Due to the extensive amount of photo editing and post processing of images I have to do this week, I am making this Week's Wedding Tip a short & sweet one.
Let's talk about a Quick Tip about being Photo ready on your big day. We are not going to discuss anything "general" or get into detail about all of the options. What I want to focus on is your choice for Hair & Makeup when it comes to your Photographs on your Wedding Day.
Each year, I photograph many Brides or Bride's Maids that spend what seems to be endless hours primping and grooming for the big event. Much detail is put into your Hair & Makeup preparation and often times, lots of money is invested as well. My biggest advice when choosing your hair/makeup style is to first find photos of looks you are interested in (from magazines, websites, books, etc.) and be sure to have those ready when you are meeting with your hairstylist or makeup artist for your trial run. If you are doing your own hair/makeup on the big day... I can never emphasize enough on "Practicing to make it perfect". Be sure when choosing a style/look that you find something that will compliment you as a person. You want to ensure that you look glamorous but natural... not overdone and uncomfortable. Ask your makeup artist about styles that he/she may think would work best for your body/face shape, build and skin complexion and color. Remember when you are applying makeup that you may have to add more to your look then you would wear on a normal day to ensure that the camera can pick up on all that beauty that you or your stylist worked so hard on. Most importantly, try to avoid sprinkling glitter in your hair or on your body or using heavy shimmery eye shadows on your big day. Often times, the glitters will not photograph well and will leave specks of dots all over your body and face. Though it may look pretty in person, the camera will not give it the same effect as you may think... and you may not be happy with your photos.
I hope this quick tip has assisted with being "Camera Ready" when it comes to your Hair & Makeup on your big day. We have many many more to come... so stay tuned for next week's tip.
- Honey
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Weekly Wedding Tip #4 - Planning for your Budget & Wedding Needs
Getting engaged and setting the wedding date are just a few details involved in planning a wedding. Having planned many in the past as well as my own, I know that the Wedding Budget is by far one of the most important things to think about before moving forward in your planning.
The amount of time you have before your actual wedding date are also factors in the wedding budget. Make sure that when you are deciding on an amount, that you plan for reserves or "emergency funds" in the case that something should occur during the last minute where you will need to rely on these extra finances.
If you are a DIY Bride/groom (as I was) and you are putting your wedding together little by little, by pulling a few dollars here and there from your savings or paycheck... then make sure that you have an estimate of how much money you plan to spend at any given time/moment and how much money you plan to spend all together. This will assist and be a guide for your spending so that you do not "over spend" and buy things that are not needed, just because they catch your eye or you can afford it with this paycheck. IF YOU DON'T NEED IT - DON'T BUY IT! Be sure that you keep your receipts each time you spend so that you can calculate the amount you spent during this purchase and you can factor in what other spending you will need before your wedding day.
The budget is important, not only because it keeps your spending to a limit (so that you can ensure that you start your new married life off on the right foot), but it also allows you to plan your finances accordingly so that you don't come up short. Making a budget is pretty quick to complete and easy to do. Simply sit down with your fiance and discuss the items and options you want at your wedding (including any rehearsal, ceremony & reception costs). Here are a few items that you can include:
There are many many more other items involved in a wedding, but those are a start to the basics. After listing each item, you need to decide how much money you would like to spend on each category. Once you decide on that, then you need to look at how much money you truly can devote to the wedding planning and how much of it will go to each category. Don't forget to factor in the "emergency fund". Make sure to stick to the amounts that you planned for. If you have a little wiggle room to spend more money on the flowers, since you saved money on the rest of the decorations, that should be okay so long as you are not taking away finances from another item/option or putting your budget in the negative. Stick to your list and you will not only have an awesome wedding, but you will also start your new life off wonderfully and "not in debt." ;-)
I hope that helped you out a little with your budget planning. Please feel free to contact me if you need more insight or advice, I'll be happy to help.
Have an awesome week. ;-) - Honey
The amount of time you have before your actual wedding date are also factors in the wedding budget. Make sure that when you are deciding on an amount, that you plan for reserves or "emergency funds" in the case that something should occur during the last minute where you will need to rely on these extra finances.
If you are a DIY Bride/groom (as I was) and you are putting your wedding together little by little, by pulling a few dollars here and there from your savings or paycheck... then make sure that you have an estimate of how much money you plan to spend at any given time/moment and how much money you plan to spend all together. This will assist and be a guide for your spending so that you do not "over spend" and buy things that are not needed, just because they catch your eye or you can afford it with this paycheck. IF YOU DON'T NEED IT - DON'T BUY IT! Be sure that you keep your receipts each time you spend so that you can calculate the amount you spent during this purchase and you can factor in what other spending you will need before your wedding day.
