Archive for the ‘wedding stories’ Category

Marci and  Jon wanted a classic Chicago style wedding. They got that and much more! Grab the tissues and enjoy.

a film by melissa martens and rajesh bhagirat
shot at Trump International Hotel and Towers, Chicago
decor + flowers by Heffernan Morgan

Push play and watch this, it will make you smile.

A wedding flashmob is so much fun! Rita and Jason know how to live it up.

Like this wedding? You have to see the photos: http://figweddings.net/chicago-weddings/rita-jason/

DJ + PHOTO + FILMS = Weddings Under One Roof 

photo by Brian Carey

Exclusive interview with Fig Media, Inc. Director of Sales and Business Development, Andrew Ettenhofer.

A wedding is more than just a venue, menu, and flowers. Every aspect of your special day is a direct representation of you and your partner and the life you are about to begin together. We talked to Andrew Ettenhofer, Director of Sales at Fig Media, Inc. and wedding expert. With more than 10 years of experience in the biz, he spoke not only about the importance of having a wedding with a purpose, but also how to do it.

“Everything we do is meaningful,” said Ettenhofer. And your wedding should be too. It’s more than just a party with food, music, and booze. “If you’re going through the time, energy, love and sweat of having a wedding and committing to someone for the rest of your life- that’s a pretty meaningful act. Everything you do that is associated with that should be meaningful.”

The first question to ask is ‘what is important to you?’ The more something means to you, the more excited you will be about it, and the more you are willing to fight for certain elements. If that means you have to have the lemon chicken taste just like your mother’s, make the extra effort to get the recipe to your caterer. If the elements of your wedding mean more to you, you must be more direct with your vendors, tell them exactly what you want and what is going to work for you.

It can even start with the venue. Choosing a venue can be one of the first big hurdles a couple must face while planning a wedding. The date, location, season, and style all reflect a lot on the couple and their personal style and tastes. It is also a decision of compromise between the couple. “You must focus on the basics,” said Ettenhofer, “what is important, what is non-negotiable, and what are you willing to compromise on.”

A very meaningful part of your wedding is your guest list. “Make sure all the guests will support you and your partner through thick and thin, that’s the purpose of even having guests, to witness the ceremony and to help you uphold your vows. They’re not just audience members,” said Ettenhofer. So when you’re thinking of your guest list, make sure you are choosing people who are meaningful to you and will witness your vows in real life, as a couple. This is the community of your wedding. Also, “if you educate your guests on why the elements are meaningful to you, they will be more meaningful to them as well,” Ettenhofer pointed out.

“Purpose is a lining- as a couple you have a purpose.” The event should reflect why you are getting married and how you are better together than apart. Here are some important tips from our expert about how to reflect your meaning at your wedding:

• The couple should be aligned behind a common purpose
• Remember: the wedding is a very meaningful act, everything should reflect that
• Do whatever you want, enjoy yourself, and enjoy being with your new partner throughout the entire evening
• Build plans and strategies to make the day more relaxing
• Unload your anxiety before the wedding to be able to enjoy it more
• Stay connected with your partner throughout the party. You want to enjoy it together
• Remember why you’re doing it

Throughout all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, remember that this is YOUR special day, and it should reflect the values, principles, interests, and love of you and your partner.