A Slice of Life Photography: Wedding Ideas Blog

Anna and Mark

2012-02-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Anna and Mark chose to do a destination wedding since her family lived in the state of Wyoming and his family all lived in Australia. So the San Diego area of California seemed like a great half way mark. They had their event at the Rancho Magdelena in Valley Center and loved it since it was a huge privately rented home that everyone could stay at as well as have the ceremony & reception there.

I ❤ This Dress!

2012-02-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I am fascinated by wedding dresses and how my favorite moment on a wedding day is when I see the bride's dress for the first time. I ran across this beautiful gown on Pinterest and just had to share it. Kudos to the designer, and to all your guests during the ceremony if you wear this amazing dress on your wedding day. It gives them something wonderful to look at from their point of view when you and your hubby are tying the knot!

Looking For The Right Couple!

2012-02-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

I ran across this Save The Date photo and just loved it!! I think I may need to see if any of my future wedding couples might want to try it for their engagement session. It would be an investment in the balloons, but if they used their wedding colors it would be such a great tie in. I even love what they're wearing. What do you think?

Source: sincerelyyoursonline.blogspot.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I Love Feathers!

2012-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

Follow my pins at http://pinterest.com/asliceoflife/pins/

Source: Uploaded by user via Heidi on Pinterest

Great Party Favor for Vineyard Weddings...

2012-01-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

Loved these charms when I saw them and thought they might be a cute favor for wedding guests when your wedding venue is a winery or has a wine theme. And the price is great, especially if you're ordering a lot of them. Here's the link to purchase them...http://www.myweddingfavorsetc.com

When Wedding Planning Takes It's Toll, Find Time to Laugh!

2012-01-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

I ran across this hysterical YouTube video and thought I would share it. Having been a bride before, I totally related to so many of these little quips and found myself laughing out loud. So, take a break from all your worries and enjoy the next two minutes. And a big thanks to The Wedding Channel for putting this one out there!

Caitlin and Bo - Save The Date

2011-12-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

How super cute are these photographs? I've been going through a vintage phase these past six or so months and when Caitlin mentioned she wanted to do a vintage theme for her Save The Dates, I got so excited!! I recommended Grape Day Park since they have a historic train station and caboose there, as well as some old structures from Escondido's golden times of past.

I guess I'm just one lucky lady working with some amazing clients and being able to turn ideas into art. For all future couples, please let me know if you have any unique ideas for your session and I'll do everything I can to make it happen. I can't wait...2012 is starting out to be an amazing year!

Vendor Showcase on Rancho Bernardo Inn Wedding Blog

2011-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am so honored to be the first photographer showcased on the Rancho Bernardo Inn's Wedding Blog, authored by the talented Holly Nelson. Since Holly has taken over the blog, it has blossomed into a fabulous website with great stories, amazing photographs, and wonderful information. My hat is off to you Holly since I know how hard it is to keep a blog current and interesting.

If you would like to take a peek at the blog, you can visit it by going to "Rancho Bernardo Inn Wedding Blog". It is a great way for couples to see how beautiful the site is for their wedding day. Cheers everyone and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

$400 Album Credit for only $100!

2011-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had to take my cat Buster into the emergency vet center for an obstructed bladder. He was only hours away from his heart giving out and I am so grateful to the wonderful staff at Urgent Care in Escondido for taking such great care of him. He's home now and feeling much better!

So to help pay for his medical expenses, I am offering a great deal to couples that are planning on ordering an album through me in the next 11 months. You can purchase a $400 album credit for only $100, and this credit is good until June 30th, 2012. So if you've been wanting to do an album but were waiting for a great deal, now if your time!

You must purchase album credit by August 5th, 2011, and once paid, I will send you a certificate that you will return when you are ready to place your album order. It's that simple! Again, you must make your appointment to come in and start your album design process by June 30th of next year so even couples that are getting married later this year are eligible.

Buster and I would like to thank you for your help!

