Nikki & James had a great day at The Belgium House in Longview. It had been a little while since I had shot there and it’s already great to go back. Jan and her staff do such a great job taking care of their brides. If you are getting married in the Longview area you should take a look at their place. On to the images!

James surprised Nikki with this wedding band during the ceremony.  (She was happy.)

They exchanged gifts during their First Look.

Nikki got James a watch.  (He was happy.)

One of the cool things they did was have a part of the ceremony that James’ daughter  came up and the minister spoke to all three of them together.

I was totally hoping the Matron of Honor would get frazzled and read the welcome note side from the Fairfield Inn. :)
Thank you two for a great afternoon.  Mug Machine magic coming your way later this week!

I love doing these rewind posts.  It’s a little reminded for me that my couples still exists before and after my shoots. :)  I love the 18 month window that I get to look into my couples lives.  I usually meet them at the height of their giddy-ness and love and get to walk along with them till their wedding day and the months right after.  Hip hip hooray to all of my March 2010 couples.  I hope married life is as fun for you as it is for me.  (Really really fun.)

First off, let me just say I’m a huge fan of kids.  (Danielle & I made 4)  However, sometimes kids and weddings don’t mix so well, so here are a few tips to help ease the process.

1.  They Are In Charge

As much as possible work with THEIR schedule.  If you are having younger kids (Ages 1-4) in your wedding, do your best to let the day before and day of your wedding be as “normal” as possible.  Don’t try and keep them up till 9:45 at the rehearsal dinner and expect them smiling for photos at 8:00AM. :)  Most of this will fall on the parents.  But, let the parents know that you are aware that the little people have their own time table and you are willing to work with them.

2. Don’t Dress Them Up Too Soon

Every little girl can’t wait to put her dress on and every little boy can’t wait to take his suit off.  That’s just the reality.  The problem is the minute you put her dress on is the minute everyone starts expecting her to “act” like a princess.  The girl is 2, she’s going to drool, sit, and spit up on the dress.  Wait till the last minute to put it on.  The same is true of the boys.  If grown men don’t enjoy a suit, tie, vest, and pointy shoes, why do we think a 4 year old boy will. :)

3.  Entertain Them

Have an iPod or little DVD player in the dressing room.  This will keep them sitting still and quite.  (Two things you’ll want.)  Stickers, and coloring books are also a hit.  It’s also a great Idea to have a surprise toy waiting for them in their seat near the front if you want them to stick around.

4.  Shoot Them First

Plan on getting them dressed and walking them out to be photographed.  The last thing you want is to have them dressed and 2 hours go by before they are in any photos.  (They will look drastically different than what you imagined.)  If a kid does not want to be photographed there is NOTHING anyone can do to change their mind.  The best approach is to let them sit a few out and maybe try again later in the day.

5. Practice Does NOT Make Perfect

More than likely they will do great at your rehearsal.  The problem is the wedding day is slightly different.  The rehearsal is smaller, more intimate, and they probably know 65% of the people there.  The wedding is a HUGE production with 1,000,000 eyeballs staring straight at them.  Walking down the aisle with everyone staring at you makes the bride nervous.  It has the same affect on lots of kids.  If possible have a parent or grandparent near the front so the kids have someone to walk towards.  I’ve even see the groom meet them half way down and escort them the rest of the way.

6. Chillax

There are 350 people at your wedding.  Most of them know and understand that kids act like…. kids.  If they cry and fuss and don’t want to go down the aisle; it’s OK, you can still get married.  (Our ring bearer spiked the pillow like a football when he got to the front.)  If they insist on looking like an airplane during formals; it’s OK, you can still get married.

Kids really are a blast at weddings and they do and say some of the funniest things.  Nothing makes a little girl feel quite as special as getting all dressed up and having her picture taken while people tell her she’s beautiful.  That is after all why you’re getting married right? :)

I could not let the month end without a quick look back at my favorite photos from last January.  Happy Anniversary to Erin & Chris, Jamie & David, and Monica & Jofie.  You guys were such a  great way to start off last year and I’m proud of you for making it through your 1st year.  [It gets easier. ;)]  On to the images.

Also celebrating it’s 1 year anniversary is The Mug Machine.  She was but a twinkle in my eye last year and now my baby is all grown up and walking. :)  Seriously though, a big big HUGE thank you to Erin & Chris.  I called Erin about 1 week before her wedding and said something like this.

“Hey I have this big white thing and a box full of strange hats, can I bring it to your wedding and take pictures of people?”  I can’t really show you what it would look like since I have never done it before.  You trust me though right? :)”

Thankfully Erin & Chris’ cool meter was dialed to 11 and they were up for it.  Here are a few of my favorites from their wedding.

Today’s category is Bling Bling Ring Ring. Check out these rocks. I LOVE shooting a couple’s rings. Look, anyone can throw rings on a flower pedal, but let’s be honest, your ring shot should reflect who you are as a couple. That’s what these are about.

Quick run down of the rules. You can vote on each category once. There will be a new category every day this week. Then the polls are closed and the winners will be announced Jan 17th. Each category winner will receive a 16×20 print of their winning image. So pick an image, vote, then get on your Twitter and your Facebook and make your friends come vote.

Here are the images.

Come back tomorrow for Top 10 Mug Machine goodness!