Save-the-dates can come in several forms. You can send out physical cards or magnets or, you can save time and money by sending out save-the-date ecards. For added convenience, you can even include a clickable link directly to your wedding website on your save-the-date ecard so your guests don’t have to physically enter your website URL into the browser address field. And, because ecards are electronic, they are also good for the environment!

If you make note of your wedding website address on your physical save-the-date or ecard, you can direct your guests to the site for more information. Doing so will not only make your guests aware of your wedding website and where to go to learn more about your wedding plans, your recommendations and where to go for future updates, but it will also prevent you from having to personally field calls or emails about where to stay, what to do or where you’re registered because all of that information will most likely already be available on your wedding website – if you choose to include it.

If at all possible, try to create a cohesive look across each of your wedding elements by coordinating the look of your save-the-date with your wedding colors and/or wedding website design. This will allow you to set the tone for the rest of your wedding from the first introduction.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

Whether you plan to have an intimate wedding ceremony or a grand soirée, your friends and family members will likely have a desire to get involved or contribute to the planning process in some shape or form. While you may not want them to offer too much advice, there are fortunately some fun and easy ways to keep them included. And who knows, you may even find that you receive some helpful information along the way.

First, if you have a wedding website, consider including a music request form. Not only will your guests be able to provide you with their song wish list, but you will also be able to get a sense of what will keep the party hoppin’.

Consider also offering an address book form on your website, so your guests can add or update their mailing address information. Allowing your guests to do this on their own will not only free you up to stay focused on the other aspects of your planning, but it will also provide you with a means of obtaining the information you will need when it comes time to send out your wedding invitations.

Many couples have opted to include poll and quiz questions on their websites. Some questions may even relate back to the planning decisions they need to make. While some couples use the responses to actually help them make their decisions, such as where to go for their honeymoon, others take the advice with a grain of salt. Either way, your guests will have fun and will feel as though they are contributing to your experience.

Many brides also benefit from blogging about their wedding planning experience. Planning a wedding, as we all know, can be quite stressful. For many, a wedding blog provides an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings with friends and family members. You may find that you receive both helpful advice and much needed support via the blog entry comments. However, if you are not one to share your thoughts, your blog is great for updating your guests about any changes to your wedding plans.

If you want to allow your guests to receive regular updates regarding your wedding plans, consider including an optional mailing list on your wedding website. That way, you can alert your guests to changes with one simple email.

Planning a wedding is exciting and fun, but no one ever said that you have to do it alone, so don’t hesitate to provide your friends and family members with a way to help you with your choices and decisions. They will likely enjoy feeling involved and in the end, you may benefit from getting some helpful advice.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

An old traditional wedding photo... classic!

Spring is in the air and the wedding photography season is here! Countless couples are excitedly preparing for the biggest day of their lives and everything has to be perfect! After all, the bride has been dreaming about this day since she was a little girl. Now it’s getting closer, she’s starting to think more and more about how her wedding photos are going to look.

In the past, wedding albums looked pretty much the same. A more traditional style of photography was used where the bridal party and guests were carefully arranged in groups, with much more consideration for lighting. This was a lengthy process and yielded little originality in the final results. Today, photojournalism is the en vogue style. This is a more relaxed approach to the photography with more candid results and a natural feel to the final photographs. The photographer is afforded greater creativity and wedding albums can be put together with stunning, storybook designs.

Let’s have a look at the differences between traditional and photojournalistic / creative wedding photography…

Traditional Wedding Photography

If you hire a traditional wedding photographer they will concentrate most of their effort on carefully crafted, posed shots of the wedding party and friends/family. They will give a lot more direction throughout the day and will make sure everyone looks absolutely pristine. They will maybe bring special lights that can be arranged in multiple setups to control the light and the ultimate quality of the photos. If you hire a traditional wedding photographer you should allow additional time to make sure you get all the photographs you want…

You can have lots of fun with traditional wedding photography too! Below are 2 examples of slightly more traditional photos. They are both posed group shots of a wedding party. The first one is very carefully arranged with everyone following strict directions on how to stand and look at the camera. The second photo however, is similar in that everyone has been told where to stand and to look at the photographer. But, in this shot a fun element has been added to make the scene a little more modern and in keeping with the journalistic style. It almost looks as though the bridal party initiated this scene by themselves and the photographer simply snapped the image!

