Monday, November 29, 2010
Wedding dress shopping
Today I went wedding dress shopping with Sarah and my Mum. A local bridal store was having a Maggie Sottero trunk show, so I made an appointment to see the gowns. I've known for a while that when I did eventually look at dresses, Maggie was where I wanted to start. She makes gorgeous gowns, unique and individual. I tried several on, but unfortunately they didn't carry the gown I would really like see. I found it in a magazine and instantly fell in love. All I have to do is see what it looks like on me. I did find a gown that would be a second option, if I can't find the one from the magazine. Seriously, trying on gowns is SO fun. I can see why it takes some girls so long. Talk about decisions! Too bad I can't wear three :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wedding Venue #2
Today I took my parents to see Springwood Conference Center. It's amazing. Gorgeous property, amazing and intimate building...definitely a unique venue. Photography is HUGE for me, so I need a place that is beautiful in its own, without needing much to dress it up. Also, we'll need a place we can hold the ceremony and reception. There are several different areas to choose from for the ceremony. I really liked the stone patio. Simple, but would be great for photos. Also, there is a huge outdoor wooden deck, perfect for the cocktail hour to entertain my guests (while I take hundreds of photos). Dinner would be in the atrium...with a gorgeous chandelier hanging above. I want an evening wedding, so watching the sun setting from inside the atrium....I get chills just thinking of it :)
My parents both really like it, as does Fred. My only complaint is that they don't allow candles. Which is really disappointing, since all along my theme was an evening, candlelit wedding. (Everyone looks better in candlelight, right? Not to mention, talk about romantic). However, if that's the only thing I don't like about the place, is it really a reason to pass on an otherwise perfect venue?
We still want to look at a few other places, but it's definitely number one so far.
This is where we'd get married. Gorgeous, right?
My parents both really like it, as does Fred. My only complaint is that they don't allow candles. Which is really disappointing, since all along my theme was an evening, candlelit wedding. (Everyone looks better in candlelight, right? Not to mention, talk about romantic). However, if that's the only thing I don't like about the place, is it really a reason to pass on an otherwise perfect venue?
We still want to look at a few other places, but it's definitely number one so far.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wedding Photographer Nightmare
Allie came to book club tonight, and just finally got her pictures back from her wedding....over two months later! Unfortunately, she is incredibly disappointed. For several reasons:
1. Her photographer did not do ANY Photoshopping. Glare on glasses, hair bands on wrists, her sister sticking out separate from the group instead of being tucked in, etc. Minor things that with a little effort and Photoshop work could easily be retouched.
2. There is only one group photo of the bride and groom and their immediate families. Only one picture. In that one photo, her Mom's face is blocked. Also in that picture, the photographer placed the groom's parents directly in front of the bride and groom.
3. There are no pictures of the groom alone.
4. There is one very nice photo taken at dusk....except there is a car speeding by behind them. When Allie emailed to ask if he'd be able to take it out, the photographer said it was artistic and refused to edit it.
The photographer refused to do Photoshopping or editing of any kind. On the wedding day, her sister Colleen realized she'd had a hair band on her wrist, and the photographer assured her he would edit it out afterwards.
I feel so bad that she's so disappointed in her pictures. I can only imagine how devastated I would be in her position, as wedding pictures are so important to me. I offered Fred's assistance for some, since he is pretty amazing with Photoshop. After all, two years ago, he was able to take a picture of my family in front of the Christmas tree and: button my Dad's shirt, zipper his pants, button them up, belt them, and basically give him new legs since he was in Captain pose. (He was on his way up to bed when we called him back for one last photo. You'd have to know my Dad for this story to make sense). Oh, and also, he made my Dad smile by switching heads from a different picture. AND removed the glare from my brother's glasses. And that's just one picture.
Anyway, it really makes me think about a photographer. I know it will be one of the most important wedding details I choose. I'll definitely be doing my homework on this one.
1. Her photographer did not do ANY Photoshopping. Glare on glasses, hair bands on wrists, her sister sticking out separate from the group instead of being tucked in, etc. Minor things that with a little effort and Photoshop work could easily be retouched.
2. There is only one group photo of the bride and groom and their immediate families. Only one picture. In that one photo, her Mom's face is blocked. Also in that picture, the photographer placed the groom's parents directly in front of the bride and groom.
3. There are no pictures of the groom alone.
4. There is one very nice photo taken at dusk....except there is a car speeding by behind them. When Allie emailed to ask if he'd be able to take it out, the photographer said it was artistic and refused to edit it.
The photographer refused to do Photoshopping or editing of any kind. On the wedding day, her sister Colleen realized she'd had a hair band on her wrist, and the photographer assured her he would edit it out afterwards.
