Today I acted as a model for the wonderful Michelle Quinn, a Mary Kay representative and all around great woman.  We went through the typical skin and color consultation process she gives her brides and had a whole lot of fun! What woman doesn’t love to play dress-up and get pampered?

1)      Get to Know Your Skin

The first thing she did was ask me questions about my skin.  Your make-up artist should get to know your skin a little bit before fitting it to a product for your wedding day.  I do not have over oily skin or too dry skin, making things pretty convenient, but she was armed and ready with products to cater towards every skin type.

2)      Prep Your Pallet

Secondly, we did was washed, toned, and moisturized my skin.  We used the Mary Kay “Botanical Effects” to prep my skin.  Since we know am a Type 2 skin type, she used the products accordingly!  The Botanical Effects come in three different formulas to fit oily, medium, and dry skin types.  After the prepping process my skin felt light and clean – fit and ready for step three!

3)      Matched my Skin Tones

Probably the most important part of this whole consultation is making sure that Michelle could match my skin tones.  As a photographer, I know that this step is detrimental.  If your face is lighter or darker than your neck and the rest of your body, it will come across in your photos and will be a distraction.  Every bride wants to look perfect, and Michelle perfected this step choosing from the “TimeWise Liquid Foundation” line to create the popular matte look bride’s want.

Michelle also explained to me that it is a talc free foundation, meaning it is photo ready! It appears very natural, has a corrective formula, and doesn’t white-out your skin tone.  It is important to make sure you keep your warmth in photos.  It is a matte look, so there are no reflective, shiny spots to distract from that dazzling smile and those captivating eyes.

4)      Applying the Make-up

Something that is different about using Michelle is that she teaches you how to apply it yourself.  Of course you can always hire her to take care of everything the day of, but she is more focused on making sure you know how to apply the makeup products you love every day.

First I applied, with Michelle’s guidance, the primer and foundation.  It creates such a clear look – like an empty canvas.  Then we zeroed in on the eyes, using three different colors to create a natural, warm look that accentuated my eye color.  A highlight, contour, and accent color in the correct shape and shade makes all the difference.  I then applied the waterproof and smudge free eyeliner and mascara.

Last but not least (in fact this was my favorite part), was sliding on the red lipstick that completed my look.  Of course a more natural look can be achieved with a gloss or tinted lip balm, but if you know me then you know my love for red lipstick.

Finishing touches include a little blush on the cheekbones and setting everything with a loose powder.  Just one more thing to ensure an all day Mary Kay experience!

I had fun and wore the makeup all day.  It lasted through my Grande vanilla latte, blueberry muffin, and Italian dinner.  I promise this will last though the wedding day.

To contact Michelle Quinn, click here!

Have a great day and happy planning!

 

Here’s a tip for all you brides out there! A small and simple tidbit for that big rock on your left hand.

As a photographer, my eyes are drawn to the small details of the wedding day.  I scan my setting with big eyes, and small eyes.  Zooming out.  Zooming in.  That ring of yours can sometimes steal my attention, which is good for everyone!

 My advice is this:

 

 

 

Pay attention to the placement of your ring.

 

 

 

So often during the day I zoom in to take that candid shot of your hand draped over his shoulders or wrapped around your flowers.  So often the ring is slightly left or right, sliding this way and that, even completely upside down!

So women, just as you would play coy to the camera, or straighten up your posture when the photographer roams near you (and you know what I’m talking about), check your ring!  Especially when you see the lens zoom in for that detail shot, just rub your thumb up against that beaut and fix it.

Another bit I’d like to throw out there… right before your wedding is a GREAT milestone to get that diamond cleaned and polished for the first time.

Don’t let your diamond be lost in the rough.

I know it’s just one more thing on that massive “To-Do List”, but I think it’s worth it!

Click HERE to do it yourself!

Take care of your ring – after all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

 

Brides….What’s next?  The No Stress Planning.

Who are YOU?

