The Painted Word

This post is written by a lovely artist who I have met, Heather Shreve, who can capture your wedding in a beautiful piece of art that will last a lifetime and beyond!

"The Painted Word"

The most special of days -- your wedding day!  And all these amazing plans have been made, everything has been orchestrated -- even down to the vows.  The colors have set the mood in a place that is incredibly special to you, no doubt.  Photos will be taken.  Gifts will be exchanged.  The first dance will be danced and the toasts will be toasted . . . and we will will try to capture all on film and in our mind's eye.

But, what if it rained, or Aunt Bessie forgot to take her dreadlocks out, or the ring got dropped in the sand, or the officiant blacked out?!  Stuff happens.

As an artist, I always see things differently anyway, but in this case particularly.  A piece of art from your wedding can truly be worth a thousand words, maybe more.  It can capture the mood, the colors, the place . . . and everything else, including all the things that weren't quite as you saw it unfolding in your mind's eye.  AND, it is a fabulous thing to hand down to your children and grandchildren whch they will literally arm wrestle their siblings over to keep as a family treasure!

When you look at it, years and decades down the road, you will smell all the smells, see all the colors, feel all the feelings, and remember all the people, including your spouse, who meant the most. I'm just sayin' . . . . .

Contact Heather for more information about her work!

410-374-2246

Life . . . Just Picture It!

Life . . . Just Picture It!  is the tagline for a wonderful photographer with whom I have worked.  Kelly of Kelly Hahn Photography does a fabulous job capturing all of the elements of your wedding day or photo session. She really gets to know those she is photographing and showcases them beautifully in her pictures!

What follows is an interview with Kelly (so you can get to know her) conducted by my intern Kelsey . . . hope you enjoy it! 

1.      What inspired/led you to your profession?

I had studied photo journalism during my college years and was extremely passionate about these studies. I felt as though I could make a difference through photography by telling a story about my clients and the most important day of their lives thus far.

2.      How long have you been working in the field?

Hard to believe, but it all adds up to about 24 years!!

 3. Did you always know you wanted to be in that profession? Or did it just happen?

Yes, going to college led me to a degree in communications with a minor in photography. In the early years of this interest, I kept taking family photos with my family and realized I really did have some skill and loved taking pictures!  So, I decided to pursue it as a career. My first job was with a newspaper taking pictures for the stories.   

 4. Was anyone from your family involved in a similar field?

I have a sister who does videography and a brother who creates animal exhibits, so I would say that we are all in a “creative” career field, but through different industries and expressions!   

 5. What are the best aspects of your job? The worst?

I love the variety in every day -- every client and situation is different. I get to be a part of weddings and babies, and share in that life experience with them.  All the times are happy times. With weddings, I can capture the most intense beautiful and happy emotions all in one afternoon. I’d have to say that photography is never boring and I get to meet lots of fabulous people. I really am always happy when taking photographs!

 6. What is your most memorable past event? Was it good or bad?

When I was a photojournalist for the newspaper, I felt like my mission was to take images that made a difference, elicit not only thought, but action from the viewers. So, I was excited to have the chance to be assigned to follow a church group to Nicaragua where they would be building a clinic and providing medical assistance to small village near the capital.  Perhaps, by documenting the efforts of the church group, others would be inspired to action and the lives of these Nicaraguans, who had endured such poverty and sickness, could change.

Coming close to the end of the trip, a few of us were invited to a villager’s home for tea. Walking inside of what was really a shack, I viewed a room in which there were many people, little furniture and only one decorative item, a pair of brightly painted paper mache birds on a high shelf. Struggling to say something complimentary to the family in my very bad Spanish, I mentioned what beautiful birds they had and how lovely they looked in the room. Immediately, the mother of the family, reached up, took the birds from the shelf and handed them to me with a smile. I shook my head, no. There was no way I was going to take the one beautiful thing they had in that simple shack.  Embracing me and pushing the bird into my hand, she smiled again and shook her head yes. It was amazing to me, that someone with so little, wouldn't hesitate to give it to stranger. With tears in my eyes, I accepted

The story and photo essay ran in the newspaper over three days. The clinic was finished, over time, after several other groups contributed their time, money or talents to complete it after learning of the villager's plight. So, yes, I felt like I had some part in creating change for that village of Nicaraguans, but the biggest change ended up being in me, through a kind, selfless gift, given to me with joy. No matter how little they had, they were still willing to share, showing me that things are not nearly as important as people and the relationships, no matter how brief, we share.... what a life lesson to emulate. 

