Event Planner, Cicely Rocha.Miller and Sarah Hubbell of Life Design Event Planning recently launched a new website and resource called Mrster :: A Resource for Planning the Modern Union.

Mrster (pronounced: mist + er) is an online magazine and ultimate planning tool for same sex and hetero couples who are planning for their wedding days. Our goal is to provide a modern day resource chock full of smart ideas, allied vendors, real life experiences and true stories for couples of all backgrounds.

With all of the wedding blogs floating around the blogosphere, you’re probably wondering what sets Mrster apart. Allow me to give you a little background on Mrster in the making…

Erica, one of our advisory board members, recently described her frustration when looking for a cake topper that resembled her and her bride-to-be, Shannon. Scrolling through images of topper after topper of three inch figurines clad in tux and gown, Erika eventually gave up on trying to find a pair that reflected her own relationship. Perhaps her dilemma felt trivial at the time – a small battle in a larger war … but even the small battles are worth fighting. It is with couples like Erika and Shannon in mind, that Mrster was created. Add in loads of passion and personality, and we’re sure you’ll be adding Mrster onto your daily reading.

Another fantastic resource that is tangled in the depths of Mrster is it’s FabUlist. This is a list of vendors that believes in legalizing gay marriage, pursues in the unity of all couples so there is no separation, acknowledges that we are all equal and does not judge nor discriminate against anyone else that believes the same. They offer services to gay and hetero couples without any questioning or second guessing. They are excited for your commitment to each other and are with you during the fight for equality. How can you pass that up!?

What are you waiting for? Head on over to Mrster.com, and don’t forget to subscribe!

If you are wedding vendor that is interested in being a part of the FabUlist and advertising opportunities, please email cicely@lifedesignevents.com for more information. Currently, we are catering to Arizona couples but are looking to go nationally in the next few months.

There is such a variety of bridesmaid jewelry out there, that finding a trendy piece that matches your wedding colors and theme is easy to do.  Giving the gift of bridesmaid jewelry to your maids is a gift that continues after the wedding.  Finding trendy pieces that both compliment your bridesmaids gown, but also compliment the color scheme is a task in itself.

With vintage with a modern twist being a fashion forward style, this also translates to many styles of bridesmaids jewelry as well.  There are many beautiful filigreed designed bridesmaid jewelry designs, they provide a vintage flair with modern crystals and pearls that add the final touches.

Finding jewelry pieces for your bridesmaids is one of the nice ways to say thank you for being a part of the special day.  Selecting quality made products that offer a timeless design actually gives your bridesmaids a piece that they can add to their own accessory collection and wear for many occasions to come.  Most style necklaces can be worn with a pair of jeans and a great blouse to up the fashion notch a bit.  Trendy bridesmaid jewelry selections also allow for your bridesmaids to wear their jewelry with great skirts and dresses that they may wear to other weddings, celebrations and memorable events.

When you select your bridesmaid jewelry, try to search for pieces that will first compliment their bridesmaids gowns, your wedding style and color scheme.  Finding a great piece that matches their gowns and fits their style as well is a gift to your bridesmaids that will keep on giving.  They will love and appreciate the thought you placed into their bridesmaid jewelry selections.

by Bonnie of Bonita J

info@bonitaj.com
888-430-2623

The initial consultation is a get to know each other meeting for both the Bride as well as the Bridal Consultant. In order to get the most out of this meeting, it is best to come prepared. Although most Bridal Consultants are very knowledgeable and creative, your input puts a personal touch on the wedding. Whether you are starting from scratch or you have finalized some details of your wedding, these are some things you can do to enhance your first experience with the bridal consultant:

• If you have selected your dress bring a picture, or the style number and designer and be prepared to describe it. If you have not selected your dress give the consultant feed back on the color you plan to wear, as well as the style and formality. Your dress sets the tone for the entire event. If the groom is going to be present at the meeting your consultant will work around this situation without giving the groom an advance vision of the dress.

• Bring pictures of flowers, linen, table settings or any other decor or ideas that you have seen and want incorporated in your wedding.

