I've had another fabulous wedding season!! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.
I've had so many new experiences, and seen so many new things, that I thought I would start a series of bridal tips. You can easily access all of the tips that I will be posting by clicking on the label to the right.
Please allow me to preface my wedding tips with a disclaimer. Everything I discuss is based on experience and comes from a photography point of view (obviously). I am a very honest and straightforward person (probably to a fault) and feel it my professional responsibility to communicate the truth.
And I am a strong believer in the fact that whatever works best for you is what you should do... no matter what anyone thinks!
LOL, I am laughing as I read what I just wrote, it sounds so serious. The fact is that I say what I feel because I have little tolerance for fake behavior. Once of my former brides told me that she appreciated my honesty the most. She said whenever she felt like she couldn't get a real opinion from anyone, she would ask me. I think she grew weary of everyone telling her what they thought she wanted to hear.
Check back soon for my first tip!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Booking Policy
It's an exciting, busy time of year! Many brides are booking their 2008 and even 2009 weddings. I wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate my booking policy.
Your date is not reserved until the non-refundable retainer is received. It does not matter when/how you contacted me, whether we met or not, if we're friends, long lost relatives, etc.
I will not contact any inquiry to let them know someone else is looking at their date, I will leave that for the high pressure salesman. I am very low pressure and I wish for you to retain my services because you love my work, not because you are afraid of losing your date.
I receive many inquires, and there really isn't any way for me to gauge the seriousness of any given inquiry. And can you imagine how much time it would take to contact every potential client to let them know that someone else may be interested in their date? I would be on the phone all day!
I truly believe in what's meant to be... so if I was meant to document your wedding, then it will happen!
Your date is not reserved until the non-refundable retainer is received. It does not matter when/how you contacted me, whether we met or not, if we're friends, long lost relatives, etc.
I will not contact any inquiry to let them know someone else is looking at their date, I will leave that for the high pressure salesman. I am very low pressure and I wish for you to retain my services because you love my work, not because you are afraid of losing your date.
I receive many inquires, and there really isn't any way for me to gauge the seriousness of any given inquiry. And can you imagine how much time it would take to contact every potential client to let them know that someone else may be interested in their date? I would be on the phone all day!
I truly believe in what's meant to be... so if I was meant to document your wedding, then it will happen!
Happy Halloween!!
Ella is an angel this year, which is fitting considering she is the sweetest little girl in the universe. LOL
She suggested that we take some pictures outside, which was a great idea, look at that backdrop!
I printed wallets of this image for her to give to her friends at school.
The woods behind our home are just amazing this time of year... the colors of the leaves, and the way the sun hits them, is pure magic.
A few weeks ago we held our annual BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) and Autumn Festival. It's our one big party of the year and I may have went a little overboard when I had a graphic designer create a logo so that we could brand the event. Always the business woman.
I decorated several pumpkins prior to the event, but below is one of my favorites. I used that logo every chance I got.
We invited about 90 people, 60 were able to attend. It was a blast!
I divided the pumpkins into three categories for voting purposes.
And below is the voting station, medals were awarded for best non-carved, pattern and freehand pumpkins.
She suggested that we take some pictures outside, which was a great idea, look at that backdrop!
I printed wallets of this image for her to give to her friends at school.
The woods behind our home are just amazing this time of year... the colors of the leaves, and the way the sun hits them, is pure magic.
A few weeks ago we held our annual BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) and Autumn Festival. It's our one big party of the year and I may have went a little overboard when I had a graphic designer create a logo so that we could brand the event. Always the business woman.
I decorated several pumpkins prior to the event, but below is one of my favorites. I used that logo every chance I got.
We invited about 90 people, 60 were able to attend. It was a blast!
I divided the pumpkins into three categories for voting purposes.
And below is the voting station, medals were awarded for best non-carved, pattern and freehand pumpkins.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Abraham Lincoln
I met this guy while shooting with Louis and Heather at the Georgetown Inn last week. The reason I'm posting about it is because I tend to meet many interesting characters.
He first complimented me on my gear and then says, "if you ever need a Lincoln, here's my card."
I was like, huh?
And then he explained that I shouldn't let the gray fool me... he dyes it black when it's time to perform. Again, huh?
And then I finally understood that he was an Abraham Lincoln impersonator.
I have never seen anyone that knew more about Lincoln, and apparently there is a demand for impersonators. Who knew?
Oh, and if you ever need a Lincoln, I have his card.
He first complimented me on my gear and then says, "if you ever need a Lincoln, here's my card."
I was like, huh?
And then he explained that I shouldn't let the gray fool me... he dyes it black when it's time to perform. Again, huh?
And then I finally understood that he was an Abraham Lincoln impersonator.
I have never seen anyone that knew more about Lincoln, and apparently there is a demand for impersonators. Who knew?
Oh, and if you ever need a Lincoln, I have his card.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
She said yes!!