 7. What characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?

Hardworking, people person, has to enjoy people. Introverts can be good photographers.  Be prepared for lots of weekends and nights and lots of behind-the-scenes work. Know a lot of technical skills to be the best you can, and be sure to understand all photography equipment. Be an expert in your field! 

 8. What is your favorite vacation spot?

I loved to travel and have been fortunate to be able to travel around the world. Anywhere I can go is a favorite place!

9. If you could go somewhere you’ve never gone before, where would it be? Why?

I do my travels with a friend and we are going to Peru next year. There really isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t go!

 10.  Any advice for someone interested in entering your field of work?

Make sure that you get as much education as you can -- online courses and free opportunities to do job well. Offer to catalog a piece of someone’s life. Work on creating family heirloom and treasures. This job is more important than people think. It’s an honor to do it. If you want to do this as your main source of income, be prepared to work hard.

Thank you, Kelly, for the photography work you do!

To find out more about Kelly and her work, please visit her website at Kelly Hahn Photography.

A Beautiful, Rustic Chic Barn Wedding!

Over the summer, I coordinated my first wedding at Mathwig Barn in Thurmont, MD, and it is a beautiful setting! Bride Lisa (who lives in Philadelphia) and her mom (who lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland) were looking for a specific type of barn setting for this rustic and vintage-inspired wedding, found the website for Mathwig, trekked across many miles to see it and LOVED it!  About 18 months later, Lisa & Groom Perry celebrated with friends and family as they exchanged their wedding vows and started their married life!

The reception was set up inside the barn.

Bride Lisa and her mother share a moment before the wedding!

Lisa designed her gorgeous dress, which was then made by a dear friend of hers.

A bright and sunny day for this June wedding!!

The bridesmaids wore lovely peach dresses with the 2 maids of honor in a slightly different and darker shade.

The new Mr. & Mrs. Perry Karen!

Note the amazing design of the front of her dress.

Everyone LOVED the food truck they had as part of the cocktail hour!

First dance surrounded by friends and family!

Sunset picture!

All who attended this wedding had a marvelous time.

Wedding Pros who were a part of this wedding:

Venue -- Mathwig Estate Event Barn

Officiant -- Seth Fineblum, friend of the couple

Photographer -- Justin Mein of  C&I Studios

Videographer -- Michael James Murray, friend of the couple

Cake & Desserts -- Naomi of Piece O'Cake

Caterer -- Eriksson & John of  WOLO

Alcohol -- Ye Old Spirit Shop

Florist -- Candlelight Floral Designs

Rentals -- Premier Event Rentals

Transportation -- On the Town Limousines

Photobooth -- Pixelated Photobooth

Ceremony & Reception Music -- Midnight Social
Wedding Coordinator -- Events by Lexi

We were so happy with how everything went on Lisa and Perry's wedding day. Thank you again for everything. ~ Diane, Mother of the Bride

Fabulous DJ!

I have had the pleasure of working with Scott Albin from "Great Scott Productions" on a couple of weddings over the last year or so, and I very much enjoy partnering with him to make sure the wedding couple and their family and friends have a great time during the reception!  We have actually known each other since our younger children (who are now 13) were in preschool together!

Kelsey Chinskey, my intern for this summer and fall, interviewed Scott and we wanted to share this with all of you!

What inspired/led you to your profession?
I have always had an interest in entertainment; believe it or not, I started out working as a magician!  I quickly realized that that was not the route I wanted to take, but I knew I wanted to continue to entertain others.  I have always had an interest in music, so thought perhaps I should pursue that instead!

