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Nov
26
5 Auspicious Wedding Beliefs and Traditions Around the World
Arab Wedding / Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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You may want to incorporate these traditions into your own wedding day to increase your chances of a lifetime of love and happiness—because even the most loving couple can use a little bit of luck. And of course, don’t forget to invite your arab wedding photographer indiana to document all those meaningful traditions for the best memories of a lifetime.
1. A rainy wedding day is good luck for Indians
Indian weddings are colourful, joyous, and as lucky as the guests can make them. A little bit of luck may fall on every couple, but for Indian weddings, when it rains, it pours. Plus, rain or shine, guests throwing fragrant rose petals and other flowers at the betrothed is like wishing the newlywed couple the best of luck for their entire marriage.
2. Vietnamese brides are all about red
No white weddings here! The color red, which symbolizes good luck, is the color of choice for attire, and décor, at most Vietnamese weddings. Leaving nothing to chance, the groom’s family will even travel to the bride’s parental home, bearing wine, fruit, and cake, wrapped in red paper and presented on red platters.
3. Wedding date is determined by stars for Hindu couples
Before the wedding, an auspicious time, known as the muhurta, is fixed for the event. Using the bride and groom’s dates of birth, astrologists calculate the position of planets and stars to reflect the celestial union of the couple. During the ceremony, the gautra of both bride and groom (going back at least three generations) are announced. A gautra is the ancestral lineage or the ancestor’s original clan (this is not related to caste or religion). In Hindu law, marriages should not take place within the same clan.
4. Arab grooms pay for the bride’s hand
Arab bride and groom do not register their union in the marriage venues. They pass the ceremony in the face of Allah. This procedure is called nikah. As an arab wedding photographer Indiana, we’ve witnessed a lot of this tradition, which is considered by Arabs and Muslims the most important part of their weddings. During this time, the bride and groom is giving each other a vow of eternal love. At this time, the groom pays a bribe for the bride – a ransom, giving her a large amount of money, real estate, car or jewellery. Even in case of divorce, the gift stays with the girl.
5. Mexican brides keep a secret
Mexican wedding rituals tend to be deeply religious, and brides always wear white, but good wedding luck is ensured in a colorful, albeit hidden, way. Brides sew three ribbons into their lingerie for good luck, and wear them secretly on their wedding day. The ribbons are red, blue, and yellow, to represent passion, financial stability, and abundance of sustenance. No one sees the lucky ribbons, until the bride unveils them to her groom, when they are alone, after the ceremony has taken place.
Nov
15
A Guide to Asian Weddings: The Bride and the Groom’s Outfit
Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer / South Asian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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Choosing an outfit for a wedding can be tricky, especially if you haven’t been given a dress code to follow, yet attending a wedding of a different culture can make this decision even harder. Saiaf Films, one of the award-winning Santa Monica Indian Wedding Photographer, shares some thoughts on how dress codes look like on different Asian weddings.
The Bride
Japan
Japanese weddings are huge affairs. It is often the parents of the couple who organise the wedding, and they are willing to spend excessive amounts to save face. As such, the large scale of the weddings means that the bride can have as many as five costume changes.
The traditional wedding is called a Shinto wedding and at one of these ceremonies, the bride often wears a white kimono. At more modern-day ceremonies, the bride chooses to wear a dress similar to that of a Western wedding dress but with a Japanese print.
India
As witnessed by almost every Afghan Wedding Photographer Austin, the location of the wedding often determines the bridal outfit of an Indian bride. In some regions, the bride wears a saree, a garment that looks like a long drape; while in others the bride wears a lehenga, which is a long skirt. Often the bride is dressed in red or another vibrant colour, and her garments will be carefully embroidered with an impressive design. The bride and the rest of her bridal party are often painted with delicate henna patterns on the back of their hands.
China
A Chinese bride often chooses to dress in red as this is the colour of good luck in China. In some regions, typically in northern China, the traditional attire for a bride is a one-piece dress that is embroidered with gold and silver designs. In southern China, the typical wear is a two-piece frock.
