Some Great Advice From First Coast Weddings and Events

You’re Engaged! Now What? Five Things To Do Right Away

Published by heather on December 27th, 2011 in Coordinating, Helpful Tips.

Re-posted from the First Coast Weddings and Events blog -
Congratulations! He popped the question, and you said yes. (Maybe the ring is a pretty sapphire stunner inspired by this year’s royal wedding!) Your head is probably swirling with a million ideas. We’ve put together a list of the top five things you should do BEFORE anything else – even before picking out a dress or looking at venues!

1. Let Your Families Know. Start with your parents, and set up a time for them to meet each other if they haven’t already. Next, share the news with siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And of course your best friends! Once you’ve made these personal announcements, you can make it “Facebook official” and let everyone else in the world know.
2. Get Your Ring Insured. This is a step most brides and grooms don’t think about. If you have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, talk to your agent about adding the ring to your policy. You’ll probably need an appraisal, and the original purchase receipt.
3. Talk About Dates. Even if you don’t have “the” date picked out, you should discuss a general time of year, and whether you will be willing to have a Friday or Sunday wedding. Talk about dates with your families, and also with your officiant or house of worship to make sure you avoid any religious holidays.
4. Make a Guest List. You’ll need input from your families here too! Ask each set of parents to make their own guest list, and combine them with yours. From this wish list, you can scale down if necessary. It’s important to have a ballpark idea of how many guests will be invited before you start looking at venues, and of course for budgeting purposes.
5. Come Up With A Budget. If your families will be contributing financially, talk to them about the amounts they are comfortable with. Make a list of your priorities (drop-dead photography, incredible food, over-the-top florals) and then start breaking down your budget based on those priorities. You may want to use an online calculator like the one on WeddingWire.com to help you get started.

Once you have these steps taken care of, you can start looking at wedding gowns, interviewing wedding planners, and searching for the perfect location for your big day.

Thanks First Coast Weddings and Events for some great advice.  Be sure to contact them.  They will make your wedding planning stress-free!

Helpful Tips For Hiring A Wedding Photographer

Congratulations!  He popped the question and you said YES!    Here are a few helpful tips when interviewing and hiring your Wedding Photographer.  Since you are on a photographers blog I will be
telling you my qualifications.  We would love to talk with your about your photography needs for
your special day.



1)  Establish your budget for wedding photography.  That being said bear in mind that price should
NOT be the only reason for hiring a photographer.  The old adage you get what you pay for is  usually true.

"Your limo is here.  You said get the cheapest one I could get." (photo shared by Laugh It Out)


2) Make sure your photographer is a professional. This is a once in a lifetime event and you do not
want to trust your images to a "weekend warrior". I encourage you to hire a photographer that is
 active with the local, state, and national professional organizations.  I am a Nationally Certified
 Professional Photographer.  Less than 3% of professional photographers have earned this
 certification.  I belong to all professional organizations and sit on the board of directors for the
 Jacksonville Professional Photographers Group.


3) Determine what style of photography you like. The different styles include:
    Traditional- This includes a more formal style of photographey. Images are posed (i.e. the
    family and bridal party alter images, formal bride and groom images, cake cutting, etc)
    Photojournalistic- This is more of a "reporter style" of photography. The photographer captures
    moments as they happen.

  Most brides like a combination of both styles. If this is your preference make sure that the
  photographer knows how to comfortably pose you for the formal images. 


4)  Make an appointment to meet with the photographer at their place of business.  Notice their work they have on display.  Make sure that the images are properly exposed.  One quick way to tell is if there are details in the whites and the darks.  The bridal gown should not be a "hot glowing" and the darks should not be so black that there are no highlights.  You want to make sure that the beading, lace, and other details are shown in your images.



5) Ask to see a complete wedding album from a single wedding.  You want to see the photographer's work for an entire event, not just a few of their best images.  Again check to make sure that the images are properly exposed, do you like the style, are the images creative to name a few things.



6)  Ask how many weddings they photograph a day.  We only accept one wedding per day.  Weddings
tend to run behind and I do not want to cut one wedding short or be late to the next one.  That is  not fair to anyone involved!



7)  Ask if they carry back-up equipment.  I carry duplicates of every piece of equipment that I use.
If a camera or lens fails you will not even know.  The replacement is there and we can continue 
without interruption.



8)  Last but certainly not least.... Make sure you like your photographer.  They are the vendor you will be interacting with the most on your wedding day.  If there a personality clashes that is not good for anyone.


I hope you find these tips helpful.  We would love to speak with you.  Call us 904-704-7071 to schedule an appoinment. 



