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Winner – Knot Best of Weddings 2017

2017 Best of the Knot Award Winner!

PRESS RELEASE

Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography

NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2017

Eleventh Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Columbus, Ohio / January 24 2017— Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography is pleased to announce that they have has been selected as a 2017 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the leading wedding brand and marketplace. This is the sixth year Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2017, only 2% of the 300,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its eleventh annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2017, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider in order to inspire, plan and book their own unique wedding.

“At Our Dream Photos by James DeCamp Photography we see each and every one of the wonderful weddings that we get to be a part of as great honor.  These brides have put their trust in us and we try our utmost to create lasting and beautiful images for them to cherish for a lifetime.” said James DeCamp, Owner and Creative of the company.

The Knot has inspired approximately 20 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with and book just the right wedding professional to create their perfect wedding day. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 300,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.

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Wedding Registry Checklist

The wedding & reception of Sarah Bechtel and Sam Lofton photographed Sunday, September 1, 2019 at the Royal American Links Golf Club in Galena, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

Wondering what to put on a wedding registry? Use this wedding registry checklist to get tips and advice and see wedding registry essentials.

Pop those champagne bottles—you’re engaged! That means you’re about to get super busy planning the wedding of your dreams. While choosing your wedding venue and finding the wedding dress of your dreams is surely on the top of your to-do list, you might be surprised to learn that compiling the items on your wedding registry should be one of your very first tasks. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about wedding registry etiquette, how to register for your wedding and the essential items that should be on your wedding registry checklist.

Wedding Registry Etiquette
There are no rules when it comes to what to put on a wedding registry—anything from formal china to a honeymoon in Bora Bora are totally okay to include! Still, there are some guidelines to keep in mind when creating your wedding registry:

 

  • Register shortly after your engagement. If you’re having an engagement party, people will want to buy you wedding gifts. Give them the opportunity to gift you exactly what you need (and want!).
  • Register at more than one place. This way, your guests will have a variety of gifting options. And try to choose at least one big-name retailer (like Macy’s or Amazon.com). Your guests who don’t live locally will thank you.
  • Select gifts at a variety of price points. While you should absolutely feel free to add pricier items to your registry (we’re looking at you, stand mixer), you’ll want to offer a full range of items so that all of your guests can find something they can afford.
  • Connect your registry with your wedding website. Put your wedding registry information on your Knot wedding website so that your guests have easy access to it.
  • Feel free to keep adding! While some people will be purchasing gifts for your engagement party or shower, many will also continue to use your wedding registry to purchase gifts up to or even after your wedding day, so it doesn’t hurt to keep adding as inspiration strikes or available items dwindle.
  • Thank-you notes. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note for each gift you receive. Send a card as soon as the gift arrives, even if that’s before the wedding day. It will also make it easier than coming home from your honeymoon with a pile of thank-yous to write all at once.

Wedding Registry Checklist

 

 

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Avoid Wedding-Day Mishaps

Things might go wrong.
Here are common big-day glitches and how to avoid them.

1. The schedule goes awry.
Perfect, on-time weddings only happen in movies and soap operas. Pastors are late, tents break, people have tantrums, limos get lost.
The solution: Be prepared by building in enough cushion time to ensure that your day flows flawlessly, and making sure all your pros get a detailed schedule of times and places.

2. Guests assume they’ll be having a full meal because you’re holding a cocktail reception at dinnertime
Many guests do complain about weddings they’ve attended where cocktails and light finger foods were served at the dinner hour.
The solution: If you’re planning a cocktail reception, be sure to hold it between the hours of five and seven, and indicate on your invitation that you will be serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tell which is louder: your DJ’s sound system or the grumbling of your guests and their stomachs.

3. Bugs eat your guests alive at an outdoor event.
The solution: Use Tiki torches with citronella scents to keep insects at bay if you plan to be outdoors.

4. The neighbors become annoyed by the noise from your at-home reception.
The solution: If you are getting married at a private residence, notify neighbors. Send little gifts or even invite them to stop by for a drink. There’s nothing worse than having the police show up to shut down your party!

