Do you need the best?
You spend a ton of money on your wedding. Trust me, I know, I was married in 2016. Being in the wedding industry myself, I am sometimes appalled at how much it all sums up to be. Everything just adds up and there are certain things that you shouldn't skimp on. You only plan this wedding once, but you don't want to sacrifice a down payment on a house to afford a gorgeous day.
Do you need to spend top dollar to get a perfect day? Yes and no! There are so many things that you could let go. (Bridesmaids invitations, guest hotel presents, calligraphy invitations, extremes amounts of florals...ect...)
Weddings can be a lot of money! Even the most well-meaning DIY plans can end up costing more than expected. Trust me, I know—I got married in 2016. We thought we were keeping it budget-friendly and simple by having it at my husband's grandparents' house, in the middle of nowhere.
Being in the wedding industry myself, I am sometimes appalled when the costs keep adding up. Do you need to spend a fortune the size of a downpayment on a house? No! There are certain things you just shouldn't skimp on. You only plan this wedding once!
In the beginning planning stages of your wedding, things like Pinterest can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. All the elaborate ideas people come up with. While sure, getting your soon-to-be bridesmaids adorable mugs, may seem cute. Once you add that into the initial cost, it would have been cheaper and easier to just ask.
Take a good look at those photos above.
What do you notice more? The details or the hands, the intimate touch, and the emotional moments? Most likely a mix of the two and they draw you in. Your entire wedding comes together with vendors, details, and YOU. If you hire a good team of people, who can all work together seamlessly, you can then focus on YOU! Your wedding will go smoothly, when everyone is working together, to make you enjoy your day. Let us take control so you don't have to.
So I have complied a list of the VERY BEST vendors. People whom I have worked with personally. They are not only good people, but provide excellent service and products. These are the people, I wouldn't skimp on. These are the vendors who will give you the very best!
Florists
I have worked with some truly amazing florists, but there are always some that really stand out. You want someone who can create exactly what you ask for or give you ideas for your vision. Someone who will go the extra mile, help, be on time, and truly care about your vision. These are some amazing florist companies I'd love to work with everyday!
Strange Vine Studios
Strange Vine was so cool to work with. She showed up early to the getting ready and I could see her and her team prepping in their car. I knew instantly they were passionate about their work. Also, hello look at this bouquet!!
BAD CAT FARMS
Bad Cart Farms is a local farm in Cape May, NJ. We have stayed in touch through social media and I'm amazed at everything she posts. Everything she did this day was gorgeous!
Make-Up Artists
Nothing is worse than a bad makeup job. Not only will you not feel confident on your wedding day, but I'll be editing a lot more. There have definitely been weddings that I have taken over two weeks longer to deliver because of either fake-tan cover ups, face and neck discolorations, or just rough blending.
You want someone who knows how you feel beautiful, If you want feel natural or some extra glam. Here are two make-up artists I would recommend without a doubt. I have had both of these ladies do my own hair or makeup so, I can attest to the goodness!
Christine Swope
Christine has been in the wedding industry for years. She know so many amazing people in the wedding world and I think tons of vendors recommend her. This is a true testament to how good she is at her job. She truly cares and she will make you look amazing! You can't go wrong!
DJ/Bands
Please please please don't pinch your pennies for your music. This is how your reception flows. You don't want someone unskilled running up with their phones to change songs or have bad speakers that screech throughout your first dance. A good DJ will set the tone of your day, they will help guide you through your timeline, and a good DJ will know how to work on the fly. I worked with a DJ that was interrupted, during him speaking, by a drunken guest yelling. This DJ took this test with ease. I actually complimented on him later on because nobody in the room noticed. It was impressive. But a good team during this time is important. They will keep in contact with me, your other vendors, and make sure we are all in the room before you start your parent dances or cake cutting.
Pat & Sean Kelly
I've known these guys for a few years now. They are without a doubt amazing! They are really genuine and kind people. Not only are they amazing DJ, but they are true artists. They just have such a unique brand. It's refreshing! Love them!
MAZZ Entertainment
I met Pat probably 10 years ago now. I took one cool photo of our clients and shared it with him, we bonded and viola. Ever since then, I'm always guaranteed a good hug and pure entertainment. He has all the cool set-ups and been doing this for years. You won't go wrong with him and his team!
Go Go Gadjet
There is nothing more intense than a live band! A good live band will hype your party up on so many levels. The Jirks are such good people, but incredibly talented! The best reception I have yet to attended are all with them there!
Planners
I have never recommended planners very much in my time. Planner are always helpful in those busy, logistical, Philly weddings. But the photographer and planner relationship can sometimes clash. It's not often, but having two people in charge of coordinating people, when to leave, and how to set up first look, or where the bride gets dressed. These are all things that I find it easier to coordinate myself. Especially with my style of photography. I don't like to get involved and I'm quiet during potentially intimate moments. Being quiet generally leads to a moment happening, letting things flow, and someone important fills the silence with a tear or a sweet smile. So having a planner who allows the quiet to also happen, helps me immensely.
Chamagne Magnolia
However, I finally worked with a planner whom I thought was amazing. She was personable, extremely helpful to not only her clients, but to me. We worked as a team seamlessly to give our clients a great day. I would recommend her to anyone. Krista was amazing.
Videographers
My friend Sarah and I have worked together since 2012. She was a bridesmaid at a wedding I photographed and we instantly become good friends. Since then we have been shooting photography and then in 2019 we started up a video company together. We were photographing a wedding and randomly decided to shoot a few video clips for them. We have worked with so many video teams and there is a massive effect on your wedding day to have two different styles in photo and video. As a non-intrusive photographer, it can be difficult to remain non-intrusive when the video team keeps stopping things to restart something. We do not have you get ready in multiple different directions, we don't re-do your first look. It can be incredibly wonderful to have your video and photo team seamlessly work together in this aspect. So I happily recommend us!
Bridge and Pine Films
My friend Sarah and I have been working together since 2012. We met when she was a bridesmaid at a wedding I photographed, and we instantly became good friends. Over the years, we enjoyed shooting photography together, and in 2019, we decided to start a video company.
It all began when we were photographing a wedding and spontaneously shot a few video clips. We realized how important it is for photo and video styles to harmonize on a wedding day. Often, video teams can be intrusive, asking to redo moments or reposition people, which disrupts the flow
Our approach is different. We capture your day naturally, without staging or interruptions. This seamless collaboration between photo and video ensures your special moments are preserved beautifully and authentically. So, if you're looking for a team that works together effortlessly, Bride and Pine is your perfect match!
Tone MEdia
I've known Justin and Steph for years. They create the most beautiful, emotional, and well-documented films. Their work is truly exceptional, standing out among the best I've seen. They are a husband and wife team, they have an incredible storytelling vibe. I have looked up to them for years.
I know you will not be disappointed if you hire them!
Well there you have it...
My compilation of amazing people! Contact me if you have any questions! I'm stoked to be able to support and encourage other fabulous vendors. Ciao
