2008 July | The Wedding Chicks

Archive for July, 2008

Many wedding photographers include an engagement session in their
wedding photography packages. It is a fabulous way for you to get to know your photographer in preparation for your big day. In order to get your juices flowing, John Partridge sent over some engagement inspiration as well as a few tips to consider before having your engagement photos taken!

• It is not the location that makes great engagement photos, it is the two of you and the special bond you share. But, it is fun to
choose a meaningful location. Such as where you had your first date or possibly where where he proposed.

• Do not be nervous, have fun and your photographer will make you look beautiful. You have a better chance of success by going out and having a fun, relaxed photo session than going for a serious, posed session.

• What should you wear? Choose something that represents your individual style! The goal of the engagement photo is to feature you both as you appear in your everyday life together.

• Another great way to use your engagement photo is to make an save the date out of it.

Here are some of our favorite engagement shots by John Partridge!

Posted in Spotlights

{1}

Poser says:

(July 31, 2008 at 4:41 pm)

"You have a better chance of success by going out and having a fun, relaxed photo session than going for a serious, posed session."

I resent that!!

-Poser ;)

How To Hire A Videographer!

Weddings By SML an, Orange County based video production house, shared a few hints on how to hire a Viedographer. Along with the photographer this has been a popular purchase among brides. Your big day goes by so quickly, capturing all of the activities,
your ceremony and reception, on video will mean your wedding will be
preserved for you and your family forever. Check out some of their beautiful work below!

Hiring A Videographer!

• When getting started on your search, before you make any phone calls, check online for samples of work. Any reputable company will be more than happy to either provide you with a DVD sample via mail, or send you a link to where samples can be viewed online

• Once you’ve seen footage you love, give that company a call to setup an in-studio appointment. It is imperative that you meet the person who will be shooting your wedding in person so that you can get a feel as to how you are going to interact with them on your wedding day. The NUMBER TWO complaint I hear from Brides who have used other companies is that their videographer was overbearing at their wedding. Make sure you “click” with the company you are interviewing. Also, check to see if they have worked with any of your vendors. If you can book a videographer and photographer who work well together, it will give you more time to enjoy the company of your guests and it will amplify the quality of the final product you receive.

• So you have found the company you love, time to figure out the cost. You’ll notice I didn’t put cost up at the top because this is the NUMBER ONE mistake brides make. If you simply choose your videographer on the cost of their packages, I can personally guarantee you will be unhappy with the final product. While there is a bottom line to your budget, and you probably have a price range in mind, don’t let it be the end-all be-all in choosing who is going to capture your special day. If it comes down to a couple hundred dollars difference between two companies, and you really like the work of the more expensive company, spring for the extra bucks. I promise, twenty years from now, when you watch your wedding day sitting next to your significant other and your children, you won’t regret it.

Posted in Spotlights

{4}

Mrs. Aaron2B says:

(July 30, 2008 at 3:02 pm)

GREAT information to know!
Perfect Wedding Shower says:

(July 31, 2008 at 1:04 am)

Great info. Having video really captures the entire scene of a wedding and emotions. Advancements in digital video will help you remember your day forever!
Wedding Planning Checklist
Andrew Hsu says:

(August 1, 2008 at 6:41 am)

Great post. I totally concur. And once you’ve booked your videographer, consider these tips on what YOU can do to allow your videographer to make a better movie…
http://msv.typepad.com/msv_news_and_web_log/10-tips-for-a-better-wedd.html
Curtis Nemetz says:

(August 1, 2008 at 6:12 pm)

Great advice… especially regarding the budget. A higher priced wedding film should mean more time spent creating exactly what the couple wants. Also I cannot stress enough the importance of the photographer/ videographer relationship.

I is for Idaho

Craig Wolfman was so kind to share this amazing venue in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho. The wedding was held at Trail Creek Cabin which was constructed in 1937, the Trail Creek Cabin offers a unique dining
experience amidst the unmistakably cozy atmosphere of the Old West. During the
winter, access by sleigh, snowshoe, nordic ski or car; summertime make
it a hike, bike ride or car trip and dine on the outdoor deck with
breathtaking views.

