These sweet treats are so pretty to look at – and to eat! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner there are sweets everywhere, and we’re loving this palette.
The word “boudoir” – pronounced “bu-dwah” – originates from the French meaning for a lady’s private rooms and the “private” entertaining done there. How it came to be associated with photography is anybody’s guess, but we’ll leave it there. Mention the phrase “boudoir photography” to most people today and you’ll probably get a request to pronounce it again (with a look of confusion). Explain it as intimate, sensual photography for women and more than likely you’ll get a slow look of understanding (followed with a little blush). If you’re a modern day bride, chances are you know exactly what it is and might even have a plan for a session of your own.
Who is boudoir photography for?
In a nutshell, boudoir photography is for all women, but has become especially popular with brides looking for the perfect groom’s gift. If you’ve racked your brain trying to come up with something he’ll adore, won’t put at the back of the closet after a week, and will create an amazing memory – boudoir photos might just be it. The bonus for you is that you’ll spend a day being pampered, catered to, and fussed over. All in beautiful lingerie and clothing you’ve picked just for your session. The outcome will be classy, sexy, yet provocative images to share on your wedding day with the one you love.
Boudoir photos are the ultimate gift for a bride looking to express her affection and playfulness for her soon-to-be other half. It’s also a great way to boost self-confidence and have a day away from wedding planning, per se, to focus just on you. Do you realize how much fun this is, too? If you’re overwhelmed with wedding details and worried about whether your day will come together after all the planning you’ve done…worry no more. A boudoir session is a great way to release a lot of pent up pre-wedding feelings and emotions and let it all go (at least for the day!). Chances are your photographer has worked with a few brides along the way and will be able to calm your nerves and reassure you that all will be well…with a stunningly sexy set of images to hand over at the end of it all.
How do I find a boudoir photographer?
Ask your wedding photographer! If this is not something they offer as part of their services, without a doubt they know someone. Also, check with your friends (especially your married friends!). Chances are you know someone who has already done this or they know someone who has. Word of mouth referrals, as with many things, is a great way to start. You want to hear first-hand details of someone else’s experience to get an idea as to whether that photographer might work for you. Also, as with all photography, you want to make sure your photographer has experience, skills, and a portfolio to stand behind. Boudoir photography is a very specialized niche. It takes a good eye and knowledge to know how to pose women and since we all come in different shapes and sizes, not every pose works for every woman. Coaching and posing instruction are key to a successful session. You’ll want someone you feel comfortable with, as well. Ask for a pre-session consult.
I want to book. Now what?
If you have a consult or are confident enough in your photographer’s services and portfolio to forego one, how do you get booked? More than likely you’ll need to put down a retainer, book 3-6 weeks in advance (minimum) and take a look at a choice of packages and/or products. Some photographers offer pre-set packages and some offer a sitting fee with products on an ala carte menu. A few things to keep in mind when making your agreement: a deadline to have your product in-hand, the package price and products you are purchasing, and a confidentiality agreement to detail how your images may be used (or not) by the photographer. Also, does your boudoir photographer work with a professional makeup artist? Hair and makeup are one of those things that take these images to the “next level” and shouldn’t be minimized.
Saucy or sexy, glam or natural…make it a fantastic session and enjoy the experience! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to do it again!
Words and photos by Cindy Alderton of Heart of Boudoir Photography – Sexy, intimate, and beautiful photography for women. Heart of Boudoir Photography is located in historic downtown Frederick, MD, and serves women from all over the metropolitan area, including West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Jenn and Neil met on Match.com and after talking over email for a while they had their first date. At Chick-Fil-A, which made him forever be known as the “Chick-Fil-A Guy” among Jenn’s co-workers. But Jenn would call it her best date ever because of all the fun she had with Neil. On their wedding day, there were definitely no nerves. Instead it was all excited smiles, big laughs, and jokes among friends. Neither Jenn nor Neil could contain just how excited they were to be marrying each other. And no errant eyelashes or missing flower pins were going to change that! In fact Jenn and Neil wore those big smiles and their hearts on their sleeves all day long. Theirs was a celebration from sun up to well past sun down. The night wouldn’t be complete though with out a tribute to the place they first met and the place where his proposal started – Chick-Fil-A! Jenn and Neil handed our chicken sandwiches at the end of the night to all their guests! Then after a quick day’s rest they were off to their South African honeymoon!
Thanks to Kelly Ewell for sending us this beautiful, sweet wedding!
