Sarah and Collin

Horseshoe Bay was just a dream come true for Sarah and Collin. I was so glad that I was a part of their fairy tale wedding. Horseshoe Bay did so much to make this easy on me. AJH Photography did a great job capturing this great event, and the party that followed the picturesque ceremony. The party included the groom ending up in the pool, you know its a party then.

The Guys came over from across the lake on a boat. Unloaded right at the ceremony site and walked up wiped some sweat from their brows and escourted the girls down the aisle.

Right after the ceremony they took some photos on the beach area. Perfect setting.

Yes he flipped her right on the dance floor. They knew how to party.


And before the night was over the groom ended up being tossed into the pool. Seems he did something similar to his brother at his wedding so it was payback time.

Christine and Parker

I have known Christine and Parker for awhile now. Christine was a bridesmaid in Kelly's wedding last year. When they came to me to coordinate their wedding I couldn't have been happier. It was a beautiful wedding. The details were wonderful and I have to say they were one of the most precious couples to work with. Here are a few photos. Check out more at our facebook page.

The Stephen F. Austin Hotel was the perfect setting. The staff was great and the food was wonderful. A few communication details slipped when the event manager left and a new one came on, but they made it all work out great.

Photos were captured by the team of Carli and John from inked fingers fotography. I love working with them. And the photos captured it all so well.

There were so many others involved in making this day happen. Let me know if you want contact information for any of them.

This was just a precious moment caught after they left in the horse drawn carriage.These two just about stole the show. Loved the colors they choose.

It's been way too long.

Ok I knew I was behind on blogging. I just didn't realize how long. So please forgive me. I promise to start blogging tonight. At the rate that my computer is uploading photos it might be tomorrow before anything is actually posted.

Idea for smaller weddings.

I have many brides that are freaked out a little at the cost to rent china for their wedding. I am planning a shower right now and got an idea for a wedding. I have this amazing china that was my grandmothers. My mom has some beautiful china as well. My other grandmother has some great china as well. Well if you have a smaller wedding and are not stuck on everything matching fully then here is the idea. Have several family members host different reception tables. Depending on the size of their collection they might be able to host two tables. You still cover the tables with a neutral table cloth and make arrangements for the centerpieces but your family and friends provide the china place settings. This would work great with a dinner that is served family style. Again i would not recommend this for large weddings, but smaller events this would work very well. And gives your family a way to participate in your big day.

This is a great artical from the Knot

So you thought it'd be great to write your own wedding vows, but now a healthy dose of writer's block (not to mention fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don't know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string of coherent words? You're not alone -- but don't worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here's the homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding vows perfect.


Prep Step A: Get clearance
Make sure your officiant will accept personalized vows. Catholic and Episcopal congregations, for instance, may require you to recite all or part of the traditional vows, though in most cases that's left to the officiant's discretion. Remember: Even the most accommodating officiant will want to review your words in advance.


Prep Step B: Make a plan
You need to tackle the logistics to make sure you and your fiance are both on the same page: Are you each going to write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the ceremony?

Knot Note: If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. If there's more you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or on your honeymoon.


Prep Step C: Create your outline
An outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to. For example, plan to first talk about how great your fiance is, then about how great you are as a couple, then about what you're vowing to each other.


Prep Step D: Find your voice
What overall tone do you want: Humorous and touching? Poetic and mushy? It's your call -- the most important thing is that your vows ring true and sound like they're from your heart.


Prep Step E: Cut it down
Finally, pick a length and stick to it by keeping the mantra pithy and to the point in mind -- anything longer than a minute or so, and no matter how gorgeous your prose, the audience will start to squirm.


Ready to Write!
What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.



What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're grateful your friends dragged you out? How to use: When we met at __________, I knew __________.



When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you bring your sick puppy to the vet? How to use: I knew I was in love when ____________. Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more playful sentiment (When she recited Don Mattingly's RBI record...).


What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: Before I met you, I ___________. Now I ___________.


How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world __________. Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate -- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?


What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- what about his smile first thing in the morning, or the way she puts out your lucky mug for your morning coffee? How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________.


Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals? How to use: I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________.


Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize. How to use: Subtly. I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.


Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: Try I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout.


Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a wittle, bitty bunny wabbit and you love him for it. How to use: When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to ____________.


Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9.


What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine -- will also help demonstrate why you're a perfect pair. How to use: We share ___________, so together we can ___________.


What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiance that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________.


What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow? How to use: I promise to always ___________.


How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we __________.


What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? Peaceful like a mountain stream? How to use: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________.


Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words. How to use: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________.


What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor? How to use: Even when ___________, we will have ___________.


What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________.


What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you'll have to vow to do to make them come true. How to use: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________.


What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________.

Dress for your body

You are... an Hour Glass
Tall or short, hourglass girls' bodies are defined more by their typically curvy frame. If you are an hourglass you’ll have a naturally thin waist with a medium to large bust and smaller shoulders. Small waists and curvy figures mean that often hourglass girls have more defined hips.
Tips to Remember: Being curvy isn't a bad thing! If you are blessed with curves and love them then why not opt for a sheath gown that shows off your shape? Panelling, beading and silk inserts of lace can help distract from problem areas and draw the eye to your favourite assets. For those who would like to diminish the curves, choose a dress with a tight bodice or cinched waist and a full skirt like an A-line dress or ball gown.
The dress for you: Sheath, ball gown or A-line.

You are... Pear Shaped
With curve on the bottom half, pear shaped girls will often have a smaller bust paired with a slimmer torso and waist. On the bottom half, pear shaped girls tend to have shapely hips, butt and thighs and usually carry little weight on the back.
Tips to Remember: Your slim shoulders waist and torso means that dresses with intricate top halves such as detailing across the décolletage or shaping in the torso are great choices for you. Empire line and ball gown dresses skim over the hips and thighs whilst your trusty friend the A-line is a great choice for wedding attire. Another good option is to show off your back with a plunging back on a simple halter or ball gown dress.
The dress for you: Empire, A-line or ball gown.

You are... an Apple
Shapely slim legs and delicate shoulders are some of the key features of an apple shape. With a larger bust, wider torso and a full waist you have a curvy and feminine figure.
Tips to Remember: Most people opt for longer length gowns but with your killer legs a tea length gown may be a great option! Another thing to think about is a gown that is floor length but features a subtle slit. Empire line dresses tend to flatter apple figures a lot as they re-proportion the figure and draw the eye up towards the bust. A-line dresses again add balance while a dress that cinches heavily at the waist can help create a more hour glass figure.
The dress for you: Tea length, empire or A-line.

You are... Petite
Small with delicate body features and subtle curves, you tend to also be a little bit shorter than most. An average size bust and naturally toned body means that proportion is key.
Tips to Remember: A lot of your tips are around hemlines. If you feel swamped in a full length gown, play around with one of a shorter length. Don't be afraid to play around with different hem shapes like asymmetrical, pillow or tulip shapes. A simple sheath dress can be very classic, or to elongate the frame a tailored empire or A-line dress can work wonders.
The dress for you: Tea length, empire or A-line.

You are... Slim Athletic
Thin and tall, your straight and narrow frame may not have a lot of curve. Small around the bottom and the bust, your typically thin or toned frame can benefit from a little pomp and frill.
Tips to Remember: If you love your figure why not show it off in a sheath? A straight sheath or mermaid dress can add curves and enhance your figure all on its own. And with the addition of beading around the bust or ties at the waist it can create a feminine form. A ball gown with its full skirt will instantly fill out your frame while an empire line dress can help create shape on your top half.
The dress for you: Empire, sheath, ball gown.

Dress Breakdown

The Dress Breakdown
Dresses may all look quite different but you will find that with a little close examination they will fall into one of the following groups....

The Empire Line: Falling from under the bust, an empire line dress can have a full skirt (great for hiding hips and thighs) a tulip, bubble or puff shape (great for creating curve) or even a bit of an A-line shape (balancing). The top half itself can vary from dress to dress giving this one style a lot of variance.

The Ball Gown: Often called the fairy tale dress, a ball gown will have a shaped bodice sometimes with a lace up back or a corset type top with a full skirt. These may be in separates or together as a one piece. The skirt can fall on or below the hip line and is a great shape to create a sense of drama. The tight fitting bodice will balance out the full skirt making it a great choice for many body types.

