Most brides go to a wedding show looking for information.  It’s common for a Bride to leave a wedding show overwhelmed. The Bride and her entourage will exit the show completely stunned at the volume of tasks that must be completed before the big day.  I call this, “Deer in the Headlights Syndrome.”

If you  are currently suffering from DHS, don’t worry there is a cure.

Your first task is to spread the pile of literature you’ve collected on the floor and begin shorting. I suggest sorting first into categories (ie, photographers, caterers, venues, etc.)

Second, remove the brochures from vendors that were unappealing. Chances are, you remember the vendors that left a bad taste in your mouth very well. If you haven’t already, toss these out! Now you should be left with a manageable, and less daunting to-do list.

Third, choose the vendor category that peaks your interest and browsing the internet!Compare the brochure you picked up to each website. Additionally it never hurts to check Google Maps for reviews  from customers, physical location, and a list of services offered.  Don’t be afraid to call the vendor and ask for references from past clients or set up a face to face consultation. Meeting with for favorite vendor will help you to judge if they are a right fit for you and your fiance’.

Once the right vendor has been found, ask that person for a referral and some guidance in where to turn next. Venues will often have lists of preferred vendors they will share. If you don’t have a venue, but you do like a particular photographer or DJ, ask them! Understandably it’s not the best idea to book a photographer or DJ until a venue has been chosen, but it never hurts to pick the brain of a seasoned pro. Another good resource is one you’re already familiar with, bridesclub.com . Don’t hesitate to return again and again to find new vendors and revisit others as you continue your search.

Finally, it’s important to remember that pricing and availability of the best vendors is time sensitive! Personally I love the September Wedding Expos because my calendar books 12-18 months ahead for the most popular dates (can you say 09-10-11 ladies?) Right now is a great time to book next Fall’s wedding or the summer of 2012. Plus, it’s not uncommon to see a vendor raise their prices just prior to the busy January wedding show season.

Most importantly ladies, remember how much you love your man! Wedding planning can be stressful, time consuming, and even debilitating! Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy each other along the way.

Let’s work backwards shall we? Julia’s garter became her something blue, but with a twist. The police car, badge and handcuffs represented Josh and his job as Deputy Sheriff. Additionally, Julia carried a few good luck charms with her under her skirt. A pin from her great grandmother and namesake, rings that had been passed down, and a few other sentimental tokens.

Last of all, she added a sixpence coin to her shoe. All of these rituals made me start to think about the meaning  of these somewhat obtuse rituals. So I did my homework. Here’s what I found:

“Something old” is a reminder of the bride’s link to her ancestors.

“Something new” is a wish for good fortune and success in the future. The bride often chooses the wedding gown to fill this category.

“Something borrowed” usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to give  good luck to the new bride.

“Something blue” is a symbol of love, fidelity.
A sixpence in her shoe is to insure wealth and prosperity for the future. In this instance those shoes will a killer shade of pink!

Julia and Josh also chose to do a “First Look”. This is an emerging and distinctly American tradition that has been brought to popularity by other wedding photographers like myself. Gone are the days when seeing the bride before the ceremony was a thought to be bad luck. Today’s couples instead, enjoy the quiet heartfelt moment together in which they can express their excitement for the impending nuptials and say what is in their heart. Plus, it’s a giant stress relief!

Many of our modern traditions are a twist on older one’s inherited from relatives who could only bring their way of life to this country when they immigrated. As America grows older, I suspect many of the traditions carried by these stalwart progenitors will be preformed along with unique American born rights of passage that are now reaching maturity, just like the couples themselves.

**Update**

As promised, a video of my favorite photos from Josh and Julia’s wedding. If you would like to purchase a copy please use the paypal button below and a DVD will be sent to you!

You wouldn’t know it by looking at them, but Brant and Abby stand as pillars of strength for their families. They both have a quiet unassuming way of caring for each other that is inspiring. Through times of loss, sickness, or just the frustrations of daily life, they stand by each other -  undaunted. They believe in family and most of all, they believe in each other. Thank you both for letting me share in your most joyful day.

The video I’ve created for this post is a collection of some of my favorite images and moments from their wedding. Hopefully it captures the spirit of this wonderful couple.