The budget is important, not only because it keeps your spending to a limit (so that you can ensure that you start your new married life off on the right foot), but it also allows you to plan your finances accordingly so that you don't come up short. Making a budget is pretty quick to complete and easy to do. Simply sit down with your fiance and discuss the items and options you want at your wedding (including any rehearsal, ceremony & reception costs). Here are a few items that you can include:
- Venue (including ceremony & reception)
- Catering
- Decorations (including bridal bouquets, pew decor, etc.)
- Bridal attire (groomsmen & bridal party)
- Grooms tuxedo or other form of attire
- Bride's gown
- Bridal party gifts
- Photography
- Videography
- Wedding Cake
- Invitations, Programs, Guest book, etc.
There are many many more other items involved in a wedding, but those are a start to the basics. After listing each item, you need to decide how much money you would like to spend on each category. Once you decide on that, then you need to look at how much money you truly can devote to the wedding planning and how much of it will go to each category. Don't forget to factor in the "emergency fund". Make sure to stick to the amounts that you planned for. If you have a little wiggle room to spend more money on the flowers, since you saved money on the rest of the decorations, that should be okay so long as you are not taking away finances from another item/option or putting your budget in the negative. Stick to your list and you will not only have an awesome wedding, but you will also start your new life off wonderfully and "not in debt." ;-)
I hope that helped you out a little with your budget planning. Please feel free to contact me if you need more insight or advice, I'll be happy to help.
Have an awesome week. ;-) - Honey
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Shan & Bran - Maui Couples Portrait & Lifestyle Photography, Sneak Peak
Before heading out to our photoshoot today, we were kind of worried that the rain would not let up... it was pouring in Pukalani and the sun barely made it through the clouds. We made our way to our shoot location and low and behold... the clouds and rain had drifted away.
We had the privilege to shoot Shannan & Brandon today. They just celebrated 10 years together as a couple and wanted to commemorate their love in some new photos. Kevin and I had fun with them and it was nice to see old friends of ours again. Here is a sneak peak of their photoshoot. Thank you to Shan & Bran for letting us capture your "Love Story" today.
We had the privilege to shoot Shannan & Brandon today. They just celebrated 10 years together as a couple and wanted to commemorate their love in some new photos. Kevin and I had fun with them and it was nice to see old friends of ours again. Here is a sneak peak of their photoshoot. Thank you to Shan & Bran for letting us capture your "Love Story" today.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Jessica & Madison - Maui Portrait & Lifestyle Photography
A few days ago, I blogged about a photo shoot I did on Super bowl Sunday with Jessica. It was an awesome shoot and I truly enjoyed my time with her. Not only did I have the opportunity to shoot Jessica, but I also had an opportunity to photograph her with "her little munchkin" Madison. Madison (Madi for short) is a year and a half and is filled with so much sunshine and happiness. She is a complete joy to photograph and together, mother & daughter make a wonderful pair. I wanted to share this wonderful photograph I captured of the two of them... my absolute favorite. Thanks again Jessi (& Madi) for letting me spend the day with both of you... I had so much fun ;-) I look forward to the next time we get to photograph the two of you.
Wedding Tip #3 - The all important, Checklist
"Oh - I don't have to worry about that, Lucy will handle it for me." Those words are heard all too often when it comes to wedding planning. But, unfortunately - many times, they are followed by... "The wedding is tomorrow, why hasn't this been taken cared of when it was promised?"
We are so lucky to have family & friends that are not only excited but very eager to assist you with your big day. Though their hearts and intentions are usually in the right place, everyone has a life that they can get caught up in. Mistakes are made, important details forgotten (not on purpose), feelings get hurt and in the end... what ever did not get done, will be handled either during the last minute, or just thrown out the window to save time and effort. All of this can be avoided, by simply using a piece of paper (or more... depending on the size) and a pen.
"Always make a checklist. Never, EVER expect that someone else will take care of it for you!"
By making a checklist of what needs to be done and who will be doing it... you not only keep track of the items that still need to be completed, but you also make a list of who is going to be held accountable when it was not done. This "All important" Checklist can be placed in your binder that we discussed as Tip #1 and you can refer to it when ever you need. It is especially perfect to list who will be completing key wedding items like Invitations, Programs, Favors, etc. You can list the item, the date it should be completed and delivered by and then an area that lists when the item was received. Not only will this keep you organized, it will truly help when you are in need to provide a time line to your coordinator or to gauge the shipping times for other items. Excel spreadsheets that you can print out and add information to are perfect resources and can be a great template for your checklist.
