Just a wonderful shot of this bridal couple. what a bouquet!
Showing posts with label wedding websites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding websites. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Wedding Slideshow 101
10 Tips for Creating a Great Slide Show or Video Montage
By Michael Yared of www.dvdphotographs.com
Creating a captivating video montage or slide show that you can enjoy for years is not difficult, but by taking a few steps prior to creating a slide show or having one created for you can go along way. Here are some lessons that we've learned at DVDPhotographs.com while creating our slide shows.
Know who your audience is - Knowing who your intended audience is an obvious, but sometimes overlooked step in the process of developing your slide show. For instance, if you're showing your slide show at your wedding reception, perhaps you'll want to include some pictures of the guests, and not just pictures of you and your fiancé.
Shorter is sometimes better - After you've determined who your intended audience is you can start to get an idea as to how many pictures you'll want to include in your slide show. We've found that video montages that are between 8 - 12 minutes in length are ideal for wedding receptions. This usually works out to about 3 songs and 75-100 pictures. While you can certainly display more photos during your slide show, you want to be careful not to overdo it. You may want to create two slide shows, one you show at your wedding, and another you keep for yourself.
Choose Quality Photographs - While recent advances in digital photo restoration have allowed torn and poorly developed photographs to be brought back to life, there is only so much that the software can do. Pictures that look great printed (correct lighting, framing, developed properly) will also look great while scanned. Pictures that are extremely dark or grainy, while perhaps improved somewhat, will still not appear the best. Make sure to choose a photo montage company that can make digital enhancements to your pictures.
Choose a Variety of Photographs - Even though you may love all the pictures of your dog Rusty, the audience may not want to sit through all the pictures of him. Instead of showing 10 pictures of Rusty, perhaps choose the best 2 or 3. Using a variety of photographs can keep your audience interest.
Landscape pictures show better than Portrait pictures - Given the standard 4:3 dimensions of television monitors, photographs that are in landscape mode (vertical) as opposed to portrait mode (horizontal) show better on a TV. While portrait photographs certainly can and SHOULD be used, you should be aware that there will typically be a black border that appears around the photograph. It's best to use these sparingly throughout the slide show and not clump them all together.
Give some thought to music - Choose music that has meaning to you, music whose lyrics go well with the pictures. Also pay attention to how long the music you're choosing is. If you're only showing 30 pictures, you might not want to choose a 8 minute song. The photo montage company should be able to give you some suggestions as to the number of pictures with your selected songs.
Add short video clips - Do you have any home videos sitting around gathering dust? Think about adding perhaps a 10-15 second video clip in the middle of the slide show. The video clip can help break up the video montage and is a great way to keep your audiences interest. Make sure to choose a slide show company that can convert your video clips.
Add motion to your slide shows - Slide shows developed on PowerPoint and other consumer level software will typically be just static photos that go from one picture to the next. Consider having your slide shows created with the "Ken Burns" effects that Pan and Zoom on each photograph. This can help bring your pictures to life. Make sure you inquire to see if your photo montage company can create motion with your pictures.
Add transitions to your slide shows - Transitions such as fade in/fade out, dissolve, and image peel are also an effective way to move from one photograph to the next. Be careful not to get too carried away with transitions as they too many of them can distract from the overall slide show.
Test! Test! Test! - An event as big as your wedding requires that you make sure you test ALL the equipment prior to the big day. Make sure the projector or television, DVD Player or Laptop, and sound is all working.
Creating a captivating slide show or video montage can be done successfully with keeping a few of these tips in mind. Pictures that are preserved to DVD can be enjoyed for years to come. Partnering with an experienced slide show company like DVDPhotographs.com can help create a slide show you'll be proud of.
By Michael Yared
www.dvdphotographs.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
For information and pricing on wedding videography, please visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.com
For great tips, ideas, and wedding info, visit our other blog at: www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
By Michael Yared of www.dvdphotographs.com
Creating a captivating video montage or slide show that you can enjoy for years is not difficult, but by taking a few steps prior to creating a slide show or having one created for you can go along way. Here are some lessons that we've learned at DVDPhotographs.com while creating our slide shows.
