By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:26 AM - (General)
We have decided that we are going to do a blog of all the locations that Peter Bruce Photo & bELLE Fine weddings have worked at. We hope if you see this and are looking for a place to have a wedding it will help you and if you know someone looking for a place to get married you will pass it on.
Auberge du Soleil
. . .
We have done many wedding at AUBERGE DU SOLEIL over the years and we think it provides one of Napa Valleys’greatest panoramic view location for wedding ceremonies & receptions. Terraced on a hillside overlooking the valley vineyards, Auberge du Soleil sets the mood for your special day.
Guests are greeted with the warm hospitality that has made Auberge du Soleil everything it is. A private staircase leads you onto your own private dining level, exclusively reserved for your wedding. A glass of Napa Sparkling wine would be the perfect accompaniment on the terrace, as guests arrive from your off site ceremony, or await the ceremony on the adjoining deck.
A WISTERIA-ENTWINED TRELLIS, at one end of the Terrace, offers guests a sheltered spot where they can have hors d'oeuvres, watch a sunset or take part your wedding ceremony. The ceremony deck, a small circular area which extends out from the Terrace, offers you a special spot to take their vows. Guests will be able to share in the festivities and enjoy the panorama beyond in the distance.
The expansive deck allows space for the ceremony and mingling area, as well as hors d’oeuvres reception to follow. A stone-sculpted fountain is set off to one side of the Terrace, and terra cotta pots filled with brilliantly colored annuals are placed around its periphery.
Guest will then be welcomed into the dining room for a fabulous lunch or dinner prepared exclusively by there famous culinary team. A perfect way to start your new life together, celebrate with family and friends at Napa Valleys premier “Inn of the Sun” at Auberge du Soleil. We hope this helps you, as always we like your feed back and please keeping checking back with us for more locations.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:25 AM - (General)
1. You Need to Book Early: In most cases, you should have your pick of photographers six months before the wedding. But in peak months (May, June, September, and October), consider booking 9 to 12 months in advance to guarantee your first choice—even earlier for holiday weekends.
2. Get Referrals: “A wedding planner is a great source for finding photographers, “So are recently married friends.” Also check with the Wedding Photojournalist Association and the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers .
3. Size Matters: Both large and small studios have advantages. Larger studios have more photographers, which is especially important in the most popular wedding months. Small ones often give more personalized service—you’ll typically deal directly with the photographer who will shoot your wedding, rather than with an office manager
4. So Does Personality: You don’t have to be BFFs but you should feel like you click on a personal level. If she makes you uncomfortable, look for someone who puts you at ease.
5: There are Ways to Save: In this economy, even in-demand photographers are often willing to negotiate. Just be reasonable—asking nicely how to cut costs by 10 or 15 percent may be doable; asking for half off is not. And don’t be afraid to inquire if there’s any way to downsize standard packages, too.
6. Digital is King: Why are most wedding photographers devoted to digital? According to David Roberts of the WPJA, most pros think the image quality is now on par with film. The digital format allows them to shoot many more photos without having to load a new roll of film; it’s also easy to preview shots immediately and convert images from color to black-and-white.
7. Don’t Settle for One Style: It used to be that you had to choose between “traditional” (posed shots) and “photojournalistic” (candid) but the landscape has shifted. Most pros now shoot both. Look at a photographer’s overall style and perspective to decide if she’s the one.
8. Snoop Before Signing: Ask to see two of a photographer’s full wedding-day albums, not just “best of” collections, says Josephine Solimene of New York’s Rabbani & Solimene Photography.
9. Have the Dress Code Talk: While most photographers will dress appropriately for a formal wedding, they must be very active and comfortable to get the job done right. Though you can ask that they leave the orange sneakers at home, be prepared to bend a little. As in black sneakers.
10. Get It in Writing: Your contract should include prices, names of your photographer and backup, hours of coverage, the number of prints, and the type of albums.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:25 AM - (General)
Wedding Flowers
Finding the Right Florist to Design Your Wedding Flowers
bELLE fine flowers have done 100's of wedding & we think wedding flowers are one of the most important elements of your big day. Not only do they provide color and scent, but they symbolize life, growth, and rebirth. Good wedding flowers are also a conversation starter and after the food and dress, one of things guests will remember most. So how do you find the right florist to provide your wedding flowers, what questions should you ask them, and when should you sign a contract with a florist? Here are some good tips from Peter Bruce Photo & team bELLE.
