Thursday, April 29, 2010

Friday Photo #23 (a day early)

Hello Everyone!

I am heading to the airport in about 6 hours and catching an airplane that will take me back home to the States -

YAY!!!

So I'm posting this Fridays Photo a day early - seeing as though I won't have time to get back online till I land safely in America.



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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Oh boy!

So this weekend I went on an online hunt for a wedding video to make me swoon.
Granted, it doesn't take much - but I was really in the mood for a great video!
Well, my search was completed when I came upon this demo reel.

If you're not obsessed with phenomenal wedding videography yet...
just wait till you watch this demo reel by Elysium Productions!!


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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I'm Getting Hitched : The Photographer of my Dreams!


Hands down, without a doubt, photography is and always has been one of my top priorities. I want totally kick butt photos (that don't cost an arm and 2 legs) to remember the day that I married the love of my life. What the heck do I mean by "kick butt photos"? Let me give you my own personal definition:


  • I want images that are fun, creative, unique, outside the box...photos that I can hang on my walls forever and never get sick of looking at.
  • Photos that aren't like anybody else's.
  • I want candid photos that so accurately capture the raw emotion of the day that vivid memories will be evoked in an instant. Candid photos that bring back the the exact words exchanged between us during our first dance...or the taste of the cake that was shoved into my face.
  • What I don't want are traditional, super posed and potentially slightly awkward prom photos. They just don't really tickle my fancy.
*DISCLAIMER: Please remember this is my definition. Photography is an extremely personal thing and by no means do I think that photographers or people who prefer this style have bad taste. If you are into more traditional photos, more power to you!*

With that said, I cannot express enough how excited I am to have found Bellingham based Aubrey Joy Photography. For months I had been researching photographers...not only for myself, but for friends and our blog. Needless to say, I came across all kinds of different styles and prices...I found some I loved, some I hated, many I couldn't afford, and plenty whose work made it obvious why it was so cheap. The biggest problem I ran into was finding a photographer that I loved in a price range we could afford. But I am sure this will be a reoccurring problem throughout the planning process as we are working on a limited budget. Through Facebook stalking a recently married high school friend, I came across a photographer I really loved. After looking through my friends photos, and then every photo on Aubrey's website at least twice, I was officially hooked! I had found many potential photographers, but nothing sparked my interest and excitement quite like her. She clearly demonstrated her versatility, the top-level photography package was very reasonably priced in comparison to many Seattle based photographers, and I knew she had the creative knack I was looking for. Within the week of Clint proposing you better believe that I was sending out an email to Aubrey! We met the following weekend and it was evident that this was going to be a great match. Now we have an amazing photographer who fits all the "kick butt photo" criteria and I cannot wait to start the process!

Here are some tips I have for brides-to-be in search of the perfect photographer:

  • Research, research, research! The more photographers you see, the more you will gain an idea of the different types of photography available, what you love and hate, and how much you will probably have to spend.
  • There are standard websites (The Knot, Wedding Wire, etc.) and local magazines that have great suggestions but you should also get creative. Check out CraigsList and Facebook...don't be afraid to ask someone who did their photography. I even utilized Google Maps! Search your address, and then click the "Search Nearby" link. Type in something like "photography" or "wedding" and see what pops up. Drag the map around to expose new vendors. This is a great way to search venues too!
  • Don't limit yourself to photographers who are only 15 miles within your location. Many photographers are willing to travel...Just make sure to ask how much this may cost you! Plus, finding someone outside of a metropolitan area could tremendously bring down the price.
  • Remember, high prices don't necessarily mean high quality. Shop around, I can guarantee you that it is possible to find a great photographer within your budget. Believe it or not, there are fabulous photographers out there for less than $3000... you just have to find them! You may even want to consider using an aspiring photographer, chances are they will be much cheaper since they are trying to build their portfolio. If you decide that an aspiring photographer would be better as just a supplement to your main one, make sure that both parties are aware and have a plan!
  • Make sure to meet your photographer before deciding because having a good relationship with your photographer is SO important. If you are not comfortable with your photographer, not only will it show in the photos but you won't be able to be honest about what you like or don't like. Also make sure to really utilize your engagement session to decide on your favorite aspects of the photos so that you can ask your photographer to do something similar on your wedding day.

Some key questions to ask:

  • How many hours do you get on your wedding day?
  • Is an additional session (engagement, rehearsal dinner, etc) included?
  • Do you get rights to the photos? If no, how much will it cost you to get prints?
  • Will you get all the photos that are taken? Or do they limit how many they give you?
  • If you received a DVD, will the photos on it be of the highest quality?
  • Will you get edited photos?
  • How much are additional hours?
Good luck in your search! And check back soon for a feature on Aubrey Joy! :)
 
 

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Holiday

Hi Everyone!