How long have you been working in this field?
My interest in music really started in college.

Did you always know you wanted to be in this profession?  Or did it just happen?
I did know I always wanted to entertain and this interest was the driving force behind most career decisions I made.

Was anyone from your family involved in a similar field?
No, just me!

What are the best aspects of your job?
I really think that the best aspect is definitely getting to meet and communicate with so many different people. I think there are four big days in a person's life -- graduation, getting married, buying a house and having a baby.  The face that I get to be a part of a day so important to these people is really what makes the job worth it.

What is your most memorable past event?  What it good or bad?
I can't think of a specific event that has stuck; however, there have been a few events where fights have broken out (and, let's be honest, that is never good!).  For the most part, however, everyone is genuinely happy!

What characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?
An individual, in this profession must, most definitely, be a "people person" and out-going.  You must genuinely like people, just to be around them and want to please them.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Favorite vacation spot has to be DISNEY!!  I am a self-proclaimed huge Disney geek .  If I could, I would work there, but for now being a DJ is what I love.  Perhaps, when I retire, I will move down to sunny Florida, but for now, it's just a happy place we go to to relax and have fun!

Thank you, Scott, for sharing your DJ abilities and other services with us!

Great Scott Productions also offers event lighting and a photo booth!

Photography by Frozen in Time Photography by Angie.

Sweet Texas Wedding!

This summer, we had the opportunity to travel to Texas for the wedding of our Godson, Eddie, to his bride, Laura.  They were married in a lovely church in Temple, Texas, surrounded by friends and family.  The reception was held at the Family Life Center adjacent to the church.  It was a lovely wedding full of laughter, tears of joy, fun and food!

 Laura & Eddie's engagement photo from late fall of last year!

The church had a lovely loft from which Laura walked to meet her groom!

 Eddie was excitedly watching his bride make her way across the loft and down the aisle!

 I love this picture of Eddie's sister, Elyse, 

watching both Eddie & Laura, as she welcomes her new, soon-to-be sister in law!

 Bridesmaids looked lovely in navy blue -- perfect dress for a hot summer day in Texas!

Handsome groomsmen!

Lovely service conducted by their Pastor.

Laura & Eddie then distributed communion to their guests.  

A wonderful way to show how much it meant to them to have all present for this day!

 The new Mr. & Mrs. Edward P. Kahler, III!

Enjoying their first dance as husband and wife!

After the wedding, they departed through the sea of glow sticks!

Their wedding was beautiful and so "them"!  

We were delighted to be a part of the wedding festivities and wish them well. 

(After the wedding weekend, we traveled to San Antonio, Houston & Dallas for our summer vacation!) 

After a honeymoon to the Outer Banks, Laura & Eddie are now residing in North Carolina, 

where Eddie is pursuing his Masters of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School.

Just Desserts!

Over the last couple of months, I had the thought that I'd like to write about some of the amazing wedding professionals in the area with whom I have worked.  At about that same time, Kelsey Chinsky, who is in her last year of college, contacted me asking about providing assistance and helping with anything I needed! So . . . . .  the timing was perfect for Kelsey to take on the project of contacting some wedding professionals and interviewing them for blog posts!

Say "Hello" to Linda Gourley, owner of  "Just Desserts by Linda", who makes amazing cakes, cupcakes and other desserts.  What follows is Kelsey's interview of her . . I hope you enjoy it!

What inspired/led you to your profession?

Linda started her passion for baking like most bakers do, in the kitchen at home. It was a hobby that she thoroughly enjoyed and jumped at the opportunity to do for friends, family events, or even just for entertainment for herself. Eventually Linda realized she was actually pretty good at baking and wanted to make it her career. She had a bakery in Westminster for two years, but was overwhelmed not having a commercial kitchen, and soon found a commercial kitchen in which to set up her business. Now, she no longer needed to have a storefront and could do all of her business virtually.

Has long have you been working in the field?

Started in her 20’s for fun, but professionally since 1996.

