Fall Update

Happy Fall everyone!

Rain...

After a few rainy weeks I have a tip for brides... Eventhough it is not something you want to think about when planning your wedding, hava a solid backup plan for rainy weather. All planners talk about this, but I find that clients do not face the reality of rain very well. Have coordinating umbrellas ready (same size and color, preferrably black or white) for all bridal party members. That way you can get fun shots even if it does rain. Make sure your photographer is ok to shoot in the rain.

Sun...

If you are planning a mid-day wedding, be prepared for harsh sunlight. For the photo session, have a sunbrella or parasol handy. These can be great props and provide shade for closeup bridal portraits using natural light.

That's all for now. We are off to Hawaii in October, so I will post more after that adventure. For high-end Sarasota and Tampa Bay wedding photography contact us to discuss your wedding needs. Read unbiased wedding reviews from brides and make informed decisions for your wedding. Get a free wedding planner via email PDF. Wedding Jewelry

Wedding Dresses

With so many wedding dress choices out there it can be a major chore to select your gown. Here are a few hints and ideas... Some bridal salons offer video taping of your visit, and can even have a live fee to those who are not able to be with you.
Another option is to bring a video camera or at least a camera to document your trials. Be sure to take good notes and keep records of what gowns and styles you try, which ones you like and don't like.
For a good FREE bridal planner can be found at WedPlot.com. Here you can find details about dress ternimology and styles.
For more ideas visit Sarasota and Tampa's premier wedding photography business PixelArt Photography.

The Knot Feature

Great news! Our images will be featured in The Knot, Florida Spring/Summer 2010 issue. Our 2008 clients Joanna & Oz Ozkaya got married at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, and we submitted images to The Knot for consideration. We are excited that our work was selected and look forward to some PR!
The Knot Wedding Resource

Hi again!
I have been slacking with my posts... :-o
Wedding season is busy and I just returned from a beautiful wedding in Toms River, NJ. The couple hired me and flew me up to NJ for the weekend. The wedding was a complete success. The weather was not good, but luckilly the sun came out right as we were getting some great beach shots. Some snafus did however occurr... The limo driver decided to give the couple a heads up that they were running on overtime... Not a good idea as the bride had paid for numerous hours. As a vendor you should not interfere in the couples big day. Save disputes to after the wedding. Anyway...now I am back in the office and looking forward to some family events coming up next month. I have been working on a free wedding planner and it is finally ready. Please visit WedPlot.com for registration. Congrats to my beautiful niece Stina who turnes 21 today!

Wedding Dress & Tuxuedo

Hi Everyone. We are buzy with weddings. Please check backsoon for more info. Vist Sarasota and Tampa wedding photographer >>>>

Wedding Flowers

Wedding flowers should to some degree add a statement to your wedding décor. Vibrant colors in tropical bouquets are very beautiful and photograph well. Calla lilies are pretty, but are not easy for the bridal party to hold (as they are quite long stemmed and awkward) and (in my opinion) Calla Lilies do not photograph as well as other bouquets.

Here are a few pastel / soft colored bouquets:



Tropical / vibrant colored bouquets are very popular and beautiful both for accent color and photography:



Brides maids and flower girl bouquets do not have to completely match the bride's bouquet, but should compliment in color and design:



Groom's butonnieres can be simple and "manly", or vibrant and fun while still making a statement. Most butonnieres contain orchids as they are very resilient and beautiful:



Search the web for photos and details of the flowers. Below is a list of some popular bridal flowers and a few photo charts (©TheFlowerExchange):

~ Gerberas



~ Roses
~ Calla Lily



~ Hydrangeas
~ Snapdragons
~ Bird of Paradise



~ Stephanothis
~ Sunflowers
~ Campanulas
~ Orchids



~ Aster
~ Alstroemeria
~ Chrysanthemums
~ Ranaculus
~ Brassica
~ Lilly of the Valley
~ Various Fillers (greens)



Lilly of the Valley smells great and is very pretty in a bouquet. However, they do not last long and will start drooping after a few hours. The Ranaculus are beautiful in bouquets, both bridal and centerpieces.

