Headmistress: Love at First Sight.

So far 2011 has thrown a few curve balls my way, but I can honestly say that seeing incredible work by artists like Headmistress make the yucky stuff that much more bearable. I recently discovered her work when I was showing a friend of mine the boutonnieres that I have been making for my own upcoming wedding, all made of feathers, lace, tuille, pearls and a single clear, rectangular rhinestone. She immediately jumped up and ran to grab some of the most fantastic accessories I have ever seen, all made by a good friend of hers located here in Toronto. If you read my blog, you know that I'm obsessed with everything vintage-y glamorous and man, this girl seems to have read my mind. Her pieces are absolutely stunning, extremely well priced and very unique, yet down to earth.

I can only imagine these gorgeous pieces being used in some way for the most fantastic wedding ever. The pins would be absolutely fabulous as very unique boutonnieres for gents and the headdresses,  and cuffs would make stunning accents for a bride or her gals. I can hardly even contain the love I have for Headmistress.

For locations to find Headmistress products around the globe, visit http://www.loveheadmistress.com/info. 

Wedding Vendor Contact List.

Short and sweet today! We are officially nine months away from our big day and next up on my ultimate wedding planning to-do list is the wedding vendor contact list. 

While a small detail, this wedding vendor contact list is vital in keeping both yourself and others organized during the planning leading up to the wedding and also on the wedding day itself.

Keeping a full list of your hired vendors and all of their contact details will keep this information at your fingertips. Be sure to pass this information off to key people on your wedding day - your maid of honour, parents, best man, etc. 

For the full Wedding Vendor Contact List, just click here.

Glamorous Wedding Accessories.

If you’ve been following my posts, you know that I am obsessed with everything ‘old Hollywood’.  There is just something so romantic about the 30s Art Deco and Monderne eras. Body skimming fashions of gorgeous silks with clean lines are so timeless and flatter almost every body type. With a simple yet elegant base, there is so much opportunity to play with glamorous wedding accessories. 

When I look at designers like Sarah Houston and Johanna Johnson, (below) who do such gorgeous wedding gowns and accessories, I get weak in the knees. The styling of these two designers is classic when it comes to these wedding accessories and it’s easy to see why they are so successful.

*image sourced from Sarah Houston

*images sourced from Johanna Johnson

Taking inspiration from these designers, I wanted to check out the web for more economical versions of these glamorous wedding accessories that are available to brides on a budget, and who should still be able to have the high-fashion look on their wedding day! Here are some of my favourite finds: 

GARTERS BY KIRSTI (ETSY) - Has a fantastic understanding of just how intricate these accessories need to be and does a great job of it, with a variety of prices to meet any bride's budget.

Rhinestone and Ribbon Wedding Headband 103 - USD120.00

Rhinestone and Ribbon Sash 105 - USD125.00

 *images sourced from Garters by Kirsti

CLUB MONACO - Their accessories are always well done and aren't often too highly priced that they are unattainable; a nice medium price point to the costume jewellery and they always have plenty left over when sales roll around.

*images sourced from ClubMonaco

LUCIABELLA (ETSY) -  With a family passion for making gorgeous accessories, at very reasonable prices, you know that LuciaBella is making something beautiful.

Satine Feather Hair Clip - USD48.00

London Headband Rhinestone - USD29.00

Spellbound Rhinestone Headband - USD24.00

*images sourced from LuciaBella

KIRSTEN KUEHN DESIGNS (ETSY) - A stunning collection of accessories including bouquet wraps, bracelets, garters and pillows all at a ranging prices.

Bali Crystal Bouquet Wrap - USD25.00

Brigitte Crystal Headband - USD75.00

*images sourced from Kirsten Kuehn Designs

And there you have it - so many fabulous ideas are out there and for very reasonable prices! Who said you can't be just as gorgeous, but for a fraction of the cost?

What To Ask Your Wedding Photographer.

So it seems the theme of the week has been wedding photography! I promised the other day I would put together  list of questions to ask of your potential wedding photographer and I live up to that promise! 

