But now, Maggie will be coming home every day at 2 pm so my hours will be dramatically different— starting earlier and ending earlier for her. It is time to adjust the setup.

Brian’s business, Fitzgerald Photo, has grown a ton and is he is so, so ready to be out in his own space. We’re very proud of that!  (He has been over flowing into my areas of the studio for some time now with gear and lights.) So he is moving on up into a space of his own…. TBD… we’ll keep you posted where he lands but we DO know, it will be in the downtown Portland area for his corporate clients.

I have adjusted my business down to 1. my wedding work and 2. my work with Maine Wedding Company. I am just on-location or virtually needed now. So I am headed to our home office to be the anchor for Maggie there! I will keep just a small part of Brian’s new space just to meet clients.

We hate leaving this space. It has been amazing…. the parties, classes, photographers in and out, staffers, gin and tonic Fridays, Portland Pie, great landlords, working downtown….  and being so close to our great friends and MWC partners at Might & Main.The studio has been the apple of our eye and made such a great lifestyle for us!

But a family does what a family needs to do.

If anyone is looking for fabulous creative suite with private bathroom in the downtown area… it’s open now. If you are interested talk to our fabulous commercial relator! He handles the space for Portland Pie Company – our landlords!

Loren Ayer
Associate Broker
Harborview Properties
P: 207.321.3617
E: layer@harborviewproperties.com

We’ll keep you posted as we land. It may be awhile or it may be later when Maggie starts school this Fall. If you are a photographer who wants a great downtown space, I can tell you it gets no better than this!

Add your own Maine Wedding App icon to your blog or website for your brides! Simply, copy and paste the following embed code:

<a href=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/Maine-wedding/id488212185?mt=8&ls=1″ target=”_self”><img alt=”Maine Wedding” src=”http://www.maineweddingguide.com/sites/default/files/MWC105_LoadScreen_02_spring_0.jpg” style=”width: 150px; height: 220px;” /></a>

It will make this cute icon appear and links them right into iTunes to download the app on their iPhone or iPad.

If you missed, we will ask Milly to speak again after the wedding season. If you’d like to join Maine Wedding Company, info can be found at: http://www.maineweddingguide.com/vendors

Thanks for attending! MWC members (left to right, by business name):

Media Northeast, Wavelength Band, Dodge The Florist, Meg Simone Films, C.A.Smith Photography, Kivalo Photography, Brea McDonald Photography, Maine Limousine and Jane Berger Photography

PUG group 2012

I hosted the Maine PUG (Pictage User Group) here at the studio for March. It was really well attended, a great program and fun networking for all. It was a magical night for me and the studio was such a nice turnout. My program was “Competing in a Competitive Market” and obviously from the crowded photo above … we have a lot of photographers in Maine and the nearby New England who care about this topic.

The lowdown…. I started planning the ”Competing in a Competitive Market” program a month ahead when asked to host by Geneve of Geneve Hoffman Photography – the current PUG leader.  I got really rev’d up. I love speaking on the business of photography so I was on a super nerd high with it … but after two weeks of brainstorming, I hit a wall. I knew what I wanted to say, but  PUG is a mix of beginning and veteran photogs. Was my insight and the info too easy or too hard? To vague, lofty, out there? I tend to be kind of a touchy/feely type but I  didn’t want to come off like a flake with no real ideas.  I researched and hashed the talk out over 4 weeks —grabbing nuggets of info, inspiration along the way. I added the visuals to my Keynote files just a day before the show. That afternoon of the program, I cut 20 slides out as overkill. It is always good to step away and them slash edit for too much stuff.

At 5:00 pm I realized our recent installation of Lion (an apple OS) caused the projector not to work with the computer. NIIIICE. I Downloaded the Keynote app to my Ipad and ran the presentation with the projector for that. Saved, just in time. By 7 pm… start time… the studio was beyond packed and I was totally overwhelmed by the turnout. I mean, I loved it… but it was overwhelming to stuff our white studio couch and everything else we own just to get more seats. Really? We already have seating for 30 in the studio. So I’m guessing we had like 40-50 people here. That’s a big PUG meeting for Maine.

Thank goodness for white wine and friendly faces. It calmed me down and I didn’t even feel nervous for the program; just humbled by the talent in the room.

We only had one tiny program glitch with the earlier tech issue: this video on failure didn’t play where it was slotted in the program… this is an older favorite of mine on changing your focus on failures. You can check it out… old Nike ad.

It was tight and for time sake, so we had to skip intros. I hate that, but it was the reality and people were really crammed in. Next time guys, we’ll get those name tags! The program focused on business message, the value story told of your own product and your own focus and self – control. Some big ideas… but WOW, people participated and tossed in really helpful comments along the way. Everyone was so involved — even taking notes. People stayed late chatting about the program, some tips given and how to manage their business to-do lists next!

Incidentally, I will be reworking this program for Maine Wedding Company members in June focusing on the entire Maine wedding industry. If you have a group that would  like to see the ”Competing in a Competitive Market” presentation, feel free to contact me.

It is so important to stay social, friendly and helpful to other photographers and wedding industry professionals for so, so many reasons despite the high competition. But mainly, we all want the same things. We all want to live well, see our children stay happy and safe, save for retirement, and live a higher quality of life… oh— and learn some photography along the way.

Join the fun! Join in these groups and watch for their programs:

Maine PUG (all photogs, targets wedding photogs)
Boston PUG (all photogs, targets wedding photogs)
Maine Photographers Coalition (all photogs)
New England ASMP (targets commercial photogs)
Maine PPA (all photogs, targets portrait photogs)
Maine Wedding Company (programs for Maine wedding vendors)

Watch these other sites and blogs for nearby photo workshops, programs:

Inspire Boston (in Boston … typically in March)

People in Maine area who blog about nearby photography programs. Good spots to watch for news, programs.

Blush Imagery (for programs)
Brian Fitzgerald (for photo lighting, Inspire Portland project)
emilie sommers (for programs)
Michelle Turner (writes photo books, for programs)
Nadra Photography (for programs)
Russel Caron (for workshops)
PhotoLoveCat  (photo biz blogs, workshop reviews)
Blush Imagery (for programs)

Did I leave someone off? Contact me.

Also, VERY SOON in April by my friend Nadra : (exceptional photographer, fine-art techniques… great advanced level stuff!)

TUESDAY MARCH 20th for PICTAGE USER GROUP

Competing in a competitive market with dozens of other professional photographers can be maddening for both new and veteran photographers alike. Join us for a motivational talk to review tips, tricks and business basics to book well, stress less and make more! PUG is Tuesday, March 20th at 6pm at Beth Fitzgerald’s downtown Blush Imagery Studio, 28 Maple Street, Suite 302, Portland, Maine. 207-899-5585. Drinks and snacks will be provided. We’ll also touch on the subject of wedding-day photo booths here at the studio as well. Open to all photographers, come to have fun!

Blush Imagery
28 Maple St, Suite 302, Portland, Maine
PUG FACEBOOK
RSVP on PUG FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

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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

Maine Wedding Company members, all wedding vendor friends, brides, buds, business pals…. you’re all invited to the big holiday party again downtown! If you’ve never been, Brian and I throw a fabulous, fun party to kickoff the holidays, blow off some steam and give thanks for another incredible year. We have so much fun and would love to see all of you! We put a theme to this party… last year was Winter White. This year … drum roll please…it’s Little Black Dress. Obviously, black dress or not, we really just want your company. So come as you are! This is upclass, never uptight—per usual with us! We simply request two cans of food that we will deliver to the food banks. All our welcome. Pass it on and bring friends!

Please RSVP to beth@blushimagery.com or facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179978088755990

Vendor Growth:

Our members are now over 67 strong, filling all our wedding categories.

Members have contributed an amazing 1,144 blog posts about Maine weddings — hundreds of  posts of true Maine wedding stories.

72 expert articles were released this year from MWC writers and members.

The MWC has over 7, 760 pieces of  indexed web content for the Maine wedding industry including expert articles, photos, quick tips and vendor profiles. (Blogs are not indexed content.)

2011 Benchmarks: 

MWC successfully completes BETA testing

MWC adds SEO team to position website and starts ad campaigns

MWC moves from page 26 to page 1 on Google for search term Maine wedding

MWC moves from page 36 to page 1 on Google for search term Maine wedding venue

MWC installs a lead generator to help MWC vendors receive better couple leads

MWC produces new advertiser’s kit 

MWC contracts first sales manager

Major MWC release will be announced at The MWC Little Black Dress Holiday Party on Dec. 1 and you’re invited!

Photo by : Beth Fitzgerald of Blush Imagery with second shooter, Steph
Planning and Coordination – Melanie, Blissful Beginnings
Catering: Blue Elephant
Venue: Laudholm Farms Wells, Maine
Tent and rentals- Special Events of New England www.specialeventsofne.com
Flowers- Floraventures www.floraventures.com
Photobooth- www.mainephotoboothco.com
Band- Lisa Love Experience www.lisaloveexp.com

In Deirdre’s words:  Popping the question… December 18, 2010

Pierre and I had plans to attend a Christmas dinner at Mount Vernon in Virginia. We had a great time at dinner and all seemed normal to me. There was a group tour of the actual Mount Vernon estate after dinner. There was a bit of a walk up to the house and our tour guide kept saying, “It was a Christmas to remember.” I didn’t think much of it and Pierre thought he knew what he was about to do. After we stopped in the first room and listened to the tour guide talk some more, we walked out to the back porch which overlooks the Potomac River. It was a beautiful view with the moon out, snow on the ground so we stopped to enjoy it for a moment. The rest of the group had walked back in the house and when I turned around, Pierre was on his knee with something sparkly in his hand! Once I realized he was asking me to marry him, I said, “YES!” And, it definitely was a Christmas to remember!

Six and a half years later, Camille and Adrian share a small apartment in New York City’s Greenwich Village, have joint custody of the world’s cutest dog, Logan, and still fight over which baseball team is best. Shortly before Christmas, 2010, Adrian called Camille out into the living room to help because the dog seemed to be choking on something. It turned out he was chewing on a milk bone while Adrian, down on one knee, pretended to pull a ring away from Logan.

Camille and Adrian love traveling, the theater, dancing, and Maine, so we are trying to combine all of these into our wedding. They discovered Maine about three years ago, when they needed to get away during a difficult time in their lives, and fell in love with the village of Camden. Their wedding was casual, because what they love most is getting together with our friends and loved ones and having a good time. Their official motto for the wedding is “good food, good friends, good fun.”

Stacey and Greg eloped from Michigan to marry at the Stage Neck Inn in York, Maine. The day was stormy but the rain held and the skies were this gorgeous gray. How romantic! I was a witness on the marriage certificate and that was a super cool honor. After the short, sweet ceremony, we went around York for some pictures. Congratulations guys! It was so, so good to meet you! When you are in Maine for your next anniversary, drinks are on me!

Maine wedding photographer: Beth of Blush Imagery / Second shooter: Stepheney also of Blush

Ceremony Venue: Kawahnee Inn in Weld, Maine
Reception Venue: Kawahnee Inn in Weld, Maine
Catering: Kawahnee Inn in Weld, Maine

Joe proposed a few days before I moved to upstate NY for school, so we’ve had a long engagement. We wanted to wait to get married until we could live in the same place, and until we were both finished with school. Joe went back to school as well, so we’re both full time students.

As for us… we like to have fun together. We both love to cook, sail and have fun with friends. I’m re-learning how to ski with him because he’s a big skier, and he’s started to scuba dive because that’s a big hobby of mine. We definitely subscribe to “work hard, party hard” and take work/school seriously, but love to kick back with friends. My family has a summer house on Malden Island, which is part of Five Islands, up where we are getting married. We like to get up there on the weekends in the summers for some fun, sun, boating and relaxing.

Maine wedding photographer: Beth of Blush Imagery

Gown by:
Hair:
Makeup:
Ceremony Venue: Mooring B&B
Reception Venue: Mooring B&B
Officiant:
Catering: Mooring B&B
Cake:

Credits by:

Photos by Beth Fitzgerald Blush Imagery / second shooting by Steph Collins for Blush Imagery

Enjoy some of my favorite images from their day… I love this picture… Reeve just found out that Nick has been wearing the wrong pants for the entire wedding day. He forgot his suit pants back on the main land. Reeve just laughed. That’s all you need in life really— someone who thinks that you’re special enough to marry on an island, fabulous enough to have beautiful children with and awesome enough to laugh at you when you wear the wrong pants. All my love guys and thanks for the amazing day! 

Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth of Blush Imagery / Second shooter: Stepheney also of Blush

Wedding Coordinator: Diane York Weddings

Gown by:
Hair:
Makeup:
Ceremony Venue: The Colony Kennebunkport, ME
Reception Venue: The Colony Kennebunkport, ME
Officiant:
Catering: The Colony Kennebunkport, ME
Cake:

Musicians waded in the water and guests lined the dock in kayaks and canoes.
I nearly fell off the dock when I saw Nathan standing in his powder blue tux in this boat. Hysterical.
Anja and her father, Guenter, make it down the aisle in a canoe.The service was performed by Nathan’s uncle.The ring exchange.
The kiss!Before the couple can set sail, Anja’s father Guenter, a German fisherman, catches a fish for them! He was so proud and waved it here and there yelling, “Gutner catch fish! Gutner catch fish!”Nathan takes his bride to shore.And he carries her away… (I’m telling you, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted to!)Some DIY details by the couple …Nathan and Anja admitted that gathering their own wildflowers was hard work and took forever. Love the look though! Rings.First dance with bubbles.Sweet image of Nathan and his Mom dancing together.Shots of shots! I love this pic.Thanks for a fabulous opportunity to capture a very unique, fabulous-fun wedding guys! All my love, Beth :)

Credits:

Photos by Blush Imagery, Beth
Ceremony Venue Lakewood Inn Restaurant, Madison, ME
Reception Venue Lakewood Inn Restaurant, Madison, MEFlowers wildflowers
Grooms attire ebay

Maine Wedding Company is hosting a family BBQ Monday August 22 at Ft. Williams State Park! All wedding vendors who serve Maine are welcome. Members will receive invites this week via mail. Any other vendor can RSVP by August 19 online by info@maineweddingguide.com or at the Facebook event page …. http://www.facebook.com/MaineWeddingCompany#!/event.php?eid=256828451011615

Invitations by : Papier Gourmet

She was 12, he was 11. They had known each other since they were 6, but this was the year they started being interested in each other. He was funny and cute and sporty; she was flirty, energetic and fun. On and off for years they were “going out” or not “going out” but always remaining friends. In their small town in coastal Maine, they danced at middle school dances, rode their bikes to each others’ houses, talked on the phone for hours, and held hands at the beach. Then their lives took different paths, both of them attending different private schools and then colleges. She lived out west, he in Connecticut. During 2008 they both found themselves back in their hometown, both looking to start over. The night before Thanksgiving at the local bar, they found each other again. Although surrounded by old classmates and people from the past, all they saw was each other. It just made sense.

Love these bride hangers. Cute for Tiffany’s dress!The lovely Tiffany.Her bouquet.Tiffany’s father gives her a last look before walking her down the aisle.Sunny, beautiful day for the couple!Tiffany’s parents held hands during the ceremony.Their rings.Married!Tiffany is the most charismatic bride I have ever met! Getting down the hill for portraits was even fun with her! Love you Tiffany!Sean and Tiffany.On bikes! I like the small shadow behind them.Centerpieces and table numbers.Maid of honor gave a heartfelt toast.The couple at sunset in Boothbay Harbor.Sean and Tiffany dance together.Tiffany and her father dance. Tiffany’s dress was perfect for spinning — and she loves to spin! Jerry Bazata, DJ Jaz Music brought out a very cool light show for the couple. It totally changes the atmosphere of the room into a night club! Really fun!Sean and Tiffany had a full dance floor all night.

Credits

Music Ceremony + Reception Jerry Bazata, DJ Jaz Music

Ceremony + Reception Venue  + Catering, Newagen Seaside Inn

Cake, Bread and Roses Bakery

Photography + Photo Booth, Blush Imagery

Honeymoon, Dominican Republic

About us: 

Mike and Brianna both graduated from Colby College (Mike in 2005, Brianna in 2007). While at Colby they ran Cross Country and Track and Field. This is how they met – competing as part of the same team for Colby and eventually through all the time running together, travelling to meets, and having fun at Colby, they fell in love. Over the next few years Brianna and Mike lived in different places. Mike moved to Ithaca, NY in Fall 2005 to start his PhD in Environmental Engineering. While at Cornell Mike also ran and was elected to be Student Trustee for Cornell. Meanwhile, Brianna spent Fall 2005 abroad at University of St. Andrews. At the end of the term, Mike came over to visit and together they traveled to Dublin and Galway Ireland, Paris and London. Brianna spent two years working for an economic consulting company in Washington, DC following graduation. Mike would visit often and together they explored the museums and monuments in the capitol. In Fall 2009 Brianna moved to Ithaca to start her MBA at Cornell University and happily to be close to Mike too. Brianna and Mike both enjoyed pursuing graduate studies together. It is at Cornell that Mike proposed. Mike’s birthday is in mid-April and Brianna took him out to the best steak dinner restaurant in town. Both had never been to that particular fancy restaurant before, so it was a treat for both of them. They had the evening to themselves as they had celebrated Mike’s birthday with his friends the night before. After dinner they decided to take a stroll around the scenic and historical Arts Quad at Cornell. They walked hand in hand and arm in arm through the silent quad which was nearly deserted as it had just finished raining. As they arrived at the top of the Libe Slope just at the base of the notable McGraw clocktower, Mike spun Brianna around, dropped to his knee and proposed. Mike had been waiting nervously for this moment for several months. Brianna was surprised and delighted and immediately and repeatedly said yes. It was a lovely moment. Both Brianna and Mike are passionate about learning and it is thus fitting that both Colby College and Cornell University should hold special places in their union not only because they both spent time at those schools learning together, but also because they were engaged at Cornell and married at Colby.

Brianna’s dress hangs as she plays with her veil before getting ready for the day.

Brianna puts on her shoes at the Colby Chapel.Last touches. I loved this simple silhouette of her.If you haven’t been to Colby’s Chapel… it’s gorgeous!Mike peers out at the guests as the Rev. comes in to start the ceremony!Mike gets a first look at Brianna!

Brianna and her father walk down the aisle with family watching.Seated during the hour-long service, Mike and Brianna sneak a look at each other.Love this photo of Brianna’s mom fighting tears and joy.
(Their families reminded me so much of my own… I could cry right now!) Brianna and Mike tie the knot.And then, they really tied the knot— in honor of their love and their love of playing tug-of-war in church! Just kidding. It was for their new love of sailing together through life.Married!We took  gorgeous photos all over the Colby campus.Mike dips Brianna after their first dance! They held the reception at the student union… which was wonderful! And the food put on by the Colby campus caterer was fantastic! Love how the guests sat in a theater-like environment.Love this image of Mike swirling little Brianna around. They are a great match in every way! This was their last dance and it was fantastic!Just a fun shot to close with of Mike and Brianna walking though the woods at Colby.
I had a great time with Brianna and Mike and their families! Thank you guys for letting me take part in your day!

Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth of Blush Imagery
Gown by: David’s Bridal
Hair:  Apollo Day Spa
Makeup:  Apollo Day Spa
Ceremony Venue: Lorimer Chapel, Colby College
Reception Venue: Page Commons, Colby College
Officiant: Kendra Ford and Terry O’Dell
Catering: Colby College
Cake: The Bakery of Skowhegan Maine

Cliff and Jen at Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on Crescent Beach.

Jen’s dress.Jen’s bouquet.Cliff. (Such a sweet guy!)Cliff holds Jen tightly when he sees her for the first time. Very romantic moment!Gorgeous Jen on the beach.Jen and Cliff’s service was sweet and simple with just their closest family and friends gathered.Married! Cliff stops to get a high bro-shake.Sweet lobster seating cards for their guests.Jen and Cliff crash into their reception also held at Inn by the Sea.I loved this moment. Jen’s sisters watch Jen dance with their father, Paul.The cake.Their rings on a starfish.The groom’s coat and bride’s veil forgotten for dancing!There was dancing, and then there was this …. Cliff’s dad, Steve, is a gentle giant who does some funny stuff. Jen and Cliff were elated that his pants stayed on at least. I think that’s a win, win.Guest got a snack to go for more fun in the  Old Port. In the end, the sweet hearts finally tied the knot, their way— and I was happy to be there! Congrats to Jen and Cliff! All my love! Beth

Credits:

Photography by Beth of Blush Imagery
Venue Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth
Catering Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth

How they met, by Sarah:

We are both fun-loving, love to laugh type of people – Brian’s corny jokes get me every time and my dry sense of humor entertains him for hours. We met at a 4th of July cookout at Washington Park in Denver thrown by our friends Sarah and Garrett. Brian fell instantly in love and it took Sarah about a month to feel the same way.

