Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Vendor Spotlight: Blue Pearl Productions

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.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Vendor Spotlight: Luna Bazaar

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!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

When to Hire Your Vendors

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!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Adorable Party Favors for your Wedding Reception!

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.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A New Direction for My Blog!

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.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Do I Still Have Mojo??

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.