A more traditional capture with a bit of a regimental feel

Crafted by the photographer but with a fun, lighter feel to it...

Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

A photojournalistic wedding photographer concentrates on capturing candid moments throughout the day with very little emphasis on direction. The pictures generally express more emotion and portray the feelings experienced by all involved. A good photojournalist incorporates interesting angles, lighting and framing into their work. At Blü Studio, we bring our own imagination to the photos and hopefully allow you to experience every moment again and again.

Photojournalistic style shot capturing a priceless, natural moment...

Photojournalism is by far one of the most popular styles of wedding photography at Canadian weddings today. This probably has a lot to do with the glitz and glamour portrayed by Hollywood and cosmopolitan fashion magazines. Brides want to look stunning, just like their favourite actress, and require photos that have a real impact. With photojournalism a picture really does say a thousand words!

Creative Wedding Photography

Creative wedding photography is a style not unlike photojournalism. However, rather than the photographer following around and taking completely candid shots, a creative photographer will place the subjects in predetermined situations and then allow them to be themselves and take the candid pictures from there. Blü Studio are creative photographers with a touch of the traditional. We find that modern couples are mainly looking for a more creative style of shot that captures the raw emotion of the day. However, our parents still tend to be a little more traditional and prefer more staged shots where everyone is organized and looking at the camera. There’s nothing wrong with shots like this and they are not old fashioned either, just a different style. They are often quite charming and can add to the perfect blend of “old & new” styles for your wedding day photography. Everyone can be happy!

Contact us now at info@blustudio.ca to find out how we can capture your story in a beautiful, timeless brilliance that will be enjoyed by generations to come! You may also visit the website at www.blustudio.ca/weddings for more information.

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients at Blü Studio is “What should I wear for my portrait session?”.

The answer to that largely depends on the type of shoot you will be experiencing with us. If you’re a wedding photography client, you will most likely be wearing a traditional wedding dress or tuxedo/suit. From there, it’s quite easy to put together a colour scheme and style for your bridesmaids/groomsmen, and so photographer input is not much of an issue.

It’s a slightly different story though if you are a portrait client, and picking out the perfect outfit can be quite a daunting and critical task…

So, what should you wear for a portrait session with Blü Studio?

The best thing to do is be yourself and don’t rush out to buy and outfit that you normally wouldn’t wear. A portrait isn’t just a pretty picture of yourself, it’s supposed to capture your personality and individuality too!

There are a few different types of portrait we offer at Blü Studio and depending on which one you’re booked in for, you will likely think about your clothing from a slightly different angle. For instance, if you’re coming in for an executive portrait you will probably want to be photographed in your normal business attire, maybe a suit or something a little more formal. In some cases, your portrait will be going on your website so clothing that complements the colour scheme of the site is a good idea. See the image at the top of the page on www.rolandlewis.com for an example. If you’re having a family portrait taken you might like to dress you and your family in something a little more casual. For a headshot, it might depend on the type of role you are going for or specific studio requirements.

Each of these circumstances can hold very specific requirements or personal preference but there are some simple guidelines that can be followed in each case…

First of all, solid colours are best. Stripes and patterns tend to be a bit distracting and take the focus away from your face. In a family portrait, it always looks best if each person is wearing similar outfits. Blue jeans and black shirts look great! White shirts are also nice but try to avoid bolder colours like red and green as they can sometimes take away from your normal skin tone.

Long sleeves and solid, matching colours work best...

Long sleeves are also a good idea. If you show the skin of your arms it can draw attention away from the face. Turtlenecks can help to accentuate a women’s figure as can a nice v-neck. Round collars don’t have quite the same effect and are not as flattering.

It’s nice to dress up for your photos if you feel jeans are a little too casual. As long as you think about the coordination you should be okay. If your shoot is an outdoor one, earth tones tend to work quite well. Black and white, as previously mentioned, go with just about any setting so if you’re looking to play it safe, that might be the way to go…

Your clothing choice is really key to determining the final outcome of your portrait. It can help to set the mood or atmosphere as fun and casual or elegant and formal. Try not to detract from your facial features with bold, overwhelming patterns and just relax… enjoy your session and have fun.