Know who your audience is - Knowing who your intended audience is an obvious, but sometimes overlooked step in the process of developing your slide show. For instance, if you're showing your slide show at your wedding reception, perhaps you'll want to include some pictures of the guests, and not just pictures of you and your fiancé.
Shorter is sometimes better - After you've determined who your intended audience is you can start to get an idea as to how many pictures you'll want to include in your slide show. We've found that video montages that are between 8 - 12 minutes in length are ideal for wedding receptions. This usually works out to about 3 songs and 75-100 pictures. While you can certainly display more photos during your slide show, you want to be careful not to overdo it. You may want to create two slide shows, one you show at your wedding, and another you keep for yourself.
Choose Quality Photographs - While recent advances in digital photo restoration have allowed torn and poorly developed photographs to be brought back to life, there is only so much that the software can do. Pictures that look great printed (correct lighting, framing, developed properly) will also look great while scanned. Pictures that are extremely dark or grainy, while perhaps improved somewhat, will still not appear the best. Make sure to choose a photo montage company that can make digital enhancements to your pictures.
Choose a Variety of Photographs - Even though you may love all the pictures of your dog Rusty, the audience may not want to sit through all the pictures of him. Instead of showing 10 pictures of Rusty, perhaps choose the best 2 or 3. Using a variety of photographs can keep your audience interest.
Landscape pictures show better than Portrait pictures - Given the standard 4:3 dimensions of television monitors, photographs that are in landscape mode (vertical) as opposed to portrait mode (horizontal) show better on a TV. While portrait photographs certainly can and SHOULD be used, you should be aware that there will typically be a black border that appears around the photograph. It's best to use these sparingly throughout the slide show and not clump them all together.
Give some thought to music - Choose music that has meaning to you, music whose lyrics go well with the pictures. Also pay attention to how long the music you're choosing is. If you're only showing 30 pictures, you might not want to choose a 8 minute song. The photo montage company should be able to give you some suggestions as to the number of pictures with your selected songs.
Add short video clips - Do you have any home videos sitting around gathering dust? Think about adding perhaps a 10-15 second video clip in the middle of the slide show. The video clip can help break up the video montage and is a great way to keep your audiences interest. Make sure to choose a slide show company that can convert your video clips.
Add motion to your slide shows - Slide shows developed on PowerPoint and other consumer level software will typically be just static photos that go from one picture to the next. Consider having your slide shows created with the "Ken Burns" effects that Pan and Zoom on each photograph. This can help bring your pictures to life. Make sure you inquire to see if your photo montage company can create motion with your pictures.
Add transitions to your slide shows - Transitions such as fade in/fade out, dissolve, and image peel are also an effective way to move from one photograph to the next. Be careful not to get too carried away with transitions as they too many of them can distract from the overall slide show.
Test! Test! Test! - An event as big as your wedding requires that you make sure you test ALL the equipment prior to the big day. Make sure the projector or television, DVD Player or Laptop, and sound is all working.
Creating a captivating slide show or video montage can be done successfully with keeping a few of these tips in mind. Pictures that are preserved to DVD can be enjoyed for years to come. Partnering with an experienced slide show company like DVDPhotographs.com can help create a slide show you'll be proud of.
By Michael Yared
www.dvdphotographs.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
For information and pricing on wedding videography, please visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.com
For great tips, ideas, and wedding info, visit our other blog at: www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
GREAT wedding dress shot!
A wonderful image from a photographer we at imemoryfilms LOVE to work with!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Tips for the ENCORE Bride!
A good article and info from Jean Neuhart of Weddings From The Heart
Yes, You Can – Tips for the Encore Bride
If you are like many brides, this may not be your first wedding. So you’re probably wondering "what am I allowed to have at my wedding?" Guess what? There’s good news. You can have your wedding any way you want! This day is for you and your fiancé and the celebration of the love you have for each other. Don’t let anything in the past put a damper on the excitement of this new and wonderful relationship you share, or get in the way of having the celebration you really want.
With the minor exception of two things - a veil and orange blossoms, which both symbolize virginity - there is nothing you should avoid having at your wedding. Yes, you can wear white - it is the color of celebration. Your bridal party can be as large or as small as you want. You can register for gifts. If your attendants or someone else wants to throw a bridal shower for you, let them. You can also have a bachelorette party.
