Re-branding photos with Green Autumn Photography

Firstly, let me start off by saying; I love Twitter. I have made a lot of connections through the social media site. From drinks and laughs with @JohnLepp, to talking gluten free recipes and weddings with @Sarahdanielleph, to staying informed about Hamilton (#HamOnt) from the likes of @JoeyColeman, @Kitestring and @TourismHamilton...I have fallen in love with Twitter.

One of my favourite shots from the shoot.
This is now my Twitter avatar. :)

It was because of Twitter that I was introduced to Jimmy and Sonya Bender of Green Autumn Photography.We connected because of his beautiful photos, but also because his colleague Tim was the videographer for this awesome wedding. We started chatting on Twitter, then became friends on Facebook, and then starting following one another on Instagram. We made plans to meet over coffee, and became instant friends in real life.

When I started telling Jimmy and Sonya about my plans for Bride's Butler, and they shared in my excitement, I knew that I wanted to bring them on board for my journey. Not only did they spend two hours of their time the other week taking photos for the new website, blog and printed material, but they also agreed to offer an exclusive discount to future clients of mine. They have joined me along with a selected group of other wedding professionals to provide a package that will meet the needs of so many Brides in the Hamilton and surrounding areas. I can't wait to unveil everything in July!

There are no words or gifts to show my gratitude to Jimmy and Sonya for their time, support and friendship. I just can't wait until the bookings start coming in for the package we will be offering that includes Green Autumn so that we can join forces and create magic doing what we love to do!

Thank you Jimmy and Sonya for a fun morning of photos, and for making me feel comfortable and laugh at myself in your presence. And thank you to Twitter for introducing me to friends that have become more than words on a screen, but friends I can hug.

Goofing around with Jimmy & Sonya.

Smiling for the rapid clicking of the lens.

How NOT to ruin your wedding photos

Your wedding photos will be one of the most important mementos from your wedding day. The day will go by so quickly, and you'll be having so much fun that you'll need good, quality photos to refresh your memory of what a fabulous day you had!

Choosing a Photographer is a tough decision. I always tell my clients to go with who they feel most comfortable with and who's style they prefer. Do not try to cheap out on your photos. This doesn't mean you have to spend $5,000+, but it surely means you shouldn't be spending less than $500 or asking a friend to do it for free. I saw a fabulous and oh-so-true quote the other day; "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur." This quote is bang on - let the professionals take care of you on your wedding day. We have many reasons to call ourselves such.

You've hired a professional and you know they will deliver, but what can you do to make sure that you don't ruin your photos?

Here are some tips on how NOT to ruin your wedding photos:

Create a wish list

Work with your Photographer via email or a face-to-face meeting to discuss the kind of photos you want. Most times you've selected them because of their style, poses, layouts, etc - but if there is a certain pose or location you want, be sure to tell them!
Some popular shots on a wish list are; gown on hanger in window, picture with grandparents, photo of rings/invitation and your something old/new/borrowed and blue.

Have your Photographer stay 

To save money some couples will send the Photographer home after the receiving line or just before dinner. This is a mistake if you want to capture emotions from you, your groom, wedding party, family and guests during dinner, speeches and when the party starts. They don't need to stay all night if money is tight, but have them stay at least until you've cut the cake and had your first dance.

Book in advance

Photographers and Coordinators are two of the first vendors to get booked early. We advise you to do your research and book with your selected Photographer at least 12-14 months in advance. Some times you can get away with as little as 9 months, but don't be surprised if our #1 choice is booked already.

Schedule enough time

Chat with your Photographer and your Day of Coordinator about how much time is needed for your photo shoot. We will be realistic with you and factor in travel time, set-up, people management and weather (sunlight, etc). You want to make sure you have enough time to be relaxed and having fun, but not too much time that your guests awaiting your arrival back are bored.

Feed your vendors

Vendors that get fed are happy vendors, and happy vendors will work better than hungry ones. If you have vendors working over your dinner hour (Photographers, Coordinator, DJ, etc) we highly recommend that you have a vendor table for them and feed them dinner as well. Your wedding day is a long one although it seems to go by so quickly and most of your vendors will be working well before you start to get ready and long after you've gone home.

