Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today’s blog was written by Cassandra, ABG’s newest bridal blogger. She is also a Nashville bride-to-be and writes from her unique perspective! Read more about Cassandra’s here.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Lynette of McNeal Wedding Films {formerly known as McNeal Video}. She is wonderful and very passionate about what she does. It was quite interesting to hear what she had to say. My first question to her was all about the exciting name change.
1. What made you want to change the name of the company?
Nowadays, when shooting a wedding, it has become more about making a film surrounding the big day rather than shooting a video. Each of our videos is customized from the music in the film to the movie poster for each couple. It’s about giving the couple what they want and feel that they need. We wanted the company name to reflect what we do and the commitment we make to every couple.
2. What’s new for brides in terms of wedding films for 2010?
Same Day Edits are finally making their way to the east coast. They are all ready popular on the west coast in places like California! It’s a great concept, and we are excited to start offering it to our couples. Essentially, highlights from the day {the getting ready, the ceremony, etc.} will be shown at the reception for all the guests to see.
3. Why should brides choose you?
We spend a lot of time editing the footage from every couple’s special day, which makes them quite entertaining to watch. Our films are also timeless so that ten to twenty years you don’t have to worry about looking back and wondering, “Why did I do that?” Plus, we offer customization for all our bride and grooms based on their personalities. This includes everything from the soundtrack that is played in tandem with film, to a movie poster that has a name reflective of the bride and groom. As if that wasn’t enough, we also give you two ceremony videos; an abridged version and a full-length version. This is important because not everyone wants to watch your entire ceremony. Additionally, the team is made up of all women; so, we have a keen eye for all the important details that the bride spends hours prepping for her big day.
4. What’s your favorite wedding video? Why?
It’s hard to pick just one video. They’re all my favorite. My lastes edit is usually my favorite until I edit the next:). It is so rewarding to complete the film and give it to the couple. Their reactions are priceless, always. {Enjoy the detailed story of Natalie & Michael and then see their video below,}
5. Why do you think filming weddings is so important?
A wedding film is so much more than a photograph. With a film, you can relive a moment without having to remember how you got there. It gives you the complete experience! With a photograph, you can’t hear what’s being said or happening. That’s why you need film; it adds a whole other dimension and level of emotion. {see the difference here}In addition to gaining all this information, I learned that the logo has special meaning behind, which I thoroughly enjoyed but you’ll have to visit the McNeal Wedding Films blog to learn about it yourself….
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Posted by Cassandra |
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Not to be outdone by wedding day pictures, newly-engaged couples are investing in professional engagement portrait sessions to really showcase their personality as a couple. Engagement pics are also a great way to test your makeup, get to know your photographer better and get comfortable in front of the camera.
Experienced photographers can take you to the best Nashville spots for engagement shots, give you ideas and help you prepare. One of those photographers is Amber V. of Lotus Blossom Photography. She was kind enough to give us “10 Great Tips for Beautiful Engagement Photos”. This should help you tremendously.
Amber - thanks for taking time to educate us all of the process. Awesome tips!
Guest Blogger: Lotus Blossom Photography, a Nashville wedding photographer
With so many people getting engaged this time of year, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips on how to make the most of your engagement session. Being a list maker at heart, I decided to share 10 useful tips with you:
(1) Choose a location that is meaningful to you. - a place that has significance to you and your fiance is always going to be better than a random park. The place you met, the place he proposed, or your home town square are all great options.
(2) Choose a location that is unique. - if you can’t think of a location with significance, the next best thing is a place that is unique. Kayla and Brock chose the county fair for their engagement photos because it was something different than what all of their friends had done and the results were great!
(3) Avoid wearing the same colors as your fiance. - we’ve all seen photos of two people, both wearing black shirts that end up looking like a two headed black blob. It’s MUCH more visually appealing if you and your fiance coordinate instead of match. If you’re not sure of the difference, ask your photographer for suggestions. Chances are they can help!
(4) Wear Cute Shoes. - Cute shoes are always a good idea, but especially for engagement photos. Everyone loves a cute “shoe shot” so why not make the most of it and dress your feet accordingly. I’ve also mentioned this because this is a really good excuse to print this out and say “Look honey!! ABG says I should buy new shoes for our engagement photos! ” You’re welcome 
(5) Think about having your e-pics done in a season opposite that of your wedding date. - If you’re getting married in the summer, you might like to have some photos of you and your fiance in the fall or winter. Having photos of the two of you in a variety of seasons will be good for decorating your home.