5. You blow a fuse at the reception hall.
The solution: Before hiring the hall, make sure that there will be sufficient power for your needs. Surprisingly, coffeemakers use a lot. You don’t want the lights and music to suddenly go off.

6. Your equipment breaks down.
The solution: If you intend to have a slideshow, do your homework ahead of time to ensure the equipment is compatible, and have a test run before the day of the wedding.

7. Bad weather ruins your destination wedding.
The solution: If you plan to marry in a faraway location, first find out when its hurricane season begins. Even if you think you’re safe, check out whether your venue has a full capacity generator. If they do not, request they rent one. It’s just as important that they have oscillating floor fans, pillar candles and battery-operated hurricane lanterns and flashlights on hand.

8. Your DJ and/or photographer turns out to be a bit obnoxious.
Nothing is more horrible than a loud, unpleasant DJ playing every song on your ‘do not play’ list or a rude photographer pushing your relatives aside to get ‘his shot’. Take care to choose vendors who mesh with your personality and vision and who do not try to take over your event. Check out your DJ before hiring him: Attend a function where he’s spinning the discs to see how he works; always get references.

9. There are so many details to worry about that you can’t enjoy your big day.
The solution: Assign each bridesmaid to a vendor on the wedding day. She should keep in touch with him — and on top of those particular details — so you don’t have to take time away from your reception.

10. A guest interferes with the band’s play list.
Sometimes an overexuberant guest or two may try to get the band to take requests.
The solution: Tell your bandleader or DJ in advance not to allow it. And if you don’t like the idea of unplanned speeches, also tell him not to hand over the mic to anybody!

11. Another event is going on at the same time as yours.
When choosing your date and venue, I suggest taking a look at community calendars to see if there’s a parade, a large athletic event or anything else happening that could potentially sabotage your experience. Don’t leave this to chance!

12. Playing music late at night is a problem.
Check those local ordinances. In some areas, music is prohibited past 11:00 p.m. You’ll want to know that in advance so that you can plan a start time that allows you plenty of hours to party!

13. A vendor gets sick.
Always have a backup plan in place in case a vendor becomes ill. This should be in the vendors contract, and if they are truely professional, should already have a back-up plan. Negotiate this into your contract, so that if your DJ suddenly comes down with the flu, you won’t be in a panic—the company will supply you with a substitute.

14. You run out of alcohol.
Allot some money to your caterer in case you find you are running low on alcohol in the middle of the festivities. Then he can provide more supplies so you can keep the party going.

15. It’s pouring rain on your garden ceremony.
When arranging an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, it is a must to always have an indoor backup space, one that is either already set up and at least minimally decorated or can be set up fairly easily at a moment’s notice.

16. Guests get chilly at night.
For outdoor celebrations have heaters on hand. The venue probably has a plan for this, but ask well before booking to be sure.

17. Guests are hot and uncomfortable during an outdoor summer event.
Provide umbrellas for guests to use to protect them from strong, direct sunlight. Hanging mini folding umbrellas from every other chair adds a unique touch to an outdoor ceremony, and they can even double as guest favors.

18. The tent catches on fire.
Nowadays the trend is to use butane candles — as opposed to real candles — for tented weddings, so do check with the fire marshal or tent company to see if these will make acceptable alternatives.

19. The ground beneath your tent is wet.
Order a floor. Even on a beautiful evening, shoes can be ruined, ankles get cold, and footing is unsure.

20. One of your guests has a food allergy.
Notify the catering manager if you are aware of any particular food allergies. Make sure to put Benadryl in a basket in the bathroom if you’re serving any kind of fish or shellfish.

21. Your buttercream wedding cake melts in the sun.
On a warm day make sure the cake is not placed in a sunny spot or in a window. You want it to be picture perfect! Another simple option is to use a fondant icing if your cake will be displayed outdoors.

22. Your feet are killing you.
Bring a comfortable pair of flats to store under your seat at the reception. Once your first dances are over, you can change into them and no one will be the wiser.

