Recently I had the privilege of capturing my beautiful friend Melanie's headshots.  She is a real estate agent here in Longmont, so if you are looking for a realtor in the Northern Colorado area be sure to look her up!

We were able to work with the perfect fall day in the studio gardens as well as in-studio for some beautiful color.   

* You will now find our family portrait work at https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

 I love to get all the pumpkins out for our fun fall setups!  We enjoyed some time at Willow Farm Park this year for a set of mini sessions!  See current open sessions here.

How sweet is this little family?  Lots of sweet smiles and simple playtime. And for the longest time I have been dying to do traditional barn family photos at this location. A beautiful red barn is such as perfect addition to fall minis!

 1. Insurance

Even though it is on your own property or a family member's property, it is always a good idea to arrange for a 1-day insurance policy for your event.  You never know what accident might happen and could lead to a bigger problem. Maybe the caterer's flame from the food trays catch some decor on fire, maybe someone injuries themself tripping over a cord or slips on the dance floor maybe some glass is broken.  The point is, don't leave this to chance. 

 2. The Noise

Consider the volume of your event and how it may disrupt the neighbors.  Prior to the big day let them know there will be a wedding, or better yet, invite them to it. Be sure your DJ knows of any volume regulations.  Most residential areas have a 10pm noise ordinance law.  After that time take the volume down a notch. Nothing like having the cops show up.  That will be a nice addition to the wedding album.

3. The Dance Floor

When it comes to planning out your reception, chances are there will be dancing!  Now to plan where.  Whether it is a patio, under a porch on the cement, or even a level driveway, be sure to look over the area for any potential tripping hazards.  There are things we may let go of for our own use, but put 40 people in the space and suddenly you think more of anything that could go wrong.  Look boards on the deck, a loose stone sticking up, and really in general if it is level and flat.  If you are considering a dance floor on the grass, it must be completely flat.  

4. Electricity

Nothing kills a party than having the fuse go out and suddenly the music and lights are gone.  Know your cords, power usage, and watts to prevent this from happening.  Communicate with your DJ and decorator to know what you need to provide and from what source.

5. The Staging Area

Whether a professional caterer is coming in or those ladies from the church with their cooking skills, they will need somewhere accessible to the reception area to refresh and restock the food.   Refills and keeping food warm.  So whether that is the kitchen as well as a basement room set up with tables off the patio.  Consider an empty table and large trash setup with industrial dishwashing bins to collect dishes and cups etc.  Create a sanitary system to follow.

6. The Helpers

That teen neighbor and her friend next door.  A friend of a friend's daughter willing to help out. Hiring helpers to clear the dirty dishes after guests are done helps to manage the mess.  Have your helpers keep the guests refreshed.  Have them participate in the theme to make it fun. 

* You will now find our family portrait work at https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

 It's fall, fall beautiful fall!  I am a bit obsessed with fall color.  And Colorado has some beautiful fall color with the mountains and open vibrant skies. 

I will be in Fort Collins on the 9th and 23rd of October. For details and booking at this location, click here.