So it’s been about 1 year since Eli was born. 1 year and 1 day to be exact. It’s crazy how fast it’s gone by and it’s been a blast to see the other 3 welcome him into the the litter.

I hate to bore you with photos of my kids, but really, the boy is 1. I insist. :)

Not the best looking thing right from the get go, but thankfully he improved as the year went on.

Jo took to him right away.

Here he is “dressed up” for a family photo we took.
Don’t even ask.


He’s happiest when he’s eating.

He had a dino cake for his party. (How awesome is my wife at making cakes?)
1-4

AlexM

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Typically what you get from this site are photos of weddings that just happened, or my opinion on wedding related topics. But, as important as my opinions are, maybe you should hear from real couples who have been married a little while. So I thought it would be fun to start interviewing past brides and grooms. To actually meet up and sit down with these couples to see if they have any advice for you brides who are still in the thick of this wedding planning process.

What better way to start this series than with one of my all-time favorite couples: Lauren & Brent.

These two had an incredible wedding at the Villa di Felicita in Tyler about a year ago. I visited their place in College Station to chat about the wedding process, photography, and even asked them if they still like their wedding photos. (You’ll have to watch the video to get the answer.) 

Also, many of you may not have seen their wedding images so here are just a few of my favorites.

Today’s topic is a dangerous one and I mention it with much hesitancy. It’s a new tradition that is rising among brides and one that I think the quicker we get rid of it, the smoother wedding days will be. The tradition I’m talking about is… (Drumroll)

Brides on cellphones.

That’s right. That little device that we all own and love called our phone. First off. It takes an addict to spot one, and I can assure you Danielle and I BOTH feel lost without our phones. When the iPhone first came out a few years ago, I got one right away.  Danielle’s plan was to “wait” and see if she liked mine. 1 week later, she had one too. :) Phones today are great. We can get txt messages, photos, update our twitter/facebook status, and I think some even make phone calls. I however, would make the argument that every single person you would want or need to communicate with on your wedding day should be within 10 feet of you. I mean really, think about it. It’s one of those rare moments when all of the most important and closest people in your lives are in one building. Your college roommate, your sister, your friend that you have been close with since the 3rd grade; they are all right there.

But wait, you say, how will my cousin get directions to the venue?

Who will remind my brother to grab the rings from the hotel?

What if my mother needs to ask me a last minute question about where to put the programs?

The great thing about ALL of these questions is that YOU don’t have to answer them.
This is where a planner, bridesmaid, or Secretary of Communications can step in.
(I just invented a new title you can give a friend. If I see that in your wedding program, I’ll give you $100 cash on your wedding day.)

Really though, get a phone screener. I have no problem with you sending a sweet txt messages to your groom or talking to your grandmother who could not make it to the wedding. Those are ways your phone can enhance your wedding day. Too many times though I’ve seen a bride get frustrated with the person on the other end of the line. They are asking questions they should already know that answer to, or talking to the bride when there are 15 other people who would know the answer to the question. (directions, times, locations)

Technology is supposed to make our life easier, less stressful. So, on your wedding day, get a call screener. Pick someone you trust and give them your phone. They can field all incoming calls and only pass them on to you if you WANT to take it.

It’s YOUR day. Not theirs.

And finally, just to show I’m not all mean and grouchy, here are some photos of brides having enjoyable conversations on their phone.

AlexM

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903.729.4884

Happy Tuesday everyone. Today’s post is “slightly” off topic. It’s not wedding related, and it’s not related to my family. “What else could there possibly be?”, you ask yourself? Design! That’s right. One thing I have found is that many of my couples are into design. Some are graphic designers, some photographers, some interior designers. (Can’t wait to meet you and do your session, Heather!) So, I thought I would share one of my new found favorite sites to visit.

We all stare at computers anywhere from 3-10 hours a day. Why not make that desktop wallpaper a bit more interesting? Here is a great site that has some deliciously clean and stylish images. Sometimes I’ll let the kids come in and pick one and that’s what I use for the day. (Sara leans heavily towards the pink one and stuck me with this one day.) Other times I’ll take a 5 minute break from editing just to look them all over again and pick something that “fits” my mood. (This is my current one.)

So, ladies and gentlemen of the internet, I give you, Simple Desktops.

AlexM

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903.729.4884

Hey just a quick heads up for all you bride-ly brides out there. There is going to be a bridal show at the Cain Center in Athens, TX this coming Saturday.

The show is running from 11:00AM – 3:00PM. I hear a really really talented photographer is going to be there. :)

I’m not sure who all the vendors will be, but I do know that CMB Music & Elmwood Gardens will be there. Weddings A to Z will also be doing a fashion show.

So, roll out of bed, head up to the show and say hello. Admission is $2.00 per person so you really have no excuse for not going. I mean really, this is East Texas, what else is there to do. :)

For more info call 903.677.2001.

See you there.

AlexM