23. Your fingers swell in the humid weather, so your fiancé has a tough time getting your ring on.
During the summer months skin often swells up, and people may have trouble with the fit of the rings. I tell brides to put a little bit of lotion on their finger before they walk down the aisle.

24. You don’t have an accurate head count.
Don’t assume that those who did not respond are not planning to attend. Have someone call all non-responders in order to get an accurate count. Also, be sure to have a pair of extra chairs with place settings at several tables—just in case.

25. You have a panic attack on your wedding day.
If you’re a high-anxiety person, then stay away from caffeine, smoothie drinks with an extra kick or energy drinks, because they can make things much worse!

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When to Book Each Wedding Vendor – and Why

Check out this sample booking breakdown from start to finish, based on wedding pros’ suggestions.

Planning a wedding is like putting a giant puzzle together — with each interlocking piece, an overarching vision will start to emerge. Your vendors are responsible for bringing each of those pieces to life, so it’s important to book trustworthy and reputable professionals that you are confident can execute your needs. But how do you know where to begin?

First, evaluate what your and your future spouse’s priorities are, and plan accordingly. For example, if you have your heart set on using a specific photographer or band, then locking them in might be more urgent, as opposed to another engaged couple who is more flexible. Location may also play a factor: If your venue is in a field in the middle of nowhere or your backyard, you would need to focus on booking your caterer, tent, and rentals first, as you can’t have your wedding without them.

However, although nuptials have become ultra-customized, there is still an organic order to the planning process. Some to-dos have to take priority only because you can’t move on to the next vendor booking without crucial information. For example, you’ll have a difficult time securing any vendors if you don’t have a firm wedding date, which is why the ceremony and reception venues tend to be one of the first things finalized. Likewise, it would be challenging to complete a rentals order before you’ve hired a caterer, because you wouldn’t be clear on their needs, as well as what the caterer already provides.

Vendors are grouped into two major categories: those who can serve more than one wedding per day, and those who can’t. Always book the service providers who cannot take on more than one wedding first, including the wedding planner, caterer, photographer, and band or DJ. Many other vendors (such as cake designers, florists, etc.) can accommodate multiple events on a single day, and therefore, should be in the second tier of the hiring process.

1. Wedding Planner
One of the biggest mistakes that engaged couples make is booking their wedding planner after their ceremony and reception. Ideally, those who want to hire pro help should make it their first priority to fully take advantage of all of the benefits of working with a seasoned expert. He or she can guide you on the wedding-planning process, as well as assist with venue and vendor shopping. A professional planner comes with a set of trusted vendors they can recommend — people they’ve worked with before and trust to not only make your wedding day better and more beautiful, but also make their job easier. When I spend more time wrangling vendors I’m not familiar with or who aren’t up to par, it’s less time that I’m spending on your timeline, site map, and other important tasks pertaining to the overall design and flow of your big day.

2. Venue
You’ll want to reserve your venue ASAP, especially if you plan to tie the knot in a major city, where dates can book up as much as one (or even two) years in advance. It will set the overall tone and look for your event. Don’t get too attached to a vintage-themed wedding when you decide to have your reception in a modern loft. During this time, you’ll also need to nail down the ceremony plans — do you prefer to get married on the property or in a house of worship? Lastly, the venue you choose may determine which other vendors you’ll be working with: The last thing you want is to have booked your band only to find out they aren’t on the venue’s list!.

3. Caterer
If your venue doesn’t offer onsite catering, then you’ll need to look into hiring an offsite caterer. Many catering companies provide not only food and beverages, but also rentals such as tables, chairs, linens, plates, and silverware. Many couples book their wedding venue and catering company in tandem with each other, since they often take up the largest chunk of the budget. This is especially the case when you’re considering a less traditional property to say your ‘I dos.’ You want the ability to tour the space early on with your caterer so that you can anticipate (and solve) any potential challenge.

