http://www.scn.ucla.edu/pdf/Master-InPress-PsychSci.pdf
I found a post on a forum I visit scientists at UCLA believe photo’s of  and individual’s loved ones is a good way to decrease physical and psychological pain.

Strapless  gowns for brides have been widely popular for several years.   They are not however for the faint-hearted to wear successfully.  It has to fit properly and with proper foundation to support the bride throughout the day.  It is less than attractive for the bride  every few minutes to grab both sides of the bodice and give an upward yank.  It is the exact opposite of wearing a micro-mini and spending all your time tugging downward on it for fear your zip code is showing.

Because we all come in various shapes, sizes, and anywhere from “ok” to “more than enough” it is imperative to have someone great at alterations create the best fit for you.  Then either at the dressmakers or at home get in the gown of your dreams and dance wildly to prove to yourself you are not going to suddenly find yourself the center of attention for a couple of wrong reasons.  Stretch your arms over your head. Reach across a table.  Once you have proved you will not be popping out of the gown make up your mind there will be no two handed tugs throughout the day from you because you fear falling out.

While you are still in the gown have a few moments of “working” the dress.  What do I mean?  Find out what you can and can’t do in it, and then figure out how you can do these things looking every inch of the beautiful bride you will be that day.

There is nothing like a well planned seemingly relaxed woman walking down the aisle on her dad’s arm.  Shoulders back, flowers down so the design details of her wedding gown are visible, and her eyes fixed on the man she is about to marry.  It should be a calculated, regal, well timed walk letting the entire church know just how she has prepared herself to be presentd to the one she loves.  No matter how many times you see it, it will always be a touching moment to watch.

If you choose strapless you also should make the choice to wear to your best advantage.  Straps, caplets, and jackets can be created if it isn’t for you.  In closing……… work it, girl……. work it!  Don’t let it WORK you!

2009 very much could be depicted by the image in this post.  Bare trees hanging over a road that I was uncertain where it led.

I choose to count blessings for 2009 no matter how few or how small.  How about you?  Thinking about the good things that surround you?

My biggest blessing this year has been the people in my life both on the short term and the long term.  I am richer from meeting and knowing each person.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hundreds and thousands go into weddings with a huge enormous chunk going into the Reception.  With that thought in mind let me ask, “Why on earth locate the cake you spent a good sum of money on be placed in an awkward place with a less than thrilling background”?    As a photographer we get the lovely job of making you, the cake and your surroundings look wonderful.   Is it impossible with an ugly background? No! Is it optimal?  NO!

Poor lighting…. why on earth would you want this confectionary creation to sit in the dark?

Bride’s gown is too large to get behind the table or at least in a good position to get a great shot of the cake cutting.  Why does the table get shoved in a corner, under an exit sign, or near an entrance?   Move the cake!  It is art and a beautiful creation.  Move it where it gets the attention it deserves.

Another thing we see.   The cake is placed in the center of a 60 inch round table. The bride in in a strapless dress.  Stretching across a table can have some interesting outcomes.  Neither is it flattering to the bride.

It would be nice if more reception halls would give some thought to this as well.  Our brides are doing the planning and decision making for the very first time.   They trust their wedding vendors to guide them in situations like this.

Be assured, every photographer is going to find the very best angle, and utilize lighting to give you the best possible images.  Why not give them a little help, and create a lovely cake table and place it where it is in a great place for photos?

Just a thought.

This is for Alex and Claudia

It is my honor and my pleasure to photograph another wedding photographer and his fiance! Very early on when we first started Kevin remarked how strange it felt to be on the other side of the camera.  It had been a number of years since he found himself the one being photographed.  No worries!  He was easy and fun in front of the lens.

Katie is just as beautiful as her smile.  Easy in front of the camera.  Quick to laugh. Little bit of sassiness.  Perfect!

Can’t wait!  It’s going to be a fun day in June!!