Did you always know you wanted to be in that profession? Or did it just happen?

Again, it all started for Linda with a love of baking at home. Baking never seemed like a chore -- it was always fun. Linda explained that, “when celebrating, it's always a happy occasion. One rarely bakes a cake for a sad time in life, so when there is cake involved, it’s a joyous occasion." Linda loves that she can be a part of that joyous moment for someone else and the fact that she can share what she loves with others, is the best part of the job.

Was anyone from your family involved in a similar field?

Linda explained that her mother was a huge influence; every Sunday they would enjoy a large family meal that her mom would spend the day cooking. Linda said that she looked forward to these dinners, but especially had her eyes set on the dessert. Her mother always went out of her way to make an extravagant desserts that were always absolutely delicious. For Linda’s mother, this was a way of showing love to her family.

What are the best aspects of your job?

Linda shared that the best part of the job is the joy of meeting with customers and finding out details to make a custom cake. “The more you get to know your customers, the more personal the cake can be,” she explained. One must find out hobbies, colors, and things that can yield towards a unique cake that goes above and beyond what the customer expected.

What is your most memorable past event? Was it good or bad?

Linda once had a bride and groom she met with and the bride secretly told her she wanted to do a surprise cake for the groom. When asked what this cake should look like, the bride explained she “wanted to recreate a moment to remind her groom of the time they met with their priest.” As the story goes, the couple met at the church to go over some details for the wedding. When the groom arrived, he realized that he had forgotten his shoes! Being the girly girl that she was, the bride looked in her trunk knowing she had a couple pairs of shoes sitting in there. She selected a pair that could possibly fit the groom, a sandal made of a stretchy black material, so that they could walk into the church and have their meeting. The bride went on to explain to Linda that this is what she wanted for a cake -- a large manly looking foot in a woman’s two-sizes-too-small sandal. It was certainly one of the more interesting cakes Linda has ever had to create.

What characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?

Linda explained that you ABSOLUTELY have to be a good listener and make it about your customer instead of yourself (after all, it's not your cake or your event.) One has to be willing to go the extra mile no matter what. “Sometimes plan A, B, or even C don’t work, so just go through whatever it takes to make it a success.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Alaska land and sea cruise

If you could go somewhere you’ve never gone before, where would it be? Why?

Linda's dream vacation is to go to Italy. Linda claims she is just in awe of the food, countryside, and “honestly just everything!” 

Any advice for someone interested in entering your field of work?

Her best piece of advice is to work with someone in your field that you are interested in or try to take a course. Baking at home is truly different than in a commercial kitchen, so a baker must educate himself or herself to succeed. It can be frustrating and time consuming for a home-baker to learn the difference, but it is well worth it. 

Thank you, Linda, for the amazing 

treats you make for your customers, friends and family!

Please click on Just Desserts by Linda, to visit her website and learn more about her desserts, or call her at 410-848-2133 to set up a consultation!

Handfasting Ceremony

A wedding I coordinated earlier this month used the "Handfasting Ceremony" as part of their wedding ceremony.  A few other couples I have worked with over the last few years have used this ceremony, as well.

The couple of earlier this month had a long and wide piece of white ribbon to use when tying their hands together and on that ribbon, each member of their bridal party had written something special about this couple, their relationship to the couple or shared their best wishes for a "happily ever after"!

While the officiant was wrapping the ribbon around their joined hands, she said:

"With the entwining of this knot, I tie all the desires, dreams, love, prayers and happiness wished here in this place to your lives.
  
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes -- tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

Lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

The knots of this binding are not formed by this cord, but by your vows.  

You hold in your hands and hearts the making or breaking of this union.

May your marriage be blessed with patience and dedication, forgiveness and respect, love and understanding.

* * * * * * *

What a lovely ceremony!  

I'm sure there are other messages shared when using this ceremony.  Tell us what you have used or seen for the handfasting ceremony!  Your thoughts might be just what someone else is looking for!

If you found this valuable, feel free to pin it or share it with your friends and family!

Have a great day!

Lexi