Julia’s Blogfest

Last week one of my wedding colleagues, Evan Reitmeyer of mydeejay.com, one of the area’s busiest Wedding/Event DJ’s,  sent out a litany of questions to many area photographers with the intention of educating brides and grooms on how to hire a wedding photographer.  The various questions were insightful and informative and that he took the time to cull this information for brides and grooms is truly amazing.  This was a follow up to another blog posting about hiring a wedding planner so there is a lots of awesome information, and probably more forthcoming, on planning a wedding.

My question was, “What if a bride and groom do not want to see each other before the ceremony?”  At first I wasn’t sure how to answer this because this is the norm around here on the East Coast anyway (tho changing ever so slowly).  But in other parts of the US, particularly in progressive California, many couples choose to see each other before the ceremony so that these moments can be captured on “film”.  These moments can be amazingly beautiful and poignant and allow for more creativity in capturing the reaction of the groom upon seeing his gorgeous bride.  In addition, it allows for more of a semi-private moment without the guests observing this ‘first sight’.  But the idea in answering this question is to give guidance on how best to maximize time when so many important shots are needed or requested that usually take place post-ceremony.

Here’s a link to the blog posting.

Thanks Evan!

In mid-July I was contacted by a prospective bride.  Thinking it was like any wedding inquiry, I expected to see a Fall 2009 or 2010 wedding date.  But no!  She was contacting me about an August 5th wedding!  I thought this was unusual but as I learned the facts, Sheena was with the State Dept, stationed in the Republic of Georgia and her fiance was serving with the State Dept. in Iraq!  They decided to tie the knot so they could both be assigned  to the same location.  Their plan was to spend 6 days in the US together (after not seeing each other for the past 9 months) and one of those evenings was getting married at the historic Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.  I was scrambling trying to figure out if I could even bid on this.  My mom was headed to Australia for 3 weeks (aka:  primary babysitter) and it was a weekday wedding (husband works) so I was wondering how I could do possibly do this with the boys on summer break, b/c it also entailed an informal portrait session (or engagement session) the night before.  Thankfully, my sweet, supportive husband took the day off so I could gather my gear and do this.  Granted, their ceremony was quick and I was only with them about 1 1/2 hour – 2, I still treated it like any wedding with getting ready shots, ceremony and formals.  Funny b/c technically, this was harder than most weddings.  I expected it to be a breeze but I was dealing with a very tight and cramped area for getting ready shots in the basement of this historic house, then they did their vows under a gazebo with many trees and with their dark skin I had to bump up the light (read:  direct flash which I never use!) and finally the end of the day at sunset for formals…more flash!  And no assistant!  But it all worked out and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  My brain and heart have learned so much from this!

They only had a handful of family and friends and it was quaint and sweet as it should be.  I had a ball with them the night before shooting in DC for their informal portraits.  The ceremony was at sundown (730) – by the end of group shots, I was shooting in complete darkness with flash and couldn’t do anymore.  I was crushed b/c like any photographer, I am not happy until my heart and shutter fingers are happy.  So I went home sulking b/c I didn’t have enough of Sheena and Tony the way I wanted the shots!  I tossed and turned all night (and I never have problems sleeping) and it bothered me so much that I called Sheena first thing the next morning and asked if they would get dressed for me again to do more formals that evening.  I had nothing to lose. Thankfully, they were totally up for it!  So we met again, she was able to wear her awesome dress again (that she bought Monday!) and I was able to take my time with them.  They were such a delight — they crack each other up and really, really love and adore each other.  So refreshing.  I was smiling and laughing behind the lens myself the entire time.  I think by now, they are together.  From what I recall, Tony had to complete 6 weeks in Iraq before joining Sheena in Tbilisi, Georgia!

A few weeks ago I took the Sheridan family out on a re-shoot.  On our first session in July, it was hot + humid and the girls were not amenable to being in a family shot and just more interested in exploring River Farm.  I don’t blame them as it’s so fun there.   As a result, I wasn’t able to get any good family shots so being the perfectionist that I am, I asked if they were up for doing a mini-session nearby even tho mom and dad were fine with what I got the first round.  So take #2 a few weeks ago and I think we got it! Plus I was able to get more of the girls on my new chair!

It’s that time of year where my clients are asking about holiday card templates so I’m going to throw some designs up here that I did not have last year.  Of course I still have other designs which are on my site Here and There and I may even add more so be on the lookout.  Prices are the same as last year.  Depending on the style, I have flat 5×7, folded 5x7s as well as flat and folded 5x5s. Please call me if you have questions.

These 3 are flat 5x7s so the back can be customized with your message.

This next card is a folded 5×7.

This is another flat 5×7, front and back designed.

Oh my — I need to give myself a time-out on the steps for forgetting to blog their wedding photos!  These two cuties got married August 8 and here I am ONLY now blogging it.  Awful.  I am so sorry Casey and Joe!  So to make up for it I’m posting more photos than usual!

This was SUCH a fun wedding.  I not only got to work with 2 of my good friends + colleagues Armin deFiesta and Beth Kubovcik but Casey & Joe are a tremendously happy and joyful couple to be around so the day was pure bliss.  She is also my umpteenth JMU bride!  I love, love, love my JMU brides and/or grooms.  Joe is a UVA grad and they both met in high school in Northern VA.  Such a sweet story.  They were smiling all day — I mean ALL day.  there isn’t a shot of Casey where she isn’t beaming.  Makes my job easy!