I just read a quote on Instagram today. It said, ""Current wedding culture enforces the belief that wedding days are photo factories. First & foremost, wedding days are celebrations for REAL LIFE PEOPLE."


As your photographer, my goal is always YOU and YOUR story. It is not and will never be about what pictures I can use for advertising or how I can build my brand. I take genuine pride in writing YOUR STORY in pictures to reflect who you are as a couple, your wants, desires, and hopes for your wedding photos is my TOP priority.


Every couple is different which means every wedding is different. It is one of the things I love most about my job. Before your wedding, I'll ask you questions like, "What is your MUST HAVE photo for the day," "What is your biggest hope for when you open your photo gallery," and "What makes your day unique to YOU? What are the special moments you've planned into your day."


Ceremonies are crafted to reflect the couple's beliefs, value systems, and understanding of what LOVE means. Guests lists are made with this in mind, couples asking the question, "Who do we want to share in this day with?"


RECEPTIONS, well, they're the fun part. Receptions are the celebrations with family and friends of the commitment and promises you made on your wedding day. And I LOVE how every reception is different and uniquely YOU.


One way to achieve this one-of-a-kind reception is to add in fun games or specific preplanned moments that feel like you! Here are some of my favorites I've seen!


🎉 Shoe Game Description

  • The newlyweds sit back-to-back in the middle of the dance floor or stage.
  • Each person takes off their shoes and swaps one with their partner, so they are each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner's.
  • A host, MC, or designated guest reads out a series of funny, romantic, or revealing questions like:
  • “Who said ‘I love you’ first?”
  • “Who’s the better cook?”
  • “Who takes longer to get ready?”
  • “Who’s more likely to cry during a movie?”
  • Instead of speaking, the couple answers by raising the shoe of the person they think fits the question best.

The audience watches the responses, often laughing or cheering when the answers match—or don’t!


✅ Keys to a Successful Shoe Game

Choose the Right Host/MC

  • Someone funny, comfortable with a mic, and ideally who knows the couple (or at least can deliver the questions with flair).

Prepare Great Questions

  • Mix up lighthearted, romantic, and silly questions. Aim for around 20–30 max to keep it engaging and not drag it out.

Keep it Short and Sweet

  • Around 10–15 minutes is ideal. It’s long enough to be fun but short enough to keep everyone’s attention.

Test the Seating and Mic Setup

  • Make sure the couple is visible to the guests and that the MC has a working mic. Bonus if the couple is slightly elevated so everyone can see.

Get the Crowd Involved

  • Encourage cheering, clapping, or playful groaning at mismatched answers.

Customize It

  • Add a few personal questions tailored to the couple’s story to make it feel unique and special.

Timing Matters

  • Schedule it during a natural lull—maybe after dinner but before dancing starts—to keep the energy going.

🏃‍♂️💨 Table Dash Description

  • The couple has a set amount of time (typically the length of one upbeat song) to visit every guest table and take a quick photo with each one.
  • Guests stay seated, and the photographer follows the couple as they "dash" from table to table.
  • It’s a race against the clock and often turns into a mini-spectacle, especially if the song is high-energy.
  • Some couples do it just for fun; others use it as a way to squeeze in table visits without cutting into party time.


✅ Keys to a Successful Table Dash

Choose the Right Song

  • Pick something upbeat, fun, and around 2–3 minutes long. Think “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Uptown Funk,” or something personal to you.
  • Optional: Let the DJ announce the challenge to hype up the crowd.

Coordinate with Your Photographer

  • Let them know in advance so they can be ready to move fast and grab quick group shots.
  • If possible, have a second shooter or assistant help herd guests into position.

Limit the Number of Tables

  • If you have more than 15 tables, consider splitting the dash into two songs or doing a “modified dash” (e.g., just do family + wedding party tables).

Prep the Guests

  • Give your MC or DJ a heads-up to explain what’s happening. Guests should be ready for a quick photo when the couple arrives—no slow photo setups!

Skip the Chairs

  • Don’t sit or pose too long—just quick smiles and move on. Think of it like a fun blitz tour.

🌿🎯 Popular Yard Games for Weddings

  1. Cornhole (Bean Bag Toss)
  2. Giant Jenga
  3. Lawn Yahtzee
  4. Bocce Ball
  5. Ladder Toss
  6. Giant Connect Four
  7. Ring Toss / Bottle Toss
  8. Croquet


✅ Keys to a Successful Yard Game Setup

Know Your Space

  • Make sure there’s enough flat, open ground. Keep games spaced out so guests aren’t cramped or dodging flying bean bags.

Set Up Early & Clearly

  • Have all games ready before guests arrive—ideally for cocktail hour. Add small chalkboard signs if any games aren’t self-explanatory.

Mix Competitive & Casual

  • Offer a balance between games that invite competition (e.g., cornhole, ladder toss) and more laid-back ones (e.g., Connect Four).

Weather-Proofing

  • If it’s hot: provide shade or schedule games for later in the day. If rain is possible, have a backup plan or tent cover.

Include All Ages

  • Make sure at least a few games are kid-friendly. Giant blocks and Connect Four are perfect for that.

Match Your Style

  • Paint or customize game boards to match your wedding colors or theme. Monogrammed cornhole boards? Big win.

Encourage Use

  • Have your DJ or MC invite guests to enjoy the games. Place them near the cocktail area or where people naturally gather.

Photo Ops Galore

  • Games make great candid photo moments. Let your photographer know to capture guests playing and laughing.


🎸🎤 Types of Live Entertainment for Weddings

Live Band – From classic rock to jazz or pop cover bands.

String Quartet / Trio – Great for ceremony, cocktail hour, or dinner.

Solo Acoustic Musician – Intimate and personal, ideal for smaller weddings.

DJ + Live Instrument Hybrid – Think DJ with live sax, violin, or percussion.


✅ Keys to Successful Live Entertainment

Match the Vibe to Your Vision

  • Think about your theme, guest demographic, and overall energy. A jazz trio suits a classy cocktail hour; a funk band might kill it on the dance floor.

Vet the Performers Thoroughly

  • Watch live videos, read reviews, and (if possible) see them perform in person. Ask about their wedding experience specifically—they should know how to read a crowd.

Coordinate with the Venue

  • Confirm noise ordinances, stage setup, lighting, and any restrictions on amplified music.

Build a Timeline Together

  • Work the entertainment into your wedding timeline. When will they play? Breaks? Can they help MC or handle transitions?

Keep Guests in Mind

  • Make sure it’s entertaining for them, too—not just something you personally love. A magician may charm some; a dance band might get everyone moving.