So heres a scenario, I put a new blog post up and usually one of the very first comments always comes from someone named Mona. The comment is always complimentary to the couple featured in the post and she seems to find something unique about the post she’s commenting on. Well, who is this Mona person anyways? She’s only left over 40 comments on the blog in over 30 some odd different posts. So recently a lot of different people started asking me “who is mona?”. To put it simple Mona is an upcoming bride of ours for this November. Mona is also my #1 blog fan. She may refer to herself as one of my blogstalkers but I don’t consider someone who’s left over 40 comments a stalker. A blogstalker would be the people who look but don’t comment. I know your looking too because I can tell ;). Today I give props to someone who comments and is awesome along with some pics too. You might remember I tweeted this from August 13th, we had to take some pics, because what’s a post without photos? Now here’s a little guest post from the one and only Mona…

Hello fellow blogstalkers! Most of you only know me from the many, MANY comments I’ve left over the past year on this website. I’m sure many of you are in the midst of planning your wedding, and I wanted to introduce myself, and share a little bit about how the process has been for me.

When Andrew and I first got engaged, the funniest question we heard was “So have you set a date yet?” Seriously? We’d been engaged for no more than 1 day when people started asking that. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t attack it all from the right angles.

With so many things to do, where to start?

We quickly realized that finding a venue, and deciding on music and photographers first were key. I guess it should come as no surprise who our photographers are given my enthusiasm here (thanks guys!) :-)

We came to find Joe and JP the way many of you probably did – through word of mouth. A friend of my mom had worked with Joe and JP for her daughter’s wedding, and after one look at their blog we were all hooked. Now, every time I see a new post, it just reminds me that Joe and JP will be capturing our special day with family and friends. Can you blame me for being excited? ;-)

For all of my vendors, word of mouth was definitely key. Granted, I still did my own research to make an informed decision, but it was helpful to have references from trusted sources. Everyone (and I do mean everyone!) referred us to Joe and JP… our seamstress directed us to Something Bleu, the bridal salon where I got my dress… Something Bleu referred me to my hair and makeup artist, Alayne Curtiss of Make Me Fabulous, as did Joe and JP… and the list goes on! It’s been really great being able to connect with everyone in person and even through facebook! I can truly say I’ve developed a relationship with everyone, and feel like I’m working with great friends, not strangers.

Another note – take advantage of the current/past brides in your lives – they are fantastic resources and support too!

For me, these months have not only been filled with wedding planning, but also finishing up my master’s in nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner, taking (and passing) my board exam, and trying to squeeze my way into the clogged job market. That’s right, even us health professionals are having trouble. Life is busy, and planning a wedding doesn’t have to rule your life. Since May, both Andrew and I have been doing a really intensive workout regimen. We honestly haven’t been doing it “for the wedding,” but I personally wanted to regain some strength that grad school took from me. We’re considering it a long term investment in our health, and so far persistence has been paying off with great returns in strength. It took me about three months to feel comfortable doing push-ups again, but I finally got it back.

So what I’m trying to say is take some time for yourself! Have fun, and enjoy these months leading up to your wedding day. For me, I know the details will fall into place as they should. All that matters is that Andrew and I are there standing with each other, and the day will be perfect just for that.

Anyways, that’s all for now! I just thought I’d drop in to say a quick hello before November!! Can’t wait!

Mona

So what happens to all those images I take on engagement sessions you ask? Well aside from the subjects posting them on their facebook pages and wedding websites some couples decide to do something more. The guest book thing is lame right? Also the sign the matted photo is totally 1990. The new fad is the engagement signing book. Basically its a guest book that has the awesome images we got at your engagement session. They’re a big hit with the guests at the wedding. So a few books just came in this past Friday, and our bride & groom had one at their wedding on Saturday. So I thought what better timing than now to share with you all?

If anyones interested this isn’t an overnight product so give some notice and we’ll get you hooked up.
JP

Sarah & Ben, Carolyn & Dominck and Kristen & Dan.

Here is a basic spread. The spine of the books have the date of the actual wedding.

Kristen wanted to do a multiple image book. So here’s a spread from her book.

Here’s one in action… this past weekend from Tracy & Matt’s wedding (blog coming this week).

And something cool just came in this morning. Kara & Mike’s save the date magnets. I took their website url off the image on the right. I’m sure Kara & Mike don’t want all my blog stalkers on their site ;). You know I love my blog stalkers.

