SO...YOU WANNA BE A WEDDING PLANNER?

Applications for interns for Andria Lewis Events are currently being accepted. We are looking for ::

• Hard-workers with a leader mentality who do not mind following while they learn
  
• Smart workers who are willing to give up their summer weekends
  
• Dedicated workers with the ability to work independently while staying on task
  
• Personality-ladened workers with a creative mind
  
• Compassionate workers who understand that a wedding day is not about you being the star of the show
  
• Mature workers who show up on time. Meaning you actually show up early.
• Workers who like to have FUN! FUN! FUN!
  

Did I mention wedding planning is a lot of work? We have weekly team meetings that begin at 7:00 a.m. Sometimes we wake up really early and lots of times we go to bed really late. But...we have an awesome time hanging with our clients and helping them develop a wonderful day for which there are no do-overs. These internships are non-paid positions and are especially helpful to those needing credit hours for college. Interns will be compensated for event days. We are looking for people who are looking to work hard and grow with the company and become associate planners.

Still interested? Email us at employ {at} andrialewisevents {dot} com with I WANT TO BE AN INTERN in the subject line. Include your resume with relevant experience and a cover letter stating why and how you would knock the wedding world off its feet! No phone calls or faxed resumes will be accepted.
We look forward to receiving all of your creative resumes!

GIVING BACK :: MARCH OF DIMES

I don't usually post personal efforts. But, I am a huge advocate for community service and doing more than just what is comfortable to us. This Saturday, I am walking in the March of Dimes 4 Mile Walk at Shelby Farms, Memphis. I am participating in this walk with members of my fitness studio (not gym) Power Life Fitness. Since I've just realized today that I could have a donation goal, I chose a small amount to raise in the next two days. Any donations will be appreciated and will definitely be put to good use for children in need.

One day, all children WILL be born healthy.

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER II

NAME : Kricia Morris Photography
WEBSITE : www.kriciamorris.com BLOG : www.kriciamorrisphotography.com 

LOCATION : South East United States and soon Oahu, Hawaii

NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE BUSINESS : One

How/When did you discover that had talent?

I actually started taking pictures back in high school as the head photographer for our annual staff. However, I really developed a love for wedding photography after being given the opportunity to 2^nd shoot with a local photographer early last year. Ever since my first wedding I’ve been hooked!

What should couples consider when choosing a wedding photographer?

There are two main points that a couple should consider in their search for their wedding photographer. The first should be the style of the photographer. If a couple wants a modern, contemporary feel to their portraits they should definitely consider a photographer with that flair rather than say, a more traditional vendor. Equally as important however is how you feel when you meet your photographer. Your photographer is one of the only vendors that are going to be with you from the beginning to the end of your wedding day. You want to make sure that you choose someone who you are comfortable with; otherwise you will not be happy with how your images turn out.

When choosing a wedding photographer, I always tell my couples to look for a professional photographer with ‘the eye’. Do you agree with me on the importance of that or am I being paranoid?

I definitely think that it is important to select someone whose images you identify with. You want to be able to look at a photographer’s portfolio and imagine yourself inside some of their images. If you can visualize their style and their images at your event then you have probably selected the appropriate vendor.

How can couples help the wedding day flow smoothly?

The best thing that a couple can do on their wedding day is just to remember to have fun! The wedding day can be an extremely complicated and stressful time, but when it all comes down to it all that really matters is that at the end of the day you’re going to be married to the man or woman of your dreams.

Why do your couples choose you?

I think that the main reason that my couples decide to use me for their wedding photography needs is the personal connection that I bring to each of my clients. I make sure that I sit down and talk to everyone that I book on an individual basis to ensure that the images that they truly want on their wedding day are going to be part of the final product which I present to them. I also think that my outgoing and friendly personality helps people feel extremely comfortable with me, again giving them the familiarity factor necessary for a great vendor relationship.

Some photographers simply print their images. Tell us how/why you decide to edit an image to give it more character? And can you show us an example of before/after?

One of the only things that truly set photographers apart in the digital day and age is the “style” of the final product which they present to their clients. My personal style takes my SOOC (straight out of camera) shots to the next level through a process of color correction, sharpening and contrast adjustments. This is the WOW factor that takes a good, solid picture and makes it a tangible memory of their special day that they will cherish forever.

To capture all you do throughout the wedding day you must have eyes in the back of your head. Is that a learned technique or instinct?

I think it’s a little bit of both! Everyone knows when you go to a wedding you’re going to see the basic shots of the first kiss, cake cutting and bouquet toss. It’s being able to catch those little moments however, such as a mother’s tears as her husband walks their little girl down the aisle or the special giggle that a bride reserves for her best friend that sets some photographers apart from the competition.

What would you love to scream to the mountaintops to couples who are in the process of choosing their wedding photographer?

One of the best things that you can do is schedule an engagement session with your photographer. That way you have a taste of what it’s going to be like to work with them before the big day. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and really get to know your photographer as an individual instead of just a business. Make sure that at the end of the day you have no doubts about your choice. If you have any questions, even if you think they are insignificant, ask them! A vendor would much rather have answered all of your questions before the occasion rather than not satisfy a client when all is said and done. Choose someone that you are comfortable with, that you admire and that you absolutely can’t wait to work with!

Your impromptu thoughts on wedding photography:

Make sure that if your photos are truly important to you that you set aside appropriate amounts of time and energy on your wedding day to allow the photographer to capture that perfect shot. Never discount the power of colors, lighting, details and backdrops that will not only bring your wedding together as a whole and beautiful occasion, but will also allow you to have photographs of a superior caliber to remember always.