On their feet, they often wear a small heel that has been embroidered with a recognisable symbol. For example, this could be a turtle or a deer which are symbols of happiness and longevity. Even here in the U.S., Saiaf Films often see Chinese brides still following the traditional dress code and ceremony, especially if the couple has pure Chinese bloodline. With such, it is important to hire the right Malibu Arab Wedding Videographer who’s familiar with Asian weddings and traditions.
The Groom
Japan
The traditional outfit for a Japanese groom is a wedding kimono called a montsuki, which often displays the family crest. The groom then changes into a tuxedo for the after-party, although more recently grooms start the ceremony in a tuxedo, too.
India
Grooms from different places in India choose to dress differently on their wedding day. According to some Fullerton Hindu Wedding Photographer, some husbands-to-be wear traditional dress, such as a dhoti, which is a rectangular cloth that is tied around the waist. In other regions, they wear a sherwani (a long coat), a kurta (loose falling shirt that hangs below the knee) or a Western suit.
Men, like their brides, often have henna on their bodies but it is not as elaborate and often hidden under the clothing.
China
A traditional Chinese groom is dressed in a silk coat over an embroidered robe. Nowadays, the traditional overcoat is sometimes not worn.
The groom often has to wear special headwear which is a black hat with a decorative red tassel. Some younger generations no longer follow the traditional dress code and simply wear a tuxedo or a Western-style business suit.
Nov
15
4 Often-Forgotten Wedding Details
Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer / South Asian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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There are a million and one things to plan when it comes to a wedding. So is it any surprise that one or two or even twenty-five wedding details might fall through the cracks? Planning a wedding — whether big or small — can be extremely overwhelming, especially when juggling full-time job. There are so many details and so many people, vendors and logistics that have to be managed, so it’s not hard to believe that sometimes a detail here and there gets overlooked.
Here, Saiaf Films — your most trusted Chicago Hindu Wedding Photographer — will break down the top things that brides usually forget when planning their wedding. With any luck, this list will save you from forgetting these details, too!
Starting to Get Ready Later Than Planned
The time spent getting ready should be as relaxed and fun as possible, but once you find yourself behind schedule, the pressure can build to catch up. Do a test run and talk with your stylist beforehand to figure out how much time you and your wedding party will need on the big day. Also, it’s ideal to get started preparing earlier than planned, so your New York Hindu Wedding Videographer and photographer will have enough time to snap more photos and videos of you and your party before the ceremony actually begins.
Underestimating the Cost of Drinks
When mapping your budget, bear in mind that, aside from your Dearborn Muslim Female Wedding Photography, a good chunk of your expenses will go towards drinks. It’s common practice to have an open bar during the reception, but not every couple can afford to shell out for an all-night open bar. Instead, consider the alternatives. There are many ways to save big without having to resort to a cash bar, including serving two signature cocktails, wine, and beer, or asking your venue for a corkage option. This will allow you to keep unopened bottles which you can return, if allowed.
Being Pressured and Hurried to Pick the Bridal Party
This one is more like a mistake than a forgotten detail. Picking your bridal party can be stressful and even awkward, but don’t forget that it’s your day and you shouldn’t feel an obligation towards anyone. The most important thing is to pick people who you want standing up with you on your wedding day and be in most of your photos shot by your Houston Arab Wedding Photographer. So, take your time before you ask anyone.
Traditionally, you’ll ask your sisters to be bridesmaids (assuming you have any, and you’re at least relatively close) and also any future sisters-in-law. Also, were all in favor of appointing a “man of honor” or having close guy friends in the bridal party. It’s 2018 folks! You can have whoever and whatever you want for your wedding!
Acknowledging Each One of Your Guests
It may seem silly, but plan how you’re going to greet your guests. Often, the bride and groom will stand at the end of the receiving line after the ceremony. This ensures the couple can greet all of their guests. If you want to skip straight to the reception, you might consider, instead, making the rounds while guests are seated at their tables. Whatever you decide to do, try your best to say hello to everyone and thank them for coming. This is particularly important for all of your out-of-town guests. Let them know you appreciate them making the trip to be there on your big day.
