It's your wedding, so feel free to personalize your wedding photography experience. This can be through the locations you choose for your wedding photos and also sentimental items that mean a lot to you and your fiance. It's a good idea to involve your photographer in regards to the timeline for photos as they have been involved in hundreds of weddings and can be of great help to you. And remember: get a good night's sleep the night before your wedding, then on your wedding day, don't forget to eat and also to drink plenty of water so you'll look and feel your best.

If you would like to have photographs taken at the Legislative buildings, it's best to reserve your time spot. This allows you to drive in and you don't have to worry about parking. Fill out the Application form on line at http://www.leg.bc.ca/info/2-9-1.htm Follow the directions on that page, being sure to request permission for your vehicle & Photographers vehicles to enter the grounds. The area to be requested is Rear Steps, Driveway and Lawns. Check availability for the buildings under Calendar of Events to ensure the time slot you are requesting is clear. Do this as soon as you can as it books up quickly.

I have yet to meet a bride that was happy she bought disposable cameras for the tables. The cameras get lost, they're used by people who don't know anything about taking photos; you end up paying to develop blurry black photos as people don't remember to turn on the flash. Instead hire your photographer to cover some of the reception.

One of the hottest trends in weddings today is renting your very own photo booth! Here are some tips to consider:

1. You get what you pay for: does the photo booth rental company offer an authentic genuine photo booth or a home made imitation?
2. Is the company a member of an international professional association such as America's Photo Booth Association?
   
3. What type of printer does the photo booth have on board?
   
4. Do they offer custom graphics on the photos?
   
5. Is there a limit to how many photos your guests can take?
   
6. How long does it take for the photos to be processed?
   
7. Does the company have testimonials and references?
   
8. Does the company have a back up photo booth in case of a breakdown?
   
9. And don't forget: ask for sample prints so that you can see the quality of the "end" result.

Spend some time talking with your caterer about your vision to see if they "get it" and there is a personal connection; this is the partnership you are looking for. Try to visit their operation to have that discussion as you can tell a lot by how their day to day business is running.

Drink lots of water (8-10 glasses at least!) each day approaching the wedding, as well as on your wedding day. Adequate water helps skin look healthier and helps to keep energy up (dehydration is a major cause of fatigue). Also, as you prepare for your wedding be sure to reduce the effects of stress by using a good multi-vitamin, a good B-complex and essential fatty acids (EFA's). B vitamins get depleted with stress (and no matter how much fun you're having with wedding plans, it still takes a lot of energy, which results in stress for the body). EFA's help skin and nails, and allow your brain to work better!

Gather as much inspiration and as many ideas as you can from wedding blogs, websites and magazines but always remember that this is your wedding and it should be unique to you and your fiancé. Include trendy features in your wedding because you love them, not because you feel like you should. And if the wedding world has decided that something you love is passé, do it anyway! This is your day, so do it your way!

• Shop early for your wedding dress as the delivery takes anywhere from 4-6 months from the time of ordering.
  
• Have your alterations done by a wedding professional( seamstress)
  
• Book your alterations early and plan to come in 3-4 weeks before the wedding to be fitted.
  
• Order your veil and accessories at the same time as your dress so you can get help with matching these pieces with your dress as they my not be there if you wait until your dress comes in........and you my not have time as the average head piece takes 6-8 weeks.
  
• Order your Bridesmaids dresses all at the same time and place so that the dye lot matches.