4. Photographer
Popular photographers book up quickly, so this should be one of the first tasks that you tackle. Your photographer is the mouthpiece for all of your planning, designing, and execution. Securing someone who speaks your language is important. Planning a destination affair? It’s imperative to decide early on whether you want to hire a photographer from that destination or invest in transporting someone from home. If you choose to source a local photographer, connect with the resort for a list of pros in the region who are very familiar with the property.

5. Music and Entertainment
A fantastic DJ or band will get guests’ energy up and ensure that the dance floor is packed all night long. If you’re open to exploring a number of DJs and bands, then a good rule of thumb is to start the process about nine to six months before the big day so that you can check out each prospective vendor live in action. There’s also been an increased demand for unique entertainment options for wedding receptions, so if you have a particular type of performer in mind (e.g. an electric violinist, a fire-eater, or a dance troupe), then don’t procrastinate, since there are a limited number available per area.

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Wedding Fireworks

The wedding and reception of Lauren Stets and Andrew LaFollette Saturday August 20, 2011 with the wedding ceremony held at the Central College Presbyterian Church and reception at the Winding Hollow Country Club. (© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

Want to take your wedding from the best day ever to the BEST. DAY. EVER? Consider having a fireworks display after your ceremony or reception!

 

Wedding Fireworks

(© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Wedding fireworks have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with couples choosing to do everything from a simple sparkler send-off to a full-on 4th of July-style spectacular. If you’re considering a fireworks display, there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.

1. Research state and local laws.
Most states allow the use of small wedding sparklers, but there are strict laws governing when and where large fireworks can be displayed. Be sure to check out the state rules and city bylaws that will affect your use of sparklers, fireworks, or baloon lanterns. Your wedding planner or venue coordinator can usually help figure out whether or not a fireworks display is even in the realm of possibility.

2. Consider cost.
Having a wedding-day fireworks display is certainly unforgettable, but it can be a very big-ticket item. If you’re considering a large fireworks display be prepared to spend up to $5,000 or more on a 5-10 minute show. We recommend hiring a professional to display and clean up the fireworks if you’re planning a 4th of July-style display.

3. Consider your location.
If you’re getting married in a cabin in the woods, a fireworks display is not going to be the safest idea. Large displays are best only in large open areas, such as golf courses, grassy clearings, or best yet, over lakes.

4. Get permits and insurance.
Even if your state allows certain fireworks, you may still have to apply for a permit to display them. Fireworks companies often have the most up-to-date information on permitting, so do some calling around and find out how to apply. Note: you may also have to apply for insurance before obtaining a permit.

5. Don’t rule out other options.
Wedding sparklers are a wonderful alternative to a big fireworks display, but there are a couple of other options to consider. If you’re marrying on or near Independence Day, take advantage of a local fireworks display and include it in your reception timeline. If you’re not marrying on a holiday, consider lighting beautiful lanterns that will drift up into the sky (but be sure to tether them — loose lanterns are terrible for Mother Earth!) or fill your reception space with candles.

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100 Years of Wedding Gowns

100 Years of Wedding Gowns

Heres a fun little video, put together by MODE, that quickly shows how wedding gowns have transformed over the past 100 years.

As we all know, the styles have varied dramatically, even between the 10 year gaps shown here.

What will be the style for 2025??

 

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The Wedding Party Guide

The Wedding Party Guide

The Wedding Party – A guide for what to wear and what to do.

Despite being ‘The Greatest Day of your Life’, your wedding can cause quite the headache.  The end result is well worth the stress, but let us make it a little easier for you.  Not sure about the ins and outs of the wedding party?  We’ve got you covered with this infographic.

 

The Wedding Party Guide

The Wedding Party Guide – What to do and what to wear – Infographic.

(© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

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Wedding Beauty Checklist

Wedding Beauty Checklist

Your wedding is fast approaching and you are probably now all too familiar with the pressure brides face to look perfect on their big day. The truth, however, is that you don’t need to look perfect: you just need to look like yourself. That said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to present the best version of yourself to your partner, your guests, your wedding photographer and (of course) to Instagram.

