What is romance to you?  To me?

Romance is about the connection between heart and soul.  It is not just about marriage, but about the friendship involved in the marriage.  It is about taking your sweetheart into another world, a world where only she exists.  Whether it is her fairy tale, her “once upon a time”, or wherever, she wants to feel as the most important in his life.

A romantic moment.....

Is your dream about romantic moments?  Those moments where you are swept away into your fairy tale world?  Only you live there.  Is it about the connection that lingers where you can still feel the warmth of each others’ breath after the kiss?  That kind of moment?

Is it about her beauty and how she looks to you, oh husband?  Your whole life is wrapped around every beat of her heart.  She is what you have been waiting for your entire life.  The woman who completes you!  That kind of moment?

About her beauty?

Is it about the party?

Is it about the party and the celebration?  The gathering of all your friends and family in a united love affair about your wedding day and the great marriage to follow?  About capturing your friends in excited moments, the looks in their eyes?  The happiness?  The joy?  That kind of moment?

Ah, the tropics.....

Is it about the destination you travel to enjoy the event?  Maybe Hawaii, Jamaica, the Bahamas, or another tropical location?  Maybe an Alaskan cruise?  A Norwegian cruise?  A getaway in your heart?  That kind of romance?

When I define romance, I see the “connection”.

A mother watches as her daughter dances with her daddy at the wedding.  A walk in the park where your little girl reaches for your hand, just to know you will take it.  A toss of the football where the son and his father engage in man activities.  A loving look that says not only that “I love you”, but “I care”.  The knowing that your special “someone” will always be there through thick and thin, no matter what.

That’s how I see romance.  And that’s why “We Capture Romance” at Bello Romance Photography.  Yes, it is about the “capture”.

It’s always an amazing day when you can meet with your friends, and then be introduced to some new friends. My kinda friends.  Friends who care more for you than how to make a buck.

After visiting the Conrad for the ISES luncheon, I headed to the northeast side of Indy where I met a family who operate a jewelry store, DeJoan Jewelry.  My most beautiful and trusted friend, Colleen Page, owner of La Dolce Salon in Carmel met me here because she knew I would understand the vision of the owner and the family.

As we walked in, I noticed a beautifully organized space with a friendly atmosphere.  Colleen introduced me to the Parraga family.  Joaquin, AnaMaria, AnaCristina, and Denis.  I did not have the opportunity to meet the youngest entrepreneur, the 17 year old Jordy, but I understand that he has a unique insight about business.

Joaquin, the father, gave Colleen and I a tour of how he conducts business.  He is a designer of unique jewelry, custom crafted.  I was so impressed by his work and his ethics about the conduct of his business. He even shared about his “Free Repair Wednesdays”, where you can bring in your jewelry for repair, labor free.  What a marketing genius he is.  His place fills up on Wednesday.  Pure genius.  Most think about money, whereas Joaquin think about his clients.

He told about his family and how each member has a unique entrepreneurial talent.  Joaquin was a very engaging man and I can see why his clients love him and his family.  All of them were smiling, not looking as though the the day was tedious.

Now at the beginning of this new friendship, Joaquin  and his family extended a warm invitation to collaborate with Colleen and I to grow together.  It was that “knowing” concept.  We all think out of the box, not looking to money as a means.  It’s just an end.  The means is the vision we all shared.  We want our brands to be sensational and unique.  As a photographer, I understand how much a commodity photography is.  However, at Bello Romance Photography, we strive to Capture Romance.  With Colleen at La Dolce, she wants that Champagne Experience.  At DeJoan Jewelry (pronounced Day-Jo-Wan), I saw the most beautiful customized sculpted jewelry.  This man and his family are artists, not just jewelers.

I am proud to have found some new friends.  I thank God that He led me to this relationship, as he led me to my Emily, a great photographer on our staff, with a keen eye for customized album design.  Thank you Colleen, for the introduction.  And thank you Joaquin, AnaMaria, AnaCristina, and Denis.  I will eventually meet young Jordy, I am quite sure.