Posted in Wedding Chicks

{2}

Ms. 122 says:

(July 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm)

wow! what a gorgeous setting…and wedding!
Brandi says:

(July 29, 2008 at 6:07 pm)

I love the entire look and feel of this wedding. And the venue: Gorgeous

Dymo Chick Giveaway

Dymo has offered one of our lucky brides-to-be a label maker and tapes in order to stay on top of the planning process. Simply leave a comment on how a Dymo Label maker would make your planning process a bit easier. The Clutter Queen over at Dymo also shared some tips in order to make the planning process run a bit smoother. Every bit helps!

• Create a binder with sections labeled for calendar, dress ideas, guest list, registry, shopping lists, showers and parties, thank you cards, gift lists, bridal party schedules, and so on. Take the binder with you on appointments and meetings. Everything will be in one place for easy reference.

• To help keep track of the landslide of wedding gifts you receive, use file folders and label them by category – gift cards and certificates, receipts, returns, etc. Also, consider labeling the outside of the box a gift comes in with who gave it to you. This will help when writing thank you notes later.

• If you plan to provide a special CD for the DJ to use during the reception, clearly label the disc case with the song name and track number using a product like the DYMO® Personal Labelmaker. For a more personalized disc, use the DYMO® DiscPainter™ CD/DVD printer, which will print text and photos directly onto the disc. This way there aren’t any slip-ups during your special dance.

Posted in Giveaways

{23}

Jamie says:

(July 28, 2008 at 1:01 pm)

I could really use that great labelmaker to label all of the wonderful gifts that we received, so I don’t forget who gave them to us!
Brianne says:

(July 28, 2008 at 2:12 pm)

My handwriting is a cross between a 2 year olds cryptic symbols and a Doctors script, in other words, totally unreadable. This label maker would be heaven sent in allowing me to not only be able to organize things, but also read what is written!
Starry-eyed Barefoot Bride says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:01 pm)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am one of those people who when I want to find something will do the cartoon-esq tear apart every box, drawer, bag, whatever and throw the things that aren’t what I’m looking for over my shoulders: So by the time I’ve found what I was looking for, I am now leaning up against a huge pile of magazines, photos, clippings, tulle, ribbons, paper, and all my other wedding supplies. Well, now I have what I was looking for, so I want to do whatever my original goal was, so the ginormous pile just gets scooted over to the side a bit…. and sits there for another 6 weeks until I organize it again. Knowing what was stored where by some magic label maker ;) would keep my apartment from looking like a bomb went off every time I am looking for something specific.
Anna Shown says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:19 pm)

I would love this gadget, not only for wedding labeling stuff but for later on in the new house! labeling all my plastic kitchen containers, everything, lol, im very organized to a fault so this would be great!!
Le says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:48 pm)

I would use it on my filing system instead of my sloppy handwritten labels and for our wedding party gifts.
Catie says:

(July 28, 2008 at 4:16 pm)

I think this would totally help me stay organized, especially since I tend to live in organized chaos. With all the wedding planning, I can’t just let entropy set in. I would definitely label all of my wedding folders, boxes, and eventual gifts (very helpful with the "who it’s from"). Thie would be an awesome helper!
Shannon says:

(July 28, 2008 at 4:56 pm)

I would use this to label all the boxes for the rehearsal, reception, ceremony, etc.
nicolle_z says:

(July 28, 2008 at 7:53 pm)

The Dymo Label maker would make your planning process a bit easier because I would use it to:
-label all the boxes I have with stuff for the wedding that I have already accummulated by use, such as cocktail hour for all the napkins and drink supplies, etc.
-since my finacee and his mom are doing all the decorations and flowers for the wedding, this would be awesome to label the boxes with what is inside, like vases, crystals, ribbon, etc. Also to label the centerpieces with where they go for getting the reception set up.
-label the gifts after I receive them with who they are from
-label my file folders
-after the wedding this would be awesome to label the boxes to say where they go at home and whats left inside
- after the wedding this would be my dream tool to organize my scrapbook closet, which is a big clutterly mess! And to help us move into our new home!
Mrs. Aaron2B says:

(July 29, 2008 at 1:15 am)

I am newly engaged (as of 7/16/08) and I would definately use the Dymo to help label all of my sample invitations, dress colors and all the other samples I have ordered. I would love to have this to use for the day of the wedding for the boxes of favors, namecards, menus etc. This would also be something great to use even after our wedding because I could use it to label items in our closets, kitchen and bathroom.
Andrea says:

(July 29, 2008 at 10:00 am)

