It’s Wedding Season Ladies and Gentleman! And since I’m new and only have been here for almost 2 weeks, I’ve been noticing a lot of customers checking out wedding dresses. I watched a lady the other day try on two wedding dresses and after, she was having a tough time trying to pick one out when I thought it was obvious that she looked the most glamorous in the Sottero and Midgley Brinley. In the end, she ended up taking my advice!

So like I was saying before, one of our most popular designs in wedding dresses that are purchased is the Sottero and Midgley Brinley. An image that I can only see as pure beauty, the Sottero and Midgley Brinley is a sweetheart neckline with dazzling beads that extend all around the dress. Swaying with every movement is a traditional tulle fabric skirt surrounding you while walking down the aisle. I advised the young lady who couldn’t make up her mind that if she wore this dress on her wedding day, her husband would think she looked like Christmas morning. It sounded a little cheesy, but I put a smile on her face and she walked out happy that day with her new wedding dress.

When I was doing my research about wedding dresses here at Henri’s Cloud Nine, I was told that a lot of women are looking at lace material such as the  Jayna 9017 wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley. With a scoop neckline and mermaid tulle skirt, this popular wedding dress features a lace artistic pattern forming around the bodice with visible boning, to the skirt. Forming around the middle is a flower belt that will bring out the beauty of the wedding dress.

Finally,  is our popular Kenneth Winston 1497 wedding dress. Capture the moment on your life changing day with a sweetheart neckline that gives way to a lace material that forms a beautiful white design pattern around the wedding dress and down the sleek organza mermaid skirt. Around the bottom of the bust line is a glimmer of silver beads surrounding you as you walk down the isle to your future husband.

So, since I’m not going to give them all away, I’m going to let you come in and find a wedding dress out of our wide selection that catches your eye. When I was speaking to one of our employees she told me that Henri’s is extremely convenient when it comes to fitting a wide variety of sizes. A lot of our customers that come in are angry, they aren’t angry with us,  they say that other stores don’t have their sizes.  So when we size them, our dresses will fit. If you fall under this category of not being satisfied with your wedding dress size with other stores, you’ll enjoy that we have sizes that range from 0-30 and will fit almost every future bride to be.  Come check us out and get fitted in one of our new selections of wedding dresses!

There are three main types of stones that you’ll find all over the store in addition to sequins of every shape, size and color.

1. Clear

Clear jewelry is what most people think of when they imagine social occasion jewelry. Shiny, sparkling, crystalline pieces. Most wedding dresses have clear crystals on them as opposed to the next two types of stones.

2. AB

AB jewelry is not hard to distinguish from its clear cousin once you know what to look for. “AB” is short for aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights. I won’t pretend to understand the science behind the aurora borealis, but I do know that the sight of such a phenomenon reveals beautiful greens, blues, yellows, and reds. The same can be found in AB jewelry.

3. Vitril

Vitril is the new AB, so I’m told. The black backing transforms the stone into darker, organic gemstone looking piece with reflections of deep purples and greens. Vitril stones have not yet become as popular as clear or AB style stones, but the difference is so striking, we may be seeing more and more of the vitril variety in the next few prom seasons.

The decision between clear, AB, or vitril should come down to the type of stone on the dress that looks best on you. Once you find a gown that you love, take a look at the details. Clear stones (think cubic zirconium) and AB (think diamonds) are the two you are most likely to run into. Vitril stones (I don’t have a comparison for this one, but you’ll know them when you see them now) are pretty designer specific and haven’t made a huge impact on current prom trends just yet. They are also in their own category. For example, a necklace made of vitril stones will only look put together and polished on a dress that also features vitril stones. AB and clear offer a little more flexibility. A pair of clear earrings will go with anything, but looks best with other clear stones. However, a AB stone bracelet will look out of place with a dress containing clear jewelry.

Cheat sheet:

Clear jewelry goes best with clear stone dresses
AB jewelry goes best with AB stone dresses
Vitril jewelry only goes with vitril stone dresses
Clear jewelry can go with AB stone dresses
Clear jewelry can go with vitril stone dresses
AB jewelry can go with vitril stone dresses
AB jewelry does not go well with clear stone dresses

Now tell us what you think? Are you on the AB bandwagon? Or do you prefer something a little funky like vitril stones? What kind of stones does your prom dress have?

