Friday 19 March 2010
Loving Lashes
These may well be the coolest thing since sliced bread! Fresh from the ancient art of Chinese paper-cutting come these heavenly eyelashes.They come in five designs, representing different Chinese symbols; peach blossom for love, horses for success and peonies for happiness.Smaller versions are available for a more subtle daytime look, although believe me, this is not a look for the shrinking voilet. They're fierce! Purchase a pair before your friends do, and I dare you to dress your bridesmaids in them. Only £12 a pair from Luna & Curious.
Choosing a Photographer
It's a minefield, choosing your wedding photographer. These are the pictures that are going to grace your granny's mantlepiece for the next twenty years, so you want to be looking good. But that's not the only thing to think about - you need to decide your style. Will it be traditional or reportage, arty monochrome or popping colour like a Mario Testino shoot? Do you want your photographer to be a man or a woman? And the elephant in the corner - what's your budget?? To help you answer some of these thorny questions, we sat down with well known British photographer, Mark Bothwell, to discuss some key points to consider when commissioning the person who could make or break your big day.....
BTBD : As a photographer, you understand how important your role is on a couple’s big day. You’re a paid guest {!} and in charge of recording our memories – a huge job! So…when choosing a photographer, what should we be thinking about?
“It’s impossible to narrow it down to one area, it’s a process which happens in stages. First of all clients contact photographers whose work they like - that could be a group of as many as a dozen. From there, cost will narrow the field down, and then it’s usually based on instinct. The couple have to often warm to one particular photographer. In my experience couples will often be prepared to go beyond their budget if they really like a photographer’s attitude, so while quality of work is the hook, personality is often the clincher. Photography at a wedding is a very pivotal task, you’re being trusted with a huge day in people’s lives and you can’t underestimate the responsibility of that role. My own attitude is to give the absolute maximum each time you’re commissioned because you’ll never get the chance to impress that particular group of people ever again”
BTBD : What’s the deal with photography packages? How do they work?
“I cant speak for anybody else, but for me this is really clear cut. I hate the whole package idea, I just don’t see the point as it confuses the issue. People want clarity, transparency and to know what they’re paying for, and why. My personal approach is to have a price for the photography, a price for books and a list of unit costs for prints. This simple approach allows couples to piece together as much or as little as they wish. You wouldn’t believe the stories I hear about photographers who bamboozle clients with this, that and the other.
BTBD : We’ve been to so many weddings where the photographer took ages to shoot the family groups. Is this an inevitable part of the process, is it always like that?
“No, not at all. I hear this stuff too, and it’s so frustrating because we all get tarred with that brush. I suppose if you give a photographer a list of 30 family groups then it’s going to take ages to shoot, but you have to decide whether you really need that? Maybe it’s because of my reputation and style of working, but I’m never asked to shoot groups in any quantity. My clients don’t want their day interrupting with an overly formal approach, plus it greatly reduces the natural feel of your pictures. A wedding day is a gentle, intimate occasion, and I think it’s really poor and quite invasive for somebody to walk in and dictate the pace of the day, which trust me some try to do. A photographer works for the couple, it’s not the other way around.
BTBD: Loads of our friends have got printed books of their wedding pics rather than traditional albums. How do you decide which shots to choose? Can we choose which ones we like and the layout?
“Absolutely, I think it’s very important couples feel they can get involved in the final look of something which will hopefully be valued for many years to come. It comes back around to that principle of being flexible, because high quality art books aren’t cheap, so why would you settle for something less than you know you can have? Speaking for myself, initially I’ll design a draft, then turn this over to the client to check. They can then list changes, or come into the office and direct their ideas for improvement in real time on the big screens. I would go as far as to say that often couples really enjoy a mini stint as an art editor, it’s a fun and collaborative process which always yields better results for them, which is the ultimate goal. If you want that level of involvement, you need to tell your photographer what you want, so they can work round you.
BTBD : What’s the deal with copyright. It seems weird that a photographer can own the copyright to my wedding pictures?“This is another straightforward area for me because I always offer the ownership of the photography to clients – after all it’s their big day! The feedback I receive from clients who have spoken to other photographers who don’t offer the rights automatically is that the they are suspicious of hidden costs later and that something is being almost kept from them. It supports the theory that couples want a clear, easily understandable arrangement with their photography and I consider confusion as a fast route to mistrust.