How To Make A Save The Date Flag Banner and Free Session Giveaway

2011-07-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

I just love crafting! Whenever I have some time to myself, I go into my crafting room and sit at my jewelry design desk. I have container after container of Swarovski crystal beads, Bali sterling beads, and much much more. There is just something about using your creative mind and your hands to make something one of a kind. That is how I felt about the Save The Date Flag Banners when I first saw them. How fun to be able to make something cute for your engagement session and be able to use it after for sending out Save The Date Announcements. So in the spirit of sharing ideas, I decided to make one of these banners and give you step by step instructions on how to do one for yourself. And if you read to the bottom, you'll see where I'm giving away a free session and file to one lucky reader.

First, you will need the following items: crafting paper or vinyl sheets, a piece of cardboard (a file jacket works just great for this!), a ruler, scissors, peel and stick letters to spell out your message, a glue stick, pen and ribbon. I got all these supplies at Joann's Fabric Store. Try to buy two or three co-ordinating paper patterns that compliment each other, perhaps even colors that will match your wedding decor.

Then take a ruler and cut out a flag shape on the cardboard. After trial and error, I found that you don't want to go any wider than six inches for each flag. Four or five would probably be ideal. If you look at the photograph, you'll notice that I shaped it so that later I can fold over the flap to glue it shut. Now use this template on the back of each scrapbooking or vinyl sheet and use a pen or pencil to draw out this shape.

Cut out each flag and then fold the flap.

Use a glue stick only on the top half of the flap to glue it shut. You need to make sure to leave unglued area for the ribbon or twine to go through later.

Take your peel and stick letters and spell out your message on the table. Make sure you have enough letters before starting this phase. Peel off the backing and stick each letter centered on the front of each flag, making sure to alternate patterns as you go. Depending upon your skills, you may want to measure from the top of each flag so that your letters are even. Hey me, I'm a "wing it" kind of gal and I sometimes love imperfection in hand made items.

Now comes the part that measuring is a must. Count how many letters you have and times it by the width of each flag. For "Save The Date," there are 11 letters and I did a 6 inch width on my flags so that would be 11x6=66 inches. Now take this number and add 24 more inches, in my case 90 inches. That's how much ribbon or twine you'll need to string up your flags. Start stringing your flags one by one, one word at a time.

What I did also to make sure that there is a space between each word, I double knotted at the beginning and end of each word and then put about two inches between them.

So if you followed my directions, you should have something that looks like this. Use your judgment to make whatever changes you fancy because as you know, your unique style should show through everything you craft. I just loved the soft greens of the scrapbook paper patterns I chose and knew that future couples would find it a universal color to go with any outdoor session I photograph.

So here's how you can benefit from my labor of love. Just go to my A Slice of Life Photography - Escondido, CA Facebook Page and comment below my posting on this article with your names and wedding date. I will choose one lucky winner to receive a free Save The Date Engagement Session plus one retouched file to use for their Save The Dates. But hurry, this contest will end on August 10, 2011. And hey, even if you're not getting married, maybe you know someone who is so forward this article on to them. Happy crafting everyone!

Wow, We Won an Award at WeddingWire!

2011-05-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the wonderful clients who gave us such great feedback on WeddingWire! We are proud to announce that we have won the Bride's Choice Award for 2011! Yeah!!!

Vendor Spotlight: Blue Pearl Productions

2011-03-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for wedding vendors that I think brides should add to their list, and Blue Pearl Productions is definitely one of them. I am actually adding two different short video clips of their video work since one is more heartfelt and emotional, while the other has a campy and cute theme to it. What is so nice about a good video of your wedding day is that while you are watching it, you feel like you are there...you can relive your big day and see all those wonderful moments that breezed by you so quickly. I hope you agree that Blue Pearl Productions is a great find.

Deanna and John Highlights from Blue Pearl Productions on Vimeo.

Brianne and Jordan Highlights from Blue Pearl Productions on Vimeo.