• Have an idea of the color scheme you want to use in your wedding.

• If you have booked any vendors or your ceremony and reception venues, bring those contracts with you as well as any contact information.

• Set a realistic budget and be prepared to discuss it with your consultant honestly. The more your consultant knows about your budget, the better he or she can maximize your dollars.

• Have in mind an estimate of the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding.

• Decide on how many members you want in your bridal party.

• Most importantly set a wedding date, and have an idea of the time of day you want your ceremony to begin.

• If you have any family or cultural traditions that you want to incorporate into your wedding make your consultant aware of those as well.

• Make sure your consultant is aware of any special family situations.

• Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask the consultant.

When selecting your consultant make sure you are comfortable with their personality, as the two of you will be spending a great deal of time together in the months to come planning your wedding. Always make sure the consultant you hire is licensed. A coordinator that is a member of a Bridal Association is a plus, because this means he or she is dedicated to their profession. Never make a decision based on price. The cheapest is not always the best. Remember as with everything in life you get what you pay for. An experienced consultant is priceless.

How To Hire a Wedding Photographer
Resources, Questions to Ask and Tips

By Jennifer Brum, Certified Professional Photographer
http://www.jenbrumphotography.com |  phone 904.382.7255

For many brides, the wedding photography is often the most important part of the event. After the music has stopped, the cake has been eaten and the guests are gone, the wedding photos are all that remain of your wonderful day. For that reason, hiring a wedding photographer can be one of the most important and yet, nerve wracking decisions you’ll make.

But, don’t stress! There are many resources available to brides-to-be including local and national professional photographer associations and many experienced, well-trained and professional photographers in Jacksonville. Even your friends that are former brides can be an excellent referral source for you. 

Did you know that there is a local association for professional photographers? The Professional Photographers Society of North Florida (PPSNF) is an organization of photographers committed to helping photographers achieve career success and professionalism through education and networking. They have an excellent website, www.ppsnf.org that includes a complete member listing. Brides can view member websites, preview a gallery of work and contact the ones they would like to meet. 

On the national level, many photographers belong to the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which provides similar resources, but also includes an explanation of the certification process for photographers. The PPA website is www.ppa.com. 

Most importantly, interview many photographers in your area to find the best match for you. After checking their credentials, does their photography style match how you envision your day? Do your personalities get along? What about references? 

Ask about their experiences at your location. What type of equipment do they use? Have they been trained in various lighting styles? What do they need from you to provide the best images possible? What type of albums and packages do they offer? 

After you have hired your photographer, communicate with them often. Let them get to know you. An engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get better acquainted in a relaxed setting. 

Lastly, remember to plan your day so that you can relax and have fun. If you are enjoying your day it will show in your images. So, try to accomplish as much as possible before the big day, delegate tasks that can’t be done early and focus on you and your groom.

• Express your love in all ways.

• Hold hands no matter how old you are.

• Remember your wife is a lady.

• Do everything you can together.

• You can lose the battle and win.

• Complete trust is a must.

• Share your best ideas.

• Always agree on the big decisions.

• Practice real forgiveness.

• Remember one day at a time.

• Always talk things out.

• Never go to bed angry.

• Clearly define roles.

• Leave the small stuff behind.

• Spend time in the moonlight.

Rev. Grandstaff is available to perform wedding ceremonies, including interfaith and non-denominational services.  Visit his website at www.clergy4weddings.com for more details about his services.

Tell our readers what Wedding Photojournalism is?

DAN: The dictionary defines photojournalism as telling a story with pictures. Today there are more definitions of wedding photojournalism than there are photographers who truly practice it. Wedding photojournalism started when a bride hired a working newspaper photojournalist to cover her wedding and he did it just like he would any photo assignment using black and white film and unobtrusively documenting what really happened.

How is it different than regular wedding photography?

DAN: ‘Regular’ or traditional wedding photography has always involved lots of direction, posing and control by the photographer. The term Wedding Photojournalism was popularized by the Kennedy family photographer Denis Reggie. He categorizes unadulterated wedding photojournalism as photography that is captured without any control, influence or direction by the photographer.