Think about your previous wedding for a moment, and consider the following:
Do you want to do everything in a new way?
Did you feel overwhelmed by the size of your last ceremony?
Did the style of your first wedding reflect your tastes, regardless of its outcome?
Do you want to find a special role for your children?
Are you still close to your in-laws, ex-spouse?
Would you feel more comfortable with a civil ceremony?
Honestly answering these questions can help guide you in your wedding planning.
Don’t concern yourself with any party-poopers who are wondering why in the world you’re planning a wedding anyway. The love and commitment you and your fiancé have for each other deserves celebrating. Why not shout it from the roof tops with a dream wedding? And if they don’t get it, then that’s their problem, not yours.
Most of all, celebrate your love and have fun.
by Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, info and articles,..visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
Yes, You Can – Tips for the Encore Bride
If you are like many brides, this may not be your first wedding. So you’re probably wondering "what am I allowed to have at my wedding?" Guess what? There’s good news. You can have your wedding any way you want! This day is for you and your fiancé and the celebration of the love you have for each other. Don’t let anything in the past put a damper on the excitement of this new and wonderful relationship you share, or get in the way of having the celebration you really want.
With the minor exception of two things - a veil and orange blossoms, which both symbolize virginity - there is nothing you should avoid having at your wedding. Yes, you can wear white - it is the color of celebration. Your bridal party can be as large or as small as you want. You can register for gifts. If your attendants or someone else wants to throw a bridal shower for you, let them. You can also have a bachelorette party.
Think about your previous wedding for a moment, and consider the following:
Do you want to do everything in a new way?
Did you feel overwhelmed by the size of your last ceremony?
Did the style of your first wedding reflect your tastes, regardless of its outcome?
Do you want to find a special role for your children?
Are you still close to your in-laws, ex-spouse?
Would you feel more comfortable with a civil ceremony?
Honestly answering these questions can help guide you in your wedding planning.
Don’t concern yourself with any party-poopers who are wondering why in the world you’re planning a wedding anyway. The love and commitment you and your fiancé have for each other deserves celebrating. Why not shout it from the roof tops with a dream wedding? And if they don’t get it, then that’s their problem, not yours.
Most of all, celebrate your love and have fun.
by Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, info and articles,..visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Bridal Beauty Alert--Great Hair!!
Awesome Tips for Hair Care By Celebrity Hair Care Guru, Chaz Dean
Beautiful hair is a requirement for your wedding. The good news is that with the right planning your hair will look great for your wedding, and the rest of your life. Sound impossible? Well its not. Just follow these 8 simple rules and you'll look great and you'll feel great about the way you look.
Rule number 1:
Do not do anything drastic the week of your wedding like dying your hair a new color or trying a brand new cut and style. Rushed decisions are rarely good ones especially when you are already nervous and excited. Plus, you will need more than a couple of days to correct a disaster. Your wedding pictures are something you should love and cherish not hide because your hair looked bad!
Rule number 2:
Do plan early! The week you choose your wedding gown is the best time to start planning you hairstyle. Your 1st step is to have someone take a picture of you in the gown. If you're having your gown made just slip into a similar one so you have a visual representation of its style and fit. Look at the pictures and decide what style or image you want to convey i.e. Renaissance romantic, Hollywood glamour, modern and edgy etc. Then decide which hair style best captures that look. Take the time to thumb through magazines and get a feel for what other people are doing. Once you've settled on 2-4 hair styles take the pictures to your stylist and discuss which would best suit your hair type. Then try a couple. Have someone at the salon take a picture of you in each of the styles. You will know the right style when you see it!
If you are having an out of town wedding, you should take pictures of your finished style as well as pictures of the styling process like curling, teasing and blow drying. This way your new hairstylist will see exactly what you want your hair to look like, and know what they need to do to get it there
Rule number 3:
If you are going to experiment with color do it at the same time you decide on the style of your hair. The right highlights, low lights or 3-4 color hair weaves can look spectacular and really light up a face. The wrong color can be a disaster. Finding out what works and what doesn't early, gives you plenty of time to correct the color and even try another option without damaging your hair! Make sure that you have your stylist use a low volume, low amonia product. At Chaz Dean Studios we only use Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and protect the hair from damage.