Finding a florist for your wedding flowers...
If you don't already have a favorite floral designer, talk to your friends and family about who they've used in the past. You can also go to bridal shows, or simply look in the phone book. Make appointments to visit at least three different florists. When you visit the shop, take a look around.
Do you like the arrangements that are in the store's windows?
Are the flowers in the cooler fresh and luscious?
Is the shop clean and organized?
Ask to see photographs of previous work...
Ideally, your wedding florist will have vast previous experience as a wedding florist, and will have many photographs of previous wedding flower arrangements and bridal bouquets. Make sure that the pictures are recent, and comprehensive – not just one bouquet, but that they show all the bridal bouquets and centerpieces from a particular wedding.
Talk to them about your ideas for wedding flowers...
Bring swatches of bridesmaid dresses, pages from magazines with bouquets and floral arrangements that you like, the type of container you'd like to use, and any ideas you may have. Make sure that the florist is receptive to your ideas, and that they are willing to listen to your vision. You'll want to feel comfortable with this person – make sure that they are the one who will be personally responsible for your arrangements. You'll also want to make sure that they think your budget is realistic for your ideas.
When to book your florist for your wedding...
This depends on how long you have to plan your wedding, but a general guideline is to start talking to your florist about 6 to 8 months before your wedding, and sign a contract with them about 4 to 6 months before the big day.
What you'll need to know before you can book a florist for your wedding flowers...
You'll need to have booked your ceremony site, and know how many arrangements you'll need to decorate it.
You'll need to have booked your reception site, and know the prominent colors of the venue (so the flowers don't clash)
If you are doing floral centerpieces, you'll need to know approximately how many wedding guests you are having, and thus how many centerpieces you'll need. (Most round catering tables seat 8, 10 or 12 guests; rectangular tables generally seat 8 people)
Number of bridesmaids you are having, and the color of their dresses
The number of corages (for mothers, grandmothers, and sometimes readers or other special guests) and bontonnies (for the groom, groomsmen, ushers, and sometimes readers or other special guests).
If you'll need separate arrangements for the resheal dinner post-wedding brunch, entryways, bathrooms, gift or cake tables, or buffet tables
13 Big Questions to ask the florist...
What is your design philosophy? Do you prefer modern arrangements or more traditional ones?
Can I see examples of past work by the same person who will arrange my wedding flowers?
How many other weddings and events will you do the same weekend as my event? (this gives you an idea of how much time and attention they'll spend on your wedding flowers)
What flowers will be in season and less expensive for my wedding?
What ideas do you have for my wedding? What are the most successful ideas you've had for past weddings?
Is it possible to see a sample of my centerpiece and/or bouquet?
Will you deliver and/or set up my flowers? How long do you generally spend at a site setting up? Is there an extra delivery or set up charge?
Is it possible to reuse the ceremony flowers as reception decorations? Will you transport them, or will we need to? Is there a transport fee?
Are there any other additional or hidden costs I should know about?
Do you have rental supplies (such as vases, urns, candelabras and potted plants) or do I need to use a separate rental company?
If I need to add, subtract, or change arrangements or bridal bouquets, how long to I have to do so?
Will you write up an itemized quote of what we've discussed?
How soon do I need to put down a deposit to reserve your services? What is the minimum deposit?
Also, if you are having a out door, you'll want to ask what flowers will best stand up under the weather conditions. A bride who is sensitive to scents, or allergic to flowers may want to talk to the florist about scented or allergenic flowers so she won't be sneezing down the aisle.
