January 2007 Archive

I am an only child. The closest thing to a sister growing up was my mom’s best friends daughter, Michele. She was a few years older than me and I wanted to be just like her! In a lot of ways, I was. I played soccer like Michele. I joined a sorority like Michele.

Michele had a daughter last year named Lisa. Even though they live only a few hours away in LA, I didn’t get a chance to meet Lisa until recently. Michele asked me to take some photos of her and I wanted to share them with you.

I wanted to use natural light to shoot Lisa, but with her being sick and napping schedule off, I had to resort to bouncing my flash off of every surface available. Considering my limitations on light, I’m happy with how these turned out!

I get weekly emails from a lady named Stephi who has a book called ‘Fire Your Wedding Planner” (www.fireyourweddingplanner.com). We are in no way connected other than I am on her email list.

Now, I think wedding planners are fantastic and I definitly don’t think you should “fire” yours…but she does have some good advice sometimes! Especially for brides on a budget.

“As you’ve figured out, Historical sites are a wonderful alternative to expensive hotels and wedding halls…
Likewise, buying a used dress is far more common and acceptable today than ever before (why not, it’s only been worn once!)… you can really save a bundle whether you choose to buy it from a friend, a vintage store or ebay.
Also, buying seasonal items “out of season” (like your summery shoes for $10!) is truly Savvy thinking. Way to go!
Lastly, of course, you can find amazing deals on-line for everything from hotels, airfare and car rentals… to complete honeymoon packages… sites like Hotwire and Cheap Tickets are a great way to comparison shop!”

“Also, I’d just like to make a comment about choosing “non wedding” vendors to save money.
I do indeed recommend considering “non wedding” alternatives because it can save you a fortune off those outrageous wedding mark-ups…
That said, I would also caution you to be careful and really “do your homework” before hiring amateurs or asking family members to do the job of a pro (just make absolutely sure they have the skills to pull it off)…
While saving money is of paramount importance, it should not be at the risk of ruining your wedding because, for example, Uncle Howie said he’d video and then got drunk and dropped the video camera in the pool or something (I’ve heard nightmares about things like this).
That said, there are plenty of talented professionals who don’t specialize in weddings and don’t charge WEDDING PRICES that can do a great job for you too…so definitely consider them too!
You’re smart…
You understand what I’m saying…Just make wise decisions based both on price AND ability…
As long as you dot your I’s, cross your T’s and make your choices carefully, I guarantee you’re going to save a fortune and be really happy with how it all turns out.”

She also has a site set up to buy and sell your wedding merchandise: http://www.freeweddingclassifieds.com/

Enjoy! Hope this helps!

I met Mary and Casey at the Oceanside Pier on the afternoon of Sunday the 3rd. It was a gorgeous day! How great that we live in So Cal and can have heat waves in December!
I am shooting their wedding on April 21st next year and am looking forward to it!
Here are some of my favorite shots from the day.