Anniversary Shout Out- Logan & Elizabeth

Inside secret.. Penn State couples might be my favorite, followed close behind Pitt couples, to photograph.  I’m pretty sure all PSU couples have had the most amazing, kick ass parties to celebrate their nuptials!  Logan and Elizabeth definitely had one heck of an amazing day!  I still can’t think of the term “Nuts to butts” without picturing Logan and his groomsmen posing for bridal portraits 😉 Congratulations you two on your one year anniversary!

Check out more fun from their Historic Acres at Hershey Wedding!

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Do This- Reception Lighting

‘Do This’ is a biweekly blog series created to be a super quick read, highlighting awesome wedding ideas that you may want to incorporate into your own event!  Got an idea for our Do This readers?  Email me at mmcclainphoto@gmail.com with your idea! 

For modern weddings, lighting is key to carve out a unique reception space.  I’m loving the trends on creating a gorgeous and romantic venue for both guests and kick ass photos.  Here’s our top three loves for the season:

1. Carnival/ Marquee Lights– Seriously.. your dance floor could be this kick ass with these letters.  Also great at your head table or cake table! Find them locally with Klock Entertainment.
2. Lots of Candlelight– Nothing is more romantic than candlelight, especially at your wedding.  Check out Cudge.net for some of the cheapest candle options around or contact Shumaker PDT who created this gorgeous set up.
3. Bulb Lighting– Bulbs are hot on the wedding trend scene this year with Edison, glass, or jar lighting topping the charts, especially in those rustic or shabby chic venues. You can find these babies anywhere from Target to Etsy, or hire a company like Stray Productions to set the mood.

Do This- Guest Entertainment

‘Do This’ is a biweekly blog series created to be a super quick read, highlighting awesome wedding ideas that you may want to incorporate into your own event!  Got an idea for our Do This readers?  Email me at mmcclainphoto@gmail.com with your idea! 

Wedding planning is definitely about the couple coming together in marriage, however a huge amount of expense is paid towards guest entertainment.  From the meal to the music to the favors, each couple thinks of how guests will enjoy his/her celebration. Some simple ideas to further guest involvement and enjoyment:

-Photo or Video Booth.  In planning many are choosing a photo booth, however the video booth is a HOT new trend and a ton of fun for guests to create candid memories.  Check out Klock Entertainment for video and unique photo booth options!

-Outdoor Games. Adult size Jenga, Corn-hole (which sounds so dirty), Badminton, or Croquet are all great games for guests to play throughout the night without gaining a beast mode sweat

-Literary Fun.  MadLibs are always fun and a great test to knowing your noun, adverbs, and adjectives.  Crosswords, cribbage, chess or other board games are also great for some after dinner throw downs.

-Kid-centric items. Face painting, Play-doh, or other creative measures are stellar ideas to keep kiddos entertained and parents relaxed.  Many also choose to hire a designated baby sitter for the night (which sounds so sexy as parents of a one year old;-).

What are your favorite guest entertainment ideas?

Pros To Know- Klock Entertainment

Pros To Know is an ongoing blog series featuring the best of Central PA wedding vendors!  See his/her perspective on emerging and popular trends, tips on wedding planning, and what they love outside of the wedding industry.

Klock Entertainment is one of Central PA’s leading entertainment options, implementing the latest in technology, multi-media, music, and talent.  This group of highly trained entertainers specialize in providing a unique, memorable, and individual experience for your special event.  Klock Entertainment continues to win Couples Choice and The Best of the Knot awards year after year!

1. What makes Klock Entertainment Unique?

What makes Klock Entertainment unique is the dynamic in talent bundled with us being a full-time engine and licensed business.  With these two things, it allows us to properly produce and execute our couples’ wants, loves, and needs for their special event.  Another thing that makes us unique is our staff who work with their heart and work events because they love doing it.  Everyone I hire and including myself has a true passion for helping our clients maximize the celebration of life’s moments. 

2. What are the popular entertainment (and/or design) choices 2015 couples are making?

In 2015 we are seeing many couples create an elegant light package that can still progress with the energy of the event.  Instead of just place some up lights around their venue space, we are working with couples to create a programmed lighting experience to help enhance their special moments such as first dance, parents dances, and opening the dance floor after dinner.  The term used for this is “Programmable Intelligent Lighting”.  We are also seeing many of couples choose to pin light certain objects in their venue space such as their cake, picture table, or dessert table. Up Lighting is still extremely popular and can completely enhance any space.  We are finding it is becoming more what we can do with the Up Lighting or Programming of other types of lighting, which is what truly adds a proper design for each individual reception space. 

