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Photographer – where is the balance between art and budget?

I have learned that there are two perspectives a photographer may take. Some look at their work as art which is to be protected and some look at their work as photographs to be shared.

I think a couple has to decide which option is right for them and more….their budget.

If you are a bride looking to add keepsake pieces/photos to your home or an album you will most likely LOVE the photographers that feel their work is art. Together you will work to make magical wedding day photos that hopefully become priceless memories for a life time. Couples in this category should plan to set aside a larger portion of their wedding budget for a photographer.

If you are a bride looking for great photos to keep but maybe you don’t plan to print them all out and display them in your home ……maybe you want to keep the images electronically on a disk for processing as you decide you want them. Then you are in luck too – there are photographers that will also work with you to take wonderful photos but they leave most of the printing up to you. This option could save you a lot of money up front and you can get your photos printed later on down the line since these photographers usually give you the ownership rights.

Now, I have found that there is a big “rivalry” between these two types of photographers.

I personally think that we need both types in the world. How else would the lucky couple with an artistic flair get the wedding pics of their dreams? Or how else would the couple head over heals in love but on a tight budget get fantastic memories of their most special day?

We need both options so all the couples win….. that is what our industry is all about…..happy couples!!!

So brides and grooms don’t be afraid to shop around and find the perfect photographer for you and your budget ———- there is room for all of us here :)

Posted on April 24, 2010 at 9:21 am in Uncategorized.
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I was invited in for a tour – The Studio at Willow Tree Spa

[gallery]I was recently contacted by the owner of the Studio at Willow Tree Spa also known as Skins Solutions Spa. She invited me to tour her recent renovations and the expansions of her spa. The business is located on 30th street in Newark (right near the Subway).

When I first walked through the doors of this business I was immediately impressed by how beautifully decorated the place was. I got to spend about 30 minutes with the owner of the business, Natalie Law. She was friendly, professional and very passionate about her business.

I learned that this place has several things that an engaged couple may find useful. Of course they have the traditional spa options. They do hair, nails, facials, spray tanning, and massage (couples too!!).

The unique offerings are a little surprising. Natalie added a large room with a very modern kitchen to her facility. She told me they host yoga and other exercise classes as well as cooking classes. Their chef can even help cater events in the space.

It is big enough for to hold an event for probably 40 people. They have enough tables and chairs to seat 20 but you could easily get more from Main Events Party Supplies found in east Newark.

I have posted the photos that Natalie let me take while I was there.

I decided to share this you because I think this location could possibly fit the needs of some couples for the wedding. It would be a fun rehearsal dinner location if you offered your guests the option of enjoying in a spa activity too. It would be a fantastic place for a bridal shower….we all know girls love spa days. It also could be a place to consider if you are looking for a small unique wedding location or want to find a space that couple maximize your budget. I certainly got the impression that Natalie would do her best to work within all budgets.

For me it was a fun little tour. I can’t wait to book a relaxing day for myself and I am certain that I will utilize some of her services for my bridal party!

Posted on January 26, 2010 at 10:46 pm in Uncategorized.
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Warning for all couples on their wedding day

I just performed a wedding ceremony for a couple that was from out of state but wanted to get married at the Buxton Inn in Granville (spectacular garden location by the way).

I had met the bride once while she was in town once working on some of the local plans…but never actually met the groom.

The ceremony is very formal with about 150 guests in attendance.

It begins very nicely. I can tell they had a good rehearsal the night before since each member of the bridal party knew their cues. (They did not wish me to participate in the rehearsal but I always offer pointers for couples working out the details on their own).

After the final bridal couple arrive at the front of the ceremony location and are situated next to me I am puzzled by the still missing groom.

So I ask the maid of honor if the couple decided to walk down the aisle together? No she tells me.

Then I ask the best man if he knew the location of the groom. Now I would like to point out that at this point the music has changed, the witnesses are standing and the bride is heading my way down the aisle.

The best man realizes that no one must have told the groom it was time to start. Poor guy asks me. “should I go get him?”

I say, “yes please, we are going to need him for this part.”

He darts away just as the glowing bride and her emotional father reach me at the front. I can see her beaming face change to a look of confusion…then horror.

I quickly tell her that there was a little mix up and we will start in just a moment.

Luckily the two men rush out very quickly but it was long enough for most people standing to notice.

The poor groom just shrugs grandly and everyone laughs….and then we begin.

So I beg all couples conducting your own wedding rehearsal to please be sure to assign someone the tast of notifying the groom when it is time for him to arrive at the alter BEFORE allowing the bride to make her way up front. It just saves alot of confusion and worry this way!!!

Life and marriages are full of bumps, no matter how much you plan. Their wedding was just a reality and now they have a story that they will always share when talking about their wedding day.

Lesson for me – don’t let things start without being certain I know the location of the groom!!!

Posted on November 01, 2009 at 11:22 pm in Uncategorized.
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Another note about an insider peek

I am engaged!!!! Yeah me!!

Roger is a fantastic man and I think we are very lucky to have found one another. We are planning our wedding for September 2011 (9/10/11). We are waiting for so long for a couple of reasons.

1. We need to save up the cash to cover the shindig

2. Roger is in school and will graduate (go baby) in 2011 and it will be nice to not have to worry about class schedules when we take our honeymoon.

3. We are both a little older (not too old!!) and can handle the wait – good things come to those that wait.

SOOOO…..besides my experience as a wedding officiant I will be able to share my first hand experience as I ALSO plan my wedding.
We brides have to stick together and help each other find the best vendors and deals for our budgets…right???
Posted on October 23, 2009 at 9:09 pm in Uncategorized.
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This is my beginning

I became a wedding officiant in the spring of this year (2009). I have been fortunate enough to participate in several lovely ceremonies since I received my Ohio license. I love doing weddings. The couples are so excited and nervous….and HAPPY.
Happy is the part I like the most.
One thing I have noticed as I have met with more and more couples is that Licking County is not organized in any manner that is user friendly when it comes to planning a wedding. Now, if you live in our beautiful county I am sure you have hear of someone…or been to a few weddings BUT planning that event is a little different. I find that couples are lost for ideas since we don’t really have a central location for this information.
If you are a Columbus engaged couple, your resources are endless. There are several published booklets available to you to help you find vendors. But here in our little corner of paradise we are lacking that luxury.
Now, in my opinion the best resource a couple can have is a referral from a friend they trust. However, if none of your friends have been recently married you are again at a loss.
As a wedding officiant I have an opportunity to view multiple weddings a bit more closely and I am beginning to formulate my own opinions on a few things. SOOOO – this blog will be my forum where I share my opinion.
If it helps a couple in any stage of their planning then – yeah – I achieved what I set out to do. If not, at least I have a place to record my thoughts on things….which is nice too.
I hope you end up enjoying my blog….and thanks for looking!!
Posted on October 23, 2009 at 8:50 pm in Uncategorized.
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