Hello Again!
As I have been run ragged in October with many many things to do, I have equally slacked off in November. Here we sit going into Christmas week and I am now going to finally share my wonderful couples of October.
First and foremost October 9th I had Darryl and Njeri Gichia- Broussard – Orange Park
Then on October 10th Brian and Becky Massey- Brunswick, Ga
The following Weekend Brian and Kristin Reap- Live Oak, FL
Wrapping up October on the 24th Alan and Judy Costley – in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville.
Find the wonderful stories in my next few blogs.
Thanks for keeping up 
Vanessa
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Long awaited updates!
Unique Venues
Hello everyone,
Ok so we have finally gotten to the end! This is the last article I have for you right now This one is all about underestimated venues… Mainly State Parks. We have such beauty here in Florida and it gets overlooked so often. Lets say you are planning the wedding of your dreams and it must be outside, but the beach is so sandy and a garden is too played out! What are you ever going to do? How about get married by a waterfall? No Im not saying fly to Hawaii, check out you local State Parks. Read all about it.
5. Unique venues in your region—
Florida has some of the most beautifully scenic areas in the United States- varying from crystal clear freshwater springs to rolling green pastures. You will never lack in venues here. My most favorite venues are spread all over Florida. Check out your closest State Parks!
Most State Parks are willing to hold your event and most often cheaper than renting a location. I know Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon is only $1 per person, and like most parks they just ask you clean up after yourselves. In a tight economy this is a very affordable option!
You may think “my location offers a pretty lake and I can have the reception there too”- that’s wonderful! Do they offer waterfalls? How about wildlife? Can you capture a piece of history? Fort Clinch offers tours of the historical fort, and beautiful jette lined beaches behind the fort. Rainbow Springs gives a gorgeous gazebo and 3 different waterfalls. Gold Head State Park has a tucked away ravine with a little river running through it- It’s very beautiful in the fall or winter with the falling leaves and bright colors. Every park I’ve been to offers pavilion rentals for your receptions as well.
Well what about large weddings? You are outdoors! These places could have room for hundreds! I’ve captured weddings with less than 10 and up to 50 – room will never be an issue. The only thing you may ever worry about is the weather. Most parks offer covered pavilions, gazebos, or buildings for this occasion, but if the weather is permitting why not get overlooking a waterfall? These parks are open sunrise to sunset and will gladly host your special event. When planning your day why not visit a park or two in your area? Even if you decide to rent another location you still have a great day walking the park and spending some quality time with your other half.
Hopefully I have helped you at all in this ever so stressful time of wedding planning. Please leave me a comment, or contact me with any feedback or questions you may have. I would love to hear from you!
Good Luck!
Vanessa
Planning a Beach Wedding
Hello,
Alright we are almost there! Here is article 4 of 5. This one is all about the Florida Beach Wedding- what better place to have it than right here in NE Florida? Hopefully these little tips can help you get a grip on your fairytale wedding.
4. Planning a Beach Wedding—
You’ve found the dress and chose the cake. Checked out venues, but the beach still calls to you- Don’t worry you can plan a beach wedding and make it pleasurable for everyone. Here are some tips to help.
First off, decide your time! Search for the sunrise and set times for the date of your wedding. While it is every little girls dream to get married at sunset, you should take into consideration your location and pictures. East coast beaches don’t get as beautiful sunsets as west coast beaches would. Luckily in Florida that shouldn’t be too big of a problem.
Secondly, are you willing to get pictures with your groom prior to the ceremony? You need to decide this if planning a sunset wedding. I personally would recommend setting your ceremony time one and a half hour prior to the ceremony. This gives you time for the complete ceremony and all of the little glitches that happen to all weddings- making you start late. After “sunset” lighting is difficult. Most photographers will not use flash during a ceremony because it is so intrusive. Without enough lighting your pictures can suffer, this can be avoided by taking your posed shots before the ceremony or changing your ceremony time a little.
Finally, check your tide tables! The last thing you want is to be run off the beach because your perfect decorations were ruined by high tide. This is so important, especially if you don’t have a lot of beach to work with anyway. You need to make sure your rental vendor understands you have chosen a beach venue, and will stay for set up and take down. Verify your weather and rain chances. Have a backup location and check the temperature for your timeframe. You don’t want to sweat all over your beautiful gown because you ignored the weather channel.