We hope this helps with your flowers and wedding in general,plesea give us feed back
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:25 AM - (General)
Tips for the best man on writing a wedding toast
How to write a great best man toast & make them cry
Someone once said that being asked to be the best man is a little bit like being asked to kiss the Queen Mother: it's a great honor, but nobody wants to do it! This sentiment is largely derived from the best man duty of having to get up in front of a large crowd and toasting the bride and groom. There's pressure on you to do it right and not mess up their big day, but it's not as hard as it looks. Writing a great toast requires a little creativity, a little patience, some hard work, and some ingenuity. Someone thought enough of you to ask you to be best man in their wedding, so have some faith in yourself and your ability to say the words that will wish them the best.Here are some tips from Peter Bruce & team bELLE
Before You get started... Start off by writing down thoughts freely about the bride and groom and your relationship to them.
How do you know them?
Why did they choose you as best man?
How would you describe each of them? What are the first five adjectives that come to mind?
What was the groom like before he met the bride? How has he changed knowing her?
How did they meet? How did the groom tell you about her?
If you are married, you may wish to think about marriage advice you've received or have learned.
Are there any particularly amusing anecdotes that illustrate who the bride and/or groom is?
Once you've done that, it's time to craft those ideas into a heartfelt and entertaining toast.
Beginning... Start off by introducing yourself, as not everyone in the room will know who you are. You might say "Excuse me everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment. I'd like to take a few moments to say a few words about our bride and groom. I'm John Doe, Patrick's best man and longtime good friend (or brother, son, etc.)" To get people's attention, you might insert a quick joke here or a quote about marriage. Before you get too far into your speech, you should thank the people hosting, traditionally the parents of the bride. If the bride and groom are paying for the wedding themselves, simply say, "We're all delighted to be here today on this joyous occasion."
Middle... This is where the notes you wrote down before will really come in handy. Tell a funny story about the bride and/or groom (note I said "funny" not humiliating!), give your thoughts on love and marriage, tell the story of how they met, or talk about how you've seen them change through their relationship. While you may know the groom better, try to make your toast balanced, speaking about each of them. Try not to talk too long as nobody wants to hear you ramble, but do give some interesting details. At all costs, avoid ex-girlfriend stories and keep it rated PG for kids and grandmothers in the room! Most of all, if you are sincere about what you are saying, and your words come from the heart, it's hard to go wrong.
Closing... It's often good to wrap up your toast with a best wish and toats to the couple. Raise your glass with a resounding congratulations, cheers, l'chaim or salud, and don't forget to drink to your own toast!
I suggest writing your toast down on a notecard or two (remember, I said to keep it brief!) and practicing it a few times so that you're not reading straight from the card. You may also wish to run your toast by a trusted friend who can give you some feedback.
Now it's time to relax, enjoy the wedding, and support your friends. A few tips on delivering that toast:
Remember, even though you're nervous, to speak loudly and clearly.Hopefully you'll have a microphone, but even if you do you'll need to make sure to enunciate. Nothing worse than listening to five minutes of mumbling nonsense.
Don't drink too much before you give your speech. A drink or two might help loosen you up, but more than that and you'll just look like a fool.
Don't read straight from the card. These are supposed to be heart-felt words, not a scripted response. It's better to paraphrase what you've written, and get the general sentiment across. Of course, you can have your notes handy, just remember to make eye-contact with the people you are speaking to.
Didn't your mother always tell you to stand up straight? That goes twice when toasting.
If you lose your notes, or just choke up there, there's nothing wrong with a simple "Congratulations, (bride's name and groom's name) I'm looking forward to the day when we're all together again celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary. Cheers!"
Hope this help the best men to be out there and brides pass it onthe best man at your wedding.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:25 AM - (General)
For years brides have beem asking us the meaning behind the name of a flower. Some want to want just because,other want to put a little more thought in to there flowers. Our wonderful flower person from bELLE , Chelsea has spens hours putting together this list of flowers and there meanings.
