Unfortunately, we’re not quite to the stage of booking a Photographer (but hopefully, we can also talk about that soon), but I am hoping you can help me with a different kind of recommendation. After reviewing your site/blog, it’s clear you have quite the wedding experience in Madison. We are trying to finalize a ceremony location and I’m wondering if you have any suggestions based on your experience. I realize this is not your expertise and by no means your job, but you’ve probably been to/seen and definitely captured more weddings than anyone…so I thought I’d start with a professional.

• We’d like to have an outdoor ceremony, with an indoor option in case of rain. 
• Prefer the rain plan to not be a boring ballroom/conference room
• Would love to be near nature
• Simple set up

Answer: Yes, happy to give some suggestions! I would start with the Madison & Dane County park system when you are looking. Some ideas that come to mind are:

Allen centennial gardens. They set up a tent on the side for ceremonies (great for full sun or the risk of rain) and their garden space is lovely for photos and for guests to enjoy. It is also located right off the lake shore path -another great location for photos or walking, and has a parking lot close by. There is intermittent construction all around campus, so you would want to check how that will effect your wedding day.

On the east side of town, Olbrich gardens has beautiful garden space for outdoor ceremonies. They also have an indoor space that has a lovely view in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, and parking is free on site. A less well known space is Warner park, which has a community room for ceremonies that includes 2 walls of glass overlooking trees and the greenery.

A little further out of town is the Lussier center, which has a prairie view location and indoor space.

• Hanna & Wes’s civil ceremony in the judge’s house {intimate twin cities wedding}
• Jolynn & Tim’s East meets West guthrie ceremony & chinese banquet reception wedding

So, I am not really into wedding fairs – they just aren’t my ideal way of connecting with brides and grooms planning their wedding. That is why I am so excited about the Independent Wedding Fair – a member-run organization of local and creative wedding professionals.

Join us this Thursday, October 13 at Pinstripes in Edina for

• unlimited bowling
• ideas for boutonniere alternatives
• tips for building a great wedding lounge
• drink samples
• laid back atmosphere

I have a few tickets left to give away, otherwise they are $15 for 2 at the door or online at independentwedding.com

• Indyspire: The Independent Wedding Fair
• Why I participate in the Independent Wedding Fair

• A little Minnesota state fair zen {portraits at the State Fair}
• Minnesota State Fair favorites {photo a day}

Dear Friends,

The past year has been a wonderful one for Becca Dilley Photography, and I’ve found myself busier than ever shooting what I love most – weddings, portraits and food. Now that I’ve finally had a moment to catch my breath, I’ve updated my website (please have a look!) and pricing in anticipation of the 2012 season.

For those of you who are considering booking my services for next year (or encouraging your friends and family to do so), have no fear: From now until June 1, 2011, anyone booking me for a 2012 wedding can still take advantage of 2011 pricing.

Best Regards,
Becca Dilley

• Lewis’s red wagon pushing, dandelion picking, spring frolicking, 1 year portraits

Check out their adorable story and boat photo on the inside back cover!

Contact Becca Dilley

1. Unconventional wedding locations – Using a location like a restaurant or a field can have its own challenges, but it also can create a vibe like no other.

2. Pockets in wedding dresses – true, you shouldn’t keep your makeup or phone in your pockets, but having a place to actually keep a Kleenex can make you feel a lot less dependent on your wedding day.

3. Taking photos at your home – there is no better way to have your photos reflect who you are then to take some of your photos at your own house.

4. Inspiration from Etsy for hair & jewelry – need I say more?

5. Engagement photos as guest signature book – great way to use your engagement photos and get your guests to write a little more than just their names!

6. Personalizing your wedding accessories – embroider, engrave, or monogram something specifically for your wedding day!

7. Live entertainment – having a live band, chinese lion dancers, or a string quartet brings a lot of life to the party.

8. Signature Drinks – create a signature cocktail or bring  in home brew.

9. Individual cakes – having friends bake cakes for each table can bring a personalized and delicious touch to a wedding reception.

10. Bringing in another language – when you have family that speaks another language, add it to the mix of things!

11. Using vegetables for wedding bouquets – like this one with baby artichokes.

12. Playing board games at wedding receptions (who doesn’t love a great game of Jenga or Settlers of Catan while taking a break from the dance floor?)

13. Not for everyone, but this cat has a bowtie. Enough said.

Contact Becca Dilley

• Madison Engagement Photographer – Katherine & Ben’s downtown spring engagement photos
• Engagement Photos at home {Emily & Lance}

What should I wear?

Here’s the most important thing: wear something that is comfortable to you! That will mean different things to different folks, but it is hard to look relaxed when you are worried about your buttons gapping or your sweater hanging too loose.

Do I need to get my hair done or wear a lot of makeup in order to  look good in the photos?

I believe strongly that you should look like you in your photos. We will aim to capture more of your “fun and loving” side than your “just out of bed” side, but you should be able to look at your photos and feel like they represent you. There is no need to do something totally new for your photos. That said, your photos are a great time to spend a little extra time on your primping, whether that means extra time spent on styling hair and makeup or your choice of outfit.

I have heard we shouldn’t wear all white because it will mess up the photos – is that true?

No color you wear will “mess up” the photos, but some things (like white or loud patterns) tend to dominate the photos, and take the focus off of you. In general, any solid colors or small patterns, especially warm neutrals (brown, navy, maroon, etc) make great choices, as do really fun colors (hot pink, bright blue, yellow). Layers are a great choice for men and women. But if you love the all-white look or have a Hawaiian shirt that is totally you – lets go with it! I would recommend also bringing a jacket or sweater to layer and give you more options.

Should my fiancée and I match our outfits for our engagement session?

I think matching outfits are perfect for themed shoots about roller skating or foosball, but otherwise you just want to make sure you and your fiancée have outfits that work together. The same color family is an easy way to coordinate — here’s a link about that: http://www.krylon.com/color/families/

We kind of want to do something different – are there cool options for us?

Doing something that is uniquely you is always the right choice. If you love food – lets do your portraits in a restaurant or farmers market. If you love vintage style, lets find a cool theater and take portraits there. If you love architecture – lets hang out downtown! The sky is the limit.

How long will portraits take?

Generally, we will spend about an hour to an hour and a half on your portrait session. If you want to do portraits in several locations, it will take a little longer.

What should I bring?

Think about bringing things that showcase your personality visually – your favorite shoes (cowboy boots? hot pink heels?), sunglasses, an extra scarf or sweater to change your look, a book or photo that has meaning for you, etc. The most important accessory is always a fun attitude.

• Film Noir portrait session {Minneapolis}
• Madison’s Memorial Union Engagement Session {Colleen & Micah} preview

Ceremony Location: Woods Chapel and Event Center
Wedding Planner: mimi design
Second Shooter: Sarah McGee

• Nicollet Island Pavilion & Woods Chapel Summer wedding with Chinese Lion Dancers {Adrianne & Ian’s heartfelt wedding} Minneapolis
• Woods Chapel wedding in the woods {Adrianne & Ian} preview

• Inside a flush mount album – wedding album design
• Flush Mount Wedding Album {Nicole & Rob}