YOU are the bride and your story is . . .

Hmmmmm!  What is your story?

Is there a story to tell?

Inside of YOU is a story waiting to exhale.  YOU have a family coming in to one of the grandest affairs planned.  Your mother and father have accepted the groom as your partner for life.  They want him to be your Prince Charming.

Oh what a love story this is going to be.  Full of romance and mystery and joy and . . .

Uh Oh . . . I have to plan this thing.  Wow!

What’s next?  Now what do I do?

YOU have chosen your man.  Now it’s time to decide how YOU want your wedding to come together?

All these depend on your priorities.  What do YOU think is important enough to be remembered in 20 years.

Before anything starts, have a budget in mind.  Now be aware that some budgets are altered as time passes, but it is better to know up front a ballpark figure that you plan for.

Decide up front if you want a wedding planner.  Remember that a planner has the resources to possibly save you some money in certain areas.  They know the ins and outs of the entire industry and can be a great help in eliminating issues that come up unanticipated.

The venue (with catering, linens, etc), the photographer, and the music will most likely be your largest investment.

What about a venue?  Do YOU want indoors or outdoor?  The weather or the seasons can make a difference in that decision.  Do YOU have a picture in your mind about the “look” of your wedding?  There are many choices to choose from.

Do YOU want a great photographer?  What style do I want?  Do I want art or just photos?  The person of choice can make a serious difference in how things are captured.  A great photographer knows what to do, and how to do it, and can see “lighting” issues that come up to help YOU have great images.  Amateurs do know these things.  They can throw some flash on their cameras and make YOU believe they are a pro.  Just remember:  ONLY the photos will be left after your wedding.  There won’t be a second chance to get this.  A sister or brother, aunt or uncle, or family friend won’t always suffice.  Why?  They are distracted with family and they also want to enjoy your day with YOU.

How about music?  Getting along with your DJ or live music band can make a difference in how the reception flows.  I have heard brides say, “I can bring my ipod”.  All the music I have is on there.  True!  True!  However, who’s going to emcee this great affair you’re planning?  YOU would be the one everyone would come to next for the pace of your event.  I guess YOU might not be having much fun now because YOU are still planning.  The cost of a DJ or live band far outweighs the stress placed upon YOU when everyone asks YOU “what’s next”.

Beyond these things, the best way for YOU to gain insights is to seek personal referrals or go to websites and look at testimonials, etc.

One other thought.  Meet with your professionals before making a decision.  That way YOU can gain insights in them and YOU can look into their eyes during the Q&A time.

In a nutshell, this is a fun time for you, the bride.  Stress can be remedied if YOU start smart and don’t get overwhelmed with all the planning.  This is supposed to be fun for YOU.

Now go get ‘em, girl.  This is about YOU, the bride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving and Giving

When it comes to understanding family, it should be the place where love is the strongest.  It should be the place where peace lingers.  It should be the place where, when you leave, you yearn to come back.  It should be the place where hugs and kisses are commonplace.

It should be.

Sometimes during the Christmas season, there are many who don’t feel the joy and happiness.  There are those who don’t feel the hugs and kisses.  There are some who don’t feel that peace and comfort.  There are those who have no place, no one, and no thing.

Christmas is a season where “reaching out” should be a focus for many.  I like to think I reach out all the time, not using Christmas as a reason to touch lives.  If we only need Christmas to be a giving people, we have become shallow and commercialized.  Thanksgiving and Giving are yearlong goodwill.

Let’s look at the season from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

It is always good to start by being thankful for what we have, whether it is a lot or a little.  Many are not thankful.  It is not bad to want more, but being thankful offers others an insight into our hearts.  Christmas follows the season of Thanksgiving by the focus of giving.  It’s great to give to our families and friends, but can we take a few of our dollars and give to a charity?