Ambrosia: Reciprocated love Apple Blossom: Better things to come Azalea: First Love, Temperance
Baby's Breath: Innocence, pure heart Bamboo: Strength, Loyalty Begonia: A fanciful nature Bird of Paradise: Magnificence Blue Violet : Faithfulness Buttercup: Riches, childishness
Calla Lily: Magnificent Beauty Camellia: Gratitude Carnation-red: Alas poor heart Carnation-pink: I'll never forget you Carnation-purple: Capriciousness Carnation-stripped: Sorry I can't be with you Carnation-white: Innocence Carnation-yellow: Disdain Chrysanthemum-red: Love Chrysanthemum-white: Truth Chrysanthemum-yellow: Slighted love Clematis: Mental beauty
Daffodil: Regard, You are the only one Dahlia: Dignity, Elegance, Good Taste Daisy: Gentleness, Innocence, Loyalty and Romance Delphinium: Flights of Fancy, Ardent Attachment
Gardenia: Purity and Secret Love Gladiolus: Strength of character, Sincerity
Hibiscus: Delicate Beauty Honeysuckle: Bonds of love. Hyacinth: : Sport, play, games, rashness, flower dedicated to Apollo. Hyacinth-blue : Constancy. Hyacinth-purple : I am sorry, sorrow, please forgive me. Hyacinth-red or pink : Play. Hyacinth-white : Loveliness, I'll pray for you. Hyacinth-yellow : Jealousy. Hydrangea : frigidity, heartless.
Iris: Faith, Wisdom, Valour and Promise Ivy : Fidelity
Larkspur-pink: Fickleness. Larkspur-purple: First love. Lavender: Loyalty Lemon Blossom : Fidelity Lilac-purple: First Emotion of Love Lilac-white: Youthful innocence Lily-orange: Wealth Lily-white: Sweetness Lily-yellow: Gaiety, walking on air Lily of the Valley: Humility, Sweetness, Return of Happiness Lotus Flower: Estranged love
Magnolia: Love of Nature Marigold: Grief Mistletoe : Affection Morning Glory: Affection
Oleander: Caution. Olive Branch: Peace. Orange Blossom: Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness Orchid: Love, Beauty and Magnificence
Pansy: Thoughtful Reflection Peony: Happy Marriage and Prosperity Petunia : Resentment, anger Polyanthus: Price of richer
Ranunculus: Radiant, Charming Rhododendron: Danger Rose, Pink: Perfect Happiness Rose, White: Charm and Innocence Rose, Red: Love and Desire Rose-single red: I Love You Rose-Burgundy: Unconscious love Rose, white and red: Unity Rose, Orange : Passion Rose, Yellow: Joy and Gladness Rosebud: Beauty and youth
Star of Bethlehem : Purity Stephanotis: Marital Happiness Sunflowers: Pride Sweet Pea: Blissful Pleasure
Tiger Lily: Prosperity Tuberose: Dangerous Pleasure Tulip: Love and Passion Tulip-yellow : Hopeless love, there's sunshine in your smile. Tulip-red: Declaration of love
Violet-blue : Watchfulness, faithfulness, I'll always be true. Violet-purple : Thoughts of you, blue love. Violet-white : Let's take a chance, youthful innocence. Violet-yellow : Love of country.
Zinnia : Thoughts of absent friends, in memory of an absent friend. Zinnia-scarlet : Constancy. Zinnia-white : Goodness. Zinnia-yellow : Daily remembrance.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:24 AM - (General)
101 (Small) Things To Keep The Wife Happy
Brides to be pass this on to husbands to be and be happy
. . .
