Hi everyone! It’s February! And Blush is welcoming our new brides to the 2012 Maine wedding season. This is my 12th year shooting weddings!  I opened my first business (leaving my short-lived but fabulously-fun career as a newspaper photographer behind in Phoenix) at just 24.  I moved with Brian for his career in photojournalism to Washington state. We made the leap across country yet again in 2006 for Brian’s job to our now forever-home, Portland, Maine. We love it here! Blush was born in 2006. Now 35, I’ve shot over 350 weddings.  And I still love the job! Blush ticks along happily with great brides and their awesome families with the help of  my hardworking, Maine wedding vendor friends. It is not a bad life.

We are almost full for 2012, but have  few dates still up for grabs. Contact me at beth@blushimagery.com for more info. And we will reserve your 2013 dates now.

For 2012 clients, welcome letters have gone out with agenda and information forms to have done before our agenda meeting together— about a month before your event. We have a great season ahead.Follow along by bookmarking the blog and following us on Facebook: @portlandmaineweddingphotographer.

I shot my first 2012 wedding last Saturday and it was such a great time. (That blog is coming shorty…Jessica and Mike’s gorgeous Portland, Maine winter wedding to look forward to next week!

Maggie at 2 when we moved into the Portland studio.

Maggie at Gilsland Farm on a hike with Brian…. 6 moths old.

Maggie sick of the holiday party – year # 1 – at 3 years old.

holiday party

Music by: One Republic, Good Life.

www.maineweddingguide.com/ideas/article/new-year-new-you-essay-competition

Sailboat tie.

Sailboat bow tieTheses are classic — great colors available for groomsmen.Little boy lobster roll tie. Adorable!

Shauna Dress Embroidered $278.00 at Lilly Pultizer.com

January 8th & 9th :  Maine Wedding Show  :  For brides, wedding vendors  :   Portland, Maine  :   Info here :  Stop by the Blush booth on the top floor, middle row for great specials this year. Event is $10 at door.

January 10th :  Maine Photographers Coalition  :  For all photographers  :  Info here :  Tim and Chris Riley of Riley Photographic to give a Lightroom Workshop  :  Cost $10  :  At Stacey Kane’s Studio, Scarborough.

January 19th :  Pictage User Group  (PUG)  :  For all photographers   :  7pm  :  Blush Imagery Studio (Emilie of emilie inc. is on maternity leave, so I will sub temporarily)  :  Program- Gismo and Gadget Share :  Info Here :   Free.

January 25th :  Maine Wedding Company :  For all wedding vendors  :  5:30 pm at Blush Imagery Studio : Learn the true brilliance behind the new MWC website, our short and long term plans and how the site works for our clients— Maine wedding vendors. A $275.00 membership will be given away! (Already a member? Come learn best practices to increase your visibility.) Event is free and open to all but limited, so you must RSVP here.

January 28th – Feb 1st  : Maine Professional Photographers Association  :   Annual Convention  :  Lewiston, Maine  :  Info Here.

In the coming weeks, I will be submitting our Blush Imagery photography work to several local and national bridal publications. If we can use your story and our photos, just submit a 500 (at least) word description of your wedding, preferably written in first person. I want your thoughts! Include a description of your event with the background story of you and your groom. Include the wedding date and wedding location. Also, tell us how it felt to be married in the state of Maine and what it meant for you and your families!

Due date is November 20th! SUBMIT TO: beth@blushimagery.com.

Thank you! We want to show off your amazing images to the world! Selected stories will be notified.

from the web: http://blog.copyrightalliance.org/2010/08/meet-photographer-brian-fitzgerald/

There’s real value in hiring a photographer with diverse interests and life experiences. Brian Fitzgerald brings that to his clients, along with a creative eye and a passion for the use of light. I had the pleasure of interviewing him in his Portland studio in the artsy waterfront district.

As you’ll see in my interview with Brian, he has recently opened his own studio in Portland, Maine, where he does a wide variety of commercial photography. But he brings a background as a photojournalist with him, including a stint as an embed in Iraq; it was the newspaper life that brought him from a ranch in Arizona to Washington state and now to Portland.

I find when I interview artists, there’s always some passion of theirs that isn’t reflected in their official bio material. In Brian’s case, it was a mission to document Native Americans, an interest sparked by his Arizona childhood. I don’t want to give away the details.

I had the good fortune of meeting his wife, who is also an accomplished professional photographer; they met in the newspaper biz and now she does her own studio work (she actually launched that before Brian took the leap). I’m also never surprised when I see two truly creative people choose each other as life partners.

http://www.verawang.com/wedding/videos/#/fw-2010

(Can’t see it there, click here.)

