Their rehearsal dinner was held at Los Cucos Mexican Cafe in Katy, TX, near Katy Mills Mall and the wedding and reception was held at the Tuscany Villas in Katy.
Every now and then, you get a Groom at the wedding that like to have a good time….that was Eric!
but of course we know that the day is all about the Bride and Jennifer got a lot of love:
“You may now salute your bride”
Did I mention that they had a good time?
One of the joys of being a wedding photographer is that sometimes, you get to shoot a great couple and it’s not always about profit. This young couple are members of my Church in Houston (New Mt. Calvary Church) and they are some of the sweetest people I’ve met. I did Lashonda’s bridal session earlier as well as their engagement session (posted earlier in my blog). the wedding was held at the New Mt Calvary Church in Northeast Houston and the reception was at Brady’s Landing over near the Ship Channel.
The bride is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and they did a wonderful tribute to her during the reception.
one of the bridesmaids during the wedding reception at Brady’s Landing (she had a great smile)
I always love the emotion of the day…
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza held at the George R. Brown Convention Center back in January and after booking with them, we scheduled the engagement session near Mecom Fountain and Hermann Park. Wedding photos will be posted later…
Can’t you just feel the love?
This is the image they chose as their enlargement for the wedding reception:
OK, I’ll admit, I’m a man and I don’t get it, but I do love to see people have a good time and these ladies did! The Houston Law Firm, Haynes and Boone, LLP, held a premiere party for the “Sex and the City” premiere in Houston for their employees at the Angelika Houston movie theatre in the Theatre District in Downtown Houston. To say it was a packed house was an understatement! Good food, good drinks and the ladies had a great time!
More images can be found here: “Sex and the City”
I had the opportunity to shoot for a book signing by author and star of CBS’ “The Young and the Restless”, Victoria Rowell. The book she wrote, “The Women Who Raised Me”, talks about her time growing up in the foster care system and the influence of the women who took part in making her the woman she is today. You can read more about her and the book on her site: The Women Who Raised Me
The Event was held at Polo’s Signature Restaurant, as well as The Hotel ZaZa and finally, Victoria Rowell did a reading from her book at the Borders Bookstore in Meyerland Plaza. the event was sponsored by Burton Brock & Associates, Momentum Land Rover and Momentum Jaguar, Polo’s Signature Restaurant, Snow Queen Vodka, Velleriano Italy, RMG, Continental Airlines, and Tiffany’s.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Wendy Corona of KPRC Local 2:
As well as Gina Gaston of ABC 13 News:
I attended the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner was held the the Lasagna House off I-45/FM 1960. I met Lisa's mother at the Bridal session and had the opportunity to meet the rest of the family at the rehearsal. Both of these families were so nice and so sweet and made me feel so much like a part of the family and it was an honor to share this day with them. the wedding was held on April 26, 2008 and while it will take me a while to get all of the images processed, I was so excited I had to share a few.
The Church:
The rings:
The Groom and his men (and Dads)
The Bride and her ladies:
and some shots from the reception:
Heading to the car:
This was her favorite shot from the session
OK, I know what you're thinking...."He's going to try and make me choose him." Well, yes, but I also want you to know that it's not just about choosing me. In fact, I can recommend several great photographers (see the link to the left about Wedfog -The wedding photographers' directory), but I mainly want you to see the difference between hiring a professional verses allowing that special friend or your Uncle Bob or Aunt Sally to be your wedding photographer because they just got a real nice digital camera. I also want you to see why you need someone with experience over someone who just started shooting weddings last month.
I was talking to a friend of mine recently and she is getting ready for her wedding in a few months. When I asked her how the wedding planning was going, she replied "great! and I found a wonderful photographer for my wedding!" I was happy for her, but continued to inquire about the "professional wedding photographer" and found out a few things that worried me. First, the person had never shot a wedding before. The photographer was a portrait photographer and according to the bride, had some wonderful portraits on her site, so they should be able to shoot a wedding. While this sounds good, it's not always the case. I am a portrait photographer as well and when shooting a portrait, you can control the client, the poses, the environment (in some cases), and the lighting. Second, they had no albums to show her. How can I know how "great" a job you're going to do for me if I have no proof of it? Third, they were restrictive in what they were offering. My friend wanted an image to place in a newspaper announcement and wanted to choose it herself, but the photographer wouldn't allow it and they insisted that they had more experience in choosing the proper photograph.