Among the other contestants, some notable stories emerged in the weeks leading up to competition. Miss Washington DC, Allyn Rose, received some fall out after the show aired for her decision to undergo an elective double mastectomy procedure to prevent the onset of breast cancer. The disease runs in her family, claiming the lives of her mother, grandmother, and great aunt, and she built her platform upon breast cancer prevention and awareness.

This year’s youngest competitor, Miss Montana Alexis Wineman, advanced in competition after winning the America’s Choice Award by receiving the most online votes. Wineman was (and still is) the target of a lot of media attention due to being diagnosed with a form of autism at a young age. Her platform, ‘”Normal is Just a Dryer Setting’ – Living with Autism” certainly coincides with her talent, stand-up comedy, although Miss Montana was eliminated before she could make us all laugh.

Miss Iowa Mariah Cary tripped over her words in the question and answer portion of the pageant when she tried to field a question about legalizing marijuana. Cary started off strong, mentioning its medical capacities, before blurting out, “However, I don’t think it should be used for anything but recreational use and health care.” Whoops. 

Some fun facts about Miss New York Miss America Mallory Hagan: She’s actually from Alabama! She studied at Auburn before moving to The Big Apple to get her degree from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. She hopes to go into global cosmetic marketing. Her rockin’ bod won the swimsuit competition, and she attributes that to fish, asparagus, and P90X. Finally, among her many new responsibilities, Hagan will spend much of her reign as Miss America raising money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Congrats, girl!

In case you missed it, here is the competition from intros to the crowning moment.

Now tell us what you think! Who was your pick for Miss America? What do you think about the controversial contestants?

Objective #1: Reconnaissance

Before undertaking any successful mission, you must do a little recon. That means getting information by spying, basically. But don’t think of it as spying, think of it as observing. We need to know if the potential date in question has already made plans to go to the prom with someone else. This information is important, but not necessarily detrimental to the overall mission. Does he or she have a significant other? There’s a good chance they are already locked down. Does he or she have any friends in common with you? Ask them. If you find that he or she has a date already, you can easily move on to the next potential date and restart Objective #1. If available status has been confirmed, or if you’re still uncertain, you can proceed to the next objective.

Objective #2: Engage the target

Break the ice. Now is the time to casually infiltrate his or her life. Message them on Facebook or comment on a picture. Shoot them a text if you’re on that level. If you’ve done your reconnaissance well, you should know some of their interests and/or hobbies. ProTip: Everyone loves to talk about the things they enjoy and hear their name in conversation. Make both of those happen. Breaking the ice is the best way to scope out his or her prom situation up close and personal without coming off as intimidating/threatening/weird/awkward/ewnothankyou. Those are all things we want to avoid. High school is tough, sure, but if you be yourself and he or she is half of a decent person, this step will not be difficult. If they are unreceptive to your friendliness in any way, you don’t want to go to prom with them. Introduce, chitchat, scope out, infiltrate. Get to know his or her friends, too. This will be a huge help in the future if he or she accepts your prom proposal, as they won’t feel obligated to hang out with just you or just their friends. When access has been casually gained, and the important information obtained, time for the next objective.

Objective #3: Drop the bomb

Practice what you’ll say so you aren’t fumbling over your words in the moment. Practice in the mirror, with your dog, with your mom, in the mirror again, and in your head. Practicing this isn’t so much about coming off as suave but as confident. Fact: Both men and women are attracted to confidence. When you feel it within yourself, you will radiate it. Others will notice and treat you accordingly. Also, rehearse how you will respond given a variety of responses. If “OMG yes!” equals best case scenario, practice staying cool and collected. Boom, mission accomplished. If “Pffft no!” is worst case scenario, practice not taking things personally and moving on without starting drama or pouting or exhibiting off-putting behavior. Confidence is your internal ally, so a “No” answer shouldn’t cut you too deeply. They probably weren’t worth your time anyway, but remaining friendly about it is the best way to diffuse a potentially awkward situation.

As for the actual proposal, there are literally thousands of possibilities. Google it, YouTube it, brainstorm it. You are on your own now, solider. Judge your approach by the chemistry and interactions between you and your prospect. You could go totally flamboyant,  subtle and sweet, incorporate his or her hobbies, or just come right out and say it when the time is right.

