'Tis the Season!

Hope everyone had a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving.  I know I did!
I started this morning by performing a wedding ceremony for a lovely military couple.  What a wonderful way to start off the Christmas/Holiday season!

Many couples will be getting engaged now through the end of the year.  My advice is that you enjoy your engagement for a while before getting into the throws of wedding planning.  The one exception may be to book your wedding coordinator so you'll know you have someone booked who will help you when you are ready to start. 

Enjoy the holidays!  Don't get so caught up in wedding planning that you forget to take time for yourselves, family and friends.

Wishing you all the blessings of the season...and when you are ready, give me a jingle!  www.WeddingsbyTanya.com or Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com.

Expert Photography Advice- Make the Right Choice

Well, the elections are finally over and we go forward!  One thing that remains constant is Wedding Planning! 

I have the opportunity to know many wonderful, and professional vendors, who I will be asking to do a guest blog to help you as you make decisions for your wedding.

This week, I've invited Grant Oakes of Images by Grant Oakes Photography.  I've had the privilege of knowing Grant many years and can recommend him as one of the top photographers available, anywhere.  Grant often travels to many destinations outside the US as well as inside the US to take those unforgettable moments for couples.  You can contact him at: 

Grant Oakes
303-367-2050
877-367-2050
http://grantoakes.com
grant@grantoakes.com

 

Welcome Grant!

 

Your wedding is an event that cannot be done over. The moments are real and unscripted, the emotions are not rehearsed, therefore they have a priceless quality to them. You owe it to yourself to have someone who is truly qualified to document this once in a lifetime experience, someone that has the experience and expertise to help you to relive those moments, YOUR moments, though beautiful imagery.

 

 

Warning!

 

Over the past few years there has been a very disconcerting shift that has been occurring within the photography industry. The number of self proclaimed wedding photographers has exploded! Since most people posses a digital camera and they know how to push the button many have thought how hard could it be to become a wedding photographer and make a nice side income.  Since all they need is a nice website with a few good images, business cards and their camera, they can simply set up shop. DON’T BE FOOLED! Many of these new photographers are pretenders and have little to no professional training. Think of them as either hobbyists or enthusiasts. There seems to be a mentality of “fake it until you make it” by many of these newcomers and you are the target of their training. I have seen a lot of questions posted on numerous forums and Facebook photography groups that tell me they don’t even have the basic photographic skills necessary to operate their equipment. The advice of “buyer beware” is truer in our professional today than at any other time that I have seen. You need to ask questions and be knowledgeable as to what a good answer is. You can find a good photographer and weed out those that lack the necessary dedication by asking the questions listed below and gauging them against the appropriate answers.

 

Questions

 

Q  How many years of experience and how many weddings have you photographed as the main photographer?

A  As with any profession they’ll get better with time and experience. Some may only have 2^nd shooter experience or photographed event for friends and relatives. While everyone has to start somewhere the amount of experience they’ll have is something you’ll ultimately have to find a comfortable threshold with.

 

Q  Do you have back up equipment?

A  This is an absolute MUST! Even new equipment can fail so not having 2 sets of camera bodies is grossly irresponsible at best and at its worst is a ruined wedding day.

 

Q  What type of cameras do you shoot with?

A  At the very least mid-level DSLR’s are needed. Nothing other than Canon or Nikon are used by professional photographers. Digital Rebels and Nikon D80’s or lower grade cameras are not up to the demands that weddings can create.

 

Q  What lenses do you have?

A  Professional grade glass should have a minimum aperture (lens opening) of f2.8 (or smaller number). Kit lens that come with the cheaper cameras have very wide focal length ranges (18mm-200mm) and variable apertures like f3.5-6.3. These are not acceptable for wedding photography but are fine for amateurs.

 

Q  Do you have liability insurance?

A  Any serious professional that intends on staying in business would not even consider walking out his front door without insurance. Many venues wouldn’t allow a vendor on their premises if they suspected they weren’t covered. A one million dollar policy is common and frankly is not that expensive. A cheap photographer will try to get by without this necessary business expense.