Vendor Spotlight: Luna Bazaar

2011-03-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know about this great company and you're looking for wedding decor, paper parasols, or just something really neat, you've got to visit Luna Bazaar. I actually own many of their parasols that I have used for both high school senior portraits and photographs with my brides & their attendants. Find an example below!

The best thing about Luna Bazaar is their prices. And keep on the lookout for promotions where can save even more. What a great way to add sparkle and color to your wedding day!

When to Hire Your Vendors

2011-03-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest mistakes I have seen with couples is waiting too long to hire vendors for their wedding day. Keep in mind that certain vendors can only do one wedding in a day so they really should be one of the first to hire. That category includes photographers, videographers, disc jockeys, and the actual site itself. Vendors such as florist and bakeries can fit in three to ten weddings in one day, so there is a little more leeway for them.

Also, if you plan on having your wedding during a three day holiday, think fast. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are very popular so don't be surprised if your favorite companies are already booked nine months to a year out. In fact, I have weddings on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Weekend this year. I know all of this sounds so simple but you won't believe how often I have received a phone call one month out from a wedding looking to book their date and being told that the photography was the last thing on their list.

That being said, make sure you get a contract from each and every one of your vendors. I have received several phone calls over the years from couples, and even friends & family who were calling for a friend, saying that they hired a photographer for their wedding and that person called them two weeks before the date and said they couldn't do it anymore. (I even once got a call from someone THE DAY OF the wedding because their photographer said something had come up.) Surprised, I asked about the contract and each time I was told there wasn't one. Without a contract, you really don't have a leg to stand on if someone backs out.

My best advice is to hire vendors as soon as possible. The good ones always go first, so if you really want to get the "pick of the litter," I would suggest booking your site 12-18 months in advance, vendors who can only do one event per day 12 months in advance, and the other vendors 6-9 months in advance. Oh, and one last piece of advice -- always ask for the funkiest flavors when you go cake tasting. You never know what you might like!!

Adorable Party Favors for your Wedding Reception!

2011-03-11T09:48:00.001-08:00

I saw these adorable bottle openers and instantly thought, what a great party favor for weddings! The price is amazing and it has *free* shipping and handling! Thought I would share.

Key To My Heart Bottle Opener

A New Direction for My Blog!

2011-03-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

For years I have been thinking about writing a book. Great, another book. Just what Barnes & Nobles really needs. But over the years, I have seen so many things go wrong at weddings -- and of course, some things go really right. But wouldn't it be nice to have a place to go and read all about the wedding "don'ts" so you wouldn't have to make any of the same mistakes?

I've decided to dedicate my Wedding Blog to those horrible and random things that many couples don't think of when planning their big day. I will never name names, but each week I will recall an event or mishap that could have been avoided if only they knew...

If nothing else, you will hopefully find at least one chuckle in my compilation of short stories and maybe it will brighten your day just a little. So stay tuned for my first story soon.

Do I Still Have Mojo??

2011-03-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

Last year I was lucky enough to be the First Place Winner of the KFMB Channel 8 Mojo Awards for San Diego Wedding Photographer. Here's a link to view the standings: www.mojopages.com

2011 voting begins April 3rd, so I'm hopeful to do well again. If anyone reading this post is a present customer and you haven't voted for me yet, now would be a great time! Thanks again to everyone who helped me last year.

Fusion Photography is Here!

2011-02-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

The new thing for photographers these days is "fusion photography," the fusion of both photographs and video in music slide shows that produces a product at a new level. I started doing fusion slide shows for my seniors, moved on to family portrait sessions, and now am offering them for engagement sessions. Here is a sample from a session I did with Jackie and Trevor at the Wild Animal Park:

I will be offering the fusion product for weddings starting sometime in 2011. Look for it on my Blog later this year. As one of the San Diego Wedding Photographers that stay on the pulse of what's new and exciting, we hope to constantly continue to do more exciting things each year!

