Holga

One of the things that I have really gotten into with the wedding planning has been ... photography. I have looked at blogs, magazines (including fashion) etc to make sure that I know what I want for my wedding photography.

I also researched photographers for 6 months before deciding to go with Nikki Sanders. I loved her high fashion edge and she took some stunning pictures of this one groom that tipped me over the edge. She was in my price range (one of 3 that I looked at that was), she had the photographic style I liked... oh and she's awesome. We emailed almost daily, talked and I decided.. yes. Yes, I wanted to have Nikki share our wedding with us.

But I loved the Holga images I kept seeing on Tara's website (Tara from Dixie Pixel) and I really wanted some of that as well. So I bought a 120N Holga and I was thrilled until I realized how expensive film was and developing said film would be (the camera was not expensive). So, I sent back the 120 and I am going to purchase a different 35mm version later (I will surprise you with that soon.). I've done so much research and I love the look of the film. So I can't wait to purchase my new one soon.

Also, I'm still in tatters about having 3 photographers. Well, theoretically I will have 4. We will have Nikki and her 2 assistants and Kristen following us around with lo-fi disposable cameras and the Holga.

Obviously, this is important to me. I'm really getting excited that our wedding is about a month away. It's a month and 6 days to be exact.

Want to see pictures... try searching holga wedding in google images. Or you can always go to Tara's website and check out the Holga goodness.

One Month Funk and Good News

Our wedding is next month. I'm excited, happy, thrilled that it will soon all come to a close. However, I am also in a funk. There are still many things that need to be accomplished and I can't bring myself to do them. I need to make my headband, get my dress altered (this one is more serious, but I am waiting for my undergarments to arrive), taste test the main dessert, completely do our programs (also waiting for our officiant to approve the ceremony) and do all these little things. I'm not sure why I can't bring myself to do them right now.

BUT there is good news!!!

I sent my photographer a packet of things (timelines, pictures I had been drooling over since the beginning... etc) and she emailed me back.... and she is bringing a THIRD photographer with her. I'm really excited about this prospect. I'll tell you more about it later.

Cultural Traditions

Wedding traditions are completely cultural. In America, white dresses are completely common. However, in India the most common color is red. There are many differences (as I bet we all already know) between wedding traditions. Most traditions regarding attire are based on what makes the bride feel beautiful and happy in that culture.

In college, I spent a summer in India. I fell in love with the amazing culture, the people, the religion, and the customs. I got henna when I was in Mumbai. I loved the way it looked on me. The sienna color on my skin is stunning.

It was one thing that I knew I would want at my own wedding. I knew I would want henna. Jonathon wasn’t sold. He is a traditionalist (and a democrat which is odd I know) and he didn’t want me too. However, when he saw how important it was to me he relented. I’m glad because henna does make me feel beautiful. Although, the condition is I must wear gloves at the ceremony.

It’s also traditional to have the groom’s name hidden in the design. Then, he tries to find it. I think I want to incorporate this into our first time seeing each other pictures. I think I’ll be behind the door of the chapel and I’ll stick my hand out for him to find his name and when he does, I’ll let him pull me out from behind the door.  Cute? Mais non?

*Top image from Style Me Pretty. The middle images are my own.

My Top Tips for Planning a Wedding (So Far)

1. Always include your fiancé. It’s his day too. As a couple, it is your day. Think of his ideas, needs, wants, preferences. Sometimes, this is will not be helpful or you will hate it. But sometimes he will come up with great ideas. (Like say no to the groomsmen in chicken suits unless that’s your thing, but yes to a really cool alternative processional idea.) Men can think outside the box when it comes to weddings. They don’t know and don’t care to know the rules, so they have no qualms about breaking them.

2. Keep an open mind. Not about everything, but most things.

3. You don’t have to visit 15 florists. If someone you know and trust says that so and so is amazing, go see their work. If you like it, why bother going anywhere else? Do you really have that much time or need that much more stress? Seriously?