Memories fade, but selfies are forever. 😉

To that end, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to do, beauty-wise, before your big day. Some beauty tasks are best left to the last minute while others need advance planning – or just a little time to work – we’ve planned out everything you need to get done starting from two months before your wedding, right up to the big day.

Four to Six Months Prior

Schedule a visit with your dermatologist If you have major skin concerns like acne and uneven pigmentation, it’s best to get the situation under control well in advance. This is the time to have your doctor prescribe topical treatments, like retinoids, and medications to address them. In addition, brown spots, fine lines, pores, and redness can be attended to with lasers. But because it may require multiple sessions and several months to see their cumulative benefits. This is also the right time to schedule a series of dermatologist administered light peels or microdermabrasion on both the face and body – especially if your dress exposes the décolleté, shoulders, back, or legs.

Two Months Before . . .

Start getting your skin and hair in tip-top shape. This is the time to improve on any beauty habits that are currently lacking: drink more water, always wash your makeup off before bed, moisturize, wear SPF every day and treat your hair gently by laying off the heat styling if at all possible. If you’re planning to get a haircut before your wedding, do it now – that way if there’s a mishap (or you end up disliking your cut), there’s some time for it to grow back.

Now is also a great time to get your brows professionally shaped. Whether you prefer to wax, thread or pluck, a professional salon visit can make all the difference. Then all you need to do to keep them looking great for your wedding is occasionally tweeze stray hairs.

As for your skin care routine, if you already have something in place that works then great! Don’t change it – introducing too many new products can backfire and irritate your skin.

However, if you want to step things up a notch now is a good time to integrate one or two new workhorses into your beauty routine. Try a gentle chemical exfoliator a few times a week, choosing carefully depending on your skin’s type. BHAs like salicylic acid are amazing for oily, acne-prone skin; we love the classic Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads ($5). If your skin is a little more delicate, or you have fine lines and wrinkles you’d like to minimize, try an AHA like glycolic acid. We love Peter Thomas Roth’s Glycolic Acid 10 Percent Hydrating Gel ($48) as it’s super gentle, yet gives amazing results.

And if you aren’t already using one: definitely incorporate a serum into your skincare routine. While serums do tend to be more expensive than creams (owing to their higher concentration of good-for-you ingredients), you don’t have to break the bank to get great results. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum ($18) is packed with retinol, Vitamin C and copper to help those ingredients absorb. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to see the full effects of regular serum use, so by the time your wedding day arrives, your skin will look plump, hydrated, and glowing.

One Month Before . . .

If you haven’t figured out your hair and beauty look for the big day by now, you want to get that out of the way. The last thing you want to do is be worrying about your beauty game the week (or day!) before your wedding. Whether you’re doing it yourself or having a friend or professional do it, it’s always good to decide on at least two potential looks. If you need inspiration, you can always spend some time scrolling through Pinterest for ideas.

Then do at least one test run of each look, both the hair and makeup. Make sure your test run lasts all day: you want to be sure that your makeup won’t get shiny, that your lipstick won’t constantly be transferring, that your hair style won’t end up giving you a headache, and that your eyeliner and mascara truly are smudge-proof and waterproof. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($20) is your best bet for eyeliner that won’t budge, and Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara ($9) will give you dramatic lashes that won’t smear.

Finally, be sure to take photos of your beauty look, with and without a flash, so you know it looks just as good in photos as it does in person. If your face has a white cast in photos, your SPF or face powder may be the culprit; switch them out for something that doesn’t contain silica or zinc, and thank your lucky stars that you caught it before the big day!

And remember: keep up that skin care routine, stay out of the sun, and avoid making any big or damaging changes to your hair for the rest of the month.

Two Weeks Before . . .

By now you should know how you’ll be wearing your hair and what you’ll be doing for your makeup, so make sure you have everything you need. You don’t want to realize that you’re missing the hairspray you need or the nail polish that you have your heart set on the day before your wedding. Sure, you could run into the local beauty store or pay for next-day shipping, but why risk it? That’s just unneeded stress.

