Lyndsey's Bridal Session - Asheville, NC

We could not be more excited about Lyndsey & Patrick's upcoming wedding on January 14, 2007 at the Deer Park on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, especially after today's shoot with Lyndsey! She was so incredibly comfortable in front of the lens that we hardly felt like we were working at all. Lyndsey really wanted a very edgy portrait, so we walked through the allies of downtown Asheville to find some great walls and nooks. Chris and I just started sifting through the shots, and I thought I would showcase my dear husband's talents by only sharing shots from his camera. :-) I will share some of my favorites from my camera once we get home next week.

Jackson Gabriel- newborn!

My dear friend Megan had her first son just 6 weeks ago... Chris and I had a little photo shoot with them both yesterday. Here is the lil guy (such a cutie).

Me and my brothers (& my husband and my SOON2B sister-in-law)

NEW NOTE (12/29): DAVID AND KATY ARE ENGAGED!!! they are getting married this coming May in Chapel Hill, NC!!!

Christopher and I are home with the family... all three of my brothers (and my oldest bro's girlfriend) were in Asheville, NC -our hometown- for the first time since our wedding (9/17/05), so of course, I HAD to do a photo shoot with everyone to get some new pics for my frames. Enjoy the laughs- we are a bit quirky. ;-)

just a lil post...

to say...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

joy to the world! peace on Earth.

p.s. i just found out that one of our 2006 brides is pregnant! congrats to the newlyweds and soon-to-be-parents!!!

cutie patootie, pt 2

Okay... I just couldn't pass up sharing this shot. We won't have the slideshow or gallery ready until after the new year, but Chris and I were browsing through the other camera... and we had to share these lovely eyelashes of Miss Rebekah!

Rebekah's First Year- 1st birthday!

I can't believe it! Rebekah is turning one on Thursday!!! She has just grown up so quickly in front of my lens and is now walking and talking (well, sort of). Anyway, our real session is on Thursday morning, but it was snowy today... and i didn't want to loose the opportunity to capture this lil gal in her snow suit! So, we had a very brief little session in the snow. My second camera is having some minor issues that Chris is working on, so all I have to show is this one fave image. More to come!

booking like hot cakes...

just a little note to all the potential clients/brides-to-be, our pricing structure is changing in the new year (officially on January 7 at the Lake Placid Bridal Show at the Hilton- runs from 1-4pm). we are going to make our structure into a mix-n-match/create your own package deal. the only major thing that is changing is our base/minimum investment. it will go up to $2,400.

at any rate, i am really posting just to inform you informally the dates that we are booked or about to book for 2007 (or are simply unavailable):

January 14- NC travel* wedding
February 10- local wedding pending contract/retainer
February 12-21- unavailable
March 2-12- unavailable
April 22- NY travel* wedding
May 26- NY travel* wedding
June 16- local wedding
June 30- NY travel* wedding
July 7- NY travel* wedding
July 14- local wedding
September 7- NY travel* wedding
September 8- local wedding
September 15- NY travel* wedding
September 16-20- unavailable
September 29- local wedding
October 6- local wedding
October 26-28- unavailable

*travel may mean that we are not available for the surrounding days depending on location and relation to your location (please, inquire).

NOTE: we allowed one weekend this year where we have two weddings. With the exception of Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day, we will not allow any other double-wedding weekends unless you are having a very small/short wedding that is in the same town as the other wedding.

... and the winner is ...

Number 2!


Here is the run down:
#1- 12%
#2- 42%
#3- 15%
#4- 2%
#5- 29%

Thank you for voting! It really helped us make the decision. We had 52 votes come in!!! So, we appreciate everyone's input and opinion. Off to print new business cards!

.b. votes are highest!

Thank you for everyone's QUICK input on the logos! The voting for logos is not over... yet. We have until Monday (to vote, see two posts down for complete list). However, we have already received 27.5 votes (half of a vote were given to those of you that had two favorites or did not like the entire logo as is). And the results of these votes are interesting to me...

9% voted for number 1
45% voted for number 2
15% voted for number 3
4% voted for number 4 (one person)
27% voted for number 5

I found it interesting that most of the people that were sold on number 2 wrote me a paragraph of why they think it suits me while everyone who voted for number 5 wrote a one liner about its simplicity. Interesting case there!

Anyway, Chris does not love the font choice on number two (since it is a popular font AND i used it for my last logo), so I have mocked an option with the font from number 5 for a second option. Let me know what you think...

THANKS!

Weddings of 2006- features Jane & J.E.B.

So, it is time to post the last page of our sample book (from our favorite images of 2006) that I designed for our favorite vendors. The last couple to be featured is Jane & J.E.B. Jane is a dear friend of mine from Converse College, and J.E.B. was our videographer at our wedding (not how they met- we just knew them both before they were engaged). They actually met at Historic Brattonsville, which is where they had their reception. This is another wedding that I had trouble selecting my favorites: everything was beautiful and the couple could not have been happier.