1. Give her a hug every day
2. Say "I Love You" at the end of every phone conversation
3. Remember to take out the garbage
4. Take the kids for a walk (or drive). Alone time does wonders for refreshment.
5. Make her her favorite drink (whether it be coffee, tea, soda, or martini)
6. Ask about her day
7. Make dinner every now and again (or bring home take out without being asked)
8. Record her favorite television shows (or get Season Passes to them on TiVo)
9. Paint her toe nails (or fingers. She might have a preference)
10. Let her win an argument (or seven)
11. Pick up your dirty laundry off the floor
12. Play footsie in bed
13. Snuggle
14. Offer to help her carry the groceries
15. Give her a weekend to herself
16. Bring home unexpected small gifts
17. Comment on her new hair cut
18. Bring her tissues when she's sick
19. Offer to watch the movie of her choice
20. Clean the kitchen
21. Spend a weekend away (again, this time she gets the house to herself)
22. Call during the day just to say Hi
23. Hold her hand when your out and about (that is, if you can get it away from the children)
24. Smile the first time you see her each day.
25. Fold a load of laundry. Or start a new load in the washer. Or do both.
26. Trust that she knows where to go for the party next weekend (got and printed the directions).
27. Listen when she's trying to tell you she's upset
28. Let her take an afternoon nap
29. Pick up milk on the way home (or whatever grocery item is always "empty")
30. Offer to wash her car
31. Bring home a favorite flower (or bouquet)
32. Take out some favorite photos of the both of you and reminisce
33. Give her a back rub (or massage her feet. Or shoulders. Or really, whatever she likes)
34. Let her sleep in this Saturday
35. And then make her favorite breakfast (or go out to a restaurant for it)
36. Ask about one of her biggest wishes or dreams
37. Leave a love note in her purse/car/wallet
38. Buy a coffee shop gift card (if that's her thing) and leave it for her in the morning
39. If you empty the toilet paper roll, get and place the new one
40. Windex the bathroom mirror
41. Take they dry cleaning in
42. Never underestimate the power of a good night kiss
43. Clean off the dinner table dishes
44. Ask her to go for a walk with you
45. Talk to each other... have a conversation about something meaningful or nothing in particular
46. Put the kids to bed
47. Hang that picture/shelf/candle holder you always meant to
48. Bring home a gift certificate for a pedicure or massage
49. Fill her car up with gas (and wash the windshield)
50. Hershey Chocolate Kisses (get creative)
51. Zip up or button the back of her dress or shirt
52. Gently place a blanket over her if she falls asleep in the afternoon or on the couch in the evening
53. Go to the pharmacy for her medication when she's sick
54. Bathe the kids
55. Buy her "girlie" shampoo, conditioner, and soap for the shower
56. Make dinner reservations (complete with arrangements for a baby sitter)
57. Don't complain if she's having one of those long phone conversations
58. Offer to clean up her computer screen and/or keyboard
59. Take a picture of her favorite place and send it to her (or leave it in a card on the table)
60. Whisper sweet nothings into her ear
61. Feed the pets
62. Run her a bubble bath. With candles.
63. Offer her your jacket if it is cold.
64. Rub lotion on her hands (and hell anywhere else you want)
65. Give her space when she needs it
66. Ask about her work (and yes, if she stays home--ask about the children, the housework, etc)
67. Make a mix tape (or playlist)
68. Send funny e-mails. Either share a funny remark, send love notes, or even URLs for the funniest videos you've ever seen. It just means you are thinking of her. And she of you.
69. Shut the door sometimes when you are in the restroom
70. Hang up your coat after you come in (and the shoes, put them away too)
71. Warm and pull up the car to the restaurant/store door if it is cold or raining or windy
72. Buy her earrings. Or a necklace. A ring. Something inexpensive, but fun/beautiful/reminiscent of you
73. Let her cry if she needs to
74. Help get that item off the "high shelf"
75. Rub her back as you pass by her cooking dinner (or reading e-mail. It is the touch that counts)
76. Clean up the clutter in the living room/kitchen/bathroom--any room. Just spruce it up tonight. She'll notice
77. Come home early
78. Offer to cook her dinner (not on the grill. In the kitchen please)
79. Pull out the wedding glasses and toast to your "togetherness"
80. Sit next to her on the couch
81. Look her in the eye and tell her how you feel about her
82. Look up her Favorites or Wish Lists at an online store... and buy her something small from the list
83. Take charge for the evening--corralling the children for bedtime, bathing, reading, television, etc.
84. Ask her what one small thing you could do to make her life easier at that moment and do it
85. Offer to paint a room the color of her choice
86. Give up the television remote for one night
87. Pack her lunch for the day
88. Call her favorite girlfriend to schedule a surprise her with a girls' night/day out and about
89. Bake her a cake/pie/muffin/favorite dessert
90. Remember a special moment you had together, talk about it, discuss it, and share it with her (this can just be done verbally, in a letter... anything that you want to do)
91. Tell her when she looks good. As in, "Hey, you look great in that." Or if she is wearing your favorite perfume, mention it.