Booking your photographer is one of the largest purchases and subsequently most important decisions you can make during the wedding planning process. These pictures are one of the only lasting visual memories of your wedding day, so it is important to make sure you feel 100% confident in your photographer and his or her capability to provide you with the perfect end product. 

Being a DIY bride, I knew there were a few areas in which I wouldn't be able to cut back on my costs considering how picky and precise I can be, so asking all of the right questions to prove the photographer was capable of handling (and up to!) the challenge was imperative.  

So! What to ask your wedding photographer? Download a copy of this list, or scroll to view more below.

To view other helpful forms and lists for diy wedding planning, click here.

WHAT TO ASK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

• Will you be taking our photos on the actual wedding day? If not, can we meet the person who will be?
• Talk about your primary style.

tip! An experienced photographer will have a really good sense of what they do well, as well as a portfolio to back it up.

• Are you familiar with our venue(s) and have you done shoots there before? 
• How many weddings have you photographed? Are you comfortable with the size and formality of our wedding? 

tip! Timing and quick thinking during weddings are important. And if they haven't covered a wedding before they may miss a key moment - the kiss for instance. 

• Will any assistants be working with you? If so, will they be acting as a second photographer?
• If you are bringing lighting, tripods or other equipment, how intrusive might they be?
• What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?
• What do you ask of the couples you work with?
• Do you have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment?
• What time will you begin and how long will you stay until?
• When will the proofs be ready, do you mark them, and do we get to keep them?
• Do you work well with the other vendors? i.e.: coordinators, caterers, videographers.
• What packages do you have available and what is included in them?
• After booking, what is the typical communication process up until the big day?
• Are you able to provide me with references? 

 THINGS TO CONSIDER.

Once you have had the opportunity to ask your photographer all of the questions you feel appropriate, there are a number of things you will want to think about before making your final decision: 

• Review the available packages.

tip! Do they include everything you need? Are you comfortable with his amount in your budget? It is important to remember that these are one of the lasting physical things from your wedding day, so considering them an investment is important, however it shouldn’t break the bank.

• Review their portfolio again. Does the quality of their work meet your standards?

tip! Options and quantity of prints are important, but if you don't like the quality of the pictures, what good are all of the bonuses the package offers?

• Is their work consistent?

tip! Any photographer can have a number of great shots after shooting for a couple of years, but seeing a few entire weddings can help you to determine if they are capable of doing exactly what you want. The last thing you want is to be worried about whether or not you’ll be getting what you had anticipated! Any doubts – move on to the next photographer.

• Is this someone you would be comfortable around for a long period of time? 

  tip! You’ll be spending a huge portion of your day and both positive and negative feelings towards them will come across in your pictures. Like I always say, trust your gut. If there is anything about them that rubs you the wrong way, keep looking.

• Two photographers are usually better than one. 

  tip! Those little things going on behind the one photographer might be a perfect opportunity for the other photographer to capture. You won’t want anything missed! Especially if you’d like both you and your groom photographed getting ready in the morning!

• Contact their references.

tip! While it may feel a bit awkward to call a stranger, it can be invaluable to have an outside opinion on a potential wedding photographer. Remember, your photographs will be one of the most lasting aspects of your wedding – you’ll want to make sure you find the right wedding photographer for you.

THE FINE PRINT.

• The name of your photographer and whether a second photographer is included.
• The time that he/she arrives and leaves.
• The number of proofs you will view in order to pick your enlargements keep.
• The description of the package you ordered.
• A list of guaranteed prices for enlargements. If they have a brochure with prices then get these prices in writing.
• All additional charges, services, taxes, travel, etc... get the exact cost on the contract.
• An explanation of what happens if your photographer doesn't show up.
• The date and deposit amount and how much remains owing.
• Your name, address and phone.
• The names and addresses of the ceremony and reception locations.
• Limitations to other vendors (videographers) or snap-happy guests.

 

Investing in Wedding Photography.

This week we booked our wedding photographer! I say this with such joy because it was such a lengthy process. With the choices of wedding photographers seeming endless, the decision to settle on one that is right for you can be quite daunting, but there are a few things you can do to make both the search and selection process easier.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

BUDGET. As a DIY bride, I am very sensitive about my budget and spending too much money. But when thinking about it, I knew I had to flexible with my photography budget  in order to get what I wanted. You must think of your wedding photography as an investment as these are one of the only things (besides your live for each other and your rings!) that will be a physical reminder of one of the biggest days in your life! 