Bonus Objective: Be an awesome date

Ladies, prom isn’t always about romance. You can go together, be friends, and forget what everyone thinks about it. Be open minded and relax. Chances are, he is nervous about making this a good experience for you. Take a ton of pictures. Be kind to his friends and family. Introduce him to your friends and family. Your hair and makeup are fine, stop worrying. Get crazy with your girlfriends because you’d be amazed how quickly the distance between you grows when high school is over. Finally, HAVE FUN – this is your final mission. Prom is what you make of it!

Gents, asking a girl to prom is an admirable task especially if she is a near stranger to you so I commend you for getting this far. Relax and have no expectations. Prom is a time to cut loose with your friends as much as it is about showing your lady friend a good time. Incorporate both. Ask her to dance. Tell her she looks pretty. Bro-out with your guy friends. Look sharp and feel like James Bond in your tuxedo. Enjoy the company of the people around you, they won’t be in your life forever. Finally, HAVE FUN – this is your final mission. Prom is what you make of it!

Now tell us what you think! How did you get asked to prom? What’s the most creative proposal you’ve ever seen?

Most Popular Prom Dress of 2012

Sherri Hill 2920 was a huge hit for the 2012 prom season. Featured in our 2012 Cool Book insert, this stunning high-low came in seven sparkling colors. If the 2013 season’s ultra-popular ruffle detail is any indication, Sherri Hill is certainly a trendsetter. This brings us to our next Best Of 2012 award.

Top Prom Designer of 2012

The magic maker herself, Sherri Hill. Hill has been a pillar in the prom and pageant communities, having dressed multiple Miss America and Miss USA winners. Did you see my post about Miss Universe? Because in the opening number, ALL 88 girls wore one of Sherri’s designs. This special recognition probably wouldn’t be much of surprise to Hill. Henri’s Cloud Nine is, after all, the number one retailer of Sherri Hill prom gowns in the country.

Runner up: Jovani Fashions

Most Popular Cool Collection gown of 2012

Of all of our 2012 Cool Collection dresses, this Mori Lee ballgown (style 91253) was the hands down winner with the most sales. This particular dress came in a variety of colors, and the bedazzled sweetheart bodice with visible boning, flattering silhouette, and floral detail were huge hits among the prom crowd.

Most Popular Bridal Gown of 2012

“Adorae” by Sottero & Midgley takes the crown for most popular bridal gown that we’ve sold this year. There’s something both sexy and subtle about Adorae. She is classic and white with a small train, yet the sweetheart neckline and bedazzled belt give her flair and pizzazz. Also, that ruched bodice looks great on almost every body type.

Top Bridal Designer of 2012

Okay, are you noticing a pattern yet? Sottero and Midgley, the makers of “Adorae,” also claim 2012′s top bridal designer. Sottero and Midgley was born our of the Maggie Sottero design team seven seasons ago. They boast “affordable luxury,” and our brides can’t get enough of them.

Runner up: Maggie Sottero
What can I say? They know how to dress a woman’s body.

Second runner up: Allure

Staff Pick: Best Prom Newcomer for 2013

This black, boned corset mermaid dress by Alyce Designs is sure to take your breath away in person. It’s bodice is encrusted with Swarovski crystals and a feather bottom adds texture and movement. Perfect for pageant or prom. We love this one because it’s unique and eye-catching!

Staff Pick: Best New Bridal Gown for 2013

Sleeves are back and they are better than ever on this Moonlight dropped waist bridal gown with a ruffled skirt. The scoop neckline and cap sleeves set it apart from the strapless variety, which has been very popular in the past. More and more brides come in wanting a little extra coverage, and this Moonlight is a happy medium. We love it because it looks great on women with full busts and the ruffles echo the popular prom feature.

Staff Pick: Coolest Cool Collection gown of 2013

High-low style dresses have become a big part of 2013′s prom fashions. This one by Tony Bowls is a staff favorite because it’s light and airy, sparkly, and the high hem in the front gives you plenty of room to dance! Yet, it’s sophisticated like so many of the gowns are these days. This dress  brings together all the elements of this season’s most popular dresses, and that’s why we love it!

Congratulations and thank you to all the brides and prom girls who made this year possible. We look forward to seeing you again!

Now tell us what you think! Which dress did you purchase in 2012? What trends do you hope come about in 2013?