Gather all the materials and products you need now, or be sure that, if you’ve ordered them online, they’ll arrive in plenty of time. Also make sure you have extra of things like bobby pins, hair spray, sunscreen, powder, and even deodorant on hand. Thinking ahead if your best friend—even if you don’t end up needing one of these things, a bridesmaid or guest might!

One Week Before . . .

The home stretch. The week leading up to your wedding is sure to be hectic and stressful, so make things as easy as possible when it comes to your beauty routine. Don’t attempt any fancy new skin care products, self-tanners, or hair dyes; keep it simple and pamper yourself instead.

Fill up as much of your spare time as possible with little spa-like treatments. Make a bubble bath fun with a gorgeously scented bath bomb – Lush’s Tisty Tosty Bath Bomb ($6.35) is a gorgeous, wedding-appropriate fave. While you’re soaking your troubles away, treat your hair with a luxurious deep conditioner – we love L’Oreal Oleo Therapy Deep Recovery Mask ($9).

If your skin is dry, give it a boost with a hydrating face mask; Fresh Rose Face Mask ($62) is a lovely choice that really, really works. If your complexion is irritated (stress is a jerk like that), calm it down with a soothing treatment like Boscia Cool Blue Calming Mask ($24). If it’s breaking out, try a drying mask like Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque ($4).

If you’re aiming for a natural glow on the day of your wedding, now is also the time to start using a gradual tanning lotion (if you haven’t already) such as St. Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturizer ($30).

Most of all, though, stick with what’s tried and true for your daily routine – and get plenty of water and sleep.

Two Days Before . . .

If you want to have a tan for your big day, make sure you do it right! Don’t harm your skin (and risk an unsightly burn) by lying out in the sun or going to a tanning bed. Instead, opt for a spray tan or even do it yourself at home with a sunless tanning lotion.

Just make sure you know what you’re doing – this isn’t the best time to try self-tanning for the first time. Follow these tips for the perfect sunless tan, and use a sunless lotion that gives an even, non-orange glow such as Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mousse ($13). Doing this at least a couple days before your wedding ensures you’ll have enough time to fix any mistakes, if – god forbid! – they happen.

The Day Before . . .

If you’re getting your nails done before your wedding, try to do it the day before; any earlier in the week and you run a much higher risk of your polish chipping. Plus, if you make a group appointment at a salon, this will give you a chance to sit back, relax, and have fun with your bridal party in the midst of pre-wedding craziness. You could also give yourself a relaxing DIY pedicure at home.

In the evening, simply wash your face, slap on your favorite moisturizer, drink a giant glass of water, and go to bed early. If you have any surprise zits, just make sure to apply some Mario Badescu Drying Lotion ($17) and the offending blemish will shrink by morning.

The Day Of . . .

Congrats, it’s your wedding day! Grab a nourishing breakfast (may we suggest a healthy summer smoothie?) and sit your butt in the hair and makeup chair. Now is the time to feel really happy that you figured out your beauty look ahead of time.

Stop any unexpected beauty disasters in their tracks by keeping a well-stocked makeup bag on hand that contains items like bobby pins, bandaids, concealer, powder, and tissues (your maid of honor, mother, or bridesmaid can be put in charge of this). Make sure to follow our trusty lipstick hacks so that your pout stays perfect all day. Finally, don’t stress out—have a great time, and smile!

When it comes to planning a wedding, picking a date and dress can be the least of your worries. After all, looking radiant and picture-perfect on your special day takes some work and planning—months of work and planning. To help you avoid any last-minute beauty fiascos (assuming you don’t want to look orange in any of your wedding photos), we’ve put together the ultimate wedding beauty timeline for every type of bride. From when to get waxed to when to schedule your hair appointments, this checklist will ensure you look every bit the (attractively) blushing, glowing, beautiful bride when the big day arrives.

 

Wedding Beauty Checklist

Wedding Beauty Checklist – Infographics.
(© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

 

 

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Timeless Wedding Traditions

Timeless Wedding Traditions

Timeless wedding traditions. Common & Quirky.  A look at the rather interesting customs of marriage celebrations.

 

Timeless Wedding Traditions

Timeless Wedding Traditions Infographic.