PACKAGES. Wedding packages vary by photographer, but you always want to make sure that you're getting a huge bang for your buck. For example, I saw a photographer in the city I liked but the package I was interested in didn't offer an engagement shoot or coffee-table book, was limited to 6 hours, and 250 retouched photos. Her fee was $2600 - just slightly over my budget. I found another photographer whose work I liked more that included a coffee table book, 2-3 hour engagement (or boudoir!) shoot, 250+ retouched photos, 8 hours of service and travel within 200km of their studio. This was all for $2995, plus tax. So all in all, I was slightly over budget, but knew I would have complete faith that my pictures will be exactly the way I want them and that all of the additional items are worth it in the end, making the whole experience that much more fun.

REFERRALS. First off, ask friends and family who have recently been married. These couples have been through the process already and may be able to recommend either the wedding photographer they hired, or another they came across during their search. If you do find a photographer on your own be sure to ask the photographer if he can provide you with references. Ask these people to be brutally honest.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

ADVERTISEMENTS. Click on the ads you see on the Facebook sidebar. Seriously. I know they are annoying, but sometimes this is the best way to see agencies you may not otherwise have found through search engines. We may not have ever found our photographer had I not clicked on these links! 

SCOUR LOCAL WEDDING BLOGS. This can be really useful as they often feature local weddings and subsequently links to the photographers!

BE PERSISTENT ON CONSISTENCY. Have a clear idea of what type of photos you want. Do you want photos with a crisp black and white shot, or something more vintage? Photo retouching is a huge part of the process, so make sure the photographer's way of finishing a photo is consistent with what you want. Most photographers try to show just how flexible they are with their work and styles. To some this can be exactly what they are looking for, but for me, I found it just plain confusing - could they guarantee they could do what I wanted or not? I found that during the search, finding a wedding photographer who could consistently show me they could give me the product I wanted was exhausting, however by being persistent, I finally found the right photographer for us.

*image sourced from Renaissance Studios

ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't ask questions, your photographer won't get a sense of who you are or be able to prove to you that they can or cannot do what you want. I'll be putting up a list of questions to as potential wedding photographers, so check back for that!

We decided to go with Renaissance Studios, located in Milton. The package was filled with all of the essentials and their level of customer service has been fantastic both leading up to and after the booking. Their work is incredibly consistent and they offer you the ability to select from a grouping of photographers. Renaissance Studios even provides you with articles and information, and ask you to fill out a lengthy questionnaire in order for the relationship between them and you to be strengthened. The reviews I've read have been outstanding so there was no question in hiring this studio. Their uniqueness in style, approach to customer service and overall love for bringing great photography services available to everyone makes them an obvious choice.

If you're a recent bride, who did YOU hire for your wedding and why?

Wedding Vendors: Blair Gable Photography.

While I have never actually met Ottawa photographer Blair Gable face to face, I already know he is the kind of guy who will make you feel comfortable from the moment you meet. His easy-going, natural approach helps him to not take himself too seriously, but still reinforces that fact that you are in good hands. I met Blair through a friend who got married this past July and to say the least was incredibly amazed by his work. The bride and groom, Malinda and Matt, were always the focus of each picture regardless of their proximity to the camera. Blair’s documentary approach to photography allows his work to be extremely sincere and evokes more emotions just when you’ve been left breathless from the previous shot.

I recently took the opportunity to interview Blair and learn more about what drives his passion for photography. With so many different experiences under his belt, it’s no wonder he has developed a style that is so uniquely his own.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your business and what drove you to become a photographer.

• I have been a professional photographer for about 10 years and am a full time news photographer. I worked for six different newspapers around Ontario before landing in Ottawa as a staff photographer at the Ottawa Sun. In 2008 I decided to go my own way and quit my nice stable job to run my own business. Now I work for Reuters News Service, Macleans Magazine, the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star - to name a few. I book a limited number of wedding each year that I shoot my way.