I am a die hard Georgia Bulldogs fan, and Brian went to the University of Colorado. Big 12 and SEC schools rarely play each other, but it just so happened that last October, Georgia would travel to Boulder to play CU at Folsom Field. It was a Thursday night, and all of my college friends were flying in the next day for the game weekend. Little did I know, Brian had rented the rooftop deck at a fabulous restaurant in Denver called Vita. We ate dinner on this unassuming Thursday night and then he asked if I would have a drink with him on the rooftop. Not even noticing we were the only people on the rooftop, Brian sat me down and started telling me how much he loved me and that he always knew that today would be the day that he would propose – the Georgia football weekend. My mouth dropped open and he dropped to one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I was so shocked and humbled and amazed that it took me about 15 minutes to even look at my ring.

Our friends and family were all next door waiting on the proposal answer and as soon as I said yes, they came over to celebrate with us for the rest of the night. It was the best day of my life.

Sarah getting ready in the afternoon in the hotel. Her dress was gorgeous and the back was tied elegantly.

Sarah is a classic beauty with gorgeous eyes.
For Sarah, getting ready for a wedding is a celebrated, sentimental time with mothers and girlfriends.
Apparently for Brian’s groomsmen, it meant arm wrestling to determine their lineup order in the wedding. (Great shot by Steph here!)The guys dressed eventually and the lineup was decided by brute strength.The guests gathered outside despite the sprinkles of rain.Notice the order of our guys! Here come the arm wrestling champs first! Sarah’s blusher created a dramatic, romantic moment.Brian and Sarah looking at each other in the ceremony. Sweet couple.

A gray, gorgeous mist covered Bar Harbor.
Sarah places a ring on Brian’s hand. (The ring on Sarah’s hand here is a family heirloom piece and her something blue. It was so pretty.)

Sarah can’t help but to scream and laugh as they are pronounced husband and wife!

Married! Love Brian’s smile!Brian’s brother teases him about his new jewelry!
(I’ve been trying to get this photo with this “brothers razzing each other” for years guys! Love it!)The wedding party in the rain near the Harbor. The girls wore gorgeous dresses in multiple lengths! Stunning party and attire.
Their rings in a signature W for Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wade.Brian dances with his mom and Sarah with her dad under a romantic tent.Blush Booth, what is it about you that makes people go nuts? Who knows, but we love it!
Some guy being bold.Some guy being too bold.Party people! Sarah and Brian are in the far left, top corner. Seriously, the photobooth was crazy. You need to see all the shots to truly understand!
Sarah and Brian! We had a great time! Thank you so much! Let’s get married again! Love, Beth & Steph

Credits:

Maine photography by Blush Imagery, Beth with second photographer Steph

Invitations / Programs  Elum Designs

Gown Priscilla of Boston

Bridesmaids Multiple designs – Priscilla of Boston

Hair New Hair Revue – Bangor, Maine – Charity Baile

Makeup New Hair Revue – Bangor, Maine – Charity Baile

Ceremony Venue  Fox Fields Farm

Event Planner / Cordinator Fox Fields Farm, Lindy Stretch

Florist Lindy Stretch

Officiant Reverend Art Gowie

Music Ceremony The Coronados

Music Reception The Coronados

Catering Crocker House Inn

Cake Cranberry Island Kitchens

Tent / Rentals Wallace Tent & Rentals

Event Lighting Ambiance Lighting

Photobooth Maine photographers Blush Imagery

Favors Stonewall Kitchen

Honeymoon Greek & Turkish Isles

* This was a very special event for me! My great friends, Tiff and Rick (left), were my former features editor and photo director at the Tribune back in my newspaper days. I have Rick to thank for my first two staff positions in photojournalism! He gave me countless hours of kindness, time and mentoring. When Rick and Tiff — now married with a gorgeous baby son, Nate — called in a favor for their sister’s Boston wedding event, I was more than happy to help! Now, I love their whole family!

On to our couple: Linsay and KC met at a new teacher orientation. They simply happened to sit at the same table. They hit it off immediately and started spending time together  playing pool, going bowling, playing mini-golf, etc. After about 5 months, they started seriously dating and everything and the rest is history, as they say! They were excited to get married in Plymouth Rock, MA this June in a daytime Sunday service surrounded by their close family and friends.

June 19, 2011. Linsay and KC wed.KC in the morning. Lovely.Linsay before the service. Love this sequence. I imagine it went something like this in Linsay’s mind,  “Whoa, this is big. No, I got it. Yes, I am good. Nope, I am going to start crying.”Happy hand-off by KC’s father, Rick.KC’s nephew, Nate, 2, breaks the ice by going to sit with Grandpa.Sunday was a gorgeous day and the porch was intimate for family and friends. Everyone had a front row seat.KC kisses Linsay’s hand after placing her ring on! So sweet.

Married!

If you can’t have fun in a golf cart on your wedding day, well then, what’s the point? Love that these ladies were not too cool for school. We all had a really good time!

KC and Lindsay with their families.KC and Linsay on the bridge together.KC and Linsay together.Cute ‘share and bloom’ favors.Ribbon and cupcakes.First dance.

A special Father’s Day song played to honor dads. KC’s family has a tradition of serenading the couple with Moon River.  Hysterical!Linsay covers her eyes proving that some family traditions will have to grow on you.Family wrapped together in song. Great summer hats were wore by guest for the garden-esque event.Baby Nate, 2, stole the show again with his unique version of Accidentally In Love from Shrek. He actually knew every word! Love this little man!

Bouquet tossed and caught.

Everyone enjoying themselves… This was the last dance. The couple sang to each, other not noticing anyone else.After a long day of emotions, Linsay comforts KC.

Credits:

Photos by Blush Imagery’s Beth

Gown by Pyramid Collection

Invitations by Sally Boyle

Ceremony Venue Indian Pond Country Club

Reception Venue Indian Pond Country Club

Planner Colleen with Indian Pond Country Club

Florist by (finding info… hold please.)

Officiant (finding info… hold please.)

Music Ceremony Mike Amado – Entertainment Specialists

Music Reception Mike Amado – Entertainment Specialists

Catering Indian Pond Country Club

Cake Cupcake Charlie’s

Honeymoon Disneyland

The Engagement Story:

Adam’s sister was expecting her first baby in September 2010 so Adam came up with an elaborate scheme about a “baby shower.” He told Kelly that his sister’s mother-in-law, was throwing her a surprise baby shower on June 12, 2010 at 10am. While Kelly’s first red flag was that she never received a formal invitation and that the shower was a BIT early, she did not think much more of it and even bought a very nice gift. Friday afternoon, Kelly came home from work and they were off, but hit a lot of traffic. They pulled up to the Wentworth by the Sea in Portsmouth, NH and that’s when Kelly knew something was up.

They checked in and went upstairs to the room where champagne and chocolate covered strawberries were waiting. The hotel staff had decorated the room with rose petals and there was a balcony over looking the water. It was beautiful! Adam got on his knee before Kelly could even put her bag down and asked with her grandmother’s ring (he had gotten permission and the ring from Kelly’s parents). Obviously, you know her answer.

Kelly in the rainy window of her trolley. It rained her whole wedding day but I have never seen a bride happier than Kelly.

Kelly toasts with her girlfriends in the hotel room.

Kelly gets that last sip of champagne in to calm her nerves.

Kelly and her father walk to the service under an umbrella.

The ceremony under the tent made the service cozy. It felt nice!

Kelly and David laugh through their I do’s.

The couple with their wedding party on the beach. It was pouring rain during this shot! Everyone was a great sport and I’m glad we went for it!

The couple stops to kiss before getting out of the rain. See the drops of rain on my camera!

Back into the reception, Adam and Kelly were so much fun together. Still raining… but who cares?

Kelly has a smile that just does not stop. She lights up a room. She makes everyone want to be part of her good time. Love this shot during their first dance.

My personal favorite photograph of the reception. Kelly and her father bow to the crowd after their dance together.

Adam does not dance — like at all. This lovely shot is for his mom.

The party gets going under the tent….yep, still raining. The dancefloor was packed all night. We have great shots from start to finish!

The Blush Booth was a rockin’ and the pals came a knockin’!

To explain: Adam looks like Tom Green. It’s true, Adam. Before we even knew this was a family joke from the wedding toast, we nicknamed you the “Tom Green groom” here at the Blush office. Sorry, we didn’t share this sooner with you. Keep in mind, we adore you!

Credits:

Photos by Blush Imagery’s Beth with second photographer, Stepheney

Gown by Casablanca
Bridesmaid Dress By Priscilla’s of Boston
Hair: All Season Salon and Spa
Makeup Erin Sullivan McGowan (family friend)
Ceremony Venue Ocean Woods Resort, Kennebunkport, Maine
Reception Venue Ocean Woods Resort, Kennebunkport, Maine, tented
Florist Fancy Nancy (family friend)
Officiant Ann Brown
Music Ceremony Kevin Stallings, Good Times Unlimited, INC.
Music Reception Kevin Stallings, Good Times Unlimited, INC.
Catering Ocean Woods Resort, Kennebunkport, Maine
Cake Black Bunny Bakery
Event Lighting Ocean Woods Resort, Kennebunkport, Maine
Photobooth  Blush Booth by Blush Imagery
Honeymoon Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Cruise

Sailboat tie.

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

How We Met
by Sara

First off, let me start by saying what a big believer I am that everything happens for a reason. I don’t believe in regrets. Regret is the desire to erase some prior event that happened in your lifetime. But let’s face it, if all things did not happen exactly the way that they did… the good, the bad, the ugly… we would not be where we are today. You cannot be happy with where you are today and have any type of regret. Even if you are not happy with today, there is always something about it that I am sure you want to hold on to. If you change one simple little thing in the past though, everything that you know today is gone. Everything happens for a reason. The worst day of your life, the best day of your life, they all led you to where you are today. There are so many things that could have gone differently, and Sam and I would not be here where we are today.

When people ask me how Sam and I met, I basically tell them that he just showed up on my doorstep, which he did. I had bought a house in July of 2008, and 4 months later, when my initial roommate moved out, I was left with an empty room and a higher than anticipated monthly mortgage. I began looking for a roommate, trying to find somebody that I knew, or maybe a friend of a friend. A couple of months went by and still no roommate. In December I decided to post an ad on Craigslist.com in the roommates wanted section, and see if any normal people responded. I had everyone from a teacher who wanted to give me monthly I-owe-you’s to a a sixteen year old jobless pregnant girl who was planning to run away from her parents. Just when I thought that all hope was lost, I received a normal sounding email from a person named “Sam.” We exchanged a few emails, talked over the phone a couple of times, and I asked him if he wanted to come for a tour of the house. This was all taking place during the early stages of “Ice Storm of 08″ and I was anticipating that any time now the power would come back on… but it didn’t.

When the day came that Sam was going to come meet me and look at the house I had been without electricity for about a week and I had not showered in three days. I didn’t have hot water or clean laundry and the darkness and cold was getting rather depressing. I figured to hell with it… I wasn’t trying to impress anybody anyways so I stayed in my pajamas and threw on some scented body lotion.

I was definitely attracted to Sam when he came to see the house. I told myself at that time though that nothing was going to happen. I was very intent on the idea too because I didn’t want to have to go searching for a roommate again. I asked him if he would like to move in and he accepted the offer. As move in date approached the electricity still did not go back on. I called Sam the night before he was supposed to move in to let him know that I was still without power, and to recommend that he move in when the power came back on. He decided to move in anyways. The next night, after 11 days without electricity, Sam moved in and the power finally turned back on.

As the days went by Sam and I realized that we had quite a bit in common. We both liked country music and the outdoors, I liked to cook and he liked my cooking, I liked to walk around in my pajamas and he liked that I didn’t feel the need to look perfect all the time… we realized that we had a lot of the same morals and opinions, and we enjoyed spending time together.

On December 31st we made plans to go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the bars. It turned out to be pretty quiet, but never-the-less, fun night. I had a few too many drinks and was feeling sick before we even left the bar. By the time I got home I had the worst hangover of my life. Early the next morning I had to go take care of a friends SIXTEEN shelter dogs while she was on vacation. There was a horrible blizzard outside and I was still feeling absolutely terrible. Sam offered to drive me to the woman’s house since he had four wheel drive. I took him up on the offer and then he even offered to help me with the dogs. The next thing I know there were sixteen dirty dogs with poopie paws running around and Sam is getting peed on. We got home, showered, and lounged around the house. We were sitting on the couch talking and laughing about that morning’s ordeal when we decided to break the rules and go for it. I could tell that he had a thing for me and he could tell that I had a thing for him. You never know what you’re missing if you don’t take the risk, right?

Our relationship really took off and it’s led us to where we are today. We are so absolutely perfect for each other it’s unreal. The things that we have in common keep us entertained and give us that connection, and the things that we don’t have in common actually provide our relationship with the strength that holds us together. The areas that I am weak in, Sam is strong. We complement each other very well and I think that is what makes us so perfect for each other.

Photos by Blush Imagery:
Beth Fitzgerald with Stepheney Collins as second photographer

Spruce Point Inn’s Oceanfront Deck.

Sara’s father walks her down the aisle.There are a ton of great service shots, but in all my 300+ weddings I have never seen this. Right as Sara and Sam started their vows, a seagull dropped off a little (ummm….) wedding present for Sam. (just over his flower on jacket.) The couple took it in great stride. Seriously, what are the odds? It was a very funny moment. On a sweeter note, Tyrone holds the newest member of Sara’s family tightly. Just 2 days old, this little guys made it just in time to be in the ceremony.Married and covered in bubbles!This is a charming Maine table card idea. Little paper boats held in sand! Loved the look!Daffy Taffy— a salt water taffy for the guests.Sam helps Sara up a hill after portraits. What a good hubby!Sara and Sam’s wedding party on the pier.Sara at sunset.Sam checking out Sara during portraits.The view at Spruce Point is gorgeous. Sam and Sara on the rocks.Sam sweeps Sara on to the dance floor for their first dance.Ta da!There was a Blush Booth and, yes, it got out of hand. We loved every second of it!Lighting by Northeast DJ was pure fun for the party.Sam and Sara celebrate and dance with their guest. Great wedding Sam and Sara! Congrats to you both!

When ready, all of Sam and Sara’s pictures may be found HERE.

Credits:

Photos by Blush Imagery’s Beth
second photographer, Stepheney

Gown by Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaid Dress By Bill Levkoff
Hair Spruce Point Inn Spa
Makeup Spruce Point Inn Spa
Ceremony Venue Spruce Point Inn, Ocean Front Deck
Reception Venue Spruce Point Inn, Pemaquid Hall
Event Planner / Cordinator Spruce Point Inn, Cherie Scott
Florist Boothbay Region Greenhouses, Denise Demeter
Officiant Reverend Edward Hunter
Music Ceremony Northeast DJs, Greg Young
Music Reception Northeast DJs, Greg Young
Catering Spruce Point Inn
Cake Sweet Sensations, Steve Watts
Event Lighting Northeast DJs, Greg Young
Photobooth Blush Imagery
Favors Daffy Taffy in Boothbay Harbor, Pat Carmolli
Honeymoon Orlando, Florida

Allison, on how they met, “We met while working in Boston at different cancer research institutions. Mutual co-workers/friends brought us together for a birthday party, and it all began from there!”

Allison and Roel try hard not see each other in small quarters.

Check out her Maine portraits, click here.

Announcing: 2011 Maine Studio B Photo Workshops

Studio B 2011 Workshop series

We’ve finalized dates for our photography programs this year at Maine Studio B.     These workshops are are intended for anyone with a DSLR wanting to get to the “next level” in terms of lighting, storytelling and creativity.

Who is this workshop for?  Working professionals, amateurs, students–anyone who knows how to use their flashes and/or strobes but wants to light in a more interesting way.   It’s also for those who have a flash but can’t seem to find time to read the manual…or who have a set of studio strobes and now are thinking, “Ok, now what?”

Space is limited.  Payment instructions and other details are shown below with the description for each event.

Traveling Light: Flash techniques and tips for photographers on the go

Time: Tuesday, May 24, 5-8:30 pm
Location:  Maine Studio B, 28 Maple Street, Third Floor, Portland, ME (207) 699.9321
Cost: $99

Join veteran photojournalist and commercial photographer Brian Fitzgerald for this information-loaded seminar.   Brian will show how to more effectively use your portable flash in a variety of real-world situations. Topics include:

Manual flash vs. TTL
on-camera strobe techniques
off-camera strobes using wireless, optical and corded systems
Modifying and shaping light
Practical tips, from gels to mounts
From one flash to many: building a portrait
Q-and-A session
Plus: The 10-minute portrait challenge

Space is limited to 15. Pay for your sessions using the Paypal button at Brian’s blog. 

The best part about living a photography life is the random joy, adventure and faces you might just encounter on any given day. I love the random circumstances that a camera and now our Portland studio space invites. It keeps life interesting! Happy Thursday!

Back on late Wednesday. Leave me  message at 207-899-5585 or email beth@blushimagery.com with needs. Thanks! Beth

You guys know that I am a big supporter of photographers taking care of their bodies for a long-term career. With hauling gear and computer work, it matters. Your health is all you have, right? The self employed have to protect their income by taking care of their health.

Here’s another way to better your body in shape. Get adjusted!

In our area:

Dr. Aaron MacArthur (Dr. Mac)
Portland Chiropractic Neurology
19  Commerciial Street Suite 2A
Portland, Maine
207 – 699-5600
portlandchiro@aol.com
www.portchiro.com

Shauna Dress Embroidered $278.00 at Lilly Pultizer.com

To post: http://www.loveandlobster.com/2011/local-tips-and-trends/maine-wedding-company/

Love and Lobster

Check it out here or for the NHbride.com version:http://www.bridenh.com/stories/911999-318/real-stories-gemma-waite-and-ben-french.html

Or their original Blush blog here: http://www.applyingblush.com/maine_wedding_photographer/maine-weddings/pemaquid-point-gemma-and-ben/

Happy March Maine Photographers!

It’s almost Spring and clients will be coming! Time to brush up on those lighting skills! Join PUG on Wednesday, March 16th at 7pm at Beth’s Blush Imagery Photo Studio, 28 Maple Street, 3rd Floor, Portland, Maine. 207-899-5585. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Location lighting guru Brian Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Photo will lead a full tutorial on balancing multiple lights and modifiers in the studio and on-location. Bring your camera, if you want to shoot along. Plus, a membership to the Maine Wedding Company for a year (a $275 value) will be given away as a door prize so bring your biz card! Open to all photographers.

RSVP: beth@blushimagery.com

TONIGHT March 2nd:  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.

March 7th :  Maine Photographers Coalition  :  For all photographers  :  Info here :  Printing & Selling Fine Art Prints  :  Cost $10  :  At Stacey Kane’s Studio, Scarborough.

March 16th :  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- Studio Lighting by Brian Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Photo:  Info Here :   Free.

March 20th 10am -4 pm : Maine Professional Photographers Association  :  Sports Photography: From Start to Finish. With Claudia Murray & Bruce Haskell : See http://maineppa.blogspot.com/ for details.

If it asks you for a password, it is : 20blush11

Blush Video Business Profile from Chris Cavs on Vimeo.

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING EXERCISE:

1. On one piece of paper, write at least three pieces of “gear” that is on your photo business wish list to buy for this year. “Gear” can be software, admin tools, marketing needs, educational seminars, professional groups, small photo toys, or actual honest to goodness camera equipment. Got it, good. Flip it over so you are no longer seeing your wish list.

2. On another sheet of paper, answer the following 10 questions …. interpret each how you like. Don’t spend too much time… you should do this in 5 minutes.

A. Write down three words that describe your photography.

B. Write down three words that describe your business.

C. Write down three reasons why people hire you.

D. Write down three things that are current frustrations in your business.

E. Write down three things that take lot of your time in your business.

F. Write down 3 business rules you live by.

G. Write down 3 fears you have in business.

H. Write down 3 things your competitors have that you don’t.

I. Write down 3 ways  your business you wish to grow your business.

J. Write down 3 health concerns you have.

STOP. DON’T PEEK AHEAD.

STOP. DON’T PEEK AHEAD.

STOP. DON’T PEEK AHEAD.

STOP. DON’T PEEK AHEAD.

STOP. DON’T PEEK AHEAD.

Finished? Ok, let’s decide if we should buy that snazzy new thing-a-ma-bob. Here’s how to analyze your answers.

Take a look again at your thing-a-ma-bob wish list and look at what you wrote down for your other answers.