Vendors:
Photographer: Kelly Ewell Photography
Floral Designer: Bella Fiore Designs
Lighting: Davinci Strings
Cake Designer: Edibles Incredible
Dress Store: Ellie’s Bridal
Reception Venue: River Creek Country Club
Ceremony Location: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas
With more snow slated for tomorrow, we thought it would be fun to share a sweet snowy e-session with you!
Collin + Becca braved the cold to do some adorable photos in downtown Frederick near Baker Park.
Beth T. Photography sent the cutest engagement session our way, and we just had to share! With all this snow on the ground, a Christmas tree farm sounds perfect for a cozy engagement sesison.
From the photographer:
Amanda & Chris are my favorite kind of clients. Any couple who is brave enough to hold their engagement session in the middle of winter gets bonus points from me! When we met for their consultation we decided on a Christmas Tree Farm engagement shoot! I left the meeting super excited to plan their shoot. After looking around for options, we decided on Snickers Gap Tree Farm near Leesburg, VA! With so many tree farms in the Frederick area, this is perfect inspiration for a couple looking to do winter portraits!
It’s a new year, and we’ve put together a fabulous metallic board to inspire your sparkling luxe event. Cheers!
1 Spark Letterpress via marthastewartweddings.com | 2 via Glitter Girl | 3 Photo by Joielala via inspiredbythis.com | 4 via Pinterest | 5 Edyta Szyszlo Photography via stylemepretty.com | 6 via Etsy | 7 via The Style Co | 8 via Odessa May Society | 9 via diaryofamadhausfrau.com | 10 via Badgley Mischka
A Bridal Show or Expo is a great place to get started with your wedding plans. They can be held at convention centers, banquet halls, even your local shopping mall, and vary in size. You get a chance to meet local professionals – see examples of their work, taste samples of cakes and foods, collect vendor promo materials, and even win free goodies. Make the most of your experience by being prepared and arming yourself with some time-saving tips!
Don’t forget to check out our list of upcoming Bridal Shows and Expos in the Frederick County area and beyond.
1) Create a new email account.
Save your personal or work email inbox from being bombarded with spam and wedding offers by creating a new email account for all of your wedding correspondence, and to enter wedding contests or drawings. Our favorite free email provider? Gmail.
2) Register in advance.
Whenever possible, purchase tickets beforehand and pre-register. Why? You might score a cheaper rate and it’ll save you from standing in line (and filling out lengthy forms) on the day-of.
3) Make a game plan.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed without a solid plan. Which types of vendors you are most interested in? Are there any you have been dying to meet in person? Make a list of the wedding services you need and have an estimated budget for each service. Plan ahead, map out your route and visit your must-see vendors first.
4) Come prepared.
Make sure to bring:
- Pen and paper (to take notes).
- A tote bag (to carry all the brochures you’ll get from vendors).
- Pre-printed address labels (to enter giveaways and to give to vendors. Include your name, wedding date, wedding location, mailing address and wedding email address).
- Cash (to pay for your ticket if you have not pre-paid and to purchase refreshments).
- Checkbook or credit card (to put down a deposit in case you want to book a vendor).
- Calendar (to know your schedule in case you need to make follow-up appointments with vendors you’re interested in booking).
- Color swatches/themes/ideas (to bounce off of vendors that you want to hire).
5) Eat before the show.
It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re hungry. Popping cream puffs and truffles all day might give you a brief sugar rush, but you’ll fizzle out quickly. Eat a light, healthy breakfast before the show, bring a few healthy snacks (and water!) for during, and plan to go out for food afterwards. Planning an after-expo meal will be a nice rest after being on your feet all day, and it will keep your expo buddies focused knowing there is a reward at the end of the day!
6) Take notes.
It’s important to take notes on pricing and services, but also your personal opinions. When choosing a vendor, it’s important that their personality is a good fit, too. Is there anything about the vendor’s personality that stands out? Are they friendly and professional, or grumpy and unwelcoming? Take notes on individual cards or sheets, and then staple these notes to each flyer or business card when you get home to help remind you who you’ll want to contact later.
7) Wear comfy shoes.
It may seem obvious, but a bridal show is not the time to show off your newest pair of heels. You will be on your feet and walking A LOT, with many other brides. Also, whenever possible, leave your coat in the car – you’ll have less to carry, and you won’t be hot!
8) Play photog.
Bring your camera or keep your smartphone handy, and be sure to snap photos of anything you like. Vendors often have sample displays and setups for inspiration – you may see a centerpiece idea, a new way to display escort cards, or a fancy way to serve cupcakes.
9) Get organized.
As soon as you get back from the show, organize your goodies – categorize your vendors, make any last-minute notes, and take note of who you want to follow-up with. Chances are, within a week you will start forgetting details, and you want to be sure you remember everything!