Don't get me wrong... you may have a perfect wedding that goes off without a hitch... however, you NEVER want to be caught wondering on the day of your wedding if you missed anything. This checklist can be broken down into sections like: Pre Wedding (invites, etc.), Ceremony, Post ceremony & Reception. This can be useful in a crunch when you can't remember if you packed the rings in your clutch or if the flower bouquets were delivered. Though this can be tedious... it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Sit down with your wedding party or your parents to discuss important items that should be placed on this list. Yes, it's an additional thing to do... but I promise that you won't be sorry you had this little piece of paper tucked into your pocket to reflect on... not only to make sure you have everything, but for a little piece of mind. ;-)
We are so lucky to have family & friends that are not only excited but very eager to assist you with your big day. Though their hearts and intentions are usually in the right place, everyone has a life that they can get caught up in. Mistakes are made, important details forgotten (not on purpose), feelings get hurt and in the end... what ever did not get done, will be handled either during the last minute, or just thrown out the window to save time and effort. All of this can be avoided, by simply using a piece of paper (or more... depending on the size) and a pen.
"Always make a checklist. Never, EVER expect that someone else will take care of it for you!"
By making a checklist of what needs to be done and who will be doing it... you not only keep track of the items that still need to be completed, but you also make a list of who is going to be held accountable when it was not done. This "All important" Checklist can be placed in your binder that we discussed as Tip #1 and you can refer to it when ever you need. It is especially perfect to list who will be completing key wedding items like Invitations, Programs, Favors, etc. You can list the item, the date it should be completed and delivered by and then an area that lists when the item was received. Not only will this keep you organized, it will truly help when you are in need to provide a time line to your coordinator or to gauge the shipping times for other items. Excel spreadsheets that you can print out and add information to are perfect resources and can be a great template for your checklist.
Don't get me wrong... you may have a perfect wedding that goes off without a hitch... however, you NEVER want to be caught wondering on the day of your wedding if you missed anything. This checklist can be broken down into sections like: Pre Wedding (invites, etc.), Ceremony, Post ceremony & Reception. This can be useful in a crunch when you can't remember if you packed the rings in your clutch or if the flower bouquets were delivered. Though this can be tedious... it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Sit down with your wedding party or your parents to discuss important items that should be placed on this list. Yes, it's an additional thing to do... but I promise that you won't be sorry you had this little piece of paper tucked into your pocket to reflect on... not only to make sure you have everything, but for a little piece of mind. ;-)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Weekly Wedding Tips #3
Help... I need an assistant... hehe! I will be posting the weekly wedding tip in the next few days. I'm running really behind because it's been a bit busy. Thank you for being so patient. ;-)
Jessica - Maui Portrait & Lifestyle Photography
I have had the privilege to photography many women in my career. Some are shy, some are quite bold and love the camera... but never have I photographed someone who is shy but is an absolute natural to photograph. I had the opportunity to photograph Jessica on Superbowl Sunday. She was a bit shy, having not really been photographed at this extent before in the past... but she was a natural and the camera absolutely loved her. Thank you Jessi for allowing me to photograph you. ;-)
Here's a few shots from her shoot.
Here's a few shots from her shoot.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weekly Wedding Tips #2 - The Wedding Invitation
The Wedding Invitation ~
The Invitation to your wedding is just as important as your wedding cake. It helps to establish the theme of your wedding and most importantly, it tells your guests when, where and what. Many couples planning their wedding day do not put much emphasis on their wedding invitation because it is something that they may consider trivial or useless... however, I beg to differ.
A Wedding Invitation sets the state for the type of ambiance that can be expected at your wedding, down to the crystal glassware and/or porcelain chargers... or in some cases, the paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. When creating an invitation - let it speak for you, presenting your guests with a sneak peak of what they have in store for your wedding ceremony & reception.
With our economy in a recession and everyone thinking more budget friendly - there are always ways to make a Gorgeous Invite without putting a large dent in our wallets. When my husband and I got married almost 9 years ago, you could not find invitation stationary with envelopes that you could print at home so I went to a specialty paper store and chose a paper with matching envelopes that would represent my wedding as well as the feel I wanted to portray for my special day. I went home, worked up a bunch of mock ups for the invite and settled on one that I truly loved. It was simple but elegant and even though I bought special paper to use, it was still VERY inexpensive in comparison to the types you buy from huge Invitation Makers.
Now a days - there are "Print your own Invite" kits sold at almost every store from Target and Walmart to Office Max. They have the embossed borders with silver and gold inlay or plain ones that include vellum and all of them can be printed on a standard ink jet printer. They are quite affordable - ranging from $15-$50 for 50 invites, envelopes and sometimes they even include programs. This is a great option for the "Budget Friendly, Do it Yourself" Bride & Groom ;-) If you don't want to do it yourself - there is always the option of working with an Invitation maker to complete your invite for you. Though you are looking on spending a huge cost at times, if this is the route you want to go - you can pretty much guarantee your invites will be beautiful as well.