(6) Dress for the weather. - going right along with reason #5, if you are having e-pics taken in January make the most of it with a cute coat and winter accessories. If you’re having them done in August, skip the long sleeves even if your most favorite shirt is a wool sweater. It’s super important that you are comfortable because if you’re not it will show in the photos.
(7) Consider an activity. - if there is an activity you and your fiance really enjoy doing together, consider incorporating that into your engagement shoot. Do you both love baseball? Have some of the pics done on a baseball diamond. Are you both foodies? E-pics of the two of you whipping up something delicious would be adorable! Much like location, an activity can really help to personalize your photos.
(8) Bring Props. - No I don’t mean bring your couch to the shoot! Going along with #7 if you both love to read, bring some books. If you’re both head-over-heels for your dog, bring it along!
(9) Choose a photographer that you are comfortable being around. - this one is huge. If you don’t feel comfortable with your photographer it will show in your photos. In the current age of blogs, Facebook and Twitter make it a habit of reading your photographer’s blog and friend them on Facebook. This way by the time your engagement shoot rolls around you will feel like old friends!
(10) Be yourself! - this is the most important thing to remember. If you are a fashionista who follows the latest trends, then no matter what anyone says wear your trendy duds. If you live in jeans, then rock your denim in your photos. These photos are about you and your fiance so let that shine through!
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Posted by Ashley |
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 I met Amber and John of Lotus Blossom at the Fish Bridal Show a year ago. They had the cutest booth and were taking photo booth style pics, decked with props and all. I decided to give it a whirl. As I took my pics, I chatted with Amber and John. They were such a happy couple and we instantly connected. I loved their vibrant use of color and genuine enjoyment of photography. Plus, they are very affordable:). So, I thought I would share some of what I learned about Lotus Blossom. They support ABG so please take a moment to visit their site and see if their style/approach is right for you. My Spotlight on Lotus Blossom Photography Amber and John, Nashville Wedding Photographers http://www.lotusblossomphotography.com How did you get started in weddings? John and I both got our start in photography back in high school. We both had the privilege of being the photographer on our respective high school year book staffs. It wasn't until after our wedding in 2006 that we realized wedding photography would be a great fit for us. We loved our wedding photos (taken by the incredibly talented Michael Howard) so much and they brought us so much joy that we really wanted to be able to bring that same joy to others.
{by Emily T photography}
What do you like most about weddings? I like that there is so much activity going on that day - me and my camera are easily able to blend into the background, allowing me to capture some of the most amazing candid real moments.
What's your favorite wedding picture and why? Oh my goodness that is such a hard question!! One of my current favorites is this pic of Kayla and Brock from their October Wedding. I just love how dreamy and ethereal feeling it is. Plus just by looking at it you can see how in love they are :).
What is your service philosophy? I try really hard to make every bride feel special. I am a sucker for paper goods and believe there is nothing like a hand written note. In short, my service philosophy is personal attention. What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you? I really hate to compare to others because I think every photographer in Nashville has something great about them. I guess if I have to pick something, I'll go with the thing I keep hearing from my brides and grooms - we are fun. We know that the wedding day can be stressful for the bride and groom so we try to keep picture taking time light and fun and happy. After all, if you're not having fun, it's going to show in your pictures. And yes, I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself if it means I'm going to get a great pic of you laughing!
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors? (1) The University Club Nashville with Deborah Fluhart. Love, love, love this woman and the facility. We actually had our reception there and she made it such a pleasure for us. Then in June we had the pleasure of shooting an amazing wedding there and once again thanks to Deborah and her crew it went off without a hitch.
(2) A Delightful Day - while I won't officially work my first event with Mary Alice until December, I have known her as a personal friend for several years and she is top notch. Call her!! (3) Choice DJs/Bart Hanchey - another vendor that I used for my wedding and have since worked weddings with. Bart knows how to keep the party rocking all night. (4) Branches - amazing and unique floral design.