Yep, there’s an app for that! Find your ring ladies!

Here’s the press release:

NEW YORK, NY  — The Tiffany luxury shopping experience goes mobile today with an iPhone® app that features new ways to explore the world’s most exquisite diamond engagement rings.
As the premier jeweler for engagement, Tiffany takes its celebrated diamonds directly to the customer with the Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder, the jeweler’s first iPhone® application. In response to a growing customer desire for mobile and interactive shopping, the app offers users the tools for selecting the perfect Tiffany diamond engagement ring, from viewing the range of styles to learning about the superior qualities of Tiffany diamonds.
The app includes an accurate Ring Sizer, the first tool of its kind from a jeweler, that lets users determine their size by placing an actual ring directly on the screen and aligning it with the correct circle in the guide. Browsing the collection according to shape, setting, metal or design is equally simple. The rings are shown true-to-size and each style may be viewed with diamonds of six different carat sizes. Users may zoom in on a ring’s exquisite details, pair the rings with wedding bands, and save or share their favorites via e-mail, Facebook® and Twitter®.
In addition, users can make an appointment for a diamond consultation via phone or e-mail. The app will appear in English (in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia) and Japanese, with prices in local currency. Prices will not appear in the Chinese version or in the international English version that is available to all other countries.
For those looking to buy or hoping to receive a Tiffany diamond ring, the app is an extension of the world’s diamond authority, reaching out with its exceptional brand of service to deliver the ultimate in quality and beauty.
To access the Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tiffany-co-engagement-ring/id375427126?mt=8

10. How are your people management skills?
9. Are you familiar with my type of wedding ceremony?
8. Can you show me a complete, unedited wedding shoot?
7. Are you comfortable with providing direction?
6. Can we arrange to do an engagement shoot first?
5. What is your turn-around time?
4. Are you easy to get along with?
3. How long have you been shooting weddings?
2. Do you work with an assistant and what’s their role in photographing?
1. Can you describe your photographic style?

Read the Full Article on Photoashelter by Grover Sanschagrin

This works for me. That’s right, flattery will get you everywhere ladies. And I’m easily excited by your kind, kind gestures! Thanks! Te he he.

Guest Blog by: Stepheney Collins, 2010 Blush Imagery Intern

In 1970 Freda Payne sang, “All that’s left is a band of gold” and while that might have been true for the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s, we all know that the most recent trend in engagement and wedding jewelry was the silver, platinum and white gold obsession. It was rare to see gold on the finger of the bride and groom after 2000. But according to www.weddingrings.net, gold is back and better than ever!

Yellow gold wedding rings are a hot trend right now. More brides and grooms are choosing to go with the warmer toned metal. “As reported by USA Today, the jewelry industry is seeing a dramatic increase in the requests for yellow gold wedding rings, chains, earrings, and watches, prompting them to increase their supply ratio from the typical 40% yellow gold to 60% white gold.”  There are several reasons for this including changes in fashion trends, the economy and the increase in celebrities wearing the metal.

Here at Blush Imagery we offer a gold stamping for our wedding albums but had no Maine brides request it until just last year. Three brides requested the gold name stamping on their album covers in 2009 compared to zero requests in the previous 8 years. That says something! Fall weddings photographed in Maine boast gorgeous gold, red, and orange foliage and scenery. The photography couples perfectly with our brown premium leather coffee table book with gold name stamping. (Blush Imagery gold stamped album shown right.)

For brides, this means that a lot of weddings will feature champagne colored bridesmaid dresses and yellow flowers. Check out all things gold on The Knot.The Knot has also picked up on the trend, pairing the color with light pink as one of three hot new color palettes. Gold and pink is an “elegantly understated combo” that can add a “vintage touch” to any wedding.

Vogue magazine spotted the trend on the runway this spring, calling the trend “grubby gold.” Vogue suggests cluttering up ala Lanvin and layering the gold jewelry and choosing metallic off-colors like dirty bronze. Cluttery, layered looking gold necklaces are also hot items at retail stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft.

Indie band Rilo Kiley and front-woman, Jenny Lewis, was onto something when she crooned in their hit single Silver Lining, “I was your silver lining, but now I’m gold.”

“It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I thought that I was going to die hiking the last leg to the top.  We started at midnight and went for 6 hours and 45 minutes to get to the top.  Never in my life have I had such a mental and physical challenge. Never.  Kevin and I pulled through together, and it reminds me again how truly blessed I am to have him in my life….”

You kids are crazy cool! Welcome home and I am so happy for you!

“I’m a what? No way. I’m not wearing that then!” At least, that’s what I said back when I tried on my gowns. Although I wasn’t quite a plus size, it still hurt to have to wear such a bigger size.