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Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.  We are honored by the trust that our clients place in us.


We will be closed December 24th, 25th, and 26th to celebrate with our families.  we will by available by appointment only december 17th-30th.


We are closed December 31-January 2nd to celebrate the new year  Normal business hours
will resume January 3, 2012.


Look for some exciting new sets and ideas in 2012!  It's going to be a great year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Tequila Christmas Cake

Thanks to Divine Design Cake Boutique for sharing their famous recipe!

Once again this year, I've had requests for my Tequila Christmas Cake recipe so here goes: 

1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Sample the tequila to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit. Pick the fruit up off the floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon ice strain your nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 s and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat.

Cherry Mristmas

Home For The Holidays

Our Home For The Holidays Campaign is going strong.  Many families have taken advantage of having a family portrait created in their home.  as our flyer states your home is the perfect backdrop to add a personal touch to your portrait.  And now is the best time to uodate your family portrait...  when everyone is gathered for the holidays.

Call our studio today to schedule your session.  If you do not a portrait in your home we can offer an on-location or studio session.  Like us on facebook and we will give you 50% off our session fee.

Winter Wonderland Is Coming!!!!

                    
                       Winter Wonderland Is Coming!

Grab your child's winter sweaters, coat, hat, scarf, and mittens and join us in our winter wonderland set.  Your child will love playing in the snow, making snowballs, and playing with our sled and ice skates.  Frosty The Snowman will even be there for your child's enjoyment.

This session is being offered Friday December 9th and Saturday December 10th.  Call 904-704-7071 today to schedule your session.  Hurry.... sessions will not last long with this adorable winter scene!

Not a Kouture Kids member?   Ask about our special pricing for this set.

Thanksgiving Hours and Black Friday Special

The Wedding & Portrait Photographers will be closed Thanksgiving Day so that we may relax and enjoy our families.  We will reopen Friday at 10:00 am.  We will be running a Black Friday Special for anyone who books a session with us.  Call us Friday, November 24 to schedule a session and you will receive 50% off our session fee plus 30% off any prints or products that you order from that session.  Sessions must be photographed by December 31, 2011.  Session Fee is payable when appointment is booked.  Take advantage of this amazing offer just in time for holiday gift giving.

Fun Thanksgiving Facts

Here are some fun Thanksgiving facts for your enjoyment:

1) Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey as our national bird, not the bald eagle.
2) President Abraham Lincoln issued a "Thanksgiving Proclomation" on October 3, 1863
    and officially set the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving.
3) It is thought that lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, hickory  nuts, hestnuts,
    onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, carrots, eggs, and goat
    cheese made up the first Thanksgiving feast.
4) In the US, about 280 millions turkeys are sold for Thanksgiving celebrations today.
5) In 1939, President Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving would take place on          
    November 23rd, not November 30th, as a way to spur economic growth and extend the 
    Christmas shopping season.
6) Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.
7) Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
8) Turkeys have heart attacks.  The United States Air Force was doing some test runs and
    breaking the sound barrier.  Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

Here is a cute video someone shared with us on facebook. Be sure to like our facebook page.

The Wedding & Portrait Photographers wish everyone a very blessed Happy Thanksgiving.
Take time to reflect upon what you are thankful for.  We are thankful for all the wonderful people we work with on a daily basis.  We know there are plenty of choices for photography  today and we appreciate that you choose The Wedding & Portrait Photographers to capture your important memories.

Home For The Holidays

Book your Home For The Holidays session today. Like us on Facebook and we will give you 50% off your session fee.

If you do not want a portrait in your home, we wil be happy to visit any of Jacksonville's beautiful beaches or parks to capture your special portrait

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. David Peters

Today, Kelly and David bestowed upon us one of life's greatest gifts.  They entrusted The Wedding & Portrait Photographers to capture the memories of their wedding day.  Married at Jacksonville Golf  & Country Club the weather was as gorgeous as their wedding.  Here are a few images from their special day.  We can not wait to show them the rest!

Kagilery Family Sneak Peek

What an absolutely fabulous family!  We not only want to capture that special photograph for you; we want you to enjoy yourself while doing so!  This is from a session for their Christmas cards.  I can't wait to show them the rest.

Kinsley Nicole

Here is a sneak peek of the photo session for Kinsley's burth announcements. Congratulations to her parents Jason & Lauren. Hope you enjoy!

Farheen & David

Sunday I had the pleasure of photographing Farheen and David.  What a fun couple!  Farheen wanted some very traditional, romantic posing to show off her clothing.  Since Florida is so hot and the clothes are very delicate we decided to do this session in studio.  Here is a sneek peek for you both.  I can't wait to continue our session tonight in romantic St. Augustine!