Questions  A & B were just to get your mind off the “gear” you wished for on the first sheet of paper. So you can just enjoy your thoughtful answers and continue.

Questions D, G, H are never good reasons to buy gear. Daily frustrations like any one client issue, fears of not being good enough or (and this is a big one for competitive markets) insecurities about what your competition has in terms of gear are never reason to buy expensive equipment. It’s bad business. Emotions get wrapped up in what should be a numbers game. Let’s take those emotions out. There’s no real value in fear and frustration. It felt good to get it off your chest though, eh!

Instead, ask yourself if each must-have “gear” item you want for this year solves an issue or affirms who you already are as a photographer.  Questions C,E,F,I, or J are the important questions to answer when you want to buy anything for your business. Here’s why:

C. Write down three reasons why people hire you.
If your answers were based on your personality, then maybe you don’t need the megabucks camera, maybe a smaller make and model is just fine. A big camera is not the reason a consumer “buys” you. Now, if you are a lighting super-star and that makes you the “it” photographer to hire, then maybe more lighting equipment will keep you at your best game.

Look at your gear list with honesty. Is that Photoshshop action set really why people hire you? Is it even your style? Or is it Susie Q’s style down the street— who’s studio, you hear, is doing well. Susie Q may be in some serious debt! Who knows? Don’t buy things to quiet a frantic voice in your head.

E. Write down three things that take lot of your time in your business.
Time is so precious. Spend it how you want to spend it. If accounting is wearing you down and keeping you from selling or shooting, then go ahead and buy that accounting software or booking system you’ve been wanting. Approved!

F. Write down 3 business rules you live by.
Most people have some sort of theme song, a tagline, figure of speech, mantra or ethic they live by. Maybe it’s something like: ‘Go above and beyond’, ‘Offer only the best’, or ‘everything in moderation.’ So if your life phrase is ‘everything in moderation’, you may have different spending habits then someone else who’s inner voice yells ‘go to the mattresses’ (see the movie Godfather). The point: make sure your equipment purchases align with your core business values.

Personally, I like doing things ‘right the first time’ so I actually make fewer purchases in any given year and cost tends to be higher per purchase, but I feel great because my magic gadget lasts forever. This makes me so happy. I hate, hate, hate when I go cheap on gear and then I have to re-buy something to fix it. I always regret it. But then again, I know other photographers who only buy items on sale and that satisfies some deep desire for them to ‘get the best deal.’

Try to avoid the internal conflicts. Simple example: A super cute huge, pink polka-dotted camera bag may not sit well with the belief  that a photographer should stay ninja-discreet during a client’s wedding ceremony. When the purchase and the value don’t match, you will regret the buy.

I. Write down 3 ways your business you wish to grow your business.
Whether you grow creatively as a photographer or aggressively as a business owner, if your wish-list item is not helping you really grow, just skip it. It’s probably a novelty item you think is fun now but will likely collect dust. Sure, it would be cool to get your staff had a personalized beer cozy with your logo on it. But maybe getting them a better commission by placing a perfectly placed new ad would be appreciated even more. That’s great growth.

J. Write down any 3 health concerns you may have.
Photography is a physical job. If you want to stay in it for more than 5 years, you need to take care of your body. Gear-based purchases that help you stay healthy are a great investment. Period. If your wish-list item is to get a better strap for your camera so your back doesn’t hurt, fabulous! Get a message. Go to that chiropractor. You’re approved. Skimping on short term care may give you long term health nightmares!

Now that your snazzy new thing-a-ma-bob meets these top, core business ideals, THEN AND ONLY THEN, go ahead and consider the money — the rate of return on an item, read reviews, look at your finances (honestly) and comparison-shop for the best deal.

Too often, artists fret about how to afford something before they even know if they should buy something. Do the gear therapy exercise when in doubt and you will mentally work it out!

Brian reviews Maine and New Hampshire wedding photographer Andrew Davis‘s portfolio. (Super great guy! Glad to meet ya this morning!)

Each 1 hour session includes:

30 minutes review with Beth of Blush Imagery an award-winning photojournalist and wedding photographer for over 10 years. Beth will look at portfolios for branding, marketing success, and consumer connection.

30 minutes review with Brian of Fitzgerald Photo, an award-winning photojournalist, commercial photographer and former photo editor for the Seattle Times Co. Bri will concentrate on redundancy, technical skills and order of presentation.

Online portfolios are fine. It’s a good idea to bring optional portfolio images so we can suggest adding, deleting images as needed. Reviews will be done here at the downtown studio: Blush Imagery, 28 Maple Street, 3rd Floor, Portland, ME 04101.

100% of all money raised will go straight to Preble Street. Join us to help people in need right now during this cold Maine winter.

Legal Zoom by Heleigh Bostwick on Intellectual Property Right.

What is protected by copyright?

According to the US Copyright Office, in order for something to qualify for copyright protection, that something must exist in a tangible form. Specifically:

Protection under the copyright law (title 17 of the U.S. Code, section 102) extends only to original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form (a copy). “Original” means merely that the author produced the work by his own intellectual effort, as distinguished from copying an existing work. Copyright protection may extend to a description, explanation, or illustration, assuming that the requirements of the copyright law are met.

In other words, that great idea you told your friend about the other day cannot be protected by copyright in and of itself, but if you write that great idea down, the words can be protected.

Still, there’s always room for interpretation, confusion, and ongoing debates over what is and isn’t protected by copyright law. So below we’ve outlined five things the US Copyright Office clearly states are not protected by copyright—even if they are a tangible expression of an idea or thought.

What is not protected by copyright?

1. Ideas, Methods, or Systems

Ideas, methods, and systems are not covered by copyright protection. According to the US Copyright Office, Circular 2, this covers quite a few things including making, or building things; scientific or technical methods or discoveries; business operations or procedures; mathematical principles; formulas, algorithms; or any other concept, process, or method of operation.

2. Commonly Known Information

This category includes items that are considered common property and with no known authorship. Examples include standard calendars, height and weight charts, telephone directories, tape measures and rulers, and lists or tables taken from public documents. A phrase such as “The sky is blue” also falls under this category since there is no known authorship associated with it.

3. Choreographic Works

A choreographic work, whether original or not, is not subject to copyright protection unless it has been videotaped or notated. The same applies to speeches that have not been transcribed before or after they are given, as well as any other types of performances.

4. Names, Titles, Short Phrases, or Expressions

Also exempt: names, titles, short phrases, or expressions—such as that catchy slogan you came up with for your business—product descriptions, pseudonyms, titles of works, and business names. The good news is that while they are not protected by copyright, if they pertain to your business (for example, goods and services) they can be protected with a trademark.

Recipes also fall under this category. Specifically the listing of ingredients (even if it’s your own recipe ingredients) is not protected by copyright. This applies to formulas, compounds, and prescriptions as well. There are exceptions however, such as when recipes are compiled in a cookbook for instance or if the recipe is accompanied by “substantial literary expression,” a term that refers to text such as directions, or when there is a combination of recipes, there may be a basis for copyright protection.

5. Fashion

Contrary to what you might think, fashion (that is, a shirt, dress, or other article of clothing) is not protected by copyright law. Despite the fact that copyright law protects such things as architectural design works (Circular 41) or works of the visual arts (Circular 40), fashion is all about clothing and accessories, which under copyright law are considered “useful articles.” It is possible however, to copyright a specific fabric pattern (Burberry plaids for example), but not the actual dress. And, it should be noted that while designs can’t be copyrighted, they can be patented.

Reminder  Tomorrow’s MWC Meeting 5:30 PM

Blush Imagery Studio, 28 Maple Street, 3rd floor, Portland, Maine 04101
(above Portland Pie Company, downtown -  park free in dirt lot to left of the PPC building)

Original Invite:
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 to info@maineweddingguide.com.

Enjoy the neutral gray til then! Thanks! Beth

With the help of wedding planning by Melanie of Blissful Beginnings, Jim and Amber created an incredible Maine Fall wedding at The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. It was truly amazing day of ceremony, sailing, sun and fun. Just take a peek!

Meet Finley, 2, Amber’s niece who stole the show most of the day.
Love this picture as she disrupts the gals taking their portraits by sneaking through their legs.Getting ready with the ladies. Amber wore Melissa Sweet wonderfully.This dress was breathtaking.

First Parish UU Church, Kennebunk.Love the light in the church coming in behind the ladies as Amber and Jim say their vows. Gorgeous service.The kiss. Love Amber’s sister smiling in the background …. and their officiant’s smile too!Just for fun…. an arty piece I worked up for Amber with her dress laid out.Amber’s family. Portraits were nice with the fall foliage. Love this picture. The whole party sailed their way to the waterfront reception. The best!Sailing was so much fun for the wedding party. Such a treat. At one point, Jim looked at me and said, “It’s like we’re on a Ralphe Lauren ad, Beth.” I agreed. The sun was shining, the classic red sails were whipping in the wind and guests were waving from shore.

The reception was warm with the feeling of a Maine Fall. Oranges, creams and reds warm the lounge, dining area and dance floor. It was so exceptional and welcoming for guests!Jim, Amber and Amber’s mom, Stephanie, hold on to each other and listen to her father’s heartfelt toast.Expresso kept the guests warm at night. B is for Mr. and Mrs. Bullock!Their rings in red. Guests circled Amber and Jim for their first dance. I think Jim’s face of secured happiness says it all. Congrats to you both. Your pictures are amazing. Thank you for letting me a part of this day. It was truly my honor.

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Venue: Nonantum Resort
• Florist: Eclectic Florist
• Coordinator: Melanie Voros, Blissful Beginnings
• Church: First Parish UU Church, Kennebunk
• Expresso: Expresso Dave
• Catering: Nonantum Resort
• Guitarist: Matt Lister
• Lighting & Tents: Sperry Tents
• Rentals: Festive Occasions Tables
• Dress: Melissa Sweet
• Invitations: Smock for Gus and Ruby Letterpress
• Favors: Stonewall Kitchen and Mainely New Hampshire Kitchen
• Video: After Image Productions
• Band: Search Party of MA
• Hair & Makeup Akari in Portland
• Jazz Trio: Tom Snow Trio

As a couple, Brendan and Heather are a nice fit so their wedding day was inspiring. In a sentimental twist Heather and Brendan’s wedding party read vows at the ceremony that they came up with for the bride and groom to abide. After all, who knows you better than your friends? Toasts at the reception were lengthy, heartfelt and also hysterical. The band worked their guests into a frenzy on the dance floor. Details and planning for this event was intense along the way for everyone involved, but man, it was worth it to see Brendan and Heather happy and cutting loose at the end of the night.

Great, great celebration! I had a such a good time at this beautiful event.  My love to you both! Take a peek!

Heather and Brendan at sunset on the dock at Newagen Seaside Inn in Boothbay Harbor.

Heather in black and white.Heather. (Ladies, her eyes, skin and hair is to-die-for-fabulous.)Loved these moss baskets used for programs and flower girls. Great use of natural textures.These little kids were dressed so well. So cute!Heather’s father passed away. To honor him, she walked alone down a path, stopped at the top of the aisle and then Brendan went to pick her up and walk her to the ceremony. I started crying somewhere about here.Orchids were flown in for Heather’s wedding flowers. Gorgeous pieces by Little River Flower Farm.

Married. They looks so happy!Love, love, love this shot. Someone get Hallmark on the phone!

These no-flame lanterns were a great visual, added light and looked lovely at night.Made this shot to remind Heather and Brendan of the sunset on their day. It was pure Maine magic.Oh love the chairs! Mazel Tov!Kiss for surviving the chairs! Heather changed into these comfy shoes for the reception, but kept the height of a heel. Niiice!Beautiful tent and lighted walkway.Search Party, a Boston band, was hot, hot, hot.This is actually a long story…. Just know that a huge Maine moose crashed the wedding and was wicked fun all night. We have tons of fun images of the moose but this is my artistic interpretation of the big guy.

“Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you ……”

Again, congrats guys. This is Maine— well played!

Credits:

Maine wedding photography by Blush Imagery

Venue: Newagen Seaside Inn, Boothbay Harbor
Coordination by: Jason at Newagen Seaside Inn, Boothbay Harbor
Bridesmaids by: JCREW
Officiant: Joe Hinds
Videography by :Mike Carry
Entertainment by: SEARCH PARTY
Cake by: Chad Crills,
Cupcakes: 3 Dog Cafe
Flowers by: Little River Flower Farm

January 8 & 9 2011

Sat 6 pm‑9 pm Sunday 11 am ‑ 3 pm

21th Annual Portland Bridal Show
Holiday Inn By the Bay
88 Spring Street, Portland, ME

Don’t miss the continuous fashions and our live runway fashion show Saturday night, presented by Bill and Bobs Bridal. Visit www.billandbobsbridal.com for a preview. Enter for a chance to win a $1000 Wedding Dress of your choice! Compliments of Bill and Bobs Bridal. Come taste the food and join in on the festivities. Visit and shop with over 100 local and national vendors. Saturday Night 6-9pm Lover’s Night, Free admission for Grooms, but all are welcome. Come Early the First 100 Brides-to-be receive a one year subscription to Modern Bride and a Free Real Maine Weddings Magazine. Don’t miss the continuous fashions,food,and festivities. Be sure and attend our Bridal Boot Camps! Learn from the experts! A wedding planer, a photographer, a skin and health care, and a florist specialist! Be sure to enter the $100,000 dream wedding contest when you attend one of our upcoming Bridal Expos. For more information, click on the Official Blog of the Maine Wedding Association and Enter To Win A $100,000 Wedding blog.maineweddingassociation.com Imagine winning a $100,000 dream wedding in coastal Maine – including the reception, wedding dress, tuxedos, rings, photography and honeymoon. It’s not a dream! One lucky couple will win this fabulous dream wedding. Hourly Door prizes. Find all you need to make that special day perfect under one roof! Hourly Door prizes. Find all you need to make that special day perfect under one roof! ($10 Admission at the door.) If you buy the tickets for Saturday, they are good for the weekend!

I can’t help but say, “oh, those crazy kids!” Congrats to you guys! You were wonderful fun to work with! I hope you had as much as I did. Enjoy your wedding story.

A kiss at Portland City Hall.

Waiting in line. There were only a few other there.Wide eyed and giggling, Anna and JP hold hands for their service. It took about two seconds.Man and wife.Anna squeezes JP as their City Hall employee wedding witnesses watch. Love this image! Yes, that was easy. This was one of the coolest weddings things I have ever seen. So much fun!After, Anna and JP battle the chill to get some cute couple shots!

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.

Here are my favorite moments, portraits and details of 2010. Enjoy!

Rather see images big individually (and not-so-you-tubey): applyingblush.com/Maine-wedding-Blush-Imagery-2010/index.html

Music by Dave Matthews Band.

Testimonials. In their words, 2010 Blush couples:

Amy & Kevin - I am at a loss for the right words.  I was so excited about having you capture our wedding just talking with you over the phone.  When you arrived and we met, I felt, well, just so special.  Honestly, I cannot thank you enough for EVERYTHING.  You were magical and perfect for us….Beth, thank you so much.  If you ever need anything from us, a recommendation, anything, please just ask.  I will sing your praises to the end of the moon and back.

Jessica & David - Wow, the photographs are amazing! My mom said she was speechless and David’s parents were blown away.

Jaimie and Hans – Wanted to let you know how wonderful the pictures were! All of the family and friends are thrilled with them… and you!

Sheri and David – Dave and I would like to thank you so much for helping us create the wedding of our dreams.  You did an amazing job and we could not be happier with your services.  We have and will highly recommend all of you to our friends, family and anyone for that matter!  We already have people asking for names and phone numbers. Beth, you did an unbelievable job capturing every moment of our special day. Thanks again!

Jennifer & Matt – We looked at the pictures and started to share them with everyone. They are amazing! You really caught some great and funny moments. We love it!

Leigh & Austin - Our photos — your photos — are AMAZING!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for doing such an incredible job and capturing our day(s) so perfectly!! Really and truly — you nailed the event and nailed us and our personalities.

Brooke and Joe - Beth, You are amazing, we’re naming our first born after you! The pitures are incredable. However when Joe and I  renew our vowes, you’re gonna have to refer us to another photographer, because you’re  my new BFF!

Katie & Kevin – Beth, Just saw your blog post on us, you are truly amazing!!! Your ears must have been ringing last night, because I was on the phone with my grandma and she was raving about you (and she is not easy to please!). Same goes for every other guest at the wedding, they had wonderful things to say about you! Ok I’m going to stare at the pics some more now, but I had to thank you again!!!

Heather and Brendan - Thank you sooooo much. I just finished looking through all of the pics. Thank you for all your amazing work.  You did an amazing job. I love how different the photos are from one another.  LOVE THEM!

Corinne & Bobby – Everyone in my wedding party asked for your info.  They all thought you were amazing! Thanks so much for helping with our special day!!

Eva and Ricardo - These are awesome!!!!!! Thanks so much.

Jessica & Ryan - I love love love the sneak peek that you put up on your blog:) I am absolutely in love with the picture of Ryan and I dancing and his parents looking on in the background!  Definitely a framer for christmas:)  You have captured some pretty amazing moments of our day:) Thank you so much for everything on our wedding day. Thanks for helping Ryan out during the actual wedding as well (with flow and all that jazz!), you were amazing!! Thank you!!!

Mariah & Calvin – Now it seems so foolish to have had a worry at all. You do such amazing work and made us so comfortable! We love you as much as we love the engagement photos. (And then after the wedding) I absolutely love the photos!

Sarah & Jeff – Hi Beth! So fun…both the wedding and honeymoon! The blog is great! I love the one where I am looking at Jeff during the ceremony and the stage diving shots are hilarious- my friend Sam’s face in the background is so funny!!

Gabe & Sara – We had a chance to see the blog images while we were in Italy and we LOVE THEM!!  Amazing stuff!!

Shawna & Sean – Thank you so much – they look excellent!!! We, too, had a great time with you and are so, so happy to be working with you! We are in LOVE with our photos!!! Thank you so much!

Ashley & Greg – Thank you for yesterday! It was a joy to work with you <3

Whitney & Shane – Engagement: Beth, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures! I just wanted to let you know that both Shane and I think the pictures are awesome and we can’t wait for you to photograph our wedding! I can’t thank you enough. Thanks so much, you rock!

Gemma & Ben – Pre wedding: We just wanted to say thank you so much for meeting with us yesterday. We loved meeting with you and felt that you are the perfect person to be our wedding photographer. You went through every detail so meticulously and with a great sense of humor, that I actually left your office breathing a sigh of relief. You took away so much of my anxiety about family drama on the day. You offered great advice because it is obvious you have seen it all in so many different wedding situations. You really should add wedding therapist to you bio!!! Thanks soooo… much! After wedding: The pictures look great, we spent a couple of hours on Monday night reliving the entire night :)
It is also a little overwhelming to try to figure out which ones we love…we love them ALL!

And 2010 Testimonials for Brian:

Christina & Joe – Wow, these photos are amazing!! Brian (Blush associate) captured every moment, we are extremely happy!!! I’ve looked through them a million times! Thank you soo much again. You guys are THE BEST.

Hillary and Kevin - I felt like I should send you all a little note of thanks.  Brian worked incredibly hard to be everywhere for us on our wedding day including running through the rain back and forth to make sure he got all the shots of Hillary getting ready and honoring a few of my requests.  There were a few pictures he took of me getting dressed with my dad and grandfather that I really wanted.  Grandpa wasn’t there too long but Brian caught some great moments that came out great.  There were also a few moments just before the ceremony that he caught with my grandmother and I.  Four weeks ago my grandfather passed at the home they lived in for 60 years.  This past Saturday 4 weeks to the day my grandmother passed in the same house.  I guess after 63 years together they weren’t willing to be apart for too long.  Our wedding day was the last time I saw them and those pictures are the last I have with some truly inspirational, funny and dedicated grandparents.  Thanks for taking the time to capture those moments.  I will keep those pictures with me for the rest of my life and I am truly appreciative of all your hard work.  Thanks again!

Brian and I feel very fortunate for all of our business, photography, wedding and personal friends. You guys are so amazing. Things just keep getting better and better for our little family in Maine. Thanks you for all your support.

Here are some happy snaps. It’s funny… you’ll see the very start of the night and the very end, but not much in between when we got busy!  Enjoy … we sure did. And FYI, a shop vac and about 9 hefty bags is all it took to clean the studio of all the snow!

Click images for all the photos:

We will continue to update you on the MWC’s progress at the Maine Wedding Company, on the MWC Facebook Page and on the MWC Twitter. You can check us out there.  For now this blog is being handed back over to my Blush clients and I am headed to sleep, if only but for a few hours.