Another option is a service that Ho'onani Photography provides to our couples as well. It is the Photo Wedding Invite. We have packages that include 50+ invites with envelopes and they are very affordable ranging in sizes to meet every couple's need. How this works is: You would meet with a photographer (like us) or just take a beautiful picture on your own. Design the invite with all the much needed information and then have it printed on photo paper (or in some cases they can be printed on postcards, etc.) and mailed out. When we have a couple that books an engagement session, they have the choice of using their images from the shoot and have us design an invite to fit their needs. This is a popular idea that seems to be ever growing and most photographers have some type of options for doing so. If this is the route you are looking to go - when you plan to photograph your Engagement Session, ask your photographer if this is a service they provide and if they can include it in your package or have the option to do so.
When it comes to Wedding Invites, there are so many ways to be creative and showcase your theme and love as a couple. If you are crafty... pull out those scissors and hot glue gun and hand make your beautiful invites. I hear that the Cricut is also an awesome tool for putting beautiful hand crafted invites together and you can save a lot of money by going this route. Remember to plan out what you want your invite to say, ahead of time... so as to not be rushed or have problems when the time comes. Utilize your Wedding Binder to put the samples of your invites in and make sure to always follow your heart when choosing what is right for you. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion - but don't let that opinion outrule what you really want if this is something you have your heart set on.
I wish you tons of luck, happiness and fun in finding that perfect Wedding Invite. ;-)
The Invitation to your wedding is just as important as your wedding cake. It helps to establish the theme of your wedding and most importantly, it tells your guests when, where and what. Many couples planning their wedding day do not put much emphasis on their wedding invitation because it is something that they may consider trivial or useless... however, I beg to differ.
A Wedding Invitation sets the state for the type of ambiance that can be expected at your wedding, down to the crystal glassware and/or porcelain chargers... or in some cases, the paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. When creating an invitation - let it speak for you, presenting your guests with a sneak peak of what they have in store for your wedding ceremony & reception.
With our economy in a recession and everyone thinking more budget friendly - there are always ways to make a Gorgeous Invite without putting a large dent in our wallets. When my husband and I got married almost 9 years ago, you could not find invitation stationary with envelopes that you could print at home so I went to a specialty paper store and chose a paper with matching envelopes that would represent my wedding as well as the feel I wanted to portray for my special day. I went home, worked up a bunch of mock ups for the invite and settled on one that I truly loved. It was simple but elegant and even though I bought special paper to use, it was still VERY inexpensive in comparison to the types you buy from huge Invitation Makers.
Now a days - there are "Print your own Invite" kits sold at almost every store from Target and Walmart to Office Max. They have the embossed borders with silver and gold inlay or plain ones that include vellum and all of them can be printed on a standard ink jet printer. They are quite affordable - ranging from $15-$50 for 50 invites, envelopes and sometimes they even include programs. This is a great option for the "Budget Friendly, Do it Yourself" Bride & Groom ;-) If you don't want to do it yourself - there is always the option of working with an Invitation maker to complete your invite for you. Though you are looking on spending a huge cost at times, if this is the route you want to go - you can pretty much guarantee your invites will be beautiful as well.
Another option is a service that Ho'onani Photography provides to our couples as well. It is the Photo Wedding Invite. We have packages that include 50+ invites with envelopes and they are very affordable ranging in sizes to meet every couple's need. How this works is: You would meet with a photographer (like us) or just take a beautiful picture on your own. Design the invite with all the much needed information and then have it printed on photo paper (or in some cases they can be printed on postcards, etc.) and mailed out. When we have a couple that books an engagement session, they have the choice of using their images from the shoot and have us design an invite to fit their needs. This is a popular idea that seems to be ever growing and most photographers have some type of options for doing so. If this is the route you are looking to go - when you plan to photograph your Engagement Session, ask your photographer if this is a service they provide and if they can include it in your package or have the option to do so.When it comes to Wedding Invites, there are so many ways to be creative and showcase your theme and love as a couple. If you are crafty... pull out those scissors and hot glue gun and hand make your beautiful invites. I hear that the Cricut is also an awesome tool for putting beautiful hand crafted invites together and you can save a lot of money by going this route. Remember to plan out what you want your invite to say, ahead of time... so as to not be rushed or have problems when the time comes. Utilize your Wedding Binder to put the samples of your invites in and make sure to always follow your heart when choosing what is right for you. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion - but don't let that opinion outrule what you really want if this is something you have your heart set on.
I wish you tons of luck, happiness and fun in finding that perfect Wedding Invite. ;-)
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