Rule number 4:
Drink plenty of water and load up on vitamins. Within 6-8 weeks you will see a wonderful change in your hair! The big bonus is that you will feel great and your skin will look and feel softer and more supple. Water also helps wash away toxins produced by stress that can rob you of energy and leave your hair and skin looking dry and dull. I recommend 8 ounces of water every hour throughout the day. The most important vitamins to add to your diet are zinc (found in beans), vitamin A (found in dark green vegetables) and (B6 found in eggs.) If you have dry thinning hair some herbalists also recommend black-current oil (try 500 milligrams twice a day.) For a fast fix you can also purchase quality hair and skin vitamins from any good vitamin or organic grocery store.
Rule number 5:
Don't over cleanse you hair! Yes I know it sounds dramatic but its true. Most commercial shampoos and have harsh detergents that strip your hair leaving it dull and lifeless. The commercial conditioners that stop the frizzes end up robbing your hair of volume. We haven't used shampoo at Chaz Dean studios for over 8 years and all my clients' look great. We use Wen, a cleansing conditioner with Rosemary, Mint and eucalyptus. Since it doesn't have any detergents it doesn't lather, or leave a residue. You just get clean gorgeous hair. It also deep conditions, nourishes the scalp and actually helps your hair grow faster, feel thicker, have more volume.
Rule number 6:
Do any maintenance color or retouching 2-3 weeks before your wedding day. This will leave you plenty of time to counteract any extra dryness or damage. As before, I highly recommend using Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and minimize damage.
Rule number 7:
Deep condition your hair one week before your wedding. You can use Wen or an herbal based deep conditioning treatment. This treatment will revitalize your hair leaving it vibrant, shiny, full of volume, and luxuriously soft. Simply massage the product into your hair, cover with a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer for one hour. If you don't own a dryer, just leave the product in for an additional hour or so. Do not deep condition your hair the day before your wedding. The deep conditioning will make it hard for your hair to hold any style or curl for any extended time. I also recommend doing this treatment every 4-6 weeks as part of your regular hair maintenance routine.
Rule number 8:
Use your hair cleansing product the day before not the day of your wedding. This is especially important for women with straight, fine or thin hair. This will insure that neither you nor your hairstylist will have to deal with fly away ends hours before your wedding. Your hair will also be easier to style and be able to hold a style longer. However, if you have incredibly thick and curly hair like my client Julianna Margulies, I recommend that you do condition the day before and the day of your wedding!
Remember, you are beautiful and this is your special day. Be prepared for a ton of compliments, and enjoy your gorgeous hair!
By celebrity hair specialist Chaz Dean
ewonderfullife.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
For info on our award winning wedding videography, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.com
For more wedding tipis, ideas, and info, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
Beautiful hair is a requirement for your wedding. The good news is that with the right planning your hair will look great for your wedding, and the rest of your life. Sound impossible? Well its not. Just follow these 8 simple rules and you'll look great and you'll feel great about the way you look.
Rule number 1:
Do not do anything drastic the week of your wedding like dying your hair a new color or trying a brand new cut and style. Rushed decisions are rarely good ones especially when you are already nervous and excited. Plus, you will need more than a couple of days to correct a disaster. Your wedding pictures are something you should love and cherish not hide because your hair looked bad!
Rule number 2:
Do plan early! The week you choose your wedding gown is the best time to start planning you hairstyle. Your 1st step is to have someone take a picture of you in the gown. If you're having your gown made just slip into a similar one so you have a visual representation of its style and fit. Look at the pictures and decide what style or image you want to convey i.e. Renaissance romantic, Hollywood glamour, modern and edgy etc. Then decide which hair style best captures that look. Take the time to thumb through magazines and get a feel for what other people are doing. Once you've settled on 2-4 hair styles take the pictures to your stylist and discuss which would best suit your hair type. Then try a couple. Have someone at the salon take a picture of you in each of the styles. You will know the right style when you see it!