Vendor Spotlight: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

2011-01-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

What can I say about a company that has been featured on the Food Network and TLC? How about YUMMY!!! From the moment you step into their bake shop, you feel a warmth coming from everyone that works there. Yup, it's not just the ovens that give off a warm feeling. To get a better feel for what Sweet Cheeks is all about, enjoy this video taken by Kyle Karges Films.

Sweet Cheeks Baking Co from Kyle Karges Films on Vimeo.

Vendor Spotlight: Kathy Wright & Company

2011-01-15T17:00:00.000-08:00

Kathy is an AMAZING floral designer and this video gives you a peek into how she can transform a reception ballroom into a Cinderella Story Come True! And Kathy's personality is so wonderful that you will just love working with her. I know she makes my job so much easier in capturing beautiful images with her vision. Make sure to add Kathy to your list of fabulous vendors!

Vendor Spotlight: Artistic Productions

2011-01-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Our good friends at Artistic Productions always do such a great job at weddings. They're fun, they know how to keep a party happy, and well, they're just good people! If you are looking for a great DJ for your wedding, please give Merrylin and Bob a call! Trust me, San Diego wedding photographers know the best companies in town!

Artistic Productions Promo Video La Valencia Wedding from nr3videoproductions on Vimeo.

Lindsay and David: September 26, 2009

2010-11-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

I am just amazed at how beautiful this video from nr3 Video Productions turned out! They worked side by side with me at this Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding and were able to capture all these great moments. You probably recognize this couple on my website at www.asliceoflifeweddings.com too! Thank to Norma and John at nr3 Video for doing such an amazing job! They work with some of best San Diego wedding vendors in town.

Lindsay & David Wedding Highlights 9-26-09 from nr3videoproductions on Vimeo.

Aaron and Desiree

2010-06-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun spending time with Aaron and Desiree at both their engagement session and on their wedding day. They chose Grape Day Park for their engagement session, which is one of my favorite sites for color and texture. And they had their wedding ceremony at the beach next to The Hotel Del Coronado with a reception following at the Admiral Kidd Club. I've compiled some photographs from both days for this short music slide show featuring work from their other vendors such as Primo DJ and Shirley The Cake Lady.

Jenna and Mike

2010-06-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

Although I am typically a San Diego based wedding photographer, I am so blessed to have two circles of friends in the Orange County area that have recommended us to all their friends. Mike and Jenna are one of those couples and I had a lot of fun with them at my stomping ground of Kit Carson Park for their engagement session, followed a few months later by their wedding at the famous Tivoli Terrace in Laguna Beach. We started that day at the Hotel Laguna for getting ready shots and photographs with the wedding party and immediate family. After that, we headed over to Tivoli Terrace for the ceremony and a rockin' reception.

Robert and Laurie Stidham

2010-06-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

I just love second weddings...especially when the couple have known each other for practically a lifetime and somehow fate brings them back together again. That is the story for Robert and Laurie, who celebrated their wedding day at the County Club of Rancho Bernardo. You can see in their photographs just how in love they truly are, and it goes to show that love is magical at every age! Enjoy the short slide show which features hair & makeup by Tera Williamson, cake by Edelweiss Bakery, flowers by Ramona Florist, and a beautiful backdrop by RBCC.

Elise and Cliff's Wedding Album

2010-03-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

I recently designed an album for Elise and Cliff from their wedding back in August. They were married in a church in Old Town San Diego and had the reception at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. Some of the vendors I knew that day include DJ Mike Farmer and It's A Piece of Cake. We stopped off at Presidio Park inbetween ceremony and reception to get a few romantics and formals with the wedding party and then headed off to a private boat that whisked the couple to their reception site. How fun! Elise did a great job in picking a color scheme and the kids (and adult too!) loved the candy bar she set up.

Heidi's Life Stance, errrr what's that?

2010-02-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a new mantra, i.e. life stance, these past couple of weeks. Actually, it's more of a relationship and wedding philosophy that I like sharing with people. It gives you a small glimpse of who I am and how I see life, but most people can figure that out just by spending 10 minutes with me. Anyhow, although I have it posted on my wedding website, I thought it would be cute to share it on my Blog for those of you who have already booked my services and no longer need to click on the Artist tab. So here goes...