How about a homeless shelter?  How about a battered women’s shelter?  How about donating your child’s old toys?  Give your old clothing to Goodwill.  Visit children in hospitals.  It’s interesting that in the middle of the year, donations and support are down.  Are we just cyclical givers?

If we can understand the bigger picture here, it will become clearer.  When you help make the lives of other people better, not only will you gain a sense of kindness, but the effect on the receivers will cause changes in their own lives.  Many of those have become disillusioned with life.  Maybe the loss of marriage or family or death of a loved one.  We may never quite know exactly what kind of effect this can have.  I would love to know that one changed life can then make a difference in another life.

Your thanksgiving and giving makes a difference.  Let’s start now and not waver in the middle of the year.  People need your kind heart throughout the year.  Let’s change the world around us by selfless acts of kindness.

Merry Christmas  from Bello Romance Photography all year long.

Scheduled a consultation with a possible wedding photographer? Here are a few tips and guidelines as to what you might want to ask them! Make sure there are no regrets with your decision. After all, you want and deserve great service on a wonderful day such as a wedding.

 

Make sure to ask them about…

…the number of photographers.

Having two photographers at your event is a must. Don’t miss a single moment! It’s such an important day. With two photographers, close up moments and large scale conceptual shots are both caught within the same moment. Here at Bello Romance Photography, two photographers are included in every package. Above that, Marty and I will always be those two. It helps to have a male/female duo so one can stay with the girls and the other with the boys. The flow of the day will thrive with two photographers.

 

…their dress code.

How will your photographer dress? Unless it’s a beach wedding, closed toe shoes are a must. Unless you specifically say so, jeans and anything other than dress pants are unacceptable. A wedding is a formal event, and the photographer, as well as everyone in attendance should be showing their respect. Marty always dresses in a tuxedo (unless the groom wears a suit, then he wears a suit, and so on), and I always wear a black pant suit. We blend in and still respect your affair.

 

…receiving a copyright release.

If you send a photo order to your local photo lab (whether it is a Walgreens or a Wal-Mart), they will always determine whether or not the image is the work of a professional. If they conclude it is, you must either (1) prove that you are that professional photographer, or (2) provide a copyright release for the images signed by said artist. That is the importance of a copyright release. If you want to print them and show them off as yours, the copyright release is important!

 

…their contingency plans.

What is the protocol if your photographer gets too sick to work the wedding? “Oh don’t worry about that, I never get sick!” is not a great Plan B. What if you get hit by a bus in transit the morning of? What happens when your camera bag falls into a river? What would you do? Your photographer should be able to give you suitable and comforting answers to these horrible scenarios. In our case, it not only helps to have a two photographer team, but great connections with other professional wedding photographers throughout the Indianapolis area.

 

…the post production period.

Make sure you know the amount of time your photographer will release the link for online viewing or send you a CD of the images, etc. If he/she says a month, write it on your calendar. At Bello Romance Photography, we promise 30 – 40 days. Granted, wedding photographers generally have a lot of post production work to complete all the time! When that one month mark comes, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer where things are and how things have been going. Especially if it is in the middle of the wedding season, they might be running a bit behind. No one minds a little gentle nudging.

 

…references and past couples you can contact.

Ask you photographer for a list of contact information from past brides and clients. If he/she is unwilling to provide, consider this a huge red flag! They should not be intimidated or scared of you wanting to find out what other have experienced with the company.  See some of our brides’ testimonials HERE.

 

…online viewing options.

This is great for sharing the images with friends and family! Such fun. Contract information Even if you haven’t already signed with said vendor, it isn’t a bad idea to ask for the contract to read in advance. Carefully sift through and know what you’re signing up for!

 

…their working style.

Simply ask, “How do you work a wedding?” You can learn a lot about the photographer by listening to how to describe their work and methods. Make sure they keep a low profile and will blend in, rather than be a distraction to you and your moment.

 

…seeing their portfolio.