92. Fluff her pillow before bed
93. Next time you are at a party or social gathering--give her wink from across the room. Or a knowing glance. Or a grin. Some sort of shared thought or expression that the two of you can share
94. Find out how she likes her eggs and/or coffee. This can be valuable information.
95. Clean the toilet(s)
96. Take her picture when you think she looks beautiful. Even if she doesn't want you to.
97. Open the car/restaurant/store door for her
98. Let her pick the music in the car next time your driving together
99. Remind her why you married her.
100. Find a way to make her laugh. Really laugh. It does wonders for the soul.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:24 AM - (General)
Destination Wedding Website
. . .
You’ve made the big and great decision to do a destination wedding, you want Peter Bruce photo to come and shoot it, and you now face the task of making sure that people from around the globe meet up in one location for your special day. Meanwhile, you want to be free to enjoy one of the most joyous events of your life. Admittedly, it can be a difficult balance to strike, but there is help. A well designed wedding website can facilitate good communication, something any wedding planner will tell you is a critical ingredient to ensuring the success of and simplifying the planning for your destination wedding. Your guests need to know all the necessary information about your wedding so they know where to go and how to get there. At the same time, feedback from your guests can give you the information you need to plan an event everyone will enjoy. An informative and interactive wedding website can help open the lines of communication between you and your guests and thus make the event more enjoyable for everyone.
To get the full benefits from your destination wedding website, you’ll need to take what are some common features in wedding websites and adapt them to accommodate the special needs presented by your destination wedding. Here are some features to look for and some tips on how to use them to their full potential.
An online RSVP can be a handy tool for any destination wedding; for a destination wedding, however, it can really be put to work. A creatively designed RSVP gives your guests a convenient way to give you their vital information as well as their input on your wedding plans (if you want it!). In addition to asking for the typical information, you might consider additional entries such as flight information and arrival date, hotel where the guests would like to stay, any special requests they might have for activities and anything else pertinent to your wedding plans. Arrange to have the results sent to your wedding email address and you’ll have all this useful information stored away in one place for future reference.
Since it’s likely that some can not make it to your wedding, two common website features take on an even greater importance for your wedding website. First, a guest book allows all your friends and family to send well wishes across the miles. Their messages can be sent to your email and/or posted on the site for all to enjoy. After the wedding, these messages can be saved and treasured as part of your wedding memories. Second, having links to your online gift registries provides your friends and family a quick and convenient way to send gifts whether they can make it to the wedding or not. Obviously, this is a deal for them and for you!
Last but certainly not least come the critical information pages that provide the meat and potatoes of your site. Some important things to detail for your guests include local information such as maps and directions; local travel information (airports, ground transportation, etc.); restaurants and local activities to keep them well fed and entertained; local weather links and wedding specifics. In providing this information on your site you will have created a handy reference for your guests and a simple way for you and your family to avoid having to repeat information. Be sure to include any other information or deals you’ve arranged for your guests such as airline deals, hotel deals, rental car arrangements, and anything that you feel would be of use to your wedding guests. If you’re planning pre and post-wedding activities a wedding itinerary may also be a useful edition to your site.
Finally, let’s take a look at some good tips for making the most of your wedding website. If possible, it’s best to announce your web address with your “save the date” cards. This gets your web address to everyone who needs it and clues your guests in on your plans to communicate with them via your site. By no means does this mean that you have to have your website completed by that time. Having at least one working page with a welcome message and a note on the how you plan to use the site is sufficient. The important factor is that your guests know to check your site for updates and changes . This alone can save you hours of phone calls and other correspondence. You might even consider creating a mailing list for guests who would like to be contacted via email when your site is updated. This point leads us to our final necessity for a successful destination wedding website: flexibility, and lots of it! Since wedding plans evolve over time, you will need a website designer that is willing to update your site as information comes in and as it changes. Make sure you understand your designer’s policies before committing to any one company. A cheaper site may not end up so cheap after you’ve made 8 changes at $15 per update. You might consider making an advance agreement for a certain number of updates at a price you’ve agreed upon in advance.
Ready to start simplifying your destination wedding with a wedding website? Yes or no, you’ll do well to remember the cardinal rule of weddings if things get too overwhelming, too involved, or just plain too much, you can always elope! Rest assured that no matter how you choose to wed your website won’t be wasted. Should you cut the guest list to two, you can always use your site to display your photos and tell everyone about the wedding they missed!