Coming in as first runner up was Janine Tugonon, Miss Philippines, who wore a beautiful, blue, one-shoulder gown. Second runner up, Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, wore a stunningly beaded green evening gown with illusion sleeves and fabulous purple high heels. Miss Austrailia, who was my personal pick to win, channeled the Sidney Opera House in white, flowing her national costume and echoed that number in her pure white evening gown. Renae Ayris took home third runner up right ahead of Miss Brazil Gabriele Markus who, in my opinion, had the best answer in her question from the judges and one of the best national costumes as fourth runner up.

Contestants participating in the Miss Universe pageant cannot be married or have children, and they must be older than 18 and younger than 27 on February 1st of the year they plan to compete. Miss Universe has no affiliation with Miss America, a pageant in which you can participate more than once.

Also, did you see those Sherri Hill minis at the very beginning? Because we totally have those.

Now every democracy-loving, American-flag-waving fiber of my being wants to believe that this is not “the year of the host countries” as some have been speculating. Some have pointed out that three of the four big, international pageants in 2012 have been won by their host country’s representatives. Others have gone as far as to say that Miss USA, for example, only won her title to boost television ratings. Miss World, held in August in Ordos, China, was won by Yu Wenxia of China. Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan was crowned Miss International in October in none other than Okinawa, Japan. Mere coincidence?

All I know is that every Miss Universe winner in the last 60 years or so has been from Earth. So I think we’re doing alright.

Prelims:

National Costumes:

Crowning Moment:

USA! USA! USA!

Now tell us what you think! Who was your favorite to win? Do you think the right woman was chosen? Is there a conspiracy of rating-hungry media lords trying to sabotage these prestigious pageants?

Among the thousands of possibilities, I’ve narrowed the list down to four general categories. Within each category are examples that range from traditional and classy to completely out of the box. You’ll have to gauge your school, town, and student body to determine which themes will work for you and which are likely to flop!

1.) Cities and Countries

Ah Paris, la ville de l’amour et de la mode. The brilliance of the Eiffel Tower are more than enough to convince any prom-goer to choose Paris as a suitable theme. Think about the dimly lit lamp posts and cobblestone paths lined with gardens of beautiful flowers and tiny tables. On a scale of 1 to 10, this an 11 on the traditional spectrum, but it also gets an 11 for being classic and elegant.

What happens at the Vegas-themed prom, stays at the Vegas-themed prom, right? Now this is something you can really have fun with. In addition to giant cards and dice, bright gold and rich red colors, and flashing lights, why not have an Elvis impersonator show up? If your venue allows it, you can easily set up card tables or host games for prizes much like a casino. Still traditional, but you’ve got to ramp up the fun factor somehow.

Alright brace yourselves for this next one…Candyland. Sure, it’s not technically a city or a country, but I definitely want to visit there someday. Candyland themes are somewhat of a new idea that really take bright colors and game playing to a whole other level. Imagine giant lollipops and balloons of every hue. Imagine a candy buffet complete with mountains of fluffy cotton candy and enough sugar to keep you up all night. Perhaps the easiest to accommodate, with its G-rated atmosphere and endless color combinations, this won’t be your average prom!

Runners up: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Arabian nights, Hollywood, NYC, Asian-inspired themes

2.) Landscapes

It seems like no school is without at least one Under The Sea dance with shiny blue accents, silver balloons, and maybe even a sunken ship or treasure. This is another classic that can be fun and funky or remain totally traditional. You’re likely to see a lot of mermaid style gowns, for obvious reasons, at an ocean-themed prom. Play with the props and favors to keep it fresh. Low lighting bouncing off of glittering decorations will give the illusion of actually being underwater!

Now a Tropical Island theme is something I could really get behind. Step out of the water and onto the sand with some palm trees, steel drum music, the smell of coconuts, and a light and airy atmosphere that is both carefree and fun. Aqua, lime green, and bright orange should be your primary colors for this theme. Decorations will not be hard to find and favors will not be hard to come up with.

With all the hype and popularity surrounding animal prints this season, why wouldn’t you consider a jungle-themed prom? It’s a little on the silly side, but with the right planning and decorations, you could totally transform your gymnasium into a rain forest of sorts. Emerald is a hot color this year, so imagine covering everything in different hues of green. Maybe a waterfall. Balloon animals? I think so. Zebra and cheetah print as far as the eyes can see. It may not be conventional, but it will be memorable!