I am a label fanatic!!! From my file folders, to seasonal decor boxes I would label everything so I know exactly what’s what! What I also love is that it will help me to label all of the boxes containing my ceremony and reception items for my venue. I would label everything individually and then the box that contains them. Love this gadget!!!
Julie says:

(July 29, 2008 at 4:46 pm)

I would sooooo be able to use this to get myself organized. The future hubby can barely read my
writing & I could label all the gazillion boxes
we have full of wedding "stuff". I love the idea about
labeling the plastic containers in the kitchen too!
aylee says:

(July 29, 2008 at 6:24 pm)

I put labels on almost everything. I have tons of boxes, bins, and binders in my house that I put labels on. I usually use the regular 8.5×11 inkjet label sheets. I think a labelmaker would be a lot better and easier to use without needing a computer. I also just set up my wedding organizer (binder) and I think the labelmaker would be great for the tabs than my crappy and uneven handwriting.
misslisa says:

(July 30, 2008 at 2:15 am)

labels for wedding projects such as menu cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, and more! i think using it for organization of gifts is such a great idea! awesome prize!
fashionablemd says:

(July 30, 2008 at 3:18 am)

It would be the perfect start to getting me organized! I could use it to label the sections of my planning binder, to indicate what is where, the list goes on and on!
Suzann says:

(July 30, 2008 at 8:37 pm)

I could definitely use this equipment right now. I am 7 months away from my wedding date and it’s getting harder and harder to keep things organized (and I am a project manager by day). I’m so confused with all this stuff the first label I would print out is "Future Husband" to place on his forehead so I don’t lose him too. :)
O and I could also use it for the binders, books and samples.
Perfect Wedding Shower says:

(July 31, 2008 at 1:07 am)

Dymo is definately one of the most useful tools for almost any situation. Label it and you will never forget it.
Wedding Planning Checklist
Lindsay says:

(July 31, 2008 at 1:46 pm)

This Label maker looks amazing! It would especially be helpful for someone like me who has awful handwriting. Staying organized would be so much easier if I could actually read what I had written. Not only that, if other people could read what I wrote! LOL
hwong14 says:

(July 31, 2008 at 3:19 pm)

Ugh, this would completely get me going on the path to organization! Right now I just have piles strewn about everywhere…
Diana says:

(August 1, 2008 at 12:08 pm)

I would finally get organized. My future husband and I live in such a small apt. and we have so much stuff! I could finally label or files and definitely would organize all my wedding planning items!
Jess says:

(August 2, 2008 at 1:46 am)

Oh dear, this would make my cluttered mess a lot simpler…
Sulesq says:

(August 2, 2008 at 8:56 pm)

Wow! This would be a great start on my path to organization. I am hoping to shake the nickname ‘clutter queen’. The Dymo is perfect for making labels for the new closet organizer system we just purchased with our shower gift certs.
karla says:

(August 3, 2008 at 8:35 pm)

ever since i’ve embraced my pseudo-OCD, i’ve fallen in love with labels. i hear labels real real bad. i use them for everything, organizing my binders, my garage, my life, everything! the only problem is that i don’t have a label maker, i use paper with tape. it’s pretty sad. it doesn’t help me in my quest to be the most organized bride EVER! please fulfill my fantasy of having a DYMO LABEL MAKER … you would make all my dreams come true!!! i could even highlight you in my wedding!
Debbie says:

(August 4, 2008 at 4:11 pm)

This would be such a great asset in organizing the lists for the rehearsal dinner/gathering, the wedding party, the wedding itself and the reception. The gift opening the following day would be simplified with this device. I’ve seen these in stores and can’t imagine why I haven’t purchased one yet, but I’d love to win this in your giveaway!

Two Hats Entertainment

This past weekend, we photographed two weddings and we were super excited because the music for both weddings was so fun! On Saturday at the Balboa Bay Club, we heard a few songs that the Wedding Chicks actually recommended in the last music post Music to Your Ears! The bride played White Moth by Xavier Rudd and also The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson as part of her ceremony music. I thought WOW - this couple has great taste in music! I was a little curious about how she chose her songs and sure enough, she found them on Wedding Chicks!

