Behind The Scenes: The Hyatt Place Photoshoot

February 12, 2021 | Advice, After “I do”, Behind the Scenes, Engagement, Vendors

Last month, the Lesner Inn had the pleasure to work with some marvelous and talented local female empowered business owners in the 757 area for a photoshoot at The Hyatt Place located in Town Center, Virginia Beach. Not only was it a photoshoot to introduce the new partnership between The Lesner Inn and the Hyatt Place Town Center but we also wanted to showcase the behind the scenes process of being a bride and getting ready pre-ceremony.

Victoria from The Hair Days

Every Bride on their wedding day wants to feel and look confident, which is the goal for Victoria when it comes to creating their wedding hairstyle. However, The Hair Days did share some helpful tips when it comes to expectations and how the big days goes. With the help of Liz, our model, The Hair Days was able to create an up do in just 35min but she recommends allotting at least an hour to an hour and a half when it comes to your wedding hair but this may vary depending on the style you want, the length and accessories that you will be adding.

What if I don’t even know what I want?

The Hair Days can give you recommendations and can do all types of styles as she works with extensions, knows how to add volume and give length!

What should I expect to have done before my wedding day/pre-ceremony?

If you’re not washing your hair the day of then go ahead and wash it the day before. Come with clean, product free hair for both your bridal trial and ceremony as The Hair Days will use the right products to keep and hold you hair for the day!

When should I do my bridal trial?

The Hair Days recommends doing your bridal trial 1-2 months out but this may vary if you are thinking about getting a hair cut, are growing out your hair, or will be coloring your hair. If you are doing any of these, then she recommends scheduling your appt. after so you can get the full affect of what your hair will look like in different styles.

What if I don’t have my veil or accessories with me for the trial?

No worries! If you have photos go ahead and bring them or if you don’t have anything at all then that’s okay to as The Hair Days can work around it!

Check out this fun video of The Hair Days creating Liz’s photoshoot look as she answers all our hair questions by clicking here!

Alex Kiser from Blushtones

As a senior artist at Blushtones, Alex knows how to enhance someone’s natural beauty and make them feel ready for their big day! Not only does she recommend you drink A LOT of water but to come in with a clean face, no moisturizer and ready to set aside an hour for makeup and a few minutes after for any touch ups needed before you walk down the aisle. As well as to make sure you do a makeup trial before the big day!

What if I don’t know what I want for my big day?

That’s okay! Bring in any inspiration you have and let them know what your wedding colors, theme, or even what you dress will look like to find the perfect look for your day!

Should I come prepared with anything before the trial and day of?

Make sure you let your makeup artist know about any skin sensitivities you may have, allergies, type of skin (oily, dry, combination) and come with a clean and product free face!

What if I am getting a tan before?

If you’re getting a tan or know you will be getting one, let them know as can change your makeup shades and design. However, Alex recommends coming in for a trial after a few days from when you get a tan, so your color can settle and you have time to exfoliate and moisturize before coming in.

Need or want more? Check out these fun videos of Alex creating the perfect look for our photoshoot and answering your questions by clicking here for the process or click here for the finished look!

Cat from DeLine Photography

When it came to finding a photographer for this shoot we couldn’t think of anyone better than DeLine Photography! As the newest member of our Lesner Inn preferred vendor list, Cat is such a joy to work with and knows how to capture the beauty of a bride on her big day.

I’m really awkward in front of camera, any advice?

Cat’s biggest goal is to make sure you feel 100% comfortable, so when it comes time to taking your pre-ceremony photos that she’s connecting you. What does that mean? It means that you’re connecting and engaging with your bridesmaids, groom, or family members that are with you in the room. This can be from eating a charcuterie board, opening a bottle of champagne or just talking about a fun fact to the point that you may not even notice Cat is in the room taking your photos!

When do my ‘getting ready photos’ start?

DeLine Photography begins taking your ‘getting ready shots’ once your hair and makeup is done and be sure to set aside a good amount of time for this, especially if you are doing a first look as well.

How long should I book a photographer for the day of the wedding?

Cat suggests a minimum of 8 hours as this gives you time to get those pre-ceremony, ceremony, Bride and Groom, cocktail, reception, and exit shots. However, if you have a smaller guest count and wedding overall you may be able to do just 5 hours but again an 8 hour minimum timeframe is perfect for weddings!

Want more photography advice or see how Cat poses and interacts when she’s in photographer mode? Check out the behind the scenes video of Cat at the pre-ceremony photoshoot by clicking here!

Katie from Long Board Charcuterie

Food! Think about how long you’re gonna be in the room getting your hair and makeup done plus the pre-ceremony shots that you’re not going to want to have your stomach growling, as you walk down the aisle, so what better to have in the room than a charcuterie board! Katie was recently a bride and can say first hand that she loved making sure she had something to eat before hand and so did her bridesmaids!

What kind of board should I get pre-ceremony?

It depends on how many bridesmaids you have and who will be in the room with you but Long Board Charcuterie has so many different sizes and boards for you to choose from with our personal favorite being the North End Board, as it can feed 8-12 people.

Can you follow a color pallet to match my wedding colors?

Absolutely, Katie is so creative and loves working with colors and new ideas, so she can work with you to create the perfect board for you and your gals!

Can Long Board Charcuterie follow any dietary restrictions?

Yes, Long Board Charcuterie has a section in their ordering system for you to let her know about any gluten free, allergies or dietary restrictions you may have and can substitute options for you.

The Boogies Boards!

Long Board Charcuterie just recently launched a new product that is covid -friendly and just absolutely adorable! They’re individual charcuterie boards that can be perfect as a gift or given to your bridesmaids while they get ready!

Starving for more? Check out Katie‘s Q&A with Lesner about all things Charcuterie by clicking here!

The Hyatt Place Town Center

We have hair, makeup, food, and photographer but we can’t forget location! The Hyatt Place not only offers brides a suite to get ready in but they also offer an up to 20% discount for Lesner Inn couples based on availability! Located in the heart of Virginia Beach and only steps away from Town Center, your guests will have options to hit the town and find entertainment before and after your wedding!

When it comes to picking a hotel for your guests and yourself , it may be stressful but the best part of the Hyatt Place is that they offer Courtesy Block Agreements for their Wedding groups! They offer 15 rooms (mix of kings & double queen bed rooms) to start off with- once original amount is picked up, they add more to the block if needed. They do not charge for any rooms not picked up in the group block- they are released to the general public once your 30 day, prior to check-in cutoff date has passed.

Are they pet friendly?

Yes, they are! They also have other amenities for your guests to enjoy such as a restaurant, free breakfast, a gym, Wi-Fi and more! Check out our feature blog on the Hyatt Place and their advice to couples by clicking here or watch our Q&A with Brooke from the Hyatt Place as she answers all your questions by clicking here!