For some of us who wear a larger clothing size, the reality is that you may find yourself in a plus size wedding dress. Fear not! They’ve come along way baby!

Take a look at these fabulous, elegant styles and photographs I found at Allure Brides. Love them all! Guess what? Available in sizes 14W-32W! Awesome.

Today, so many great bridal stores, like Allure Brides, have a women’s or a plus size section. Sure, I wish they would call it something more tasteful too! But gals, get over it. Why argue semantics when it’s about looking fantastic!

(Confession: Today, I have a little black dress on to see clients. It looked great in the dressing room. I thought it was a large. Got home and my jaw dropped when the tag said XXL. Screw it. I look really hot in it! I may go buy more in other colors. Ha!)

These wedding dresses are perfectly made for a fuller figure. On your wedding day, you will be so happy that you have a bridal gown that actually fits properly. Don’t buy an unflattering dress that hurts you because it has the number 6 on the tag! That’s not healthy!

I’ve photographed over 300 brides and their wedding dresses as a professional wedding photographer. Not once have I ever taken a photo of the size tag of a dress. Typically I prefer to focus on the gorgeous, happy girl in that hot dress!

Brian, fellow photographer and my hubby, attended the Falmouth/ Cumberland Community Chamber Business After Five event last night. While there, he won the door prize provided by Casco Bay EyeCare. A great prize at that … a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers special series, collector edition sunglasses. Oh mama! These are so cool. They have a map of the New York City subway system on them! Brian gave them to me — cause he’s awesome! So thank you, thank you, thank you Casco Bay EyeCare! You guys are super cool! You made me a rockstar overnight! Yeah networking!

I had my doubts. My hair is super fine and nothing stays in it. These apparently hold the same as 20 regular bobby pins. Ya know what, they totally do! Works like a charm. The Spin Pin twist in your hair easily without knotting. With bobby pins you have to hold your hair while opening the pin with your mouth / teeth, then if you were like me— you dropped the stupid thing on the bathroom floor. Oh no, no more! These pins hold tightly with no pain. But wait, there’s more. You can’t see them! Love ‘em!

Positively wonderful for the wedding day updo!

Our Source: The Knot. Read and see video here.

1. “At Last” (Etta James)
2. “As Time Goes By” (from Casablanca)
3. “Come Rain or Come Shine” (Ray Charles)
4. “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion)
5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John)
6. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (Elvis Presley)
7. “Chances Are” (Johnny Mathis)
8. “Close To You” (The Carpenters)
9. “Could I Have This Dance?” (Anne Murray)
10. “Dream A Little Dream” (Mamas & the Papas)
12. “Endless Love” (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie)
13. “Fascination” (Jane Morgan)
14. “Fever” (Peggy Lee)
15. “Forever and Ever, Amen” (Randy Travis)
16. “Forever” (Kenny Loggins)
17. “From This Moment” (Shania Twain & Brian White)
18. “Grow Old With Me” (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
19. “Here And Now” (Luther Vandross)
20. “I Finally Found Someone” (Barbra Streisand & Bryan Adams)
21. “I Only Have Eyes For You” (The Flamingos)
22. “I Will” (The Beatles)
23. “If I Loved You” (from Carousel)
24. “In My Life” (The Beatles)
25. “It Had To Be You” (Harry Connick, Jr.)
26. “Lady In Red” (Chris DeBurgh)
27. “Love Theme To Romeo & Juliet” (from Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet)
28. “Marry Me” (Neil Diamond & Buffy Lawson)
29. “One Moment In Time” (Whitney Houston)
30. “Our Love Is Here To Stay” (Billie Holiday)
31. “So This Is Love” (James Ingram)
32. “Some Enchanted Evening” (from South Pacific)
33. “Something” (The Beatles)
34. “Somewhere” (from West Side Story)
35. “The Best Is Yet To Come” (Frank Sinatra)
36. “The Rose” (Bette Midler)
37. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You” (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
38. “True” (Spandau Ballet)
39. “Unforgettable” (Nat King Cole)
40. “Up Where We Belong” (Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warrens)
41. “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” (Captain & Tennille)
42. “Wedding Song (There is Love)” (Petula Clark)
43. “We’ve Got Tonight” (Bob Seger)
44. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (The Carpenters)
45. “When I Fall In Love” (Nat King Cole)
46. “Will You Marry Me?” (Vonda Shepard)
47. “Woman” (John Lennon)
48. “Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong)
49. “You Are So Beautiful” (Joe Cocker)
50. “Your Song” (Elton John)

SOURCE
New York City professional DJ Nicole Batchelor, who has spun for celebrity clients such as Steven Spielberg and Alec Baldwin, helped us compile this list. To book her, contact nbatchelor@nyc.rr.com.