(© James D. DeCamp | http://OurDreamPhotos.com | 614-367-6366)

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How Getting Married Can Affect Your Taxes

10 Ways Getting Married Can Affect Your Taxes

1. Filing status.

Once you get married, the only filing statuses that can be used on your tax return are married filing jointly (MFJ) or married filing separately (MFS). Your filing status is determined on December 31 of each year, so even if you were not married for most of the tax year, you do not have the option of filing as single if you are married on that date. Generally, married filing jointly provides the most beneficial tax outcome for most couples because  some deductions and credits are reduced or not available to married couples filing separate returns.

2. Tax brackets.

These brackets will determine the highest rate of tax imposed on your income.  Tax brackets are different for each filing status, so your income may no longer be taxed at the same rate as when you were single. When you are married and file a joint return, your income is combined — which, in turn, may bump one or both of you into a higher tax bracket.

3. Additional exemptions and increased standard deduction.

Married couples filing a joint return get to claim two personal exemptions (one for each of you) on the tax return instead of the one exemption allowed when you filed as a single individual. Additionally, the standard deduction allowed on the tax return is highest for married couples filing a joint return. (See exemptions and deductions explained.) For 2014, single taxpayers are allowed a standard deduction of $6,200, while married couples filing a joint return are allowed a deduction of $12,400. Additionally, a dependent exemption is allowed for each child claimed as a dependent on the tax return. This amount is generally $3,950 per child (for 2014).

4. Changing your W-4.

Because of the additional exemption and higher standard deduction you are allowed to claim on a joint tax return, it may be wise to change your Form W-4 with your employer to reflect these changes.  Claiming an additional allowance and/or changing withholding to the “married” rate on your Form W-4 means that less taxes are withheld from your pay.

5. Buying your first home or selling one.

Once you get married, your combined incomes may allow you to purchase your first home or you may choose to sell individual homes owned before the marriage. When you own a home, interest you pay on your mortgage is deductible on your tax return as an itemized deduction. If you are selling a home, the amount of gain that can be excluded from income doubles from $250,000 to $500,000. Be cautious, though: if only one of you owned the home before the marriage, the $500,000 exclusion applies only if you both lived in the home as your main home for at least two years.

6. Itemizing vs. claiming the standard deduction.

When you file your return each year, you have to determine if it is more beneficial for you to itemize as opposed to claiming the standard deduction. Once you are married and own a home, many people find that it is more advantageous to itemize their deductions — typically because deductions such as mortgage interest result in a higher total deductible amount than the standard deduction.

7. Gift taxes and estate planning.

Spouses are allowed to give unlimited gifts of cash or other property to one another free of gift taxes. This provision has important implications for estate planning purposes, so be sure to revisit your estate plan once you get married.

8. Name change with Social Security.

Because your return is filed under your Social Security number (SSN), it is important to ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been notified of any name changes that take place. The SSA must process the change in the system and relay that information to the IRS before filing your return. You should wait to file your return until after the name change process has been completed to avoid any complications that could arise if the name on the return does not match the SSN on file with the SSA.

9. Marriage penalty.

A marriage penalty exists when two individuals filing a joint return pay more tax than the sum of their individual tax liabilities calculated as if they were filing as single taxpayers. One reason this occurs is because the MFJ income tax brackets and standard deduction are not always equal to twice the single income tax bracket and standard deduction. Under current law, the marriage penalty is partly alleviated because the lower income tax bracket (10% and 15%) and the standard deduction for MFJ are exactly double that of single individuals.

10. Affordable Care Act premium tax credit.

If either or both of you receive advance payments of the premium tax credit for health insurance purchased through a federal or state Marketplace, you should report your marriage (as well as any associated changes, such as a move to a different state, change in income, or change in family size) to the Marketplace.  This will allow the Marketplace to adjust your advance credit payments if necessary.

Note: I am not a lawyer, nor an accountant, and this article may only be valid for the 2014 tax year.  Please consult a professional tax advisor for the latest rules & regulations. 🙂
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