Now check out our list of upcoming Bridal Shows and Expos in the Frederick County area and have fun!
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!
That’s likely the first thought you have when you get engaged. What do you next? You call your parents, you call your best friend, you take pictures together and pictures of the rock. You change your Facebook status, and bask in the love from your friends and family. Then, the questions start coming in.
“Did you set a date?”
“Where are you getting married?”
“Who is in your wedding party?”
“What are your colors?”
And then…the panic sets in.
STOP. Don’t stress! Many details can wait, but here are the top five things you should tend to soon after you’ve gotten engaged:
1. Enjoy the moment.
First step? Chill. Go out to dinner. Bask in your newly-engaged glow. Gaze lovingly at each other and think, “OMG, this person is going to be my husband/wife!” Revel in the joy that you and your fiancé are feeling at this very moment – and make it a point not to talk wedding details. How long should you do this? At least a week. If you want, longer. In fact, other than the aforementioned best friend(s) and parents, you might even want to hold off on Facebook updates. As soon as you let the world in, that’s when the questions start – and along with them, the stress. You may want to hold off (at least a few days) just to enjoy each other, because as soon as you tell people, OH, the opinions. They will be offered – often and loudly.
2. Picture your perfect day.
Once you’ve shared the big news with everyone and things have calmed down, start dreaming of your perfect day. You and your fiancé should start thinking about what you want in your wedding. Do you picture it surrounded by tons of family and friends? Just the two of you on a beach? Or something in between, just immediate family and a few close friends? Now is a good time to collect ideas that inspire you and to learn what you want—and don’t want—in your wedding.
3. Budget, budget, budget.
I know, it’s not romantic, but it is vital to determine your overall budget before you move forward with any planning. Your budget will be your guide for every decision you make. Are the two of you paying for the wedding yourselves? Do you have family who is contributing? Is your fiancé’s family contributing? If you don’t know, it’s time for the tough conversations. NEVER make any assumptions about who is contributing to your wedding. Some parents will step up and offer a specific amount of money, some will offer an “unlimited” budget (even “unlimited” needs to be defined), or, they might not offer at all, waiting for you to come to them.
This is also the time to talk to your parents (if they are involved), about what your vision is for your wedding. Are you envisioning a small wedding in a garden while they’re picturing a large, extended family hotel ballroom wedding? It’s important to keep in mind that often the larger financial interest your parents have in the wedding, the larger “say” they will feel they have. If your visions don’t match up, be open to compromise. Yes, it’s “your” day, but they’ve likely dreamed about this day for a long time, too.
4. Start a guest list.
Once the budget and style of wedding have been determined, it’s time to create your guest list. You’ll need a general headcount before you begin your venue search – you need to know how large of a space you’re looking for. You don’t want to fall in love with a quirky little art gallery that holds 60 people standing for a cocktail reception when you’re planning on a 150 guest seated dinner, right? Be sure to get all parties involved – you, your fiancé, and all parents. Get everyone’s list, eliminate any duplicates, and have any discussions that need to be had (Mom, I haven’t seen those neighbors across the street in 30 years, do we really need to invite them?). Helpful hint: Ask parents to prioritize their list by breaking it into an A list, B list, etc. – it’ll help you make cuts later on.
5. Find a planner.
The earlier the better! A good wedding planner can take your guest list, budget and wedding style and help you find the perfect venue and vendors. They know how break down your budget and get you the most for your money.
Where do you find the right wedding planner? Start by asking friends who’ve gotten married in the area, and also check out the Heart of Frederick vendor guide. These planners know many venues and vendors in the Frederick area who can help you along your journey. If you’re looking outside of Frederick, check local blogs in those areas or check Wedding Wire for highly rated planners.
Remember, don’t stress! These are just a few tips to get you started. Congratulations on your engagement!
Written by Rebecca Dick, Party Planning Perfectionist at Blue Canary Special Events. Blue Canary Events is your key to a stress-free wedding. With years of event experience, our team has delivered a level of professionalism that is noted and appreciated by our couples and vendors. Ready to make your wedding reflect who you are, the experts at Blue Canary Events are here to keep you on track, help you organize your plan and carry out your vision. Our goal is for you to relax and enjoy your special day. Our competitive rates, award-winning planners and flexible approach make us a smart choice for any couple.
This time of year has us craving all things cozy – this adorable engagement shoot has it all! Alisa and Mike snuggled up for an outdoor picnic at a local Frederick County tree farm, complete with warm sweaters, hot cocoa and fuzzy blankets. The couple is planning on using these photos for their save the dates – we love the DIY cocoa mugs! Thank you to Erin at Magnolia Street Photography for sharing this cozy e-shoot!