Without further ado…. introducing (trumpets and such) The Maine Wedding Company website! Enjoy! (click logo)

11.15.10 Testers are going online today! We will have a launch date in the next coming days. Last chance to buy a year-long listing for just $100. We will stop this offer this Wednesday. Normal rates apply on launch. Info and payment links below if you want to get on the site now. Thank you for all the support of vendors so far!

Just real quick…. I wanted to publicly answer some of the great questions that we received from vendors this past month:

Question: Will the MWC create a magazine?
Beth: Nope. No plans.

Question: Will the MWC start bridal shows?
Beth: Nope. No plans.

Question: Will the MWC expand regionally, nationally.
Beth: No. The MWC website will remain a Maine-specific product. Always.

Question: Are vendors from other states allowed on the site?
Beth: Yes, vendors who serve Maine may list, even if they are not physically located in Maine. MWC Articles and gallery content must be of Maine weddings or works created for or about weddings.

Question: What is Blush Imagery’s (and Beth Fitzgerald’s) role on the MWC site?
Beth: I am the overseeing editor for this website. However, MWC staff will be in charge of the day-to-day operations. I am not leaving photography or Blush Imagery. Blush Imagery will have a normal ‘photographer vendor’ listing BUT will not have a feature vendor ad. Blush will fill content holes and pictures, only as needed …. With a max of one of anything (photo, picture story) per quarter. Any expert text, articles or quick tips written by the MWC staff will ONLY be credited to the MWC never to myself or my company, Blush. With so much talent coming on to this website, Blush will not need to publish content. The MWC site will stand on its own legs. The job of the MWC is to work hard for our readers, vendor members and our advertisers.

Question:Will MWC host networking events and workshops?
Beth: Yes, during 2011 the MWC will host 4 workshop/educational events and 4 networking/social events. These events will be free to members but will be a cost to non-members.

Question:Will MWC have a newsletter?
Beth: Yes, a newsletter for vendors called, “The Company Report,” will publish quarterly starting in 2011.

Question:Will MWC limit the amount of vendors in any one vendor category? (“Photographers”  has been the biggest concern.)
Beth: No. Vendor profiles and summaries randomly rotate within the directory AND are randomly spotlighted within content spotlight boxes. A bride can also search the directory by service area too. For now, we are not capping any number of vendors on the website. Our thought is that if we have a busy vendor category…. great images, blogs and expert articles will draw more traffic to the more-involved, more-skilled vendor profiles— but still allows newer vendors a chance to list and compete. For established vendors, your profile images and articles and content should give you a great footing on this websites simply because you come with that Maine knowledge.

Question:What if I don’t want to write articles?
Beth: On the MWC site, content comes in all forms. First, your listing acts as great content alone. Just fill out your biz info. Stop there if you want. Or next, do you twitter, facebook or blog? Great. All of that work is used as content on the MWC site. No extra work for a vendor there! You work hard enough right? Let us take that social media content and make it work harder for you. Feel ambitious? Submit, a picture or video. Or do you actually have a little something to say? Submit Quick Tip— a 30-45 word, piece of advice for brides about the wedding industry. That’s a simple link! (I can tell you 100 photo tips just off the top pf my head!) And last articles, 500-700 words on a wedding topic. That’s like, 5 or 6 paragraphs. Did I mention that our system allows you to submit any article, photo, video, blog, social media via upload right there in your private vendor login. (PS– it’s super fast too.) Want the real spotlight treatment: Send us a Maine wedding story. Brides devour these!

Question:What is the short term SEO strategy for the site?
Beth: The first thing you’ll notice is that the Maine Wedding Company is actually built on www.maineweddingguide.com. It is a premier domain we built on for a great SEO start. Also, this is a highly optimized website that will be full of images, content and galleries— and all of you vendors! We have a national advertising effort running at launch too to get things on the right foot. We are confident the site will rise to the top of Google in the “Maine wedding” keywords arena very, very quickly. Our goal is to get you all booked!

Question: What is the long term SEO strategy for the site?
Beth: This is a lengthy, and very technical answer that reveals the total brilliance of the reinvestment strategy of the MWC website. I am extremely proud of this strategy and have been working on this part for over 2 years. We are excited to share this plan at the “Meet & Greet” meeting with existing and interested vendors after the site launches. TBD… possibly Monday Nov. 22nd at the Blush studio at 6 pm…. or shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. TBD.

Question: How do you intend to involve brides into the site?
Beth: Phase One of the MWC website is about content and vendors. We offer brides Maine wedding stories, blogs, news, articles, photos, tips with MWC’s gorgeous design. In Phase Two, we are adding a sophisticated set of online planning tools to the site for brides. For now, brides can submit a Maine wedding story for consideration.

Keep your questions coming and I’ll be happy to answer more! info@maineweddingcompany.com

*********************************

11.01.10 Update I can hardly handle it! We’re so close now. The Forge team (left) is hard at work now designing and programming our last Maine Wedding Company pieces. They’ve estimated our launch between Nov. 15 – 25 … feels like a big time gap — but in the world of web, it’s not. It’s a complex website. Meanwhile, we have writers turning in stories, testing vendors turning in Q&A’s, ads being built and vendors signing up. Non-stop crazy!

The promo deal of $100 for the year to try us out is still on! The deadline was Nov. 5th. but I’m extending that up until our launch day. Rate card download and pay button below still. Thank you so so much for all of you who have already signed up! (Once we launch, we will have regular pricing… so get it while the gettin’s good.)

10.25.10 Update A hardy ‘thank you’ for those already signing up! Awesome response Maine! (Vendor info PDF and payment link below!)

The most asked question about the new Maine Wedding Company website from our wedding vendors: What will my vendor profile look like? Just a sneak a the vendor listing! Here is a ‘mockup’ (we’re adjusting this slightly due to tester feedback… but you get the idea) of what vendor’s can expect  from their directory listing:

• Vendor Photo, Business Logo, Business Description
• Phone, Email, Website and Social Media Contacts
• Portfolio/ Sample Photos (or product pictures for profile)
• MWC Gallery Photos, Multimedia & Expert Articles Contributed By Vendor
• Vendor’s Recent Business Tweets & Vendor’s Business Blog Posts

10.20.10 Update:It’s been an exciting last month planning the Maine Wedding Company’s final details! We are set to launch the website in November. It’s going to be awesome! We put together a basic media kit for our wedding vendors … and for our fearless wedding colleagues we have put a fantastic, one-time, first-year special when you pre-register for the MWC site by November 5, 2010. Read over the PDF download linked below. You’ll learn the details and the ‘Phase One’ features of the MWC website there. If you have questions, simply email us at info@maineweddingcompany.com. I’ve put a link to pre-register for the special here and your listing will start at the launch of the site!  The entire MWC team thanks you for your consideration!

DOWNLOAD OUR PDF HERE: VENDOR INFO

When you sign up by Nov. 5, 2010!

Directory Listing (1 year) $99.99 Listing Plus Vendor Ad (1 year) $299.99

For starters, I am wrapping up albums and holiday orders from 2010 clients. I’m now booking new 2011 clients.Yeah!

Of course, I have another company launching in just days, The Maine Wedding Company— an online guide to all-things-Maine-weddings. (More about that huge endeavor tomorrow. Surprised people have asked this … but no, I am not leaving or closing Blush to run Maine Wedding Company. No way! I will oversee as editor, but I have a whole team of talent in place to take on the daily work of this massive effort.)

December starts with a bang. Thursday Dec. 9th 5-8pm, which means til midnight, is the studio holiday party. Invites out in about a week! All are welcome again. Sweet! This year’s theme is Winter White. And despite the fact that our tab was ridiculous last year, we will have open bar and catering again. And maybe more …

January brings Maine Bridal Show here in Portland— a fun time to catch up with vendor friends. Phase II of the Maine Wedding Company website begins as well. And very exciting for me…. we will completely redo the Blush Imagery website for a more modern look.

In February, I hope to go back to Boston for the Inspire workshop and then off to Vegas  in March for the WPPI extravaganza and trade show. By April, I am shooting engagement sessions, dealing with 2011 brides and fielding calls about 2012 …. and so it begins again.

In between is time for Maggie and Brian, personal friends who have been neglected through the wedding season and the house repairs that were put off. I also hope to snow-shoe a lot! Who knows, maybe I’ll even take one whole week off.

Phew!

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.

Images of Maine Studio B, Blush Imagery, Fitzgerald Photo team by Brian Fitzgerald

Nicole. Gorgeous.The girls getting ready at Eastland Park.Nicole gets help to put her dress on. This was  a great moment.Bridesmaids watch Nicole put on her final touches. (Jamie here was my bride in 2007… love her!)Our flower girl walks through the garden and down the aisle.Tony sees Nicole.The light was so pretty as the ceremony begins with a prayer.This was awesome… after the I do’s … Tony comes racing, dancing straight at me and the camera! That was a first for me— a groom getting crazy. I admit it scared the bejeepers out of me… but I got it.We went to Ft. Williams for portraits. Always great!Rings. Gold, it’s so back… niiice.Love this one of the girls.Cute.Now, you guys know the jumping photo is an oldie … but still a goodie… but only if you can get this high. Check out Nicole…. left bridesmaid… how’d she do that?Tony form above, singing and celebrating!Nicole and Tony danced the night away. Can’t wait for you to see all the rest guys! All my love, Beth :)

Wedding Vendor Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

venue: Eastland Park Hotel
bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo (Andrea’s Bridal)
brides: David’s Bridal Collection
coordinator: Kimberly Finch
officiant: Reverend John Balicki
church: St. Albans Church
caterer: Eastland Park Hotel
flowers: Thom’s Florist
dj: Greg Powers Entertainment

Their first dance at Peabody Essex Museum.Shawna’s best friends hug her for support on the big day.Shawna’s bouquet.

Shawna’s shoes…. I could not take my eyes off this delicious footwear! Love them!

Shawna and her Dad starting down the aisle. I love the light and various elements in this shot.Shawna’s Mom and Dad give her away at the start of the Mass.I love this picture of all the girls and the line of high heels during Communion. Father Paul had to be THE most darling priest ever. Here, he was saying…”Just be happy, just be happy.”The rings.Shawna and Sean celebrate with their wedding party!
The groom and his groomsmen. Portraits were really fun with these guys!I shot these two cutey pics in the limo on  the way to the ceremony…. I love, love Shawna’s laughing smile. She is such a classy girl!The Peabody Essex Museum has a lovely garden with stone walk. Great for portraits of my coupleThe cake.This spiral stairway is iconic at the Peabody Essex Museum. Just something arty for Sean and Shawna.The couple dance with their parents. Loved the spotty lights in the venue … allowed for great moody photography.Shawna has quite an affection for these two dragons. Art makes great photos. It was really fun to creep around the museum late at night. I love museum weddings.Shawna and her Mom cut loose on the dance floor! Guest has a ball dancing the night away!
What’s a gal-pal for if not for removing your super cute heels when you can no longer walk?Shawna, I promise we have gorgeous less-super-smiley portraits for you too … but your natural smile is so so adorable! I can’t resist snapping away when Sean makes you laugh!Sean pics up Shawna after a dance and twirls her around. Love this picture! So romantic! Congrats to the newly weds!

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Dress by: Paloma Blanca
• Bridesmaid dresses by: JCrew
• Cordination by: Natalia Laskaris, Peabody Essex Museum
• Invitations by: William Arthur
• Venue: Peabody Essex Museum Salem, MA
• Florist: Flowers by Darlene
• Church: St. Peter’s of Salem
• Officiant: Father Paul Bresnahan
• Catering: Hawthorne Catering
• Cake by: Montillio’s
• Entertainment / Music: C-Zone Music, Mike Paganelli
• Honeymoon: Greece (Islands!)

A few thank you’s …

First to our project manager, Stepheney Collins, for her hard work, dedication and passion over the past few months. She is the backbone of this operation. I am in full wedding season still and her ownership and drive on this project has been fabulous throughout. To Forge, including Kevin Brooks, Arielle Walrath and Sean Wilkinson and with the help of Neil Patel of Greyletter for making my idea really come to life. It’s bigger and better than I even imaged it!

Our site is an amazing culmination of all of your talents. Thank you for being constant professionals. I am so happy with the MWC brand and website. It makes me speechless— something that doesn’t happen often, as you know. I wanted to say how much I appreciate you, your work and all your efforts— and beyond any project your friendships. Keep up the good work! Go team!

The wedding party on the rocks at Spring Point Light House.

Sass in the morning after hair and makeup at Fabu Salon.


The girls lace up for the day.


Sara checks out the final look before leaving the salon.

Gabe helps his boys get ready.

Sara’s bouquet.

Sara’s father walks her down the aisle.

I like this shot a lot. Smaller moment. Gabe grabs Sass laughing for a video camera while her sister signs the marriage  license.

I love this look between my couple as the trolley takes off.

The cake.

Sass grabs her husband for a kiss at the reception. Married!

Sara’s sister gave a great toast that brought laughter and tears.

This may be my favorite toast picture series ever though… One of the groomsmen (let’s just call him ‘the rowdy one’) gets up and starts his toast. Picture one: Sara and Gabe have a slight look of fear of what’s coming out of his groomsman’s mouth. Picture two: Sara now looks more concerned, slightly sick. Notice the girls getting turned-off in the back. Picture three: Sara laughs with a sigh of relief as ‘the rowdy one’ finishes with the words… “And may all your ups and down be under the covers.” What can you do?  Ahhh, I love groomsmen!

Boys will be boys. Just a fun portrait for Gabe.

Gorgeous rings. (Photogs: no Photoshop actions on this image, kids! Just a photo trick, ol’ school. Really!)

Girls are not great at shots. Love the face across the board here.

Gabe and Sara danced the night away. Great wedding day guys! All my love, Beth.

Wedding Vendor Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

venue: The Portland Club and SMCC Campus
officiant: Nicole Todd
caterer: The Portland Club
dj: Need info
cake: Need info
hair & makeup: Fabu Salon

October is breast cancer month, so please donate where you can to help in the fight. Blush Imagery proudly gives to the Maine Cancer Foundation and to Emilie Inc.’s own Pink Initiative organization. Personally, I have seen too many of my own brides go without moms, sisters and aunts on their wedding day. It must end. Last year, we donated a gift on behalf of a bride’s mom. This year, wed donate on behalf of my own Aunt Annie who fought — decade after decade— but passed away this past year. Here are quick links to give. For any Blush client who gives ANY donation I will gift you a custom 8 x 10 art print of your choice.

Maine Cancer Foundation: HERE TO DONATE.

Pink Initiative: HERE TO DONATE.

Recommended Early Detection strategies:

• Have your doctor show you how to do a self breast exam and do one each month. If you notice any changes or an unusual lump, have your physician examine it. Do not delay.

• If you or over 40, have a mammogram each year. If you are uninsured or underinsured, services may be available from the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, call toll free 1-800-350-5180

You’ll see from these images that contradiction, in life and photography, is a lovely thing.

Brooke, a Marine (ooh-rah!) turned legal-eagle is a striking woman with her amazingly toned body, jet black hair, and gorgeous blue eyes. This bride wore sentimental pearls, girlish pink flowers in her hair and a stunning sleek yet traditional gown — all  to match her half-sleeve tattoo. Now that is hot! Brooke is my new BFF, probably the sweetest gal ever! We had a blast together. She’s so funny!

Joe is a sweetheart too. Very warm and polite. He laughs hard and doesn’t mind being picked up and twirled around by his strangely strong, outgoing, GI Jane wife. In fact, I think he enjoys it! Now that is a good man. Oh, FYI, guess what he does for a living? He’s a full time professional motorcycle stunt driver. Dude, that’s super hot!

How did I get so lucky to have these sentimental rockstars? Thanks Joe and Brooke for the wonderful evening together and for the best Thursday wedding ever! All my love! Enjoy a few shots! There’s lots more to see!

Brooke waiting to get dressed in the afternoon. Look at these eyes!

Brooke and Joe married in a darling stone church.Joe grabbed Brooke’s hand while walking out of the church after the service. Romantic!Portraits by the ocean in Kennebunkport.

Brooke and Joe play in the limo on the ride to the reception. I love this picture.

Joe  whispers something funny in Brooke’s ear.Brooke hugs her best friend after a toast. These two were so hysterical together!

Brooke and Joe dance their first song. Just adore them!

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Venue: Nonantum Resort
• Florist: Blooms and Heirlooms

Last December our holiday party was fabulous! We had an amazing good time. All of our friends and business pals were there with us. I’ve never seen so many Maine photographers in one place! The flowers, the band, the catering and the open bar was fantastic fun— over 125 of you agreed. We even made the papers. It was wonderful and crazy.

We’re thinking of ways to top ourselves for 2010. So get ready, get set and mark your calendar early with Dec. 9 to kick off the holiday season right!

A mighty thank you to all the wedding vendors who signed up to test The Maine Wedding Company’s website. The response was overwhelming! We filled in record time! Emails were sent announcing those chosen. We can’t thank you enough! All total, we gifted over $12,000 in profile pages and sponsor ads so that our site is very well tested when we launch this November.  We couldn’t accept everybody due to the sheer number of applicants, BUT we promise to release a media kit shortly with more information and a pre-launch special offer to get your business on the site at a great rate.

Thank you for your support and helping make The Maine Wedding Company the company to keep!

(I warned Katie that I may become just  a tiny bit obsessed with her hair. Sure, she’s the sweetest thing on the planet and treated me like family at the wedding, but let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Katie has my dream hair. She looked stunning on her day— all of it— but the hair! Oh the hair! You’ll notice how many images here look like a shampoo commercial— couldn’t even help myself!)

Katie and Kevin, I trust you will live a happy life together surrounded by your friends and wonderful families! What a great wedding day! Gorgeous weather… rocking out on the deck.  I had a wonderful time! Enjoy a few photos here for starters!

This is a great photo. I saw this while Katie and Kevin were doing portraits with me. Katie would hold on to Kevin and snuggle in… just for a second after each shot. I think it’s sweet the way  she smiles and presses against his cheek.

Katie’s grandmother stopped in to wish Katie well before the wedding. Love their hands.
Love the hair, skin, eyes … all of it!Katie’s ceremony program.Katie is walked down the aisle by both her mother and father.Kevin… so proud and handsome here.Katie places a ring on Kevin’s finger. (The breeze made Katie’s veil flare out. Very pretty.)Married!

I grabbed this first shot while we were preparing for the second shot here. Love the reflection. And I used  leftover petals from the ceremony for the bottom portrait just for fun. This is in the sweetest little park across from the Asticou. Great light!This was the spectacular view and weather on Katie and Kevin’s day at The Asticou Inn.Katie and Kevin went for cupcakes and a small cake to cut for their guests.

Their rings.
Love Kevin’s smile during a toast. 

Everyone partied on a wooden deck overlooking the ocean! We all had such a great time. The DJ, Dana Lavertu, was exceptional!

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Dress by: Maggie Satero
• Bridesmaid dresses by: David’s
• Invitations by: etsy by April ink.
• Venue: (planner, Tom) Asticou Inn
• Florist: Cottage Flowers
• Officiant: Tom
• Catering: Asticou Inn
• Cake by: Frank’s bakery
• Entertainment / Music: Dana Lavertu
• Favors: Bar Harbor Brewing

Sarah and Jeff’s ceremony was gorgeous. Sarah’s a total classic beauty. Jeff’s tall and extremely handsome. Their traditional looks are deceiving though. Don’t let their tidy exteriors fool you. They are crazy, crazy wild dancers. What started out as a traditional, elegant wedding quickly became a rowdy good time at the reception. It was a hysterically good time. I had a blast watching these two get down with their friends. I admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this couple. Usually I have a firm grip on my clients but this was a wonderful surprise. My respect is so high for them now. LOL!  Loved them! Take a look at Sara and Jeff  stage diving. Do I have to say anything more? Sneak a peek:

This is how much fun you can you have when one of your best friends is also your hair and makeup artist!

Sarah through a mirror.She was so so sweet. Great job down the aisle too.
Very classic. Sarah’s Dad walks her down the aisle.Loved the look on Jeff’s face as Sarah approached.The handoff… loved Sarah’s mom behind and the girls in their line by Sarah’s side.One of my favorite pics of the day. Gorgeous light as Sarah looks at Jeff during the service.Not a hurricane in sight!A little ring fumble helps to break the tension.Married!Sarah’s flowers in the setting sun.Grabbed this of Sarah. Loved her hair!Sarah and Jeff’s rings were designed by Jeff’s uncle. Sarah’s fun and creative cake made me happy with its bright yellow flowers.There were so many great dancing pictures from their event but these were killer:

So here comes the groom… stage diving.And here comes the bride! Best picture ever. I showed this image to Sarah’s dad before I left the reception. His words: “Now, that’s my daughter!”

