Tuesday, July 22, 2008

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTOGRAPHER

When planning a wedding there are many choices you have to make and it may seem overwhelming which is very common. However, when looking for the right photographer to capture your memories it is not as complicated as you may think. First ask friends and family members if they have a recommendation of a photographer. Also look online for other bride's feedback of their photographer at places like The Knot etc. Visualize your photos and how you want them to be. That will help you decide if the photographer can achieve what you are looking for when viewing their portfolio. Make a decision what type of personality you are best suited with. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as you will be with them all day long and so will your family and friends.

Here are the basic questions you may want to ask when interviewing photographers:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • What are some locations they have worked at?
  • Are they a member of a photographer's organization?
  • Who is the photographer you are hiring and are you able to meet or talk with them before the big day?
  • Look at the photographer's samples not samples of other employed photographers.
  • What type of photography style do they offer - candid, traditional or both?
    Candid is not posed and usually non-invasive. Traditional is staging shots and is a hands on approach throughout the day. Both is when traditional shots are staged mostly during house coverage after you are dressed and after the church as well as park coverage. The rest of the evening is usually done in candid style and you are left alone except for a few traditional shots during the cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss, etc.
  • Can you speak with their former clients for references?
  • Do their packages include albums and if so what exactly are you getting?
  • Do they offer the digital negatives?
    You may want to be sure they are the high resolution images as they sometimes may not offer that. High resolution is the highest quality as they were taken which ensures that you can print a large photo without loosing quality.
  • Make sure there are no hidden costs. Sometimes there is a pricing method that is just a starting point and may not include certain things such as all day coverage, upgraded albums, print quality and or sizes.
  • See if they can throw in an engagement photo if you go with their high end package. Some photographers are more than willing to include something with their highest package. It doesn't hurt to ask.
This article was written by Lesa Zonsius of ZonCom Productions Inc..
Visit their website at www.Zoncom.com for more information on their services.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Most Popular First Dance Songs

First Dance music: First dance as husband and wife.

  • Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
  • Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
  • Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
  • The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
  • It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
  • What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
  • Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
  • I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
  • I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One)
  • A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
  • As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein)
  • When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss)
  • Faithfully (Journey)
  • No Ordinary Love (Sade)
  • Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
  • I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery)
  • Power Of Love (Celine Dion)
  • Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
  • Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams)
  • When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton)
  • All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
  • I'll Be There (Mariah Carey)
  • On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men)
  • At Last (Etta James)
  • Don't Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
  • From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
  • Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.)
  • Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers)

*These are the most requested songs, but there are many others. Ask your DJ.

Monday, July 7, 2008

7 Great Tips Before You Get Married!!

1. The most important: Marry the right person. I didn’t say the perfect person since they don’t exist but marry the right person for you. Marry your soul mate. Someone who makes you laugh, that comforts you when you are down, who loves you for who you are now what you look like . Someone you want to grow old with.

2. You can never be over-prepared. Read books. Prepare. Befriend married couples and ask them lots of questions. Take pre-marital counseling classes.

3. Make the planning process easy - Keep it simple and ask for help when you need it.

4. The Wedding isn’t a show. It’s a worship service and celebration. Don’t do stuff to impress people but rather, make choices that are meaningful and reflect you and your relationship.

5. Honor your parents. The wedding isn’t just for you. It’s an opportunity to honor your guests, your family, but especially your parents. Carve out time during the actual wedding ceremony to speak heart to heart to your parents and let them know how much you appreciate them.

6. PLEASE do not go into DEBT to just put on a fancy party. The location, food, and glitz in the end it will be a memory - Save your money for a down payment on a house or go on a great Honeymoon.

7. It only happens once. So ENJOY!