Details, details, DETAILS! From the mason jar lighting, to the beautiful tablescapes, to outdoor games for guests, to handcrafted gifts for the mothers, this bride left no wedding detail undone! Lara and Todd were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony last year at one of our favorite new venues in the Frederick County area – Mathwig Estates Event Barn. Lara is still on cloud 9 – see what she has to say about their lovely day!
We met during our studies at McDaniel college. In 2008 we settled on downtown Frederick to call home. Frederick was the perfect compromise, a little bit of city, a little bit of country. When it came time to pick a wedding venue, we knew the perfect place! Having attended a party at the venue that summer, we knew exactly what the barn could offer and its amazing potential. The barn sits just 20 minutes north of downtown Frederick, surrounded by land and gorgeous mountain views. There wasn’t a bad picture taken that day. A small vineyard on the grounds also makes for beautiful photo opportunities. Yard games, dancing on the patio, a fire pit, photo booth, and camping out (yes, we camped out on our wedding night) gave all of our guests something to do! This venue offered it all!
We opted for the low key, “do it yourself” wedding, with a rustic barn theme with of course a vintage touch. Burlap and lace! It was truly a family effort. Everyone pitched in to pull off our dream wedding. We were overwhelmed with all the love.
Over a year later, we relive that day over and over. Our smiles never fading. We simply would not change a thing! We continue to get comments about our venue and vendors. So happy to share them all!
Thank you to One17 Photography for documenting this gorgeous event!
Vendors:
Venue: Mathwig Estates Event Barn
Photographer: One17 Photography
Wedding Cake: Special Delivery Cakes, Frederick, MD
Cupcakes: Sweet Angela’s Cupcakery
Flowers: Artemesia, Cambridge, MD
Catering: Cozy Catering
Rentals: The Main Event
Love is in the air! With decorations, champagne and sparkly lights everywhere, and gatherings with family and friends, it’s easy to see why the holidays are the most popular time of the year to get engaged. It’s no surprise that many bridal shows take place in the beginning of the year – newly-engaged couples want to get a jump on planning! Below is a list of upcoming bridal shows and expos in the Frederick County area (and beyond!).
Be on the lookout for our guide, “Tips for Surviving a Bridal Show,” coming right after the New Year!
“Eat, Drink and Be Married” 2014 Winter Bridal Showcase
Sunday, January 5, 2014 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Wyndham Gettysburg, 95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg PA 17325
For tickets and info: Nicole Evans at 717-339-0020, Ext. 6011 or NEvans@wyndham.com
Washington Wedding Experience – DC
January 12, 2014 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Cost: $10 in advance
Washington Wedding Experience – NoVA
January 19, 2014 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Patriot Center – George Mason University, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030
Cost: $10 in advance
28th Annual Wedding Expo
January 26, 2014 | 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Holiday Inn Holidome & Conference Center (next to FSK Mall), 5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick, MD 21703
Cost: $3 donation to American Cancer Society
http://www.weddingexpomaryland.com/
WTTR Radio Presents: The 2014 Bridal Show Spectacular
January 26, 2014 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
St. John’s Portico, 43 Monroe St, Westminster, MD 21157
Cost: $8 in advance / $10 at door
For more info and to purchase tickets: 410-848-5511
Baltimore Wedding Experience
February 1 & 2, 2014
Sat: 5:00 – 9:00 pm | Sun: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: $10 in advance
Gettysburg Times – “With This Ring” Bridal Show
February 9, 2014 | 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Gettysburg Hotel, One Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA. 17325
For more info and to purchase tickets: Call Loretta Plitt at (717) 334-1131 ext. 2550
6th Annual Wedding Expo – Westminster
February 16, 2014 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Best Western, 451 WMC Drive, Westminster, MD 21158
Cost: $3 donation to American Cancer Society
Dressed In White Bridal Show
March 2, 2014 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Hampton Inn & Suites Frederick, 1565 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD
Cost: FREE
For more info and to purchase tickets: sales@plamondon-cos.com
Capital Bridal Affair and Fashion Show
Sunday, March 9th, 2014 | 12:00 – 4:00 pm
The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Cost: TBD
Weddings and Events Showcase
April 27, 2014 | 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Cost: FREE
Register at www.showcaseathistoricoakland.eventbrite.com
Where do we begin with these two? They are full of joy and so adorable! Alyssa and Michael had a charming outdoor engagement session in December, right in the heart of Downtown Frederick and even at a Christmas tree farm! We just love when the holiday lights go up around Frederick – they make us feel so festive! Photos by Mary Kate McKenna Photography
With November coming to a close, we’re looking forward to enjoying yummy apple pie on Thanksgiving! Shades of red and beige combine to make a visually appealing palette – perfect for the end of fall.