 

Q  What formal training, workshops or photographic conventions have you attended?

A  If the answer is none, then run in the other direction! Continuing education is paramount in ALL professions, so at the very least they should be attending WPPI, Imaging USA or state PPA conventions often as well as getting additional workshops under their belt to help them continue to improve their skills.

 

Q  Do you have a trade name affidavit (DBA), business or sales tax license?

A  While the state of Colorado does not require any type of licensure like an electrician or real estate sales person, not having at least some sort of business entity recognized by the state is another indication the photographer is flying by the seat of their pants. A sales tax license IS required by law, now matter how they spin it. If you receive ANYTHING tangible that item is subject to sales tax, plain and simple. Any photographer that says otherwise is cheating the system or getting very bad advice from his accountant.

 

Q  Do you shoot in Raw or Jpg?

A  Raw is a format that allows for greater latitude in exposure and tonal changes than Jpg. Although the files are larger, require more CF cards and larger hard drives as well as time to process the files it is a necessary business expense for the serious professional.

 

Q  Do you have a colorimeter and calibrate your monitor often?

A  Ever notice at Best Buy they’ll have 20 TV sets tuned to the same channel and the colors all look different? Which one is right? A colorimeter is a device that every photographer that processes or retouches his own images has to have so that his monitor displays the correct color. If they don’t use one how can he properly adjust his images?

 

When planning your wedding, please check out my website www.WeddingsbyTanya.com for important information that will be beneficial or contact me directly at Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com or call 303-779-0395.

 

HAPPY PLANNING! 

Create a New You for Life!

Hi Everyone,
Last month, I attended the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas.  It was very informative, had over 2400 attendees from all over the US and other countries and I was a participant on one of the panels! 

One of the things discussed was bring new ideas to our blogs.  I have decided to have some guest bloggers to help you with various areas of your wedding planning. 

As a bit of introduction for this first one, John,  owner of Life Warrior, is a personal trainer.  I met John and as of several months ago, he's also my trainer.  I decided if I was going to recommend something to a client, I needed to try it first!  I highly recommend John to anyone, male or female who is interested in getting fit and healthy!

Warrior Weight Loss

By John Austin- If you are tired of weight loss programs, dieting, and always having to begin something anew, here is a post that will give you the basics for the last “program” you will ever need. But rather than a program, I offer you a mindset and an inside out approach…I offer you a way of life vs. starting anew every Monday, every other month, or every New Year.

The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in America. Everywhere you look, from your computer to the television to magazines at the local supermarket’s check-out isle, you are bombarded by “new” programs and images of what you are “supposed” to look like. A sexy, new you is the ongoing promise of a very profitable enterprise.

Here, I challenge you to question this very conventional approach to weight loss. Obviously something is not working since you are poorer than you were yesterday and no better off, while others are getting filthy rich.

I then challenge you to look deeply within yourself and ask a basic question, “Are you happy?” And by asking yourself this very simple question, I’m going to open the door to a new way of looking at your health and fitness.

When will you be happy?

When you lose 10 pounds? When you get rich? Or when you go on your next vacation?

Have you ever noticed that when you have achieved certain goals in the past, your mind immediately finds the next thing to focus on. Maybe you experience a brief moment or even a few days of satisfaction, but surely enough you inevitably start focusing on the next thing to give you your dreams.

Or how about when you go on vacation? Most often, while on vacation, you are so consumed by your plans, relationships, and various other types of drama, that you forget to enjoy the beautiful beach in front of you. Soon enough, the vacation is over and you are back to the daily grind of every day living.

So if you are tired of thinking that your life will be better tomorrow, I offer you a solution.

The solution is simple. Stop!

Stop stressing yourself out!

Relax and enjoy the moment, because chances are that you are missing it.

Live in the here and now. Go for a walk or a hike because it’s nice outside. Eat a healthy delicious meal because it’s what your body is really craving. Don’t stuff yourself because you never feel good after eating too much anyway. Take a yoga class because you want to treat yourself. Exercise hard because of how good it feels when your body is releasing endorphines, cleansing itself through sweat, and rejuvinating the heart and lungs.