The Tea Length: Not so much a dress shape as a length. While many girls will instantly think floor length when looking for a ball or wedding gown, shorter lengths are now just as popular. These are great for showing off legs that you love or the detail on footwear. A great choice for summer events or petite frames.

The A-Line / Princess: Shaped through the bodice until the hip line where the dress falls away to an A shaped line. The A-line is one of the most typical shapes and is very balancing. These dresses can be found in both full length and shorter gowns and are a great choice for pear shaped girls.

The Mermaid or Sheath: Fitted throughout the body a sheath is a simple, elegant and sexy shape. Typically best for narrow frames these dresses have a classic and timeless appeal.

Flower Girl Help

Depending on the age of your flower girl you might be having a hard time coming up with the perfect gift for her. Well I have found what every little girl wants. Tutu Savvy has it for them. Angie at Tutu Savvy is local to central Texas and so shipping is minimal or non-existent. I can personally pick things up from her and deliver them to you. Her Etsy site does not have all her tutu's but I can get you more photos. She makes hair pieces and flip flops to match. These are high quality and can be made for any size child and in color you want. I recommend these as they are reasonable price and well loved by any little girl.

Eco Friendly Wedding

I am all about saving resources and using them wisley. At the same time we know that alot if the choices we have in doing so can be a little costly. So what are some ways we can made sure to be eco friendly at your wedding? I have gathered tips from all over. If I know the source its cited. If its something that I have just heard along the way and picked up I can't cite a source so if you know where the source came from add it. Thanks
From Better Homes and Gardens:
1.Set the tone: For outdoor weddings use a location that is filled with natural beauty that will not need lots of extra items brought in to make it pretty. Inside weddings choose something like a museum where your deposit goes to a worth cause as well.
2. Choose an eco freindly jewler. Ask where the diamonds come from. Many jewlers now are also using recycled gold for the settings.
3.Local Vendors: By sticking to local vendors your keep travel down and thus the eco blueprint. Also boost local economy. Ask if your vendors are making eco smart choices (Like for me I don't print every paper I get. I also use the backs of preciously printed on forms for things that do need to be printed. I set up as many meetings in one location in one day as possible. Keeps fuel limited and costs down for all. Also I collect and save items from weddings that can be reused in another wedding like vases etc so that brides don't have to buy more and have excess laying around).
From Various Locations
4. Rent items or look into brideshares that allow you to purchase only one set of something and share with another (split the cost). Rentals keeps from making the same item over and over. Also rented plates are cleaned and returned where plastic plates or paper plates while they seem cheaper generate a lot of waste.
5. Limit the guest list. Less paper going out (invitations) less waste. Smaller venue so less energy used.
6.Use recycled paper wherever possible for wedding invitations; most companies can offer this option. Also consider treeless paper made from materials such as bamboo, hemp and kenaf. Even the type of ink used for the invitation should be taken into account as some inks can be toxic.
7.Weddings can generate a huge amount of paper consumption, so give careful thought to items that can be reduced. For example, instead of a program for everyone, perhaps one per couple or group.
8. Instead of having everyone drive from their hotels/motels or wherever they are staying to the wedding or reception venue, perhaps organize a car pool or hire vans to transport everyone to and from your wedding venue. A great deal of fuel can be saved this way, not to mention it will help ensure those who have imbibed in the spirit of the occasion a little too much will get back to their accommodation safely.
9.Everyone likes a photographic record of a marriage ceremony, so instead of sending out hundreds of paper based photographs, save on postage, processing and toxic chemicals by storing digital images on your wedding blog for family and friends to download as they please; printing out only what's absolutely necessary.
10.

RSVP What?

R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, "répondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply."

As you are planning for your big day you need to know how many guest to plan for so the RSVP or response card is very important. Things that hinge on the number of guest include: How many tables and chairs you will need, how much food and beverage you will need, how large a cake you will need, how many centerpieces, and how many wedding favors. Just to name a few.

Helpful hints to the guest: Please send this card back. The couple really wants to know if your coming or not. They will be okay if you have to respectfully decline. Don't assume that by not sending it in they know you can't make it. Also don't assume that because you mentioned you would be there they remembered.

Also put your name on the card somewhere to make sure they know who is replying.

