Make the Most of Your Bridal Show Experience

You registered for a bridal show, now what?  Planning on just stopping in to grab some quick information and a bite of cake?  You might want to reconsider.  Check out some of our helpful hints for making the most of your bridal show experience, and make sure to stop by the Schmidt Studio & Gallery booth at the Bridal Bliss Classic bridal show Sunday, August 26 at the Hilton Lexington Downtown 11:00 am-4:00 pm!

Do some research!  Visit the bridal show’s website beforehand to check out the vendors that will be in attendance.  Visit the vendors’ websites and social media pages to learn more about them before you meet them.  Don’t forget to jot down your questions!  This can help you have a better conversation with them at the show.

Be prepared!  Do you have a strict budget or specific tastes?  Talk with your fiancée beforehand about what services you need, what your budget is for each, if you can be flexible on any budget, and if there are any additional services you may want to explore!

Prepare your contact information!  Type your name and preferred contact information on sticky labels to take with you.  There will be many opportunities to request information and to sign up for drawings.  Being prepared with your contact information will save you time and hand cramps from having to write your phone number and email address a couple hundred times!  It will also make it much easier for the vendors to read your information.

Don’t go empty-handed!  In addition to your contact information labels, don’t forget a couple other items to make your bridal show experience more enjoyable. 

• Take your planner, agenda, smartphone calendar- whatever keeps your busy bridal life organized!  You will have the opportunity to schedule meetings with vendors, so save the hassle of rescheduling and take your schedule with you!
• Don’t forget a bag, not just your oversized purse, but a real bag.  Plastic bag, reusable grocery bag, designer tote bag- whatever you prefer!  You will collect lots of print materials and goody giveaways from vendors that you will want to keep.  Avoid losing or juggling items throughout the day by being prepared.
• Feel free to take color samples or an item of inspiration to help convey the intended theme or feel of your wedding.

Round up your besties!  Tasting cakes and catering samples and posing in the photo booths can be lots of fun for your posse, but these gals can put their bridesmaid skills to work by helping you carry and organize all the brochures, business cards, and flyers you will collect.  They can also keep track of your contact information labels, planner, camera, pens, purse, etc. to make sure you have the best bridal show experience.

Don’t forget the groom!  It’s his special day, too, and your groom may want to check out all the vendors with you.  Many vendors offer bridal shows specials, so he may want to be included in any big decisions.

Try everything!  Don’t just sample the delicious food and tasty cakes- Keep an open mind about all the vendors.  When will you have another opportunity to speak with such a variety of venues, caterers, photographers, and florists?  There also may be vendors there that you might not have considered.

Take note!  Take note of the vendors you speak with, either in a notebook or on their brochures.  What do you like about the vendor?  What specials are they offering?  What makes them stand out?  You can also take notes of food dishes, drinks, cake flavors, etc. that you like.

Save the stilettos!  Save those cute 4-inch heels for your bridal shower!  You will have lots of walking to do at the bridal show, so wear some comfortable shoes.

Say cheese!  Make sure to bring a camera.  You will want to snap all the wedding inspiration that surrounds you at the show!  Bouquets, centerpieces, linens, and gowns… oh my!

Don’t rush yourself!  Make a day of it!  There will be so many vendors to talk with, and you don’t want to miss anything!  Make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy the event and casually peruse each booth!

Have fun!  Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the bridal show is not one of those times.  Make memories with your besties, parents, and your groom by being relaxed and soaking in the bridal treatment!

TO DO: Tuesday Wedding Aisle Decor

So many times Brides spend a ton of time (and lots of MONEY) on decorating their receptions.  We then get to the ceremony (arguably what the entire day was created for!) and there is little to no decor.  A well place flower arrangement at the front, some programs at the back and call it a day.  You know, I think your ceremony should be just as magical as the rest of the day… it is, after all, what the ENTIRE wedding is about!  MARRYING the man of your dreams!