If you are having an out of town wedding, you should take pictures of your finished style as well as pictures of the styling process like curling, teasing and blow drying. This way your new hairstylist will see exactly what you want your hair to look like, and know what they need to do to get it there
Rule number 3:
If you are going to experiment with color do it at the same time you decide on the style of your hair. The right highlights, low lights or 3-4 color hair weaves can look spectacular and really light up a face. The wrong color can be a disaster. Finding out what works and what doesn't early, gives you plenty of time to correct the color and even try another option without damaging your hair! Make sure that you have your stylist use a low volume, low amonia product. At Chaz Dean Studios we only use Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and protect the hair from damage.
Rule number 4:
Drink plenty of water and load up on vitamins. Within 6-8 weeks you will see a wonderful change in your hair! The big bonus is that you will feel great and your skin will look and feel softer and more supple. Water also helps wash away toxins produced by stress that can rob you of energy and leave your hair and skin looking dry and dull. I recommend 8 ounces of water every hour throughout the day. The most important vitamins to add to your diet are zinc (found in beans), vitamin A (found in dark green vegetables) and (B6 found in eggs.) If you have dry thinning hair some herbalists also recommend black-current oil (try 500 milligrams twice a day.) For a fast fix you can also purchase quality hair and skin vitamins from any good vitamin or organic grocery store.
Rule number 5:
Don't over cleanse you hair! Yes I know it sounds dramatic but its true. Most commercial shampoos and have harsh detergents that strip your hair leaving it dull and lifeless. The commercial conditioners that stop the frizzes end up robbing your hair of volume. We haven't used shampoo at Chaz Dean studios for over 8 years and all my clients' look great. We use Wen, a cleansing conditioner with Rosemary, Mint and eucalyptus. Since it doesn't have any detergents it doesn't lather, or leave a residue. You just get clean gorgeous hair. It also deep conditions, nourishes the scalp and actually helps your hair grow faster, feel thicker, have more volume.
Rule number 6:
Do any maintenance color or retouching 2-3 weeks before your wedding day. This will leave you plenty of time to counteract any extra dryness or damage. As before, I highly recommend using Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and minimize damage.
Rule number 7:
Deep condition your hair one week before your wedding. You can use Wen or an herbal based deep conditioning treatment. This treatment will revitalize your hair leaving it vibrant, shiny, full of volume, and luxuriously soft. Simply massage the product into your hair, cover with a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer for one hour. If you don't own a dryer, just leave the product in for an additional hour or so. Do not deep condition your hair the day before your wedding. The deep conditioning will make it hard for your hair to hold any style or curl for any extended time. I also recommend doing this treatment every 4-6 weeks as part of your regular hair maintenance routine.
Rule number 8:
Use your hair cleansing product the day before not the day of your wedding. This is especially important for women with straight, fine or thin hair. This will insure that neither you nor your hairstylist will have to deal with fly away ends hours before your wedding. Your hair will also be easier to style and be able to hold a style longer. However, if you have incredibly thick and curly hair like my client Julianna Margulies, I recommend that you do condition the day before and the day of your wedding!
Remember, you are beautiful and this is your special day. Be prepared for a ton of compliments, and enjoy your gorgeous hair!
By celebrity hair specialist Chaz Dean
ewonderfullife.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
For info on our award winning wedding videography, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.com
For more wedding tipis, ideas, and info, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
Friday, March 18, 2011
"Green" Weddings 101
For those looking to make their wedding much "greener",..heres some info from,
Kristin Ciccolella of WedAlert
www.wedalert.com
Green is becoming the new white when it comes to weddings. Eco-chic weddings are becoming increasingly popular among couples.
Here are some tips when planning an eco-friendly green wedding, which incorporates ecologically and socially responsible products and services.
* Location: The first element to set the tone is the location. Environmentally aware pairs are opting for botanical gardens over ballrooms. Many couples are having their nuptials on untouched terrain, for example nature preserves, the beach, parks or their own backyards.
* Keep it local: Whenever possible, use local resources for your wedding. In addition to saving on transportation, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your local economy.
* Bridal gowns: Wear natural fibers like organically grown cotton, silk and hemp, which are becoming increasingly popular. If you are having a dress designed, make sure that it doesn’t contain any synthetic materials or chemical dyes. Many brides to be are also turning to vintage dresses or pre-worn wedding gowns from their family members which also adds a hint of nostalgia.
