International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers Competition

The ISPWP is a new organization for wedding photographers that recently announced the winners of their Winter 2008 Wedding Photography Contest. I had fun reviewing the results, as I think you might. The organization solicits entries internationally and domestically, and I was introduced to many new names from all over. Always great to see new talent! Here are some of my favorites; credits are on their posting.

One more Mini Re-Cap

As I am stilly tallying the numbers, I can tell you that I am very impressed with the generousity of our friends, family, and Let's Eat Cake! supporters!



I know we had a lofty goal! And times were different 2 years ago when I set that goal, so although we'll come close, I know that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will appreciate every thing that we are doing!



I wanted to thank these folks for blogging about our event, and posting pictures! We should have ours back soon, I want to make the official announcements!!! (so check back Monday)



Steamy Kitchen - for writing about the event so quickly, for loving the cakes, for being a fantastical judge, and loving food as much as me!!! You are the best Jaden!!!





Blissful Bride - Amanda, you are so sweet! Thank you for your friendship, for blogging about Let's Eat Cake!, for volunteering at the event, and just being all around amazing! I am blessed to have you as my friend!



Unique Designs - Where to start! You guys designed the most amazing bakers invitations, the posters were amazing!!! People stopped me on the street to tell me how swank they are! And for helping make this event so classy and fun! (and for helping my sister!) You are true friends! Thank you!!!



Tampa Tribune - Yup! Tampa Tribune! Jaden Hair (see above) wrote an awesome article for the paper, and I love you for it!!!



K-Gallery - Thanks Matt and Krystal for coming to Let's Eat Cake! and for loving my sister's cake unbiasedly!!! You both Rock!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!



Powers Photography- I know Stewart and Susan are waiting for me to blog the pictures, before they do- but they deserve a huge THANK YOU, for always being there for me, and for Let's Eat Cake! for bringing my sister to tears (in a good way), for photographing our entrie event, and for being my friend! Thank you!

One more Mini Re-Cap

As I am stilly tallying the numbers, I can tell you that I am very impressed with the generousity of our friends, family, and Let's Eat Cake! supporters!



I know we had a lofty goal! And times were different 2 years ago when I set that goal, so although we'll come close, I know that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will appreciate every thing that we are doing!



I wanted to thank these folks for blogging about our event, and posting pictures! We should have ours back soon, I want to make the official announcements!!! (so check back Monday)



Steamy Kitchen - for writing about the event so quickly, for loving the cakes, for being a fantastical judge, and loving food as much as me!!! You are the best Jaden!!!





Blissful Bride - Amanda, you are so sweet! Thank you for your friendship, for blogging about Let's Eat Cake!, for volunteering at the event, and just being all around amazing! I am blessed to have you as my friend!



Unique Designs - Where to start! You guys designed the most amazing bakers invitations, the posters were amazing!!! People stopped me on the street to tell me how swank they are! And for helping make this event so classy and fun! (and for helping my sister!) You are true friends! Thank you!!!



Tampa Tribune - Yup! Tampa Tribune! Jaden Hair (see above) wrote an awesome article for the paper, and I love you for it!!!



K-Gallery - Thanks Matt and Krystal for coming to Let's Eat Cake! and for loving my sister's cake unbiasedly!!! You both Rock!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!



Powers Photography- I know Stewart and Susan are waiting for me to blog the pictures, before they do- but they deserve a huge THANK YOU, for always being there for me, and for Let's Eat Cake! for bringing my sister to tears (in a good way), for photographing our entrie event, and for being my friend! Thank you!

Funny Flower Girl Gift

We love finding a good wedding-related gift for a flower girl; they are few and far between. This new book is perfect for the flower girl who can't wait to wear her dress. For more information, please visit the publisher, Tundra Books. The author, Georgia Graham, loosely based the story on her experience as a flower girl. Some things never change!

Budget Saver!

I know you hear over and over again, that the biggest way to safe money is to cut your guest list, but what if that just isn't an option for you?



Some people just can't cut the number of people. And I understand that!



But what if you cut the food - I mean, don't invite people and expect them to starve. But what are your options?



Southern Style:



What about a Tea and Cake Reception, or Champagne and Cake? If you plan your ceremony after 8PM, and note on your invitation, "Dessert Reception to Follow" you'd be in store for this:

and this: {Dressed up the Champage with different kinds of fruit}

cakes by Posh Pastry {for 2 Year Old birthday party}

Budget Saver!

I know you hear over and over again, that the biggest way to safe money is to cut your guest list, but what if that just isn't an option for you?



Some people just can't cut the number of people. And I understand that!



But what if you cut the food - I mean, don't invite people and expect them to starve. But what are your options?



Southern Style:



What about a Tea and Cake Reception, or Champagne and Cake? If you plan your ceremony after 8PM, and note on your invitation, "Dessert Reception to Follow" you'd be in store for this:

and this: {Dressed up the Champage with different kinds of fruit}

cakes by Posh Pastry {for 2 Year Old birthday party}

Chanteuse of the Lettered Word

Jane Labanz of the Delicate Pen brings lettering to an art form. Her work is instantly recognizable for its delicate lines and signature floral embellishments. Often emulated, Jane has made her mark with her distinctive style. She'll be at the Wedding Library this Sunday, March 1, from 12-3pm. She'll be available for consultations and will discuss invitation etiquette from 2-2:30pm. Answers to pressing etiquette questions and advice on topics such as how to submit a proper address list to your calligrapher, how to choose a calligrapher and why use hand lettering will be "addressed".