I understand not wanting to spend an arm and a leg on decorating your aisle (wherever that might be) but a bit of well placed decor and a few pops of color can go a long way!

Take Ryan and Rachel, for example.  They were married at Talon Winery, here in Lexington.  Talon is a BEAUTIFUL location, yes, but they chose to use a few pops of color in the form of dangling flowers under the gazeebo and a few tucked into the shrubs.  They also hung old glass jars with bunches of daisies from shepherd’s hooks and lined the aisle with them along with piles of yellow and white flower petals.

But their wedding was outside… Mine is in a church!  No problem… you CAN be creative with pews!  I promise  One of our brides from last year, Kelsey, decorated her aisle with bunches of Kentucky wildflowers in baskets that hung from the pews.  It was soft, subtle, homey and made a big impact!

Or you can do something that requires NO florals at ALL.  Here are some simple ideas I found on Pinterest:

From : atwestend.com but could easily be hand crafted for very little money!

Or instead of expensive chair scarves and covers, order large rolls of ribbon in a single or multi colors and use them to spruce up the chairs at the ceremony / reception.

Idea from: United with love

Or maybe a cute vintage sign denoting the spots for the parents to sit at the wedding like these we found on Etsy:

However you choose to do it, DO put some thought into the aisle you will walk down toward your new life.  It will be the last things you see as a “single” lady and those moments should be just as beautiful as the rest of the wedding day!

Cool Spaces and Places: Events with Design Rustic handmade Wood tables

We really enjoyed getting to see some GREAT ideas at the Art of Entertaining this year. One of our FAVORITES was this rustic barn table from Events with Design.

Now… the coolest thing about this table is that Shannon (one of the owners) hand made these tables!!! Is he fabulous or WHAT?!

The tables are 5 ft squares and will seat 8 people.  They rent for $35 per table plus $100 setup fee.  BUT… you don’t even need LINENS!  These tables are beautifully constructed and would definitely make a statement at your reception or event.

For more information on renting these tables (or any of their other fabulous rental choices), call Carrie at 859.260.1456.

IMAGE COURTESY: Honey Heart Photography, Lexington

We also love that Events with Design has VINTAGE China available for rent.  Vintage is HOT for weddings this year.  I LOVE this particular pattern:

For more information on the other items they offer for rental visit their website: http://www.eventswithdesign.com/rentals/

How to be a good bridesmaid

After many years of photographing weddings we have seen some good bridesmaids but a WHOLE bunch of not-so-good ones too. So… we thought we would share a few tips that we have learned along the way on HOW to be a good, nay, GREAT bridesmaid!

BEFORE THE WEDDING:
1) DO offer to buy your dress, shoes, accessories, etc. If you have accepted the honor of being a bridesmaid, then you have accepted the responsibility that comes with it. Do not make your friend feel badly about not having enough money for XX. I have seen many a bride’s dream ruined by friends who were too cheap to do what she asked. IF you cannot AFFORD being in the wedding… politely bow out before the planning starts. She will not disown you because you are a poor college student. I promise!

2) DO be a good friend and offer to help with the planning, crafting, decorating etc. Being involved in the process also helps to make you aware of the bride’s WISHES so that you can help handle decisions on the wedding day!

3) DO help plan, host and attend the bridal events such as showers, bachelorette party and bridal luncheon. While at the showers be cordial, meet family members and friends and get to know them. Offer to record gifts for thank you notes, helps find chairs for seating… basically whatever needs doing… its YOUR job! Not the bride’s.

4) DO be on TIME to all wedding events including showers, parties, luncheons, rehearsal and ESPECIALLY the wedding DAY! If you are unfamiliar with the area ride with a friend or get directions beforehand!

5) DO give your friend a gift. NO the bridesmaid dress and gracing the wedding with your presence does NOT count!

6) DON’T be left at the reception without a ride. Make arrangements ahead of time to have your car moved… when the photographer is trying to get GROUP photos directly after the ceremony is NOT the time to be coordinating your ride!