* Invitations: Use recycled or tree free paper for your invitations.
* Catering: When choosing your caterer, find one who specializes in organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan diets are popular for many reasons including health, ethical and environmental concerns. Speak to your caterer to discuss and create an interesting and delicious menu sans meat, dairy and processed sugars. For example, an interesting and delectable entrée would be herb-roasted seitan with grilled artichokes, Mediterranean grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and wasabi mashed potatoes. Support local farms orchards and vineyards by buying your produce and wine there. The demand for ecologically responsible and healthy food is a growing trend overall in the catering field. Choose organic wine which is made from grapes and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals which damage soil and water. There are many organic wine vineyards to choose from.
* Wedding cake: Find a baker that will make a cake with organic, natural and fair trade ingredients. Be sure to serve fair trade coffee!
* Transportation: Show up in style, Get chauffeured in eco-chic hybrid limousines or opt for the old fashioned horse and buggy.
* After the ceremony: Have guests toss freeze dried flower petals or ecofetti (biodegradable confetti). Eco friendly Birdseed or biodegradable rice is also popular.
* Flowers: Find a local florist who recycles everything they use from the flowers and foliage. Use potted living plants as centerpieces for the tables instead of cut floral arrangements. Select arrangements that can be replanted, and invite your guests to take them home to replant.
* Favors: Organic chocolates make great gifts with a personalized note printed on recycled paper. Jars filled with organic jams, jellies or honey. Handmade soaps or candles are a nice touch as well.
* Candles: Use soy candles, its romantic and energy efficient. They are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.
* Photography: When choosing a photographer, make sure you chose a photographer that works in digital format. Digital photos are easier to share and much more environmentally friendly. No harmful chemicals, film or wasted paper. If you are set on film photography, there are less toxic developing methods, discuss this option with your photographer.
* Honeymoon: When planning your honeymoon, consider the rainforest in Costa Rica or an amazing adventurous escape at an eco friendly holistic luxurious spa in Africa or Fiji.
By Kristin Ciccolella
WedAlert Corp.
www.wedalert.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
Visit our website at, www.imemoryfilms.com,..and for more info, wedding tips & ideas, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wodpress.com
Kristin Ciccolella of WedAlert
www.wedalert.com
Green is becoming the new white when it comes to weddings. Eco-chic weddings are becoming increasingly popular among couples.
Here are some tips when planning an eco-friendly green wedding, which incorporates ecologically and socially responsible products and services.
* Location: The first element to set the tone is the location. Environmentally aware pairs are opting for botanical gardens over ballrooms. Many couples are having their nuptials on untouched terrain, for example nature preserves, the beach, parks or their own backyards.
* Keep it local: Whenever possible, use local resources for your wedding. In addition to saving on transportation, you’ll be supporting small businesses and your local economy.
* Bridal gowns: Wear natural fibers like organically grown cotton, silk and hemp, which are becoming increasingly popular. If you are having a dress designed, make sure that it doesn’t contain any synthetic materials or chemical dyes. Many brides to be are also turning to vintage dresses or pre-worn wedding gowns from their family members which also adds a hint of nostalgia.
* Invitations: Use recycled or tree free paper for your invitations.
* Catering: When choosing your caterer, find one who specializes in organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan diets are popular for many reasons including health, ethical and environmental concerns. Speak to your caterer to discuss and create an interesting and delicious menu sans meat, dairy and processed sugars. For example, an interesting and delectable entrée would be herb-roasted seitan with grilled artichokes, Mediterranean grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze and wasabi mashed potatoes. Support local farms orchards and vineyards by buying your produce and wine there. The demand for ecologically responsible and healthy food is a growing trend overall in the catering field. Choose organic wine which is made from grapes and grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals which damage soil and water. There are many organic wine vineyards to choose from.
* Wedding cake: Find a baker that will make a cake with organic, natural and fair trade ingredients. Be sure to serve fair trade coffee!
* Transportation: Show up in style, Get chauffeured in eco-chic hybrid limousines or opt for the old fashioned horse and buggy.
* After the ceremony: Have guests toss freeze dried flower petals or ecofetti (biodegradable confetti). Eco friendly Birdseed or biodegradable rice is also popular.