Please RSVP to Linda@theweddinglibrary.com or call us for a personal appointment with Jane. 212.327.0100

Matt and Tracey - Beautiful, inside and out!

Matt and Tracey are amazing!!!! I knew after we had the first meeting with them that they were extraordinary! As we've gotten to know each other more and more - I love them more and more.... then... well - these pictures are just incredible!

They are so beautiful {the clients and the pictures!} Pure by Lindsey took the pictures, and I love them!!!

On a side note, Matt and Tracey were huge supporters of Let's Eat Cake! and I thank them so much for that!!! I heart you guys!!!

Matt and Tracey - Beautiful, inside and out!

Matt and Tracey are amazing!!!! I knew after we had the first meeting with them that they were extraordinary! As we've gotten to know each other more and more - I love them more and more.... then... well - these pictures are just incredible!

They are so beautiful {the clients and the pictures!} Pure by Lindsey took the pictures, and I love them!!!

On a side note, Matt and Tracey were huge supporters of Let's Eat Cake! and I thank them so much for that!!! I heart you guys!!!

Museum of the City of New York

The Wedding Library is pleased to announce that we have formed a partnership with the Museum of the City of New York as their exclusive booking agent and event planner for weddings. We are delighted to help make one of the most elegant landmark buildings on Fifth Avenue more accessible to brides. Give us a call for a private tour and more information on the available party spaces. Claudia Hanlin: 212.327.0100

As guests enter the Museum from Fifth Avenue, they step into the newly restored marble rotunda, the highlight of the grand Georgian-style building. The front terrace can be tented for ceremonies, cocktails or dinner.View of the partially covered back terrace.The front terrace without a tent -- overlooking Fifth Avenue and across from Central Park's Conservatory Gardens.

A magical interior space. For weddings with seated dinner and dancing, up to 250 guests.The Marble Rotunda, available for dinner, cocktails or an intimate ceremony.

Dining in the Rotunda.

Dining in the galleries.
Photos courtesy of Julie Skarratt and Michael DiVito.

Wedding Photography Unveiled

I just received a copy of this new book by Photo District News Editor Jacqueline Tobin. It features 20 top wedding photographers and is equally insightful for brides and photographers. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon and will be released March 17. Photographers Liz Banfield, Philippe Cheng, Elizabeth Messina and Meg Smith number amongst my favorites and are all included.

Wedding Planners Gone Wild!!!

When you are in a small town like Gainesville - the competition is fierce! Like two wild kittens!!! I mean, two wild pug puppies!



No seriously. there is always going to be competition, whether it is photographers who interview with the same bride - she is going to pick the one that she feels best suits her needs and wants. The same with any vendor... there is usually only one that has the honor of working with a bride.



Sometimes you've gotta duke it out!

Angela and I, are true friends, and both have tremendous respect for one another. There is something to be said for having a great relationship with someone that you know can value your opinion, and be able to understand the stressors that life will throw at you.

{and the fact that she admits fully - that I won this fight... means even more} ;)

Wedding Planners Gone Wild!!!

When you are in a small town like Gainesville - the competition is fierce! Like two wild kittens!!! I mean, two wild pug puppies!



No seriously. there is always going to be competition, whether it is photographers who interview with the same bride - she is going to pick the one that she feels best suits her needs and wants. The same with any vendor... there is usually only one that has the honor of working with a bride.



Sometimes you've gotta duke it out!

Angela and I, are true friends, and both have tremendous respect for one another. There is something to be said for having a great relationship with someone that you know can value your opinion, and be able to understand the stressors that life will throw at you.

{and the fact that she admits fully - that I won this fight... means even more} ;)

Wedding Gowns Have Their Oscar Moment?

At the Oscars, Penelope Cruz couldn't have looked lovelier in her vintage (60 year-old) Pierre Balmain gown. But, pardon the suggestion, doesn't it look suspiciously like a wedding gown?

I suspect a few bridal gown designers will be incorporating the lavish detailing of this gown into next seasons designs. Red carpet or white aisle runner, she looked great.

Le Crem, FUN!!!

So, we recently had a vendor mixer - ya know, when all of the local vendors get together and network, chat it up... and just have fun.



Well, K-Gallery offered up a Photo Booth... how could I say no!!!



Here are some of the Photobooth Pictures!!! {and my commentary}

{Gosia and Ali - fantastical Wedding Musicians!!!}

{My Kristin and Krystal... love them!!!}

{Left: Kathy and Erica - KB Kakes}  

{TJ and Danielle - Jazz Hands - Awesome!!}

 Danny, Gio, Kenya, Kristy, Me... being Goofs!!

{The Ladies of Celebrations - sooo HAWT!}

{Barb the Harpist - Love her!!!}

{Matt and I.... getting it onnnnn - shhhhhh, don't tell our spouses!}

{Kristin and I.... laughing!!!}

{Get a ROOM!}

Next post... Wedding Planners gone WILD!