I feel so bad that she's so disappointed in her pictures. I can only imagine how devastated I would be in her position, as wedding pictures are so important to me. I offered Fred's assistance for some, since he is pretty amazing with Photoshop. After all, two years ago, he was able to take a picture of my family in front of the Christmas tree and: button my Dad's shirt, zipper his pants, button them up, belt them, and basically give him new legs since he was in Captain pose. (He was on his way up to bed when we called him back for one last photo. You'd have to know my Dad for this story to make sense). Oh, and also, he made my Dad smile by switching heads from a different picture. AND removed the glare from my brother's glasses. And that's just one picture.
Anyway, it really makes me think about a photographer. I know it will be one of the most important wedding details I choose. I'll definitely be doing my homework on this one.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Part Two, Re: Venue Visit #1
At 7:14pm this evening, I received the following email from the wedding coordinator, who did not show to the appointment we scheduled:
Hi. I regret that I was not able to meet with you today. I hope you took the opportunity to look around while you were here in the daylight. After seeing our venue, if you are still interested, please send any questions you have to me or call us. Again, I apologize that I was unavailable to meet with you today.
Proprietor
.........Proprietor? So, this was not the fault of a lady who just works there, but the owner herself. If a first visit, confirmed by an email the day before, slips her mind....I don't want to find out what other detail she may forget.
I'm not a harsh person. And I definitely understand that everyone makes mistakes. But we've been doing weddings since before I was born. And not once has this ever happened. Not to mention, had she sent an email with even a hint of apology, I'd have rescheduled.
I think I'll schedule with Venue #2.
Hi. I regret that I was not able to meet with you today. I hope you took the opportunity to look around while you were here in the daylight. After seeing our venue, if you are still interested, please send any questions you have to me or call us. Again, I apologize that I was unavailable to meet with you today.
Proprietor
.........Proprietor? So, this was not the fault of a lady who just works there, but the owner herself. If a first visit, confirmed by an email the day before, slips her mind....I don't want to find out what other detail she may forget.
I'm not a harsh person. And I definitely understand that everyone makes mistakes. But we've been doing weddings since before I was born. And not once has this ever happened. Not to mention, had she sent an email with even a hint of apology, I'd have rescheduled.
I think I'll schedule with Venue #2.
REALLY?!?! Re: Venue Visit #1
Well.
Mum & Dad, Fred and I piled in the car on a Sunday afternoon and made the hour drive to the site. Upon arrival, the hostess sat us, and let us know someone would be with us. We sat, reviewed the photo albums, and waited patiently.
After about fifteen minutes, the hostess returned and let us know that the lady we made the appointment with was running an errand, but should return shortly.
Next, the hostess returned to let us know she tried to get in touch with her, but so far was unsuccessful in reaching her. Again, she reassured us that she should be returning soon.
Finally, after over 45 minutes, the hostess returned to let us know that she did finally reach the lady we were supposed to meet. However, apparently, the lady was not coming to meet with us.
Not only did we not meet with anyone, but the hostess was unable to provide us with any print information on prices, packages, or any information on weddings at their site.
As a business owner, my Dad was obviously not happy. Not to mention this venue is in a remote location...where basically everyone must travel for a visit. We left, and my Dad wondered aloud if the owner of the venue knows how the wedding consultant handles things. Good question, Pops.
Driving home, I was mortified I had wasted my parents time. My Dad was supposed to be at a charity event that he missed because of this meeting. I couldn't believe we made the trip for nothing.
I am anxious to hear from them. I guess we'll see.
Mum & Dad, Fred and I piled in the car on a Sunday afternoon and made the hour drive to the site. Upon arrival, the hostess sat us, and let us know someone would be with us. We sat, reviewed the photo albums, and waited patiently.
After about fifteen minutes, the hostess returned and let us know that the lady we made the appointment with was running an errand, but should return shortly.
Next, the hostess returned to let us know she tried to get in touch with her, but so far was unsuccessful in reaching her. Again, she reassured us that she should be returning soon.
Finally, after over 45 minutes, the hostess returned to let us know that she did finally reach the lady we were supposed to meet. However, apparently, the lady was not coming to meet with us.
Not only did we not meet with anyone, but the hostess was unable to provide us with any print information on prices, packages, or any information on weddings at their site.
As a business owner, my Dad was obviously not happy. Not to mention this venue is in a remote location...where basically everyone must travel for a visit. We left, and my Dad wondered aloud if the owner of the venue knows how the wedding consultant handles things. Good question, Pops.
Driving home, I was mortified I had wasted my parents time. My Dad was supposed to be at a charity event that he missed because of this meeting. I couldn't believe we made the trip for nothing.
I am anxious to hear from them. I guess we'll see.
Venue Visit #1
Today I am taking my family to visit a venue. My Mum and I went a few years back to see a country club in Edgewood (I think?) but I was unimpressed. I'm looking for something a bit more unique. And probably outdoors. So I set up and appointment for the four of us to go give it a look. My MOH Allie actually was married here a few years ago. It was a gorgeous wedding. One of the prettiest, if not the best, wedding I've ever attended.
Wish us luck, because this could be it!
Wish us luck, because this could be it!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)