What makes a celebration really stand out from the crowd?
The energy.
It’s almost impossible to describe. You enter a celebration — maybe through a balloon archway or a winding garden path — and a thrill washes over you. The best parties always make you feel more connected to those around you (whether it’s while sitting down for a great meal or letting loose on the dance floor). You feel inspired (whether it’s from the lavish floral installations or out-of-the-box centerpieces). But most importantly, the best parties make you feel more alive. Even the memories of the event seem brighter and more vivid than anything else.
What do you remember most about your all-time favorite celebration (share a memory)?
Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional high of my own wedding day — not even writing about celebrations for a living. There are countless priceless memories from that special day, and it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite one. That said, I’ll always cherish the moment my older brother joined the Andrew Blake Band on stage and played the drums. Later than evening, he handed me a set of drumsticks engraved with the date and my husband’s and my name. Of course, I could go on and on. Just ask me about the food or flowers.
What’s one aspect of your wedding that you would redo if given the chance?
Without a doubt, I would hire a videographer. If a picture says a thousand words, a video must say ten thousand. A few of my friends shot some videos with their smartphones; however, their footage was low quality and often cut out at key moments. There have been so many times that I have wanted to rewatch my first dance, my father’s toast, and so much more. I would definitely recommend hiring a videographer to complement your photographer and capture the parts of your celebrations that extend beyond a mere moment.