I have also attached a shot I just grabbed of the books. The first seven arrived today! (along with about 3 other boxes of fun things) I am so excited to send these out- of course, I need to wait for the business cards to be made, which hinges on these logos. I have already received 16 votes- you all have been very helpful, and I look forward to receiving more input. Thank you!

Vote on logos, please!

Chris and I have been trying to get a new logo going for the past six months or so through a hired designer, but I think I am just so picky that we should've just started this project on our own. SO, we are back to square one, and we need your help! I am attaching 5 logo ideas that Chris or I designed, and we need your input on what you like, what you don't like, what you are drawn to, and what best communicates the essence of what this business does. We can mix up any of these ideas if there is part of one you like and part of another... And it is okay with us if you want to tell us that you don't like any of them. Please, vote either annonymously by posting a comment or by email (please use the numbers in the top left corner). We have until Monday to get it together for some ads! Thanks! I will post the results next week, so be on the lookout.

Weddings of 2006- features Andrea & Dan

Annie and Dan were married at the Whiteface Club & Resort in Lake Placid. Every part of this wedding day was beautiful, and Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed this wedding as our last Adirondack wedding of 2006. Annie & Dan's spread is the last full one of the book (I know, it is small and that is a little disappointing that I didn't get to include every wedding). The book is arriving today, and I still have the final page to share with you- one side... guess who? ;-)

Weddings of 2006- features Melinda & Zach

Mindy & Zach's wedding was among my favorites not only because they became friends of ours (and we now attend the same church) but because Mindy was so creative with her decorations. They were married at the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club- a location that, to most drive-by viewers, is not much to look at, but it has an amazing view! And, for an outdoor wedding with a white tent, you can't find a more perfect spot- flat, next-to the Saranac River and a view of Whiteface. It was peak weekend as well! So nice.

Weddings of 2006- features Samantha & Dave

Okay, almost done with the best of 2006 book layouts. Today's featured couple were married in Lake George on September 17. Sam & Dave were actually married on our first anniversary, and we could not have worked with a more friendly family on such a special day. It was beautiful and hot- and the cruise was so cool! I have many favorites from this day, but these two are hanging on the walls of my office. Click here to see the slideshow from this wedding as well as every other wedding from this year!

P.S. the multi-image ad won.

Which ad should I use?

Okay, for all my avid blog readers... please, post a comment or email me ASAP with your opinion on which ad you like better? A. single image ad or B. multi-image ad. It will be about 7"x9.5" total. I can't decide if more is better or less is better- I just want to pull in web traffic. Thanks! It is due tomorrow! Yikes!

Another little shout out...

Okay, this may be totally unprofessional, but my dear friend Becca is graduating from USC in May... and she just has the best friends/roomies ever. I mean, I haven't met any of them yet, but I know I will be friends with them once I meet them.... cuz, let's be serious- any girl with courage and spunk enough to wear a onesie, stirrup pants or grandma Christmas sweaters out to a party and then having their picture taken as proof, that's a girl that I will get along with! ;-)

Becca is the one in the red onesie. HAHA! I think that I need to ask Santa for one! Anyway, these images were sent innocently to me for a birthday giggle and smile. She cracks me up (see email below).

for your birthday you get to talk to me on the video chat. i know i know don't wet your pants with excitement, its the least i could do. set the time and ill be here waiting. i may even straighten my hair for the big appearance. or wear my onesie from the Christmas party last night (see exhibit A attached).

love you birthday girl.

Weddings of 2006- features Kelly & Nick

Well, I made it one entire day without checking my email (yesterday). It was harder than I thought at first, but I got over it eventually. It is more habit than anything. But, anyway... thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes, raps, songs, and impromptu dances (over the phone). ;-) I had a wonderful day and felt very loved and only embarassed once when the entire congregation at church sang to me. So, thank you everyone!

But about this post... ha! Kelly & Nick live locally in Saranac Lake, and originally had a wedding planned here for the following weekend. But, I think that where they ended up was so much prettier- Bayshore in Oswego, NY. And, we definitely didn't mind travelling!

They were also such a sweet couple, and we have really enjoyed the time we've gotten to get to know them- also hoping that our friendship with them will exceed the album order! :-D

Milano North

If you are in Lake Placid looking for a great restaurant, you MUST go to milano north (it is above the starbucks). Travis (one of our grooms for 2007) is the executive chef there, and everything about this restaurant is just amazing! The food, the service, the food, the decor, the food... Did I mention it was good food? The decor could not be cooler- Adirondack meets 21st century modern design!

Just go!

