Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal I.D.
2. Proof of your residency.
3. Your social security card or social security number.*
4. A witness, 18 years of age or older.
5. The $28 application fee.

*Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.
Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Call us and we'll turn your civil union partnership into a MARRIAGE.
Lamar Wedding Center
973-746-8699
rita@lamarweddingcenter.com

Marriage Equality in New Jersey

We are happy to announce that owner of Lamar Wedding Center, member of the LGBT community, and Officiant, Rita Lamar is now able to marry both straight and gay couples in New Jersey. This progression is one to celebrate. We have long awaited marriage equality in the state of New Jersey. Lamar Wedding Center is excited to marry all of those who previously were denied the right. In Celebration, we are offering to marry the first 25 LGBT couples for free. We could not think of anything more fitting than to catch up on all of the weddings that were previously prohibited. We are ecstatic to begin working on all of the weddings that should have taken place during our 25 years of service in the wedding industry.

                            Feeling Uncoordinated? 

        WHEN TO USE A WEDDING COORDINATOR

        By  Myrna E Javier,  Regional Manager, Lamar Wedding Center Dallas                        

So many bride and grooms ask the question after getting engaged, “should we plan our own wedding or should we hire a professional wedding planner?” After all, it’s a very important, if not THE most important event of their lives. There are several advantages and disadvantages to hiring a (wedding planner, wedding consultant, event planner or wedding coordinator). They are out there to assist in planning your wedding, whether it’s months away or just around the corner. Okay, so any one can help you plan your wedding ( a sister, a cousin or a friend).  But one advantage to hiring a professional certified wedding planner is the experience they have. A wedding planner with no experience is better off not attending at all. “ In my 22 plus years as a photographer and 5 years as a wedding Officiant, I have worked with many.  Some contact me prior to go over logistics while others I have regrettably met the day of… In my opinion, this creates a potential wedding disaster.  If the vendors are not contacted to go over the timeline, then chaos occurs and stresses not only the bride but the very people they hired to capture the memories of the most important day of their lives!  An experienced planner can accomplish all of this while also  meeting your budget,” says Rita Lamar, founder of the Wedding Center.

Some will already have connections with caterers, photographers, DJ’s etc.  Planners who have not achieved their certification can and will turn a perfectly good day completely upside down, simply by not doing their research.  ..  The planners that I’ve recommended and work with, actually do most or all of the leg work and allow the bride and groom more time to sit back and relax prior to and during the wedding.   The wedding planner does the leg work of ensuring that everything is organized and executed the way the bride and groom want and at the same time, works with  vendors to make sure all their special requests are met.  This includes requested images, music, video interviews and more.  Timing is key.  A wedding can easily go into overtime if it is not planned out properly.  We suggest an hour prior to ceremony for photos of the bride preparing, and we try and catch the family portraits right after the ceremony.  I have a word or two for coordinators that allow the receiving line to last 40 minutes.. (GRRR)

 Someone who has a handle on things can troubleshoot emergencies and unexpected events during the entire wedding process. This in itself can really take a lot of stress out of planning every aspect of the wedding.

Since hiring a professional wedding planner can be expensive, some companies actually have modest fees.  Lamar Wedding Center for example charges 250.00 and includes reading over contracts and obtaining necessary insurances.  Some charge by the hour, others by packaged fees and yet others charge by percentages of every service or vendor. This can run to over $1K.  And why shouldn’t it.. after all, don’t most coordinators collect some sort of commission? Most do have free consultations however. Trust me, the cost of a wedding itself is worth the time and effort to check on reviews from past clients or business referrals.  

When all is said and done, the only thing that matters (besides a fantastic party) is not going over budget. The discounts and great wedding deals gained from having a certified professional planner will even out the cost in the end. But it is a decision a bride and groom have to make. Congratulations to all engaged to be married!!

How Soon Should You Send Out Your "Save the Date" notices??

Once your engagement has been announced & there have been photos taken, the next step is to send out your "SAVE THE DATE" How much time should be given? Although this is a relatively new practice, the sooner the better. This way family & friends can start to plan in advance, before they make their own vacation plans or other outings.. I know couple who sent them out a week after their engagement, others a year prior to their wedding date. It's a friendly reminder, & given the amount of "EVENTS" in every one's busy schedule a Wedding is certainly a pleasant enough celebration  that loved ones and cherished friends will attend.  

A simple  picture of the two of you is the best, try & be creative. It’s always fun to see the couple engage in one of their favorite hobbies or sports, still simple  & romantic work too. I've seen simple photos sent with the words save the date on them, or magnets to hang on your fridge or attach to your bulletin board. Which ever you choose the "reminder" will be appreciated & noted as soon as your guests  receive it. If your wedding is going to be a destination wedding then I stress even more to get those reminders out!

Email works too, in this day & age of social networks.  An e-mail with the information & photo attachment will save you some postage, being that your invites will definitely will be mailed out sometime thereafter. So have those photos taken, your location & date noted & alleviate some stress!