Nov
13
So, should you pay for a second shooter at your wedding? Having a second photographer is becoming more and more popular among bridal couples nowadays and also seen a lot in photographer pricing packages. Whether you should decide to have a second photographer depends on a number of things.
The benefits of having a second shooter are extremely useful for…
Getting Ready Photos
With the bride and bridesmaids all getting ready together, these can make for some fun and lovely photos, shots of the bridesmaids helping the bride put the dress on, drinking wine together with the emotion and excitement of the day captured through photos.
But what about the groom? If they are getting ready somewhere else, then this is where a second shooter is useful, you have your main Colorado Indian Wedding Photographer capturing the bride getting ready, while the second shooter is with the groom, best man and the rest of the guys.
Guest Shots
If you have a very large number of guests at your wedding you may benefit from a second shooter that allows you to capture more of your guests and the emotion of the day. This is not to say that a single Denver Indian Wedding Videographer cannot do this nicely, but a second shooter allows your main photographer to focus on the bride and groom during the ceremony, allowing the second shooter to focus on the guests only. The more guests you have, the trickier it is to capture those fun moments, emotions and joy on your guests faces while also doing formal shots, for example.
The Venue
Be it for the ceremony or the reception, larger venues that offer a few different vantage points allow for a range of different shot. Requesting for a second shooter from your Colorado Indian Wedding Photographer allows you to take advantage of this by being able to capture the same moment from different angles. This could be shots of the bride and groom walking down the aisle with shots from a photographer on the ground level and a second shooter capturing the moment from a balcony above, for instance.
Overall, it comes down to whether you need an additional Denver Indian Wedding Videographer and photographer, and whether you have the budget for it.
Nov
02
If you have been invited to an Indian wedding for the first time, you may want to know what to expect at an Indian wedding. Attending a traditional Indian wedding is quite a unique experience—you will witness a wide array of vibrant colors, food, ceremonies, rituals and dances blended together in a large and long celebration. If you decide to attend the wedding, be it a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh wedding, it’s very likely that you’ll get overwhelmed by the bewildering array of Indian wedding traditions, rituals and etiquette. But with the following tips in mind, you will enjoy the Indian wedding with grace, ease and fun.
1. Dress modestly
Many first-timers wonder what guests wear to an Indian wedding, so that they can dress themselves accordingly. While there is no specific dress code at Indian weddings, dressing modestly is a must, meaning no bare shoulders and bare knees. For female wedding guests, a traditional sari or lehenga is perfect to show some respect to the religious wedding rituals, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have. For men, suits and sherwani (a long coat-like garment) are fine.
Jewelries are also very important part of Indian outfits. Bindis and bangles are most common jewelries for Indian wedding guests we’ve seen as an Indian Wedding Photographer Arizona. A pair of chand balis or jhumkas is good adornment for your ears. Necklace with Indian touches, even a simple gold chain with a sparkling pendant, is perfect accessory to adorn your neck. Payals and mang tikkas can also be your choice to go with your wedding sari or lehenga. For male guests, choose a gold chain or jewelled buttons to make your outfit complete.
2. Prepare for strange hours of the day or night for the wedding ceremony
Many Indian weddings are timed at some strange hours of the day or night. The auspicious time for wedding is often chosen by astrology at around 2 or 3 am, especially for weddings in north India. So remember to ask if it is a late night or early morning wedding so that you can get some sleep the day before.
3. Plan accordingly for a long wedding
An Indian wedding lasts at least 3 days, even for a week! From pre-wedding rituals like Mehndi (henna) to the 2-3 hours long main ceremony and finally, the reception, there are a lot of events taking place, some of which you may be invited to participate in. Plan your time accordingly and get enough rest to be engaged in the events you’re invited to attend.
4. Learn the customs
Indian weddings are known for their colorful rituals, especially the Hindu weddings. Each individual ceremony, such as the Mehndi, the Saptapadi (seven steps), or the recitation of vows, has a meaning behind it. Knowing about them will help you enjoy the wedding to the fullest. For instance, at Indian wedding Mehndi (henna) ceremony held at the night before the wedding, the bride and her female friends and family members will have intricate mehndi patterns drawn on their hands and feet. It’s a common belief that the darker the color of the mehndi leaves on the hands of the bride, the more she will be loved by her husband and mother-in-law. In some regions, the groom will apply vermillion or kumkum to the bride’s forehead or put toe ring on the bride to symbolize that she’s now a married woman.
