I love when people ask for photography sessions, “just because.” There are so many occasions that almost demand that photos be taken in order to preserve the moment: graduations, weddings, babies’ first steps, etc. But last week I had a wonderfully refreshing session with a young couple that wanted to take pictures “just because.” There was no major event, no real reason behind the session. They just wanted some pictures taken of themselves walking around KU campus. How romantic! I love when my habib (pet-name for my husband) brings flowers or treats “just because.”

What has been the most thoughtful “just because” moment/gift your sweetheart has given you? Love to hear those!

Recently, I had the privilege to attend yet another one of Ron Ruth’s presentations. This time it was a presentation directed to brides and grooms, sharing how to plan a magical, memorable, and most importantly, FUN wedding! The following are just a few tips I learned from Ron, who happens to be a highly sought after Wedding Entertainment Director in the Midwest.

He started off with an extreme case of a bride and groom’s first dance, which no one (including the newlywed couple) seemed to be paying attention to the moment. How do brides and grooms entertain guests on their wedding day and keep the evening FUN? Well, they will need the help of a skilled entertainer like Ron to keep things going. And if he’s not available, communication with your entertainer and planning ahead go a long way. But, by all means, BE CREATIVE!

Ron invited us to think outside the traditional and explored several customized celebrations from previous weddings he has worked. At first, he named a few typical formalities that appear simple but often get overlooked. . . like creating a mood. Just like in movies, the opening music sets an emotional tone. Make sure your background music matches your wedding theme. Doing so also project your personalities as a couple. Have the wedding party reinforce the tone of FUN by having them dance into the reception area as they are being introduced. Maybe share small details about each member of the wedding party so that the guests may learn why you love them so much and call them friends!

Visual details like where you place the wedding cake can help guests feel welcome to go up and see it. Have the wedding cake as a focal point. By doing so, your guests won’t be able to resist the opportunity to take a closer look and admire the beautiful artwork you’ve chosen to decorate the evening. Don’t hide it in a corner. Ron suggested to place it in the center of the dance floor so everyone can see it and pay attention when the time comes for the cake cutting.

Then there are certain moments that he mentioned that you can create to entertain guests that are emotion grabbers! One is called “A Kiss for a Kiss.” Give the DJ names of invited couples at your reception. Have him or her announce that, when guests randomly tink their glasses throughout the evening, throughout the evening, the DJ will call on one of the listed couples to demonstrate HOW they want the newlyweds to kiss. There’s no doubt that your guests will get very creative with their “kissing style” and make it SUPER fun for you to imitate!

Also ask about the newlywed game! It is FUN to watch and keeps guests wondering what’s coming next!

Everyone likes to eat at weddings so save some time by having your caterer serve you (bride and groom) your meals. And, make it entertaining! Name tables after fun songs and invite the guests to dance their way to the buffet when that song is played. Or, invite your guests to sing you a song of love for the right to be one of the first in line.

Now, these ideas are just a small portion of what Ron shared with us. Hopefully, they will get your creativity flowing a bit. If you have other fun ideas, for your wedding or from what you’ve seen at others, please feel free to comment about them down below!

With Ron’s permission, here is a video that shows how adding a bit of spice to a traditional daddy-daughter dance can make. The recorded words you hear in this video were actually played while they were dancing.