(5) The Bride Room - Indescribably beautiful gowns + personal service makes this place perfect. Who do you recommend when you're not available/not a fit? Emily T Photography. I second shoot for Emily on a semi-regular basis and she is so talented it's incredible. What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends? I read a ton of blogs to help stay current on trends. Of them is of course the Ashleys Bride Guide blog :) Another favorite is the Style Me Pretty Blog. {blushing} You didn't have to include me in your faves...but I'm so glad you did:). Let's discuss current wedding trends, which trend do you love? My favorite recent trend is the return to hand made, meaningful items. (like these amazing programs with the hand-made wax seals)
Which trend do you really dislike? I can't really think of anything! I guess I'm pretty open minded when it comes to trends :). What about past trends? What are you glad is gone? Stiffly posed wedding images. Spot color. Ohh - I was that bride in 2005 that had to have spot color! Ha! I'd forgotten about that! Which wedding trend do you really miss? Big Hair. Yes I realize that's not really wedding specific, but being a curly haired girl, I could have had some kick butt big hair. Hey - big hair is back! What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find? One of the things I enjoy most about being in the wedding industry is trying to help brides find ways to save money and be unique at the same time. I discovered my latest favorite wedding find + way to save $$ at one of my October Weddings - instead of a Unity Candle have a Bible (or your book of choice) signed by the parents, Maid of Honor, and Best Man during the ceremony.
I like that! You're so creative. I also love that you offer Monday budget tips for brides. Speaking of advice, any last advice for brides? Have fun! Enjoy every minute of your day, and make sure you hire a great photographer so that you can relive it over and over again!
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Posted by Ashley |
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Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009 Last month, our very own Louise and (now hubby) Candyman were married in Nashville! I've followed her The Thirty Something Bride blog over the last few months, laughing hysterically at her very candid wedding planning experiences. She was kind enough to guest blog for ABG, sharing details of her Nashville search for a wedding dress. You can read more of her gown shopping experience here. In fact, I would encourage you to read Louise's blog to get an idea of how she made decisions, especially budget decisions. One thing that DIY brides should note - while Louise and even Jessica of Budget Savvy Bride were budget conscious and took on many DIY projects, they both hired amazing photographers and splurged on items that were important to them. The key to wedding planning is realizing early on that no one can have everything they want so you've got to set a budget and then prioritize based on what's most important to you. Your prioritized list will help you decide - fab or affordable photography? day of coordinator or full planning services? couture or consignment gown? I can't wait to see all of her wedding photos but for now, her photographer, Jonathon Campbell Photography has posted part 1 of her beautiful, DIY wedding. Louise looks gorgeous and I am happy to share her wedding with the Nashville bridal community that has followed her very funny, helpful and honest blog.
Louise's reception was held at Mere Bulles, a wonderful (and off the beaten path) wedding reception venue. Be sure to bookmark their blog to check it out because I can't wait to see part 2 which should feature her special DIY details.
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Posted by Ashley |
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009 A few weeks ago, McCoy Made launched their new blog, new name and new website. To celebrate their newness:), I thought it would be a perfect time to share some of their 2009 weddings and provide you with a little more insight into the folks behind the camera and the services they offer. For Nashville brides who are not familiar with McCoy Made (formerly known as McCoy Studios), who are you? We are a husband/wife photography team who love to laugh and be excited about our work. We are dedicated to our art, our business and our clients. We strive to create images that take your breath away and are a personal reflection of who you are. We love that photography can tell a story. We especially love when our clients, become our friends. All of our wedding commissions include two photographers (Mark+Noelle), a lifestyle session of your choice, plus a few more goodies! We understand that today's bride is recession savvy, and that she wants stellar photography; we have carefully crafted our packages to address these needs.
What's your photography style? Our goal is to provide you with a documentary-based story of your day. We may occasionally guide or pose, but it is our intention to capture real moments and real connection between family and friends. Therefore, we try to be unobtrusive in our coverage of your wedding day. One thing we do ask for is some time in the day to sneak away alone so we can create relaxed images of the two of you. We keep these images very natural, but we do coach you as we move around. We also believe in documenting all the details of your day, from your attire to your decor, your final gallery will be a complete reminder of all your hard work!
A lot of parents are somewhat traditional. Do you also take posed family images that they'd appreciate too? Yes, of course! We believe the images of your family and friends gathered around you, is what makes your wedding album an heirloom. The images from your wedding day are the record that your family will share and cherish for years to come. As we plan your wedding day, we will provide you with a questionnaire inquiring about your family and your requests for posed images.
What other photography services do you offer that might interest a Nashville bride? "Redefining Boudoir is a unique division of McCoy Made. Our Redefining Boudoir Studio is a private, all female, photography studio. Our goal is to celebrate the beauty of each woman, have a lot of fun and help her create a stunning gift for her husband-to-be! It's also a great idea for a "Bachelorette Party", bring up to 9 girls and each can have some time in front of the camera!
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Posted by Ashley |
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