All of Abby and Brant’s wedding photos will be available for viewing on Aug. 14, 2010 at 9am. Please use the following link to view the images.

Login: Abby & Brant

Password: 21366

http://www.collages.net/ViewAnEvent/irenejonesphotography

Since I started creating these videos for customers I’ve gotten a lot of great feed back about what great keepsakes they can be. If you would like to purchase of copy of this video on DVD for yourself or as a gift  please use the Paypal button below.

So, I feel like I need to say thank you for the glowing praise. Each review on Google Maps goes a long way to helping me gain quality new customers which grows my business. I’ve already had new clients come specifically because of what was said. So anyone that posted a review during the contest (6-8-10 through 7-31-10) watch your mail boxes, because I will be sending you a $50 gift certificate. For some of my oldest customers this is nothing new, I have always rewarded referrals with free photos and discounts on future sessions. So please, keep sending your friends and family my way and earning a little somethin’ for yourself.

There can only be one winner of the 16×20 canvas though, and this was a hard decision.  Here’s the winning review.

By Michele – Jul 9, 2010

We’ve worked with Irene for a long time now, and can attest that every experience with her is convenient and rewarding. She knows what we want before we want it. It’s nice to know that we can ask her to capture a memory and not worry at all that the essence of what we value will be communicated in her work. And whatever creative idea we have, she’s able to make it happen. The quality is superb, the price is great, and the experience is fun. We’ve recommended her to countless people and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.‎

Thanks Michele for referring people over and over. At last count I have done 5 weddings from your referrals and sold prints to dozens of extend family members and friends across the country.

If you’ve had a positive experience as a wedding I’ve shot, or I’ve done portraits for you, please add your reviews to google maps, and tell your friends. Thanks again to everyone to who wrote a review.

Thanks to you both for a fun Friday afternoon on a wind swept beach (is there any other kind around here?) in Edmonds and some great photos. These are my favorites.

These cards are perfect for Graduation Announcements, Thank You cards after a wedding, Save the Date postcards if you’ve recently had an engagement session, Birth announcements, or Birthday invitations!

Plus I am happy to make changes to any of the designs posted upon request. Ordering is simple, just add the size and quantity (groups of 25 cards) to your cart when ordering prints.

The photo collages are a terrific way to present a variety of different images. Each collage is formatted and ready for printing on canvas.  All of our canvas prints are “gallery wrapped”. This means that the image area extends around the sides of the wooden frame making it ready to hang the moment it arrives. These collages can also be used as photo cards but they are limited to cards with square dimensions.

If you have any questions about ordering these products please email irene@ijphoto.net or call 425.367.4781.

Their attention to detail, love of one another, and kind demeanor was very refreshing.  I hate to admit it, but I sometimes feel like I’m living in a reality television series.  Some of  the stories I could tell about the strange and sometimes frightening things I’ve observed would fill volumes, but I’d rather focus on the good times.

The wedding day started around noon for me, but the team of make up artists and hair stylists had been at work for several hours before I arrived.  Once boutonnieres were pinned in place and every last lock of hair curled, the entire bridal party, myself, and Terice (my assistant), went to the SAM Sculpture Gardens for some photos.

It took several trips to get us all there and back.

One shot of Megan was done in the parking garage while we were waiting for a ride. She exclaimed, “I love Cement!” Which is not something I’m used to hearing from a bride. Normally my clients don’t share my love for industrial design, but since Megan is an Architect we found out quickly that our tastes ran parallel.

Next came the ceremony. The vows were heartfelt and even printed lovingly on card-stock and bound. Steven is a Lawyer and obviously gifted when it comes to the written word. I normally tear up in weddings, but in addition to tears during this ceremony I applauded most approvingly with the crowd.

The reception was perfect. Friends and family shared laughs and tears during the toasting and the dancing that followed. I went home, feeling a renewed faith in love and the power it has to ennoble all of us. Thank you Megan and Steven and may God bless your union always.

If you wish to view more photos from Megan and Steven’s wedding please visit our client log in page for Irene Jones Photography. Search for Megan and Steven and use password 21366 to log in. Print, photographic cards, wedding albums and other products can be purchased directly from the client log in site. Photos will be posted 2 weeks after the wedding date.