I use Mini Moo cards.  They are smaller than a business card but really thick and sturdy.  On the front is one or two photos of the wedding couple, and the back is information about the website.  It will have the couple’s personalized url, their password, and my blogsite for previews.  I’m trying to think about a way to incorporate these cards in for couples that do not have an engagement session, usually those that are not from Portland.  So far, my brides have absolutely loved these.

Kelly & Eli, here is a preview of yours.

When I was first dating my husband, Short Skirt/ Long Jacket by Cake was popular.  Dan said this last line reminded him of me.  I understand the need for rules and have a great respect for tradition, but I don’t believe in blindly doing anything just because we are “supposed to”.  This is very true when it comes to weddings.  So many people feel they have to invite certain guests, or incorporate something into their wedding just because other brides do it.

As a wedding photographer, I say honor tradition if it means something to you, or someone important to you.  If it doesn’t, think creatively, do want is in your heart.  I love being exposed to both new ideas and old customs.  I am photographing my first Korean church wedding this summer.  It is going to be very family oriented, and traditional.  I am just as excited to see what things are important to this family as I am to photograph the wedding of an outdoor bride that is doing every herself, their own way, just five days before, on a Monday!  Yes, to me a Monday wedding is an amazing brave decision in doing what you want.

One of my favorite blogs and wedding resources is based in Seattle, Offbeat Bride.  It’s filled with refreshing ideas for everything from flowers to wedding dresses, and of course real weddings.  They also recently launched, Offbeat Mama, a spin off that I can’t wait to read more of.  If your a new mom, check out this fun article on the author’s road trip with her baby.

]]> http://jessicashepard.com/2010/photography/offbeat-bride-offbeat-mama/feed/ 0 http://jessicashepard.com/2010/photography/wedding-photography-photography/weddings/bridal-veil-lakes-portland-wedding-venues/ http://jessicashepard.com/2010/photography/wedding-photography-photography/weddings/bridal-veil-lakes-portland-wedding-venues/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:25:18 +0000 Jessica http://jessicashepard.com/?p=3568 One of the weddings I am photographing this coming summer is at Bridal Veil Lakes. It looks like such an amazing place to get married and just so uniquely Oregon. When the bride told me they included canoes as part of the wedding venue, I was astounded. This venue is only 30 minutes outside of downtown Portland, in the heart of the Gorge. It has over 40 acres of land, including a big lake and forest.

Tiffany, the bride, just commented on my Facebook page and got me thinking about her wedding. I thought I’d share it with my readers since it sounds like such a great wedding venue. I am absolutely excited to get a chance to photograph there (and of course to work with Tiffany and Adam)!

This got me doing a bit of research, and brought me to the I Do Foundation.  There are so many options for doing a little bit of good for a charity as part of your wedding plans!  They have a registry where your guests can donate to a charity of your choice.  This can be used as your only registry or combined with a traditional one.

If you are just starting out, and really do have your hopes set on a new coffee pot and other essential goodies, you can do both.  There is a whole list of stores that will donate a portion of your registry sales to your choice of charity.   Traveler’s Joy a honeymoon registry site also participates in this program.  A third option is to give your wedding guests a charity donation as a favor.  You can even nominate your personal favorite non-profit group to receive the donation.

Wedding gifts are fun, can be sentimental and are definitely deserved as part of your celebration!  I think giving a donation is a great option though because some people don’t need another blender, or would just like to share their guests’ generosity with others.

This past summer, I photographed a large wedding. The groom was from Nigeria so the wedding had traditions that were a bit different from what I normally see. The couple also had piles of family and friends, making it a very large wedding, of over 300 guests. This wedding is a great example of when having two photographers is ideal. My assistant for this wedding, Sharla Stenerson, was an amazing asset.

We started photographing at the bride’s parent’s home, then went to the church, then to a park for wedding formals, and then to a reception hall. Sharla was with me at the park but once the bridal party was in the limo, she went onto the reception. I stayed and did portraits of the bride and groom. What this meant, was an opportunity to take photos of the details before everyone arrived, and for her to be there when the bride and groom arrived, since I was following them.

When should you consider having a second wedding photographer?

