Talar's Story: Save the Date

Given that our wedding is during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, we felt it was necessary to send save-the-date cards. Initially, I thought I would send them in January for our May wedding but was quickly told by some close friends and family, and even some vendors that the sooner you send, the better, and ideally anywhere between 8-10 months before the wedding. I started shopping around for some ideas, and settled on using Shutterfly’s Wedding Divas services. They have an option, where you can choose several styles, colors, and layouts and they will send you a sample package. It was the most convenient and inexpensive way to go. Plus, it was an excuse for me to convince Serj to take some engagement photos.

I had used Raffi’s services at a previous occasion, and absolutely fell in love with his work. We hired Raffi, through his company, RAM Productions LA, to take our photos. This too came with so many decisions, what to wear, where to take them, how many outfit changes, how much will it cost, what about hair and make-up.

You may recall that Serj and I had our first date at Café Santorini. Given its beautiful layout, its' rustic look and well, amazing food, we decided that we would take some pictures there. The owners were gracious enough to allow us to use their location. Fortunately for us, it was an exception and they aren’t generally open to the public for engagement photos.  With that, we chose Pasadena to be our base and we worked around the old town Pasadena venues and outdoor courtyards. We even took some photos at 21 Choices, and had some ice cream… at 11 in the morning!

For me, the remainder of the decisions were generally very easy to make. I had taken three different outfits, and only used two. That morning I had gotten both my hair and make-up done at Studio Kay and well, taking the pictures…that was the easiest part. Raffi was so great, and so accommodating. He really made us feel like we were friends and just having a great time. He was able to turn around and get me the photos in just 10 days after the shoot and had done such a great job with the edits that I didn’t even recognize myself in some! 

We anticipate sending the cards towards the end of August, just about 9 months before the big day!

Costs to Expect:

$150-$200 for hair and make-up

$1.00-$3.00 per save-the-date card through Shutterfly (don’t forget to count for postage and labels)

$300-$500 engagement photos

$200-$500 for a permit to take photos, if necessary

Deadlines:

8-10 months before the wedding, take the photos

7-9 months before the wedding, send save the date cards

XOXO

#theguedikians