We've Moved!

Long time, no see!

Life has been busy and blogging took a seat in the "way-way back." I am now attempting to get back into the groove.

First of all, our website is new and improved. The biggest change is that the wedding site and the portrait site were put together. This was to make it easier to find all the information you need, in ONE spot. It's Simple, clean and very pretty. It's now have a "responsive" design that changes to the device that you use to access it, making it easier to use and with less clicking around to find what you need. The best thing is that it's 100% HTML, so it's completely compatible with iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices. (No flash!)

So, with that in mind, we are consolidating the blogs, as well. Now, when you go to our main blog, you will see all the old wedding blog posts, too. Convenient, right? :) 

Along with the website and blog move, we have moved!

The hard truth that house renovating takes far longer than you ever, EVER, expect is our reality right now. Construction dust may never settle. But I now understand the appeal of pinterest... While we've switched home-base, we still work both in Madison and Cedar Rapids, still cultivate the Badger/Hawkeye rivalry, still cheer for the Packers and still drink Spotted Cow.

Our oldest started high school this fall and loves it. Our middle two have adjusted quite fine to elementary school. Our youngest is in 4K and continues to give us a run for our money. People like to say it's because he's the youngest, but those that have met him know he just does things his own way. Luckily, he's hilarious and cute. :)

Wedding Planning, By The Numbers

Wedding Planning - By The Numbers (larger)

We have a booth at the January Wedding Planner & Guide bridal show every year, showing off our photography and the photo booth. This year, the weather was unseasonably warm, reaching into the 30's! (Sad, I know, but the show usually falls on the coldest weekend of the year. That came the week before.) Hopefully you had a chance to stop by and check out our newest albums. If not, call and we can set up a time to meet and we'll show you!

After the show was done, WP&G sent out some stats, based on brides and grooms' responses to survey questions. It's a little geeky, but having all those numbers really made me want to put together an infographic. There were more stats, but I thought these would be the most interesting for brides and grooms to see.

So, enjoy my geekiness.

Sarah & Virgil | Madison Wedding

From the very beginning, I loved having Sarah and Virgil as clients. Every meeting was like chatting with old friends. From their farm themed engagement session to their tractor shaped groom's cake, they personalized their wedding. And I love that my favorite image from their wedding makes people think of a fairy tale. How prefect is that?

Tips for Better Photographs

Planning the wedding day to get the best photographs can be tricky when you have never planned a large event like a wedding. Having an experienced photographer will help the day run smoothly. We know how much time we need to cover the day the way you would like it covered. We will take care to the details with the photography schedule to keep you on track so you do not need to stress.

We want you to enjoy the day.

Below are some tips and suggestions that YOU can do to ensure the photography gets off to a great start:
Before the wedding:

• Communicate with your family and bridal party about scheduled portrait times.
• Think about a “First Look.” It’s romantic and a major de-stressor!
• Allow enough time in your wedding day schedule so you are not rushed for photographs.
• Have hair, nails and make-up professionally done, but don’t stray too far from your usual look so you still look like you.

On the wedding day:

• Manage the clutter in your “getting ready” room so it will look tidy.
• Have your accessories, like shoes and jewelry, ready so those details can be photographed. A cute hanger for the dress- and hung in a pretty spot while it waits for you- is also good.
• Keep lipstick handy to freshen up throughout the day.
• Don’t rush to remove the veil or bustle the dress- those are details you should capture!

How to look good in photographs:

• Remember good posture- Stand tall and keep your shoulders back.
• Slim the face by slightly pushing your chin forward.
• Balance your weight on your back foot for great curves.
• Stand close to your new groom and show your love and affection.
• Smile, laugh, and have fun!

Wedding Wednesday: DIY Shoes

Did you make it to the bridal show last Wednesday? We had a booth to show off our photography and the Cheeky photo booth. It was great to meet brides and grooms and chat about their upcoming weddings. Next week, we'll will post the tips we shared at the show. We handed out cards that gave helpful ideas on how to make your wedding day run smoothly to get the best photographs possible.

Today, let me share a website I found: Milk and Honey Shoes. This is a site dedicated to getting the perfect shoes. This is SO perfect for a bride that is looking for something special or different. Going from store to store and not finding what you envision in your head can be frustrating. Milk and Honey Shoes has not only a wide variety of "different" shoes, but you can actually design your own shoes.

You can pick the material, color, details, heel height and more. There is no longer an excuse for not finding the perfect shoes. (Well, except for the price. Obviously custom shoes do not come with a discount price tag.)

From their website: 

"For the shoe connoisseur who knows precisely what color combination she wants and knows exactly the heel height she loves, the Milk and Honey™ design my own heels web tool allows the discriminating customer a one-of-a-kind shopping opportunity. Choose from our signature collection of pumps below or design your own shoes!"

After the Ring | Bridal Show | Madison WI

You have a new ring. You want to enjoy the romance of the proposal. But, the words "We're engaged!" are barely out of your mouth before everyone wants to know when the big day will be. 

They will pump you for information on your plans and details that you haven't even thought of yet. They will offer you suggestions and advice; some good, some really, really bad. (No, Aunt Jenny, no one thinks tulle arches or fake flowers are a good idea anymore.)

But you are in luck!

The annual spring bridal show is next week, May 22, 2013 at Marriott Madison West. This is coordinated by the same people that do the huge show at the Alliant Energy Center in January and that publish the Wedding Planner & Guide book. (SO helpful- get a copy at the show if you don't have one!)

How do you make the best use of the show? I'm glad you asked.

1. Come with a plan. 
You don't have to plan your whole wedding in one evening, so don't try to meet with every wedding professional at the show. If you at the beginning, concentrate on venues and photographers. If your wedding is already in the planning stages, pick 2 or 3 things to work on, like cake, flowers and invitations.

2. Bring a fine-tip Sharpie & take good notes. 
Imagine you have the good luck of finding the best cake baker in the whole world. "But," you think, "maybe I should go peek and have a quick taste of the other cakes, just to be sure." After a few more tastes, your tongue is sugared-out and you forgot who your favorite baker was, let alone where their booth is located and now you fear you will have to settle for blah ordinary wedding cake! Taking good notes could have saved you.

 

When you find a wedding professional that you love, write it down, either on the literature they hand out, on their business card, or on the show program. Taking a few notes on why you love them will also help you remember who they are after you leave the show. Don't rely on your memory; you will have too many other things to see and do. Some wedding professionals will have a glossy brochure or a glossy business card which is difficult to write on with a pen. Your Sharpie will write on almost anything, so it is perfect for your bridal show note-taking.

 

We are again part of the prize package. Make sure to sign up for your chance to win.

When you come, please stop by our booth, right inside the front door, and say hi! 

 

Jamie & Kevin | Lake Windsor Country Club | Madison WI

Jamie and Kevin had an October wedding, complete with fall details. An important detail was the extra location stop we made at a corn field for photographs, since cornfields featured in their first date and the wedding proposal.

The reception was held at Lake Windsor Country Club. The sweeping view of the golf course highlighted the fall colors.

Purple bridesmaid dresses contrasted beautifully with the yellows and oranges in the bouquets. Table centerpieces included homemade candle holders made by Kevin from cut logs. Jamie and Kevin made the favors for the guests, like the jarred grape juice concentrate.

Even the cake carried the fall theme, decorated with fondant leaves, acorns and mushrooms.

 

Cake by Chris' Confection, Flowers by Wild Apples