Wishes in the Well: Guest Books

Steve made us a wedding webpage when we got married back in the "good ol' days". We thought we were so ahead of our times by having an online RSVP on our website. People seemed to appreciate it, or at least that's what they told us. If only we had Facebook and Twitter, we could have done so much more! If you're addicted to Social Networking sites like Twitter (like me! Please stalk me @lzeidner), you'll understand why it peaked my interest.

I recently came across this post on The Knot's blog. According to the post, Dave and Chanelle signed up for a unique Twitter account and invited their guests to sign into the account and tweet throughout the event. Friends and family could leave well wishes and also provide live updates throughout the entire night. It sounds like a good way to invite guests to participate in a unique way. I can only imagine what some of it could look like:

I'm sure it was a smashing hit for Dave and Chanelle (unlike my convoluted imaginary tweets here). There's going to be a writeup in the Fall/Winter 2012 Ohio issue of The Knot, so I'll be looking it up to see what they thought of their Twitter guest book. Other creative ideas I've seen and thought up for individualized guest books:

• Thumbprint tree - you draw the trunk and branches, and your guests leave their inky thumbprints and names as the leaves.
• Photo book - Have your guests directly write in a book filled with your engagement photos. You can find these on Shutterfly.
• Favorite book - Even better, find a favorite picture book and have your guests sign that.
• Wine corks - Probably only enough room to write their names, but then you can keep your corks in a jar or mount them in a wine cork frame.
• Typewriter - Everyone loves a good, vintage typewriter these days. Have your guests type out a short message to you and your newly minted spouse.
• Cute cards - Have your guests write on pretty paper cards and later compile them into a scrapbook.
• Audio recorder - Leave a few .mp3 recorders around and have your guests tell you how much they love you. You can even leave a list of prompts and questions.
• iPad - Wary about an audio recorder? Have your guests leave video messages via iPad.

Phew! Now that my brain is a-rollin', I'm going to keep my camera handy at future weddings and will gather guest book ideas on Pinterest. You can follow my Wishes in the Well board and also feel free to send me (via Twitter!) any creative and unusual ideas you have. The more extraordinary the better, I say. Let's do it!

Sincerely,
Leigh

Everyone Is Videogenic

Dear Brides (and Grooms if you're reading),

Have you ever dreamed of being an actress (or actor for you guys)? I think I have at one point or another, but standing in front of the camera seems to freeze any natural expression I may have. More practice in front of the camera taught me that the key to looking your best on film is:

1. Feeling awesome
2. Having a fabulous videographer

Feeling Awesome. Most reasons to be in front of the camera stem from being awesome. And you are. It's your wedding day, it's to commemorate something at which you're very, very good (and being in love counts). This is your day and there is so much to enjoy. It's the fruit of your months of planning and endless dreaming and discussion. You have reason to be confident. Plus, I guarantee you that after a few minutes of being filmed, you'll resume feeling stunning and looking natural. You may even show off for the camera a little - a pretty little wave here or the batting of the eyes there. Go ahead and try it now. I'm not looking.

Having a fabulous videographer. I couldn't resist making this plug, but even if I'm not your videographer, I hope you experience this with whomever you do have create your wedding story for you. A fine videographer will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and give you simple direction when needed until you reach that natural comfort level, and eventually, you'll forget the camera is even there. I'll have you primp a little, let his guys give him a hard time about this being his last day of freedom, let you and your groom whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears. You can even suggest things. I love when my couples get involved! I also sense when it's best to be invisible. Like that moment your dad comes to visit you where you're getting ready and then once you and your groom run out of the ceremony to relish those first few moments of "I can't believe we just got married!". I can be very, very sneaky. What it comes down to is this: do what comes naturally and a good videographer will get the flattering shots without you even knowing it.

So to answer a recent question from a client, there are no "non-photogenic" people. It's your day to shine and your videographer's job to make you look like your beautiful, shining self. I'm not sure how others have reached that level of comfort with their photographer or videographer, but when it's my turn in front of the camera, I imagine I'm all that (and then some) and settle for denial. Camera? What camera?

Sincerely,
Leigh