* Flowers: Find a local florist who recycles everything they use from the flowers and foliage. Use potted living plants as centerpieces for the tables instead of cut floral arrangements. Select arrangements that can be replanted, and invite your guests to take them home to replant.
* Favors: Organic chocolates make great gifts with a personalized note printed on recycled paper. Jars filled with organic jams, jellies or honey. Handmade soaps or candles are a nice touch as well.
* Candles: Use soy candles, its romantic and energy efficient. They are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.
* Photography: When choosing a photographer, make sure you chose a photographer that works in digital format. Digital photos are easier to share and much more environmentally friendly. No harmful chemicals, film or wasted paper. If you are set on film photography, there are less toxic developing methods, discuss this option with your photographer.
* Honeymoon: When planning your honeymoon, consider the rainforest in Costa Rica or an amazing adventurous escape at an eco friendly holistic luxurious spa in Africa or Fiji.
By Kristin Ciccolella
WedAlert Corp.
www.wedalert.com
www.imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
info@imemoryfilms.com
Visit our website at, www.imemoryfilms.com,..and for more info, wedding tips & ideas, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wodpress.com
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Newlywed Tips-Picking a House You'll Both Love!
A "must-read" article by Michelle O' Connor of San Diego weddings.
If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, how can they agree when it comes to buying their first home? With most men preferring high energy sporting events to Celine Dion concerts, and most women preferring love stories over “Die Hard” it isn’t difficult to see that men and women can be headed in different directions when it comes to selecting a home.
Men and women look at homes in totally different ways - women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of a home as an extension of their personalities/ hobbies.
What Women Want
When women shop for homes they look at things such as, do they like the wall paper in their bedroom, is the carpet the right color, does it “feel” good here, can I see myself cooking in the kitchen, are there enough bedrooms for future family and/or visitors etc….
Men Prefer…
Men, on the other hand, want to know if a space will work for their music room, can they see themselves watching Football in the living room, is there enough room for a boat in the garage… Most importantly, men want to know if they are getting a good deal.
Working Together
So how can people with such different perspectives come together to make a purchase that pleases both? Here are some ways for newlyweds to successfully navigate the home-buying process.
First have a good idea of what you both want before you go in to talk to a real estate agent. Take time to discuss what’s important to each of you and decide together what amenities are necessary and fit your price range. Decide on your price range first and get pre-approved for a mortgage to insure you can buy the house you want once you find it. It can be very disappointing and frustrating to spend lots of time locating your dream home only to find out you can’t afford it.
Be up front with your real estate agent as to what your priorities are how set you are on price range. Insist on only viewing homes that fall into the price range you have established. Keep from being wishy washy in order save time for both the real estate agent and yourself and from giving your agent any room to deviate from your original plan.
Disagreements
If there is any disagreement, excuse yourselves to talk privately. One person may not recognize the risk of buying a home outside of your price range, or may really love the kitchen while you hate the living room. Don’t discuss it in public; go home and work it out.
Final Decision
Once you decide on your home, make sure the numbers add up. This is where couples can help each other. In many cases, women are the ones who read the small print, while men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections.
Be patient. Make sure you have talked over any concerns and that all of your questions have been answered. Allow time for both of you to examine the home. View homes during the week, when agents are less busy and can give you’re their full attention.
If couples discuss their priorities and price range in advance, take the time to gather all the necessary information, and locate a good real estate agent and make the decision together. The odds are pretty good that everybody will be happy with the new surroundings.
By Michelle O’Connor – San Diego Weddings
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, ideas, and info,...please visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, how can they agree when it comes to buying their first home? With most men preferring high energy sporting events to Celine Dion concerts, and most women preferring love stories over “Die Hard” it isn’t difficult to see that men and women can be headed in different directions when it comes to selecting a home.
Men and women look at homes in totally different ways - women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of a home as an extension of their personalities/ hobbies.
What Women Want
When women shop for homes they look at things such as, do they like the wall paper in their bedroom, is the carpet the right color, does it “feel” good here, can I see myself cooking in the kitchen, are there enough bedrooms for future family and/or visitors etc….