What an awesome weekend! Who’d a thunk it that Saturday was a 90% chance of rain yet no one ever had a drop touch them? Seriously these weather people don’t know anything. I’m thru with listening to them. Let’s just fly by the seat of our pants from now on. Anyway its always fun being in good company and the Dascher family and friends are no strangers to us. I say it all the time and I’ll say it again, its all about having fun. And fun it was from the minute we stepped into the Dascher home. Kristin was all smiles and couldn’t wait to get that gown on an put her hands in the awesome pockets it had. Seriously I’m digging all the dresses with pockets this season, maybe I’ll start having my brides carry some lenses for me. So we opted to shoot inside not because of the humidity but because this home was gorgeous! Videographer Al Woodard was on the scene capturing some crazy stuff as well. I don’t know what he’s doing but his stuff is better than ever so go check him out. After the house it was off to church where the one and only Father Doyle said the mass. As we were heading up to Saratoga I was watching the light drop off but as soon as we arrived we grabbed a golf cart and onto the course we went. I’m stoked with the images we came back with, there’s something romantic about the light that comes after the good light leaves, see for yourself. I’ll ad that this is the craziest party I think I’ve seen all season, Al can vouch for me too. The guests were dancing to the dinner music DJ Paul Malo was playing. Seriously, they even pushed me into the circle like twice! All and all another sweet wedding with awesome people all around us all day. We thank you guys for having us document your day, congrats!

Enjoy, leave love,
JP

Since I always show a dress shot here’s something a little different.

I love this shot.

The veil was something really special. Both Kristin’s Mother and her late Aunt wore it. I love that Kristin’s younger sister is helping her put it on. Maybe someday Kristin will help her do the same thing.

Mom loves it!

So does Grandma.

Stunning…

The shapes and colors, awesome.

There are those pockets. Flowers by Surroundings.

The bridesmaid dresses had some sweet color going on.

I haven’t shown a limo shot in a while and I liked this one.

Here we go…. one of my fav’s of this portion of the day.

This is my #1 fav though.

One more colorful one!

The room was looking pretty damn good huh?

I’ll end it with this little moment from their first dance…

I apologize for a blog this late in the week. Typically I would have blogged by now but my early portion of the week was spent in a desert in Nevada, thats right Vegas! From time to time I need to get my chill on. So I’m back, well rested and ready to blog! This weekend we were at Glen Sanders Mansion with Jessie & Michael. You might remember Jessie & Michael from this engagement session. That session might have been one of the colder days in December but Saturday August 15th made up for it. It was a hot sunny day and these people showed up to party like a rock star, totally dude.

We set things off up in the Sanders Suite which is pretty much where every bride gets ready. You can always count on the dress being hung off of the bed and the strong light pouring in thru the windows. It really is a nice room for the ladies to get ready in. When we arrived the Make Me Fabulous girls were there finishing up and Jessie was ready to slip on her Jimmy’s and roll out. It was hot so we found some shade and took about 15 minutes worth of photos. I’m always conscious of the flowers wilting and what not so we worked fast. By the time the guys arrived the temperature dropped and it was almost time for the 6:30 ceremony to begin. Jessie walked down the aisle with her Grandmother and waiting at the bottom was Michael and about 200 guests. The ceremony took place during the “good good light” hour but after we were able to squeeze out some more of that light before it ducked out for the night. So speaking of the night thats where my man Tim Wedeman of AMS Entertainment was on the scene doing his thing. The party was hopping. Make sure you watch the slideshow at the bottom of this post to see some fun party shots. As always we thank this Kansas couple for trusting us to capture their big day. Congrats to you both I hope your honeymoon is awesome, after all you’re not in Kanas anymore (at least for a few more days)!

Enjoy, leave love,
JP

The dress and a bouquet by Surroundings Floral Studio.

Rocking some Jimmys!

What a stunning bride.

Jessie loved to pose. She was quite a ham for the camera.

This is probably one my favorite groom portraits this season.

A first look.

I love this look she’s giving Michael.

See the late light?

OPA!

The classic Elario double angle in b&w.

This is probably my favorite of the day.

I love these two next to each other.

One more of the Jimmy Choo’s

This is awesome too. Can I have two favorites?

Brides almost ALWAYS pump the bouquet in the air when making their entrance.

Do we ever stop with new features here on the blog? To put it simply, no. This is yet another new feature, the embedded slide show. There will also be more listed under “galleries” up top. Enjoy these party images. Oh & be sure to try the full screen option, it’s sick.