I believe in the perfect marriage of creative and traditional photography. Who said you can't please all of the people all of the time?

I believe that seeing a bride's dress for the first time is emotional. Seeing the bride in the dress, well that actually has made me teary-eyed.

I believe that wedding cake should have different flavors of cake for each layer, and that these flavors should be out of the ordinary, because who wants ordinary cake?

I believe in doing three good deeds per day.

I believe that if you want to see what your spouse would be like as a parent, get a dog or cat. Do I have to say anymore?

I believe finding the right photographer is like finding a new friend. They should really get who you are and be someone you want to document your life.

I believe that Dunkin Donuts coffee has crack in it. Why else would I crave that brand so much? (no, I don't do drugs!)

I believe that in this world of instant gratification, customer service has been lost. This has turned a lot of people into grumps. That is why customer service is my passion. Maybe I can put a few more smiles out there for everyone to enjoy.

I believe you should book the best photographer that you can afford as soon as you set the date. The wedding music will fade, the flowers will die, and you won’t remember if you ate, let alone what you ate. But, the wedding pictures last forever!

I believe you should celebrate life every chance you get.

I believe in friends who are quirky. They color my life.

I believe in romance...

Emily & Marc - La Valencia

2010-02-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

Elegant...that's how I would describe Emily and Marc's wedding at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. But with a hint of fun, just check out Emily's wedding shoes!! The ceremony overlooked the great La Jolla Cove area and we were able to sneak out during the reception to get some great sunset shots at the cove. The festivities were DJ'd by Bob at Artistic Productions, so you know that everyone had a great time.

Here are some photos from that day. As you can see, there was a lot of creativity put into it. I really loved the initials behind the bride & groom's table. And check out how unique the cake is, with rose petals made of icing sprinkled all over it. The vibrant flowers tied everything together. And the food...wow! Need I say more?

Other vendors include Crimson Cake Bakery and Lois Matthews Designs for flowers.

When Cakes Go Horribly Wrong!

2009-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I'm still laughing out loud at this great blog, http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/. I find these photos hilarious, especially since I see beautiful cakes on a weekly basis. Just thought I'd share this site address with all my friends out there. Who knows, maybe you'll run across a cake wreck one day and submit it. Let's just hope it won't be one of my brides!

Taylor & Josh - Rancho Bernardo Inn

2009-07-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Talk about a beautiful couple, Taylor and Josh looked smashing on their wedding day! Taking place at the gorgeous Rancho Bernardo Inn, this couple used Lois Mathews for their florist and wow, did the Santiago Ballroom look amazing!!! Just by looking at Taylor's bouquet, I guessed the theme to be a very antique and elegant look. Lois used pearls and lace to decorate and I don't think I've ever seen the ballroom look any better. The centerpieces were amazing also, as you can see in the photos.

The weather was still mild so we all had a blast taking photographs that day. I was lucky enough to photograph Taylor's sister's wedding, Lauren & Dan, about two years ago. The Westover Family is one of my favorites and I hope I will be lucky enough to photograph their brother's wedding some day, a long long time from now if you ask mom, Patti!

Wedding coordinator Joyce Biffar of Joyous Celebrations kept everything in such an even keel. Joyce knows all the best vendors and creates a harmonious flow on the wedding day. She is just so helpful and a huge delight to work with. Her weddings always have such style!!

To view more of Taylor & Josh's photographs, visit their website at http://www.collages.net/. Username is Burke Wedding and password is 6050.

Jaimie & Josh - Admiral Kidd Club

2009-07-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jaimie & Josh for tying the knot at the Admiral Kidd Club on July 17th. I loved working with their vendors including Shirley Resnick - The Cake Lady and Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees, wedding coordinator. Brenda was an absolute doll and everyone was so pleased she was there. Brenda's style is very calm and reassuring, and she pays attention to all the little details. I was quite impressed with her and hope to work with her many more times in the future. In fact, did you know that Brenda was voted Best Wedding Coordinator in San Diego by the BridalInsider.com site? You go girl!!

