I was thinking that today in Wedding Details Wednesday I would write a little piece on photography, not like last week when I made suggestions on how to personalize your wedding with photography…but this week how to make sure that your wedding photography is personalized for you.

If you don’t know it by now you must be new to my blog, because I think its fairly obvious that I really do love weddings. I love the details, the excitement, the joy, the beauty and the fun (and about a million other things) but what I love most about weddings is photographing them.

My sister in law is getting married in May (yay!) and at first she wasn’t sure about me photographing the wedding, not because she doesn’t like my work, but because she didn’t want me to have to work at her wedding.(isn’t she sweet!). However I quickly convinced her that although there is a lot of work involved in a wedding, it is work that I love, and that I would be honored and have more fun at the wedding if I was able to photograph it… I say this not just to tell you how sweet my sister in law is, but also to tell you that wedding photography isn’t just a job for me, it’s not punching a clock or just paying bills, it’s my passion.

Chances are you are pretty passionate about your wedding, you’re excited about the choices you are making, you are spending time choosing colours, dates, locations, guests, bridesmaids (and about a million other things lol) so why would you want to book a photographer who wasn’t passionate about photographing it.

Now I am not going to knock anyone or anyone’s work, and I have read about 30 of the “what questions you should ask your photographer” and have answered them all about a hundred times (and some of them are good questions)…but I want to challenge you with a few questions about photography…and some of them may make you dig a bit deeper than you were expecting with my blog post today.

I am first going to ask you some questions about what is important to you and then some questions for you to ask yourself when you are looking at potential photographers.

First ask yourself:

1. Why are photographs important to you?

Why do you want a wedding photographer at your wedding. Besides the fact that just about everyone who gets married has one…why do YOU want photographs ? Why are they important to you?

2. What are you hoping for with your wedding photographs?

Maybe take a look through your family photographs from growing up, or of you and your fiance… and ask yourself, which photos do you like and why? Are they all images of people laughing, candid shots when no one was noticing or casual portraits where everyone looks like they are relaxed (ok so can you tell what my favorite shots are??) Maybe yours is something completely different or very specific. Maybe you love all the shots where your now fiance is looking at you? Why do you like those? Is it because it shows you that he is thinking of you even when you’re not looking, or because he has that grin that you love? It wouldn’t hurt to take those favorite photos with you when you meet with your potential photographer, to show them the kind of images that make your heart soar.

3. What is your wedding photography budget…and why?

Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that weddings are expensive and that budgets are important. HOWEVER I know that some people can get stuck on something they read somewhere (like that you should not spend more than 12% of your total wedding budget on a photographer…which I did read somewhere…but I also read somewhere that you can expect to pay 25% of your total budget…) so you can use information you find as a guide but you need to evaluate how important your photography is for you. I know I am a bit of an exception to the rule since I am a photographer myself, but when I booked my wedding photographer I had only photographed 3 weddings myself, so not exactly seasoned! However photography was (as we learned early on) a huge priority for me,  and roughly 30% of my wedding budget went to photography. The budget calculator told me I was wrong, but I knew I was right, and I never regretted it for an instant. I still managed to stay pretty close to my budget by cutting out things that weren’t important to me, like having a limo, string quartet or crystal champagne flutes.

Bottom line: it’s your wedding and if photography is important to you, don’t let a magazine article or website dictate the quality of photographer you can have.

So, its ok to have a budget, and its ok to want to stay within it, as long as the budget reflects what you are passionate about and what is important to you!

4. Dream a little dream.

I often ask my clients to share with me what they would like to see when they look back at their images in 5 or 10 years. What do they want to see? Is it important for you to see images of all of your family displayed on the wall in an organized fashion? Or do you want a storybook album that tells the story of your day, capturing details, moments, memories and emotions (along with a few to help you remember exactly who was there)? Do you dream of looking back and crying? Or laughing? Dream a little (or big) dream and then start the search for your wedding photographer.

Here are a few questions for you to ask YOURSELF (I know a lot of self reflection here) when looking for your wedding photographer.