Look fresh

On your wedding day you will look so radiant and happy because it's your wedding day, but do yourself a favour and eat and sleep well the day before. Same goes for your wedding day, stay hydrated, eat throughout the day and don't get intoxicated.

Have fun

Stuffy photos are a thing of the past. Sure, you'll have the traditional family and wedding party shots, but make sure you're having fun, laughing and enjoying yourself. Don't worry about the small things - this is your Day of Coordinators job. A smiling Bride looks best from all angles.


*Photo by JClay Photography from Helen & Jason's big day

Morgan & Adam Part I

In August I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth from Elizabeth in Love. I had heard about this awesome and lovely gal many times through the wedding grape wine, and then had the pleasure of meeting her at a friends wedding in June. At that wedding we were able to chat briefly about how excited we were to be working together for Morgan & Adam's big day.

Morgan & Adam got married in the beginning of August on a nice, warm (okay, kind of hot) summer day at one of my favourite venues in the Hamilton Area - the Tamahaac Club. Their theme was vintage romance, and they planned their big day with such detail. Morgan knew exactly how she wanted the venue to look, and it turned out beautifully.

Using baby's breath (the Groom's favourite), roses and hydrangeas, the tables welcomed guests for a dinner that was simply mouth watering. The bridesmaids wore white, and the groomsmen grey. The Bride & Groom had a first look photo session prior to uniting in a Jewish ceremony.

Here are some photos that display just how beautiful their wedding was.

It was so nice to have worked with Beth, and I hope that we'll be able to work together in the near future to capture and execute more weddings that are beautiful.

Next blog post will feature Part II: the details.

Sarah Danielle Photography

A while ago I connected with Sarah on Twitter and we went out for drinks to chat weddings, work and photography. I told her that I was in need of some new head shots for use on social media and my website and she agreed to spend some time with me...and that's just what we did this past weekend.

The fall leaves were our backdrop, and the sunlight light up our outdoor studio. The wind was a bit much at times, but we managed to have a good time and capture some great shots!

Here are a few of my favs from the shoot.

Friendor Spotlight

Foto Flare Photography: Lucas Shaughnessy

Choosing a Photographer for your wedding can be a stressful task as you want someone that is experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. The photos they capture will be ones you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Lucas is a Friendor of ours. Our Full Wedding Planning package includes referals to professionals in the Wedding Industry often times with discounts offered simply for being a client of The Bride's Butler.

I had the chance to interview Lucas about his services, specifically Engagement Sessions.

How long before the wedding should you have your engagement pictures done?
If you plan on using the images for your wedding invitations or save the date cards, have your engagement session as soon as possible. Otherwise you can leave your engagement session until just a few months (or days) before the wedding.

How do you suggest that couples incorporate their e-session pictures into their special day?
If you schedule your engagement session early enough, you could pick out your favorite photo and use it for your save the date cards – together we’ll design a custom announcement card that incorporates the photos.
Give your guests some eye candy and create a gorgeous guest signing book. That way, your guests will be able to leave their best wishes beside some of your favourite images.
A more traditional option is to have a framed print with a large mat that your guests can sign – that way you can hang it in your home after the wedding.

What do you like about Engagement sessions?
I love it when couples let me into their personal space so I can capture who they really are. When couples are relaxed, we can get some great photos that evoke emotion, passion and show your fun side. Use your engagement session as an opportunity to fall in love all over again and create images that represent you!

How long is a session, and what is your rate for them? Are they included in all of your packages?
Almost all of our collections include a 2hr engagement session. If they’re not included, they can be purchased for $340

What is your most favorite shot to capture on the wedding day? The vows, the first dance, etc....

I don’t really have a particular favorite shot, but I love moments with emotion - whether it is the father's first look at his daughter in the morning or the groom wiping away a tear while his soon to be wife walks down the aisle. Ultimately my favorite photos are when the couple and guests forget that I’m there and I can capture how they really felt at that exact moment.