5. Money is the traditional wedding gift
Giving gifts is a common tradition at Indian weddings. The traditional wedding gift is money, which is regarded as the most thoughtful gift for the couple to start their lives together. This is better done by placing money in a pretty envelope or embroidered bag, along with your best wishes. The amount of Indian wedding gift money should be an “auspicious” number ending in 1, regardless of what the currency is. As to a reasonable amount, it mostly depends on how much you can afford and how close you’re to the bride and the groom. Other gifts that you will give for a non-Indian wedding would also be appropriate, such as decorative items, jewelry, and silver items.
Oct
05
The Most Common Wedding Photography Misconceptions
Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Palestinian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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If not all, most couples see their wedding as the most important event in their lives. Obviously, you want to be able to cherish every bit of it and record everything that happened on that day. After all, it isn’t every day that you get married and you also want to be able to show off your wedding to family members both now and in the future.
However, you need an excellent South Asian Wedding Photographer Arizona in order to do that. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about wedding photography that made couples less-prioritize this supposedly very important element in a wedding.
1. All wedding photographers do is to take photos
Granted that the main job of a Fremont Palestinian Wedding Photographer is to take photographs, but that is far from the truth that it is the only thing they do in this job. Wedding photographers need to possess all of the technical knowledge that comes with being able to photograph people beautifully and remarkably, and they have to be skilled enough to be able to do it in all different kinds of settings—not just in a studio where the environment can be controlled.
2. It’s extremely expensive to hire a professional
If you really want to hire someone who is good enough to produce the best results, it is not going to be free of charge. However, it also doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. If budget is a main concern, there are so many professional photographers offering different styles and varying service fees. There is no doubt you will find one that will suit your budget, needs and preferences.
3. Any professional photographer can take wedding photos
False! A lot of people think that those who take professional photos of landscapes, or even those who take photos in a studio, will be able to take high-quality wedding photos. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most photographers. A wedding is a unique event. In a fashion shoot, the model will strike poses for the photographer. In landscape photography, the photographer can take the time to look for the perfect angle with the best lighting. But with a wedding, you can’t ask the bride and groom to walk down the aisle again or kiss each other again. If you miss to capture the moment, you miss it forever. Wedding photographers have one chance, one shot; they have to be in the right place at the right time. And that, my friend, is the edge of a professional New Orleans Sikh Wedding Photographer—they know when and where to anticipate the moment.
4. You can just Photoshop it
Yes, you can Photoshop pimples, wrinkles and flyaway hair. But you can never Photoshop candid moments and emotions. Wedding photos are about real natural moments captured naturally. We, at Saiaf Films, make use of our years of experience to help use the natural light to our advantage while photographing events as they unfold, so that you get natural shots and there’s no need (or at least very minimal need) for ‘photoshopping’.
Sep
20
Quick Planning Tips for Your Wedding
Chicago Muslim Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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Weddings are big—and expensive—affairs, but they are also beautiful and fun. We, here at Saiaf Films, know quite well that budgeting, planning and managing a plethora of wedding elements can get seriously stressful. If you are one of those brides-to-be who are slowly morphing into a bridezilla, don’t lose hope! We, as your trustee Hindu Wedding Photographer Scottsdale, are here for you. Below are some of our known trendy tips and tricks for a less stressful wedding planning.
1. The Dress
Gone are the days when brides only wear crisp white wedding gowns. Being an Arizona Indian Wedding Photographer for years, we’ve seen how brides have explored the wedding fashion. Subtle colors, like champagne and blush, are all the trend right now. And don’t even underestimate ready-to-wear dresses you find in department stores. Going for a ready-made one will greatly reduce the stress of showing up to multiple fittings when you have more important things to do. With a ready-made dress, all your options are right in front of you, and all you need to do is just to pick the one that fits perfectly on you.
