Baseball Bride

* Image above courtesy of ASP Inc. *

The baseball season is under way and wedding season is about to begin as well.  If you are a fan, why not incorporate your sports fanaticism into your wedding photos.  This is just another example for my "think different" week.

My clients Megan and Austin will be trekking up to Wrigley Field with me this June to take their engagement shots.  Their wedding is next October.  Perhaps their beloved Chicago Cubs will be in the World Series at this time and they will want to celebrate with some baseball related fun wedding photography shots.  Those would look great in their wedding album next to the engagement images at Cubs park.

I'm not saying to bring grandma and grandpa out to the local sporting facility for formal family shots, but for a few fun couple's images, I say go for it.  For engagement shots as well, think of a passion that the two of you share and let's try something with it.  Even if it's ice cream at Dairy Queen.  That could end up being your favorite photograph.  You never know until you try.

Venue Spotlight: County Line Orchard

I attended an event last night at the County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana.  They have a new barn for events.  I know that sounds so "Indiana hokum" on paper, but I have to say that is makes for a terrific venue for weddings.  I have not shot there, but I would love to do so.

The photo galleries at this link are of the old room which is still available and makes for a nice setting as well.  However, the new building is quite nice and very large with room for seating of 1200 people!!  The stage ( I was at a music event last night) can accommodate large bands or DJ's and features a built in sound system.  For such a large room with tall ceilings, the sound was very good last night.

This will kick off a week long series with a "think different" theme.  Check back all week for more ideas to make your wedding unique.  Here are some images of a "family style' wedding I shot last year.  It was all outdoors, including the reception with a complete playground for kids.  A great time had by all!!

What's Hot For Weddings In 2010

As your photographer, I won't pretend to know all about everything on this list.  However, since I'm always doing research here is what I have come up with as some of the hottest wedding trends of 2010.

• Candy stations
• Theme Weddings (beach, holiday, fairytale, etc.)
• Photography with candid shots in outdoor settings
• Cupcakes instead of traditional wedding cake
• Trash the dress
• Bright colored reds, pinks or blues added to the wedding dress and bridesmaid's dresses
• Live music (at ceremony and reception)
• Small banquet facilities (lodges, clubs, schools)

 The other biggie for this year is Outdoor Weddings.  How odd that (so far) all my 2010 bookings are indoors.  Will you be my first outdoor ceremony of 2010?  See the image below for a 2009 outdoor weddings.

What About Bad Weather?!!

If you wake up on your Wedding Day and find a menacing storm cloud up in the sky, don't panic. Yes, this is going to be an inconvenience and some changes will have to be made concerning your photography.  However, we will have to embrace the situation and turn it into a positive.  Think about the photographic possibilities - dramatic skies with moody lighting upon the bride and groom.  Perhaps some retro, umbrellas in hand strolling on the street shots are in order.  We have lots of possibilities.  If the forecast isn't looking good, I will come armed with umbrellas.  I will alert you to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen dig into their closets for these as well.  We will already have a Plan-B in place for alternate shots should this occur.  

Family photos may have to be taken inside the church or reception hall.  I will have a backdrop and lighting with me should we have to do this.  If worse comes to worse, we will schedule another day for formal pictures.  

Chances are that you will actually come out with some great, unique shots for you wedding.  So keep that happy face, it's going to be a great day no matter what!!