tonight...we are young...

 

 melissa winn photography Booth #89 at this weekend's Bridal Showcase in Northern Virginia

I met so many excited, interesting, and fun brides and grooms to be, their mothers, their entourage, and of course, their bridal parties! Such a great experience. Many thanks to my twin sister Heather for manning the booth with me and handing out brochures and answering questions when the crowds grew larger. Could not have done it with out her!

Although I didn't get to see much of the show outside of the booth, it was educational to see some of the upcoming  trends in the industry and weddings arena. Namely, that Spring and Autumn wedding dates are on the rise. We heard more April, May, August, September, and October wedding dates for this year and next than June or July, for certain! We also heard Fun's "We Are Young" an estimated 300 times that day, as it played on a loop of only six songs, over and over and over and over, by the DJ in the booth next to us. I guess it's a popular reception song choice, and a lot of people like the song!? We used to like it, too. Used to. 

We were also intrigued by the return to vintage in many realms, including rings and dresses. I'm excited to apply some of my vintage film presets to the photos and really capture the mood! 

I was especially impressed by how many grooms were in attendance at the show, accompanying the bride and sometimes Mother of the Bride, as well, to taste cakes, peruse the music, and discuss photo visions with me!

I also heard from several brides, a request to return to the more traditional wedding albums and photos...meaning a more scaled-down version, excluding the photojournalistic coverage of bride and groom and their parties preparing for the wedding, or the full-day storybook behind the occassion. Some brides just aren't looking for the whole shebang, they told me, and inquired about alternative pricing for documenting photos of the ceremony, reception, and the formals in between, only.

"You don't want to take any pictures of me dressing. Trust me," one bride even joked with us.

Other brides said they have small one or two hour cermonies planned with 10-20 people, and don't need nor want, 6-8 hours of ongoing coverage or candids from such a cozy event.

While some photograpghers may choose to turn down these events, in an effort to keep the dates open for higher paying customers/wedding packages, melissa winn photography is flexible and willing to discuss any and all options. If you're having a two hour ceremony and reception combined, of course you don't want to pay for four, six or eight hours of coverage at full price. But you still want big, beautiful, professional images from your big day, too! We can customize the photo coverage and options to match the event you're planning!

Please get in touch with me at (703) 855-8193 or melissa@melissawinn.net for more information.

Also, visit my main Web site www.melissawinn.net for pricing guide, products, etc.

Thanks again to all who stopped by Booth #89 at the Showcase! Hope to see you at the next big showcase soon!