Come visit their store, located at 9105 East 56th Street, Suite G, Indianapolis, IN 46216.  You can call them, but you should come in for the experience.

Come visit La Dolce Salon at 1119 S Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032.

If you’re looking for dazzling romantic, and glamorous images, please visit our Bello Romance Photography studio, by appointment only at 635 N. State Street, Suite C, Greenfield, IN 46140

Yes , the days are getting better.

What a nice drive it was to to Chicagoland.  Actually it was a wedding weekend in Rockford, IL.  I had never met this bride or groom, Lorianne & John, but had the pleasure of meeting her parents, Helene & Art.  Wonderful experience.

Lindsey making the "Pageant Girl" look on Lorianne

My first meeting with Lorianne was most wonderful.  I had the chance to be introduced to her “court”.  Her Maid of Honor, Lindsey, was designing her stylish coiffure, as I was asking questions about her day.  We were discussing her photographs and she told me she told me she was a “Pageant Girl.”   She and Lindsey were in pageants for many years and, in fact, that was how they met.

Wow! Lorianne transformed. Love that dazzling smile!

There's no place like home

We headed to the church, Riverside Community in Machesney Park, after the perfect hairstyle was completed.  It was such a beautiful church along the Rock River.  The sun was shining into the windows creating some wonderful lighting perspectives.  After we finished photographing and departing the gents, Lorianne emerged looking stunning as a Pageant Girlshould.  She also had the most dazzling pair of “Dorothy” shoes.

The ceremony was beautifully done and the pastor’s humor left everyone at ease and enjoying the moments.  Although there were a few tears, the “I Do’s” were said and they exited the aisle as all couple do.  The Bello Romance Photography formal funnies would follow.  Everyone was having so much fun, as formals should be, The Bello Way.

Time to head to Sam’s Ristorante for the reception appointment.  Upon entering we contacted our DJ for the evening, DJ Brian Hollis.  who informed us how the evening would progress.  Introductions came, dinner was served, then on to the party.  Dancing, dancing and more dancing.

John & Lorianne's romantic encounter. Ah, romance!

I have to say that I met so many wonderful family and friends.  Thank you, Lorianne & John, for allowing me the pleasure to photograph two wonderful people.  You guys rock.

I am so glad I met my “Pageant Girls”, and now I KNOW the Director. Woohoo!

When seeking out your artistic expression for your wedding, i.e. wedding photography, what is a wrong question to ask?

Answer: How much are you?  This question kills the romance.  This is the same as saying to your spouse, “what can you offer me that make it palatable to marry you?”  Huh?  Not the great basis for a relationship.

A better question for a bride to ask herself would be, “Is your wedding worth the investment of great  & memorable romantic wedding photography?”

Consider this. You invest your hard earned money to have your event in a venue you will remember.  You order the most beautiful floral arrangements so the fragrance permeates the atmosphere.  You order a cake from your favorite baker in the design that has captured your heart.  THEN, spend little or nothing on someone who has a digital camera who says they can photograph your wedding.  In your politeness to Aunt Cindy or Uncle Phil, you let them shoot throughout the day, only to find those tender moments missing from the most romantic day of your life because your family friend was hanging with the family instead of doing what you wanted them to do.

The one thing I hear from many of my brides is that the ONLY thing that will last will be those precious moments captured by a GOOD wedding photographer who knows what he/she is doing.

I have hear the same question over and over again for over 30 years.  It would seem that many brides do minimal research except to think that Uncle Kilroy can capture the one day that launches a marriage.  Aunt Betsy may own a digital camera, but do you trust your LEGACY to your favorite aunt because she’s taken a few snapshots?