During the holiday season, we find ourselves gathering with family and friends, as well as attending some fabulous parties! If your mother taught you right, you’re going to need to stock-up on some great host/hostess gifts. Below is our curated gift guide full of wonderful goodies you can get right here in Frederick, MD. Everything is under $40.
After visiting three of our favorite boutiques, here are the Heart of Frederick picks for the entertainer…
Vintage Knob Stoppers, wine bottle stopper $39, Relish Decor
Rewined Candles $28, Relish Decor
LEON Naturally Fast Food, cook book $29.99, Relish Decor
Be My Guest, guest book $24, Relish Decor
Alphabet Tray $12, Relish Decor
Petite Plates $16, Relish Decor
Brie Baker $22, Relish Decor
Boxed Set of Nut Bowls $25, Relish Decor
Paint Palette Serving Tray $32, Relish Decor
Icon Henry Tin Candle $8, Relish Decor
Flasks, 3 oz. $24, 5 oz. $27, Relish Decor
Bottle Openers, Gnome $26, Bowling Pin $34, Silk & Burlap
Stacking Mugs, set of 4 $40, Silk & Burlap
Voluspa Luxurious Candles, starting at $18, Silk & Burlap
Alex and Ani Bracelets, starting at $28, Silk & Burlap
b.u. Necklaces, starting at $36, Silk & Burlap
Christmas Mug $16, Urban Cottage
Holiday Tidbit Plates, 4 styles, $10 each, Urban Cottage
Mud Pie Spreader Set $26, Urban Cottage
Allison + Dustin were voted “Cutest Couple” in high school and we can totally see why! When these two started to think of where to do their engagement session, they decided they had to go back to where they met – Urbana High School. Dustin actually proposed on the football field, so this was the perfect place to celebrate their love. Photos by Mary Kate McKenna Photography
It’s almost time! The holidays will be here in the blink of an eye. Do you send out holiday cards? It’s not too late to send some cheer via snail mail. Below are our favorite picks for 2013!
Oak Leaf Card – Heather Smith Jones; Partridge in a Pear Tree – byvik INK
Holiday Lattice – Anemone Letterpress; 3D Holiday Town Card – Wit & Whistle
Blustery Brownstone – Rocket Ink; Garland Holiday Ornament – Minted
Happy Holidays – Bailey Doesn’t Bark; Cozy & Warm Wishes – Little Low
Geometric Christmas Rabbit – Banquet; Gold Foil Calligraphy Card Set – Julie Song Ink
Merry & Bright – Lindsay Letters; Jingle Your Bells – Farewell Paperie
Let it Snow Chalkboard – Lily & Val; Notes from the North Pole – Little Low
Custom Illustrated Holiday Berries – Rifle Paper Co.; No Fake Trees – The Hungry Workshop
Cheer Stamp Ornament – Minted; Holiday Spirits – Gilah
Fizzy Bubbles – Fig. 2 Design Studio; Tidings of Comfort and Joy – 1 Canoe 2
Mulled Wine Feelin’ Fine – Memohelen; This Holiday, Let’s Eat Our Feelings – Farewell Paperie
Kevin + Rachel had a beautiful ceremony in the Pine Cathedral of ThorpeWood, a green lodge and events venue set on 100 acres nestled 1,500 feet high in the Catoctin Mountains just outside of Thurmont, Md. Jars of yellow and orange flowers, strung up on shepherd’s hooks along the aisle, and a wooden arch covered with the same fall blooms popped against the forest backdrop. Rachel & Kevin incorporated a Persian honey ritual into their ceremony to honor Kevin’s Iranian heritage as well as a ring warming, in which the couple’s wedding bands are passed around from one guest to another to “warm” them with good wishes and prayers for a wonderful marriage.
Thank you Jennifer McMenamin Photography for sharing this gorgeous wedding with us!
Photography: Jennifer McMenamin Photography LLC
Venue: ThorpeWood
Officiant: Rev. Bill Cochran
Ceremony musicians: James Dronenburg
Catering: Canapes
Bridal attire: Oleg Cassini
Groom’s attire: Kenneth Cole
Florist: Fresh flowers by florist Monica McCracken and dried floral centerpieces designed and created by Tendercrop Farms
DJ: Matt Shew of Shew-sical Entertainment
Invitations: Earthly Affair
In honor of Halloween, we’ve put together a hauntingly dark board to inspire your gothic or zombie-themed event (Walking Dead, anyone?).