Most couples have already addressed and stamped the card its not hard to send it back in the mail.

To the couples: Discreetly put a number on each card and make sure that number relates to the guest list. For example. Aunt Mary is number 14 on your guest list in a discreet corner write 14 on the card or in the inside of the envelope. So when you get card 14 back and Aunt Mary forgot to write her name you know who sent it.

Also if it fits your wedding you can do a response post card. The postage on a postcard is cheaper.

Make it clean what you need to know on the response card. You can look on line and get plenty of ideas on wording depending on the details of your day.

Know that even if you did not write "plus one" your guest will still try to bring extra guests. You will need to be prepared with a response. Either plan for some extras or plan to call then and let them know you did not plan on anyone extra.

Give guest about three weeks prior to your wedding as a deadline. This gives them time to make arrangements and confirm their calendars.

Escort Cards and displays.

There is always a question if you need escort cards if you are having a buffet or other casual reception meal. My personal preference is yes you do need them. Traditionally with a plated meal the escort card comes in handy so that the wait staff can quickly and efficiently deliver food to your guests. In my experience guest don't mind being told where to sit. For something casual you might not want to assign seats but I do recommend assigning them to a table. So once you know this is something you want to do how do you let people know where to sit? You have to place escort cards out in one location (preferable set out alphabetically) where they can easily grab theirs during the cocktail hour or as they are walking into the reception. I am including several photos here of possibly options. Traditional to casual to unique. Some are from my past weddings and some are just things I have collected from other peoples weddings. Enjoy.

This particular couple went with traditional tent fold cards with the guest name over the table number. The colors of card stock fit into their color scheme, but also represented what that guest had requested for food.

This couple also used the tent fold cards. they tied theirs to a black rot iron gate that was rented. The cards were run through a printer to put the guests names and table number on them, but then a stamp was used to add a little color. I will say it took guest some time to find their names on this one because rows were not possible because of the shape of the gate.

This is a fun idea for a wedding with a beach theme or on the water. Just be sure to have a few extra sand dollars available the day of and the pen in case some break in transport. I have seen this like this with just the guest name on one side and the table number is on the back or or is tied on with a small ribbon. A container with sand is an easy way to hold these.

This Chandelier style display is made using vases twigs and crystal strands. The cards are tied or hooked to the stands and the twigs. Guest do have to do a little hunting on these as well, but if its on the center of a round table they can get all the way around it to look.
Hand made with smooth river stones. This again is for a particular feel of wedding. the table numbers are not on these but could be added to the back or under the name. This is fairly casual with no last names. I think you would want to make sure last names were included to keep from any confusion. This display can be altered and changed to fit your style. Vases can be filled with colored sand to incorporate your color and more cards can be place in the vases. This particular couple did a couple of different trays to cover the alphabet and placed them a few feet apart to allow guest ease to them and to keep from guest crowding. The advantage is the vases can be reused later in your home, or even to hold bridesmaids bouquets once the guest have taken their names.

Birthday Fiesta

Well its that time of year. My kids birthday party. I love planning kids birthday parties and being able to plan one for my kids personally is so much fun. A few months back we all agreed on a Birthday Fiesta. It gets a little harder every year to plan a party that both the kids can get into. Isaiah is now 8 and all boy and Christina is 6 and a total girly girl. So here are the details.

First the invitations: I bought plain bright colored invitations that were blank. On the outside I stamped them with a stamp that said Fiesta with Maraca's and a Sombrero. On the inside I had a stamp that said your invited... and I filled in all the details. I didn't want to do much more for invitations because I was handing out over fifty invitations (thanks to the school rules that all kids in class are invited to parties).

The kids outfits: Thanks to my sister in law, Nery, my kids were in authentic Mexican clothes. They were made and purchased while she was in Mexico for her brothers wedding. The kids loved them.

The Cake: My mom and my sister, Teresa, made the cake. I have always loved the cakes my mom does. They came up with a design that said Happy Birthday and had Maracas and a sombrero on it. They kept it bright and fun. It was perfect.

Decorations: Since the weather turned bad we did not have this at the park as planned but at the fellowship at the hall. I covered tables with plastic table cloths in red, green, and yellow. I made tissue paper flowers and bunched them together for centerpieces and used some as a garland across a couple of poles.

