Newly engaged. Tips for planning your wedding day.

He asked the big question and you said YES!  You have joined the newly engaged!  Now what?

Here are some tips on planning your wedding day.  But who should you ask to join you on your big day? Here are some things to consider before you choose your bridesmaids.

Numbers
Most wedding planners recommend a bridesmaid for every 50 guests in attendance. If you have a small wedding, it might look odd to have four or five bridesmaids next to you. On the other hand, for a big wedding, it might look less formal to only have one maid of honor. Either way, it’s always nice to have a matching number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, so take your fiancé’s expectations into consideration as well.
Etiquette
Once you have a number in mind, be sure you don’t ruffle any feathers. If you have sisters, they should always be included, even if you don’t get along that well. It’s perfectly okay to have your best friend as your maid of honor, but it’s rude to leave family members out of the bridal party.
Reliability
You probably have lots of dear friends that you would love to share your big day with, but keep in mind that you will rely on them for many things—least of all looking polished for pictures and the ceremony, and most of all—moral support. If you have friends that are chronically late, will insist on casual footwear or tend to get excessively tipsy, think twice about including them in your day. (You will regret it.)

The Proposal
You have chosen your special friends who will stand next to you on your big day, but it’s still appropriate to ask them to honor you in this way. After all, it is a big commitment of time and money for them, so a more formal request goes a long way. Consider inviting them all to a special night out, or giving them a personal gift like this one.
Something Turquoise.com – They’ll be sure to say yes!
http://somethingturquoise.com/2011/10/14/diy-will-you-be-my-bridesmaid/
Gifts
While it’s common for bridesmaids to buy their own dresses, it’s a thoughtful gesture to buy their jewelry for the wedding day. You can choose something that coordinates with the dresses, which will also make a great gift for them to remember the occasion.
Use a personalization option to use gemstones that coordinate with your wedding color.
http://personalize.kay.com/kay2.html?s=6108&c=personalized_necklaces_and_pendants&sc=color_stone_pendants
Other Friends
If you couldn’t include everyone you wanted to, don’t forget that there are other ways for them to be involved in your big day. They could do a reading during the ceremony, perform a musical number during the reception, hand out programs, and of course still take part in the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Remember to have FUN!  It’s your day to enjoy and cherish.

What camera should I buy?

But wait, isn’t this about what camera to buy. Yes, that is why when someone ask me what camera they should buy I start asking questions. It’s that side of me that wants to know more. It excites me when someone is interested in photography. I recently had the father of one of my brides ask me which camera to buy. I talked his ear off or maybe it was asked him a zillion questions in the span of 15 minutes.

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Treasured photographs, life, seeking help and hope to carry on.

This will be the toughest blog post I have written so far. I seeking your support for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

I have discovered a sense of purpose and hope as I share my story. I shared some insights on this in a post a month or so ago on becoming vulnerable. I would never have thought that myself or my family would have been in a group that no one wants to be a part of: Survivors after Suicide. I am still at a loss,denial and disbelief. It’s hard to grasp that I am writing about two losses to suicide in the span of 14 months. Not us. Not our family. I have a sense of hope and purpose that raising awareness will change the way that mental illness and suicide are viewed in our country. It’s with that same hope that suicide can be taken “out of the darkness” and into the light so no other family will have to suffer the tremendous sadness and loss that suicide inflicts. I am thankful for the support that AFSP has offered to our family.

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Happy Birthday, The Muppets, Voice over and SEO

Say it with a FREE gift! Say it with a FREE gift! December 7th is my husband Trevor’s birthday .

Trevor is a talented movie editor. He works with the incredible “family” at soapbox films. Honestly soapbox is family to us. They have held our hearts through some of our toughest days. Words don’t express what they have meant to us. While there he’s had the opportunity to pursue voice over. You’ve most likely heard his voice in the latest release from soapbox films: The Muppets. I have been thinking what can I give to Trevor for his b-day that he wouldn’t get for himself.

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Happy Birthday and SEO Gift

Say it with a FREE gift!
December 7th is my husband  Trevor’s birthday .  He’s been pursuing voice over pretty steady this year.  You’ve most likely heard his voice.  Muppets is the most recent national campaign.    I have been thinking what can I give to Trevor for his b-day that he wouldn’t [...]

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As a photographer, I need creativity.

Turn creativity into a useful tool that can be call be pulled out and used anytime. Not just when “I am feeling inspired”
Creativity is another name for problem solving. And creativity is a muscle that you build.

Brilliant ideas are nothing if they remain ideas, and are eventually forgotten. Seriously 1000’s have passed through my brain! Creative ideas are nothing if you don’t put it into reality and create. So this is a challenge for everyone, whether you are an artist, an engineer or a salesperson, a parent or whoever you are.

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Ordering I am thankful…Cafe Gratitude In Los Angeles, CA

Thanksgiving Day might be the only day when ordering an I Am Thankful at Cafe Gratitude in Los Angeles, CA comes easily Vegetarian or not these images tell a story. Cafe Gratitude is one of those business that I admire. I love when someone carries what they do to heart . They believe in what they do and they are passionate about it. They find creative opportunities to share their passion with others.

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