7) DON’T leave your stuff “in the room” before the ceremony. Go ahead and move it to your car or the reception location (if close to ceremony). It takes up valuable time afterward trying to coordinate moving cars and crap.

8 ) IF you are an honor attendant be prepared to give a toast / speech. This is customary and “winging” it is not always best. Even an outline of what you will say is good. Tell a cute story or two but do not yammer on for 15 minutes… no one in the crowd needs to hear about every party at college.

9) DON’T sneak off to smoke, drink, make out with your boyfriend or check your facebook.

10) DON’T be high maintenance. The bride comes first. Your hair, makeup, dress, flowers, shoes, spanx, etc are second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. It is your DUTY as a bridesmaid to be DRESSED ON TIME, makeup finished, and READY to help the bride put on her dress for photos. The word bridesmaid itself infers that you are to be a MAID to the BRIDE… so do it…. and with a smile.

11) DO wear comfortable shoes. Yes so those 6 inch Jimmy choo heels may be cute for clubbing but you, need to make sure that on the wedding day you are ABLE to run errands for the bride, carry her train, flowers, accessories, etc if need be and most of all… WALK DOWN THE AISLE without looking like you are going to topple over. Especially if your friend is getting married outdoors… please feel free to find a COMFORTABLE pair of shoes to wear. Most of the time the bride could care less if you are in cute sandals.

12) Make a checklist for yourself and the bride of the things that she might need on the wedding day. Bobby pins, safety pins, a small purse for makeup touch ups. You can download our suggest list for the Bride’s emergency kit here:  BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT

13) DON’T COMPLAIN!!! Seriously… if it’s 110 degrees outside… we all know noticed. The bride, who is likely under 10 layers of tulle notices the most. It is her PERFECT day… don’t mess it up by being whiney. Take one for the team, bring a hankie to wipe the sweat off your forehead, touch up before the reception and go with it.

14) DO actually TRY to have fun. It shows in the photos if you feel like the bride has taken a hot poker to your backside to get you there. Yes… so you paid $100 for a dress that you will never wear again but it’s your best friend’s (or sister, or cousin, or sister in law, or somebody remotely close to you) best day of her life. Enjoy it at least 1/10th as much as she is.

15) DO feel free to cry at the ceremony. It’s OK! Don’t try to choke back the tears if they come. That makes you look like a pug in the pictures. neatly wrap your hankie around your bouquet and gently pat away the tears as they fall but remember KEEP SMILING lest you break out the “big ugly cry” in front of 200 people.

16) DO smile at the camera as you walk down the aisle… LOOK AT THE PHOTOGRAPHER for them to get a pic… you don’t need to stare down the aisle at the groom… he’s not yours! LOL

17) DON’T get drunk! Have a glass of wine, but don’t get trashed. If you feel the need to get hammered… hit a bar afterward.

18) DO be the life of the party. Get involved in the dancing, cake cutting and toasts. The more pretty colored dresses the couple has around them.. the better their pics look! Sing at the top of your lungs. Hoot and holler when the couple enters the reception. Dance like no one is watching. Request your favorite songs from the DJ.

19) DO feel free to tell the bride everything is alright…even if it IS NOT!!!!!! Seriously. You think I am kidding but it will eventually work out. Remember to be positive no matter what because things can turn around really quickly. Storm clouds can blow over and the sun can shine in a matter of minutes. Remind the bride that this is her special day and that no matter what she still walks away with the best prize!

20) DON’T stress the bride out by asking her 1 million questions. Make a decision and move on. She doesn’t care whether you wear the pearl or diamond earrings. If she did she would have given you something specific to wear.

21) DO find childcare. Seriously. Especially if both you AND your husband are in the wedding party, PLEASE find someone to watch your children. Even if they ARE in the bridal party they will likely need a method of transportation to reception and someone to watch them during photos. There are only a few photos with the kids and then they are dismissed and NEED to go. Having a screaming 2 year old on your leg is not the ideal situation for a bridesmaid. Also, if they are used to an early bed time… prepare to have someone take them from the reception. It is your responsibility to STAY throughout the entire reception!!!

