New Yorkers Lindsay and Tim created the ultimate camp chic experience for their out-of-town guests, with thoughtful attention to every last detail. They combined their last names Bello and Martin to create Camp BelloMartin, the theme of the weekend for all stationery, totes and even T-shirts, jackets and sweatpants!
A camping guide for guests.
There seems to be plenty of articles on what to look for when you hire a florist or floral designer, but what about after the “interviewing” process? What happens after you get the proposal and you decide to work with a florist?
When I was planning my wedding ten years ago as a naïve bride, there were no manuals on the proper things to do after you've selected a vendor. Do you sit back and do nothing? Do you email your vendors once a week to talk about flowers? Do you need to meet with them again if everything looks good? What happens if you suddenly need to cut your floral budget? How many changes can you make before your floral designer may want to cancel your order? How do you build a good relationship with your vendor? What if your color palette changes?
These are all great questions and I hope to answer some of them for you.
Most importantly, I'm going to clarify what happens after you get your proposal, review the terms of the contracts and select the floral designer you want to work with.
How to get your first pick?
First thing - if you are happy with your choice, call or email the floral designer right away to secure your date. Of course some floral shops take on several events so this may not be a problem. However in the Bay Area, I know that most floral designers do not take more than one wedding a day. Informing the professional of your choice may seem obvious, but I've encountered many brides who request a proposal and never follow up (even after several follow up emails or a call).
I had a couple recently who called me five months after our initial consultation to ask if the date was still available. Fortunately for them we had the date open, but I've also had many brides who email weeks after we've followed up with them and we've become unavailable. It is one of the hardest things to tell a bride that you are booked. I hate disappointing brides, believe me; it is heartbreaking but it happens. Many times, books and magazines tell you not to be too excited or show your true feelings. I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with that. When a bride or groom shows enthusiasm, I thrive off their excitement. Who doesn't want to work with a couple who is excited, trusting, and appreciative? ![]()
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This week’s featured filmmakers are the husband and wife team, Steve and Laura Moses of Vantage Point Productions. Steve and Laura are not only terrific filmmakers but also leaders in their industry. They have supported and educated other filmmakers for many years. They are just really good people. Additionally, they seem to really have the ability to understand their clients and produce films that are special to each and every couple and each event. This week's clip is a great example of that.
Untitled from Vantage Point Productions, Inc. on Vimeo.
I asked Laura to tell us about the couple, the event and how she and Steve approached the filming of this event.
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I love all of the amazing inspiration boards that are put together by designers- it's such a beautiful display of possibilities. However, when I was a bride, I also loved seeing what real brides had done. Brides who had to work on a budget, or for whom the crystal chandelier in the tree wasn't going to be a practical reality. So, a while ago I decided to start doing inspiration board style layouts of wedding details from real weddings. There are about a dozen here and while many revolve around strong color combinations, sometimes more subtle themes emerge from the set of details as well. One thing is for sure, I can't wait to see what creative details the 2009 brides come up with!!

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I recently worked on a project with Blue Magpie and Details Details, both based in Orange County. This set features my newest font style, Spencerian, in gold ink - it hasn't even been released on my website yet, but keep a look out for it to be added soon! {It will be marked as a Tier 3 script}

I got married at a vineyard, so I have a soft-spot for wine country weddings. Regardless of whether or not your wedding takes place amongst the vines, wine labels can be a great source for interesting layouts, graphics and typefaces.

And so, in this, the final step of a very, very busy two weeks, having had one night of rest in my own bed, I was happily refreshed and excited to hang with Deryn and Tony. Never have I had a couple, so simple, so easy going. Deryn was a picture of calmness. She did her own makeup; it took her seconds to get dressed, and she was ready to go. I think it was the shortest “getting ready” I've ever shot, and she looked amazing. I loved taking pictures of her and her man, because they have such an easy grace in each other's arms. A deep breath, a sideways glance, and voila! My job was so easy with Deryn and Tony!
They married at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Instead of cake, they had the MOST AMAZING PIE I'VE EVER EATEN (from Star Catering)! Naomi (my assistant/bff) grabbed a piece of key lime after the crowd dispersed, and I almost cried it was so good. Wow. Best. Pie. Ever.
Since the Petajas have had a change of plans in terms of our abode (I can't wait to share more about this in the coming weeks!), I'm not going to be able to make the trip down to Hot 'Lanta for the NOTwedding. “Boo” is what I have to say about that.
But to tide us all over, I'll give you a peek at what I've been up to for the shin-dig.

{ Miss Winifred }
An ivory gardenia sits pretty with peeks of tulle and a pearl and ostrich feather center.
I have always had a love for collage. Growing up, I used to take all of my mothers old magazines and create collages on old cigar boxes or anything I could find really. I am also a huge fan of the super talented Heather Gilson at One Love Photo. She has such a unique and beautiful style that is all her own! So when I saw her mixed media piece she featured on her blog the other day, I was overwhelmed. Then I started to look into her pieces she makes for couples, as a piece of art to remember their wedding day, and I am officially in love!
If you haven't heard of Sea Bags yet, you soon will. Word is catching on globally about this innovative bag made from recycled sails whose company headquarters is right in Portland's Old Port. All are durable, water-resistant and washing machine-friendly. I spent the morning at their Custom House Wharf shop. Getting married on the coast and looking for a unique bridesmaid gift? I think I've found it!
50% of the profit of the special edition Cure Bag goes to the Maine Cancer Foundation.

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