After creating a good relationship with the photographer, second most important aspect about choosing a photographer is their art, of course! Make sure you like what they capture. Everyone has different styles and ways of branding. Make sure it is a style that will make you happy in the end. Imagine yourself in the images! At Bello Romance Photography, we capture the romance.

 

…the possibility of a shot list.

If you are paranoid about getting every detail and family member in a photograph, don’t be afraid to make a shot list for your photographer to ease your nerves. A good photographer will not mind one, but rather serve you and meet your wishes for your day. Also remember that if your photographer is seasoned in weddings, he/she will probably not need most of the guidance outlined in these shot lists.

 

I hope this was helpful to you and that you gained a bit more insight! Feel free to contact us with any questions you have.

Hiring wedding professionals.  Before considering just the price, consider the other tangibles that can make your wedding an absolute success.  Something that you will remember forever.

This can be easier than you imagine.  Have one professional lead you to another professional.  If you find a great Indianapolis wedding photographer, he/she can guide you to a great Indianapolis area DJ, or live band, or florist, or even a venue.  Referrals are a great time saving way to find the ones you want.  Consider your own personal style first, then consider whether it is affordable within your vision.

We had a recent bride sign with us and used our love for them to guide her to others.  Since we showed her much love and care, she said that if the others did not treat her as we did, she would not hire them.  Great for us, but so much better for the bride and her family.

Trust me, horror stories abound “after the fact” from brides who now wish they had hired the professional.  Mostly they said stress was the top issue.  Because they didn’t hire a professional, they wound up being the vendor babysitter.  Meaning: they did not enjoy their magnificent affair.

There is so much advice out there for brides these days.  Some good.  Some not so good.  One that is mostly a constant is about hiring professionals for this very important day.  Experience does says a lot.  Whether it is photographers, DJ’s, caterers, florists, cakes, video, invitations, consultants, or whoever that are important to you, get the best you can afford.  But get the best.   You will have no regrets.

Happy Planning.

Party Time.  Photography is so much fun when it seems like a party.  Had the most enjoyable time with my business associates, Bruce and Lisa Jones, of Party Time Rentals.  From the onset of the shoot, they looked for a way to entertain in my playground.  They came to the Bello Romance Photography studio and were immediately in the zone.

As the shoot progressed, they kept getting sillier and sillier, until they were totally immersed in their moments.  Not often do you find people who are willing to go to any depths to capture their personalities.  Many have come to the studio and slowly engaged into the photo moments.  Not so with Bruce and Lisa.  They became one with the camera.  No inhibitions and no boundaries.

This company, Party Time Rentals, has an asset in Bruce and Lisa.  They have humor, personality and that innate ability to pursue fun.  They bring out the party.  Bruce mentioned that his grandkids know he may jump out of the car and do a dance on occasion.  They kinda expect that.  What a great memory that brings to his family.  A happy grandfather, who enjoys life.

Bruce and Lisa seem so in love.  Made it easy for a romance photographer to capture that essence.  I never saw any falsehood or agenda.  I only saw real people enjoying each other and the moment.  If we had more people in our lives who enjoyed each other, their friends, their work, their lives, we could say that our lives are successes.

Thank you, Bruce and Lisa, for making my day.

Romance!
Romanticiismo!
Romantik!

That one word, in any language, has vastly different meaning to vastly different individuals.  Of course,  it starts with two people passionately in love.  But where does romance start for an artist trying to capture a romantic moment?

Romantic love is emotion above libido.  A love that lasts goes way beyond the physical.  Romance is attached to the heart, which needs massaging more than any other.  That is where deep romantic love is found.  The public sees the way a man treats his beloved.  Maybe it’s in the way a man honors her by opening a door for her.  Maybe it’s the way a woman shows gratitude for the way she is treated.

During a courtship, couples woo each other, trying to win the heart.  Once married, the heart still needs wooing.  We go to jobs every day to supply the need of income.  We go the grocers to buy  food for nutrition.  We take vacations to find an escape and relax. We go to church to get some spiritual insights and direction.  Sometimes we neglect to go to the heart and work our maintenance there.  Our spouse’s heart is every bit as important as the tangible things in life.