1 via The Dieline | 2 via Atelier Isabey Blog | 3 via Country Living | 4 via Love It So Much | 5 via The Cake Museum | 6 via Stylizimo | 7 via Halloween Party Guide | 8 via Bridal Guide | 9 via Ruffled Blog | 10 via Atelier Isabey Blog
With Halloween only a few days away, we are loving the deep, dark palettes! Here is an interesting take on the traditional purple and black tones we’re used to seeing.
Ceresville Mansion holds a special place in our hearts (it’s where one of our editors was married!). The outdoor space with elegant columns, natural surroundings and lily pond set the perfect scene for Sara and Justin’s ceremony. We just love the textured, romantic blooms throughout the venue. Thank you to Meghan Lynn Photography for sharing this beautiful day with us!
Photographer: Meghan Lynn Photography
Venue: Ceresville Mansion
Entertainment: DJ Curtis – Crow Entertainment
Cake: Sugarbakers
Considering a photo booth at your reception? Check out these tips first!
Never underestimate what a Batman mask and some giant fluorescent sunglasses can do to improve a wedding reception, birthday party, or other event. Where bands and DJs fail to entertain, a photo booth, stocked with fun props, can provide literally hours of fun, and the resulting prints can double as take-home gifts and/or as a keepsake for the hosts.
Photo booths have come a long way since the boardwalk days of smushing as many of your friends as possible onto a tiny bench and hoping your eyes were open when the flash went off. You’d have to guess if your hair looked OK and wait, and wait, and wait for that tiny black-and-white strip of four pictures to spit out, and then fight with your friends over who got to take it home.
In the last several years, new versions of photo booths have become popular entertainment at wedding receptions and other parties. Many of them don’t even include “booths” anymore, and most come equipped with digital preview screens, and multiple full-color print-outs. Quite an improvement.
Expect guests to be intrigued when they first see your photo booth. One or two brave souls will walk over in the first 10 minutes, maybe ask a few questions. Perhaps they’ll even go for it and pick out one small prop to use for their first set of pictures. And that’s all it takes, really! Once those one or two people to break the ice, everyone else sees the unlimited fun possibilities, and gets in line.
Grandma picks up the giant golden Elvis-inspired glasses and throws her arm around Uncle Joe, who’s wearing a cowboy hat and boa, and boom! A priceless photo that your family will cherish for generations is born.
So, there’s no doubt that a photo booth is a great idea for your next party, but before you hire one, or (danger! danger!) take matters into your own hands and try a do-it-yourself booth, there are a few things to keep in mind (for you and your guests).
1) Don’t DIY.
Photo booths are one of several items that you should not attempt on your own, but rely on professionals to set up and operate. It seems so simple – you’ll just set up a camera on a tripod and a backdrop, hit the party store for a few props, and it’ll all take care of itself, right? Well, that’s not likely to work out too well for you. First of all, you’ll want guests to have prints to take home, so you’ll also have to set up a printer. And buy photo paper. And figure out how to get the camera to print to the printer. And… well, there’s just too many things to list here. Trust me. It’s more complicated than you think, and worth the money to hire a pro.
2) A booth operator is a definite must.
Before you hire that pro, make sure the company you choose offers a photo booth attendant. No matter how many written instructions are posted, no matter if the booth has one giant button with “Press here” posted in giant letters… lots of people will not be able to figure out how to use it. Truth! And then there’s the prop box. It looks so clean and orderly when the night begins, but after a few users, it’s impossible to find the fake mustaches piled under the alien mask, which is twisted and thrown under the table near the Hawaiian leis.
3) Keep it clean.
Booths-that-aren’t-booths are a great option, with respect to this tip. Even when you remind guests that everyone will be able to see their photos in an online gallery after the event, some people forget that and, ahem, go for the gusto. When the booth has a curtain or door that you can hide behind to take images, all bets are off. If you’re hoping to avoid seeing a topless pic of your bridesmaid, opt for a booth-less booth.
Words by Molly Fellin Spence
Photos provided by silly station by Spence Photographics (www.sillystation.com)
These bracelets they take me back to days of summer camp and recess, the wonderful days of friendship bracelets. They combine a few of my favorite things—bangles, charms, and embroidery thread. And it’s a perfect project for a Saturday afternoon or even a movie night or day at the park if you’re a multitasker.
I just love that these bracelets can be customized to death. Even though my version and the tutorial use bronze charms and findings, silver would be equally fabulous. I can imagine these as part of bridesmaids’ gifts (think charms with each girl’s initials or charms that speak to each girl’s passions or hobbies) or favors for a birthday party.