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Dress by: Marisa
• Bridesmaid dresses by: J.Crew
• Invitations by: Invitations by Dawn
• Venue Cordinator: Deb Jordan of The Bar Harbor Club
• Venue: The Bar Harbor Club
• Florist: Queen Anne’s Flowers
• Officiant: Tom Carter
• Catering: The Bar Harbor Club
• Cake by: Janice Strout at Celebration Cakes
• Rings by: Jack Marxhausen
• Entertainment / Music: Jeff Rockwell of Rockwell Productions
• Favors: Betty Reez Whoopies
• Honeymoon: Bali

In 2008 I started sketching out a plan for a Maine wedding guide. Maine provides a unique wedding experience for both in state and out of state couples. As a destination wedding location, Maine attracts couples from around the world. The professional wedding vendors who serve Maine are exceptionally talented, keeping pace and going beyond the wedding markets of  New York, Hawaii and California. The wedding industry of Maine deserves a local wedding guide with the sophisticated web tools of national sites to showcase its work. Our brides and grooms deserve in depth information specific to Maine to plan their events. The Maine Wedding Company is that guide. This project has exceeded even my dreams.

Now, we need your help to test the site so we can launch this in November. We will be picking 50+ wedding vendors representing each industry category (dresses, jewelry, venues, photographers, transportation, rentals … etc.). If you’re a wedding vendor serving Maine and would like to be a tester, please submit your email below! (Then be sure to click the confirmation link Chimp Mail sends you!) We need a wide variety of vendors, serving a wide variety of clients in various areas throughout Maine.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, Sept. 24th

Chosen testers will be notified after the deadline closes and receive a free membership and ad space on the site for our launch. Also, vendors will have an editable vendor profile with exciting tools to showcase their products, services and brand personality.

* We know photographers, florist and venues mostly follow Blush’s site. Please pass it on to your industry friends in other specialties! Also, for announcements follow us on:

Twitter at Twiter.com/MaineWedCo
Facebook at Facebook.com/MaineWeddingCompany

Input your email below to apply:< ![endif]–>< ![endif]–>

Mariah and Calvin are a great fit for each other. Mariah is lovely, warm and sweet. Calvin is prince charming with a mischievous side. The pictures show just how much joy is present in their relationship.

I loved that their wedding was full of so many family touches. Mariah gave her bridesmaids handmade clutches. Mariah’s mom made all the linen napkins. Their families garden’s provided the wedding flowers. Calvin created his own vows that HE SANG! They also built their own photo booth wall for guests to take pictures behind. With the help of Calvin’s family business, Rinck Advertising, the couple created invitations and their seed package favors. Oh, and Laura, Mariah’s step mom, did makeup. They even paid a 10-year-old family friend $25 to create their cake topper out of clay. Awesome! It’s wonderful to see family come together to produce a wedding that involves just about everyone’s personal participation.

Let’s get started with photos!

Mariah and Calvin sneak away from dinner to jump in the bounce castle that they bought for the children at the wedding.

Mariah’s dress hanging at The Barn on Walnut Hill Yarmouth, Maine.Mariah tears up as her dad walks her proudly down the aisle.Mariah in the morning. So lovely.

Mariah cries softly during vows.

Calvin sings his vows to the tune of Taylor Swift “Love Story.” He received a standing O! Hysterical.Loved the light at the church as they walked out.Mariah and Calvin in the doorway at Sacred Heart.Love this image… them walking out …  her loving glance  … him so happy…The couple at The Barn doing photos. Their first dance in  The Barn.Their rings.Flowers grown by their families decorated the country, wooden hall.Funny pic. Guests strike a pose behind a photo wall.  Is that blue steel?Something about The Barn makes people shake it!Mariah’s brother wins the dance off with this spin move. Very nice Liam! Hey, where’s your tux?
These were sweet… seeds from Maine’s own Yarmouth Seed Company with the couple’s engagement photo on it. Their wedding theme was sweet, everlasting memories.Under the trees at The Barn. Hope the honeymoon was wonderful guys! There’s a ton to see… get ready! Beth :)

Wedding Vendor Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

venue: The Barn on Walnut Hill Yarmouth, Maine
invitations: Karly Eretzian, Rinck Advertising
bridesmaids: Lulu Kate
officiant: Deacon Dennis
church: Sacred Heart Church Yarmouth, Maine
caterer: Black Tie Catering
dj: Brian (need company info again)
favors: by Rinck Advertising

Ben, Gemma and I were a right fit, right from the start. I just love these two crazy kids! All three of us have journalism backgrounds and a similar vision for their wedding. To my surprise though, the rugged little Gem Island the couple described turned into quite a romantic sea-themed wonderland. It was more beautiful than I expected. Guests came over on two large lobster boats, they felt the sea breeze as they watched the heartfelt ceremony, and danced dockside at The Contented Sole. It was a true Maine experience!

The Maine wedding vendor hero of the day was definitely Mike, of Bittersweet Landing Boatyard in South Bristol, who drove and coordinated all the guests arrival via boat to and from Gemma Island. He made extra efforts for Ben and Gemma. FYI…transferring guests over water on multiple boats can be a logistical challenge, but he made process flawless. He also brought out an awesome 81-year-old wooden speed boat for the couple’s getaway. We zipped around the water running in between the guest’s lobster boats— totally showing off. I got amazing images of the couple having fun! Their day was so fun! Personally, I felt like I was in a James Bond film. Dude, I actually squealed with excitement! LOL.

Take a look at the fun we had ….  and my gorgeous Gemma!

One of my favorite pics was this layered image. I love the light and the girls getting ready together. A classic wedding morning scene.

Gemm’s vows to Ben…sealed and then opened on her day.Ben made hundreds of these nautical charms and bouyees to tie around the island and along the dock.

How adorable is Gemma with her Dad? Love the blusher!

Married on Gemma Island! Guests threw eco-fetti to celebrate!Love this picture of Gemma and Ben hitchin’ a ride after the service. Love Maine docks in general… best pictures! Always adds an element of texture.Gemma and Ben wave to their guests in a wooden 81-year old boat named Thrill! This was a super time!The crowd goes wild at the reception for Gemma and her man.

Gemma’s bridesmaids give a cute toast. Gemma and Ben are really funny together. This was one of the softer, genuine looks between them that I caught during their their first dance.The couple’s rings dangling on one of the nautical ropes that decorated their wedding venue.

Their sea-themed cake.Boys behaving badly. Shots!

The couple under the single string of lights that lined the dock. Ben and Gemma, my thoughts are with you for a happy, joyous life together! I had a really good time with you, your friends and especially your families. Great day! There’s so many good pictures so get ready!

Wedding Vendor Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

venue: The Contented Sole

dress: David’s Bridal
bridesmaids: David’s Bridal
invites: MyGatsby.com
officiant: Julie Earl
makeup & hair: Need info
boat rental: Mike, of Bittersweet Landing Boatyard in South Bristol
caterer: The Contented Sole
cake: Sticky Fingers Bakery
florist: Boothbay Greenhouses
ceremony music: Tracy Carson
dj: Tracy Carson
honeymoon: Gem Island, Maine
favors: Al Mather

Taylor stayed calm, but focused in the morning. Her ‘something borrowed’ family necklace and blueberry champagne with the girls.
Above: Loved the silver pieces for aisle flowers. Very nice touch! Below: A carpet of white rose petals ran the aisle for Taylor and Peter. Flowers by Alda Stitch…. outstanding.Taylor slips on Peter’s ring. Married!The couple laughs hand-in-hand during their short, but super sweet ceremony.Taylor and Peter walk down the back stairs of at Newagan Seaside Inn to their waterfront reception.

So I mentioned that Peter is a professional sailor… this is the sailboat he brought to sail away with his bride. Niiiice!The sailboat made for great portraits!The girls lost their hot pink heels to get on and off the boat. I grabbed this shot during portaits just for fun.Tent up! Tables ready! Sophisticated style — check.

I loved, loved, loved these sweet, simple chair tags. When Taylor tossed her veil to mingle … this photo lined up perfectly! The wedding party waits for the bride and groom to hit the dance floor.I adore this picture of Peter and Taylor dancing.Taylor and Peter on the sailboat again. We had so many good shots!Taylor on the dock in her gorgeous mermaid gown.(Sorry kids, you groove it, I’m going to get it!) Friends ham it up on the dance, dance, dance floor.

I caught Taylor happily taking it all in for a second….  a perfect wedding.Four kinds of different cards prompted guests to leave well wishes!These stir sticks were a great way to celebrate the date!

Taylor and Peter choose pie and sweet treats over traditional cake.Peter and Taylor during the toasts! Great job by all who spoke!Their rings… the white roses helped me achieve this very classic, timeless look I wanted.

Sperry Tents are really beautiful at night. See all the wee people partying inside?Guests partied well into the night. Taylor kept the surprise fireworks a secret until the very end. Guests had no clue! It was an amazing bride and groom send off. What a treat! And they lived ….

Wedding Vendor Credits:

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

venue: Newagan Seaside Inndress: Romona Keveza
bridesmaids: Simple Silhouettes
officiant: Peter Smith
makeup & hair: Aura Hair Salon
day-of coordinator: Jason, Newagan Seaside Inn & Emily Secchairoli
caterer: Newagan Seaside Inn
florist: Alda Stitch
ceremony music: need info
tent: Sperry Tents Seacoast
band: iJam
honeymoon: Maine
favors: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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

Enjoy!

During the service Megan and Brady listen to the loving sentiments of their family. Look close, you can see the tear on Meg’s cheek.

In a Quaker tradition, guests sat in silence until they were moved to share a story, advice or statement for the couple. So nice!Brady reads his vows.Mateo, Megan’s 3-year-old son, holds onto her flowers during their receiving line. Cutey!Megan’s flowers were great… all baby’s breath. Simple and gorgeous! Why didn’t I think of this?A brass quintet played in the garden for the service and cocktail hour.This is Megan’s niece. She was so funny! Here, she sits in flowers in the garden.And it wasn’t long before the kids were barefoot and running here and there at the museum. Also a Quaker tradition (I’ve seen non-Quaker couples incorporate this too actually) … the signing of a marriage witness certificate that all the guests sign. Very nice.Brady and Megan on the rocks at Peaks Island.Guests were treated to the family china, silver and one heck of a view.Brady and Megan’s rings. Caught this in some natural light on an old wood table… can’t go wrong there!Ahhh… my personal favorite picture of the event. What I loved about this wedding was that the children were allowed to be their age. Mateo, Megan’s son is 3. The little guy was not going to sit still for endless pictures or formalities. And guess what? Megan was great with it. Instead of getting upset he wasn’t doing this or that, the family rolled with it. For me this picture speaks to age. At left, Mateo can barely see over the bar. To the right, Brady’s cousin in her early teens dressed and in heels. I also dig the color, composition of this shot too. Just a slice-o-life. Guests dance with Megan and Brady on the porch.

Love, love, love this shot of Megan and Brady so carefree… it was that kind of wedding day! Loved it!

Maine wedding photographer: Beth Fitzgerald, Blush Imagery

Maine Wedding Venue: 5th Maine Museum on Peaks Island
Catering by: Megan and Brady with their families.
Music by: iPOD (and Blush’s own studio Bose)
Flowers by: Fleur di Lis
wildflowers by Brady’s mom + flowers from Whole Foods
Cake by: Good Eats Boutique

Find out more about Maine Studio B, click here.

P.S. – If a group of Spanish people ever continually yell ‘patata’ at you, don’t take it personally, that’s how they say ‘cheese’. My 8+ years of Spanish did not help me at all at this event, but I think Ricardo’s family appreciated that I tried!

Eva and Ricardo, I could have talked with you for hours! You’re a fantastic couple! Cheers and enjoy the highlights!

I didn’t get to spend time with Eva before the service due to scheduling, but she walked into some natural light beside the church and I just grabbed these two shots — POW! Would you guess Eva’s a bookworm? Looks like a model to me!

Ricardo waits in the church for his cue.Eva gets ready to walk down the aisle with her father. Love the colors in this shot. 

Eva chokes back tears as she nears Ricardo. This church had to be the cutest chapel in Maine— probably one of the oldest too! The original organ still works! 

Ricardo’s niece does a reading. There were four readings presented in English by Eva’s family and also in Spanish by Ricardo’s. It was gorgeous!Such a great moment! Ricardo wraps his arm around his sister when she cries during her reading at the church. FYI, many of the Spanish women had these feathery hair clips in… very pretty, a Spanish trend. 

Candle light was passed from the back of the church forward to the couple from their guests and family to light their unity candle. 
Married!I like hand shadows… just for fun.Eva on the beach on a summer day that felt like a Maine fall day!Lots of wildflowers around Harpswell. (These might actually be weeds, but they were pretty.) It is so pretty and peaceful there… easily one of my favorite places in the state.

I liked Ricardo’s boutonnière — More masuline than most.Decorations were simple. I liked these little trees in the window sill. These also lined down the tables. Very nice. Candles were not welcome in the historic building so these flameless lights were used instead.Loved this! Orange ribbons came to life during sunset and later glowed orange at night. Very simple. Very pretty.

Children played on the front lawn in the afternoon. I am a sucker for sequencing! Here, Ricardo’s sister catches her littlest one! Incoming! A tire swing by the water’s edge makes a pretty picture.Ricardo and Eva cheers after a friend’s toast.
Spanish dancing exploded on a small stage at the library. I don’t get to see this much in Maine. Earlier in the evening, I taught the Spanish family the Macarena. I think they downloaded it to the iPod as a joke…. but didn’t actually know how to do the dance. They do now! (I liked their dance better!)
Eva curls up on the dance floor with Ricardo to end the night.

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Invitations by: Inky Living
• Ceremony Venue: Union Chapel in Harpswell, Main owned by the Harpswell Garden Club
• Venue: Historical – Harpswell Library
• Florist: Harpswell Garden Club
• Officiant : Bud Conner, Notary
• Catering: Maureen Fauske
• Cake by: Maureen Fauske
• Entertainment / Music: iPod

David and Sheri having fun together during portraits.

Sheri… gorgeous.Sheri’s hair was so nice with a flower to set off her look.

Here’s a  sign of the times. David sends Sheri’s Dad a text message before the service. We were all crying at David’s heartfelt message— see below.

David’s text read: “Pete, I want you to know that I am always going to take care of Sheri. I’ll keep her safe and love her…” Love the girls blotting their eyes behind!

Sheri and her  Dad in a classic Woody car head to the church.Sheri and Pete make their way down the isle together.I’d like to say this is a look of love, but I think it is a look of “behave” to David during the service. The couple lights their unity candle. The mass was very nice.Married!Sheri talks to guest out the window of the woody car after the service.Tables were done in navy and pink.The couple at the beach. Love the reflection here.Love the feet too. This is an infra red piece I worked up for them just for fun.The seating cards carried the Maine seaside theme through. Flip flops encourage the ladies to get comfy.

Their rings.

Sheri looking Greek goddess like!

Love these pictures… this is how much fun Sheri and David are as a couple. Their friends and family were really great too.The surfers went for a very cool cake topper. So cute!Sheri and her Dad Pete dance together. The band was amazing!Food by Kitchen Chicks. Fabulous and pretty!Sheri gets fed cake by David. He can be a bit mischievous.

Both David and Sheri love to get down.Love this picture. There was really nice color for me to capture at this wedding.

Guests packed the dancefloor! The wedding tent after dark. What a beautiful couple and wedding. Sheri and David, I adore you and wish you all the best! I know we’ll stay friends as the years go by!

Credits:

Maine wedding photography: Beth, Blush Imagery

• Dress by: La Sposa Bridal
• Bridesmaid dresses by: David’s Bridal
• Invitations by: Griffin-vites
• Venue: Laudholm Farm in Wells, Maine
• Florist: Flora Fauna
• Officiant Father Benet Phillips of St. Mary’s in Wells
• Catering: Kitchen Chicks Catering
• Cake by: Confection Art
• Videography: Video Design Films
• Entertainment / Music: Downtown Fever
• Favors: Donation to El Hogar

Ashley and Greg were married at the castle-like All Souls Chapel in Poland Springs, Maine with a reception at Pineland Farm in New Gloucester, Maine. It was a warm Sunday afternoon event that was perfect for the romantic, fairy tale day Ashley designed.  Ashley originally peeked my interest when she hired me as she described her love for art and the vision for her wedding day. It would be a vintage “English garden, dusty pinks, tea cups, tea kettles, and a little Alice In Wonderland” all rolled up. And it was just that! The details of this wedding were so well done. Special thanks to Judy at Flora Fauna who’s floral designs really captured Ashley’s vision. Ashley and Greg, here’s hoping your fairy tale day is the start of a beautiful, very real life. Enjoy!

Greg & Ashley at Pineland Farms.

Greg and Ashley at All Souls Chapell. Very Fairy Tale Yesteryear… love this portrait!
This year I have been recaptured by churches… just can’t get enough of the traditional elegance it adds to a wedding day. Love working the light in them as well. Although typically dark, churches can really show off your ambient light skills shine as a photographer. 

Married! Ashley and Greg are a pretty soft spoken couple, but they surely handled being the spotlight like pros.Love this flower girl look. Isn’t that so beautiful!

Rings in their garden.

After their first dance, Ashley and Greg linger to part. Love the hands sliding away from each other and the light on Ashley. Just a nice subtle moment. 

Such nice work throughout by Judy of Flora Fauna! Look at this! Fabulous! All the centerpieces were different in different silver, crystal and generally vintage pieces.Lovely cake – seriously demanded the attention of the crowd –  by European Bakery.

Ashley and Greg kiss after cutting the cake. So sweet.
Ashley wanted to do some creative images with balloons just for fun. So she had a few waiting for us at Pineland Farms for a handful of portraits. I got some very nice stuff, of course, but this is my favorite image. The balloons were all over the place in the wind. It was actually pretty difficult, but we were having so much fun and cracking up!  I enjoy the natural vibe of this shot as Ashley tries to wrangle those bubbly divas! Very fun.
Congrats Ashley and Greg! So happy to have been there for this moment and the day! All my love, Beth

• Maine Wedding Reception Venue: Pineland Farm
• Maine Wedding Service: All Souls Chapel
• Coordinator: Landace at Pineland Farm
• Dress: Spoil Me
• Bridesmaids by: David’s Bridal
• Catering: Pineland Farm
• Cake: European Bakery
• Florist: Flora Fauna
• Entertainment: Music Man
• Favors to St. Jude’s Children’s

Special note from Beth: Stepheney has exceeded our expectations here at Blush. So much so that in fact … I’ve asked her to stay on with us to head a very important project set to release this October. Steph’s skills in marketing, writing and a passion for photography proved too much for us to let her go. We expect great things for her here as she starts a new phase with our company. You’ve been a wonderful intern, lady!

Being an intern at Blush does not involve fetching coffee or making endless photocopies. Nope. It does involve shooting different assignments and having an absolute blast. Fred and Frodo, the Fitzgerald’s lovely roly poly pugs were my first assignment. 2 hours and 600 pictures later, I was able to tell the story of a day in the life of a pug. My second assignment, motion, was also amazing to shoot. I picked the Urban Epic Triathlon and experienced two of my favorite things at once: athleticism and photography, all in one place. I left that event feeling deeply inspired, ready to do a triathlon myself and super excited to tell my motion story.

__________________________________________________________________________
Story 1:

Story 2: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Christina and Joe were married at Spring Hill in South Berwick–a beautiful day perfect for their ceremony, perched atop a hill overlooking the river. I knew immediately that this wasn’t going to be a typical wedding.  All the groomsmen in Christina and Joe wedding wore tan suits, ties, sunglasses and…sandals.   All except Joe’s dad, Roger–he opted for his trademark cowboy boots. It goes without saying that Christina looked beautiful, surrounded by family and her friends.  And Joe was a class act.  Everyone was so much fun despite the hot, humid weather.  Later, after Christina surprised Joe with an exceptionally well-done cake decorated like Boston’s Fenway Park, the couple took a stroll down to the river just as the sun sank below the horizon.  It was a welcome break from the formal part of the ceremonies and when we returned, the couple and family got down and boogied: sandals, boots and all.

Take a peek:

Christina and Joe at Spring Hill in Berwick, Maine.

Christina’s wedding dress.

Christina looks at her bouquet by florist Lyndsey Loring.

Joe’s mother helps him get his flower on.

The guys wore sandals for the July event… except Joe’s dad, Roger, who was sporting his trademark cowboy boots.

Very cool, fun centerpiece!

The guys also rocked shades for the service.Ring bearer, Eli, bravely gets down the isle with his shell. So cute!