Shooting a wedding is completely different. Each location is different. The ceremony location may have large windows, or no windows at all, high ceilings with lovely lights, or low ceilings with ceiling fans. The wedding photographer may be able to use flash, but some places, especially Churches do not allow flash photography during the ceremony or any photography at all and the wedding photographer with experience can adjust to those conditions whereas someone who has never shot a wedding before may not be prepared.
When you meet with the wedding photographer, make sure you are able to view samples of their work from any wedding they have shot. In fact, that should be one of the first questions that should be asked - how many weddings have you shot? In this new digital age, many people are becoming "professional wedding photographers", but you have to ask yourself, do you really want someone to get their feet wet at YOUR WEDDING??
There are several wedding photography "companies" that have started up recently, that claim to have the best photographers on staff. Some of them even provide you with a list of those photographers who also have their own studios as well. The down side is that if you book with one of these companies, the chances are slim to none that you get any one of the wedding photographers on the list they showed you. the chances are greater that you would end up with someone with little or no experience in shooting weddings. Even worse, you won't find out who your photographer is until it too late to do anything about it! I've spoken to some brides that didn't know who their photographer would be until the day of the wedding!
You also want someone who understands that this is YOUR WEDDING DAY and not their creativity project. the wedding photographers' job is to make your memories and not theirs. your wants and wishes should be the priority.
Wedding photography is far different from most other types of photography and the equipment that the professional wedding photographer carries is essential. Brand name doesn't matter (Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, etc..), but make sure that the wedding photographer has the proper camera bodies and lenses to take care of you. If they are shooting film (yes, some of us still shoot film), make sure they have enough to cover any issue that may arise. If they are shooting digital, then they need extra data cards as well. While not mandatory, it's always good for the wedding photographer to have at least one "spare" camera as a backup in case something happens to the primary camera and most non professionals only carry one camera body and only one lens and if either breaks or fails to work, then you are left without wedding memories!
This, in a way, goes along with experience, but needs to be addressed separately as well. As technology advances, the cost of equipment goes down so much so that almost anyone can afford the latest and greatest "digital toy". I shoot freelance sports for local local publications and while on the sidelines, I notice a lot of parents with equipment similar to mine and in some cases better! Often, even with the better equipment, they do not know enough about to be able to adapt to the different lighting or environment issues that come up in weddings (dark churches, candlelit ceremonies, different types of light at the reception, etc.) and therefore can't make the necessary adjustments on their camera to compensate for it.
Along with shooting digital, professional wedding photographers have the computer equipment, software, and knowledge necessary to produce a good final result, whether in print, album, or CD. the latest 8-10 megapixel camera, the fastest computer, or the latest software program is no good unless the person knows how to use them properly. Professional wedding photographers have experience framing, cropping, retouching, and enhancing your images to give you just the look and feel you want.
One thing to consider also when hiring friends or family to shoot your wedding: they are your friends and family! During the ceremony and especially during the reception, they could lose sight of the fact that they are "hired" and forget about taking pictures and start having fun. A professional wedding photographer is there to serve and work for you. You will only have one opportunity to make these memories and they are too important to trust to someone without experience. There are wedding photographers in every price range and in every budget so please do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not you have someone there to make your memories all that they should be. We photographers have a saying:
and in your planning, plan on getting a professional!
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From left to right: the Matron of Honor (younger sister), the Bride, the mother of the bride, and the Maid of Honor (1st born sister)
During the ceremony: I love the backlighting from the decorations on this shot:
The happy couple before leaving for the reception:
You just can't have a wedding reception without cake!
The father daughter dance always tends to get a little emotional:
Hard to believe that in all my years of shooting near Hermann Park, I never noticed this wall before! I absolutely love it! Yes, you will be seeing more of this wall in shots to come!
Her sister (the Maid of Honor) liked this shot:
Her mother (the mother of the bride), liked this one:
This was one of my favorites:
and this is the one the Bride chose:
Overall, it was a great session and we had even more fun at the wedding!