Then on Sunday, there was a live musician who completely blew us away! His name is Paul Lemire after chatting with him a bit we found out that he is an award winning singer/songwriter. Paul played covers of songs that the couple chose from the time the guests arrived until the reception began. Paul played songs by John Mayer, Jack Johnson, David Gray, Paul Simon, Snow Patrol, and Ben Harper just to name a few. We were so excited to meet Paul and learn more about him to share with you! We found out that he has two albums available on iTunes and bought them as soon as we got home later that night! Paul even gave me permission to play his song Down the Road on my personal website. Yay! Have a listen! (:

If you are even considering having live music at your wedding and you in the LA or Orange County areas, we couldn’t give a higher recommendation that Paul. Paul’s company is called Two Hats Entertainment and is based out of Manhattan Beach.
{music links will ask you permission to open itunes}

Posted in Favors & Details

{0}

Poser says:

(July 31, 2008 at 4:41 pm)

"You have a better chance of success by going out and having a fun, relaxed photo session than going for a serious, posed session."

I resent that!!

-Poser ;)

Mrs. Aaron2B says:

(July 30, 2008 at 3:02 pm)

GREAT information to know!

Perfect Wedding Shower says:

(July 31, 2008 at 1:04 am)

Great info. Having video really captures the entire scene of a wedding and emotions. Advancements in digital video will help you remember your day forever!
Wedding Planning Checklist

Andrew Hsu says:

(August 1, 2008 at 6:41 am)

Great post. I totally concur. And once you’ve booked your videographer, consider these tips on what YOU can do to allow your videographer to make a better movie…
http://msv.typepad.com/msv_news_and_web_log/10-tips-for-a-better-wedd.html

Curtis Nemetz says:

(August 1, 2008 at 6:12 pm)

Great advice… especially regarding the budget. A higher priced wedding film should mean more time spent creating exactly what the couple wants. Also I cannot stress enough the importance of the photographer/ videographer relationship.

Ms. 122 says:

(July 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm)

wow! what a gorgeous setting…and wedding!

Brandi says:

(July 29, 2008 at 6:07 pm)

I love the entire look and feel of this wedding. And the venue: Gorgeous

Jamie says:

(July 28, 2008 at 1:01 pm)

I could really use that great labelmaker to label all of the wonderful gifts that we received, so I don’t forget who gave them to us!

Brianne says:

(July 28, 2008 at 2:12 pm)

My handwriting is a cross between a 2 year olds cryptic symbols and a Doctors script, in other words, totally unreadable. This label maker would be heaven sent in allowing me to not only be able to organize things, but also read what is written!

Starry-eyed Barefoot Bride says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:01 pm)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am one of those people who when I want to find something will do the cartoon-esq tear apart every box, drawer, bag, whatever and throw the things that aren’t what I’m looking for over my shoulders: So by the time I’ve found what I was looking for, I am now leaning up against a huge pile of magazines, photos, clippings, tulle, ribbons, paper, and all my other wedding supplies. Well, now I have what I was looking for, so I want to do whatever my original goal was, so the ginormous pile just gets scooted over to the side a bit…. and sits there for another 6 weeks until I organize it again. Knowing what was stored where by some magic label maker ;) would keep my apartment from looking like a bomb went off every time I am looking for something specific.

Anna Shown says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:19 pm)

I would love this gadget, not only for wedding labeling stuff but for later on in the new house! labeling all my plastic kitchen containers, everything, lol, im very organized to a fault so this would be great!!

Le says:

(July 28, 2008 at 3:48 pm)

I would use it on my filing system instead of my sloppy handwritten labels and for our wedding party gifts.

Catie says:

(July 28, 2008 at 4:16 pm)

I think this would totally help me stay organized, especially since I tend to live in organized chaos. With all the wedding planning, I can’t just let entropy set in. I would definitely label all of my wedding folders, boxes, and eventual gifts (very helpful with the "who it’s from"). Thie would be an awesome helper!

Shannon says:

(July 28, 2008 at 4:56 pm)

I would use this to label all the boxes for the rehearsal, reception, ceremony, etc.

nicolle_z says:

(July 28, 2008 at 7:53 pm)

The Dymo Label maker would make your planning process a bit easier because I would use it to:
-label all the boxes I have with stuff for the wedding that I have already accummulated by use, such as cocktail hour for all the napkins and drink supplies, etc.
-since my finacee and his mom are doing all the decorations and flowers for the wedding, this would be awesome to label the boxes with what is inside, like vases, crystals, ribbon, etc. Also to label the centerpieces with where they go for getting the reception set up.
-label the gifts after I receive them with who they are from
-label my file folders
-after the wedding this would be awesome to label the boxes to say where they go at home and whats left inside
- after the wedding this would be my dream tool to organize my scrapbook closet, which is a big clutterly mess! And to help us move into our new home!