Love the look on Christina’s face as she meets Joe at the top of the isle.Christina and Joe’s sand service with sand fresh off the Maine coast.

Married! (And their future is so bright … wait for it …. they had to wear shades.)

This was very cool… Great cake with quintessential Maine Adirondack chair. Best part … are those litte footprints in the sand.Sandal thank you cards carry Christina’s theme throughout the wedding.Joe holds onto his Christina.Joe steals a kiss at the last note of the dance! Christina and Joe during sunset at Spring Hill.Love this image of the couple in black and white along the river at Spring Hill.

The crowd does wild for Joe’s groom cake. Christina surprised him with this Boston Red Sox Fenway Park cake last minute.Check out the inside… there’s sprinkle people.Last dance…. Joe twirls Christina around. We loved having you Christina and Joe in our 2010 season. You were a fabulous couple for us to work with! Love, Beth & Brian.

• Maine Wedding Reception Venue: Spring Hill
• Dress: Andrea’s Bridal, NH
• Bridesmaids by Madeline’s Daughter
• Catering: Spring Hill
• Cake: Chickadee Hill Cakes
• Groom’s Cake: European Bakery
• Florist: Lyndsey Loring Design
• Entertainment: J&D Music DJ & MC Services
• Couple’s honeymoon:  St. Lucia

Whitney’s mom, Lori, gives her a sweet side kiss just as she did when she was a baby girl.

Whitney puts on her final details at her mother’s home in Portland.

Whitney is so beautiful. Killer features, lady! Your hair was fabulous! Pictures form the past of Whitney and her twin brother Josh line the halls at the house where everyone got ready. The family is very close.Whitney’s dress had a lace back. I love to see lace on a wedding dress. Very pretty to photograph and highlight for a bride. Whitney pulled this look off perfectly. She has an elegant look about her that made the dress classic and still glamorous for a night event. Love this photo.

Cute blue toes for luck.

Paper fans were added last minute for the church to keep guests cool.

Pointlessly arty — even for me. But I loved this shot of Whitney sneaking down to the basement before the service!

The candles for the service were done so nicely. I can’t say this enough. A candlelight service in July is very hard to pull off. There’s typically just too much light. It’s basically impossible. But check out the results that Whitney and her family were able to pull off in a smaller, darker church and a ton of draped sheers and muslin. Holy effort batman! Paid off! Dude, Candlelight service in July. Amazing and so pretty! White rose petals lined the isle.Married!This cake by European Bakery was gorgeous and delicious!

Topper on the groom’s cake celebrates Shane’s love for fishing. Love to see groom’s cakes coming back. So fun!

There was alcohol at this cocktail reception, of course, but this was a signature non-alcoholic drink —a “wedded bliss berry” made with pineapple, cranberry and seltzer water with fresh berries on top. Held by fabulously fun bridesmaid, Nancy!

Great toast by best man, Ian, left the crowd laughing and adoring Shane even more.Love the candles overflowing at the reception too. Awesome centerpieces.

This sequence of Shane and Whitney during their first dance is priceless. This is so Shane. These two played like children together the whole evening. That’s a sign of a great marriage to come! Congrats guys!Shane’s Grammie was surprised when Whitney presented her the bouquet. This was a great family moment that required no tossing at all!Shrimp! Yum!

Whitney’s friends from Bates: “Don’t Stop Believing… Hold on to That Feeling.”Whitney and Shane hold on to each other in a sea of “SHOUT!” hands. Love this image too.

• Maine Wedding Reception Venue: Saltwater Grille of South Portland
• Maine Wedding Service: Greater Portland Church of Christ
• Coordinator: Lori Harrison
• Dress: David’s Bridal
• Makeup: Laura Flood
• Jewelry: D. Cole of Portland
• Bridesmaids by: David’s Bridal
• Catering: Saltwater Grille of South Portland
• Cake: European Bakery
• Groom’s Cake: European Bakery
• Florist: Family Friend
• Entertainment: Rockwell Productions
• Couple’s honeymoon:  Grand Cayman Cayman Islands

(Can’t see it there, click here.)

Demand is high for Maine wedding venues and Maine resorts. Secure your desired Maine wedding location at least a year out. If you are booking a holiday weekend here, think about reserving your key wedding arrangements over a year and a half out. Lock up that wedding date with your ceremony and reception site, then immediately hire a fabulous photographer, reserve catering (if not already included at your venue) and grab your entertainment. These  wedding vendors book very quickly. The other details are easier to nail down.

In Maine, great photographers fill up fast! Photographers usually take a limited number of wedding client each year. If you’re like my clients and photography is a top priority, don’t wait. Most photographers and studios require a contract and non-refundable retainer fee to book. There may be a bonus for booking early too, so don’t be shy to ask. If you are getting married in 2011, it is time to make your reservations!

Our Blush Imagery pricing guide for 2011 weddings is online now. Contact me to receive it! We are already booking all three of our photographers, myself included, and it’s shaping up to be a wonderful 2011 wedding season! We will also secure dates for 2012. (And yes, brides are already shopping!) Come in for a consultation at our downtown Portland, Maine studio, email us or feel free to call me at 207-899-5585. Happy shopping, Beth

Corinne gets a little help from the groomsmen to get out of the rain. Love the reflection  in the water of those blue toenails!

Guests at St. Joseph’s Church for the service.

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.

Girls getting ready, having some fun and checking their zippers.Jessica is a classic beauty… I personally think she looks like Julia Roberts… or maybe Julia looks like her!

Ryan and George at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Portland, Maine. 

Jessica and her ladies head into the church. The trolley car was excellent, fun transportation for the wedding day.

Jessica and her father dad  start up the isle at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.Jessica laughs as their vows get twisted up a bit! Very funny.

Jessica and Ryan take waive as man and wife to their friends and family before finishing up the service. Married! Jessica and Ryan on the doc at the Eastern Promenade at Fort Allen Park.Jessica and her friends fly their pink paper parasols at The Prom.

Jessica on the cobblestone streets in the Old Port.

The ballroom at Eastland Park Hotel Portland, Maine was lit, dressed to the nines and ready to rock. Loved the double cork seating cards!
This is personally my favorite shot of the day. This is Ryan swinging Jessica around during their first dance. In the back are Ryan’s parents. I love the light, motion, meaning and color of this shot. Love this shot too… With tears in her eyes from the toasts, Jessica says cheers to Ryan and their new marriage. Great moment!Eat drink and be married…. and have the couple’s signature drink, The Champtini!
Jessica and Ryan’s rings.
You’re in trouble if you have half of your wedding party underneath you…. for any reason. Love the faces in this frame! Ryan, I can only think of one word you might be saying here!Ryan and Jessica dance a last slow song together. So much more to see! Great wedding! To see the entire set of photos from this wedding when they are released, visit: http://pictage.com/796588

For starters, we have auto, home, life (We use Liberty Mutual) and commercial insurance for our business. (My original blog on commercial business insurance for info & our agent.)

For health insurance, our business went to a health insurance agent to find a policy that fit our family. I’m not going to lie to you, health insurance stinks in term of plan options and expense in the state of Maine. (I will skip my rant on this subject.) Still, Brian and I have it as self employed business owners because we have a child and we ‘re not willing to take chance if someone gets seriously sick. I can say that Roberta, our agent at O’Hearn in Portland, Maine, gave us great information and comparative charts that allowed us to get what was best for us.

And for us, we chose a newer plan model— a health savings account. We opened the HSA account with Blush Imagery LLC as the owner of the policy. It is basically an insurance plan as well as a savings trust. We still pay a monthly fee for a family of 3, but it also allows us to move money into the account tax free. For example, say I make $50,000 in gross income in any given year. I can move $5,000 income into the account and my adjusted gross income would be $45,000 for tax purposes. That’s a good, purposeful write-off. I can then withdraw that money for any approved health need. (This year was a growth year for us, so without a gob of cash at hand, we took the funds from an old, small IRA, rolled from my work back at newspapers, and transferred it to the HSA to fund it for the first year! That’s allowed too—up to a certain amount!)

Other sources for health plans can be found at your local chamber of commerce or professional photography organizations. Most pro groups offer a group health plan as a membership perk.

We also added short and long term disability coverage. For not much more, this adds to your health policy to protect you from more realistic life injuries— not a death, but injuries that would keep you from your photography work. Let’s face it, one broken leg and you may be out of your studio for a long time. We have physically demanding jobs!

So stay healthy and protect your family and business as you grow!

(Tell her Blush Imagery sent you.)

O’Hearn Insurance Agency
Roberta Lane
Portland, Maine Office:
1087 Forest Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
Office 207-797-9400 |

Calling all local photographers: Continuing the tour of Portland photography talent, join the Maine PUG (Pictage User Group) for a round-table discussion with several of the area’s premiere commercial photographers: Brian Fitzgerald, Darren Setlow, Zack Bowen, Jeff Stevensen and Trent Bell as they show us a peek into their world of advertising, architecture and food imagery.

Thursday, July 15th
emilie inc. photography, 227 Congress St., Portland

7p: arrivals, mingling
7:30-9p: program
10p: evening ends

Snacks will be provided, please BYOB and RSVP to photo@emilieinc.com by Tuesday 7/12. Guests welcome.

Hans grabbed Jaimie and spun her around after they said I do. Love this captured moment! Favorite of the day!

Hans and his groomsmen, alone with the fathers, saved their suits for the service.

Jaimie presents the dress to her friends.

Jaimie looking lovely with those blue eyes!

Love the bridesmaid’s blue dresses and brown sandals.

Love the light in this image as Jaimie walks down to start her day!

Great moment as Jaimie’s Dad sees her for the first time. One of my favorite shots of the day.

Jaimie and her father make their walk down. Jaime see Hans in the distance.

Really lovely site for a Maine wedding. Love the large party here along the water.

Jamie and Hans exchange rings. Look at the wedding arch behind the couple. Hans made that with drift wood.  Nice!

Just like this shot and angle of the ring bearer.

Jamie and Hans kiss and celebrate!

Love this small moment after the kiss!

Jaimie and Hans married! Love Jaimie’s face of ahhhhh!

Love the gals at this wedding! Thanks for making me an honorary, umm, you know.

Love this shot of: bring on the party.

Jaimie’s flowers were gorgeous. Here, her bouquet.

Jaimie’s super long veil blew around during portraits but it was fun!

First dance. Hans and Jaimie are very lovey and sweet.

Hans and Jaimie love for nature and animals made for a great wedding theme. Their cake was a three tiered tree stump… and I love the carving here on the cake.

Jaimie is a person that feels everything. She laughs hard, cries hard and plays hard. She is a walking heart. And on her wedding day, that made for beautiful emotional images— especially during the toasts. Here, she laughs at her sisters. (Melissa, you were awesome all day!)

And here, she cries at her father’s toast. Love that when she cries, Hans reacts too. This is a favorite image of mine!

Jaimie shows off her preferred footwear— her Converse All*Stars.

Jaimie was very happy with these on the rocky beach.

Jaimie and her father dance.

There were a lot elephants in the room! Jaimie and Hans first met as neighbors but then spent their time volunteering with elephants in Shri Lanka. These held their rings nicely for me!

Hans and Jaimie are both fun, fearless dancers so we got plenty of images on the dance floor too!

The sunset that night. Wonderful.

Photo booths at weddings have been a growing trend since 2008 and continue to be popular in 2010. The Knot listed it as one of ten ways to add a “wow” factor to your wedding in 2009 and the photo booth once again made their list in 2010 as one of 10 Hot Wedding Trends of 2010.

We all remember the days when we would grab our pals and jump into the photo booth. We’d put our $2.00 in, stuff as many people as we could into the small curtained space and then ham it up for the camera as the booth took a series of pictures. We’d jump out and then eagerly await the black and white strip of instant memories to print right out into our sticky little fingers.

Now photo booths serve as a nostalgic reminder of our youth and give us a license to be silly again. Many couples want their wedding receptions to be fun and memorable for guests, and having a photo booth as part of the reception keeps guests entertained and engaged in the wedding.

In 2010 though, this isn’t your grandma’s photo booth. We’re talking souped up, over the top “booths” with creative backdrops, a myriad of props and wedding guests willing to cut loose in front of the camera. You never know what Aunt Edna will do until you put her into the photo booth and hand her a sombrero and a chalkboard.

Blush Imagery understands the demand for a more interesting, interactive Maine photo booth and our service provides you not only with a 10×10 “booth” but also with a photographer to work the camera and capture all the crazy moments that generally ensue when folks step into the Blush Booth. Check out some of our favorite images from recent Blush Imagery wedding photo booths:

Concerned that everyone else is doing a photo booth? The types of props you provide guests is totally up to you and is one way of making the photo booth your own. There are tons of themes for props. Pick and choose the ones that fit your personal: big geeky glasses, Hawaiian leis, chalk board and white board, boas, cowboy hats, sombreros, hula skirts, hula hoops, neon wigs, foam fingers, mustache on a stick, viking helmet, oversized lollipop, coconut bikini top, santa hat, halo, angel wings, tutu, black fedora, eyepatch, ball and chain, pirate hook, etc. Anything goes in the Blush Booth!

First thought: FABULOUS. I love this camera! Great metering and color, quiet and fast.  I was originally concerned about the weight of the body, but for me it was surprisingly light. I had no wrist or forearm pain after a 10 hour wedding. My only adjustment was the AE/ AF lock button moved to the left a bit. It is more of a reach for my thumb compared to the Nikon D700 bodies. I’m sure I’ll live. I also love the security of the dual CF card slots with backup option. Added warm fuzzies.

I haven’t shot with a flagship camera since my newspaper days. (I shot Cannon back then. Good stuff too.) I typically buy the lowest pro camera body to be money smart about business. In reality, if you are not shooting pro sports, you do not need the tippy top camera bodies for wedding work. Just my opinion and belief that the equipment does not make the photographer. That said, it’s nice to ride in a Mercedes instead of my typical Ford Focus.

I haven’t really played with the video component yet. Let you know when I do!

BASIC SPECS:

12.1-megapixel, FX-format CMOS sensor; 720p HD video capture
Body only; lenses sold separately
Low-noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 12,800; continuous shooting up to 9fps
Fast, accurate 51-point AF system; Nikon EXPEED image processing
3-inch super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View with two shooting modes
Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options (CF card not included); up to 4,300 images per battery charge

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shirt, Aaron Solid No-Iron. AVAILABLE at Macy’s.
Rendered in smooth wrinkle-resistant cotton for easy style, Lauren by Ralph Lauren’s timeless Aaron shirt has classic appeal.

* Cotton
* Machine washable
* Imported
* Buttoned placket
* Straight point collar
* Barrel cuffs
* Shirttail hem
* Embroidered “LRL” logo accents the left chest
* Split back yoke for a smooth, contoured shoulder

This is the funniest thing ever… I love BJORN shoes for wedding work. I have serious feet issues and have to wear orthotics. For this blog, I just went to their website to find a picture of my trusted favorite shoes… guess what? They are DUDES! Nooooooooo!! I should have known! I bought them 2 years ago on clearance somewhere and only wear them for my full days of shooting. Otherwise, my feet kill. I try every season to buy something more stylish but even this year I tossed my new ones (Naturalizers) back in the closest for these!  I am laughing my tail off right now. No wonder they are so comfortable and supportive! (Brian just came by and said “My wife’s blogging her man-shoes! Great.)  I crack myself up. Whatever! Here they are! Meet my  “Hutchins II,” hmmm… seems really obvious now!

It’s going to be a great engagement session when your subjects bring their own bottle of champagne to celebrate their pictures! That’s exactly what David and Sheri did! This couple is so much fun and celebrates their life and love. After a busy day stuck in the office, it was so much fun for me to get away with them for a couple of hours a do the job I love. We started downtown at the studio with drinks with a toast then headed for the streets for some fun urban looks. After a quick wardrobe change, we headed for the beach just minutes away and caught a gorgeous Maine sunset!  It was such a nice night together! Sheri and David, you know, I always keep my own bottle of the bubbly here at the studio! Stop by again and we’ll toast how close we are getting to your Maine wedding! Personally, I can’t wait! You kids are awesome fun! Great pictures too…  there’s a lot of fun ones to see but here’s just a handful to enjoy!

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.”

Jennifer and Matt overlooking the ocean. Hope you are having fun in Jamaica guys!Jennifer’s girls arm-and-arm head over to the Reading Room to start the show.Jennifer’s sleek dress. Perfect for her!Jennifer almost saw the groom pre-service… but not on this bridesmaid’s watch! I thought this was a funny shot.The girls head to the ceremony.Cutest gals ever! Adorable!The service was short and took place on the deck at the Reading Room. Jennifer places Matt’s ring on his hand. (Bird soars by for fun.)Kiss with a dip. Sassy!Married!My favorite shot of the entire day. I caught Matt kissing Jennifer at their sweetheart’s table. This was a fast moment and I was so happy to capture it!Gorgeous centerpieces with starfish theme.Jennifer gets choked up at the toasts.Love doing this shot for fun — especially at intimate wedding events.The couple’s first dance. Love Jennifer’s parents watching happily in the back there.Jennifer shakes her groove thing.Their rings.Jennifer and her father dance together.Not much of a dancer himself, Matt still found the time to cross the dance floor and spin Jennifer around once.Love this picture of Matt and Jennifer.

“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!

Left: Leigh and Austin… making it is official. Rightt: guests kicked off their heels to sit on the doc after the service.

Love this simple lake look with Leigh and Austin!Leigh has a very strong grace about her. I loved photographing her all day. Amazing woman! Leigh picked up her dress at White Dress By The Shore.
Love this picture. It was supposed to rain all day. It didn’t. It was gorgeous. Austin and I joked together about how nice it would be for it to rain just a little on the way to the dance hall. And it did! Here, guests run from the rain carrying drinks and laughing!
Leigh and Austin cut their cake!

Leigh’s dad, Skip, dances, squeezes, hugs and cries with his daughter on the dance floor.
Friends don’t let friends who are intoxicated touch sparklers… but it was ok for this guy. Nice heart dude!

The Bob Charest Band was amazing all night! Leigh and Austin had a HUGE crazy party! Here, they’re in a “circle of love” dance!

Leigh throws herself into Austin for a kiss. See the “A” in the back there… that stands for Austin. LOL. Austin and Leigh, I loved every minute of working with you both! You’ve really touched me as a photographer. It was a fantastic day and I was so happy to be there with you! Love, Beth

All our best, Phil and Sarah

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!

The photographers in this town are so great!

So I took this huge group photo Monday for Cheverus High. (see original blog) Group shots this large are tough to do well and not the most glamorous to shoot. I was happy to do it for a wonderful client friend of mine.

I was surprised at the shout outs / love for that group photo by other photogs. Thanks! Here’s what my pro photography pals said to the left. I so appreciate it guys— you have no idea!

Hope you all are having a great season! Can’t wait until I see you for our holiday party Dec. 2 … and then all winter! I am watching you all too! And you look marvelous!

The weather, although very windy, was perfect for Jessica and David. Jessica didn’t seem to mind her hair blowing a bit after tying the knot in a gorgeous service.

A traditional Jewish ketubah was signed for the couple pre-wedding. Their ketubah was custom created by a Chicago artist and showcased whimsical things about the couple including that 11:15 pm time — the time they left that Panda Garden on their first date! Hysterical fun. It also highlighted their love for music and culture.

David waits for Jessica to arrive under their white flowing Hupah. The flowers of this wedding by Queen Anne’s Flowershop were fantastic!

This is just one of my quirky shots that I like … This is Grandma Evelyn from Jessica’s side. She was laughing and smiling throughout the whole service— even calling out funny things with the other Jewish family members. I love Jewish weddings for this reason. The family is always so joyful, playful and spirited!

David and Jessica say their vows…. notice Jessica’s veil flew away at the start of the ceremony! So windy!

Steel buckets held lovely isle flowers. Great work by Queen Anne’s Flowershop.

Jessica’s bouquet. Again, fabulous!

Love the Bar Harbor Club‘s space. Love that within that room, Jessica just stares at David.

Waitors bring out the first course!

This was Jessica’s parent’s wedding topper. I love the little netting veil on the bride. Classic pieces like this, really personalize an event for a family.

Their rings.

Jessica and David found some signs at Bar Bar Harbor Club that our groom couldn’t resist for photos. I have a lot of funny, character photos with this couple. To their credit, don’t take themselves too seriously!

A quiet moment for the affectionate couple here …. sweet.

Motor Booty Affair played this wedding and were ridiculous fun for all. Not one person sat out of the fun. Here my family dances to a 70′s style funky Hava Nagila! Love Jessica screaming and laughing. My bride was so happy all night! That makes a Maine wedding photographer ‘s night!