Maybe you’re not completely there, but I can promise you that the only people who create a sustainable nutrition and weight loss “program” are those for whom it isn’t a program at all. It’s a way of life…and that my friends is warrior weight loss. Cheers and here’s to unlimited possibilities for you in this life. – John Austin, founder of Life Warrior Coaching, www.lifewarriorcoaching.com phone #303-562-8798

Contact John today to learn how to create a sustainable and enjoyable workout program. By learning how to enjoy exercise and live in the present moment, you will learn how to see results faster than you would with conventional approaches to training.

Change your mind, change your life!

 

Wishing you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!  It's not to soon to start planning your wedding or Elopement!  www.weddingsbytanya.com or Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com  or call 303-779-0395.  We also do private parties - such as Holiday Parties both corporate and private! 

 

Day of Service - REALLY????

It's the season of weddings.  There are many brides who has chosen to plan their own weddings, but find that in order to enjoy it, they need assistance on the day of the wedding.  Thus was born the concept of "Day of Wedding Coordinators". 

What exactly does this intel and what should you expect.  First, anyone who offers to do your wedding the day of and doesn't start at least two months out, should be avoided.  The reasoning for this that no one can possibly know what agreements you have with the vendors, what you expect from the vendors or any potential problems that may crop up.  (I'm on a need to know basis and I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING!)  This includes any family situations that may arise like blended families or divorced parents who may need to be seated at separate ends of the reception. 

You need to be able to sit down with the coordinator and go over everything with him/her.  They should be able to discern if any mistakes have been made that can be corrected or if you have forgotten something. 

Many brides are on a fairly tight budget and think that a coordinator who charges $500 is a bargain.  They might be, but you generally get what you pay for. 

Here's what I offer for day of services:

Day of Services

(Services include time involved with organizing the below list.  Any materials needed will be the client’s responsibility

 Supply Emergency Kit

Pick up Dress and deliver to wedding site (if dress is purchased at a Denver Salon)

Timeline and Confirmation for Wedding Day sent to Vendors

Choreograph Rehearsal – if having one
 Coordination of Wedding and Reception Activities 
(Coordinator on site)
Unlimited access to coordinator for questions and guidance during remaining planning process.
Fees are determined by the location and expected expenses
 
I work closely with all vendors, and contact each one prior to the wedding day, to be sure we are all on the same track. 

After working with brides for a while, I decided that another type of package was needed.  This is the Partial Plan, which I coined about 20 years ago.  This package is perfect for the bride who wants to do her own footwork but have direction and assistance as needed. 

This is what the Partial Plan consists of.  It will give you an idea of how much more is and should be included and what you should expect from any coordinator  you hire.  Don't be afraid to ask them for a list of what services they do include in their fee. 

Consultant shall perform the following Services for Client:  PARTIAL PLANNING

 (Services include time involved with organizing the below list.  Any materials needed will be the client’s responsibility

 Supply Emergency Kit

Assist in finding Ceremony and Reception Site Location
Vendor Referrals to Include but Not Limited To:
        Officiant
        Photographer
        Videographer
        Baker
        Musicians (Ceremony and Reception)
        Florist
        Transportation
        Caterer

Accompany Client to Vendor Planning Sessions

Timeline and Confirmation for Wedding Day sent to Vendors
Choreograph Rehearsal
Pick up and Deliver Wedding Dress to Dressing Location
Coordination of Wedding and Reception Activities 
Long distance phone calls and faxing.