What sets you apart from other photographers?
Who’s better to ask then some of my past couples. Here's what they have to say:

-“Not only are you very flexible & modern – you’re extremely creative & just different”

-“You had a way of listening to our vision for the wedding and then taking this and making it come alive in artistic and unique photographs”

-“You always manage to exceed my expectations. The final product is always more than I could have expected or imagined! This time proved it yet again”

Paparazzi

Everyone at one time or another wants to feel like a celebrity. At your wedding, you and your Groom are the celebrities - and your Wedding Party are like your groupies - and your guests are your fans.

A popular trend at weddings and events has been the Photo Booth (or Photo Shoot). A backdrop is set up with proper lighting and a designated photographer (aside from your main photog) to take photos of you and your guests. You can offer these photos as a favour or as an additional keepsake.

Alexis & Kevin had a Photo Shoot at their 'surprise wedding' on October 10th. With a secluded location away from the 'hub' of the party and the red coloured carpet upstairs at Swing Restaurant, their "red carpet + grand affair" backdrop worked wonderfully! Alexis made the backdrop and it really made everyone who got their picture taken infront of it feel like a super star!

 Alexis & Kevin used the Photo Shoot photos taken by the lovely Sarah from Indigo Stars Photography as part of their Thank You cards. Each guest could fill out a ballot size info sheet with their names and select if they wanted a picture of just themselves, or a picture of the Bride & Groom mailed to them. You could select both if you wanted to make sure you got one of the  new husband and wife as they were the 'main attraction' afterall - even though the guests didn't know it! LOL!

Before the event started and guests began to arrive, Sarah captured a shot of me on the 'red carpet' and it helped excentuate the excitment I was already feeling. This wedding was truly one of a kind - and I've got the photo to prove it!!

'The Notebook' inspired E-session

"So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday."

~Noah, The Notebook

I saw this engagement session the other day on Green Wedding Shoes and my mouth dropped. This couple displays the essence of adventure and love from the movie The Notebook. Photographed by Chelsea from Blushing Bride in Montreal, these photos are truly one of a kind.

Foto Flare Photography

Everyone say cheese!

Taking a picture with a professional on your wedding day isn't like getting your school photo done. There usually isn't too much of the "say cheese", or "smile!"anymore. Most photographers like to take what they call 'photojournalistic' pictures.

Photojournalism is a particular form of journalism that creates images in order to tell a story...like the events of your wedding day. You want your pictures to convey timeliness, objectivity, detail, narrative and emotion.

The Bride's Butler works with a few photographers that all have the ability, experience, knowledge and equipment to capture all of the moments from your special day.

We like to refer Lucas from Foto Flare to our clients. He has his own studio in Hamilton (302A Brucedale Ave E) - and has many packages available to meet the photography and budget needs of every Bride and Groom.

Any clients of The Bride's Butler that are refered to Lucas and decide to use him as their photographer will recieve a discount depending on the photo package you choose. We also have a discounted rate for clients of Foto Flare - so visit the studio to find out how you can save money!

I invite you to visit Lucas' website, blog and studio to see his photojournalistic photos. http://www.fotoflare.ca/

When you're looking for a photographer for your wedding,

do you know what questions to ask him or her?

Here are just a few......


Are you the only photographer in this company? If I hire you, am I guaranteed that you will be the one showing up to shoot my wedding?
Can you show me 3 or more complete weddings you’ve done?

Is color and B/W photography included or is there an extra fee for B/W?
Are you willing to come extra early to get shots of us (the couple) before the ceremony if we choose to do that?
Do you work with an assistant?


How many and what kind of cameras do you use? 


Do you offer a website and CD of my images? 


Ask your photographer plenty of questions, they should always be glad to answer them - it shows your care about their service and the product that they can create for you.



BB Tip #5

When compiling a list of photos that you 'must have' for your wedding, remember to keep it simple.
Immediate family, wedding party shots, and details (dress, shoes, cuff links, etc).
Your photographer will do their very best to capture every moment and emotion...and you as the Bride do your best to relax, enjoy and SMILE! :)