Task 1: Make a list of your top 5 photographers locally. Who would you want to photograph your wedding if money was no object. Make the list FIRST and then get their pricing (and find out if they are available) you’ll likely find that the photographers that you love are often in the same price range, so you may just need to adjust your budget a bit to allow for it and then go through the steps below to make your final choice!

1. Do you LOVE what you see?

Chances are if you are getting welled up, excited or can’t tear yourself away from a website…you’re loving what you see.

If you’re liking every 5th or 6th shot, and are thinking “well they ARE inside my budget” chances are you’re liking what you see.

If you skip past the photos all together to look at the price, you may be missing the mark a little bit

2. Do you like the photographer as a person (not just their work)? or better yet, do you connect with them?

Take the time to meet with potential photographers for your wedding. They’ll be your paparazzi for the day so you don’t want to choose someone who rubs you the wrong way! Even if you LOVE someones work, it may not be worth it to have someone you can’t stand take the photos, its your call but if you meet them at least you will be mentally prepared!

3. Are they invested in you?

Are they willing to take the time to answer your questions, to ask questions about your day and about what you are looking for? Do they get back to you in a timely fashion, and in a way that works for you?

4. Are they passionate?

Is wedding photography a small tab with 30 images on a website with 500 images of corporate work? Some photographers are great photographers, but are passionate about another style of photography. I mention this because someone who is passionate about weddings will be keeping on top of their game, always learning, growing and trying new things. If having unique photography is important to you, you’ll want to find a photographer who is passionate about weddings.

5. (Cheesy drum-roll please) Does it feel RIGHT?

Your gut is usually a pretty good indicator. I have had friends say (when they got their photos back, and weren’t happy) that they had a feeling from the beginning that they weren’t going to love it…and gosh they wish that they would have made a different choice (and hey if that’s you…we can still do a Rock the Dress shoot and make it happen!) and it seriously breaks my heart. I don’t want you to think that I wrote this article so that you would book me as your wedding photographer…because that is not the purpose. I want you to book the right photographer for YOU so that you can have the experience, photographs and passion that you deserve, on and after, your wedding day. If its me, great! But there are a lot of great photographers around that would do an amazing job ! Just make sure that you select a photographer that you will be happy with, and I’ll be happy for you!

Here we go:

1. I am a pretty good self motivator but I work better under deadlines (whats that there are only 18 minutes until it’s no longer Tuesday again?)

2. I watch lost but am completely and utterly lost.

3. The ring I wear on my thumb I bought in Scotland gosh…almost 10 years ago…I paid less than 3 pounds for it (about $6.60 at the conversion at the time) I have worn it on my thumb ever since. Do people even where thumb rings any more?

4. I am not big on routine, I like to change things up. I don’t have one style of music, or clothing or a consistent hairstyle. I get up and go to bed at a different time every day, have a variety of workout videos and rarely do the same one twice in the same week (if I even work out twice in one week). I love variety and hope to get more of that in my photographs this year!

5. I never thought that I would wear leggings…and they are one of my most favorite thing to wear now!

6. I like change. We moved 3 times in 3 years and I cannot watch the Real Estate Channel because I am sure I would decide that moving would be a good idea, even though I love our place and I love where we are!

7. I almost stepped on a porcupine in my driveway last year.

8. I wear glasses. Or I should I say I OWN glasses, I don’t wear them much but am always amazed how much sharper the world looks when I have them on!

9. I am cheap but I LOVE lulu-lemon. It’s one of those things that I can seem to justify spending money on!

10. Wedding rings are often placed on the third finger of the left hand because ancient Egyptians believed that the vein in that hand (which the Romans called the “vein of love”) ran directly to the heart.

BTW the random facts I find online…have no idea if they are true….but they do sound interesting!

How to Personlize Your Wedding With Photographs!

We all know that selecting the right wedding photographer for your wedding is a big decision, and a big reason is  because, in general terms, we all know that photographs are important! I think there are many ways to personalize your wedding with photographs beyond selecting your wedding photographer (even though it IS an important choice!)

- Create a Scrapbook or Slideshow of Images. You can include images of yourselves, your wedding party and family. You can include photographs of you as you grew up, grew together. You can play the reception while guests enter your reception venue, or set scrapbooks on your guest’s tables or guestbook.