I wrote a post last weekend explaining that I would be away on holiday for a week (around Europe with my parents!)  - but of course, it didn't automatically post like I had wanted. Such is life!

But, I am back!

Posts coming soon :-)



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Friday, April 16, 2010

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Carnival Party

Oh my goodness, how cute (and easy!) is this invite??

Martha Stewart

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Vintage Postcard STD

 


Do you need a refresher on how to make your own photo save the date postcards??
Here is our link!

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Video goodness

Yeah, I couldn't help myself - you get two posts today! I just had to share this gorgeous video!

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Hey thats cute


You could totally use the idea for your programs too!

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Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hangers as gifts?

Have you ever thought of making/ buying custom bridal party hangers??
So useful and adorable!

DIY option from WeddingBee

I love the personalized wire hangers
from Lilafrances on Etsy

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Its almost too good to be true!

Leave it to the Wedding Chicks to blow my socks off with free wedding goodies... once again!

Here is how it works: Click here then....

Yep, you heard the Chicks, custom wedding goodies emailed directly to you!

What sort of goodies you ask??

Well, three styles of monograms and three different "Will you be my..." cards!

Like this really cute Key Monogram:

And this "Will you be my..." Card!

All 6 are free, custom, and printable! PERFECT!

Thanks Wedding Chicks!!
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Intermission

Hi Everyone!

I'm just going to take a quick break today - because my very best friend gave birth to a perfect 8lb 12oz baby girl today...and I'm in love.
Kacie Lynn King

I will be back tomorrow with some new wedding goodies!!

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Monday, April 5, 2010

I'm Getting Hitched : The Proposal


"Who expects to go to a chill dinner at a brewery with the boyfriend and a friend, and leave engaged?!"


THE story, according to Andrea:
"After a long couple days of trying to get me moved and situated in my new apartment, Clint and I decided to meet up at Redhook Brewery with a good Navy friend who lives in Bothell. Dinner was like any other...eating, drinking beer, totally chill. As the night progresses the brewery begins to empty out a bit and a live band begins to play. Clint and Justin have occasionally been going outside to talk but I don't think anything of it. After a quick trip to the bathroom I sit back down at our table and the lead singer of the band says something along the lines of "Yeah sometimes we just need to play some proposing music...Can we get Glen to come up here? Glen?" I start laughing and think, "Huh? Proposing music, crazy!" All of a sudden Justin begins to shout out "I think you mean Clint! CLINT!" Needless to say, I am completely blown away! Initially the thought going through my head is "What the heck Justin, what are you doing?!" But as Clint begins to pull me up to the front it hits me that THIS IS IT! I am instantly overcome with shock, joy, confusion, excitement, every emotion you can imagine and I begin to feel the tears stream down my face. I mean WHAT??!?! Is it seriously happening?!?! As we get to the front, Clint begins to say something like "I know this may not be the most perfect place or time but..." and goes in to his schpeal (don't worry -- I made him repeat this all to me after we got home because the whole moment was such a blur haha). I see Justin out of the corner of my eye snapping pictures left and right and next thing I know Clint is down on one knee and putting the ring on my finger!! People begin clapping and we stay up for a little slow dancing. At this point it still hasn't quite hit me that he just proposed...All I can really remember is being totally shocked, asking if this really just happened, and just having non-stop tears....happy ones of course :)
Luckily Justin was there to document everything for us! Considering how much we have talked about getting married, it was a TOTAL surprise!! Who expects to go to a chill dinner at a brewery with the boyfriend and a friend and leave engaged?! Not me!!! Haha! But it happened and it was perfect. I was completely taken off guard, which is exactly what I wanted. In all honesty, if he had done it any other way it would have still been special but I don't think I would have been as surprised! "
And that's the story!


Wait, whats that? You wanted to see her ring??
OK!

Congrats again Andrea and Clint!
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Sunday, April 4, 2010

BIG NEWS!

Are you awake and listening?? I've got a very special Easter Day suprise for you all....

Andrea, my close friend and partner in crime here at LMV....

(drum roll please)

is....

ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!

to a wonderful, wonderful guy named Clint.

And lucky for us, she is going to start writing features all about her ups, downs, discoveries, and tricks of the trade as she starts planning her very own wedding.

So from now on, you will see this little image -

everytime Andrea has something to report about from the big wide world of planning your own wedding.


Congrats Andrea, I could not be happier for you and Clint, I love you both!


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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Easter is Cute




Make your own Peeps? OK!

You know Bakerella's famous cake pops?
Look at these little chicks!
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