Runners up: Enchanted forest, Anything to do with stars, Winter wonderland, Dude ranch or western style themes, Heaven on earth

3.) Time periods and events

Gold, purple, and green abound when you go for the traditional Mardi Gras madness themed prom. I love a costume party, and anytime there are beads being exchanged and masks being worn, I’m there. This pick is so unwavering, there are about one hundred different websites that offer full scenarios to set up at your venue. Channel the allure and mystery of New Orleans by including feathers, boas, magic, and twinkling lights into your presentation.

You can have a 1950′s style prom without wearing the poodle skirts and saddle shoes! Think about an old diner or drive-in with black and white tile floors, vinyl records playing in the jukebox, and classic hot rods. You can turn your venue into a sock hop with the right music, so stick to the likes of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. The fun and fabulous fifties can provide a great twist (Ha! See what I did there?) on the classic decade-themed prom.

Speaking of music, dubstep is a somewhat new genre in the United States that worked its way here from the hard hitting bass systems of jolly ol’ England. I can’t think of a better way to pair electronic dance music and teenagers than a Future-themed prom. Glow sticks, glow sticks everywhere! One really cool tip involving glow sticks; place them in balloons. Black lights, neon colors, and glitter everywhere. If you’re looking for something totally off-beat, set the DeLorean’s dials to the future.

Runners up: 1980′s, The “roaring twenties,” Luau, Red carpet event, Fiesta

4.) Songs and movies

The unsinkable Titanic, ah, how romantic it must have been. My Heart Will Go On is a great song prom theme that will convey both elegance and royalty. When I think of the Titanic, I can’t help but think of that scene with the grand staircase and glistening chandeliers. If you’ve chosen a venue equal in grandeur, consider this theme for your prom. There are plenty of decorations out there to help you channel The Ship of Dreams. Toss around the idea of an imitation moon hanging high in the sky, tall pillars, and (again) underwater-type decor.

Diamonds Are Forever. Sounds like a jewelry store advertisement, but it’s actually both a song and a movie! Think about all of the opportunities to bring the bling to your prom venue with a theme like this. In the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever, Bond is on the trail of a Las Vegas diamond thief, so you could certainly go in the secret agent direction as well. Very classy, very sparkly, very fun.

I’m dying to see a Hot and Cold prom theme. Similar to a fire and ice campaign, imagine half of the grand march in fiery red with the other half in shiny blues and silvers. Set it up with icicle lights and burning (or fake) candles. Send it over the top with an ice sculpture and fire breathers! Pulling this all together will be a challenge, but with a little creativity this could be a really neat idea.

We fight we break up, we kiss we make up….Yeah, sounds like high school to me.

Runners up: Forever young, Casablanca, Twilight, Cinderella and other princess themes, Grease, Somewhere over the rainbow

Bizarre alternatives: Haunted mansion, Circus, Pirates,  World of Warcraft, Communism, Prom-A-Saurus

Now tell us what you think! What was your prom theme? Ever been to a prom with a weird theme? Have any other categories to add?

Ever wonder how the Victoria’s Secret models get that beautifully simple makeup look? Well, it starts with being absolutely flawless without any makeup at all (ha!) like Candice Swanepoel in this video. I love the shimmering inner eye effect, like gold dust that catches the light and makes her eyes look huge. Makeup artist Jenna Anton gives some great pointers in this one as well. Browns on blue eyes and blues on brown eyes, for example.

Next up: hair. Now this young lady might not be a supermodel, but she is pretty hilarious. She also has an easy and quick way to get that Victoria’s Secret Angel hair with big, bouncy curls that look gorgeous on almost everyone. You can also achieve this look with a curling iron, but I love the way hot rollers make me feel like I’m backstage at the show or something. Remember to curl away from your face (towards the back of your head) especially with your bangs and the hair closest to your face. You’ll get a style that looks like the wind is blowing in your face all day with your hair floating back like you’re on the runway.

Straight from the Brazilian babe’s mouth, Adriana Lima gives her top 10 fitness tips that keep her looking toned and fabulous in this video. Admittedly, the sound quality is not great and Lima’s accent is hard to understand in some parts. But if you want to look like a VS Angel, what better way than to take work out advice from one? I love the idea of jumping rope, her “secret weapon,” in addition to cardio training and weight lifting. Cheap, portable, and an excellent way to shape your legs and arms. Cinderella, Dressed in yellow, Went upstairs to kiss a fella….

And just for fun, here’s last year’s show. It’s amazing the preparation and design that goes into each piece.