Larger groups look great when clothing is coordinated...

If you have any questions about dressing for a portrait please let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them for you…

Aren’t we going to get plenty of images like that on the wedding day? Yes, of course, but the engagement portrait captures a moment before the wedding day, a moment of anticipation and excitement. This is the first time you will work with us and suddenly it all starts to feel that little bit more real…

When to book the engagement portrait, where to go, what to wear???

There’s not really a right or wrong time to schedule your portrait. If your book over the winter, you might like to wait for the better weather. We recommend you organize the shoot for no later than 1 month before the wedding day. This gives you time to choose your framed image and for us to have it shipped from our lab in the US.

In terms of where to have the session, that’s a personal choice that only you can make. Some couples like to come into our studio but I always think it’s more appropriate to revisit a special place. Maybe the proposal spot or a park you like to stroll through on a regular basis.

For clothing, you don’t need to dress up too much, but make an effort. The picture is all about the two of you and what you mean to each other. Just try to be yourselves…

What can we do with our engagement portrait?

Obviously, long term, it’s going to hang on the wall of your home. In the short term however, there are a number of uses for your portrait. Why not include it in your save the date notifications? How about displaying it on your wedding website? On the wedding day itself, stand the portrait next to your guestbook at the reception for everyone to see…

Give us a call to book your engagement session with us. You don’t need to book a whole wedding package. We have many clients who simply cannot afford a professional wedding photographer but would still like a portrait to celebrate their nuptials.

Interest in digital cameras is going up in direct relation to the growth in sales of cell phones that also take pictures, a new survey by technology market analyst IDC shows.

The Mobile Imaging Survey, made public this week, shows that well over a quarter of camera phone users were inclined to buy a digital camera because their experience with the camera phone made them less intimidated by digital photography.

The findings refute earlier speculation among market and industry analysts that camera phones eventually would replace digital cameras. Since the first camera phone appeared in late 2000, the image quality has improved, approaching that of some digital cameras.

Camera phone users like to snap pictures anywhere, anytime and send them immediately by e-mail.
Still, users prefer a digital camera for “keepsake” pictures, such as family portraits and vacation snapshots, IDC discovered.

Those keepsake images also are the pictures that camera phone users are most likely to save and print at home, the survey found. Consequently, fewer camera phone images are being printed, dropping to an average of one every three months now from one a month last year.

IDC’s research appears to match, in part, studies cited earlier this year by Eastman Kodak Co. on camera phone habits. The company discovered that more than 70 percent of camera phone users rarely move images into a computer for archiving or printing later.

Camera phones outsell digital cameras about four to one, but they aren’t the source of most digital images. About 7.5 billion images will be taken with camera phones this year, compared with an estimated 40 billion from digital cameras, IDC said.

The survey analyzed responses from 150 people nationwide, mostly 25- to 44-year-olds; it was weighted to reflect the nation as a whole.

Reporter David Sheets

With destination weddings on the rise, it is becoming more and more important for couples to have a means for informing their guests of their upcoming wedding plans as well as provide recommendations for out-of-town guests.

Wedding websites allow your guests one-stop shopping when it comes time for them to arrange their travel plans as well as other details. You can be as specific as you wish and link your website directly to the hotel reservation pages that you would like to recommend to your guests.

You will find that having a website is not only a time-saver but a budget-saver as well. The multiple mailings that can sometimes become necessary to communicate with your guests can easily eat up a good portion of any wedding budget. Allowing your guests to RSVP online will also cut down on your wedding expenses. No need for RSVP cards! However, you can always order just enough for those guests who may not be web savvy.

Destination weddings have definitely become a way for couples to express their style in a less traditional way. If you choose to have your wedding in a destination location, try to make it a fun experience for you and your fiancé as well as for your guests.

Destination Wedding Tips

1. Location, Location, Location. When selecting a location, choose one that appeals to your tastes and wedding style. Keep in mind, however, that because it won’t be as easy as going down the street to the local church to attend your wedding, you’ll have to assume that your guest list may be smaller. You’ll need to get a good sense about the number of attendees you wish to have before selecting your event facility so you can be confident that it will be appropriate for the crowd.