Of course we know the most money spent will be on the food and the venue.  You spend the money on your flowers, your food, the grand hall, the officiant, the wedding dress, etc.  How many of them will last without an investment?  Who will remember the food (except through images)?  Who will remember your favorite grandparent (who may passed away after the wedding), because Uncle Kilroy was having a beer instead of capturing his last event with the bride?

Let’s think beyond the moment.   Food is eaten.  Alcohol is consumed.  Your college roomies were drunk.  Great party, huh?  Well, where’s the one who photographed your dancing in the dark.  You’re the one who’s face we can’t see because Uncle Amateur did not use correct lighting to catch the speed of the bouquet or garter toss.  Or wasn’t “johnny on the spot” to get that special kiss moment.

What about asking the groom to help in decision making?  Team efforts are a good thing.  Deciding on what the groom should have a part in is a tough one as well.  So what do you want him to help with?  Venue?  Usually a bride see the artistic side and the dream is mostly hers.  Maybe not the groom decision, although his input is valuable.  How about photography?  Usually the groom is only interested in the bottom line.  When it comes to art, he will mostly choose by “how much”.  Not a great way to choose art.  What about floral?  You know he isn’t interested in that.  How about the music?  Now this is a safe area.  He can haggle with the DJ, live band, or whoever.  Usually the bride and groom are on a similar page when it comes to music.

Here are some tips for hiring a wedding photographer:

1) Get recommendations and referrals.  Our vision at Bello Romance Photography is to “capture romance”.

2) MEET IN PERSON. I can’t emphasize this enough.  The chemistry is not understood via email.  We will be with you all day on your special day.

3) Understand the packages.  Know what you’re getting for your investment.  Order an album.  Digital media has changed and will continue to change over the next several years.  Your CD today may become unreadable in 10 years.  And the photographer may have purged his media by then.

4) If you hire a good wedding photographer, your family can come without cameras and enjoy the party.

5) Timing.  A good photographer is usually booked 9 months to a year in advance.  There are dates they may have available, but mostly they are locked in.

For other thoughts about hiring a wedding photography, please read my “Bubba” Blog.

Bridal Show tips that will ease the pain.  No kidding, ladies.

Make your own labels (include name, address, email, mobile number, date of wedding, etc)  to bring to the bridal show.  To get free giveaways, you just peel and stick wherever you want.

If you have already hired a specific professional, save time at the show and move along.  You may see work of someone you really like and have regrets at your previous decision.

Ask the wedding professional if they have your date available.

Some professionals offer special incentives to sign at the show that they won’t offer any other time.  Bring your check book with you just in case.  Some leave their check books at home to prevent temptation.  However, since the cost of weddings is high, it is wise to bring it just in case your a good decision maker.

If you are not in the buying mode, take the literature from the ones you might be interested in.  My rule of thumb: If you like the professional, place their card in your right pocket (or somewhere special).  Place the cards of vendors you didn’t connect with in your left pocket (or other alternate location),  When you arrive home, dump the left pocket into the trash.  Simple enough to help with your choices.

Stay til the end of the show.  Some full wedding packages, or other gifts, have been announced and the bridal couple did not win because they were not in attendance.

Now go enjoy the show and just have fun!  Eat some cake too!

Wedding Day magazine

It was a great party event at Sahm’s Atrium at the AUL tower this past Tuesday evening.  My good friend Jen Hanshew made sure I received the invite to attend.  The sponsor of this unveiling into Central Indiana was Wedding Day magazine.  Looks like Denise Crowel has put together a fine magazine with a beautiful layout.  Reminds me of the great Indianapolis Woman magazine and its wonderful structure.

Our hostess at Sahm’s, Katie Bates, was a joy to be with and share conversation with, as she shared about her time with Sahm’s She sure brings her flavor to the place.  The hors deurves were wonderful and people were mingling as is usual with a network event.

After a time of networking, Denise shared a few minutes and introduced her team to us and told a little history of her magazine, which she said was about the professional people who advertised with her.

My huge briefcase holding my huge business cards. Hmmm. Optical Delusion, huh?