We hope this helps with your get away wedding, please let us know
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:23 AM - (General)
How to pick a Floral Designer for your wedding
. . .
When you are selecting a florist for a wedding or special event, meet with at least three florists and do your home work before your meeting. Provide as much information as you can. Be prepared to discuss your ideas, details about the event, color schemes, flowers that you love, (and any you hate), as well as your budget, etc. Bring along any photos that you have of your dress, the bridesmaids' dresses and any floral designs you like. With this information, a good florist should have a clear idea of the event and floral designs, and be able to provide a detailed cost estimate.
Even when you've provided all the information that you can, comparing cost estimates may prove difficult. A true "roses to roses" comparison may not be possible, since each designer will have their own vision of what they will provide, and some designers provide more detailed cost estimates than others. In order to help sort through the proposals and select a floral designer, consider the following...
Did he/she have a portfolio of flowers that you loved? If you didn't like anything you saw in their portfolio, chances are you will not like what you see on the day of your event!
Were they familiar with your event site, and/or willing to visit it prior to your event?
Did they provide you with a detailed cost estimate and contract?
Are they able to provide all of the services that you require? For instance, can they provide linen rentals, arches, urns, etc.?
Will the person that you met with be your contact (and designer) throughout the entire process?
Will your florist deliver and set up the flowers? Or, do they use an outside delivery service?
How many events will the florist book on the day/weekend of your wedding?
Did you enjoy speaking with him/her, and would you feel comfortable working with them?
Was the florist willing to spend the time you required during your initial consultation?
Was he/she professional, prompt, and courteous?
Did he/she listen to your ideas?
Did he/she "get it"? And did he/she make suggestions that you liked?
Was he/she knowledgeable, for instance did he/she suggest which flowers would be in season
Thinking through these questions should help you to select a floral designer that will create the look you wish to achieve, while working within your budget and providing professional service.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, October 25, 2009 @ 6:14 AM - (General)
The New look of Wedding Photography
. . .
Over the past years there have been amazing changes in wedding photography, which is good news to anyone who is currently looking for a photographer to shot there wedding. The new trend is towards, more contemporary look of wedding photography. More relaxed, natural and artistic than ever. Far gone are the old, forced look , unnatural looking poses . Today's couples are much more educated on photography and don't want the old, stuffy styles of photography that their parents had.
Besides looking more real, how is it different that traditional photography? Contemporary photographers know that today's couples want to enjoy their wedding day and have fun. Couples spend so much money & time planning for there wedding day. It does not make sense to miss a hours of your wedding, being bossed around by a photographer who makes them maintain rigid and uncomfortable poses of you. A lot of wedding photographers now offer a "photojournalistic" style , where the day is recorded just the way it happens and unfolds.
The photos tell the story of your wedding day. No posing, no taking time away from the party,just real & natural, artistic and beautiful shots that capture the events and moods of your wedding day. Well what about the family & group shots? Many of these photographers will take these group shots before or maybe after the ceremony, taking less time than photographers of the past so you can get on with your day and not miss out on the real fun of the party. Make sure you ask this question before you book your photographer if family and group shots are important to you.We leave up to the bride and groom as it depends if they want to see other other before the wedding.
Black & white photography is also really popular, but is it a trend? A lot of modern day couples are requesting to have their photography fully or partially in black & white. There is just something about black & white. It has a very classie, timeless and artistic look to it. It has a mood all to its self . It lends itself very well to the photojournalistic style. I would say that this trend is probably here to stay for a while.
Black & white has been around a long time. Go to any photography gallery and you will see that most of what you see is in black and white. It is now, and always will be, a classic form of photography. It is always nice to have a combination of both color and black & white. Also sepia has a nice warm inviting feel to the photo, if it is done right.