Are you self taught or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

• I went to Loyalist College to study photojournalism and was mentored by Jason Ransom, who is currently the official photographer for the Prime Minister's Office.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

• "Look behind you." – Andy Clark, Reuters staff photographer. Let's say you are shooting the bride and groom during the speeches and someone is telling a funny/touching anecdote that has everyone reacting. If you only focus on the bride and groom, or if you yourself are reacting to the speech instead of focusing on your job, you will not see that dad is crying or mom is laughing, etc and you are only telling one side of the story.

Do you rely on lighting (natural or artificial, or do you use some dark-room/computer manipulation?

• I work with ambient light as much as possible - but have no problem breaking out the strobes when the lights go down. Being able to work with the ambient light makes it easier to move around quickly and not have to juggle cameras and light stands. I use special lenses and cameras that allow me to work in very low light situations. I will break out the lights if the church is too dark and during indoor receptions. When I use my strobes I like to create depth by using multiple lights from different angles to separate the subject from the background. I almost never use direct on-camera flash - every other option would have fail before I resort to that. I do not manipulate my images after they are shot - that is one of the main things that separates photojournalists from other wedding photographers.

What is the one lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?

• Truth. I do not setup anything other than the family group shots. Even when I shoot the bride and groom portraits I will find the spot I want to shoot them in and let them be with each other naturally.

Apart from sheer hard work, what would you say has been the main key to the success of your business?

• Other than working my ass off 24/7, constantly being able to refine and improve my technique has been key. Doing the same stuff over and over because it is easy does not my fly with me. I try to give my clients a truly unique product every time.

Can you describe your natural style?

• I try not define how I shoot as a style. I am not trying to replicate or duplicate anything – I shoot the way I see and feel things naturally.

There is quite a variety of styles in your work. How do you work with a couple to determine their style without compromising your own style?

• I am not the easiest wedding photographer to track down, so when a client contacts me I know it is because they have been looking for something specific and kept looking until they found what they wanted. I am always very flattered when I hear couples talk about the dozens of wedding photographers they looked through before they found something they liked. In the initial meeting I make the way I work very clear. If a client is looking for a more traditional style of wedding photographer then we finish our coffees and part ways. If a client is looking for a unique approach and are able to put their trust fully in me to produce images they will love then we move forward with our relationship. I ask for a lot of trust from my clients.

What can a couple expect when working with you?

• Couples can expect a very right-brained Blair leading up to the wedding and a very left-brained Blair the day of. Because I do not work with a shot list the day of the wedding, I talk with my clients about who they are, what they love, what to expect the day of the wedding, the dynamics of their guest list, etc. I do this so that I feel like I know these people - I want to know what they want, what they like and I then figure out how to shoot it all my way. "Chance favours the prepared mind" is one of my favourite quotes and describes my approach perfectly. I want to know all about your wedding in advance so that I can be ready for everything and anything.

Are there any specific requests you like to ask of your clients?

• Trust me. Some people love the idea of documentary style wedding photography, but when it comes down to go-time they panic and revert to the same old mindset that they have to have all of these very boring photos taken in order for it to feel like wedding photography. Just let me do my thing and we will be all right.

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing weddings?

• I think there are two very challenging things. The first is keeping your mind alive and kicking when you are shooting all day and night. Red Bull comes in very handy. I don't take smoke breaks, I take Red Bull breaks. The second is dealing with a generation of people that were told to "smile at the camera" their entire lives. I really wish I were invisible and could capture people’s true emotions without effecting the moment.

What kind of direction do you give to the couple during the shoot?

• Hug it out. Don't look at the camera. Just ignore me.

How do you think the best, classic photographs are captured?

• The best wedding photographs are captured by very talented photographers. When you hire Uncle Jim's Discount Wedding's you are going to get shit. I think there is a big difference between classic and traditional wedding photographer. Classic is timeless - I hope that my images turn out this way in 50 years. Think about your parents wedding pictures - the cake cutting, the veil, the on camera flash, the dark churches - those are traditional and have aged horribly.

