Sit down, relax and enjoy this soiree. It all began when Mrs. Ryder called and asked that favorite question I like being asked, “are you available to photograph my daughter Allison’s wedding.” I have photographed over 500 weddings and my standard is to give every client 1000% (I gave up on saying 100% because everyone tells you that). I am not a copy cat and my images are unique and different; I look at every wedding as if my own daughters’ were getting married and that speaks volumes. I think by treating my clients that way, it shows more than just your heart—you have your branding, which is what you have worked so hard to become and that is who you are today. Take also into consideration that with Julia Dodson, the amazing Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa as the venue and the fact that the family is from New York, it was very easy to say “YES!” What a wonderful mom, taking the time to describe to me in detail just how important the photography was to her daughter, to make sure I was going to be able to handle the task at hand.
I’m sure by now you have figured out that Mrs. Ryder and Allison did choose me to be part of their team. When the magical day finally came, I started by photographing the groom, Erik along with the groomsmen. Then I moved onto the Westin where I photographed Allison and her bridesmaids. Then off to the church where everything was perfect until that afternoon. The minute the ceremony was over, it began to storm for over one hour. I implemented Plan B which was utilizing the entire lobby of the Westin along with the very nice staff and I still managed to create beautiful artistic images. The reception followed in the Grand Ballroom. I enjoyed this family along with Erik’s—what a fun, enjoyable wedding for this fantastic musically talented couple!
Here below from the bride words, is how this all became such a magical day.
Erik and I met in August 2006 at a music department meeting for all teachers in the district before the start of the 2006-2007 school year. Then on March 18, 2012, our chocolate lab, Vesuvius brought me a gift while I was getting ready for the next school day. After I asked, “What do you have Suvi?” Erik walked around the corner and said: “Look inside”. I saw the box and the rest was history!
The Westin was chosen as the reception site for many reasons. First, from the time I was 8 years old our family vacations took place on Hilton Head visiting the beach at the Westin, so there are many special memories that go along with the Westin. During our first visit in deciding wedding reception venues, we were shown the Mitchelville Gazebo room where I started to fall in love with the site. I was fully convinced after going into the ballroom and thinking about all of the possibilities that could be done with the space. We left the Westin and I “got the feeling” that this is where I wanted to celebrate my marriage to Erik. Then I got to work with Julia Dodson who is beyond words of how amazing and talented she is at understanding what I wanted as a bride. Along with suggesting many vendors, she answered all of my questions along the way. The very first vendor she recommended was Michel Berda for photography. I was amazed at all of the fine details that Michel paid attention to; details that never crossed my mind. Then when it came to the DJ, Erik and I decided to use Alan Palchak from Hilton Head Entertainment. He did an excellent job in keeping everybody dancing and having a great time. The cake was another important detail that I did not want to overlook, I was very particular about a red velvet cake with cream cheese filling. A very good family friend recommended Susan Vogel. She was wonderful and provided me with many varieties of cupcakes to try beyond what I requested two just to give me an idea of different flavor combinations. The cake turned out to be very delicious and enjoyed by every guest. Overall, the wedding was perfect and everything that I wanted it to be and more.
Wedding Vendors:
King Street Photo Weddings, Photographer, Michel Berda:
The Westin Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island, SC. Ceremony: Pool Deck. Reception: Grand Ballroom Event Coordinator, Julia Dodson (event coordinator)Venue:
Wedding Dress- from Csablanca, Dress:
Flowers-Henry Kretchmer, The Flower Garden, Hilton Head, SC, Florist:
Susan Vogel, Cake:
Alan Palchak Head Entertainment DJ:
