Sara’s Midwest picks.  Enjoy.

OK, so I’m pretty sure the LAST thing you expected to find on a wedding photographer’s blog was a post about March Madness and college basketball, but hear me out.  This will be worth it I promise.

Once a client books me one of the first things I get back from them is a little Q&A form to fill out.  It has basic contact info, names, numbers, emails, but it also has some random questions just so I can get to know you guys in a bit of a more personal way.  I can’t wait to get my little form back as soon as a couple has booked and I’m always a bit sad when it takes them a while to get it filed out. (Yes Davi, I’m looking your way. :) )

Anyway, one of the questions is What is your favorite thing to do together as a couple?  You know what no one has ever put.  Go out to eat at a fancy place, spend lots of money on a beach vacation, or talk about ways we can get better cars.

It’s always little things like crossword puzzles, board games, and playing Mario Kart.  The reason that is so great is because those are the things that make up “real” married life.  It’s not always out to eat and new car stereos.  Sometimes it’s just leftovers and an old movie and if you can find the joy in that, then you are already off to a great start and long life together.

Anyway, for the past 5 years our little family has done Bracket Time or March Madness.  You pick teams, see who wins the first round, then pick again and keep going till it’s over.  It’s so funny because I think one of our kids has one 2 or 3 out of the 5 times.  Of course there are prizes and trash talking, of course our kids have no idea which team is better or worse, of course it’s a blast and we can’t wait to do it again next year.

So here is my challenge to you.  Do a bracket with your fiance/significant other. I’m just warning you now ladies.  He’ll be excited and confused if you bring this idea up, and he is a man, so of course he has a fragile ego so go easy on him if you end up winning.
 

I have listed a few ideas/rules for you to try out.  

1.  Only pick one round at a time.  That way you get a fresh start and are always still “in” the game.

2.  Set up the prizes ahead of time.
You can do a general 1st and 2nd place prize or be more specific and say if you win you get this and if he wins he get that.

3.  If you see him turning into a competitive “guy” then just let him win and know in the back of your mind that you are better than him.  :)

Here is a link to where you can download and print your own bracket.

Here is a link to where you can watch games on iPhone. 

Hurry up.  The first games start Thursday!