What has made wedding photojournalism so popular today?

DAN: With so many wedding day plans and pressures many brides prefer their wedding day photography to be unobtrusive, spontaneous and natural. They prefer the photographs of the real moments captured that bring back real memories of what really happened rather than the staged or orchestrated ones.

Doesn’t every wedding photographer today offer wedding photojournalism?

DAN: Because of its popularity when asked if they offer photojournalistic photography most every wedding photographer will say yes. But what they offer may not be the same as what the bride had in mind. There is a lot of confusion in the marketplace and photography style terms abound. i.e.: Classical, Contemporary, Natural, Romantic, Photojournalistic, Documentary, Illustrative, Fashionable, Eclectic, Story-Telling, Dramatic, Artistic, Life-stylistic, Environmental, Fantasy, Fine-art, Elegant, Candid, etc. Any two photographers will use the same term to mean two different things.

How does a bride eliminate the confusion between the different styles and terms?

DAN: The bride really only needs to concern herself with two classifications of photography. 1) the staged type that requires pre-planning, setup and time out of your wedding-day schedule and 2) the type that occurs naturally during the course of your event without any interruption to your event timetable. Your preference in regards to these two classifications will determine how much time will be spent ‘posing for pictures’ (time away from your guests) on your wedding day and the type of photographer you should hire.What if a bride wants a mix of styles?

DAN: Every photographer has his own unique style and strengths. Some do a fantastic job of spontaneously capturing the decisive moments at an event, others have the talent to orchestrate a glamorous pose and no two are quite alike. Not many photographers are the best at both. Multiple photographers may help or they may just end up in each others pictures. It is critical to do extensive research into your photographer’s style to insure you know what they are really capable of and to insure you hire the right photographer to match your own style.

Do Wedding Photojournalists take formal group photographs?

DAN: Some will and some won’t. Over Fifty percent of the brides I work with request some type of group photographs. (Some formal and some casual) Our goal is to give our brides the highest quality natural-looking group photos in the least amount of time and have fun while doing it. We never go over the pre-planned time allowed for posed photos.

What are the advantages of Wedding Photojournalism?

DAN: The advantages include natural looking images, unobtrusive photographer, complete coverage, unexpected images and lots of photographs capturing real memories of what really happened. No interruption of your event timetable. ~ Less cheese.

What are the disadvantages of Wedding Photojournalism?

DAN: You won’t know in advance exactly what you are going to get. Not all real images are pretty! You may have some wasted shots.

What should a bride do to find the photographer who is right for her?

DAN: I have written a lengthy pamphlet on this subject. (Available online at: www.FreePhotography.info ) In regards to style, I think it is critical to see lots of images and complete albums from your potential photographer as this will give you a realistic view of what they can really do for you.

What about viewing images on a photographer’s website, literature and in their advertisements?

DAN: That’s a good place to start but you must go deeper than that because too often a photographer’s true capability is masked by the limited number of edited photographs they allow you to see. Ten of a photographer’s best edited photos from the past 10 years may not be a true representation of the type or style of actual images you will receive from your wedding day. You can prevent disappointment if you look at hundreds of images and several albums from your potential photographer as you will have a true and realistic understanding of their style and what they can do for you prior to hiring them.

What about digital wedding photography?

DAN: Professional high-definition digital cameras (DSLR w/10+ megapixels) in the hands of an experienced professional photographer (with extensive computer skills, software training and staff) can make great digital images that far exceed any photographic quality previously achieved from any other equipment or medium. The camera alone doesn’t make the photographer. Today there are a lot of inexperienced people who are experimenting as part-time photographers, although they may call themselves ‘professionals’ I would be cautious.

How can a bride prevent wedding vendor problems?

DAN: A bride should take the same logical steps they would in hiring any wedding-day vendor, check references (both previous clients and other wedding vendors) and verify insurance and licenses, check their Better Business Bureau report, make sure they are upstanding members of local support organizations and read the fine print on their contract and clarify everything in writing. I would pay with a credit card because they will work to insure you get what you pay for and will be your mediator if you have any problems.