Let’s get started!
COST
Because I already had a bunch of bangles and a heap of embroidery thread, I just needed to buy the glue ($5.99 for a good size bottle of E6000), the jump-rings, and a few charms. Everything came to around $20, but with these materials you can make a whole bunch of awesome bracelets.
Photo ©Heart of Frederick
TIPS
- Start by applying a dot of glue on the inside of the bracelet and directly onto your embroidery thread. If you’re using something like E6000, let it sit for a minute or two before joining. You’ll also do this to secure the end once you’re finished wrapping
- Wrapping the bracelet is not the hardest part of this project, but it is the most tedious. Get comfy and plan on spending about 30 minutes for one bracelet and make sure that none of the metal (or plastic) is peeking through the thread
- The jump rings. These little things seem harmless enough, but I think there’s a study somewhere proving they are the sole cause of madness among jewelry makers. A lot of people do this wrong (including me for like 10 years), so here’s the best way to do it. With two sets of small pliers, grip both sides of the ring at the split, but do not pull it apart by pulling the two sides away from each other. Instead, twist the split apart by pulling one side toward you. Close it in the same manner with two sets of pliers.
MODIFICATIONS
None! The tutorial, like a set of Ikea instructions, does a pretty great job of visualizing what you need to do without words. The only modifications you would need to make here are choosing from all the wonderful charms at your disposal!
RESULTS
Awesome. I love them! I just need to find the right outfit so I can wear all the colors all at the same time. I would say it takes at least a full hour to make one bracelet, but it’s worth the work.
Photo ©Heart of Frederick
Pinterest Actually by Ashley Henley
Ashley loves all things crafty and is thrilled that handmade is becoming cool again. She takes a DIY approach to most things and has learned to re-frame any failures as adding “character” to the final product. By day, Ashley is a marketing writer/editor in the healthcare industry and shares a tiny old house in downtown Frederick with her husband, three dogs, and three cats.
Hey, if you have your eye on a DIY project that seems too good to be true, leave a comment below as a future Pinterest Actually project suggestion!
This stunning photo from Andrew Murdock of Natural Artistry is really inspiring! First, we love the subject matter (hello, Baker Park!) but the colors in this image have so many possibilities.
© Andrew Murdock, Natural Artistry
© Buzzy Photography
Glasses on your wedding day?
Standard thinking says NO, you must be your most gorgeous self and glasses are too geeky. We say that is not true! You want to be your most YOU self and if you wear glasses, then glasses it is! You partner fell in love with the YOU with glasses.
So do you wear your own glasses or get new ones?
We say that if your glasses are fancy enough, then wear your own. If they are too casual for a formal affair, then go a little crazy and get a cool pair. If you get wedding specific specs, be sure to compliment the style, feel and color of your dress (or tuxedo) and jewelry.
Optician extraordinaire, Katie Rau wore fabulous glasses for her wedding. I asked Katie, “What advice would you give to a bride wishing to wear her glasses to her wedding?”
She thought that you should have fun with your “wedding glasses”. There are so many wonderful options out there. For Katie, she wanted a more vintage cat eye look with stones and different shades of white, which made the Seraphin Cavell the best choice. Katie said, “You can also incorporate your ‘something blue’ into your eyewear if you dare. Make a statement and don’t be afraid to be who you really are on the biggest day that celebrates who two people really are, together.”
What is the most important things to know about glasses in photographs?
Be sure to get anti-reflective coating on your glasses so that the pictures show your eyes, not the reflections off the glasses. Do not choose the Transitions option in this case, only because you will end up with a sunglass look if you take photos anywhere with UV light and that may not what you are going for. You can also take a few pictures without your glasses, or coyly looking over them.
© Magnolia Street Photography
© Jenna Miller Photography
© Stephen Gosling
© Stephen Gosling Photo
Unique Optique can be found at:
9 West Patrick StreetFrederick, MD 21701301-620-8595
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm (until 9pm on First Saturdays)
info@unique-optique.com
It’s here! It’s finally here! Heart of Frederick is live. Woo-hoo!
We are so thrilled to have you join us. Heart of Frederick (or HOF, as we lovingly refer to it!) is the premier resource for celebration planning in Frederick County, Maryland. We’ll be sharing real weddings and parties, fun DIYs, and advice from top experts in our area.
The idea for Heart of Frederick has been rolling around for quite awhile. We think other party and wedding planning resources for Frederick County fall short of what is needed—we’re the second biggest city in Maryland and, until now, there wasn’t a fabulous, curated site that highlights the best of the best in the area. There are so many amazing venues, creatives, and businesses here—they need to be highlighted and shown off!
