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Met with one of my sweet brides, Tabitha, today. On the phone the other day, I could tell she was really stressing out about her schedule. So, I suggested we get together and just KNOCK IT OUT. Now, working with a professional planner is the BEST option, but I'm happy to help wherever I can. Most people don't realize how crucial that schedule is!

I was happy to learn that she has hired Terry Tunks of Spectrum Sound as her reception entertainment. Terry understands that his role is critical in orchestrating the events of the reception and keeping all the professionals on the same page. He also shares our philosophy here at JBP that we are really "memory professionals" - we are working to create the best environment and opportunities for magic to happen.

In discussing the schedule, some very important situations were brought to light. Tabitha's fiance lost his father only a year ago, and she wants to do more to honor and include his dad - and all the parents - than just the traditional ways we normally see couples remember those who have passed. In all my almost 250 weddings, I've seen so many beautiful and unique ideas that I was able to give her some suggestions. She would also like to incorporate her 10-year old and their little bitty (see the cuties in the images below) in a special way that would really illustrate the new family they are creating. Beautiful! We ended up discussing a lot about the day, her priorities, ideas, options...What a great meeting! I got a peek at more about their family and their day - and I got to help make sure she's going to get the most out of her investment with me, too, because so much of what I'm able to do is determined by the schedule. I am on such a high!

Bottom line - your schedule is nothing to fear, and it is also nothing to take lightly. Research and pull in information and expertise (notice I said "expertise" - not just "advice") from everywhere you can NOW because doing your homework upfront will return a huge reward in the beautiful day you are able to create for yourself...and the beautiful memories you will enjoy for a lifetime. I've seen too many couple regret their "laid back" approach after the fact because it actually ended up causing stress and confusion - and missed opportunities. There is freedom in structure and organization! :)

If you happen to have any suggestions for the situations Tabitha is dealing with, please feel free to share here! I will pass along any advice.

Just a fun little movie for you on a Monday. Fun for you - embarrassing for me. But, I aim to entertain even at my own expense. ;)

Don't ever say I can't rap. LOL!!!

Mimosas are magic.

Recent bride was pretty emotional and stressed, apparently, right before we arrived to document her getting ready time with both photo and video. She said she can't believe how happy she looks in the photos and footage (we put up a quick sneak peek). "That's what a couple mimosas will do for you."

So, brides, as you are making your plans and lists, remember the CRITICAL detail to make for a happy and beautiful bride: mimosas!

I'm so excited! I'll be sending out little featurettes of other wedding vendors or other local businesses I want to introduce my JBP readers to. This will be a new feature of my eNewsLetter, so please sign up if you haven't already!

This first video is hopefully going to help me out on the wedding day. So often, I have to stop what I'm doing and help the gentlemen with their blasted pocket squares. So, here's hoping this will help them so I can keep shooting: pocket square how-to

These sessions just get me so pumped up on excitement and GIRL POWER! I was recently trying to describe to an associate why I do what I do - what drives me about it. The Femme Style sessions are such a great context to illustrate what I love about being behind the camera.

Typically, a woman will ask me about these sessions because she's curious and a little interested...but not sure what to expect and, I think, pretty intimidated. She wants to know how it works, what should she wear, who's involved, where does it happen, how do I prepare, oh god I need to lose 30 lbs first. Geez...typical female thoughts that happen a million times a day every day, right? We can be so worried and insecure! Myself included, for SURE.

A big part of why I love what I do happens in that conversation. I get to ask her about the love in her life and what's making her look into doing something like this. It's such a unique kind of thing, and there is usually a special reason that may involve a special celebration, but also, probably 9 times out of 10, I will hear "and he would just NEVER expect me to do something like this." FUN!

Fast forward to the session. I have done my best to reassure her that she doesn't need to spend money on outfits or beauty services or be worried or scared at all. BUT, sure enough, she will show up all nervous and insecure.

Now, I can't reveal all my secrets, but by the end of the shoot, this same nervous and insecure woman is busting at the seams with a renewed confidence and Femme sparkle. I usually suggest she schedule a date night with her man for that evening because she will be flying high and will NOT want to go home, put on sweat pants, and cook Hamburger Helper. I don't know if they heed my advice, but I know they leave me ready to light up the world with their glow. I just simply LOVE that!

I don't really know what the magic touch is. It's probably a lot of factors surrounding the whole experience. I aim to create a remarkable and fun experience for whoever is in front of my camera, and we do a LOT of giggling in these sessions. Girls coming together and really celebrating being girls - nothing wrong with that!

So, this is just a great context to talk about the drive and passion I have for capturing - not just beauty in women who deserve to KNOW how beautiful they are and share it with the man in their life, but the beauty that is in the life and relationships closest to us. These are not just "images." A child's squinty smile, a teenager's laugh, a kiss between a newly married couple, the curve of a woman's neck...it's all worthy of celebration and gratitude for the blessings we have today, in this moment, in this click of a shutter. My shutter. I'm honored to be part of that celebration any chance I get.

This note from a recent "Femme": "He said that it was the best present he had ever gotten because no one has ever done something like that for him and he knew i had put a lot of thought into it. He also said it meant a lot to him because that is something he soooooo would not have seen me do. WELL actually the first he asked...and i quote...."UH WHO took these?!" hahah He was relieved when i told him it was you, and he was disappointed there weren't more." (She only picked a few prints instead of a book!)