Do all wedding photographers photograph in this style? Well No, there are still some of the traditional photographers out there who have not changed. When you are interviewing photographers, ask them if they specialize in a photojournalistic style of photography, or if they do a combination of both traditional & photojournalistic shooting styles. Make sure you see samples of work from the specific photographer who is going to photograph your wedding, not just samples from a studio that may send out a different photographer. Consider not only the style of different photographers, but also the personality and choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with. Let's face it,( and we have talk about bed side manner before and how important it is) the wedding you are spending so much time planning is only going to last a few short hours. The music will stop, the food will be eaten, and the flowers die, but all you will have is those photos to remember your wedding day Along with your now husband. And that is why it is so important to find a great photographer who will give you artistic pictures you will love forever.
Well hope this helps and as always we like your feed back
By Peter Bruce posted on Saturday, October 24, 2009 @ 4:56 PM - (General)
Go to Fiji for your wedding...
Come on think about it people, why wouldn’t you want to do a wedding in a tropical paradise, a cool exciting city, a historic vintage castle or aboard a Caribbean cruise ship? It sounds wonderful, glamorous and a whole lot more fun than planning a wedding in your boring small home town. That’s why more and more modern day couples are choosing destination weddings.
There's a tons of reasons to elope , not the least of which is that it’s often a more affordable,fun and less stress free option.Getting a wedding together in your own backyard(or hotel) involves some serious thought and planning, hopping on a plane to some fabulous golden locale with your nearest and dearest could turn out to be a lot easier and more fun ! Two of the most popular and fun locations for weddings away are Las Vegas and on a beach.
Beach sun and sand Weddings...
If you’re planning on tying the knot at an exotic beach then consider these places as Tahiti, Fiji and Jamaica DAM what is wrong with Australia. The weather is as good as it gets , the people are friendly and the food is to die for. For those who would prefer to stay in the US, a Hawaiian wedding is the great choice. The landscape is like something out of a fairytale and the weather is perfect. And no passport or money exchange.
When you choose a dress for beach wedding, don’t go crazy girls . A simple dress made of a light material is best for the beach. For bridesmaid’s dresses think colorful floral prints or striking patterns. Don’t be afraid to be a little creative!
Think about using the flowers and ferns native to the beach. Not only will this provide a coherent beach theme, but you’ll also save the cost of ordering floral arrangements. Calla lilies, sunflowers and daisies are all summer favorites. For a true beach theme, enhance the bouquets and boutonnieres with pearls, seashells and starfish as decor.
Here is another tip. Make a message in a bottle and throw it in the ocean asking who ever finds it to call you.
Let Elivs marry you,just give him a peanut butter sandwich...
Las Vegas isn’t only for couples wanting to do it! Yes , you can get married on a whim by an Elvis himself or by the man in the drive through window, but this isn’t the only way to get hitched in Vegas. The city offers both elegant and fun themed destinations all in one easy location.
Most Hotels resorts offer a hugh selection of wedding packages with a range of prices . Whether you decide to express your love through a simple ceremony or an extravagant wedding affair, Vegas in house wedding coordinators will take care of every last details, from the food to the photographer and videographer. All you have to do is show up and say yes. Here are some of the best Vegas hotels ...
Bellagio...Wounderful wedding halls and rooms for a memorable day.
Caesars Palace... Forget the chapel, a palace is the place to get hitched
The Venetian... This resort and casino offers the stunning Rialto Bridge in San Marco Square as a beautiful wedding location.
Mandalay Bay... The Vegas destination for a tropical themed wedding.
Las Vegas also offers a lot of elegant & romantic wedding chapels that specialize in both themed and traditional wedding . Many Las Vegas wedding chapels will even take care of the details for you, including a wedding coordinator, photography, flowers, receptions, dressing rooms and outdoor ceremonies - all at fair prices. Some of the best themed chapels the city boasts include...
Princess Wedding Chapel ... Your destination for a fairytale dream come true wedding.
Little Church of the West...Las Vegas’ original and best wedding chapel.
Bel Ami Wedding Chapel...A luxurious, elegant chapel with picturesque stunning grounds for an outdoor ceremony.
Wedding Belles Chapel... Located in the heart of Vegas, you can get married in the church or outside in the serene garden gazebo.
Now with all the help we have given you here,you have to promise one thing.If you run away to get married you take Peter Bruce photo and Belle fine weddings with you to cover the event OK.