Tell us what you think! Will you be watching the show? Any more tips for channeling your inner Angel?

Junebug Weddings : Seattle, WA

A shot from behind the bride and groom as they kiss for the first time as husband and wife. It’s like someone hit the pause button on this particular moment in time. How wonderful it would be to get all the smiling faces of your family and friends in the background. To remember that look forever. Can you hear the collective Awwwe from the crowd? I absolutely love this shot.

Angelic Jewel Photography : Minneapolis, MN

Awwwe again! The first dance is definitely something you’ll want to capture, but the wide angle shot of two people standing on the empty dance floor is overdone. There is something so intimate about this photo, just like how you’ll remember your first dance being. Unless of course you’re going to bust into something silly like Thriller or, oh please no don’t say it, The Electric Slide.

Plum Tree Studios : Houston, TX

Speaking of silly, this is the perfect pose for the goofy groom. I mean, why not? If you weren’t lucky enough to catch the actual moment when you showed your girls the ring for the first time, this will remind you of all the excitement and happiness that surrounded you on that day. Sure, you could have your honey and his friends stand in some kind of stoic line formation, but chances are they are looking to you and the photographer for direction. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!

(mattnnat) : Lancaster, PA

Now back to the mushy stuff, I’ve seen a lot of shots featuring the bride and groom’s rings, but never one with this kind of forethought and planning. I love the look of a corset style, lace-up back on a wedding gown, and this is the perfect combination of both. You could certainly do a similar shot with the heel of your shoe, in your favorite book, or accompanying something you love to do together.

Sugarlens Photography : Aurora, ON

You get this fairytale, running-through-the-field-toward-each-other effect by using a very slow shutter speed on your camera. Ask your photographer to dial it back and experiment with this scenario until you get a rhythm going that produces the best quality photo. Do you know what also makes for great photos with a slow shutter speed? Sparklers. If you are planning an evening or nighttime wedding, consider sparklers instead of confetti or bubbles after the ceremony.

Paul Retherford Wedding Photography : Northern Michigan

Yes, my dog will be at my wedding, and no, I don’t care what anyone thinks about it. Pet lovers will understand this one.  Give some treats for your photographer to dangle while trying to get the shot. Lassie will appreciate the snacks, and you’ll have a picture to remind you of the one guest who never gave you any trouble and was just as happy to see you in a wedding gown as he is to see you in sweatpants. Please note that if your pet is going to actually be in the wedding, as the ring bearer for example, confirm that this is permissible with your venue and determine early on if your pet is comfortable among crowds.

Feather and Stone : Brisbane, Australia

When the church doors open and all eyes descend upon you, tell your photographer to aim straight at the groom to capture his genuine, undiluted reaction as he sees you for the first time. There will be tons of pictures of you, of you in your dress, of you and your father or other family members, but you only get one chance to capture this moment. Maybe you’ll even get something totally unexpected, like the unbound excitement that’s emanating from this groom’s face.

Julie Wilhite : Austin, TX

Ready? Say it with me this time…Awwwe! There’s almost nothing more adorable than a flower girl and a ring bearer. Tell your photographer to be on the lookout for a precious moment like this one, especially if they are little ones who likely won’t put up with being posed. Candid pictures are often more authentic and natural anyway. These tiny additions to your wedding party will only be this young and innocent once, so make sure to snap a photo that you can show them at their wedding someday.

Boyd Harris Photography : La Jolla, CA

The details. Why? Because the little things that you designed, put together, slaved over, and paid big bucks for may pass by the average wedding guest, but you’ll want to remember exactly how your vision translated on the big day. Remember those centerpieces that you and your sister spent nine hours assembling? You’ll be able to look back and laugh. Ask your photographer to get creative when photographing the reception site details. Free reign will give him or her the ability to shoot with different angles and variations to capture something you contrived in a whole new light.

Jennifer Rau : Thousand Oaks, CA

Ahh, finally. The party is over and it’s time to retire to your room with your sweetheart. Have the photographer follow you upstairs (for just a few minutes!) to capture a moment like this. Like two little kids, this bride and groom are so happy to be married, they just have to jump all over the bed! You could certainly do something a little more serious, but what a wonderfully playful way to end the day and start your new lives together.

Tell us what you think! Do you have any ideas for a must-have wedding pose? How will you include your bridal party and family on the big day?