Men Prefer…
Men, on the other hand, want to know if a space will work for their music room, can they see themselves watching Football in the living room, is there enough room for a boat in the garage… Most importantly, men want to know if they are getting a good deal.
Working Together
So how can people with such different perspectives come together to make a purchase that pleases both? Here are some ways for newlyweds to successfully navigate the home-buying process.
First have a good idea of what you both want before you go in to talk to a real estate agent. Take time to discuss what’s important to each of you and decide together what amenities are necessary and fit your price range. Decide on your price range first and get pre-approved for a mortgage to insure you can buy the house you want once you find it. It can be very disappointing and frustrating to spend lots of time locating your dream home only to find out you can’t afford it.
Be up front with your real estate agent as to what your priorities are how set you are on price range. Insist on only viewing homes that fall into the price range you have established. Keep from being wishy washy in order save time for both the real estate agent and yourself and from giving your agent any room to deviate from your original plan.
Disagreements
If there is any disagreement, excuse yourselves to talk privately. One person may not recognize the risk of buying a home outside of your price range, or may really love the kitchen while you hate the living room. Don’t discuss it in public; go home and work it out.
Final Decision
Once you decide on your home, make sure the numbers add up. This is where couples can help each other. In many cases, women are the ones who read the small print, while men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections.
Be patient. Make sure you have talked over any concerns and that all of your questions have been answered. Allow time for both of you to examine the home. View homes during the week, when agents are less busy and can give you’re their full attention.
If couples discuss their priorities and price range in advance, take the time to gather all the necessary information, and locate a good real estate agent and make the decision together. The odds are pretty good that everybody will be happy with the new surroundings.
By Michelle O’Connor – San Diego Weddings
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more wedding tips, ideas, and info,...please visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
5 Things Your Wedding Photographer Must Offer!
Some useful info for brides from, Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography
You're getting married, right? Congratulations! You want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you've always dreamed. However, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect, and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures. Bummer. So, how do you choose the right photographer?
Here's how. Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.
1. Do you like the photographer's work?
Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site. It's best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding. The albums probably represent the best of the photographer's work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you? Are they pleasing to look at? Does the lighting and the color look good to you? Is the photographer's style what you are looking for? Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones. Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding. If you don't like the photographer's work, there is no need to consider them further. Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding. Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer's work you see is the work you will get.
2. Do you like the photographer's personality and mannerisms?
Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor? Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests. A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant. I know you don't want that! Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose. If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also. To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally. If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer's personality.
3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of professional commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic?
Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems? Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)? Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images? Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding? How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day? Ask them. Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress. Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he's coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that :-). You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also?
An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a "newbie". An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong. That's why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary. My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.
5. Does your photographer offer you the right value?
Not the right price, but, the right value. If your photographer doesn't have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are. If the photographer has all four, that's a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important. Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want. Someone who offers a "low" price up front may sound attractive. But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on. A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.
So, there you have it. Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors, and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams. Good luck and congratulations again.
Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography
630-416-6843
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more info, tips, and ideas for weddings, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography
You're getting married, right? Congratulations! You want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you've always dreamed. However, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect, and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures. Bummer. So, how do you choose the right photographer?
Here's how. Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.
1. Do you like the photographer's work?
Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site. It's best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding. The albums probably represent the best of the photographer's work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you? Are they pleasing to look at? Does the lighting and the color look good to you? Is the photographer's style what you are looking for? Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones. Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding. If you don't like the photographer's work, there is no need to consider them further. Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding. Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer's work you see is the work you will get.
2. Do you like the photographer's personality and mannerisms?
Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor? Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests. A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant. I know you don't want that! Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose. If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also. To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally. If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer's personality.
3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of professional commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic?
Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems? Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)? Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images? Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding? How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day? Ask them. Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress. Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he's coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that :-). You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also?
An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a "newbie". An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong. That's why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary. My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.
5. Does your photographer offer you the right value?
Not the right price, but, the right value. If your photographer doesn't have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are. If the photographer has all four, that's a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important. Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want. Someone who offers a "low" price up front may sound attractive. But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on. A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.
So, there you have it. Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors, and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams. Good luck and congratulations again.
Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography
630-416-6843
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more info, tips, and ideas for weddings, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