Food: I made a taco bar. Meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and flour tortillas. Also made some rice.

Activities: As kids arrived I had a table set up with crayons and markers. Each child was given a brown paper lunch sack and asked to put their name on it and decorate it. I then collected the bags and while everyone was eating had them filled with Peanuts an apple and some Mexican candy. I left room in the bags that they could add more candy into them. After they ate we played Hot Chili Pepper (just like hot potato). The kids had fun. We moved on from there to the Pinata where the kids got their goody bags to fill them back up with the candy. There is never a perfect way to make a pinata safe inside but with some brainstorming and help from my dad we all had a great time and no one or nothing was hurt. After that we ate cake and opened gifts. Everyone said their goodbyes and we cleaned up.

I was grateful to have Synda one of the youth from my church (she has also interned with me at a wedding) there to help with set up and clean up and anything in between. It was great to have someone there to do those things and keep me there to host and entertain. (Hint that's why you need to hire me to deal with all the details and you enjoy your kids party :-) ).

Visit the Stress Free Events Facebook Fan page for more photos

Sweet 16

Sorry this party was almost a month ago and I am just getting around to blogging it. I have know Azmera since she was first born. Her mom and I went to school together and my mom and her grandmother worked together. Come to think about her mom and I worked together right along side our moms as well back when I was in college.

This family has gone through a lot this past year and I wanted to make sure that Azmera had the best sweet 16 party she could have. We were on a pretty tight budget but with some help from some awesome vendors it came off.

Azmera wanted purple and gold and green to be her colors and she wanted a carnival theme. We went a little traditional Carny style carnival and a little Mardi Gras carnival. Threw in some stars that the birthday girl loved and we had a party!

Those that made this happen:

DJ: Stretch Sound. JT was out of town at a family obligation, but Allen and Jarrod stepped up and found all the music she wanted and kept people tapping their toes.

Photos: Me. I tried to get as much as I could. I had someone else lined up to come help but a stomach bug while pregnant did not allow that to happen.

Cake: Bippity Boppity Bake Shoppe. Cyndi did an amazing job of capturing just what the birthday girl wanted, and it tasted so good.

Food: All the food was donated or bought by the family and friends and family served. Azmera wanted hot dogs, snow cones, nachos, and popcorn. The family that runs the concessions at the soccer and softball fields really helped out by getting us all the equipment we needed to pull that off and serve the food (thanks Rebecca).

Venue: Dunbar Recreation Center.

All the vendors went above and beyond. they knew what type of budget we had to work with and they made it happen. I highly recommend checking them out for you next event. They are all so great.

Check out Photos on the facebook fan page and become a fan if not one already

Diana and Keegan

Diana and Keegan had a wonderful wedding reception at Mercury Hall.

I will never forget this wedding. For one it was the coldest day in Texas in decades, but you would not know by the fun all 250 guest were having. Mercury Hall is not really made to sit that many inside so the couple rented a tent and heaters and created dining space outside and various other spaces outside under heaters for guest to mingle. Most people managed to find room on the dance floor.
The dance floor was kept packed with the help of Complete Music. Food was wonderfully prepared by Uncle Billy's catering. All these great photos were from Caroline with sweet caroline photography. I have to say that I just love working with Mercury Hall. Jarrod over there went above and beyond to make sure we were able to take care of the needs of the couple.

Professional Pictures from Lauren and Justin

Laren and Justin aren't they adorable.

Here are just a few of the wonderful professional pictures taken by The Nichols


Check out more of the professional photographers photos on my facebook fan page.

Wedding Items For Sale

This is a list from the mom of one of my past brides. You can look up Casey and DJ's wedding here on the blog or on facebook for more photos. Casey is out of state stationed with her new Sailor hubby, so her mom is taking care of selling this stuff. If interested in any of it let me know and I can get you contact with her. Also pass this on to others who might be needing it.
Thanks
Becky