(July 29, 2008 at 1:15 am)

I am newly engaged (as of 7/16/08) and I would definately use the Dymo to help label all of my sample invitations, dress colors and all the other samples I have ordered. I would love to have this to use for the day of the wedding for the boxes of favors, namecards, menus etc. This would also be something great to use even after our wedding because I could use it to label items in our closets, kitchen and bathroom.

Andrea says:

(July 29, 2008 at 10:00 am)

I am a label fanatic!!! From my file folders, to seasonal decor boxes I would label everything so I know exactly what’s what! What I also love is that it will help me to label all of the boxes containing my ceremony and reception items for my venue. I would label everything individually and then the box that contains them. Love this gadget!!!

Julie says:

(July 29, 2008 at 4:46 pm)

I would sooooo be able to use this to get myself organized. The future hubby can barely read my
writing & I could label all the gazillion boxes
we have full of wedding "stuff". I love the idea about
labeling the plastic containers in the kitchen too!

aylee says:

(July 29, 2008 at 6:24 pm)

I put labels on almost everything. I have tons of boxes, bins, and binders in my house that I put labels on. I usually use the regular 8.5×11 inkjet label sheets. I think a labelmaker would be a lot better and easier to use without needing a computer. I also just set up my wedding organizer (binder) and I think the labelmaker would be great for the tabs than my crappy and uneven handwriting.

misslisa says:

(July 30, 2008 at 2:15 am)

labels for wedding projects such as menu cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, and more! i think using it for organization of gifts is such a great idea! awesome prize!

fashionablemd says:

(July 30, 2008 at 3:18 am)

It would be the perfect start to getting me organized! I could use it to label the sections of my planning binder, to indicate what is where, the list goes on and on!

Suzann says:

(July 30, 2008 at 8:37 pm)

I could definitely use this equipment right now. I am 7 months away from my wedding date and it’s getting harder and harder to keep things organized (and I am a project manager by day). I’m so confused with all this stuff the first label I would print out is "Future Husband" to place on his forehead so I don’t lose him too. :)
O and I could also use it for the binders, books and samples.

(July 31, 2008 at 1:07 am)

Dymo is definately one of the most useful tools for almost any situation. Label it and you will never forget it.
Wedding Planning Checklist

Lindsay says:

(July 31, 2008 at 1:46 pm)

This Label maker looks amazing! It would especially be helpful for someone like me who has awful handwriting. Staying organized would be so much easier if I could actually read what I had written. Not only that, if other people could read what I wrote! LOL

hwong14 says:

(July 31, 2008 at 3:19 pm)

Ugh, this would completely get me going on the path to organization! Right now I just have piles strewn about everywhere…

Diana says:

(August 1, 2008 at 12:08 pm)

I would finally get organized. My future husband and I live in such a small apt. and we have so much stuff! I could finally label or files and definitely would organize all my wedding planning items!

Jess says:

(August 2, 2008 at 1:46 am)

Oh dear, this would make my cluttered mess a lot simpler…

Sulesq says:

(August 2, 2008 at 8:56 pm)

Wow! This would be a great start on my path to organization. I am hoping to shake the nickname ‘clutter queen’. The Dymo is perfect for making labels for the new closet organizer system we just purchased with our shower gift certs.

karla says:

(August 3, 2008 at 8:35 pm)

ever since i’ve embraced my pseudo-OCD, i’ve fallen in love with labels. i hear labels real real bad. i use them for everything, organizing my binders, my garage, my life, everything! the only problem is that i don’t have a label maker, i use paper with tape. it’s pretty sad. it doesn’t help me in my quest to be the most organized bride EVER! please fulfill my fantasy of having a DYMO LABEL MAKER … you would make all my dreams come true!!! i could even highlight you in my wedding!

Debbie says:

(August 4, 2008 at 4:11 pm)

This would be such a great asset in organizing the lists for the rehearsal dinner/gathering, the wedding party, the wedding itself and the reception. The gift opening the following day would be simplified with this device. I’ve seen these in stores and can’t imagine why I haven’t purchased one yet, but I’d love to win this in your giveaway!