Beach weddings can be very romantic and priceless, just pay attention to these tips. They will make your day go a whole lot easier.
Happy Planning!
Vanessa
Photography Trends and Fads
Hello Everyone,
Here is article two of five. All of them are aimed toward future brides majorly, however you may find a few general photography tidbits of interest.
This particular article covers a very wide range of trends like “trash the dress”, “wedding day styles”, and my favorite “boudoir photography” (something I feel every woman should do- nothing will give you more selfconfidence!).
2. Photography styles and Trends—
Most every modern bride has searched “photojournalism”, “trash-the-dress”, or wedding “boudoir” in attempt to understand the newest styles and lingo in photography today. While many photographers are up with the trend, there are others who just believe fads come and go so why should they change their methods.
I’ve personally never shot a trash-the-dress session, and haven’t made it a marketing staple. That being said should a bride come to me on their accord and want this shoot, I will happily shoot it for her. Not everyone is the same and as the client what you want matters. Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer about these trends if you are interested, but in the same turn don’t be bullied into one of these sessions if you really DO NOT want it.
As for Photojournalism, traditional, modern styles— I’ve come to find that I actually do a little of all. I tend to mix and match, which is not uncommon for photographers. During your ceremony I capture as it goes- Photojournalism. After I take your traditional- smile pretty- posed family, wedding party, and bride and groom shots- Traditional. Then after the posed I take the Bride and Groom off on a little adventure, there I capture very hip and modern, but classy and priceless photos of them- Falling under modern. When searching styles of photography, make notes to ask your photographer when you meet with them. This will help you understand your wants better, and help your photographer figure out how best to make your dreams come true. If you meet with photographers who you don’t like their style, make notes and discuss your dislikes with the next photographer. You will eventually find one that you mesh with.
On to my final trend- bridal boudoir. This is my favorite trend for so many reasons. First, what groom wouldn’t love to see his beautiful bride dressed up? This makes the perfect wedding gift or honeymoon kick off. It can be done very classy, and catered to your level of comfort- I work with my brides to figure out exactly what they want and how they want it. I explain what needs to be done to capture their specifics up front so everyone knows all of the options, and can base the whole shoot on the bride’s comfort and ideas. Secondly, I think that every bride— every woman— should have these classy and gorgeous shots to look back at over the years. Seeing yourself decked out, make up done, and glamorous will heighten your confidence and self esteem. I wish I had gotten a boudoir session before my wedding (and I packed on the “happy” weight…). Done with the right photographer your boudoir session can be an amazing experience!
Trends aren’t for everyone, but you are the only one who should decide if it is right for you. Most of these new-fangled fads can be done after the wedding as well, so there is never a reason to feel rushed or pressured. Do your homework, and jump on in.
Dont Miss my end of summer specials for wedding and boudoir photography!
Vanessa
Wedding Photography Advice
Hello Again,
In these next couple of posts I will be sharing some pretty valuable information with you– If you are remarrying, getting married, planning a wedding, or hoping for a wedding please read these articles.
These are a few articles I wrote for pictage.com and am finally getting up on my blog. Feel free to leave comments or contact me with any quesitons. Enjoy!
1. Advice from a Photographer—-
Your day has come and gone and while still fresh in your mind little details are starting to slip away, like was the dress Aunt Rita wore leopard print or tiger print? Not to worry though you have your beautiful pictures to fall back on… Right? Trust me this is not something you want to worry about later. Always remember your cake is wonderful, your venue spectacular, your dress is perfect, but without your photographer you won’t capture it all.
Wedding photography is one of the most important and under budgeted parts of your wedding. General rule of thumb you should allot 10-15% of your wedding budget to your photography- after all your memories shouldn’t be trusted to just anyone. It is not uncommon to book your wedding venue 12-18 months prior to your wedding date, and once that is done one of the next items should be the photographer. The internet has become very bride friendly- USE IT! Craigslist to Wedding Bee- you can find hundreds of photographers in your area. All pro-photographers know the importance of websites, so feel free to narrow your search down based on the results of their sites. Check out their photos, prices, qualifications, blogs- anything and everything to get a feel for them. Narrow your list down to 10 or so and call to set up meetings.