 

What is it like to capture such special moments for others?

• Sometimes when I am shooting pictures I get goose bumps and I know that there is something very special being recorded. Other times the couple is able to so completely shut me out that I feel like I am intruding on a very private moment. I get very excited when these feelings come over me because I know we are going to get something very special.

What do you think of the wedding photography industry today and where do you see it in 5 years from now?

• I see the wedding industry filling up with people who are not properly trained and do not have the experience nor the professionalism to give the clients the best product they possibly can. There is far more involved than just pushing a button. I see a lot of people who only shoot on the weekends, or decided to stay home with the kids instead of going back to work, or simply have a camera that are pumping out a terrible product and screwing clients out of their money. You simply cannot excel as a photographer if you are not shooting all the time for a very long time. Part of the reason I expanded the wedding portion of my business was because when I got married I saw all of the terrible photographers who were out there charging more than I was for a inferior product. I doubled the number of weddings I did per season that year and again the next year.

What's the biggest challenge when it comes to taking wedding photos?

• One of the biggest challenges is getting the clients comfortable enough to act 100% normal with a camera in their face. When it happens it is magic, when it doesn't the product is still very good, but will probably not be a portfolio piece or a feature on the website.

Have you ever had anything go wrong at a wedding and if so, how did you handle it?

• I have had cameras break and people knock over and lights and stands, things like that, but luckily I am a very prepared person and I bring a lot of gear with me to a wedding. I was able to swap out one camera with another and replace the broken flash and components in order to continue shooting the dance floor mayhem that was going on at the time. I have never had files go corrupt or mistakenly deleted - I have a certain workflow and safeguards that I use that helps protect against these instances.

What words of advice can you offer to couples when searching for a photographer?

• Couples looking for a photographer should really follow their hearts. If you see work that you like you need to contact that photographer, but if they give you a bad vibe you need to back away. You have to trust them and have faith in their abilities. Look at the fine details. If similar photos from multiple weddings look the same it means the photographer is shooting with a formula and not really putting any effort into making your photos unique. Fancy effects, glows, fades, strange colours are just smoke screen covering up poor quality photos. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be uncomfortable with or be second guessing the one service provider who is with you all day!

To see more of Blair’s exceptional work, visit his website.

*All photos courtesy of Blair Gable Photography

Luxurious Letterpress

Last year, when attending a wedding show, I ran into the cutest couple (Joel and Chantal) who run their own letterpress business. I was immediately stunned by the beauty and intricacy of their designs and began chatting about possibilities. I was so wrapped up in the invitations that I didn't realize that Joel was the brother of one of my sister's good friends. He immediately recognized me and we began chatting about their business and life outside of Ottawa.

If you haven't already stumbled across Papillon Press, you must! They are located in Sudbury, but are constantly in Toronto for wedding shows and other business. Not only do they have their own gorgeous designs, but they offer a printing service if you provide your own design, for brides doing a diy wedding.

Bridal Lingerie Sweetness

I have been on the hunt for a new bra for what feels like months on end (after convincing myself that I needed to try something new), but on Wednesday I ended up right back at my favourite spot, Jacob Lingerie. Not only did I find out that my trusted fave still existed (The T-Shirt Bra) and was girlie'd up with new lace trim, but all bras were buy one get one 50% off! I LOVE their stuff. It's classy, great quality and the prices are reasonable. They've totally upgraded their panty selection too with gorgeous laces, ruffles and trims while still being super comfy and the quality far outweighs what you'll get at La Senza.

*image sourced from jacob.ca

Jacob has always maintained its boutique feel in its lingerie section and right now that style of store is totally in! It is so nice to feel special; like you're buying something really for you (and also for your partner) with jazz music playing and surrounded by calming blacks, greys and pastels.

While shopping I noticed a small but gorgeous section called The Bridal Collection full of sweet but sexy bras, panties, robes, nighties and garter skirts. Prices are very affordable considering things are normally tripled in price as soon as the word 'bridal' is included. The nicest thing about it is the bility for anyone to get something special for your wedding night.

Now I'm just waiting for Jacob to turn to bridal gowns :). Wouldn't that be divine?