BTBD : Lastly, wedding photography gets a bad press sometimes among other pro photographers, why do you think this is?“It’s a great point, and something I find increasingly amusing. The basis for this attitude is that anybody can show up and take pictures, and often weddings take place on the weekend so people abuse the trust placed in them in the pursuit of easy cash. But this exists in all areas of life, not just the wedding industry. It’ll be the same with fashion, news, products, etc.. There are lots of suppliers who are awful, many who are good and a small group who excel. Life in a nutshell, really”
{Mark’s portfolio can be viewed at www.markbothwell.com}
“It’s impossible to narrow it down to one area, it’s a process which happens in stages. First of all clients contact photographers whose work they like - that could be a group of as many as a dozen. From there, cost will narrow the field down, and then it’s usually based on instinct. The couple have to often warm to one particular photographer. In my experience couples will often be prepared to go beyond their budget if they really like a photographer’s attitude, so while quality of work is the hook, personality is often the clincher. Photography at a wedding is a very pivotal task, you’re being trusted with a huge day in people’s lives and you can’t underestimate the responsibility of that role. My own attitude is to give the absolute maximum each time you’re commissioned because you’ll never get the chance to impress that particular group of people ever again”
“I cant speak for anybody else, but for me this is really clear cut. I hate the whole package idea, I just don’t see the point as it confuses the issue. People want clarity, transparency and to know what they’re paying for, and why. My personal approach is to have a price for the photography, a price for books and a list of unit costs for prints. This simple approach allows couples to piece together as much or as little as they wish. You wouldn’t believe the stories I hear about photographers who bamboozle clients with this, that and the other.
BTBD : We’ve been to so many weddings where the photographer took ages to shoot the family groups. Is this an inevitable part of the process, is it always like that?
“No, not at all. I hear this stuff too, and it’s so frustrating because we all get tarred with that brush. I suppose if you give a photographer a list of 30 family groups then it’s going to take ages to shoot, but you have to decide whether you really need that? Maybe it’s because of my reputation and style of working, but I’m never asked to shoot groups in any quantity. My clients don’t want their day interrupting with an overly formal approach, plus it greatly reduces the natural feel of your pictures. A wedding day is a gentle, intimate occasion, and I think it’s really poor and quite invasive for somebody to walk in and dictate the pace of the day, which trust me some try to do. A photographer works for the couple, it’s not the other way around.
“Absolutely, I think it’s very important couples feel they can get involved in the final look of something which will hopefully be valued for many years to come. It comes back around to that principle of being flexible, because high quality art books aren’t cheap, so why would you settle for something less than you know you can have? Speaking for myself, initially I’ll design a draft, then turn this over to the client to check. They can then list changes, or come into the office and direct their ideas for improvement in real time on the big screens. I would go as far as to say that often couples really enjoy a mini stint as an art editor, it’s a fun and collaborative process which always yields better results for them, which is the ultimate goal. If you want that level of involvement, you need to tell your photographer what you want, so they can work round you.
BTBD : What’s the deal with copyright. It seems weird that a photographer can own the copyright to my wedding pictures?“This is another straightforward area for me because I always offer the ownership of the photography to clients – after all it’s their big day! The feedback I receive from clients who have spoken to other photographers who don’t offer the rights automatically is that the they are suspicious of hidden costs later and that something is being almost kept from them. It supports the theory that couples want a clear, easily understandable arrangement with their photography and I consider confusion as a fast route to mistrust.
{Mark’s portfolio can be viewed at www.markbothwell.com}
Thursday 18 March 2010
BBD Theme: The Royal Peacock
One of the micro-trends for this summer's weddings will be peacock feathers. Dramatic, colourful and romantic, they're a super-versatile design detail to add to your big day. You could use them as a graphic on your invitations or add actual feathers to your bouquet and buttonholes. Or for a more subtle effect, pick out the iridescent colours to theme your bridesmaids' dresses and flowers. You could even have real life peacocks strutting their stuff in the gardens around your venue. Check out the wedding below for more inspiration.
{Product Credits - from top left: Giant Feather Fan: Mamaz57, Feather Shoe Clips: RadoKri, Hair Clip: Vie Moderne, from middle left: Feather Stationery: Meant to be Sent, Peacock Dress: Vrreis, from bottom left: Earrings: Boutique Peony, Feather Hat: Liaison, Badge: NY Jole Jewellery, Hair Fascinator: Vie Moderne, Stationery: Apple Berry Ink
We ♥ Offers
10% off RadoKri accessories
We ♥ Offers
10% off RadoKri accessories
Real Wedding: Kristi & Antony
Kristi and Antony should be as proud as peacocks {sorry!} of their incredible wedding style. We love Kristi's feather bouquet, fan and satin shoes, adoore the raspberry cake and check out those bridesmaid's rings - fierce! A huge thank you to Christine Chang for letting me put up her gorgeous photographs. Don't miss her fabulous website and blog.