Louis and Heather are engaged!! I was so honored (and impressed) when Louis contacted me to capture his proposal to his girlfriend Heather. The fact that I am able to witness moments like this can be truly overwhelming. I think more men should plan ahead and hire a photographer for this moment, I would LOVE to have images from when Craig proposed.
They arrived at Mt. Washington as I cleared tourists from the overlook. She had no idea that I was there (remember, I'm a ninja!).
I think this image summarizes how Heather was feeling!
I like this image because you can see their reflection in the glass doors.
All of these moments were so real, completely unscripted, and absolutely beautiful.
They went to the Georgetown Inn for dinner and I was able to capture a few more images.
Congratulations guys, I am thrilled for both of you!!!
Weddings by Heather - pictures of a proposal on Mt. Washington
They arrived at Mt. Washington as I cleared tourists from the overlook. She had no idea that I was there (remember, I'm a ninja!).
I think this image summarizes how Heather was feeling!
I like this image because you can see their reflection in the glass doors.
All of these moments were so real, completely unscripted, and absolutely beautiful.
They went to the Georgetown Inn for dinner and I was able to capture a few more images.
Congratulations guys, I am thrilled for both of you!!!
Weddings by Heather - pictures of a proposal on Mt. Washington
Marissa
This is Marissa.
And this is her tooth.
I spent Saturday with Marissa and her mom Bobbi for a lifestyle session and we had so much fun!
Marissa's best friend Madelina came over to play as well, these girls are a blast! They like to hang upside down.
And have fun with their Mom's.
I love this image of Marissa on top of the hay stacks. I think it feels powerful, majestic... like she is on top of the world and can do anything. Ok, or it's just a cool picture of a kid playing. Whatever, I'm feeling a little deep today. LOL
She was showing me some moves.
My favorite image from the entire day. Do you remember what it was like when you were with your best friend and you had to run everywhere? Wow, I'm feeling nostalgic as well.
A special thanks to the fabulous Lisa Johnson from Kiss and Make-up for the referral. She and Bobbi are best friends, just like their daughters!! We had a blast.
And this is her tooth.
I spent Saturday with Marissa and her mom Bobbi for a lifestyle session and we had so much fun!
Marissa's best friend Madelina came over to play as well, these girls are a blast! They like to hang upside down.
And have fun with their Mom's.
I love this image of Marissa on top of the hay stacks. I think it feels powerful, majestic... like she is on top of the world and can do anything. Ok, or it's just a cool picture of a kid playing. Whatever, I'm feeling a little deep today. LOL
She was showing me some moves.
My favorite image from the entire day. Do you remember what it was like when you were with your best friend and you had to run everywhere? Wow, I'm feeling nostalgic as well.
A special thanks to the fabulous Lisa Johnson from Kiss and Make-up for the referral. She and Bobbi are best friends, just like their daughters!! We had a blast.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tara & Chuck
Tara and Chuck were married at St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg and held their reception at Valley Brook Country Club. I had the pleasure of having both Joanne Bartone AND David Burke shoot with me this weekend. It was the trifecta of Pittsburgh wedding photographers!!
I knew we were going to have a fabulous day when I arrived at Tara's home and saw her shoes!
What a gorgeous bride!
The groom.
Just married! Image by Dave.
I'm not sure why I love this image so much... could be the flowers, the lace in her dress and the magic of 1.2!
Image by Joanne. And Eddy, if you see this image, what makes it so cool (besides Tara's great legs and fabulous shoes), is the fact that the ribbon is hanging down!!
Details, image by Joanne.
Possibly my favorite image of the day.
On the piano at the reception.
A special thank you to Lisa and John for the referral. Tara and Chuck actually met at their wedding last year!
And a huge thanks to Joanne and Dave for helping me out. Seriously, these two are the BEST. Not only are they both fantastic photographers, but they are also very dear friends.
Make-up Artist: Eddy Leonard
Florist: Garden Style Living
Videographer: Novosel Productions
Bakery: Jean-Marc Chatellier
Entertainment: Jay Schimmel
I knew we were going to have a fabulous day when I arrived at Tara's home and saw her shoes!
What a gorgeous bride!
The groom.
Just married! Image by Dave.
I'm not sure why I love this image so much... could be the flowers, the lace in her dress and the magic of 1.2!
Image by Joanne. And Eddy, if you see this image, what makes it so cool (besides Tara's great legs and fabulous shoes), is the fact that the ribbon is hanging down!!
Details, image by Joanne.
Possibly my favorite image of the day.
On the piano at the reception.
A special thank you to Lisa and John for the referral. Tara and Chuck actually met at their wedding last year!
And a huge thanks to Joanne and Dave for helping me out. Seriously, these two are the BEST. Not only are they both fantastic photographers, but they are also very dear friends.
Make-up Artist: Eddy Leonard
Florist: Garden Style Living
Videographer: Novosel Productions
Bakery: Jean-Marc Chatellier
Entertainment: Jay Schimmel
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