It is very important to meet your photographer! When you do meet with them take a list of important topics to be discussed that way you don’t forget in all the excitement. Pay attention to your comfort level, how you get along, and how willing they are to answer your questions. A good photographer will have a list of questions for you as well. Take notes on each photographer that way when you make your decision you can reference them – you will find out after the third or fourth everything starts to run together. Look at the albums and portfolio’s, talk about styles, discuss your wants and needs, and then talk pricing. SET YOUR BUDGET IN ADVANCE! Know what you have and where you will be willing to bend. If you love #2 but their price is $300 higher than your budget, but #5 is great too and more affordable- you then need to decide save the money and settle or tighten your belt and find the money. Follow your gut, but be willing to negotiate. A lot of times independent photographers will be willing to negotiate to get your business, where a big studio doesn’t need to. Always ask if who you meet will be the one to take your pictures…
Most photogs are willing to include or quote engagement sessions in your packages. Do this about 2-4 months prior to the wedding. It is always nice to have and you can use these pictures for customizable save the date or thank you cards!
Ask your photographers about other vendors they work with or know, you may be able to find someone you never even heard of like this and you have a pro telling you their opinion. Don’t be afraid to ask- whether it’s pricing, vendors, tips, or shots. It is your day and we will work with you. If you have a special request list bring it with you too, photogs will be able to say if they can capture everything upfront.
Do your homework and listen around. You can find anything on the internet, don’t be afraid to Google your photog or other vendors. The more planning time the less stressful you feel, never settle because you just want to be done! Set up your budget and be willing to negotiate with your photographers, and all vendors. Just keep in mind these are your memories- Good Luck!
Thanks,
Vanessa
End Of Summer Photography Specials!
Hello Again,
I am very happy to present to you the – End Of Summer Photography Specials!
These are new end of Summer specials to break into Fall the right way! As the heat begins to fade and the days are getting shorter, don’t let those last minute photography options pass you by. Specializing in wedding and portraiture the sky is the limit! Besides your memories shouldn’t cost you a fortune!
Parents- now that the kids are back to school and routines are settling again, have you gotten a chance to get those ever so important family pictures? The Holidays are coming quickly! This is the perfect option to make your seasonal cards sensational with a personal feel.
• One hour session, CD (fully edited and reproductive rights) = $85/Was$140
• Free collage design – can be used any way you wish.
• Get a photo book with 25 pictures for only $50/Was $75
Expecting Parents- is there ever a better time to start documenting this special occasion? Capture your pregnancy and start the scrap booking right! This is a special time in your life don’t miss out on saving those memories.
• One hour session, CD with rights = $85/Was $140
• 2-30 minute sessions (one maternity, one newborn) with CD=$100/Was $160
• Free Collage design per session
• Get a photo book with 25 pictures for only $50/Was $75
Bride and Grooms- Are you gearing up for an end of the year wedding or getting your ducks in a row for next year? Wedding photography is one of the most important decisions you will ever make- once the cake is gone and honeymoon is over, rest assured I have captured your memories for a lifetime!
• New Lower Package Pricing— Starting at $400
• Loads more photo options with even more affordable prices!
• Free Collage and Album designs
• Extra Package Options – Now FIVE levels to choose from or Create your own
• New distance regulations – Yes I do travel!
• Get discounts on packages- 5% off of Gold, 10% off of Platinum, and 15% off of Diamond
• “All day packages” – Don’t worry about running over!
Ladies and Gentlemen- Looking for that once in a lifetime Anniversary or Holiday gift? How about the gift of pure joy that keeps on giving! Get your glamour session before that rocking beach body wears off. What better way to make sure your are on your significant others mind than to feel your sexiest and let them treasure this keepsake for years to come. Not only will you be reminded of your sensuality, but of that first look when they open this Gem.
• One and a half hour session, CD with rights = $125/was $175
• One and a half hour session, CD, and 7×7 Photo book with 25 pics = $175/was $215
Models- Need those last minute bikini shots? Want to do a specially themed shoot? Take this chance before the special runs out!
• One hour session, CD = $85/was $140
• Two hour session, CD = $150/was $200
Hurry! Contact me for more information – These specials end October 31st! Booking for the rest of 2009 and 2010. Please note that my website is being updated—plenty more pictures for your viewing pleasure uploaded soon.
Thanks again for your support!
Vanessa