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Monday 15 March 2010
Real Wedding: Eleni & David
Prepare yourselves for something special! I'd like to welcome a brand new British photographer to Before the Big Day. Marianne Taylor is based in London, but will travel! Check out these gorgeous pics she took of Eleni and David's big day at Tamesis Sailing Club in Teddington on a beautiful summer's day last year. The happy couple arrive in a boat - such a super-cool idea. Other stealworthy details include the cute pink ribbons wrapped around the cutlery, Eleni's garden-style peony bouquet, and the fab Couple Fact Sheets. Perfect for guests you haven't seen for a while, and a great way to get the table talking at your reception. I'm also deeply in love with the baby's breath in Eleni's hair, and her stunning dress, which was made by her sister!
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Saturday 13 March 2010
Eco-Chic Week #9 - Brilliant Burlap
Just because it's slightly rough and ready, doesn't make burlap any less chic. In fact, it's its naive rusticity that makes it this season's fabric of choice for eco-chic weddings. Made from vegetable fibres, it's often used to make sacks to transport coffee beans, and it's these bags that are super-easy to recyle into gorgeous accessories and favours. Perfect for a couple keen to be green on their big day. Don't miss the special offers for Before the Big Day readers - details below the pics.
Product Credits {from top left} - My Adobe Cottage, Heart Bag: Lilmissi, Napkin Ring: The French Nest Co, Ring Cushion: Ginie Lee, {from bottom left}, Heart Wine Bag: Lilmissi, Heart Bunting: My Adobe Cottage, Starfish Bag: Funky Shique
Product Credits {from top left}- Table Runner: My Adobe Cottage, Key Cushion: Styled Spaces, Bird Bunting: Funky Shique, Welcome Table Runner: My Adobe Cottage, {from middle left} Crown Lavender Bags: Home Spun Style, {from bottom left} Ring Cushion: The Blooming South, Bee Bag: The French Nest Co, XO Bag: Funky Shique
We ♥ Offers
15% off Lilmissi
10% off Styled Spaces & Ginie Lee
10% off The French Nest Co
We ♥ Offers
15% off Lilmissi
10% off Styled Spaces & Ginie Lee
10% off The French Nest Co
Friday 12 March 2010
Eco-Chic Week #8 - Rustic Elegance
Is there anything more romantic than getting married in a forest? Happy couple Henry and Isby picked a gorgeous rustic-elegance theme for their big day, and fabulous photographer Jessamyn Harris was there to record every little detail. My most inspirational spots have to be the CD favours (perfect for the drive home), the bold orange napkins and the personalised beer bottles. And I love Isby's gorgeous backless dress, and the seed pearls studding her hair - so pretty!
**If you love getting inspiration from Real Weddings then click here for more**
Eco-Chic Week #7 - Woodland Whimsy
If you're feeling inspired by Eco-Chic Week, why not adopt an entire woodland theme for your big day? Offer your guests a romantic, Midsummer Night's Dream experience, by using rustic accessories and favours, sourced from the natural world. From feathered buttonholes, to mossy ring nests and birchwood vases, many of these accents can be collected on a countryside walk. Cheap and eco-chic! One of my favourite shops for nature-inspired bits-and-pieces, is Pomp and Plumage, {see pics below), who are offering 15% off on any order from today until April 1st {fab!}. Just mention Before the Big Day in your "message to seller". And don't miss the other special offers for Before the Big Day readers - details below the pics.
Product Credits {from top left}- Ring Cushion: April Hilier Designs, Personalised Sign: Funki Folk Art, Vine Crown: Which Goose, {from middle left} Birch Vases: Bettula, Feather Fascinator: Ginger and Tonic, {from bottom left} Love Sign: Katie Leigh Designs, Birch & Moss Ring Cushion: April Hilier Designs, Moss I Do Letters: Choosing You, Wedding Gown: Sarah Stevens, Tiny Twig Hairpins: Woodland Belle, Leaf Earrings: Briguys Girls, Guinevere Veil: Gardens of Whimsy, Vintage Table Number: Marty Stew
We ♥ Offers
10% off Choosing You
10% off Katie Leigh Designs (with code 10off)
10% off Woodland Belle & Funki Folk Art
Product Credits {from top left}- Ring Cushion: April Hilier Designs, Personalised Sign: Funki Folk Art, Vine Crown: Which Goose, {from middle left} Birch Vases: Bettula, Feather Fascinator: Ginger and Tonic, {from bottom left} Love Sign: Katie Leigh Designs, Birch & Moss Ring Cushion: April Hilier Designs, Moss I Do Letters: Choosing You, Wedding Gown: Sarah Stevens, Tiny Twig Hairpins: Woodland Belle, Leaf Earrings: Briguys Girls, Guinevere Veil: Gardens of Whimsy, Vintage Table Number: Marty Stew
We ♥ Offers
10% off Choosing You
10% off Katie Leigh Designs (with code 10off)
10% off Woodland Belle & Funki Folk Art
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