- Your Guestbook Table is a great place to incorporate photographs! If your photographer offers it you could have a guestbook made up with your engagement photographs. The book should be designed with lots of white space for guests to sign – like a yearbook. If you don’t like that idea you can have the guestbook table covered in photos of yourselves or photos of your parents and/or grandparents when they were married. Another great “guestbook” idea is to have someone take polaroids of all of your guests which they can signs and you can put in a book later on.

- Some photographers offer a “photo booth”. Styles and ideas vary by location and photographer but they are a great opportunity for you, your bridal party and your guests to have fun, act crazy and be photographed like a star. In general the photographer will set up a backdrop, and sometimes have props and then provide you with either prints or digital files. You can print the images off for a guest book or send them to your guests in your thank you cards.

- Dedicate an area to feature images of lost love ones or those who were not able to be with you to celebrate. It is a great way to honour their memory and show your love for them.

- Incorporate photographs in your wedding mailings. Many people use engagement session photographs in their save-the-dates, invites or a part of their thank you cards. While these are all great ways to incorporate photographs into your wedding, why not take it a step further and have your picture turned into your postage stamp? Through Canada Post you can purchase sheets of actual postage with your image on them. If you want to have them for keepsakes, put them on your RSVP cards or envelopes so they come back to you in the mail. They are more expensive than regular postage, but they are a really cute touch.

- Use images as a part of your decor, seating cards, table numbering etc.

- We’ve all heard of putting disposable cameras on tables, and while its a good idea, the quality of these cameras is hard to manage, and most of your friends will likely be snapping photos with their own digital cameras. Why not create a Facebook album or Flicker page where your friends can all upload their images then you’ll have all of their best photos!l

As always this is only a few of the endless options! You can do almost anything with photographs!

And lets start of the random facts:

1. My mom got this mother of the bride dress on a shopping trip to Florida…(much like this one)…. for $19.99. Even with her flight it was a better price that some dresses I’ve seen around home!

2. I don’t generally like to shop but I LOVE to get good deals! I got a pair of big metal earrings for seven CENTS on this trip.

3. You know all the cleaning product commercials by “SC Johnson - a family company” until they started placing the logo on the bottom of the ads…I thought they were saying “Messy Johnson” I didn’t get it, but its what I thought…

4. I like polka dots. Think they’re cute. I knew they’d come around sometime and was glad to see them featured in a couple of fashion magazines lately!

5. Wasps have stingers. You probably knew that…I did not (I thought they bit like horseflies)… that was until I got stung yeterday….

6. When I think about Florida I see photos in my head…(I have a bad memory so I am so glad to have photos) me with waterwings at the pool with my grandparents, dr. pepper/cherry coke (you used to not be able to get them in Canada) and a Christmas with an antique telephone wrapped with Christmas lights. (Among a million other memories)

7. This may have been the most relaxing vacation of my life…reading….working out…grabbing a bite…being with my mom. Maybe I am learning how to relax…

8. I have not owned a belt for at least the last 10 years. I bought one yesterday.

9. Sunscreen really works. I always am amazed when I miss a spot that gets really burnt and the rest of me is all ok.

10. My drink of choice is…water. Good old H20. On a side note (related) I don’t drink but really enjoy dancing…one of the bartenders at a dance club in Banff (where I lived for almost a year…almost 8 years ago) gave me the nickname “agua” because all I ever got was water (but tipped him well anyway..don’t worry!)  I thought of this one because I am THIRSTY! Better go get myself a glass of aqua!

I set up  in one of their suites and did mini boudoir shoots (very similar to the style of shoot done at one of our pin up parties) Even though it was my first time taking part of the weekend and the ladies didn’t know I was going to be there I was able to do 10  mini shoots and I had a blast with all the ladies. We also set up a photo booth on the night of their dinner and dance…and let me tell you…these girls were having fun!

Here are a couple shots from one of the mini boudoir shoots! (isn’t she beautiful!!!)

Yes there is yet another way to be creative and unique with your wedding.

Flowers are beautiful and a great option for a centerpiece, but they aren’t your only option!

