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February 23, 2006
Betsy Robinson Bridal, Sale and Other stuff
I must say, I have yet to walk through the doors of Betsy Robinson Bridal but Every Dress that has come from there via one of my brides have been gordeous. Their website equally shows their quality and professional elegance.
They often have trunk shows on different designers and right now have over 100 dresses on sale with up to $80 off. I just wanted to pass along the good news to you :) The dress below is a Monique Lhuillier. It is my favorite from 2005 :)
Posted by inhisgrace at 09:54 AM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2006
Choosing Your DJ- Chris Startt
Chris was a joy to work with. He was very profession, and had a wide variety of music that fit the crowd. He was not tacky but had a good sense of what should be played that will bring the crowd in to whatever mood that is appropriate for the time.
When a bride chooses a DJ...... The most important day of a young lady's life is her wedding day. This, above all days, should be the perfect day.Hiring a dj should be one very important aspect of that day. As important as picking the venue, the photographer, the caterer, and the florist. We all know that the ceremony is most important, but what about the reception?...The place where all gather for food, drink, and celebration. Picking the right dj is paramount in getting the party livened up. Most good dj's get work from word of mouth and personal recommendations. Others advertise.
When hiring a dj you will need to know some basic things
- will you be getting the person you talked to, or an employee of that dj company
- does the dj play a complete variety of music choices
- when will the dj arrive
- when does his time start
- what attire will he wear
- ask for references- follow up and check them
- does your dj use lighting
- does the dj carry back-up equipment in the event of a failure
-does the dj help in setting up events during the evening -dances,cake cutting, ect
- would you be able to bring your own music
- will your dj arrange to meet with you personally to go over the agenda
-in the event of an emergency would your dj have a back up plan in case he was unable to work for you
These are things you would need to be aware of when hiring a DJ.
Remember, the cheapest isn't usually the best. If you want to go cheap than that is usually what you will get.
A good DJ will work well with the caterer, the photographer, videographer, and client, to make sure all things run smoothly at the reception. A lot of these trades will recommend good dj's. Keep that in mind also.
The most important thing to remember is that if the Dj does a poor job at your reception, that is all the guests will remember of your day. A good Dj will only make the memories better.
Chris Startt
C.L. Startt Enterprises
Easton MD
410.822.6591
Posted by inhisgrace at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
Sarah's Perspective of The Renn Fest, LOL
Ok, I cannot remember if I have said this before, by my Assitant, Sarah is also my Niece. She also went with us to to Renaissance Festival. She is a Nut. I cannot tell you how many pictures that I have of her doing this face. One day, I am going to pull them all out and do just a gallery of her, LOL. I think I took about 5 that showed such faces as this, and that is just in that one day.
Don't let her scare you. She is a great assitant!!!!! My images are definitely better with my lighting queen :)
Oh, I forgot to tell, you, this really is a talent. Notice, how the top lip seems stuck to her nose. That is because she can suck it up there like this :) She really is very gifted :)
Posted by inhisgrace at 11:37 PM | Comments (0)
The Renaissance Festival Contest
Ok, I almost did not put this in because it is a bit goofy as this was not a professional contest, but I did have fun :)
In October on my 1 weekend off, our family went to the Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, MD. We had wanted go for years. I believe the last time we went was when our daughter Hannah was 2 weeks old, and that was goodness, 7 years ago.
We get there and while my wonderful hubby, Eric was getting our tickets, I saw a sign that said they were having a photo contest, and guess what? I happened to have my camera :) It was not hard to get into the whole photo taking mode even on my weekend off :) The colors and the composition and background was Awesome! The one shot I wanted to get, I did not and that was a Pirate taking a big bite of a Turkey Leg.
Anyway, I won 1st prize in the B & W contest. It is not really a big deal, but there was a cash prize as well as tickets to the Festival next year, so maybe I will to get that shot of the Turkey Leg after all :) Anyway, here is the prize winner. There are others I probably would have picked, but isn't tha always the case :)
If you want to see more that I took that day, Click Here
Posted by inhisgrace at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)
Women's View Magazine
A Couple of weeks ago, I got the opportunity to shoot for Women's View Magazine They wanted a segment that would involve Spring and Gardening for their March/April Issue. In February it is a bit hard to find flowers that are blooming in a outside garden and so we chose to go the next best route, a green house.
My models were incredible gracious and wonderful to shoot. What can be better than a Grandma with her grandson :) Here is the image to be featured on the Cover of the the Magazine that will be coming out very soon.
You can see the full shoot HERE
Posted by inhisgrace at 11:02 PM | Comments (0)
Congratulations to Tracy and Gavin 02-04-06
It had been a while since I had the chance to photograph a local wedding. I met Tracy last year at The Bridal Extravaganza at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge.
They were married in Cordova and a very old and historic Catholic Chapel and their Ceremony followed in Easton, Maryland. She and Gavin were very sweet and it was great to be a part of their day.
Tracy and Gavin, I hope you had a wonderful time in Disney World :)
Posted by inhisgrace at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)
A Hard Week- Meet Sarah Lynn
As many of you know, I have volunteered to as a photographer for Now I lay me down to sleep which is a organization through the help of volunteers offers resources to have last moments with a baby that is born dead or who will most likely dies shortly after death captured with sensitive photography. As hard as it was, I signed up in August, because my brother and SIL had a still birth and I remember that the nurses photographed him for them. It was not a great picture but they do treasure. For me, I feel blessed to have the gift I do and wanted the opportunity to give back using that gift.