WEDDING ITEMS FOR SALE


Altar arrangements - absolutely beautiful - 4 ft W x 3 1/2 H - cost $250.00 –
will sale for $150.00 each - QTY 2
Cally Lilly Centerpieces - Photo doesn't do justice - cost $50.00 - will sale for $28.00 each - QTY 20
Sand / Candle centerpieces -cost $8.00 - will sell for $5.00 each QTY 48
Church Pew Arrangements - cost $12.00 each - will sell for $6.00 each QTY 16
Candelabra Floral Arrangements- cost $25.00 – will sell for $15.00 each – QTY 2
Bubble with double heart on top - 65 QTY - $6.00 for all
Beautiful cracked glass vases - 9 inches H x 5 1/2 across - cost $18.00 - will sell for $12.00 each QTY 2
9 inch Aqua Tool - New - QTY 14 spools - $13.00 for all
Small silver frames for reserved - NEW - QTY 6 - $4.00 for all
Blue small sea shells - 2 good sizes bags - $5.00
White Satin Card Box - paid $20.00 - will sell for $10.00
Ring Bearer Pillow New - Not used - cost $12.00 will sell for $6.00
Punch glasses 250, Heavy Duty Forks 5 bags of 50 - clear plastic cost $45.00 - will sell for $25.00
Double Heart Card Holders - $5.00

Miscellaneous silk flowers – $25.00 for all

*The cost above reflects only the price for purchasing, does not include cost for floral arranging, or hiring someone to make them.

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What Photographers wish you knew.

*Please do your research. Anyone can buy a nice looking camera and photoshop, put an ad on Craigslist and say they are a photographer. But do they know how to USE that camera? Do they know how to USE photoshop? Just because someone says they do, doesn’t mean that is the reality. Look closely at their pictures, ask to see more than one wedding, ask for references and make sure that you get a good vibe from them and they are telling the whole truth. Everyone started somewhere and was new once but do you really want to be this person’s guinea pig?

*Both bride and groom should attend the photographer interviews. Even if the groom says he doesn’t care who you book, once the wedding is over and the pictures are all that is left, he WILL care. On top of the end result, the photographer is going to be with you alllllll day long and if personalities clash, that is going to show in the pictures! The best way to prevent that is to make sure that you click before you book.

*If I don’t respond to your email within 12 hours, please don’t freak out. I often have on-location shoots that take me out of the office. If you email over the weekend, don’t be shocked if it takes until Tuesday for me to respond – I am probably shooting over the weekend and then may take Monday off since I worked Friday/Saturday/Sunday.

*We charge what we charge for a reason – it is based on what we provide, our experience and how much work we put in processing your images and more. Please don’t schedule an appointment with us if our lowest package is equal to your whole wedding budget and expect to negotiate us down. And please don’t say that “so and so studio” will do the ‘same thing’ for $1000 less and ask us to match – trust me, they ARE NOT doing the ‘same thing’ as we do.

*Trust your gut. If you love a photographer’s pictures so much that you want to steal their sample books and show them to everyone you know, fair chance you will love your own pictures. Go with someone you LOVE and trust they will create pictures for you that someone else will want to steal and show to everyone too.

*Please hire a professional planner. Don’t trust this once in a lifetime day and all that money to a friend or family member who ‘loves to plan events.’ Having the help of a planner will make your life, my life and all your other vendor’s lives so much easier before, during and even after the wedding. Even if you can only afford an hour or two of their time, having someone get you on the right path is so very valuable and will really make the planning process so much easier.

*Plan your wedding with purpose – from the dress to the details to the vendors your choose, make sure that there is meaning behind each decision you make. It will make looking at those amazing pictures that I am going to take for you that much more special in 20/30/40 years.

*A better meal for the photographer is going to equal better pictures in the long run. Usually by dinner time we have already worked a hectic 6-8 hours capturing every detail that you have worked so hard to put together. Now imagine how deflating it is to sit down to a cold, stale turkey (or worse salami) sandwich, a spotted apple and a dry cookie – you might as well give us a juice box too. Some venues push the boxed meal as a savings to you but what is that $20 or so per person worth it in the long run? Serving your photographer a hot, fresh meal will help them refuel and be in top form to capture the rest of your wedding – including all the fun of your reception!

*All that being said, we understand that some choices have to be made and if you are serving your guests steak and lobster, it may not be feasible to serve us the same thing. If it isn’t, ask your caterer for less expensive – but still HOT – options for us – even a simple pasta with meat sauce is better than the dreaded boxed vendor meal.