Weddings of 2006- features Karin & Matthew

Karin & Matthew's wedding was another one that I really had a hard time choosing my favorite images; it was such a perfectly beautiful day for an outdoor wedding. It was also another special wedding for us because we had the opportunity to really get to know both of them... and my relationship with Karin is one that I know will not end when her album is completed- which is something I really treasure and take great joy in! Who knew that photographing weddings would lead to friendships with so many wonderful couples?!

Weddings of 2006- features Erin & Damon

Erin & Damon's wedding was among my favorite weddings simply because Chris and I had a blast and because Erin & I became close during the year before the big day. So, it was just so special to be a part of the day and the celebration! I'm sorry, I have to make this short before my husband catches me on the computer doing "work" on my birthday weekend. Yikes! Catch you on Monday!

Christmas & Holiday Cards

Yes, I do them, when asked. And, I have serious discounts if you are willing to let me put a watermark in a subtle location! Just thought I would share the proofs I have done today for the Flippin family- daughter of the Seymours. Baby Hannah has the BEST smile ever!!! SO cute!

Weddings of 2006- features Kristine & Brian

I figured I should do two posts today since I have pledged to keep away from my computer all day on Sunday (it is my birthday- wink, wink). ;-) ANYWAYS, here is the next spread in the book of the best of (you will just HAVE to see this in person- it will be here Wednesday). I am so excited. These two shots are from Kristine & Brian's wedding out at Loon Lake. The first image is one of my dear friend Becca's favorites- mostly because of the "no trespassing for any reason" sign. (even though they received permission first). It was pretty stinkin' muddy in that nook and the black flies were horrendous!! Of course, the bride was fine. The flies didn't bite her, and she was chillin' in her tennis shoes. But yours truly over here had ankles the size of footballs with blood streaming down my neck and legs (on top of the still sprained ankle).

Of course, I still had a wonderful time with this couple- couldn't be any nicer. They also both work in orthopedics, so I felt I was safe in case my OTHER ankle snapped. ;-) I just love the moment I captured in the second image. They were so in love! And, I'm a sap for that stuff!

Weddings of 2006- features Beth & Steve

This wedding was also a beautiful one- although tragic for me, as I ended up in the hospital in a lot of pain over (yes, after many tests, X-rays, MRIs, and physical therapy, JUST) a sprained ankle, leaving Chris to finish the job! We ended up photographing Beth's sister's wedding as well this October (Ann Marie), so it was fun to get to see the whole gang again after having such a dramatic departure in the ambulance. Anyways, I just love these shots- St. Agnes is just georgeous, and it was such a beautiful warm day for May. Just f.y.i., the dog was not IN the wedding, but he was just so dang cute in his bow-tie! I love that shot!

Weddings of 2006- features Brette & John

Here we go... pages 2 and 3 of my Weddings book featuring the first wedding of 2006: Brette & John in Hiawassee, GA. This was such a beautiful wedding with such a beautiful couple that I had a really hard time choosing my favorites. The image on the right page is on the cover of their album, while the image on the far left is my favorite image- and the middle shot just seemed to fit (I really have way too many favorites from this wedding). It is so hard to believe that this wedding was almost 8 months ago! This year has just whizzed by me!!

new testimonials on site

Every once in a while, we all need an ego boost. I am so blessed to receive emails, phone calls, and handwritten letters from just about every couple I have ever served. But, that was the last part of my site that I updated- until today. I needed the ego boost, so I sifted through emails, letters, and voice mails (that, yes, I save indefinitely in my box) in order to update the "praise" part of my site.

And you know what, the more of these responses I get (and the more episodes I watch of 'the office'), the more happy I am to be doing what I do. What an amazing gift from God to be able to serve all of you in this capacity! Thank you all!!!

Weddings of 2006

As 2006 comes to a close, I want to share some of my personal favorites from our weddings. I designed a 7x7 soft cover coffee table book a few weeks ago to use for marketing purposes throughout the Adirondacks. Ten copies are being made by Asuka Book, and they will be distributed to various wedding coordinators and vendors. If (for some reason), you are interested in purchasing a copy, they retail at $40. I just want to take the next week to share the layouts with you. Today's layouts include the cover and the first page. Only ten weddings were selected to keep the cost of the books as low as possible. We will be printing a Leather Craftsmen fine art book later this month with at least one favorite image from each wedding (totalling between 20-40 prints).

Save the date cards

Sorry to all my loyal blog fans. It has been an entire week since I last posted- work has been crazy. :-) Well, I have just been working hard to stay on top of all of these album designs. Amidst all this designing, I have been given the opportunity to design Meghan & Travis' save the date cards. I am really excited about this project because the design they will choose will carry over into their invitations (which I am also designing), their place setting cards and then finally their album! Any bride that is interested in these services can contact me for a quote. I would be thrilled to take on more design projects as the season winds down. Anyway, I have posted the firs draft choices for her, just to give you an idea of what I am doing.