Wedding Reception Bathed in Light

Wedding season is practically upon us, as this is the time of year for talking things over with couples planning a 2018 wedding. The time spent on these interviews is particularly valuable because of the information and ideas that is gained by both sides. It is also highly constructive for when the wedding date finally arrives, as being more familiar with the couple will help your work with them much easier.  It’s critical at the appointment with the wedding photographer for the couple to be honest about exactly what they want – whether it’s a little or a lot. For the photographer’s part, it is important to really listen to the couple and understand what they are looking for the ceremony and the wedding reception, since the photographer’s uppermost goal is to satisfy their desires to the fullest extent possible based on the access the couple can provide.

As part of this endeavor to satisfy both sides, in my humble opinion, the wedding photographer may occasionally be called upon to offer advice that is beyond the realm of photography but which will contribute to creating beautiful images without too much intervention. It may not sound very easy, but I assure you it is possible. And remember that the wedding photographer is the only one who experiences the wedding along with each couple – from beginning to end. That amounts to a vast body of experience. So the longer the photographer has been in the field, the better he is at offering extra tips. So I decided to start providing wedding ideas I have come across in my work that help enhance the mood and experience of the guests.

An idea about the lighting at the wedding reception

This tip has to do with the lighting at the wedding reception and it is something I saw recently at two weddings that so impressed me with its simplicity in relation to the result. I enjoyed it immensely, both as an experience and from a photographic aspect. The traditional Greek garland of small lights in a row that are still used to illuminate the festivals in rural Greece and even some traditional restaurants is the ideal solution for lighting at the wedding reception. If you notice, the garland provides a soft, diffuse, warm light throughout the reception venue. Aside from the fact that there is plenty of light to eat by, you can also interact with those around you, while it is also conducive to a little innocent flirting. In addition, it is an ideal decorative element. The strings of lights convey the feeling of celebration, joy and enjoyment. What’s more, modern technical devices make it possible to vary the intensity of the light at different times during the reception, e.g. while serving the meal, or the party. As far as I know, it is not very expensive to wire and place the lights, but the difference the lights can make to a relatively non-descript venue, transforming it into a place of celebration, Is significant. And just as simply and romantically as our ancestors did, turning any occasion into a celebration with minimal resources.

Here are two examples: the first was designed by Rodi catering at a reception held on the Saliarelis estate in Aegina, while the second was at the Laas estate in Athens.