Having all been married within the last seven years, the three of us decided that if we were frustrated with what was available, others had to be, too. And we were right! While researching the viability of a site like Heart of Frederick, we heard from brides and shop owners over and over: “We need something like that badly!” So the planning, brainstorming, and late nights began.
What you see here is just the beginning. We have some really big ideas, so be sure to visit the Heart of Frederick site regularly! We’d also love to hear from you—we will constantly be updating and evolving to serve our readers.
All the best,
Briana, Megan, and MK
We would love to hear from you on things you’d like us to share on the site. You can always email us at hello@heartoffrederick.com.
What happens when two talented graphic designers get hitched? A beautiful wedding full of eye candy is what happens!
Jenn and Matt incorporated the story of how they first met into all of their wedding materials and their wedding day.
“Matt and I met in a college drawing class so we decided to mail guests a pencil as part of our save the date and each subsequent collateral piece utilized the pencil in some way. The invitation folded out to a poster and contained a connect-the-dots illustration. On RSVP cards, we asked guests to draw (or write) a message, which we displayed during our reception. Lastly, we collaborated with a relative to create our guestbook poster, which features a pencil illustrated portrait of us. Guests helped put the finishing touches on the poster by applying their fingerprints. “
Why did you decide to have your wedding in Frederick?
Matt and I moved to the Frederick area shortly after getting engaged and have fallen in love with the downtown area. We really enjoy the historic charm and the artistic vibe of the city. Also, since Matt and I are both graphic designers and love art, we wanted to have our wedding in a great art community. Frederick has such a great local arts scene and the Delaplaine is a wonderful visual arts center that we wanted our guests to experience.
What did you try and incorporate into your wedding that showed off Frederick?
The location of our ceremony along Carroll Creek made for a beautiful setting and really showed off the charm and great urban feel of downtown Frederick. We also wanted to incorporate several of the galleries and rooms of the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center into our wedding. The bridal party got ready in the Delaplaine’s library and the reception was held in the pavilion. We also had a photo booth setup in the Kline gallery and the guests were free to walk through several of the other galleries during the evening. Lastly, we used several local vendors because we wanted to highlight all of the talented professionals in the Frederick area.
What would you tell other couples who are planning a wedding in Frederick?
We loved the location of our ceremony along Carroll Creek and our reception in the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center. The staff at the Delaplaine were very helpful and wonderful to work with. Both venues provided a unique atmosphere and we would highly recommend them to other couples planning a wedding in Frederick.
Photographer :: Merkle Photography
Ceremony :: Carroll Creek Linear Park
Officiant :: The Honorable Lawrence Daniels
Reception :: Delaplaine Visual Arts Center
Caterer :: Renaissance Chef
Beer, Wine & Liquor :: J&G Liquors
Wedding Cake :: Angel Cakes
Music :: Shewsical
Flowers :: Blossoms and Baskets
Wedding Dress + Bridesmaids Dresses :: Essense of Australia, Purchased from The Bridal Boutique
Suits for Groom + Groomsmen :: Jos A Bank
Hair and Make-Up :: Renaissance Spa
Lodging Accommodations :: Courtyard Marriott
Rehearsal Dinner :: Olives Restaurant
Talk about a cute engagement session! Ashley and David weren’t married in Frederick, but since they have such strong roots in the area, they decided this was a great place to have their e-session done. Teri of tPoz Photography captured their sweetness perfectly.
From Ashley:
David and I chose Frederick for our location of the engagement shoot without second guessing! I grew up in Frederick, it’s my home, it’s who I am.
While our wedding took place in Annapolis, where David was born and raised, we wanted to honor my roots by having our pictures taken around the city.
We started at Visitation Academy where I went to school up until high school–it was the first place that came to mind honestly when Teri asked where exactly we should go. The beautiful gardens they have and the playground I played on everyday while I was enrolled in (the picture of me and David on the swing is one of my favorites!).
It was so much fun being able to walk from there up to Baker Park telling Teri and David different memories I had along the way. Baker Park is just so pretty, the bell tower, the band shell and the gazebo, I just loved it growing up and even now when we visit to take our dogs.
We are loving the gold with these blues and greens. And pink is a welcome color at the end of the season, too. The best part? This was Briana’s wedding cake from Fluffy Thoughts Bakery.
Photographer :: Katie Stoops
Venue :: Montgomery County Agricultural Park
Event Design :: DIYVA Designs
Rentals :: Something Vintage