Lasting marriages can and should involve the “Five Love Languages”.  They are:

• Words of Affirmation
• Quality Time
• Receiving Gifts
• Acts of Service
• Physical Touch

Knowing your partner well can help romantic love escalate to a level where nothing can come between you….EVER!

Take a minute to take the Love Language Test.  It will clearly help to explain both his and her needs.  What an awesome little thing to understand about romantic love on the wedding day and through a marriage that will last until “death do us part”.

(http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/30-second-quizzes/love/)

Choosing your wedding vendors usually start the same way.  As a bride, you may think to yourself, “I should probably start to look for a photographer” as your laptop screen pops up and you open your favorite search browser.  Nowadays, with the strike of the enter key, you can immediately see businesses that fit your search criteria the best. 

Flipping through websites, you browse portfolios, testimonials, and photographer bios in critical search for your perfect match.  With the great number of photographers out there, and yes there are quite a lot of us, you narrow it down to a few, and paste their e-mail address into a new message.

Sound familiar?  Whether it is a search for a photographer, DJ, florist, videographer, or whatever else you prioritize as a necessity for your special day, communicating through e-mail happens nearly every time.  It’s convenient and unobtrusive.

It’s also a way to quickly and efficiently spot red flags! Brides, use these tips to find out exactly how much the vendor is thinking about assisting you in your wedding planning.  These helpful tips can help reveal the extent of a person’s consideration and care for you, as their bride.

1)      The name of the e-mail address!

GOOD: theirname @ theircompany.com

BAD: superhotmama @ aol.com

2)      Reply Time

GOOD: Less than 24 hours

BAD: 2 or more days!

3)      Communication Skills

 GOOD: Mirroring your tone, energy, and length of the message

BAD: Answering questions and attaching documents that you did not request

4)      Reactions

GOOD:  Always saying “Thank you” and replying respectfully

BAD: Judging your budget and responding rudely or in a demeaning manner

5)      Follow Up

GOOD: Taking your contact information with the purpose to help you, not sell you

BAD: Not calling or e-mailing you the date or time they said they would

 

Brides, I hope this short list will help you distinguish between someone in the wedding industry who wants your money, and someone who wants you to have a wonderfully, unforgettable event.

Good luck and happy planning!

This information was taken from notes of Alan Berg’s Workshop. 

You can find more of Alan’s expertise at www.AlanBerg.com.

From Wedding Expert, Susan Southerland

. . . I wanted to repost this blog from Susan Southerland, wedding consultant from “Just Marry, Inc“.   Adding to this I have seen many female guests of the bride seriously “try” to outdress the bride by wearing too revealing outfits, forgetting that the bride is the center of attention.  So glad Susan posted this article. . .

Weddings are a great place to people watch. Observing family dynamics (both the sweet moments and the crazy drama) is more entertainment than much of what you see on television.

I also really enjoy watching guests’ fashion decisions. You can learn a lot about what’s hot for different body types, and even more interestingly — you can see what is an absolute fashion faux pas for everyone. Here are some tips to help you avoid being the gauche  guest the next time you attend a wedding.

1. Avoid wearing white:  Unless you are invited to a white-themed wedding, don’t take attention away from the bride by showing up in a white gown. Trust me, people will talk!

2. Don’t wear anything too short or too low-cut:  Even worse, don’t wear something that is both too short and too low-cut. I have spent hours watching guests tugging their dresses down and then adjusting them back up only to have to repeat that over and over again. Other guests will notice. It looks hilarious, but I’m sure it’s quite uncomfortable.

3. Ladies, wear appropriate undergarments:  In other words, please wear underwear, or Spanx, or something under your dress. This is especially important if you decide to wear something short. (see item number two above) I have witnessed many female wedding guests on the dance floor who show off more than I think they intended.