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER I

NAME :: Leslie Roark Photography

WEBSITE :: www.leslieroark.com 

BLOG :: www.leslieroark.net 

LOCATION :: Pensacola, Florida

NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE BUSINESS :: 2

How/When did you discover that had talent?

About 4 years ago I started working for a local photographer. It was not long after that I bought my very first DSLR and started photographing anything and everything. With much encouragement from family and friends, two years later my daughter was born I decided to start my business so that I could stay home with her the first year!

What should couples consider when choosing a wedding photographer?

There are a couple important things brides should consider when choosing a wedding photographer! The first is their style. With the unlimited resources provided by the World Wide Web brides can now research thousands of photographers to find exactly what they like best. Some prefer vintage while others might prefer bright and colorful. Then, once they start meeting with potential photographers they should make sure to choose someone they are comfortable with. The photographer that they choose should be someone that they can relate to as a friend and have no reservations with. After all, they will be with the bride and groom all day!

When choosing a wedding photographer, I always tell my couples to look for a professional photographer with ‘the eye’. Do you agree with me on the importance of that or am I being paranoid?

I do thank that “having an eye” is important and not for the obvious moments that should be captured but for the not so obvious. For instance, a photographer should be able to walk through the location of the ceremony or reception and see immediately where they can take pictures even if the couple might not see what you see.

How can couples help the wedding day flow smoothly?

The number one way couples can help the wedding day flow smoothly is by relaxing! It’s their wedding day and the more relaxed they are the more relaxed everyone else is. When everyone is relaxed they are able to have fun and really enjoy the day. That makes for the most natural, candid pictures and allows everyone to have fun!

Why do your couples choose you?

My couples choose me because I remind them of a friend. I am someone that they feel comfortable with and they trust my instinct and ability to capture moments they might never remember otherwise. They also love my work and my ability to capture natural, real emotion.

Some photographers simply print their images. Tell us how/why you decide to edit an image to give it more character? And can you show us an example of before/after?

I choose to edit my photographs because it adds that extra touch and sparkle. Sometimes the simplest touch can turn a great photograph into a “WOW” photograph. In the images shown below, I loaded the images in Lightroom. Once there, I applied an enhancement to the image. It heightened the brightness and the contrast and slightly lowered the saturation. This process makes the color pop while keeping the skin tone natural. I then exported the image out of Lightroom and into Photoshop and ran a sharpening action that pulls out the details (such as eyelashes) to make them stand out a bit more.

To capture all you do throughout the wedding day you must have eyes in the back of your head. Is that a learned technique or instinct?

Having eyes in the back of your head is both an instinct and a learned technique. As photographers we know what moments to anticipate, but it’s also learning where to be at the right time for the photograph to have the best composition!

What would you love to scream to the mountaintops to couples who are in the process of choosing their wedding photographer?

CHOOSE SOMEONE THAT FEELS LIKE AN OLD FRIEND!!! Seriously, I know that I’ve said this several times already but it’s the truth. If a bride and groom are in any way uncomfortable with their photographer they are only going to want them to go away and be annoyed all night. If they have a photographer they are comfortable with, they won’t even realize they are there because they will be having fun and enjoying themselves!

Your impromptu thoughts on wedding photography ::

It’s your day…make sure you don’t regret letting Uncle Joe, who just bought a new “really cool” digital camera, capture the only physical memories you will ever have of your wedding day!

CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER SERIES

I love, love, love photography. It is art. And being a great photographer is a true talent. I encourage my couples to 1) allocate a reasonable portion of their budget for photography and 2) make sure the photographer has at least two shooters (not one shooter and an assistant). I also encourage my couples to look outside of our immediate area for that talent. While I certainly love and enjoy working with our local photogs, sometimes they may not be available for  a particular wedding date. Or their style may not be right for a particular couple. Just as I am not the wedding planner for everyone, each photographer is not right for each couple.
When choosing a wedding photographer, you should look for something in their work to capture your attention. Do all of their wedding photos look alike? Do they edit the same way all the time? Do they tell you what they are going to do at your wedding rather than listen to what you would like and working with you to develop a viable plan? Well, then, your photos will probably end up looking like the past several weddings that photog has done. And, really, did you spend all that time planning to have your wedding portrayed in a standard format?
This month, I am visiting with a few photogs I have come to know in this wonderful world of wedding planning. I trust you will enjoy meeting them as much as I am enjoying getting to know them and their style.
This series will run each Monday with the first being a little later today.
Stay tuned for what we have {in the plans}...

WEDDING TOASTS :: KEEP IT TASTEFUL

Weddings, to me, are all about fun. It is a celebratory time in two people's lives that brings hundreds of people together. Everyone is there to wish the new Mr. and Mrs. the best in their journey. There are some formalities of society that I believe should be adhered to. But, there is always room for fun and spontaneity. I encourage my couple's to insert any special touch they want into their day. Be it a tradition passed down through families or a new tradition they would like to begin.
One area, however, that I think should remain a bit more civil are the toasts to the couple at the reception. We've all seen the gag (generally by the Best Man) that has women bringing up their keys to the groom's home. Yes, people laugh, but they are simply being polite. The most memorable toasts are those that are short (no longer than two minutes) and heartfelt. No, you do not have to be all sappy and syrupy sweet. Heartfelt does not have to mean boring, but it does have a modicum of respect in it. Do not try to be such a show-stopper that you embarrass either the bride or the groom. Remember, this day is about them. It is their party and the only tears shed should be from happiness. Not because of a toast gone wrong. Simply put, think before you drink.