If you do decide to go with flowers here are a couple of simple tips:

- keep the arrangements either low (under 14 inches) or tall (over 30) so guests will be able to see each other across the table.

- make sure that you arrange to have people take home the flowers, or have them donated to a local hospital, or even re-use them for the day after gift opening or brunch.

Some other options (and these are only a few…the options are endless)

- Cakes!!! I may still be hooked on cake boss but I thought that this was a great idea. Having a small cake at each table creates variety for both colour and flavour and the cakes can double as desert (though you may want signage to let people know they should wait until desert to dig in) you can have a cake cutting at each table and chat with the guests, or you can elect couples to cut the cake for you. People can go from table to table looking for different options, and taste testing…. I would love to be at a wedding with 10 or 20 different cakes!!! mmmmm

- Candles - floating, votive arrangements, pillars in frosted glass vases… candles can create drama, simplicity and beauty

- Candies - the candy buffet has been a popular choice, why not fill a couple of pillar vases with colour coordinated candies on each table? again your guests can go from one table to the next getting treats and interacting with each other.

- Books/antiques/unique finds - like I said, there is no limit to what you can do. Are you and your partner book junkies? Find beautiful coordinating books and pile them on the table. Or use your antique tea cup collection… or anything at all your imagination can think up.

- Fishes - make sure you offer these up for a gift to guests so they don’t get left without a home, but vases with beautifully coloured fish can be a beautiful set up.

- Fruit - bowls, vases or other containers filled with coodinated fruites (green apples, green grapes, limes make a bright fun centerpiece)

Again its your wedding you can do whatever you want! These are just an couple of ideas to get you started!

Ok well I have been thinking up good random facts all week, and then forgetting to write them down!! So lets see what I come up with.

1. I dislike (ok REALLY STRONGLY dislike) lemons in water. But really enjoy lemon flavored anything else (lemonade, ice tea with lemon, lemon squares, lemon meringue pie, lemon sorbet…)

2. I am a pretty good cook…however…I almost ALWAYS (i’d say over 90% of the time) boil water over when making rice/pasta/potatoes/eggs or anything else that needs boiling…

3. In general I don’t enjoy shopping for myself. Unless its for crazy deals…like the 29 cent shirt I got the last time I was in florida (3 years ago and I still wear it!!! cant wait for shopping with mom this week!!)

4. I don’t buy, or wear, expensive jewelry. I never take my wedding rings off…but outside of them I wear nothing valued at over $40, and prefer things in the $4 range…why?? Because I lose, break or misplace almost all of my jewelry at some point (i take it off in the car…and put it in a purse…or take it off while watching tv and it gets moved when I clean up….)

5. I stretch when I dry my hair.

6. If you haven’t noticed…I like to multitask

7. When microwaving things I use the time on the clock to try to get other things done. (Can I empty the dishwasher in 3 minutes???)

8. I prefer using black pens.

9. my hubby calls me a hoarder.  I’m really not that bad, but i do hate throwing anything away that a. is of sentimental value or b. I think i might need again, because without fail…when I give/throw something away, I need it again. I am doing better…but still have a ways to go. Recently I went through my keepsake box(es) and anything that I couldn’t remember the details of (like who/where it was from)…I threw away. hmmm…heart shaped pencil…. chocolate flower someone gave me in grade 9 (ok I do remember who that was from…but its kind of gross to keep a chocolate flower for more than 10 years right??)… just goes to show, people, and thoughtful things mean a lot to me! I never throw away cards, letters, notes or photographs….

10. As you read this I am on my way to Florida to spend some quality time with my mom. I love her so much and am so blessed to have her love and support in everything! Plus we laugh…a tonne! We’re going to work out, shop, laugh and then start it all over again

the cage was actually a birdcage veil…

and the bride was the beautiful miss Debbie who gracefully accepted our crazy excitement, and who forgave us (a few times) when we forgot her in the dark…

the challenge this time round was to capture the birdcage veil… so this post is focused on the birdcage, but another post will come soon with some really fun shots of us playing in the dark.

its been a great opportunity to try some new stuff…and I’m pretty happy with the results.