Brian Whitis provided the tunes for the evening.  So many others that I will probably miss. but Sunny Moon, Suz Haire, Michele Rogers, Natalie Love, Giavonni Hickson, Chris La Mar, Gene Huddleston, Cathy Caito with he husband, Michael, Scott Romer, Troy Hill, Kelly Robertson, Vaso MIkic, along with the Bello Romance Photography team.

Sahm's at the AUL. Design by Michele Rogers of Accolade of London. Photo by Marty Moran, Bello Romance Photography.

If you’re also wishing to see your wedding in a beautiful location, you might consider Sahm’s Atrium at the AUL Tower.  Beautiful location.  Call katie and set up and appointment to view the place.  You won’t be disappointed.

Cheftel, Jim Cerone

As you drive north on Allisonville Road (well, our direction was north), we pulled into the parking lot of the We Do “business district”.  As we pulled in we saw our host, Bob Ridge of Indy Visual, doing some final touches for the party atmosphere.  With Jim Cerone on the grill (yum on the dogs, Jim), we enjoyed the great music of the Jessica Patterson Trio.  The “unplugged” versions were wonderful.  I knew they had a winner when they played Rhiannon.

Our Host, Bob Ridge, just being himself

Sunny Moon and Sandi Brown were meeting and greeting and waiting for the festivities to “officially” begin.  Before we ate that first dog, we toured the suites with our candy bags and filled them to the brim.  I think my Emily’s bag was much heavier than mine.  However, the children in attendance really hung around the candy trays.  I feel sorry for the parents, especially one Tiffany Stoner, who would have to tuck them in later.  Oh, my.

The B**** Witch #1, Julie Branch.

So many of my friends were there that I may fail to name some, so oops right now: Tonya Shadoan, Jen Swathwood, Jason Ryan, Jill Sowder, Kelly Oswalt, Leslie Jones, Tanya Marshall, Julie Branch, Chris La Mar, Suz Haire, Joslyn Crowe (I missed John), Ryan & Stacey Hendrickson, Jen Hanshew, Dee Haddad, Kelly Robertson, Vaso Mikic, Laura Lim, Lee Johnson, Kristin Hornberger, Brian Whitis, and some others.  I won’t purposely forget anyone.  Older brain….really!

Suz & Emily sharing a funny.

We enjoyed the party and our friends and can’t wait for another opportunity to join the great ones of weddings and events.  Our own Bello Romance Photography world enjoys meeting with and hearing greatness shared, although today was just a party.

Thanks, Bob and all the gang, for opening up your We Do hearts for the rest of us.

Hmmm!  There are so many Bubba’s out there. Bubba’s come in all sorts of sizes and shapes and experience.  Bubba can be your brother who just bought himself a new digital camera.  He’s the one who has taken a few photographs and knows “everything” now.  Is he going to be your wedding photographer?

Composition here is awful. The photographer thought he was being creative. Photo by Bubba!

Bubba is your sister, who is the one who always has her pocket camera in her purse.  Therefore she will make a good wedding photographer.  Really?  Buying a digital camera no more makes you a great photographer than having a great stereo makes you a DJ.  The same as planning your sister’s baby shower makes you a good wedding planner.  It’s cheap, but is it worth the risk for the biggest day of your life?

It is interesting that the one most important day of your life, the day that launches you into this marriage, everything is turned over to “chance”.  In the many years of photographing weddings, it is typical to receive a call a few months after the wedding from a bride who chose to do it on the cheap, to call us with the regrets about her bad wedding photography.

Whose wedding is this? Yours? Prove it. Can't see your face. Photo by Bubba!

Amateurs no nothing about lighting.  Nothing about composure.  You can read these ideas in a book, but it is the “feel” of the wedding they don’t understand.  What is bad photography?  Have you ever had your head cut off in a photo?  Have you ever had a beautiful photo taken of you but it’s too dark to see you clearly?