*Ask your caterer to serve us immediately following the bridal party. Sometimes the lag in a large room can be upwards of 20 to 30 minutes from the time the bride and groom get their entrée until the last table is served. If we are among those last tables, there is a good chance we won’t even have been served our entrée by the time you are ready to start making the rounds to different tables. Serving us early in the process means we will be on the same schedule as you and ready to capture the next events as soon as you are ready for them to start.

*You have likely invested a lot of money in photography so please make sure that you have designated enough time for it on your wedding day. Ask your photographer for input on the wedding day timeline – they know what they need so ask them! If you have a planner/coordinator, they will likely do this for you but it should come up in your final photography meeting anyway. Also, make sure that everyone knows where they need to be and when – don’t forget to tell Grandma to stick around after the ceremony for pictures or the family pictures won’t have Grandma in them.

*Some photographers absolutely refuse to work from a list of shots while others request one. If we request it, please keep it simple. If you hired us for our style, let us do our style! A tedious list of formal shots is not going to tell the story of your wedding day.

*If you hired me because you love my photojournalistic style, realize that you cannot stop what you are doing to smile and pose for the camera every time you see me!! That’s not photojournalism and you will end up looking like all you did all day long was stand like a soldier and smile at the camera. If you want true memories, expressions, and personalities to come through in your photographs, then you need to enjoy your day and let your photographer do what you hired him/her to do.

*Please give me some creative license. If I ask you to do something that might seem a little out of the ordinary or if I spot a location that speaks to me but it wasn’t on the original list or not what you had in mind initially, just go with it. You hired me because you like my work and trust me, so give me the creative room to put my best foot forward and put you in the best light.

*With regard to how you look on your wedding day, some basic tips:
1. Don’t buy a dress that accentuates areas of your body you don’t like – even Photoshop won’t fix that.
2. Your makeup should be an upgrade of what you might usually wear for a night out. You want to look like YOU, just a slightly ‘better’ you.
3. If you are the same height or taller than your fiancé but don’t want to accentuate that on your wedding day, don’t wear heels.
4. Stop tanning several days before the wedding to avoid looking red, blotchy and dry.
5. If you have frizzy hair or hair that goes flat as the day goes on, the same thing is going to happen on your wedding day! Pick a hairstyle that works with your hair, not against its natural style.
6. Leave the body glitter/shimmer at home. It looks like white spots or sometimes even sweat in pictures.

*I am not a wedding planner or coordinator. I have been asked/expected/ordered to do everything from coordinate the processional to call other vendors to see where they were to bustle gowns to cut and serve the wedding cake! I am happy to help where I can but if I were doing those things, who is going to be doing what you actually hired me for – taking the pictures?

*Photoshop can work miracles but if you are expecting a miracle, please expect a price.

* I promise you I am going to take a lot of time to edit your pictures and make them phenomenal but please bear in mind, I have made the same commitment to other couples whose weddings were before yours. I am going to take as much care with your pictures when it is your turn – calling me every 3 days is not going to make me move any faster (in fact, it will likely push you down the list!). If I am more than a week late from my promised time frame, go ahead and check in but until that time frame is up – please be patient!

*You know how you can see happy and in love in pictures? You can also see snotty, nasty, angry, upset, overwhelmed and whiny. Which would you rather have come through in your pictures?

*Finally, be real, be you, be adventurous, be creative, be open, have fun, enjoy yourself, let loose, be nice, be in love, be happy and listen to the professionals you hired – they kind of know what they’re doing!

So there you have it – some of the things that Photographers wish you knew. Thanks to all my photographer friends who contributed – great insight and very interesting!

* One last one. If you are a guest at a wedding and photobug yourself please know that they couple is on a timeline to get to the reception and everytime I have to wait for you to take a photo it delays the whole process. Also there are times you may be in the way for what I am getting paid by the couple to do. I will be nice, but when I ask you to move or wait a moment to take a photo please dont get upset. I am just doing what the couple hired me to do and I want to give them their moneys worth.

2009 Thank You

Just a quick look at some of the weddings we were fortunate enough to help with in 2009. Its been an amazing year and every wedding was a blessing to work on. Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day.

*If your photo is not here and you were married in 2009 its only because I don't have your photos from your wedding. I still love you*