Jaimie & Josh's wedding colors were a sage green and pink. Her bouquets were very vibrant with many different hues of pinks and greens. Their reception theme kept with the oceanfront view by using sand dollars and starfish. Very pretty! And as one of my favorite touches, they also used beautiful chair covers and sashes to tie in all the colors.

Grant & I had so much fun working with Jaimie & Josh, as well as their friends and family. And the best part was the nice weather down on the harbor. It was actually 10 degrees cooler there than at my home studio in Escondido! Who could ask for more on a hot July day?

I'm including some photos of their decor to give other brides some ideas. Become a follower or sign up for updates to see what my newest couples are doing at their weddings. I'll be posting highlights from each wedding on a regular basis. And who knows, maybe you'll see someone you know!

To view all the photos from Jaimie & Josh's weddings, go to http://www.collages.net/ and enter username Jones Wedding and password 6050.

10 News A-List Best San Diego Photographer Contest!

2009-07-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Vote for A Slice of Life Photography as your favorite San Diego Photographer!

It's that time of year folks! From now until August 31st, 10 News and the A-List will hold its annual Best Of San Diego Contest. Make sure to include us as one of your favorites. Contest ends sometime in September, so let's cross our fingers that I do well. Yeah!!!

10 News A-List features some of best San Diego wedding photographers around. At last count, A Slice of Life Photography was in 7th place. Thank you to all my wonderful clients for voting for me.

The Grand Del Mar Wedding Album

2009-07-22T21:08:00.001-07:00

San Diego Wedding Album Photographer of the Year - 3rd Straight Year! What can I say? I have been blessed to photograph some beautiful weddings and gorgeous couples, without whom I could not have won Wedding Album Photographer of the Year again through the Professional Photographers of San Diego County. This would be a good time as any to showcase one of the winning albums that helped me to achieve this award. During the past year's competitions, Callie and Miles' album from their wedding held at the Grand Del Mar actually won Best In Show. The site is incredible and Callie & Miles were such a delight to photograph. Here are just a few pages from their album:

I am happy to report that Callie & Miles Dunbar have added to their family since the big day and are now the proud parents of Tabatha. I was blessed to be able to photograph their little darling after she was only days old. Here is a photograph that I took of her:

Check back soon and I'll have more album excerpts to come. And thanks again to all my wonderful clients (many who have become friends!) without whom I would never be able to create such great images! There are a lot of San Diego wedding photographers out there, so thank you for selecting me to document one of the most important days of your life.

Hurray for Blogs!

2009-07-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to A Slice of Life's offical blog site. As a San Diego wedding photographer for about 20 years now, it's kind of fun to be able to share my insights, my recommendations, and even highlights of some of my favorite weddings with brides to be.

I'll be using this site to post photographs from recent weddings, as well as give you links to my favorite sites and vendors. As one of Escondido's most creative photographers, I offer maternity, newborn, baby, children, family, engagement and wedding photography. As I jokingly say to my friends, "if it's a face, I'll shoot it!" I guess that would go for pet photography too, but anyone who knows me knows I'm an animal lover so please don't throw any tomatoes at me for the pun. I hope that you will enjoy my blog entries and perhaps even subscribe or become a follower. This will enable you to be notified when new things happen.

I want to thank several venues here in the San Diego area: Orfila Winery, The Rancho Bernardo Inn, The Grand Del Mar, Twin Oaks Golf Club and Zosa Gardens for promoting my services and being such wonderful places to say "I Do." The coordinators have always been so nice and really help me to give couples the best possible images to tell a story of their big day.

So without further ado, if you don't know who I am or haven't been to my website, please visit my site at http://www.asliceoflifephoto.com. And thank you most of all to my wonderful clients with whom I have made many life-long friendships!