2. The Invitations and Save-the-Date Cards
Eliminate the need to print multiple cards for your invitations and save-the-dates by creating a wedding website. You can even skip the save-the-dates altogether as you can go online with it instead. For wedding invitations, still have them printed out. You’d want to be formal with the principal sponsors, wouldn’t you?
3. The Bridal Makeup
To ensure you look fresh as your Sikh Wedding Photographer Phoenix snaps photo of you all day, keep your lipstick looking sharp and crisp by keeping a lip liner on hand. This will be your best friend the whole day of your wedding. Not only does it reshape your lips, but it also serves as a stencil for your lipstick to last longer.
4. The Venue
When asking for a venue’s capacity, ask for maximum guest count for seated dinner. If planning to hire a live band, ask for space for the stage and the dance floor. In many cases, these aren’t included in the maximum guest count.
5. The Décor and Setup
Among the popular wedding décor trend today is bringing the outside in, with lots of fairy lights and greenery. For the dining setup, go for classic style with romantic edge by using monochromatic floral centerpieces with accents like textured plates or linens. Top it off with accessories like tall vases.
6. The Food
Perhaps, you may want to consider choosing healthier menu over friend and thick-gravy recipes. Even if you don’t go all-out healthy, having one or two healthier recipes, such as green salad and roasted turkey, will give your menu a variation. Ask your caterer if they are open for customizing the menu, too, especially if you have a family recipe you want to include in your banquet.
Sep
20
How to Achieve Incredible Rainy Wedding Photos
Arab Wedding / Engagement Photoshoot / Gilbert Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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Yes, you wouldn’t want to wish rain on your wedding day, but you have to be prepared with a backup plan in case that happens. However, for us here at Saiaf Films, we see it as an opportunity for some really unique and stunning images! Check out our tried-and-tested tips on how you can turn a gloomy day into stunning photo opportunities on your very special day.
1. Adjust your timeline
Holding off on your wedding portraits 30 minutes to even a few hours for a break in the rain can be well worth the wait! This could be a good time to try with your Afghani Wedding Photographer San Francisco some indoor photo magic while waiting for the rain to stop. Our pros here at Saiaf Films, will help you plan out your day and communicate with you leading up to the event if we see that rain is in the forecast, so we can adjust accordingly and ensure that you will still have amazing photos no matter the weather!
2. But don’t avoid the rain altogether
If the rain never lets up, or if you’re willing to take the risk of getting a little bit wet for some epic photos, plan a short session in the rain. We will take care of scouting the locations and setting up the shots. All you have to do is relax, stay dry, and look amazing!
3. Communicate with your pros
With a weather less than ideal like this, it is more critical to keep an open line with your Tucson Bengali Wedding Photographer. It’s important to ask any and all questions you may have so that your photographer can address your concerns. Your photographer may even be able to use flash to mimic the sun for a magical golden-hour look!
4. Feature the big clouds
Rains and storms often create an epic array of clouds and textures that give you and your Sedona Muslim Wedding Photographer the opportunity for truly unique imagery. Don’t let the gloomy vibe of a rainy wedding day get you down as your photographer will be there to turn a cloudy moment into a beautiful lasting memory!
5. Grab a stylish umbrella
This is a great time to grab a stylish umbrella to use as accessory to your photo. A white, black or clear umbrella can take your rainy photos to the next level, not to mention keep you dry during the outdoor shoot. Plus, umbrellas have the ability to reflect light in a unique and ethereal way.
Sep
19
How to Perfect Candid Wedding Photos
Destination Weddings / Engagement Photoshoot / Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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Nowadays, most couples don’t just want the formal shots at their weddings. Frequently, they will ask for ‘reportage’ shots, by which they mean more candid shots of themselves and the guests while enjoying the celebration.
In today’s article, we want to help our co-professionals to master their craft and be one of the Best Photographer in Arizona. Here are some tips from our photographers here at Saiaf Films on how you can get the most evocative and compelling candid photos from any wedding you will cover.
1. Keep your guards up
Always be ready—the most important rule if you want to master candid photography. Your camera needs to be in your hand and ready to shoot at all times. Make sure you’ve got your ISO, aperture and shutter speed readily set to suit the environment.
