Bling it On!

While processing wedding photos today, I had an episode of "Amazing Wedding Cakes" playing for some background noise.  The hubby and the kids had gone shopping for gifts for my upcoming birthday in October, so the house was pretty quiet - almost too quiet.

I decided to check out the WE TV website and saw a banner ad for cake toppers.  It caught my attention, and I checked out the site.

Toppers With Glitz
http://www.topperswithglitz.com/

Let me tell you, I am loving these cake toppers!  Their designs are gorgeous, and they add a unique touch of elegance.  I will definitely have to recommend these to my Brides - I would love to see one on top of a wedding cake and get to photograph it.

Some Tough Church Rules & The Manor House

Big wedding tomorrow.  Ceremony is at a church in Hyde Park.  I read their photographer rules on their website, and WOW - they are STRICT.  I've worked under some crazy conditions, but these are the worst by FAR.

1.  No photos except from the balcony or the narthex (which is the church lobby).  So, that means all telephoto shots, maybe a few wide angle from the balcony.  And I'm going to assume that the narthex will have glass between it and the church area - those photos through the glass are going to look GREAT (yeah, right!).

2.  I can't go past the eighth pew during the processional.

3.  Only ONE shot of the Bride and each Bridesmaid as they walk down the aisle.  Seriously, ONE???  I just don't think that's possible - and come on, how will they know?  Are they going to count the number of times I press the shutter...?  I may follow all of their other crazy rules, but I'm going to bend this one for sure.

4.  No flash except during the processional.  I don't remember anything about the recessional, but another rule I'll break if necessary.

From what I can tell, it's a fairly pretty church - I even think I was in a wedding there years ago (this will jar my memory for sure).  But some pretty hard core rules on photography!

The reception will be at The Manor House in Mason, Ohio.  It's on my "list" of places I want to do photos.  From what I've seen online, there's a gorgeous courtyard area with a gazebo, small stream, bridge, etc.  We'll be rushing from the church to The Manor House to squeeze in some of those key photos before the sun sets!  We won't have much time, that's for sure.

All in all, tomorrow won't be the easiest of weddings - some of the conditions are definitely not in favor of the photographer (yours truly), but that won't stop me from trying to get the most fabulous photos I can!  I haven't had an angry Bride and Groom yet, and I don't plan to start now.

On the Subject of Boutonnieres...

While searching on Google for information on pinning on boutonnieres, I came across this website of fun and unusual boutonnieres - for those who don't want flowers or the expected....

Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

Some examples of their super cool boutonnieres! Photo opp anyone?

How to Pin on and Wear Boutonniere

I have a wedding on Saturday, and sometimes I get asked about pinning on the boutonnieres.  Honestly, I don't know!  I know they go on the left side, and that's about it.  Usually, the boutonnieres are on the guys before I start taking photos, but it does happen sometimes.  I often carry extra pins, just in case, but I thought it was time I learned a little about pinning on the boutonniere.  A quick Google search resulted in this handy information

1.  With one hand behind holding the stem of the boutonniere, flowers facing away from the wearer and toward you, place the boutonniere at a slight angle on the dress or lapel. This is an average of about 4 inches in from the tip of the left shoulder.

2.  Make sure that the boutonniere is evenly placed on the lapel before attempting to pin it.

3.  Use a Boutonniere Pin to pin into the fabric at the bottom left corner of the stem.

4.  Weave the pin back out from under the fabric. Push it through about 1 inch, laying it at an angle over the top of the boutonniere stem.

5.  Stick the tip of the pin back into the fabric on the other side of the stem. Insure that the stem is tightly in place with the length of the pin pushing it down.

6.  Weave the pin back out of the fabric once more. Be sure that the very tip of the pin does not stick out, nor does it poke under the fabric and touch the skin. 

Helpful Tip: A boutonniere is always worn on the left side of the body. For a clean polished look try weaving the Boutonniere Pin through the underside of the lapel. This keeps the head of the pin from showing, for a smart look. Another alternative to Boutonniere Pins, try using a strong adhesive magnet made especially for corsages and boutonnieres. One part of the magnet sticks to the underside of the boutonniere, while the other side is slid under the lapel, attracting itself to the magnet and clamping the boutonniere in place.

Hope this information helps others who are trying to figure out how and where to pin the boutonniere!

Another Fun First Dance - With Wedding Party

Another fun first dance - involving the entire wedding party this time! I wish I had done something like this at my own reception, but one of my bridesmaids was nine months pregnant at the time...not sure how that would have worked!

Too Busy to Blog!

It's been a crazy week or two!  We had the long holiday weekend, a leaking hot water tank, a newborn shoot and TWO amazing weddings.  I'll be posting photos from the newborn shoot and weddings soon.