22) DO learn how to bustle the bride’s dress and DO IT! Don’t leave her standing with the photographer and run off to PARTY. Stay put until you are dismissed.

23) DON’T procrastinate. Perform your duties. Make purchases on time. Write things on your calendar and DO NOT forget. Also, do not get pissed if the bride turns into a “bridezilla” the week before the wedding. She is stressed out. Take her for a lunch and a massage but don’t “drop out” of the wedding when you decide she is uptight.

The perfect grand EXIT! – A Vintage Rolls Royce from Thoroughbred Limo

Image courtesy: Thoroughbred Limo… find them on FACEBOOK

So maybe the hot pink Hummer limo isn’t your style but I cannot imagine ANY occasion in which this BEAUTIFUL 1962 Vintage Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II wouldn’t be perfect!  Just imagine… you just said your vows, had that long awaited and kiss and you run from the church through a cloud of bubbles into this gorgeous antique automobile!  I can see the photos now!  GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This particular vintage car was just recently added to the fleet at Thoroughbred Limousine.  Having worked with Thoroughbred MANY times throughout the years I highly recommend them for ALL your wedding transportation needs.  If a Rolls Royce isn’t quite your style or you need more room for your large wedding party they have PLENTY of Limos in various styles to suit your big day!  No matter what your style from Chrysler 300′s to Chargers to Hummer Limos they have it!  They even have the amazing Party Bus!!!!!  Let me tell you… I have BEEN inside this and it is pretty AWESOME!

For more information visit their website at: http://www.thoroughbredlimo.com/

or call (859) 273-3690 for more details!  Be sure to tell them at Schmidt Studio sent you!!

Tops in Lexington TOP WEDDINGS… 2nd year in a row!:)

Yes… so we’re pretty proud to be featured, for the second year in a row, as one of Kentucky’s TOP Weddings in the TopsinLex.  This is such a fabulous publication and we are always proud to be a part of it!  Check out our work… Kristen and Alan were the featured wedding for their “Book” Themed reception!  It was VERY beautiful and totally personal!  I loved it.  Definitely one of the more uniquely beautiful weddings I have ever seen!

Location was the gorgeous Talon Winery.

The florals were amazing by Suzi Hjorth of Magnolia Floral Design.

Cake by the awesome Martine of Martine’s Pastries.

Wedding Planning by Jackie Lee of Every Last Detail.

View the COMPLETE ISSUE HERE

Not to mention our amazing ad with another of our fabulous couples, Maureen and Chad (wedding pics to come!)

HOT Wedding Trend Alert: Belted Gowns!

These are NOT your grandmother’s belts.  (well maybe they are if your grandma was a chic happening lady!  It could be totally cool to wear a piece of her life with you!)  I am talking some seriously cool, beautiful, amazing, totally fabulous, sometimes “bling”ed out, always stylish belts!  A really amazing belt or sash can make even the simplest wedding dress look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!!!

Like this silvery gray stunner from yanethandco on Etsy:

Or this totally bling belt to add a little sparkle to your dress by IngenueB on Etsy:

Or maybe you are inspire by a softer satin look like this stunning satin sash with just a bit of bling by Untamed Petals on Etsy:

Then there is elegant, yet whimsical with something like this Vintage inspired satin flower and sash creation by GracefullyGirly on Etsy:

Or maybe you would think of using a belt / sash as a pop of color to tie in a colorful wedding theme with something like this stunning Teal Rhinestone Flower sash by peaceandglorydetails on Etsy:

Or MAYBE your dress stands on it’s own but you would rather wear a belt in your hair!  Today’s headbands seem to be the love child of the headbands we knew and loved as kids and a satin ribbon!  Something like this could be perfect from LoBoheme on Etsy:

At any rate I truly do this that this trend of belts and bows is fabulous.  It is the perfect way to add a little extra sparkle and pizazz to your wedding attire without altering your dress design.  Oftentimes, custom alterations can costs many hundred of dollars when adding a belt can cost as little as $25-100.  Not only is this cost effective but it could make the perfect heirloom.  So yes, let’s face it our daughter will be very unlikely to want to wear our dated gowns when they get married but these stylish belts can be added to their dress, hair or bouquet in the future to allow them to keep the tradition going in their own weddings.  Or better yet have a belt made from YOUR mother’s 1975 lacy number!  It’s puffy sleeves may not be cute but it could be the perfect “old” in your new, borrowed and blue repertoire!!

HOT DEAL for Lexington: $100 worth of custom framing for $40!

Yes, so we all know that our clients have those DVD’s of images sitting at their houses.  I have heard reports from brides of by-gone years that their images do just that… sit on the DVD!  It’s time to get those images OFF the DVD and ONTO your walls!  What better way to do it that with a fabulous DEAL!???

Today’s GROUPON is : $100 worth of custom framing for $40

at the Frame Outlet on Southland Drive.

If you have never been to the frame outlet… it’s a COOL place.  I don’t just say that because I am a photographer!  You can find pretty much any frame / matte you want!  Hurry on over and snatch up the Groupon NOW even if you cannot use it now.  There are only 13 hours left in the sale!

So… get off your can’s… get those pics printed at Mpix and then head over to the Frame Outlet with your Groupon for your beautiful custom frame.

** For a “Wall” portrait Schmidt Studio recommends NO LESS than a 16×20 but preferably a 20×24 sized image when you order from Mpix.  Any smaller image will look like an “ant” on nearly any standard height wall.  A “sofa” print can be up to 50 inches!!!  Keep this in mind when choosing your image size **

HOT Wedding trend alert!: Long banquet tables, the NEW wedding elegance!

Yes, so the industry standard has long been round tables as the epitome of elegance for a wedding reception.

Image courtesy: myhomeinterior.blogspot

This is, no longer.  Round tables often COST MORE to rent, cost more to DRESS in linen and really are not always more elegant than long banquet tables.  If you look at celebrity and high end weddings you will see that communal dining is back and at its best with lavishly decorated table dripping with gems, flowers and other forms of amazing decor. Whether these lines the floors of ballrooms or outdoor dramatically lit tents, long tables are ALL the rage ladies!! (And gents!)

Yes, as a wedding photographer we see a lot of trendy (and tired) wedding decor but I can honestly say this is a trend I would love to see more of!

I mean really have you ever seen anything more beautiful than THIS? :

Image source: Riverside Farms

Or this?

Image Source: Antiqueaholics

Image source: The Bridal Closet

Image Source: getmarried.com Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

By Red Letter Events – Image Courtesy: getmarried.com

Or what about a mix of BOTH long and rounds tables!?  I love that too!

Image source: Elizabeth Anne Designs

At any rate… Long tables can be beautiful and with the money you saved from not renting round tables and linens, you can spend that toward more elaborate things like lighting and chandeliers which really help to create ambiance at a reception venue.

FREE Wedding Planning Tools: Adorable Bridesmaid / Flower girl gifts!

I am subscribed to many of my favorite companies’ email lists.  One of my very favorites is Pottery Barn.  Today I received an email with THESE:

Image Courtesy: Potterybarn Kids.com

Immediately I thought “What a GREAT Flower girl gift!!!”  I know that pink and green are a popular theme for wedding colors and immediately after I saw the pink and green polka dot I knew that one would be perfectly for bridesmaids too!  I would TOTALLY carry my beach / pool gear in that and not just because I am the mom of a 4 year old girl!  I think that is cute as a button!  Add monogramming and you have a perfect gift that matches your wedding, and is totally personal.  Every time your bridesmaids, or flowers girls, spend a day at the beach they will think of your wedding!!

BUY the Mackenzie Beach Totes here