May 2011 @ Tendenza. Absolutely stunning photography by Readyluck. By far, my new favorite photographers in Philly.

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I often wonder why mustaches are so trendy. However, to be honest I am totally on the mustache band wagon so I guess the reason for their popularity is null. I came across this picture and then looked at some of the more formal pictures that have been taken at my weddings and can’t help but think… people should start getting more “silly” shots. Although your wedding may be a formal event, tell your photographer to snap a ton of candids.

Here’s a list to give to your photographer so they have some guidelines as to what pictures are an absolute must. (p.s. if your photog doesn’t know this already,  you may want to reconsider)

1-Shots of the happy couple with and without family members, close friends, etc.
2-The bouquet toss.
3-Picture of guarder belt on leg of bride or her tossing it (or both).
4-Arrival of the bride and groom (inner, outer and getting out of limo shots).
5-And now you may kiss the bride.
6-The cutting of the cake and the bride and groom feeding each other.
7-Bride and groom getting in the customary “Just Married” vehicle.
8-First dance.
9-Groom and mother dance.
10-Bride and father dance.
11-Various guests or family members dancing (parents, grandparents,etc.).
12- Father giving away bride.
13-Bride walking down aisle (front and side views recommended).
14-Groom waiting at altar.
15-Small children having moments or dancing with bride or groom. (this sounds creepy….)
16- Groom with key people (grooms men, mother, father, grandparents, siblings, etc.).
17- Bride with key People (bridesmaids, mother, father, grandparents, siblings, etc.).
18-Wide shot of church (inside and outside / with and without guests).
19-Bride and groom toasts and speeches.
20-Maid of Honor and Best Man toasts and speeches.
21-Groom checking the time. (no, this one is not silly, just dumb)
22-Key portraits (bride and groom, parents, bridesmaids, grandparents, etc.).
23-Throwing of the rice (or bird seed).
24-Key people eating / talking (bride and groom, family, friends, etc.).
25-Over the shoulder shot of bride looking at groom and vice versa.
26-Hand holding of bride and groom, parents, etc.
27-Groom putting wedding ring on bride’s finger and vice versa.
28-Pictures of rings by themselves (laying on bible, etc.) or on the fingers (being shown off, etc.).
29-Bride and groom leaving church.
30-Guestbook signatures.

This Valentines Day, I found myself working at a busy flower shop in Center City. Having not had to do this for a few years now (I’m usually behind the scenes), I found myself enjoying being out there talking to the masses, helping them pick out custom designs for their counterparts. Something traditional? dozen roses. Something different? exotics in a cube. Something sexy? Black Baccarras.

While my personal feelings towards Valentines day are ones a florist should never share (let’s just say any obligatory Hallmark holiday is not one I hold in high regard). Most florists depend on Valentines Day and Mothers Day to stay in business, so any holiday that boosts sales for local businesses is ok with me.  About halfway through my first day, my delectation soon began to turn…

About 85% of the customers that came into the shop had no interest at all in sending flowers. Dudes would say “just send anything, as long as she gets something, I won’t get in trouble”. One guy came in to buy flowers for his wife and his girlfriend, and seemed to have no shame in putting the charges on two separate credit cards so his wife wouldn’t find out, like a true gentleman.

Sending someone flowers is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It is 100% guaranteed to make them smile. If you don’t want to make someone you care about smile, then you suck. Don’t wait until February 14th when the cost of flowers is four times what they normally are and everyone (and their mom) is getting cookie-cutting “designs”. Send them for no damn reason on some random day of the year.   HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!

A co-worked of mine told me about Hitomi Gilliam about 4 years ago. She is by far one of the most inspirational, out of the box floral designers of our time. If you’ve got 10 minutes and want to learn something cool, watch this video. All you need is floral wire, and it comes in a variety of colors and gauges so the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can get about 160 feet of it for less than $10! Score!