David and Jessica were blown away by their band choice, Motor Booty Affair. The guys were amazing in sound, performance and satisfaction. Since David is the director of the Bangor Symphony, music was top priority! Mission accomplished David! (Oh and the french horns at the service sounded gorgeous— a nice unique piece of  luxury.) Here our couple takes to the stage for their final song.

I grabbed this shot really fast while we were taking portraits during sunset on the Bar Harbor Club lawn. Lovely.

Jessica and David, I have so many images to show you! Hard to pick a few for this blog! Your wedding was so thoughtful and nice. I had a great time with you and your families from start to finish! Hope you are having fun in Quebec!

To purchase this graduation photo: CLICK HERE. (You will need a password that Cheverus will email you. Need help, call us at 207-899-5585.)

Share this image on Facebook: CLICK HERE.

With all this, she still assisted Brian on a job this morning and came to have a slice of pizza with me today.

We’re so proud of her and will miss her a ton. We’ll survive here of course, but Ayla makes the studio so much more fun. She is everything to Brian and I now. It is hard to imagine what we did before her. What did we do? Geeze. SNIFF.

Ayla— be safe, do good and know we’re missing you every day. Brian and I are so proud of all for who you are, how you help us here and how you continue to serve the country. Come back safely and soon!

First, I called my local rep for home and auto. Most home, auto or residential insurance companies do not offer commercial or business insurance. It is a different specialty for agents. So I asked my local guys who they recommended. That’s how I found Innova. (Info below for you guys.) I went and met with Ron at Innova Insurance. He is wonderful, helpful and informative. He explained what I needed was fairly simple. I have a standard million dollar business policy to cover my liability in case something ever happened on-location, during a shoot, at my office or to my equipment. I simply supply my list of equipment to Ron each year and he adjusts the policy as needed.

I started with covering my small meet -and-great office and my gear. Now, we have the full studio covered in our policy for Blush Imagery LLC and also everything for my husband’s (Brian’s) Fitzgerald Photo LLC was now added.

So how much does this starter million dollar policy cost? Get this … It was like $400 a year when I was a smaller business. Now that we are larger, it is closer to $600. Seriously, for a starting policy like what $30 a month— totally worth the peace of mind! Most of us photographers, are walking around with about $6-10 K strapped around us every wedding when you add up the bag, batteries, flashes, do-dad and oh yah, cameras!

“But, I work from home, doesn’t my home insurance cover my office and my equipment?” Well check. You need to report that you operate a business from home to your home or renters insurance company. You may need to add what is called a business rider. Riders are special insurance policy provisions that provide additional benefits not found in the original contract, or that make adjustments to it. The name “rider” is taken from the concept that they have no independent existence; they have force and effect only when they’re attached to a policy, or “riding” it. It will add just a minimal cost to your policy per year. No big deal!

Be sure to consult a great commercial insurance agent like Ron. When I have questions, I call him to avoid calling the actual policy company. Sometimes, calls and concerns will magically add dollars to your policy!

Being a professional photographer means protecting yourself and others at your home or business by getting professional insurance. Get it done! It’s so easy!

Where I get my business / commercial insurance:

Innova Insurance

Ron Blumenthal

innovain@maine.rr.com

Scarborough, Maine

207-855-5522 EXT. 101

Tell him Beth @ Blush Imagery sent you!

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!

On an absolutely perfect May Saturday afternoon, I walked in to meet Amy for the first time at The Newagan Seaside Inn. Immediately, she gave me a delicious gift of decadent cookies from Germany. Wow, so cool! Amy and Kevin work at Adidas and live in Germany year-round. Their family ties to Maine brought them back to beautiful Boothbay Harbor to wed.

These two young professionals are outstanding company! Loving, fun and energetic! Totally fantastic. They’re responsible adults — who will also hop on bikes like small children and dance like nobody is watching! Good people through and through. I actually heard guests call Kevin “a stand up guy” more than a few times. You don’t hear that about many people under 50 anymore! And I have to imagine that they’re actually that happy every day together …  not just on this one day while wearing wedding attire.

I had a really good time at this event!

The couple’s passion is traveling around the world together. They’ve been everywhere from Hawaii to Kenya! It was fitting that their wedding theme was ‘Our World, Our Love.’ This wedding was moment after moment, emotion after emotion, with fun family and  really fun guests. With a side of perfect light, I was one satisfied Maine wedding photographer. It was incredibly hard to just pick a handful for the blog. Great images from start to finish!

Amy and Kevin, count me as your new Maine friend for life! I am so happy that your day was such an awesome success! This was truly a great wedding day! There’s so much to see. I can’t wait to show you all your images and album when you get home!

Images:

Amy gets nervous — just for a second — while she gets zipped.

Amy dances in front of her mirror as she finishes her final touches. 

Maid of Honor Joy holds Amy’s dress on the way to ceremony.

Amy and her Dad fight back tears as they head down the isle.

Kevin and Amy’s guest circle around the couple as they marry at the water’s edge.

White orchids made Amy’s bouquet. Gorgeous!

Married! Amy throws her arms up to celebrate.

Amy and Kevin walk out man-and-wife-style.

Amy grabs a kiss from Kevin after placing a lei around his neck post ceremony.

Navy and pink candles in simple, sand-filled mason jars lined the service and walk ways.Couple laughing together on the grounds at Newagan Seaside Inn.

Kevin holds Amy on the Newagan Seaside Inn dock.

Love this shot of Kevin gazing at Amy during their first dance!

Their rings.

I see guests do the ‘lean back’ a lot…. just thought this was a fun slice-of-life.

Amy is a great dancer. And actually so was Kevin. Niiice!

The Blush Booth was a huge hit! The large photo booth allows us to have so much for with large groups of pals! Thanks second photographer, Kevin for rockin’ the Blush Booth! Great job and great shots here!

Kevin and Amy sit on the adirondack chairs during sunset at Newagan Seaside Inn.

Credits:

Photographer: Beth of  Blush Imagery

Photo Booth: Blush Booth by Blush Imagery
Second Photographer: Kevin for Blush Imagery (Thanks Kevin for working the Blush Booth! It was a big hit! As always, fabulous job!)
Dress: Bought somewhere in London, unknown
Bridesmaid dresses: JCREW
Invites: designed by Kevin, the groom
Event Coordinator: Jason Schlosser of Newagan Seaside Inn
Wedding Venue: Newagan Seaside Inn
Florist:  Emily Carter
Cake: Sweet Sensations
Catering: Newagan Seaside Inn
Officiant: Rev. Don Heringa
Honeymoon: Mt. Kilamanjaro, Kenya

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.

Welcome Greg Rec to The Blush Imagery Staff!

Award winning Maine photographer Greg Rec refined his skills as a visual storyteller at the Portland Press Herald where continues to work as a professional photojournalist.  He was named New England Journalist of the Year for his amazing photography work in Iraq in 2004. Lucky for us, he adores wedding photojournalism and in 2011 will shoot exclusively for Blush Imagery as an associate photographer. He brings his 15 years + expertise in photography to your wedding day to capture genuine moments. He documents your day in an unobtrusive manner – most of the time you will not even be aware that he is taking pictures. His degree in photojournalism was received at University of Montana. His bio goes on and on…. but did we mention he is the just the sweetest soul to work with too?!

Greg’s wedding portfolio:

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. :)

Stepheney Collins, 2010 Intern

As the daughter of a US Army helicopter pilot, Stepheney grew up all over the world. She moved to Maine to enjoy the raw coastal beauty that surrounds Portland. Stepheney graduated from University of Southern Maine with degrees in English and German in 2007. She discovered marketing and interned with two local marketing companies. She works with The Portland Pie Company as their marketing coordinator, social media expert, Adobe work and updates the company website. She serves up a few slices and tends the bar still too. Stepheney always had a passion for photography and challenged herself to take a photo a day in 2010.

I left realizing though that some pros may take what I may say to heart. One of the best ways to learn within any industry is outside influence, of course. But never take one pros word as gospel. There’s so many great opinions out there. Listen and learn, but hear one voice the loudest— your own. I don’t think any photographer would argue that equipment makes art. No, the artist makes the art and the equipment is simply a tool. Same goes for your business model. If your packages and products, give you time and money and mostly, enhance the joy in your life, seriously, keep doing it.

Remember too, that 99% of what come out of people’s mouth is about them, not you. Case in point: Last night, I made a jab at Shoot Sac bags. I called it a girlie bag. Here’s the truth behind my comment. I was a tom-boy as a kid. In high school, I secretly wanted to be a cheerleader but in my family girls were not allowed to be cheerleaders. My folks are pretty big feminists. Now, I find myself watching Bring It On as a guilty pleasure a lot. In college, I could have been in a sorority, might have been fun. But within journalism, you didn’t do “organized” groups. It would a bias and might affect your news coverage. My only group was the newspaper…. my mostly male newspaper.  Here’s the big confession: A few years back, I couldn’t even approach the Shoot Sac booth at WPPI. I wanted to— really, really bad. It made my chest tight, literally. For me, I could never allow myself or admit out loud that I wanted a girl, or I should say, a more fashionable bag. I’m tough, I’m serious, I’m a pro. Really, it’s just a bag! My comment was 99% about me, right! Kind of sick! It wasn’t about those gorgeous bags … oh those gorgeous bags. (I am laughing so hard at myself right now!)

So take it all with stride, stay positive, have fun with friends and trust yourself. I’ll try a little harder on this too! Be comfortable in your own photography skin.

FYI, the Blush Imagery logo is the fav.icon for our Maine wedding website and for this blog.

To make a fav.icon for your site or blog … here is a web page with easy instructions. Click here.

Also, if you a buy a flash unit on the gray market, the calculations will be in meters and not feet. The same servicing and resale issue would also apply.

I made a mistake of buying a European / gray market camera back when I was a photo student. A camera shop convinced me that it was no big deal. Hey, I’d save a couple hundred bucks. Big mistake! No one would service it or clean the camera. Now, some photographers may have had a different experience but for me … totally not worth it! Buy only USA models.

Mariah and Calvin, a 2010 Blush Imagery couple, had their Maine engagement session with me at Portland Headlight last night. The light was so gorgeous during sunset!

A grounded, smart and sweet Mariah balances out her wiseguy, Calvin perfectly. Calvin is a merchant mariner and his job keeps him out to sea for months at a time. He obviously loves his work and the water but Calvin comes back to Maine— and Mariah— always. Their long-term relationship survived the days apart and they will be married this August. “She is the rock that I come home to,” he shared with me as we waited for Mariah to finish getting ready.

Above is Calvin on his best behavior. Below is Calvin at his hmmm … on his normal behavior, I think? He caused a lot mischief but he is so darn charming with Mariah that all you can do is laugh along with him! My edit of this e-session is soaked with silliness. We were in great spirits and had a wonderful time. (Thanks to Laura for coming along to adjusting hair and to have fun too!) I can’t wait for the wedding! We closed down the park and I left so happy. Mariah and and Calvin, you gave me great shots with undeniable personality. I love it! Here’s just a handful for fun! Great job!

How do wedding websites, bridal shops, wedding planners and the entire wedding industry know what the next BIG color trend will be?  Pantone. Here’s the fun part. If you are a 2011 bride planning planning a sophisticated event and color is your thing, this is for you. Pantone is for a resource for professional creatives, yes, but any individual can go to www.pantone.com right now and order the 2011 Spring MAGIC Color Card (Ladies) for $70. Featuring 28 colors and broken out into four key themes, the MAGIC Color Cards provides you with the color palette direction you need to address the major trends for Spring 2011. You’ll get to see elaborate, unique colors and be well ahead of the pack for your wedding event ideas. Great information on colors,  mood, textures and style will get that WOW factor from your invites and wedding decor!

Below is the press release straight from Pantone for 2010 Fall colors. I think this stuff is so fun to read. Who knew people get paid to think this much about the color in our lives! Enjoy!

PANTONE ANNOUNCES FASHION COLOR REPORT FOR FALL 2010

Fantasy-inspired Color Combinations Invigorate the Fall Palette

CARLSTADT, N.J., Feb. 11, 2010 – Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Fall 2010. The report features the top 10 colors for women’s fashion for fall 2010, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots, and is available for free download on the Pantone Web site at www.pantone.com/fall2010. The release of the PANTONE Fashion Color Report coincides with the beginning of New York Fashion Week.

The top colors for women’s fashion for fall 2010 are:

PANTONE 13-0632 Endive
PANTONE 15-1050 Golden Glow
PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral
PANTONE 19-1764 Lipstick Red
PANTONE 18-3027 Purple Orchid
PANTONE 19-1526 Chocolate Truffle
PANTONE 16-5418 Lagoon
PANTONE 18-0538 Woodbine
PANTONE 14-1107 Oyster Gray
PANTONE 14-1307 Rose Dust

“Mindful of consumers’ need for practicality, plus their desire for newness, designers offer many options for women to extend and embellish their wardrobes this fall,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Building on the color palette from spring, this season’s offerings include innovative takes on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colors that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational.”

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.

About X-Rite
X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.

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

™

I trademarked my Blush Imagery logo over a year ago. Here’s the why, when, where and what you need to trademark your business logo or name. (Disclosure: This is info for small, service businesses. I am not a lawyer and you may want to consult one before you begin the process.)

WHY: I trademarked my logo because of our name. Turns out that our ‘Blush’ is used in a ton of places, including in the wedding, videography and photography industries— let alone the makeup and ummm, well, that sassier industry. I love our name enough to protect it. When I retire from Maine photography, maybe I’ll sell the established brand or a larger company.

If you’ve named your wedding photography business after yourself, like Jane Doe Photography, you may not be the only one. See info below to check. It’s fun to see what pops up. Not everyone needs a trademark. If you have a new small, local business and early in your branding process, I would not do this just yet.  You may change your logo several times before finding the one.

Just FYI, the government does not allow trademarks on very general terms like “wedding photographer.” The two words could represent or define several businesses. It is extremely difficult to trademark

WHEN: The trademark costs about $350 and lasts for 10 year once approved. Good reasons to trademark include if you sell products nationally, if your brand is popular for its ideas or thoughts, if your products or services are sold in a highly competitive market or to prepare a company for growth. You can also trademark a new, unique term. Rumor has it,  a photographer in California applied to trademark the term: Nudoir. That’s fabulous.

Unlike copyrights and patents, trademark rights can last indefinitely as long as the owner continues to use it to identify its goods or services. The term of a trademark is 10 years, with 10-year renewal terms. The United States Patent and Trademark Office requires that between the 5thh and 6th year after registration, you file to renew it or it will be canceled. Low maintenance!

WHERE: It is a fairly easy process to apply at the USPTO but the government website is a little confusing. I filed mine online all by myself. First you’ll define the actual words for trademark, in my case ‘Blush Imagery.’ Then you’ll describe your logo mark in very specific terms. You can find examples of that legal speak online. Also you will define what the business does. For me, it was simply ‘photographic services and products.’ If your business is hard to define and you’d prefer not do this yourself, most corporate lawyers provide this service.

According to the USPTO the minimum requirements are these five (5) elements: (1) the name of the applicant; (2) a name and address for correspondence; (3) a clear drawing of the mark; (4) a listing of the goods and/or services; (5) a filing fee for at least one class of goods or services. Obviously, a “complete” application must include other elements; however, merely providing these five elements at least ensures that the application will not be held “informal” and returned. The online application system walks providing and uploading this information step by step.

Links:

More basic info here.
Search your business name. (Click the basic search. This is actually fun to do… see what pops up!)
Start an application.

WHAT: File online and pay the fee, then what happens? The USPTO sent me a confirmation email. It took over 6 months to approve the mark once the USPTO office researched it, then a lawyer from the USPTO called me to clarify a few things. (She said I did a great job and asked if I wanted to be a lawyer.) I was able to ask her a ton of questions about trademarks— for free.  My logo was then published in a government document where individuals and companies can protest the mark. If no one protests, it yours and the agency sends you a certificate.

That’s it!

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!

Here’s some habits to avoid and rules to better your Maine wedding photography and keep your manipulations in check. These are really important if you are a Maine wedding photojournalist or “capturing moments naturally” — like me.

While imaging / toning your final images ask yourself one simple question with each manipulation: Why? With all of the fun, trendy Photoshop actions available, it is tempting to give each pic a little ZING. Ask WHY before you apply. Why? You need to have reason, purpose or strong art intention if you take your image away from its original state. You shot the frame a certain way for a reason. Trust that! Over manipulation is like a pair of crutches. Crutches are a helpful tool we lean on from time to time—  but your legs shouldn’t be broken all year! Manipulations like over saturation, types of colorization, glow/soft actions, punch, sepia and, yes, even black and white are used too much.  It is a quick fix. We use these to give our takes more looks, add punch to an otherwise dull, boring image or to mask a technically weak picture. Ask, but why? Make sure you have a great reason, or easy-does-it!

WHEN SHOOTING

1. Fish Eye. You have the lens, you love it. Use it once with purpose at a gorgeous church or setting. Makes for a great album piece, I know, I know. Then put it away. Fish eye lenses are a distortion of truth so lather, rinse…. but don’t repeat.

2. Tilting. (Guilty of this one myself! It’s a goal.)  When you get to a certain level of photography you learn how to avoid A | B  compositions in your work where there is a gap between two subjects. It leaves an image looking disconnected. You learn to tilt to solve this problem. It lines the subjects up in a way that they appear less distant. It also fills all your frame’s corner space. Once you learn it, though, it can be a crutch. Don’t tilt your camera too much. In reality, there is a flat horizon. Stay a straight shooter.

3. Motion blur. If you can’t focus in the dark, blurring every reception image by using the rear sync of your flash is not going to make up for it. I love the party blur. But do it once to show that the party is a rockin’ then put the trick away until another client comes a knockin’.

4. Missing moments. Don’t miss granny tearing up because the bride’s shoes are a slam dunk shot with a few tricked out actions. Ask yourself: Why do I hate granny? She’s telling me a story. But I like the Kate Spade’s better? No good.

5. Signs and children: This isn’t an actual manipulation, but it is manipulating. If you have a sign… yes, something with just words on it, in your portfolio you need to toss it— unless it tells you something about the event beyond your location. Better be Pulitzer Prize stuff or ditch it! Ask, why is this storytelling? Do not use signs to tell the story you should be telling visually in more substantial ways.

Now kids. Kids are cute at a wedding, yep. It is tempting to spend every second capturing the cuteness running about. If you’re whole set of images is just the kiddos, ask yourself, why? Why did my couple only have children at their reception? Bet you can’t answer that well. They had adults. Lots of them— that you just missed. While I judged photo contests, if your entry was deemed a ‘cute kid” then it was an automatic out. Way too easy! So easy-does-it!

6. Gimmicks. We all have that one photographic cheap trick we do really well … then beat it like a cheap drum. You’re not that one-trick-pony. Hells no. We all do something. Identify it and concur it! For each wedding this year though, try asking yourself why. Why should I shoot this picture— again?

WHEN IMAGING / TONING

1. Black and white. That’s a manipulation? Yes. We see the world in color. Flipping a pic to BW is changing the truth so use it carefully and with intention. Again ask, why? Your answer should be something like: the color in this image is detracting from the truth of the moment. Ex: Maybe a gorgeous moment between a bride and her father took place in a children’s room of a church. The window was vivid green, red, yellow. Yuck. Beautiful moment, very distracting surrounding that doesn’t tell extra necessarily about the day. I’ll take the color away to spotlight the truth of the photo. Good answer to why. I love BW, of course, but don’t take the color away unless the color is a distraction or adds nothing to your story. You may be selling your color work short.

It’s also easy to flip a technically poor image to BW. Just cause it’s BW, doesn’t mean it’s art. In this case, ask yourself why is it worth saving?

2. Sepia. For those who don’t remember printing sepia, it is an chemical process applied to a final print. (The chemicals stink like rotten eggs). You can’t shoot in sepia. Some clients find it as old timey— my clients say it reminds them of the western dress up pics their family once took at the state fair. Yee haw. Use it super sparingly on a client by client basis. If your answer to why apply sepia is I need more looks of the one good photo I got of my couple — then that’s not good. Work on that shooting and posing more and your clients will be happier.

3. Poppy color. I like color. Color is great. Color that is super unreal— not so much. If your portfolio is looking like your HD TV on crack,it’s time to taker easy again. Back in the day, Kodak sold a natural, great-for-skin-tones line of film called VPS. (Ironically, Kubota has an action called VPS IT!) To compete, Fuji sold a super color intense film in areas like sports and news instead. When I think of color actions, I actually say to myself… see it as Kodak, not like Fuji— especially in my portrait work. Lean toward natural, suptual color instead of the trend of high key pop.