2. Less is More. Destination weddings can be expensive not only for those getting married, but also for those attending. Try to be mindful of that when selecting your wedding site so those who are closest to you can afford to attend. Consider having your wedding during the off-season so costs will be lower. Traditionally, accommodation expenses are covered for the bridesmaids by the bride’s family and for the groomsmen by the groom’s family. All other guests should be responsible for their own expenses. Most hotels will work with you to offer group discounts.

3. Assist your Guests. You may know the location that you will be flying off to for your dream wedding like the back of your hand, but most of your guests will not. Your wedding website can be a tool to help you educate your guests about the area, local attractions, accommodation ideas, the weather and directions. Making their job easier will only amount in a larger turnout at your wedding. Use your website to remind them of the things they may not consider such as a passport if required for your chosen location.

© 2008 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

They Should Listen: Sure, they are the experts but the fact of the matter is that it’s your wedding. Their job is to make sure that what you want looks the best it possibly could. When you begin your search for a bridal makeup artist tell them what you are looking for and see how they respond. If they aren’t thrilled with what you want and demand the upper hand, look for someone who understands your style.

Look at Previous Work: Previous work is one of the best ways to become clear about a makeup artist’s talent. Most will have a portfolio or website with pictures of past clients and previouse bridal makeup applications. If you’re less than thrilled or don’t like their style keep searching for someone who meets your standards.

Bring Pictures: It’s highly likely you have been flipping through wedding magazine to help you find out what you want on your wedding day and that includes what you want your bridal makeup to look like. If you find a particular style, color, or look that you are absolutely in love with, cut the picture out and bring it with you. Your wedding makeup artist will thank you for the example and you’ll find it much easier to get what you want when you come prepared with a visual.

Nothing but the Best: Your paying to have your bridal makeup done professionally and therefore should expect professional makeup or at least that of good quality. You want to make sure that your mascara makes it through your tears of joy. Ask your makeup artist about the products they use on their brides.

Insist on a Dry Run Appointment: Weddings take a great deal of practice and planning and that includes your appearance. You probably looked at tons of dresses, flowers, and cakes before you made a decision. Make sure the makeup artist you choose will set up a prior appointment to figure out what will look best for your wedding day. The last thing you want to do is go in blindly the day of your wedding and come out with bridal makeup you hate.

Let Them Know If You Don’t Like It: Having your bridal makeup done professionally is one way to be sure you look your best on your wedding day. Since you are paying to have it done you have every right to like the way you look. If you don’t like the way your eyes came out or aren’t a fan of that particular shade of lipstick, let the makeup artist know. This is your big day and you should be one hundred percent satisfied with the way you look after you leave their chair.

- Jennifer Wasilewski

Hiring a makeup artist to apply your wedding day makeup will help complete your look. You spent a lot of time picking out the perfect dress and accessories. Bridal makeup artists are trained to not only find colours that look good on you, but to find a look that compliments the style of your wedding dress. If your dress is romantic, for example, you may opt for a softer look. If your dress is modern or unconventional, you’ll probably want a bridal makeup style that will fit the same description.

Makeup artists also understand how different factors can affect your look such as lighting and how you appear in photographs. How many times have you seen pictures of brides whose makeup didn’t look quite right? Maybe they had dark spots under their eyes, or their skin tone looked uneven. Chances are, the person who did their bridal makeup didn’t understand how the colours they chose would come out on film. A trained bridal makeup artist takes these factors into account.

Professionals also help you save time in the morning. On your wedding day, you may be excited, emotional, or too nervous to apply your own makeup. Having a professional makeup artist apply your wedding makeup is a good time for the bride to relax. Makeup artists also use professional products and techniques that will help your makeup stay fresh and beautiful throughout your special day.

There are several advantages to hiring a bridal makeup artist for your wedding day. They will create a polished look that will compliment the style of your dress and your personal taste. Professional makeup artists understand how things like lighting and photography affect your makeup and will choose products and techniques that will enhance your bridal beauty. Also, they help eliminate stress and help you achieve the appropriate bridal makeup for your wedding ceremony. In addition their techniques create a look that will stay fresh and last throughout the day and evening.

- Salley Lopaz