Copy of WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, A Bride’s Workbook

Fees are determined by the location and expected expenses

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS

Assembly of Invitation and Mailing (Additional Charge)
Assembly of Favors (Additional Charge
Distribution of In-Room gifts (Additional Charge)
Planning and Arranging Rehearsal Dinner (I will include in this package if you need assistance)
Planning and Arranging Bridesmaid’s Luncheon (Additional Charge)

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen’s gifts

Bridal Accessories (including but not limited to)
                Favors
                Bubbles
                Guest Book and Pens
                Cake Knife and Server
                Toasting Glasses
                Garters
                Ring Pillows/Boxes
                Unity Candles

The next level is for the bride who is wanting a lot more help.  When I do a wedding, it doesn't matter which plan, it's YOUR wedding, not mine.  One of the reasons brides are hesitant to hire a coordinator is because they are worried the coordinator will "tell her what to do and plan the wedding without much input by the bride".  When interviewing a coordinator, observe how they listen to you.  Do they ask questions about you and your fiance?  Do they inquire about what you enjoy doing together - which is important to help you define the type of wedding you want.  You want your wedding to reflect your personalities.  When your guests walk into the reception, you want them to know it's your wedding and not be like the last three they attended! 

I enjoy blending heritage and personalities to bring out the best of both families.  It can be as simple as including rosemary in a bouquet to naming tables after candy bars for someone from Hershey, PA.

For additional comparison, here is what I offer for full planning: 

FULL SERVICE WEDDING COORDINATION TO INCLUDE: 

(Services include time involved with organizing the below list.  Any materials needed will be the client’s responsibility (example:  Calligraphy charges, stamps, maps, placecards, favors, gift baskets,

amenities ,etc…)

 Budget Analysis

Month to Month Timeline
Ceremony and Reception Site Location
Hotel Accommodations
Vendor Referrals to Include but Not Limited To:
       Officiant
        Photographer
       Videographer
        Baker
        Musicians (Ceremony and Reception)
        Florist
        Transportation
        Caterer
Assembly of Favors
Lighting/Sound - assisting with selection
Rental Items - assisting with selection
Appointment Setting
Participating in Planning Meetings
Design
Save the date letters, Accommodation letters (if not provided by hotel)
Taking invitation to Calligrapher, stuffing, stamping, mailing
Maps
Program Organization
Place-card Organization
Distribution of In-Room gifts
Place Restroom Amenities if Needed 
Timeline on Wedding Day
Vendor Confirmations
Pick up and Deliver Wedding Dress to Dressing Location
Rehearsal Assistance
Coordination of Rehearsal, Wedding and Reception
Long distance phone calls and faxing.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS
Planning and Arranging Rehearsal Dinner (Additional Charge)
Planning and Arranging Bridesmaid’s Luncheon (Additional Charge)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen’s gifts
Bridal Accessories (including but not limited to)
                Favors
                Bubbles
                Guest Book and Pens
                Cake Knife and Server
                Toasting Glasses
                Garters
                Ring Pillows/Boxes
                Unity Candles
            Candle Holders

When selecting a coordinator, feel free to use this information when interviewing.  You want to be sure you get the best service for your money.  Whether you are planning a Colorado wedding or one out of the country, I do travel to anywhere so if you'd like to visit with me about your wedding, please feel free to contact me at 303-779-0395 or 303-594-3480; www.weddingsbytanya.com or Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com. 

Happy Planning!!!! 

Elopement on a Sunday Morning!

I had the wonderful opportunity to perform the wedding of two very special people. They chose Daniel's Park, just outside of Denver for the special moment.

Many couples are discovering they don't have to have a large wedding but are choosing to do a very intimate ceremony, with mainly just the two of them.

Colorado is a wonderful destination for Planned Elopements as there are so many mountain areas to choose from, things to do, places to go and things to see. You can combine your wedding and honeymoon together, stay at a wonderful resort and spa or a beautiful dude ranch and still go home with money in your pocket.

Yes, I do full weddings and large destination weddings, which I love doing. Destination weddings can be here in Colorado, or I can travel to anywhere in the world to help you have the wedding of your dreams.

There's a new trend in engagements...women doing the proposing, along with presenting her man with a man-gagement ring. These are rings, that can be anything from a simple band with a stone (diamond or otherwise) to something that may reflect your man's profession. Men who have been asked, are proud and pleased to wear this symbol of their love. No, this doesn't take the place of the ladies' engagement ring, just another option to consider. Don't forget to have your photographer in on the surprise, no matter who's doing the proposing, to capture that very special moment when the question is asked!