Make sure your flowers are delivered to where you are getting ready and that all bridal party members (including parents and GPs know that they will get flowers, and know where to be to receive the flowers). Make sure flowers have arrived by the time photo and video coverage begin. Also, it is a good idea to designate a person to be in charge of putting the butonnieres on the groom and groomsmen. This way there is no confusion as to what side to place the butonnieres on, or how to attach them. This is almost always a problem and involves debates and confusion the day of the wedding...

Bouquet Accents:
Bouquet accents are almost a must. They make the bouquet come alive and are very photogenic. Such accents are: Pearls, Crystals, String beads, Shells or Starfish.

Keep an image log of the flowers you decide for your wedding and email/mail this you your florist a few days prior to the event to ensure you get the correct bouquets incase the florist have staff changes.

One money saving tip is to do the butonnieres and corsages in artificial flowers to match the bouquets. This only works with a few flowers, but is an option worth looking into. Try not to use dyed flowers, as the color may run of it rains or is very humid out.

That's all for this week. Most photos (except for flower charts) by PixelArt Photography. Next week we'll discuss Wedding Dresses & Tuxedos and attire. We are Sarasota and Tampa Bay's best wedding photography value!

Wedding Cakes

This week’s entry is about wedding cakes. As a Florida wedding photographer I see a lot of different cakes and variations thereof. Here is a brief discussion:

Candy Buffets & Cup-Cakes
As s general guideline the wedding cake should match your overall décor in terms of color and design. However, in the last year I have seen a variety of alternatives. For example, many couples are offering candy buffets as part of the wedding cake/dessert table. Alongside they offer either a small cake, several small different cakes, or cup cakes. The candy also serves as the guest's favor and can be bagged in a personalized plastic or paper bag, or in a small decorative Chinese “take-out” box. I have also seen gift boxes used as wedding favors for the candy buffet.

Artistic
Fun and artistic wedding cakes are a sure show stopper. If you have an artsy theme a whimsical cake will fit right in.

Plain Beauty
Plain cakes are very pretty and are not boring if they are done right. Many couples nowadays opt to not have a cake topper for a more modern look. Just beware that if you choose a simple wedding cake design and no topper, it may look like something is missing, literally. A few simple flowers are a great substitute for a topper and will fill the void without being too cheesy.

Classics
Today’s classic wedding cake designs are very beautiful. Rarely do we see the traditional pillar tiers, although they are still available. Trends have moved towards delicate floral designs and draping of ribbon and accessories. If you are to use a ribbon design, it is best to pay the extra for the actual edible ribbon (i.e. sugar glaze) rather than the fabric ribbon décor. The real ribbon will not cut when you (as a newlywed couple) go to cut the cake (!). I have seen very surprised brides and sometimes angry couples because the ribbon does not cut. It makes cutting and slicing the cake difficult. Also, try to plan where your cake will be placed in the reception room. For wedding photography purposes try to make room available behind the cake table so that the photo/video crews will be able to capture the cake cutting without blocking the guests. It is also a good idea to have initials, emblems or other design features duplicated on both the front and back of the cake so that they will be visible in the cake cutting photos. If the design is only on the front (especially initials and emblems) and the cake cutting photos are from behind the cake to capture audience in the background, then the cake will be photographed mainly from the back side. Always plan for photo/video crews to face away from windows and towards the guests. Keep the cake away from high traffic areas, sun and warm areas such as spot lights and heating vents. Lastly, avoid using chocolate as a cake décor unless the baker can guarantee that the chocolate will not melt nor run.

Groom's Cake

If you cannot decide on a flavor, consider having a groom’s cake. Usually these are one tier cakes with a sport theme. This cake will be cut after the main wedding cake is cut. If you want to have nuts in the cake, be sure to let guests know, as many people have allergies.

Try lot's of cakes and have fun!! All wedding photography by PixelArt Photography serving Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Florida. We also photograph wedding all over the US and Caribbean. Next week's entry will be about Wedding Flowers.