4. Glow. Trends in actions come and go. Keeping your work pure and clean will give it a lasting sophistication. Glowey images may be back in style today but in the 90′s, glow was considered sad, sad, sad— something only traditional 80′s photographers used. Ask why before you apply! What are you doing today that will look out of date tomorrow?

5. Yellow, tea stain, whatever. There’s a yellowing action out there. Take care with it! People aren’t yellow. They are not tea stained either. Ask yourself: why am I making all my key images and subjects look like Oompa Loompas? Use it once in an edit if you need to but then stop. If your key blog images are all stylized in one fashion, time to ask why before you apply!

Like I said, I set goals for myself at the beginning of every wedding season to stay aware of where I am as a shooter and where I want to be. My goal this year is to reduce my tilting, ease up on the glow stick (that’s my cute name for using actions) and get more natural light back into my work.

Photographers, what are your shooting or imaging/toning goals this 2010 wedding season?

Just in time for mother’s day— a great maternity photos with Suzi and Gavin. The new parents aren’t telling their chosen boy or girl names to anyone— except for that slip by Gavin to the neighbors. But that was early in the game, no one else. The two giggled while telling me their story in the photo studio this weekend. Professionals by day and my smart aleck pals by night, Gavin and Suzi are getting ready for their first child with grace and a ton of humor. The most challenging task to prep for baby— their home. Their cute fixer-upper house started as a labor of love. Now it’s a race to finish up before labor— Suzi’s labor. I included our parents-to-be’s hands in a pic below… check out Gavin’s rough hands forming that heart. That’s the hands of someone doing a ton of remodeling! I love it! Great thing to remember later. These were some of my favorite pics. Enjoy!

As a couple they made great subjects. Suzi exudes quiet, strong self assurance. I love Suzi’s look. Her face & style is just so striking. I love Suzi. She is so my kind of gal. We both think pregnancy isn’t always so warm and fuzzy. It comes with some aches! Gavin is the most lovable, boyish, fun, huggable Kiwi! (Kiwi is the nickname used internationally for people from New Zealand^[1], as well as being a relatively common self-reference. The name derives from the kiwi, a flightless bird which is native to, and the national symbol of, New Zealand. It is not considered offensive.) Together they are a very cool couple.

Gavin and Suzi, , my good friends, you will make fabulous parents. My best to you both on your newest adventure! You look marvelous!

I am proud to be your Auntie B kiddo! I look forward to watching you grow up with my Maggie and will happily photograph you any day!

Love this image to the left. The little teeth. Just kills me! And the rolls. I’m dying!

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!

Click here or on the image to take a visit:

maine photographer fan page

CNN, FedEx, Whole Foods, Pizza Hut, Bed Bath and Beyond, Enterprise Car Rental, Exxon Mobil, IBM, Disney, Microsoft, Hyatt, Kraft, General Electric, Apple, Southwest Airlines, Chevron

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.

Maine camera store

People ask me all the time about the fabulous Nikon pro camera gear I have in my bag at weddings. My family and friends ask my advice on amateur and simple point and shoot cameras too. To quench their thirst for camera knowledge, I put together a little Nikon store. Check it out.

Although I shot Cannon gear throughout my newspaper days and really enjoyed it, I honestly prefer the Nikon line overall. Our studio is completely Nikon now. In my little Maine camera shop, I’ve posted the pro, amateur and the basic Nikon point and shoots for every level of photographer. I included the main Nikon lenses I use as well. There’s a few accessories that I love, love, love to have on jobs too. To boot, I added the Apple products that we can not live without in a section not-so-creatively called iLove. Our studio is completely Mac crazy— as you can imagine.

There’s a ton of photography and business books on the shop as well. You can never learn too much. Enjoy!

Digital cameras have made photography accessible to the masses and to many amateur photographers looking for a fast buck with wedding photography.  When shopping for a  professional you need to be a savvy consumer to find the real pros. Photography is a subjective art . It is not always  easy to tell true professionals. Below, I give you insider tips into the wedding photography industry so you can tell the difference — just by looking at their online portfolios. Some portfolios may look similar to you until you know a few tricks.

If you visit popular wedding sites like Wedding Wire or The Knot, you will find a typical list questions to ask your photography vendors. Use this list when actually meeting or interviewing your top photographer choices. Professional photographers know these answers by heart, they’ll expect you to ask them and be ready with that info in their presentations already.

First though, how do you pick from the hundreds of photographers online to interview?

Here’s a few insider tips to help you analyze online photography portfolios and find your best Maine wedding photographer:

1. Websites. In the wedding photography industry, it is affordable (as low as $100) and easy to get a nice looking website. Most photographers have something better on the web than say your dentist. In our industry, we are taught to market well. A snazzy website can easily distract from the photographer’s actual wedding images. Don’t let it. A photographer’s photo work should inspire you. If you like the design and style of their website too, that is icing on a cake.

2. Images. The photographer’s portfolio images may flip, spin, float or slide on his / her website. It doesn’t matter. Pictures should be technically fantastic and provoke emotion.  The first 15 pictures online may look amazing. How do images 15  – 40 look? Images 40-60? Still in love or did it go down hill after a few? You should also see over 20 modern and different brides within the portfolio. That tells you the photographer does a lot of great wedding work. If you see just one bride in the portfolio, that probably means it was a family member or friend. You found an amateur and you should probably should move on.

3. Bio Info. Photographer’s bio information is very telling. Often times, a photographer’s biography starts with how he / she has just loved taking photos since the age of 12. Architects probably loved to draw since they were 5 but they still need a degree and training. The same applies for photography. Make sure your photographer has a degree, trained as an assistant, worked at another studio, or took some form of workshop / professional training. Professional photography organizations are part of continuing education too in our industry. If your photographer is active in both wedding and photography organizations, that’s a great thing! Last, make sure their work is captured with only with professional cameras. He / she should have at least 3 pro cameras in case of emergency.

4. Blog. Does the photographer you are surfing have a blog that is current and active? This is a great indicator of a pro. Pros love to share their experiences and great images with their wedding couples. It will show you how consistent their photo work is outside of their portfolio. You will see their most current images too.

5. Social Media. Check out a photographer’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Is the mood positive and professional? Be lenient. Keep in mind, people say funny things on social media. I Tweeted once that “I needed more cowbell!” — just an inside joke from a Saturday Night Live sketch. That’s fine and fun. No problem. Here’s my BIG concern. I have actually seen photographers complain about their clients, announce that they ruined a couple’s images and even went to a wedding job intoxicated. Wow, busted! That is not a professional.

6. Timely responses. Good business is good business. Make sure a photographer responds to your information requests in a timely manner before you hand them a retainer fee. Information packets should be organized and their should be contract clear. Emails and calls should be returned. Simple.

7. Pricing. A photographer may not allow you to see their price list until you request it. Don’t be shy. Fill out that contact form to receive their price list. It doesn’t mean you’re in for a big sales pitch. In fact, you’ll probably just get a price list emailed back to you instantly. Your interest is typically logged and checked back on — most likely just once and via email.

If the photographer you are contacting happens to be booked, he / she may suggest another similar-style photographer or an associate photographer of their studio that you didn’t know yet. All good things.

When you receive the price lists back from the photographers who are available for your wedding date, narrow the list down to the photographers who fit your budget. It is very true: you get what you pay for in wedding photography. Pro photographers who hire for $4000 + are typically pretty darn fabulous, educated, involved, active— the complete package. They have to be in order to fill their wedding season at that high of a rate. (Full disclosure: I charge this rate, but my very well qualified associates are in a mid price range.)

The middle-of-the-road-photographers become a little more confusing. Let’s say you like five photographers who are all charging a basic fee of say $2,000 – $3000 per a full 8 hour wedding. Review them each again. Follow the guidelines I set in steps 1 – 6. The hard facts will lead you to the best professional. You’ll find wonderful professional choices you can trust. More importantly, you will avoid the johnny-come-lately with no experience or training but still charges $3000! The nerve!

Finally, interview your top 2-3 on the phone or in person. Either way is fine. Consider their personality, communication skills and their package offerings like albums, negatives and services. You’re now on your way to securing a fine Maine photography professional for your wedding day!

For the family and friends who couldn’t travel or make the wedding, it is just a wonderful way to show them your day.

Here’s a few simple thank you postcards designed for 2009 Maine weddings of brides Caitlin & Patrick and Jimmy & Rachel.

Sean and Shawna flew in from Washington D.C. for just one weekend for their engagement session. The fun-loving professionals wanted not-so-posed images that were relaxed, comfortable, and casual. No problem!

Shawna and I talked several times before our session together about what to wear and where to photograph. Our hearts were set on outdoor Boston locations. No— urrr problem! It poured Friday. I don’t mean drizzled. I mean poured. Luckily, as a Maine wedding photographer, I have lots of experience in creatively working in the rain. I received a bunch of troubled facebook comments from fellow pro photographers who thought I was crazy to attempt a session in that much rain. But when you specialize in New England destination weddings and couples come from far away … the show must go on!

To add to the challenge, Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace was still packed with the typical tourist groups, school field trip kids and shoppers. People packed into the malls and under the porches to avoid the weather. With so many people about, we squeezed from location to location using the space we had— capturing the hustle of the area and the romance of the rain.

I think we did GREAT! Sean and Shawna were THE best! Their easy-going nature made for fantastic images despite the challenge of the rain. Their happiness really shows. I had a wonderful time chatting, walking and swapping umbrellas with them in Boston. I am really excited now to hang out with them on their wedding day! You guys were such good sports, thanks!

There’s so much to show, here are a few favs of mine! Happy rain days!

What’s multimedia exactly? Multimedia wedding films combine videography, sound recorded from your wedding event and our Blush Imagery still pictures for a totally unique storytelling experience.

Documentary film maker Morgan Kirkham is now available to Blush Imagery clients! We are so honored to have his services available to us this year.

Morgan’s rates start at $2000 and can now be added to any Blush Imagery package. Contact us for more info or to make your reservation. Take a look at this outstanding multimedia sample from Morgan!

Megan and Josh from Morgan Kirkham on Vimeo. Videography and production by Morgan Kirham of emilie inc.; photography by emilie inc.

There are significant discounts for reserving spots early so if you are a New England wedding photographer and want to see him when he comes soon to Hartford, Connecticut check his team and workshops out at: http://www.baumanphotographers.com/

!Zing swung by the studio to upgrade their look. This exceptional choral group is more jazz oriented and challenging than the other choices available in Portland, Maine. We all had a magical time. At their late night session, the wine was flowing and the voices roaring. Somehow, in between, we worked together to get this sweet gem of a photo. Love it! Congrats guys on being the largest group we’ve ever photographed in the studio, to date. Group shots of this size are monumentally challenging for all the reason you can image– space, size, blinks– but they worked hard to make this a hit! Thanks to Gerard, my good friend and owner of Porte 4, for introducing me to all of your new friends! Hope it gives the new website some sparkle. Enjoy!

It sounds a bit kookey… but I actually miss these guys. I just loved them. After the session, James hugged me like I was his very own sister. I love people like that! Sweetest people ever. Ever. Alas, James is off doing his job for the country (thank you Diesel!) and Crystal is back at home in D.C. working too.

Here’s hoping James and Crystal are surviving apart and hoping that they will be back together soon. Love to you guys!

• RetailMeNot.com
• CouponMountain.com
• JumpOnDeals.com

Note: Jessica’s parents received our newest 10 x 10 parent albums in black leather. Her parents picked their own images and Blush designed a custom for each of them.

It’s funny,  Lori and Whit also happen to be very dear friends of mine so our session was just hysterical! This tends to happen when you know your subjects well… no one can stop laughing. But this quiet image really spoke to me about their mother – daughter bond. Thanks Lori and Whitney! Love you! Can’t wait for you to see the rest! Super job!

If you are interested in gifting a portrait for Mother’s Day, I’d love to do more! Just send me an email.

Dear Beth and Brian,

So it has been a little over six months since our wedding which is a little hard to believe but we have been all over the place since the end of August.  I felt like I should send you all a little note of thanks.  Brian worked incredibly hard to be everywhere for us on our wedding day including running through the rain back and forth to make sure he got all the shots of Hillary getting ready and honoring a few of my requests.  There were a few pictures he took of me getting dressed with my dad and grandfather that I really wanted.  Grandpa wasn’t there too long but Brian caught some great moments that came out great.  There were also a few moments just before the ceremony that he caught with my grandmother and I.  Four weeks ago my grandfather passed at the home they lived in for 60 years.  This past Saturday 4 weeks to the day my grandmother passed in the same house.  I guess after 63 years together they weren’t willing to be apart for too long.  Our wedding day was the last time I saw them and those pictures are the last I have with some truly inspirational, funny and dedicated grandparents.  Thanks for taking the time to capture those moments.  I will keep those pictures with me for the rest of my life and I am truly appreciative of all your hard work.  Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Kevin Steenberge

Thanks Jessie and Danny ( fabulous couple I just love) for entering your 2009 Maine wedding with Blush Imagery on the Knot’s 3rd Annual My Real Wedding competition! Read and vote for their incredible hurricane wedding story here!

What they said in their entry:

“We weren’t about to let the weather put a damper on our celebration! Everyone ate, drank and danced the night away… truly amazing and unforgettable. Big thanks to our family and friends as well as our amazing vendors: Bob Charest Band, Blush Imagery, Fleurant, Lilley’s Limo and the Nonantum.”

Looks great and I am so so so excited to send you all the head shot requests! E N J O Y! Love it!

Networking Event Tonight:
Brian’s BNI group is hosting a business after hours at Sebago Brewing Company 5:30 pm in So. Po. All are welcome. Stop by and say hello to us!

Back from a week-long tour of Boston for a terrific photo workshop, a few business meetings and a bridal shower / gal-pal retreat at The Taj Boston with my two life-long bff’s Katie and Krisanne … I am catching up on emails, associate applications and client requests … so bare with me! I am so very happy to be back in the studio for you.

Inspire Boston! OMG! I tacked this workshop onto my trip very last minute and man …. I am so glad! I’ve attended a lot of workshops in my career and this one was the best! I took classes from Anne Ruthmann, Mark Higgins, Melissa Tirado and Lara and Kate with Studio Nouveau. All awesome! Classes were small, personable and packed with great info— even for seasoned photographers.

To my workshop mentor Eric Laurits … the loveliest soul. Thank you for critiquing my work. In just an hour, you changed everything for me—  for the better. EVERYTHING! I am forever grateful!

Thanks to Paul at Lens Pro To Go for the kindness and an amazing space he so generously shared. To Jim Collins CEO of Pictage for the good company, great conversations and endless drinks at the bar! So glad to know you. To the Colonial Inn for hosting the group and the great little old-man-jug-band on our last night!

So much credit and thanks to Matt and Enna Grazier a wonderful couple and creators of Inspire Boston. I had an amazing experience and will surely return in 2011! Fantastic job.

Check out this fusion video by Richard Esposito and his team. Great time for all!

TO APPLY: Please include an email letter explaining your interest with a link to an online portfolio of wedding work (will also look at news or editorial photos), and a PDF resume. Your email subject line should read: RE: 2011 Blush Imagery Work. Please follow these instructions exactly.

DEADLINE: 03-01-2010

POSITIONS NOW OPEN:

Blush Imagery – Professional Photographer (two needed)

This contract position is intended for a pro photographer who will be part of the Blush Imagery team. This person will meet clients (as needed) and photograph weddings solo but no imaging, processing or final product work is required. Blush Imagery will handle all organizational and back end work. It might be a great opportunity for a professional photographer looking for more seasonal work, a full-time mom pro photographer or a pro photographer who enjoys another full time career as well.

Blush Imagery – Associate Photographer (one needed)

This contract position is intended to be a younger pro photographer looking to be part of the learning process. The right candidate will receive full critiques to better their work and one-on-one training with Beth Fitzgerald— lead photographer at Blush. This team member will photograph weddings but also be a part of their own editing, processing and final product work for their education. Great opportunity for a mature student or a highly motivated amateur photographer.

Requested for either positions:

• Experienced in wedding photography. (Our style calls for news, editorial or event experience as well.)

• Weekend availability with reliable transportation and insurance. Our basic coverage area is Boston to Bar Harbor.

• Nikon or Cannon professional equipment (We shoot Nikon.)

• And — of course — may only photograph weddings exclusively with Blush Imagery.

You can read more and book the space : maine studio b.

We kept the studio room perfectly neutral for our own various clients. And as a courtesy, we don’t hang portraits (only wedding work) in our space … a great thing for our visiting portrait photographers.

The best part, for me personally, is we get to host exceptional photographers from the area. We’ve already had a handful of professionals here for video and photography work.  It has gone fabulously! Really, a lot of fun. When you book, your maine studio b host will prep the space for your requested needs, stay out of your way, but of course, assist with equipment and guest needs while you are here.

So when you need a space, come and knock on our door! We’ll keep you posted as we start photography education in Spring 2010 too!

June 19
July 31
October 2, 9, 23, 30

I have a good number of Friday, Sunday as well.  I take a limited number of wedding clients a year and have almost hit that magic number for 2010. Please, call (207-899-5585) or email me to share your wedding event details. You may also connect with us at our website contact page at: www.blushimagery.com

Happy weekend, Beth :)

Custom albums have been a huge part of my wedding packages for over 8 years. The page deigns have gone from simple, to super collage-y  back to minimalistic. My printer has changed. My binder has remained the same: Leather Craftsmen. Simply the best.

I believe having a gorgeous album as a finished product in your wedding collection is the key to happily ever after for a bride. You should feel like you came away with something tangible to have and hold that day forever. Your story in your hands. Here’s what Laura just said about getting her 2009 Blush Imagery album:

“I had to write you yet again another Thank You….the album is perfectly amazing!!!! We are in love with it, it is beautiful, and more than I ever expected. You are truly talented beyond words and we will never be able to thank you enough for capturing our moments so well, Thanks Beth!” — Laura, 2009 Maine bride.

Funny enough, the revision process I do in creating these books requires the couple’s input. I create the initial book to tell an artistic story but then they make changes that make the book personal. And man, what my couple come up with! They make their books so so so much better. It is a collaboration and it’s an art in itself, beyond the initial day of wedding photography.

Here are a selection of album pages (* straight from the mockups… orange guide lines don’t show on actual album pages!) from 2009 to enjoy. All 2009 weddings are represented in some way. Click here or below on the image. You will need Flash for this to be able to click and view pages. (Sorry mobi readers!)

Meet Ayla. We hired Ayla back in September as a general studio assistant and office help. We got so much more than that! She is a perfect fit for us. By us, I mean Brian, my husband who runs Fitzgerald Photo and myself here at Blush. We share her help and support… but technically Brian is her boss… he’s just a better manager than I. Now, we are the three best friends that anyone could have!

I’ll tell your her real bio next— but this is the good stuff. The gal knows every Office quote imaginable and has the coolest personality…. she even gave us matching Dunder Mifflin “World’s Greatest Boss” cups for Christmas. She’s the perfect young pro for an office like ours that has a big personality, dualing photo companies run by a geeky photo couple, a demanding schedule —and a studio that sneaks in moments of behaving badly.

So far, she’s worked her tail off correcting wedding albums, shooting head shots, organizing Brian’s archive (ridiculous task), driving our truck while Brian hangs out the window to shoot bigger trucks for clients (I was not happy about that one, but then again I’ve hung out of helicopters for clients so who can complain?), held lights for baby, boudoir, engagement sessions … and … oh man, the bridal show…well, it goes on and on. She changes gears as fast as we throw things at her. We couldn’t be happier with Ayla and now can’t live without her strong work ethic. The fun she has brings to our shop is so cool! We look forward to helping her grow into her own photographer too. For Christmas, we bought her the domain www.aylakelley.com — it won’t be long before she is a force on her own.

Ayla is 23 years old and recently moved to Portland after separating from the United States Coast Guard. While serving, she was a Public Affairs Specialist and was located in Baltimore, MD, and Atlantic City, NJ. Ayla is currently a reserve member of the Coast Guard were she continues to do media relations and photojournalism. She is also a student at the University of Southern Maine where she is majoring in English and minoring in Photography.

She’s has taken photos of many interesting people and events including President George W. Bush, former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Hurricane Ike and the Presidential Inauguration. Ayla has been working with us to expand her photography experience to include studio, commercial and wedding.

She was born in Texas but has also lived in Florida, New York (briefly), Arizona and Ohio before joining the service. Ayla is married to Sean, a Portland native, whom she meet in Atlantic City while they were both serving in the Coast Guard.

We’re typically located on the first floor in the center isle! Stop by, say hello and yes— you can book your date on the spot! Details below.

Beth :)