4. Make the focal point of your wedding the ceremony. I know planners say no focus your energy on the reception because that’s what counts. Seriously? No, what counts is expressing your love for each other. People are coming to see you GET MARRIED not eat, dance, or whatever other reception plans you have. Yes, the party is important, but NOTHING… NOTHING… NOTHING is as important as your vows. Remembering this takes you back you what this day is really all about.

5. Good photography will last you forever.

6. Keep it simple. Do you need to try 45 different cake combos? No. Do you need to see every linen in the building? No. Do you need to see 5 people about a tiara? Do you even need a tiara?

7. Think about your choices. Ask yourself if they reflect you and your man. If not, why the hell is it in your wedding? Because someone somewhere once said you had to do it?

8. The world won’t end if you buck some traditions, but pay close attention to your manners. It’s important to do things correctly. For example, you can address your outer envelopes to Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith or Mr. and Mrs. Smith or The Smiths or Jane and Jon. It doesn’t matter. However, please for the love of god consider people’s feelings. Yes, it is your day, but other people count. Just do what you would normally do in a situation where you need good manners. Heck I get mail now address to Mr. and Mrs. B. And we aren’t married yet.

9. If something small doesn’t go your way, like your bridesmaids are clueless and unhelpful. Shrug it off if it’s not major (major is not showing up to your wedding or other important event without letting you know… minor is not calling you back about ribbon colors) because believe it or not they have lives to and I bet they don’t revolve around you. Does your life revolve around them? Shrug off the small things. You will love your life so much more.

10. Music is sentimental and important. Pick music that feels right to you. Even if it is the Ramones. But for the love of god.. LISTEN TO THE WHOLE SONG! If it’s clearly got a breakup or inappropriate theme (like you are in a church I’m not sure if the Apple Bottom Jeans song is quite the pick for you). Also, unless it was your song and you are dead set on it… please don’t play the same song you’ve heard at every wedding you have been to this year. Example: Bless the Broken Road has been played at EVERY wedding I have been to the last 2 years. We refuse to play it.

Wisdom from my photographer

I’ve mentioned I love my photographer right?

Well, first things first… she has a blog that you simply must go see. NOW. In fact, this stunning image is hers. Wonderful stuff.

But secondly, I sent her an email letting her know so new wedding information. (PS. How great is a photographer who actually cares about you and your wedding?!?!) I also let her know that I was losing my job. To which she gave me a perspective in my misery I had failed to notice. That it may be a blessing in disguise. That I can focus on *gasp* other things. Like my writing which I have been neglecting for ages, my wedding plans, Jonathon, and what I really want to do with my life… which by the way is not be a secretary.

I would like to teach English. Mostly to college students, but I think I might get my Master’s in Education, my teaching certificate and teach high school to get me through my Doctorate. Which is so not a bad idea.

And who said photographers only take great pictures?

*It also means more time to get in shape for the wedding.

Engagement Session One

Tie to share my engagement session one. I really wasn’t found of this session. I really am more excited about the second session in April. And the third session sometime in the fall at our old Alma Mater. I’m really excited about those. Although, I may skip the Alma Mater engagement pics for a fashion shoot there post wedding. We shall see.

This was our first session at our venue. There were some great pictures though. These are my favorites.

Budget Part 2: Photography

I started working on this while Jonathon was resting yesterday. I decided to break into big budgeting sections so that it's not a mishmashed and screwy. Plus, you'll get an even better break down. So what was going to be a 2 part series is now going to multi-part series.

The biggest part of my budget was obviously the photography. However, this was one element of the wedding I did not want to skimp on. When the wedding day flashes by like lightening I wanted something real and tangible to remember it by. Photographs last forever. I even have my mom’s album from her wedding. I want to show these pictures to our grandchildren.

So, I started researching photographers. I browsed websites mostly for North Carolina photographers even though we are getting married in GA. I narrowed down my choices based on price and the factor of things I wanted. What did I want? Something edgy, unique, fashionista-esque. I wanted pictures that would be lovely, endearing and edgy. Thus, I made a selection out of two talented photographers: Nikki and Ben. Jonathon and I debated. But in the end we went with Nikki. We had conversed on the phone and email and I had an instant chemistry with her. We meshed so well.