3. What is your best piece of advice for couples on the hunt for the perfect wedding DJ?

The best piece of advice is to make sure you like the person you’re hiring.  I know that may sound silly, but regardless if they are a DJ, Photographer, etc.  you have to spend time with that vendor during very important moments of your life.  Additionally, I highly recommend going with somebody who is operating a licensed business.  Whether they are a solo-opp or Multi-Opp that doesn’t matter as much as them being able to prove legitimacy through a strong track record, reviews, and longevity.  Our Event Specialist and Full Time DJ, Nick Fortini has recently written this blog on choosing the right DJ for your needs.

4. Outside of the entertainment industry, what brings you the most happiness?

When I’m not working for Klock Entertainment or working an event, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Jess and our twins Avalyn & Elijah (who just turned two).  We also have a third on the way due around Christmas!  I also try to spend an hour a day or so doing some sort of personal fitness to keep the mind cleansed and fueled for the next opportunity life may bring!

Where can people find you online?

Website: www.klockentertainment.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klockentertainment
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KlockEnt
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/klockentertainment

It’s all in the details- Dana & Stephen’s Stock Manor Wedding

I love hearing about the details when talking with our couples.  It’s amazing to see things come to life but when couples blow me away, exceeding my expectations.. well you gotta blog about it!

Dana, an up and coming event planner, knew the day she married Stephen was going to be filled with beautiful flowers, a Nautica meets Hampton style decor, and Jimmy Choos.  The couple chose to get ready in a downtown Harrisburg hotel, close to their first meeting/date spot before heading to their ceremony location at Stock’s Manor in Mechanicsburg.

A few minutes prior to the ceremony, the wind started to kick up, the skies turning dark, and thunder was heard in the distance. Fearful if the outdoor ceremony would happen, Dana and her attendants arrived exactly at 4pm. The couple wed in the stone ruin area which Dana designed a vintage feel by adding large white frames and huge flower displays to the rustic setting. Just as the couple shared their first kiss, the rain drops started to fall.

Dana created a magical reception space in the enclosed pavilion attached to the classic farm house with hundreds of candles and a soft sunset glow of up-lighting.  The room smelled of spring which was loaded with fresh flowers and beautiful candelabras. The cake was designed with modern textures on each layer in classic white which melted in your mouth. The end of the evening brought the couple to the middle of the dance floor with remaining guests circling around, hand in hand.  Such a beautiful event for a gorgeous couple!

See more images here!

Vendor Love:

Venue: Stock’s Manor
Getting Ready Location: Hilton Harrisburg Hotel
Hair: Courtney from Polished Salon and Spa
Makeup: Maggie King Makeup Artistry
Gown: Renaissance Bridals and Prom
Suit: Joseph A. Banks
Brides Accessories: JIMMY CHOO
Officiant: Dave DiRaddo www.weddingdayz.net
Flowers: Jeffrey’s Flowers and Home Accents
Catering: Stock’s Manor
Cake: House of Clarendon
Entertainment: Klock Entertainment
Linens: Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens
Decor Design: Dana M. McGinley Events & Design

Rebecca & Brendon December 28, 2013

We rarely see many weddings in the colder months, however for Rebecca and Brendon, December was the perfect time for their gorgeous country club wedding.  Rebecca is the head groundskeeper at Blue Ridge Country Club and Colonial Country Club, where Brendon is the head groundskeeper at West Shore Country Club.  One of the cutest things during their engagement session was the little back and forth of who’s grounds were prettier or who had their annuals in first.  With 12-14 hour days over the summer months, it was awesome to see these two kick back with loads of greens and turf friends to celebrate their nuptials.

One of the best moments was capturing actual snow over the couple for their first dance courtesy of Klock Entertainment’s expertise!  It was awesome to see Rebecca & Brendon’s guest drop jaws as they walked into the ballroom with the dramatic lighting, cloud and star effects, and beautiful table lighting (aka get this.. it looks AMAZING!!).  Another great moment was watching and hearing Brendon perform a traditional New Zeland rugby chant!  Overall we wish Rebecca and Brendon a relaxing and fantastic three week vacation.. you two deserve it!