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]]>Yes, an iPod is less expensive, but, by the time you download all the music you want, take the time to organize the music, and rent the sound system to connect the iPod to (you can't use those little speakers that are on your computer), you may come out cheaper hiring a DJ
" Since it's my iPod, I know the music will be what I want to hear." I've worked with DJ's over the years and I've have yet to meet one that does not play the music that the bride and groom want played. When you interview the DJ (just like you interview the wedding photographer), You need to see if their personality is a match to yours. If you are the "laid back" type, then a DJ that is "wild and crazy" would not be a good fit. If you like Jazz and Classical, then a DJ that plays Rap and Hip Hop would certainly not work for you. One of the things you should do during the interview process is have an idea of the music you like and see if he already has it in his collection. Just like with everything else on your wedding day, the DJ works for you and therefore should be ready to play what you want. Yes, he can offer his opinion, but the ultimate decision is yours.
Hiring a DJ with experience is better than using an iPod because the DJ can survey the crowd and determine what will keep people on the dance floor. If you have an older group at your wedding reception, then playing something from MTV will either keep them in their seats or help them find the door. On the other side of that issue, if you have a younger crowd, playing something by Frank Sinatra is a sure fire way to empty the dance floor. With a professional DJ, you also get someone who can make announcements and help with the flow of the wedding reception. From the entrance of the bride and groom, to the first dance, to the bouquet toss, to the exit, a professional DJ and keep the evening flowing and consistent.
With an iPod, you have to get someone to "man" it and that person will not have the experience to properly work the sound system and may not have the personality to interact with your audience. The DJ can also do a better job of mixing/blending the music to keep people on the dance floor without the "dead air" you would get from waiting on the next song on your iPod.
When you hire a professional DJ, you are getting someone that gives you one less thing to worry about that day. You won't have to worry about your friends that want to surf your iPod and argue over which song to play next, or who has more experience with the iPod. You also don't have to worry if the battery you thought you charged goes out in the middle of a song or if the iPod itself stops playing. Consider this as well; what if one of the speakers on that rented equipment were to blow out or fall over? Who is going to cover that? The person that rented it! the professional DJ is insured and takes care of that for you.
Keep in mind also that no matter how much you plan for, something else can happen to completely change those plans. A professional DJ is prepared for almost any circumstance and can adjust because of their experience.
Some people also hire a live band that is familiar with their music choices, but again, make sure that you interview properly to insure that the group will be a good fit for the wedding reception.
As you are arranging you seating for the reception, it might be a good idea to seat the "older" guests farther away from the DJ so they are not too close to his speakers and possibly complain about the "noise"
A week or so before the wedding, it's a good idea to go over specific song selections (first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, etc.) to make sure they are available.
Your photographer may have some ideas about poses or positions, but this is your session and it's best if it shows 'the real you". check out some of the Bridal or Wedding magazines for ideas on poses and go with what you like. You don't want a pose that doesn't flatter you or one that when people see it, they don't recognize you. Above all, be yourself and allow your personality to show in the photos - if you are the conservative type, then you would probably not be comfortable with some of the "America's Next Top Model" type poses, but, if you are the carefree type, traditional poses might be too boring. It's always best to get with your wedding photographer beforehand and discuss what you are looking for in the final portrait.
Houston and the surrounding Metro area offer some great locations for shooting Bridal sessions. Hermann Park, Mecom Fountain, Rice University, The Downtown Theatre District, Historic Richmond Rosenberg, Helen's Garden in League City, and Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land are just a few places that come to mind that are popular spots for shooting. some brides are even allowed to use the location where their wedding or reception will be held and those can be some very scenic locations as well. The Bridal should also be personal so think about a place that may have meaning for you - a neighborhood park or clubhouse, your college campus, etc. - any place that holds a special meaning to you.
One of the recommendations I give some brides is to bring a friend or two or family member along to the session. This sometimes allows the bride ot be more relaxed as well as making the shoot more fun. they can assist the bride with her dress, help retouch her hair or makeup, give her water as needed, etc. some photographers have their own assistants for this type of work, so check with yor photographer first ot make sure.
Proofing usually takes a few weeks and the photographer will contact you to allow you to view the proofs so you can make your choice of print. for example, I store my images online and offer my brides a private, password protected gallery so they can view their images and make their choices. Above all, have a good time, this is one of those once in a lifetime events and you want it to be something you can look back on as something you enjoyed.
hopefully the info provided will assist you. I will be posting tips for the next few days and the credit for this first set goes to Lynn Michelle of Lynn Michelle Photography in Dallas, Texas (I added a few additional tips in bold). You can visit her web site here - Lynn Michelle 
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