2. Invest in the right equipment
While having pro DSLRs is enough to take majority of the photos, it can be very useful to have a smaller camera along in addition to help with candid shots. Some of the newer mirrorless cameras provide high quality shots in a far more compact body, helping to make you more unobtrusive.
3. Get a longer lens
It’s easier to get candid shots if you’re not standing right in front of people. So, make sure to bring a zoom lens, so you can take pictures from a distance. That way, people are less likely to realize that you’re pointing a camera in their direction. Plus, as a good Phoenix Indian Wedding Photographer, you want to capture the emotions and retain the intimacy of the image; and that can only be achieved with a quality zoom lens.
4. Minimize use of flash
If flash is not needed, don’t use it. The quickest way to get people to notice that you’re taking photos is to fire off a flash, and that’s the last thing you want to happen if you’re going for candid photographs. Look for other ways to let light into your image—whether by opening up your aperture, slowing your shutter speed or upping your ISO. You might introduce a bit more noise into your images, but your goal is to capture the moment.
5. Listen to the laughs
This may sound simplistic, but follow the laughter at a wedding. As a Sedona Hindu Wedding Photographer, you want your camera to be where the people are having fun and enjoying themselves, as this will lead to the most natural shots.
6. Pay extra attention
Lastly, and certainly not least, you need to keep paying attention if you want to get good candid shots at a wedding. Glances and looks can happen in the blink of an eye, so you need to keep an eye on what’s happening around you.
Sep
18
The Importance of Wedding Album
Chicago Muslim Wedding Photographer / Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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So much goes into having a wedding. Everything requires thorough planning and precious resources—from the wedding dress, venues, professional Sedona Arab Wedding Videographer, wedding bands, invitations, bouquets, rehearsal dinner…the list goes on. It’s an unfortunate growing trend that wedding albums are the least priority among soon-to-be-wed couples these days. Many aren’t aware of the importance of a wedding album. You’ve been through great lengths and battle to hire the best Scottsdale Indian Wedding Photographer to be there on your wedding to take beautiful images of the day. So, it’s important that you choose a high-quality and long-lasting way to showcase and protect your wedding photos.
With a custom handcrafted wedding album, you’ll be able to take a trip down memory lane anytime you want and relive the day from one special moment to another. Here are a few of the many reason why you should never skip having a wedding album.
Preserve Memories
When looking through the pages of your wedding album, you’ll be able to enjoy the story of your wedding day all over again. This is especially wonderful to have for those that were not around on your wedding day. Framed photos may only provide a glimpse into one specific moment, and digital photos can sometimes be out of order in the way they were saved. However, a wedding album arranged by your Afghani Wedding Photographer Phoenix will provide a complete view of the special day from beginning to end, giving you a storybook feeling. Looking at the images from a disc on one’s computer or iPad just isn’t the same.
Technology Constantly Changes
Unfortunately, technology does change over time. Those who captured and saved their wedding photos on VHS or floppy disk will have a hard time accessing their photos today. Those holding their photos with DVDs and CDs today will likely find them to be obsolete pretty soon, too. Couples may plan to transfer their images from one form of electronic media to the next as one becomes out-of-date, but honestly, many never get around to it. It is important to have a digital backup of one’s photos, but traditional wedding albums are a sure way to protect your photos and ensure they will be around for a long time.
An Heirloom Piece You Can Pass Down to Generations
Wedding albums also make a wonderful heirloom to pass down from one generation to another. Most couples who hire us as their Scottsdale Afghan Wedding Photographer don’t think that far ahead, but by securing a wedding album, they are contributing to the family’s beautiful and distinct history.
Showcase Your Style and Personality
Viewing pictures on a computer screen just isn’t the same as flipping through the pages of an album. Albums and tangible photos stir up much more meaningful memories. Albums also offer various unique ways in which you can customize to your own style that digital photos don’t offer. It may include embossing, different album cover materials (leather, fabric, etc.) and colors, different album sizes, background color, layout and design, storage boxes, etc.