Calling All Brides.......

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 28, 2011.  This is when The Fall Bridal Fantasy Show will be held at The Sawgrass Marriott Golf & Resort.  The show opens at 1pm.  Make sure to go online and register early.

Look for The Wedding & Portrait Photographers located with
The Wedding Party inside the ballroom where the fashion show is to be held.
Register for our text marketing and when you opt in will be placed in a drawing for a special prize!

More details coming soon so check back often!

A Happy Bride

We are proud to be part of The Wedding Party  
Here is a video about the great job that The Wedding Party does in helping to plan your wedding.  We were the photographers for Antoinette's wedding. Thanks for choosing us James & Antoinette!

Yesterday we had the honor of photographing Cami Franklin of Calligraphy By Cami for her new business card design.  Here is the image that we chose.  Be sure to visit Cami for all your calligraphy needs.  Not
only does she do a beautiful job, she is super sweet and a joy to work with.

Rick's Disney Work

Walt Disney World has a new website that features some of Rick's work for them.
Visit their website to see some cool images he has created.  The Wedding & Portrait Photographers are proud of this honor.

Another Successful Session

Here's a few images from Rebecca and James engagement session.  I can't wait for them to see all their images.  I know they will be thrilled.  


Rebecca, here is your sneak peek. See you this week!

Incredible Engagement Session

Recently we took Jessica and Robert to Little Talbot for their engagement session.

What a beautiful, loving couple.  We cannot wait to photograph their wedding.  Here are

a few images for a sneak peek.  Hope you enjoy them!

Can't wait to show them the rest!

TIPS FOR HIRING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding.  Choosing the one to spend your life with is important…. so is selecting a wedding photographer.   The Wedding & Portrait Photographers have compiled some tips to help you in this important decision.

1)   Get to Know Your Photographer-  It is extremely important that you have a  good rapport with your photographer.  Your wedding day should be enjoyable in all aspects.   You want the people you hire to help ensure this is true.  When meeting with the photographer ask if they will be the one photographing your wedding.  Many larger studios have numerous employees so the photographer you interview with may not necessarily be the one who will photograph your wedding.

2)   Understand Your Budget and the Photographer’s Packages-  Photographers can cost anywhere from $500 up to tens of thousands of dollars.  Unfortunately you usually get what you pay for.  The initial cost of the $500 photographer is cheaper but may be more costly in the long run.   Usually cheaper photographers are not true professionals but “weekend warriors” instead.  Are you willing to trust your most valued images to anyone less than a professional?  It may be worth stretching your budget a little to achieve top quality images.

3)   Make a List of Important Shots- Even though an experienced photographer will know to get pictures of your family and the Wedding Party but your photographer does not know you and your spouse’s family.  If a shot list is made and given to your Maid of Honor it helps to ensure that you get the pictures with your loved ones who may not be part of the Wedding Party.

4)   You Hired a Professional so Ask Your Guests to Leave Their Cameras at Home- A digital camera does not make one a photographer.  Even though it may seem like it is cost effective and a good idea to have guests take candid images it may in reality end up costing you a perfect picture.  If your photographer has set up lighting and is ready to take your image when suddenly several other flashes go off- the image is ruined.  Sometimes guests have even held their cameras in front of the professional’s camera.

5)   Book Your Photographer in Advance- Popular photographers may book up to one year in advance.  If you really like a particular photographer it is better to book them in advance then to risk losing them.

The Wedding Party

We are pleased to be part of The Wedding Party. Thanks Paul DeLand for doing such a great job describing us! Check us out for all your wedding and corporate needs!

Valentine's Trivia

Valentine's Trivia

Here are some fun facts about Valentine's Day:

- Centuries ago, it was a comman belief that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day then she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich man.

- Alexander Graham Bell applied for the patent on the telephone on Valentine's Day, 1876

- The custom of drawing a heart shape is thought to have come from from early attempts to draw an organ no one had seen.

- During midevial times people who could not read or write were allowed to sign documents with an "X"; the signer then kissed the "X" to show sincerity. And that is why an "X" represents a kiss.

At The Wedding & Portrait Photographers we want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Please think of us for all your photographic needs.

Celebrate Sexy

This Valentine's Day

Give your man the gift he REALLY wants.... 

Give him the gift of you.

At The Wedding & Portrait Photographers our all female team will pamper you from start to finish.  Enjoy an hour photographic session with 5x7 image starting at $125.00.  Makeup is available from A Glamour Bride.  Custom gift baskets are available from Kouture Kreations.

Call our studio at 904.448.6061 to schedule your private session.