• You have a large wedding, maybe 200 guests or more

• You are having a wedding reception in a venue that is very spread out

• You have a very large extended family that you would like to participate in formal portraits, and have limited time worked into your wedding day schedule

• Getting different views of the same exact moment is very important to you

• You have multiple locations planned throughout your wedding day, and may need a photographer to be in more than one place at a time

Have I worked in these situations without a second shooter? Yes.  I can, and even enjoy the challenge at times, but for certain weddings it can make things go smoother and give you additional images if you elect to have a second photographer.

Would the second photographer need to be there for the entire wedding? Probably not.  I recommend about four hours for most weddings.  This covers a little of getting ready, wedding formals, the ceremony, and a bit of reception time.

If I want a second shooter at my wedding, how does that work? For you, it works seamlessly.  We work it into your wedding package, and you communicate with me.  I have several photographers that I will check with for availability.  They all shoot in a similar enough style, that the images will all be cohesive.  At the end of the day, the photographer hands over their RAW files to me, and I process all the wedding photos as one entity.

Do you always recommend having two photographers? Absolutely not.  It completely depends upon your wedding plans.  There are plenty of brides that I recommend just having one photographer for.  I actually shoot the majority of weddings alone.

Below is an example of how you get the same moment captured differently with two photographers.  I am standing in the aisle taking the photo of the bride entering with her dad.  Sharla is standing at the entrance to the church, and took the photo of the bride walking down the aisle from behind.

Are you a full-time photographer?
Yes. I have a 32 hours set aside each week that I work either with clients or in my home office. In addition to this time, I spend countless hours thinking about my business, jotting down notes, running ideas by my hubby, corresponding with clients, and sneaking in extra work time while my daughter naps.

How long have you been into photography?
A very long time. Professionally, I have done portrait photography for five years. I started photographing weddings, and went full-time, about two years ago. I have been shooting with an SLR camera for 20 years, and am originally trained in film photography, though I now shoot digital.

What is your training?
I studied photography at the School of Visual Arts for two years. I have a bachelor’s degree in visual arts, with an emphasis in photography. I also have 30 credits post-bach of multimedia courses, which includes lots of Photoshop training.

How do you describe your style?
Wedding photojournalism. Editorial. Documentary. I observe. I capture moments. I intrude as little as possible. I direct during formals but still try to step back and let you be yourself. I believe on your wedding day you should be thinking about each other, and laughing with family and friends, not thinking about your photographs.

Do you shoot alone or with another photographer?
I shoot alone most of the time. I do have several second shooters that I have worked with, and you may elect to add one into your package. I generally recommend doing so for very large weddings, over 250 guests.

What if you are sick or have an emergency on wedding day?
Unless I am extremely sick I will be there. If there is an emergency situation with myself or my immediate family, I will contact every other photographer I know and do everything I can to find a replacement. If you have opted for a second shooter, he or she will take over.

Can I make prints anywhere I like of my wedding photos?
You may. I strongly recommend Mpix for prints. If you prefer to stay local, I would choose Portland Pro Photo. You will have a dvd with high resolution jpg files, and a statement granting you permission to make prints at any lab.

When will I get my photos and album?
I post wedding previews to my blog within the first week. Within three weeks you will have your web gallery of wedding photos, and your dvd shortly afterwards. Album design is ready two to three weeks after the gallery. After you give me final approval of your electronic proof, the wedding album will take four to ten weeks, depending on the type.

Do you travel?
Within an hour of my home, just outside SW Portland, is included in my packages. Pretty much, Portland, Salem, Vancouver and the suburbs are included. Seattle, the Oregon Coast, Eugene, Corvallis, and Bend are just a small surcharge to cover travel costs. If you are outside these areas, feel free to send me a request, and I’ll let you know if it’s possible.

Can I see more work, maybe a full wedding?
Sure. If you’d like to see a full wedding online, just ask. I can give you access to a web gallery.

When do I need to reserve a date by?
Most brides book with me between six and eighteen months in advance. It is possible to get a date on shorter notice, especially during the winter. If you have a date approaching, send me an email to see if I am available. I once accepted a booking on a Wednesday for the following Sunday!

How do I book you for my wedding?
You like my work. You have read my blog, and think you like me. The next step is to contact me to schedule a time for us to meet. We’ll have coffee, tea, or whatever you prefer to chat over. I’ll show you printed work, and we can go over all the details. A deposit and signed contract is required to hold your date.

When the florist walked into the room with the bouquets, the little girls’ eyes all lit up. She made these fun pretty little balls of flowers, with a ribbon to hold them by. Playful and lighthearted, just perfect for flower girls.