Reception Traditions: To Toss or Not to Toss? Day Two Wedding Traditions Forum

The topic today....the throwing of the bouquet and the transferring of the garter.  Where, when, how and why did this tradition emerge?  It actually is an interesting history, but we'll leave that for you to research on your own.  We want to hear about  your past experiences and your current thoughts about the tradition.  Provide honest feedback to help other brides who are just not sure what direction to go. 

Is it a classic and entertaining wedding reception activity that gets everyone involved?

Is it awkward and outdated...void of any value?

Should it be done at the start or end of the reception? 

What are the best songs to play to keep it fun and light?

Should the bride's actual bouquet be thrown, or should it be a separate, perhaps smaller replica?

North Bowl, Philadelphia is the Place to be - Eric and Rae:

If we were to create a "Top Ten Places to Have Your Wedding Ceremony" list (not a bad idea, actually...), Eric and Rae's venue, North Bowl, Lounge and Lanes would be right up there. This wedding had the personal, special, and classy... yet fun, chill, and crazy vibe all wrapped up in one.  They totally rocked it.
 Insight from the groom:
"We met online so I'm afraid that there is not much of a story there.  Our engagement lasted a year due to financial issues; it was tough with the current economy but we made it happen.  I would say the greatest piece of advice we would give is to stay calm and be sure to make your day exactly how you want it.  The highlight of our wedding day was when we read our vows, we wrote them ourselves and they really made people laugh.  We think that everything about our wedding day represented us as a couple.  Our wedding was very unique, unusual, and full of fun which represents us totally."

Sarah and Nicole: Rock a Reception with a House Party Vibe

"Sarah and Nicole wanted to create a total house party vibe -- a six hour dance set, no slow songs, no formalities! When people of grandmother age request "Move Bitch" by Ludacris, you know it's going to be a crazy night." -Tom from Hi-Society Productions


And so they met....
Nicole actually saw me before I saw her. I was face down on a table getting tattooed. Our paths did not cross again until years later, after several milestones occurred in our separate lives fate brought us back together through, of all things, someone she was dating who was a friend of mine. I had just moved back from a stint in San Diego and started hanging out with them. From there the juicy part was us falling in love whether we wanted to or not.

Countdown to the wedding day::
We were 'engaged' for 7 or so days. We decided to go for our civil union license here in NJ on a Friday-ish, applied for the license Monday and were in the courtroom Friday afternoon. Our reception was 6 months later.

Free advice!
CALM DOWN, its all going to work itself out. Our banquet manager changed mid planning and what seemed like the worst timing ever turned out to be no big deal. Lay back, relax and enjoy the time. It's such a wonderful time in life ... enjoy it.

The wedding day headliner~
The highlight of the actual day was signing our license. The highlight of the reception was looking around the dance floor, realizing we were surrounded by all those we love most in this life and seeing them smile along with us.

Represented
I think what most represented us as a couple was our choice of first dance. We started with "isn't she lovely" by Stevie Wonder because Nicole's father who has passed used to sing it to her when she was a little girl. But the music quickly switched to "Push it" Salt n Pepa, "Kiss" prince, "Poison" Bel Biv Devo. We are laid back, fun and awesome. We didn't want to waste any time getting to the dance floor so we set the bar high right away for our guests as we try to do with every endeavor in our lives.

Mishaps?
No mishaps besides 46 degree weather, other that it was wonderful and we would like to do it every 6 months.

Location: Latitudes on the River
Florist: Birch & Burlap
Music: Hi-Society Entertainment
Hair: Studio Salon

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Dear Tattooed* Bride,

We have a confession to make. We love you. We always have and we always will. We love how you choose to walk the road less traveled and how you show your individuality in all you do.
Will you accept our special wedding day proposal?
Please contact us at http://www.allebachphotography.com/contact.html so we can provide you with the juicy details.
XOXO,
The Allebach Photography Crew (Mike & Rachel and Becca AKA Office Ninja)

*The not so fine print. This special deal is also available to unconventional, offbeat, non-traditional brides who know how to rock and roll regardless of a "tattoo" status, size or placement. So really anyone who would take the time to read the fine print is cool in our books.

Siobhan and Kevin:: "Uniquely Glam Riverside Wedding"

It's no wonder Siobhan and Kevin's wedding caught the eye of Sarah from Delightfully Engaged. We are thrilled to have their day well represented on My Wedding's blog. Take a looksie...A Very Cool and Uniquely Glam Riverside Wedding by Allebach Photography

Philadelphia Boat House Row - Sioban & Kevin I

Sioban & Kevin's Philadelphia Wedding was a blast to photograph. It took place at the Vesper Boat House on Boat House Row in Philadelphia.  We had so many photos to show that we had to split this into 2 separate wedding photography posts.

Sioban the bride rocked a vintage wedding look that showed off her tattoos. Oh and you'll have to see their centerpieces (below) that matched the whole boathouse theme.

Outdoor Wedding with Tattooed Bride - Barbara & Adam

I grabbed 3 quick pics from Barbara & Adam's amazing wedding. This tattooed couple loves Coheed & Cambria (I'll give their "how we met" story later) and know how to have fun.  But for now 3 quick photos from their wedding.





I rarely post photos of the groomsmen, but I couldn't resist.

Wedding Photography Sale - Nov & Dec 2010

We are only booking 3 more weddings in 2010. To finish off the year we are offering a November / December Sale.  The next couples to book in November or December 2010 will get 2 free hours ($1000 value).

If you are getting married in 2011 or 2012 ...the good news is we always offer a tattooed bride discount.  It's like garlic and wooden stakes to snobby bridezilla brides - and that is how we end up with the best clients in the world.   So join other brides who love social distortion, dropkick murphys and getting ink and email us at weddings@allebachphotography.com for details.