I was more than willing to pay her price. However, originally she wasn’t in my budget. So we worked together to decide what elements we needed for our wedding and what we didn’t. She customized a package for us that we could reasonably handle based on the budget I gave her. Best of all, she is giving us the digital negatives with reprinting rights. I have yet to regret this choice.

Our engagement pictures were taken by a girl I work with’s husband. He is pretty talented. He offered to take them, spend many hours with us, and give us the digital negatives on CD for full reprinting rights for $80. However, this is just session number one. Later this month we are going to a smashing venue (stay tuned for this) with a couple of friends and taking some candids. This is completely free (including the smashing venue). That is session two. Session three is at our old alma mater. Again, friends are taking these and they are completely free.

So that brings my budget total to $3200.

Next, is our venues.

Related Posts
Budget Part 1
Introduction to Nikki
Interview with Ben

Dixie Pixel

I always love finding amazing photographers in my old stomping ground. Enter Dixie Pixels. I found them ironically from Rock and Roll Bride's blog. I haven't gone through this whole blog, but I love the artistry and editing techniques that Dixie Pixel uses. I have spent the day on and off going through this blog. Check them out here.

I am going to let the following images speak for themselves.

Your Surprise!! Interview with Ben Waddell!

My big surprise is our first ever interview!!

Ben Waddell (blog) is the creator and photographic genius behind Ben Waddell Photography (formerly Ray Studio). Ben was the photographer we almost snatched up. I, originally, was drawn to the fact that he does both photography and videography. However, he was booked for the videography. I loved his style. So, we debated and eventually, went with Nikki. However, I still loved Ben. I recommended him to my friends and Ben and I stayed in contact. Well, a couple of weeks ago I asked him for an interview. This is what followed.

Don't you love this photo? Classic!!

QTK: How did you get started in Wedding Photography?

BW: About three years ago I spent a summer living on a houseboat on the amazon river. A good friend of mine was with me and I remember him always getting frustrated with me whenever we were taking pictures. He's always say, "you are so frustrating, whenever we take a picture of the same thing mine always looks good but yours always looks like a work of art!" I kind of thought that was funny but never really thought much of it, or pursued my interest in photography any further. Then a couple of years ago I was videotaping a wedding and the bride asked me if I ever did any photography. Without thinking I immediately said yes! I could feel my heart sink when I realized that I had inadvertently lied without thinking about it. So we booked a photoshoot and I went home wondering how in the world I was going to do it. I went to a camera store, rented a camera and tried to figure out how to use it. I had always used really simple cameras and I remember the guy in the store having to show me how to turn it on. It was so embarrassing. Long story short, the photo-shoot was a huge success, the bride was very very happy and that's how I got my start!

QTK: You have seen many weddings. What is the most unique thing you have seen done?
BW: I enjoy the Trash the Dress Sessions. A couple of months ago we did a night shoot at a public pool. We had lights all over the place and the water was freezing cold but we had an awesome time. The most unique thing I've seen done at a wedding is a little tougher. Most of the "creative" things you find to do are done almost every weekend by other brides who are searching the internet looking to be unique. I always enjoy it when the bride and groom coordinate a fun dance for the first dance. It is always a blast!

QTK: What should people really ask a photographer that they don’t?

BW: Most of the question guides you find in the wedding planning books and magazines are pretty thorough. Once you get enough information to know they are truly a professional I think you need to take time to ask personal questions. Photographers love getting to know their clients and they will likely work much better if they feel like they have gotten to know you a little bit.

QTK: What is the number 1 thing couples can do to make their wedding memorable?

BW: I think the most important think couples should do to make their wedding memorable is to be sentimental about it. Too many brides get caught up wanting to have the "perfect" wedding with all the right decorations, music and food that their personalities get lost in the planning. For me a good wedding is one where it is evident that the couple is in love. I was recently at a wedding where the groom was a huge Penn State fan. His fiance had planned all sorts of little Penn State things throughout the day. When they exchanged gifts in the morning he got tickets to a game. When they got to the reception there was a Penn State grooms cake. When he took her garter off it was Penn State. The best part about it was that she is a HUGE Michigan fan. It was obvious she loved him because she made the day as much about him as it was about her.