Click Here to see some of the Photos of Sarah Lynn
4 weeks ago, I got a call to do this for a baby that would most likely not make it through the birth. On February 13th, I went to capture Sarah Lynn. It was one of the hardest things that I have ever done. She was a beautiful little girl who was born with no Kidneys. She was a fighter in her own right in that through out the induction, her heart remained strong. At 8:04 in the evening Sarah was born and fought for her life for the 30 minutes that she had.
Her parents through faith held and loved on her and I am not sure, that I can ever explain the strength and faith that they had and showed throughout this very painful circumstance. From the birth to the funeral, the Emerson family will forever be held high in my thoughts and baby Sarah with forever hold a piece of my heart.
Here is the slideshow that was played at the funeral. They chose to use the music from watershed to accompany the photographs.
Sarah's Slideshow
You may need to download the presenter to be able to view it which is found here.
Download Photo Presenter
Please continue to keep the Emerson Family in yoour prayer as they grieve the loss of their baby :(
A Tribrute to Sarah from her Parents
The Other Side of a HeartbeatIn Memory of Sarah Lynn Emerson
February 13th, 2006
Baby girl to Kevin & Michele Emerson
Little Sister to Sean
Nine months ago news of you came; the joy was so powerful- you were the one we prayed for. I knew before they told me you were my girl I had secretly hoped for all my life. Suddenly my whole world had been colored pink!For twenty weeks, we dreamed of your life and how ours would be changed forever. Then the terrible day came when our dreams were crumbled and our sails ran out of air: they told us we would lose you. We screamed and cried and begged for a different outcome.
Then in time, came acceptance… and then in more time came peace… and in a little more time returned Joy. By the time we met you our hearts were so joyful- seeing fully your beauty and sensing more deeply than I’ve ever known our love for you.
Sarah, you are the little girl I’ve always dreamed of, my little princess in pink. I’ll never forget your sweet face and soft skin and yes, even your ornery grimace.
Daddy and I cannot wait to see you again. We know the Lord has answered all our prayers- you made it to full term, we met you and spent twenty-seven wonderful minutes with you, and yes, He did heal you…just on the other side of a heartbeat.
We Miss you so much,
Love,
Mom and Dad
The Family has said that if you would like to send a gift, that you can make a Donation to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Be sure to make a note that this is in Memorial of Sarah Lynn Emerson
Posted by inhisgrace at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)
February 04, 2006
How to Uncork a Memorable Toast- The Wine Coach
My little plug on Laurie- the Wine Coach. I met Laurie at one of her tastings and must say she is as fruitful as the wine she speaks of. Her knowledge of wine is incredible. Laurie travels around Maryland doing tastings and sharing her wealth of knowledge. I wish I had known of this kind of thing when I had gotten married, It would have been amazing to have a Wine Tasting for either my Wedding Shower or my Bachelorette Party :)
In case you want to see what one of her tastings looks like, I happened to have my camera, when I went :)
Wine Tasting at Scossas
How to Uncork a Memorable Toast!
By Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach™Engagements and weddings create many opportunities to your raise your glass. Unfortunately, giving a great toast is a dying art in America but hopefully we can collectively create a renaissance. Whether you are getting married, standing up at a wedding or giving away your daughter, you can use these helpful tips to create and deliver a memorable toast. Just remember to take a deep breath before you deliver your fabulous toast. Robert Louis Stevenson was once quoted as saying “Wine is bottled poetry.” Now there’s something I can drink to!
Cheers,
Laurie Forster6 Tips For Making A Memorable Toast:
1. Be Prepared. Easier said than done, right? Know about the theme of your event, occasion, or guest of honor. Do your homework and find something that honestly touches or moves you. Make that your starting point.
2. Find a great quote that relates to the focus of your toast. There are some fabulous quotes that in and of themselves are great toasts. Recite with enthusiasm, and add a hearty”Cheers” at the end so everyone can drink. After all, it’s what they’re waiting for.
3. Be short and sweet. There is nothing worse than to listen to a rambling speaker while your mouth is drier than the Sahara. Get to the point, raise your glass, and execute!
4. Put your best glass forward. Write out your toast and practice a few times with a friend or in the mirror. It may feel weird, but it is better to work out the kinks in front of a friendly face than at the final hour. Have your toast written on a note card on the big night. You may need to refer to it (just don’t read it word for word).
5. Have Fun! Be sure to choose a toast that you enjoy and personalize it with your own humor and style. If you recite a quote you don’t love, it will show.
6. Toasting etiquette. If you are the subject of the toast, you should remain seated, and sadly, you do not drink. Of course, after the toast, you can stand and offer a toast of “thanks” in response. Then, sip away!
Laurie Forster is America’s Premier Wine Coach™, combining her experience in life coaching techniques with her extensive knowledge of wine. Ms. Forster began her wine career in Manhattan where she studied with the American Sommelier Association to obtain her certificate in Viticulture and Vinification. She worked at the largest wine retailer in NYC and now resides in Easton, MD where she has a private practice helping people enjoy wine and life even more!If you are interested in learning more about The Wine Coach™ events or signing up for her free weekly wine tips visit www.thewinecoach.com
Posted by inhisgrace at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)