Category: planning

Why First Looks with Dads are Awesome

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One of the most memorable parts of your wedding day is the moment when your dad finally gets to see his little girl all dressed up for the the day she’s been waiting for (and he’s possibly been dreading) for her entire life. Father/daughter relationships are so special and unique, it’s no surprise that dad just might turn into a puddle when he witnesses his baby girl all dressed in white and looking like a picture perfect bride. This once in a lifetime moment can bring tears, smiles, laughter and long lasting, unbreakable hugs that you and dad will not soon forget. It only makes sense that a moment so priceless as this should be arranged and captured!

The “First Look” is a newer wedding tradition that is becoming more and more popular with our couples because it allows for a much more flexible wedding day timeline, and maximizes the time you can spend together as a couple on your big day! (Click here to read more about why we highly recommend doing a First Look!) Another trend that’s on the rise is setting up a First Look for the bride and her dad. It’s definitely something our couples are requesting more often, and we like to suggest they consider this idea when we help them prepare their wedding day timelines.

If your timeline allows for it, we strongly suggest you build in time for a moment like this with your dad (or step-dad or even your mom!) After all, your soon-to-be spouse isn’t the only one who will lose their breath the first time they see you in your wedding dress, and we want to be there to document every tear, every smile and every embrace of this beautiful moment. (We also recommend making sure that your dad is fully dressed in his wedding attire and ready to be photographed for these special moments). Scroll through for some of our all time favorite father/daughter First Looks!

Did you do a “first look” with your dad (or step-dad or both parents)?? If you did, tell us about it in the comments!!  If you’re still in the planning phase, is this something you think you’d like to do? Why or why not? We’d love to hear from you!

Interested in booking your wedding with us? Check here to find out if your date is available!

3 reasons why you must have a photo booth at your wedding

Filed in general, planning, weddings shot by on at

Are you considering having a photo booth at your wedding but you’re just not sure if it’s REALLY that necessary? Maybe you feel like it won’t add much to what you already know will obviously be the best party ever. Maybe you’ve even thought that it might end up being too much of a distraction from all the other important parts of your big night. Well my friend… I’m here to tell you that having a photo booth at your wedding is absolutely, 100% always a great decision. I can think of at least 50 reasons why this is true, but no one wants to read a blog post that long, so here are my top three. ;)

1. A much needed break from the dance floor. Of course your DJ is killing it and the dance floor is PACKED but sometimes your guests need a break between the Cupid Shuffle and the Cha-Cha-Slide. A photo booth gives them just that! Instead of simply slumping into a nearby chair for a breath and watching the party go on without them, a photo booth will give them a little something to do while keeping their energy and excitement levels up! And don’t forget, not everyone loves to get their groove on, but give them a prop in front of a camera and all of a sudden they’re transformed into a crazy party animal! Having a photo booth at your wedding ensures that there is something for everyone, not just the guests who live for the dance floor. It’s also great for kids!! (What kid doesn’t love to put on a huge Sombrero and cheese it up for the camera??)

2. Capture super unique moments! Sure, your amazing photographers will be discretely documenting every perfect moment of your night from the cake cut, to the laughter and tears during your Maid of Honor’s slightly embarrassing yet incredible speech, to your Uncle Bill ripping it up on the dance floor. But what about those magic moments that can happen when your inner child is brought out by a pair of moose antlers and giant hulk hands?? A photo booth can really inspire your group of college friends to relive those past memories of your long and crazy nights together. It can help your dear old Aunt Marge, who you never thought would even leave her chair all night, to let a little loose in a money boa and a sailor cap. And don’t you want to be 100% sure that dear old Aunt Marge channeling her inner super model gets permanently frozen in time?! With a photo booth each and every unexpected, unimaginable, inconceivable moment is captured forever!

3. Souvenirs! Give your guests something instant to take home with them to remember (or to HELP them remember… no judgments here) what a blast they had at your amazing wedding! When they wake up the next morning, possibly a little foggy headed and desperately needing a glass of water and an aspirin, they’ll be able to remember exactly what happened the night before. It’ll keep your guests talking about your super fun party for weeks! Not to mention, you get to keep EVERY photo for yourself!! That’s a heck of a perk to being the bride and groom. You won’t miss a second of the party while you’re living it up on the dance floor, grabbing a much needed snack, or taking a “quick” bathroom break. Each and every photo taken in that booth is yours to keep forever and ever. Put them in a hilarious photo album, use them for future blackmail, or reminisce one day with your kids about that time at your wedding when their Pop Pop draped himself in a feather boa and channeled his inner Madonna, with the photo to prove it!

Okay, so now that I have you convinced that a photo booth is a must, you’re probably thinking, “Well shoot! Where can I get one of these magical machines?” Well, friend, you’re in luck, because we happen to have the best photo booth in Buffalo, NY!! Unobtrusive, sleek and exactly what you need in your life. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without those amazing moose antlers – don’t worry, we got you covered.


Want to find out what makes Ayres BOOTHTASTIC so amazing?! Click here and we’ll tell you!