Have questions about your wedding planning? I'm available to answer questions via email at Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com. For more information on a Planned Elopement to Full Wedding Planning, go to www.WeddingsbyTanya.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Looking for 2012!

2011 is almost behind us and 2012 is right in front. What will it hold is the question everyone is asking.

2012 is going to be a wonderful year for weddings. Many couples got engaged over the holidays and are looking forward to starting their lives together as husband and wife.

Some of you may be wondering what trends are showing up:

1) White weddings - everything is white including flowers, attendants attire, mothers' dresses and even guests can be asked to wear white.
2) Colors - The rich jewel tones are being included in the flowers
3) Smaller guest lists- Couples are choosing to include only those family and friends who really mean a lot to them.
4) Formal weddings - Black tie is back in vogue.
5) Destination weddings - Couples are choosing beautiful, romantic spots like the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Cancun, Mexico, Italy for their weddings. This way they keep the guest list small, if any. (I'm doing a lot of "Planned Elopements" which includes setting up spa dates, a special romantic lunch/dinner for the couple, performing the ceremony etc. This also allows the couple to stay in a beautiful resort for their honeymoon.)
6) Hiring a wedding coordinator - Couples, and especially brides' mothers are finding they can actually enjoy the planning and the wedding by turning the details and stress over to a coordinator.
7) Pets - if it's possible to include a special pet do! Just be sure to have a handler take over the animal after their job is done.

These are just a few of the trends for 2012. What are your ideas, thoughts, dreams and desires for your wedding day? Bring them to Weddings, Etc. LLC and we'll help make it happen. www.weddingsbytanya.com.

On another note - Weddings, Etc. LLC is expanding to Houston, TX! Look for the formal announcement coming soon!

Wishing everyone a Very Happy and Safe New Year!

Fall Happenings - New Trends

HAPPY FALL!

It's been a while since I've written, but a lot has happened.

I attended Wedding MBA in Las Vegas. This was a wonderful, exciting convention with many excellent speakers. Everything that we learned will help us give our clients the best service utilizing the latest in technology.

Kathy Ireland was a featured speaker. What an inspiration she is and such a "touchable" personality.

Trends for next year are white weddings. Everything from the attendants attire to the flowers are white. To go the other direction, use rich vibrant colors, such as the jewel tones. Weddings are getting back to more formal, black tie affairs, more intimate. Excitement, fun and maybe something a bit different, are the order of the day. Don't be afraid to enlist the services of a school choir, a magician, set up a Las Vegas room, and don't forget the photo booth! My advice is let your guests wanting more! You'll all have fun and wonderful memories of a very special day.

My "Planned Elopements" are becoming more popular. Couples who don't want the fuss of a full wedding, but still want a meaningful, romantic wedding, other than just signing on the dotted line at the county clerk's office, allow me to help them arrange a romantic stay at one of the mountain resorts or fabulous hotels in downtown Denver. Want a sunset ceremony? Take a look at what I did at Daniel's Park.

In September I did an elopement in Black Hawk, Colorado, at the Ameristar Hotel and Casino. We actually went up the hill about a quarter of mile and down into a grove of aspen trees. Makeup and hair was done by Leslie Snyder of www.lesliesarts.com and photography was done by Ken Miller www.kenmillerphotography.com.

Also in September I had the opportunity to do a wedding for a wonderful couple. The ceremony was in their back yard, and the reception was held at the DTC Hyatt. Decor was done, beautifully by Design Works. Jessie is a wonder to work with. The fabulous cake was done by Elegant Bakery, www.elegantbakery.com and was gluten free. (There wasn't a crumb left!) This bride also did something outstanding. She wrote and sang (via CD) the song for their first dance. It was written specifically for her groom! You can look for her CD at some point on the shelves! (Justine Wasserman-Thomas).

Currently, I'm working on an elopement to be in Breckenridge in December. As a reminder, I am available to travel, so can assist with any destination wedding anywhere in the world.

Have a Happy Fall, HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!