QTK: What are some tips you have for brides (and grooms) to take the best pictures they can?

BW: I think couples should seriously think about doing a "first sight." That's where they see each other before the wedding. That gives the photographer so much more time to take pictures and allows for the pictures during the ceremony to turn out better because you the couple is more relaxed.

Don't they look like they are having fun?!

QTK: What is your favorite part of weddings?
BW: My favorite part of the wedding is the reception. I love capturing people when they are having fun and I love being able to relax and just be creative.

This one is my absolute favorite and is almost making me rethink this part of our wedding.

Thanks Ben for stopping by and leaving us with your beautiful images and thoughts. Ladies, if you are looking for an amazing photographer in VA or the South think about hiring Ben. You will not be disappointed.

Rocking: Run DMC x Walk This Way
Feeling: Happy

I forgot!

I took this image of my engagement ring and wedding band right before I left to head home. I meant to upload this sooner. It just looked so pretty the pink on the red and the white gold shining away. I'm no photographer, but I thought it was really good.

Plus, have I mentioned how much I love my ring?! When I was at the salon the other day everyone kept saying how lovely and sparkly it was. And it is! I love it.

Anyway. Just thought I would share this fun image with you.

Introducing Our Photographer

Many of you have been wondering about the photographer I am so excited about (and laid down... how much?!?!). But you shall understand. So without further ado. Our smashtacular photographer is none other than the high fashion wedding photgrapher, Nikki Sanders.

Most of you know my fascination with playing dressup, photography, and fashion. You know my America's Next Top Model love. Well, when I went searching for a photographer. I wanted someone who could do high fashion, wedding, and photojournalism all at the same time. I wanted someone to capture the moment, then make a stunning posed shot that wasn't boring, and take things to another level. Enter Nikki and my search.

While I loved her work and we got along great I wasn't sure about the price. However, we talked and worked it out and I got over the price. Jonathon is still trying to get past the price, but he paid it. (I love him.)

The other reason I had to have Nikki is simple. She simply cares so much about us. She has always emailed me back right away. She is interested in all the details of the wedding. She cares about our life and our story.

She reminds me more of my friends. She can probably hang out and party with all of us. Plus, she's young talented, and amazing. I'm excited to have her. I believe she will take good care of us on our big day and make sure we all get the kind of photos people will be talking about for ages.

I love her work that I'm displaying here with her permission, but you have to check out her website. I love the photos she took of one groom. It reminds me of a fairy tale prince... not like Disney, but like that ad for JC Penney where the bride and groom are in the forest. Yeah.

DIY Bride

I never thought I'd be a complete DIY Bride. I never thought that I would do alot of wedding things on my own or with my family. However, I am not one to back down on a challenge so when my boy challenged me to cut the budget I started thinking about things I could do myself or with help.

1. Flowers. I never thought I would do this, but I want fresh flowers and my mom used to be a floral designer before I was born. So, I think we can muddle through the simple flower designs. It will make my mom feel special and well... it'll be nice to try it together.

2. Cake. My mom, matron of honor and bridesmaids are all talented at this. So I bet we can rock out some couture cupcakes or mini cakes. Plus, I am kick ass baker.

3. Design. I can decorate like an ace. So can my attendants and family. The centerpieces will be intricate but elegant and simple. We can do it.

4. Wreaths. My mom is pretty crafty. So, we are going to make the wreaths, monogram wreaths, and the mistletoe ball.

5. Invites/Stationary. This is my specialty. I know my way around word and photoshop. So, no problems here.

6. Makeup. I am a makeup artist anyway. Who else would I trust with this? I'll do my own makeup. No big deal.

7. Mani/Pedi. Also, I am good at this. All those years in theatre, makeup classes, and nail classes mean I can handle that. I won't be doing my hair though.

There are some thing I'm not doing. The hot food, my hair, my dress, any of the attire really, or the photography/videography. In fact, photography is our biggest expense. Tomorrow, I will give you a post about my photographer. Her contract is laying, signed, on my coffee table. I'll mail it out tomorrow and let her know. I'm really excited about this part.