Dear Brian and Maggie, Tomorrow starts another busy Maine wedding season. For the next 25+ weekends, I’ll be off photographing families on their best days. Please know, I will miss you every moment. Thank you for allowing me to do this strange and wonderful job. My travel schedule and 6-day work week is not easy on our young family, I know. Luckily Brian, you are THE best daddy on the planet and Miss Maggie, now 3,  you are the most interesting person— so fun and loving —that I’ve ever met. You’ll be busy growing your cucumbers in the garden and splashing about at swim lessons all summer. I wish I could be there.

While away, I’ll watch the bride and her father dance together.  I’ll think of my Dad in Phoenix who I miss every day. And then I’ll fantasize, Brian, about you and our Maggie dancing one day at her wedding. That’s when I tear up a bit! I’ll celebrate with these families, but I’m always remembering my own.

Be happy and have a great summer. Thank you for being the joy in my life, my support and my best friends. I love you and will miss you throughout this long wedding season!

Love always, Beth

PS- Oh yeah, I’ll miss you too Fred and Frodo, my darling puggies. Watch over the house and the kid. :)

When you see me at your wedding, check out my new favorite earrings!

Nordstrom. I was actually surprised. Nordstrom had a large collection of short dresses from modern to vintage inspired.

Dolly Couture. Thanks to gal pal Audra for putting me on to this website. Super duper fun stuff.

Unique Vintage. This site was  a little on the less expensive, almost costume-ish. They have wedding dresses but I thought their vintage inspired cocktail dresses were better. (Apparently someone wore one of theirs on The Bachelor and this site was featured on Oprah.) If you were going with a vintage theme, continue it though for the wedding rehearsal dinner. Any if you love the pin up look, check our their page on that— hysterical!

Vera Wang - She at least had one in her Fall 2010 line.

Etsy. There are a ton of gorgeous couture wedding gowns on Etsy. Makes sense now, sure, but who knew? Awesome!

Nordstroms -

Anywho, problem solved. About eight bags of glass later, I decide it’s time to find this magical place. And there it was: Boot’s Bounty located at 753 Broadway, South Portland 04106. (899-BOOT … They don’t have a finished website just yet. Across from a Supercuts.) It’s awesome. You drive up under a rain cover ( it was raining today so that was very cool), give a friendly man your bags of glass and such. He counts and sorts them for you in a big bathtub. It’s actually a real like Home Depot bathtub! I did a bunch of emails on my phone in the meantime. Then he gives you some money.

To boot, they have this trailer you can use — for free—  for  fundraising events. Churches, non-profits and public services in Maine collect cans to raise money for lots of great causes.

But selfishly: I recycle, I get paid and I don’t get totally grossed out! Saaaaaweet! Love it!

Just for fun, I want to share my new skin routine that I am loooooving. I’ve already seen improvements in my skin aftre just a few days. As a wedding photographer / business owner  (plus a mom / wifey) I don’t get a lot of time to take care of me. Through the off-season though, I try to get all of my health appointments done. It is so important. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. I love that saying. I just did my dentist, regular physical, lady physical (hehe) and eye docs…. all good.

Here was my guilty pleasure self care item this off-season: Dr. Hauschka’s skin care. Yum!  Maine salon Head Games carries the line. Ask for Maureen is a certified Dr. Hauschka esthetician there who can help you find what you need for your skin type. So far the spray toner and rose cream are my favorites! Wonderful stuff! It is a bit on the pricey side … but hey, that’s what makes it a ‘guilty’ pleasure. The routine of it with the lavender bath takes all of 3 minutes and it is so relaxing! Enjoy!

We are always so very happy to share with you lobster on nice clothing— when we find it!    Brooks Brother’s 2010 summer line is titled Summer At The Cape and showcases fun lobster classics. Perfect for a Maine wedding! I think this boys’ sweater makes for super cute ring bearer wedding attire for a beach or Maine island wedding matched with white or khaki pants. Adorable. The others make great guest, father, and groomsmen gifts.

http://www.birdcageveils.com/birdcageveils.htm

Happy Thursday! Beth :)

On another cheesetastic note, there’s gossip of a Bush wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine this summer. If you care, you can read more here.

Have an easy, breezy day!

For my couples, I wish I could tell you that your wedding services are deductible … but to my knowledge—not so much. (Maybe you could inc. your union?)

You can of course write-off our commercial/corporate photography services. It is considered an advertising expense for a business. More on this topic soon. Wink.

Happy Tax Day! Beth :)