Let’s talk about the first dance, as newly weds…. in more ancient times it was the “bride kidnapper’s” way of showing off his “hunting” skills by parading his “stolen” bride around, in front of his friends, so they could all see how well he had done. The feasting would begin right after this display. 

Today it’s turned into a more refined, mutually pleasing dance and traditionally marks the beginning of the reception.  We’ve come a long way.

We’d like to introduce our friends Diane and David, from Night and Day Dance.  They teach and choreograph the first dance.  Their dances are absolutely beautiful, AND they know to incorporate the angle of the camera… to make sure that we get a photo of your dip.

Here is a little blurb about their work:

…”we teach a range of ages and a range of styles, although our focus, of course, is on teaching couples how to dance, and more specifically for their weddings.

Our approach isn’t strict – we don’t have one set way of approaching dance. Instead, we base every single lesson, and every dance, on our students. The style of the dance is based on their song of choice as well as their unique skills, interests, and personalities. Sometimes this means we help our students create a fairly simple, straightforward, elegant dance. Sometimes it means we get more playful and silly and create something more dramatic, or anything in between.

We always start with the basics – the foundation of connecting, leading and following, signaling and listening, and then build up through footwork, moving across the floor, turns, more complicated moves and sequences, and dips and leans and sometimes lifts. We also work with couples to figure out a clean and solid entrance and finish, and we make sure that they have at least a loose structure to help them get through the whole dance without losing their place in the song.

Lessons are almost always taught in one of our home studios – private, comfortable settings without other people watching – and are scheduled when it’s most convenient for our students. We also make house calls if necessary, and we don’t just focus on couples – we’ve worked with individuals, the mother and father, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, etc, and we’ve choreographed dances for the entire wedding party. ”

Enjoy rehearsing your FIRST dance, together.

www.nightanddaydance.com

There is a one of a kind weave of events that has led the both of you to promising exchanging vows together, and our engagement photo shoot is an inspiring way to reflect that tale. Our couples have also spoken of how the engagement shoot was a great way to get comfortable in front of the ‘professional’ camera.

As with all our projects – our business and profession is all about heart. You will have a LOT of fun, and a meaningful time, while we are thoroughly enjoying capturing that love and fun in gorgeous color.  We’ve had couples say they became even more excited about getting married after the engagement shoots!

Here is a sample from our most recent engagement photo shoot, with Andi and Don. They are sweethearts, in love with each other and the outdoors, and all things classy.

www.andidon.me-photo.com

As romance will have it… our next engagement shoot is with a couple who have had a long distance relationship for 7 years! Photo shoot location? — YVR of course!

Through our lens to your eyes,

MISCHA & ELISHA

ME Wedding Photography team

Ricci-Leigh Smith is the owner of ‘The Perfect Bite’.  Her desserts are to die for. We’ve had our share. Just what a perfect wedding needs=GOOD food, with quality ingredients, and of course made with love. Take a look at: www.theperfectbitecatering.ca

We got to meet plenty new friends, including Tina and Hassan from Tala Florist. They made us a gorgeous flower arrangement for our table. Tina and Hassan serve around 100 weddings a year, and if you stand close enough you can even smell the flowers on them.

Take a look at:  www.talaflorist.ca

Mischa’s photo of lightbulbs is now the cover of a Scotties tissue box. In stores now.

ME loves the idea of using lightbulbs as decorations at your wedding

here are a whole bunch of ideas from our friends at Green Wedding Shoes  http://greenweddingshoes.com/inspired-by-light-bulbs/

See all the images here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/portraits-of-gay-couples-just-married-in-new-york

John Fleuvog of Vancouver (on Water Street in Gastown) www.fluevog.com has been making stylish kicks for decades.  He’s known worldwide for his unique inspirations.  Shop local and make a big impression. How about these turquoise shoes paired with subtle turquoise highlights throughout your wedding? The groom matches too!  ME likes!

If loud shoes are too much for you, maybe have some fun with matching socks like the groomsmen did at Ellen & Cort’s wedding.