Venue/Catering: West Shore Country Club

Entertainment/Lighting: Klock Entertainment

Cake: PA Bakery

 

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AACA Wedding Show

One of the absolute best wedding shows in the area is the AACA Wedding Show held annually in February.  It’s the perfect, uncommon setting for meeting with unique couples looking for something a little different than most traditional style weddings.  We’ve met so many amazing people in the past few years and always have a blast networking with other great professionals in the area.  To our surprise and excitement, Nuria, who is hands down one of the best venue coordinators we’ve worked with, contacted us to photograph promotional images for the upcoming wedding show featuring a mascaraed theme.

We set up with one of our sweetest couples, Tina & Adam, from 2012 to model, obtained a gorgeous dress from Taylored for You Bridal Salon, and had the talented Chelsea Nolan of Makeup by Chelsea rock out Tina’s hair and makeup.  Along with a beautiful arrangement created by Leah McMaster of Weddings and Blooms and some magical lighting from Klock Entertainment, we had a premier line up for a perfect session, however mother nature thought differently with a very cold, very breezy evening.  Despite the weather challenge, Tina and Adam were amazing sports and we captured the needed images!

Venue: AACA Museum

Dress: Taylored for You

Makeup/Hair: Makeup by Chelsea

Lighting: Klock Entertainment

Flowers: Weddings and Blooms

Dana & Robert October 5, 2013

A warm 85 degrees, a delay caused by a sudden downpour, and stinkbugs galore.  That may not have been what was expected when Dana and Bob planned their October wedding!  Regardless of nature’s little quirks, the outdoor wedding at Ski Roundtop was a simple, beautiful event.  The patio was adorned with mums of every color and an intimate gathering of friends and family.

One thing I really loved about this couple was the unique personal touches they brought to their special day.  The guys all donned special superhero socks which included Superman, Batman, Captain American and others.  Also, all members of the wedding party wore a “Find a Cure” bracelet representing Parkinson’s disease in honor of a loved one.  It was fun for Whitney, Pam and I to capture these special items.

An entertaining reception at the lodge followed the ceremony and included a yummy cupcake tower, a chocolate fountain and plenty of dancing.  The highlight was the speech made by the maid of honor- she performed it as a rap song!  It was a funny and memorable part of the day which I will remember as one of my favorites.  We wish Dana and Bob all the happiness in their new life together!

Venue: Ski Roundtop Resort

Entertainment: Klock Entertainment

Flowers: Weddings and Blooms

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Leah & Nick October 4, 2013

When planning your wedding day, incorporating elements of your personalities is key.  We love seeing unique items that make guests say.. “Oh that is totally______” or “Wow you can see ______’s personal touch”.  Leah and Nick were especially on point with blending pieces of their passions and cultures for their wedding day. Leah carried a paper origami bouquet (so light and gorgeous ladies.. check them out on Etsy) which complimented her beautiful Renaissance inspired gown.  This DIY gal also made thousands of origami cranes in all colors for reception decor and tiny origami shapes for the flower girl’s toss.

The bride, also a creative after our own hearts, had her ladies carry beautiful lanterns and adorn vibrant Tiffany blue velvet capes over their white gowns.  Leah and Nick’s ceremony included a “caping” and cultural nods to Leah’s Korean ancestry with pieces of the Pae Bak ceremony.  One of our favorite features of their gorgeous venue, Cloisters Castle, was the stunning staircase which we took to our full advantage for pictures.  Overall an amazing day spent with fantastic people.  Congratulations Nick and Leah!

Venue: Cloisters Castle

Catering: Rouge Fine Catering

Entertainment: Klock Entertainment (MMP Preferred Vendor)

Officiant: Heather Saul

Dress: Romantic Threads

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Kathleen & Bryan 05/04/2013

If you’re a fan of any wedding vendor pages on Facebook, you may hear the term “wedding season” being thrown around left and right these days.  Wedding season ranges differently for everyone, usually April/May through the beginning of November in our area.  Kathleen and Bryan’s celebrations marks off the beginning of our crazy busy wedding season this year and what a way to kick it off!

This gorgeous couple shared vows in Kathleen’s family church in Hagerstown, MD.  The personal touches these two added to their wedding was the icing on the cake, matching Tom’s for the bridal party and herbs and beautiful spring time floral arrangements.  Bryan is one of the awesome entertainers with Klock Entertainment so it was only natural to have Klock DJ’s Sean, Joe, and Matt mixing jams that kept the dance floor packed all night!  Overall a great wedding of two lovely people to kick off the 2013 wedding season!

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