I don't think the mask on her face was intended. Lighting was on her back and not in her face. Photo by Bubba!

Talented photographers are hard to come by.  They do cost.  But the hurt from choosing a $500 amateur to capture a grand event can never be redeemed.  It is then too late.  The horror stories from those brides who felt they did right, only to find out they did not choose correctly, go on and on and on.  Thus the reason for this BLOG.

At Bello Romance Photography, we endeavor to give the clients the support they need.  We not only capture the images they require, but we capture them onto several support drives when finished so no image is lost.  We completely do all the editing before passing them onto the bride so she has stylish, contemporary images.  We design her wedding album and wait for her approval before sending it off to a lab.

Beautiful image. Her eyes speak to you. Photo by Bello Romance Photography!

Emotion captured as her eyes embraced her new husband. Photo by Bello Romance Photography.

Most important, we see lighting in a way that eyes are visible, emotions are captured, and moments are not missed because we are hanging with Bubba having a beer at YOUR event.  We are where we are supposed to be at those given moments. Bubba will hang with his brother, or he will be “somewhere”, when you are expecting him to be with YOU.

A final thought.  Besides family, your images are the ONLY thing that endure after the wedding.  Not the food.  Not the music.  Not the venue.  Not the cake.  Nothing else.  Having a grand event with Bubba at the helm is a dangerous thing to trust.

Check out our artwork and see if we can match what’s in your heart.  You may not choose Bello Romance Photography, but choose wisely, dear bride, for your wedding is your legacy in images.

Ladies, we all know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming.  You may have planned a birthday party for your family.  Maybe a wedding shower. Maybe a baby shower.  They are nothing like planning a wedding.

Choosing the professionals to handle your grand affair can be overwhelming as well.  Imagine what it would be like to choose a venue, then find out the planner you trusted has left to go elsewhere?  Imagine what it would be like to choose your photographer based on price and find out they did not have much experience with those precious images that you value?

When choosing your professionals, we all know that every bride chooses based on their own personal priorities.  If photos are top priority, then choose wisely on the artwork over the fees.  If the venue is number one, choose the same way.  I personally enjoy a bride who can make decisions quickly.  Many times, our best clients choose us at the personal consultation.  She doesn’t have to meet a multitude of photographers to “know”.   That may be a sign of indecisiveness.

The other thing is choosing based solely on price.  If you do that you can ALWAYS find the “Walmart” of wedding photography.  I’m not against Walmart, but if your wedding is that important to you, consider your decision based on price.  There are ways to negotiate when finding the artwork you love.   When you feel you have found the style you desire, then you can decide how to approach the next step.

As an example, you may choose your cake from Walmart or get an exquisite cake from Tanya Marshall of Heavenly Sweets or from Cathy Caito of Cakes by Cathy.

Same with choosing a DJ.  The frat house DJ knows how to party and will probably drink all night with you. Or you can choose a great DJ / Emcee package from people like Sunny Moon, Mike West, or Jason Carpenter.

Indianapolis Woman magazine has presented this month their bridal guide for brides with insights and help.  If you know Mary Weiss, the Publisher of this fine magazine, you know that her character is to give the bride the best options to have a great event.

At Bello Romance Photography we endeavor to give our brides the best work to capture the romance of their wedding.  Although we have been photographing weddings for many years (30 +), we also do exceptional work with portraits, models and their portfolios, seniors, families, children and babies, corporate and other events.

Choose wisely, dear brides.  This is a once in a lifetime story.  Maybe you feel like Cinderella at the ball.  This is YOUR fairytale.  YOUR dream.  Make the most of it by great decisions.  Great decisions lower the stress levels.  This is supposed to be fun.

You may find us on Facebook (Bello Romance Photography) and (Emily at Bello Romance Photography), Twitter, LinkedIn and throughout the area.

There was such excitement in the air as we boarded Continental flight 1555, which would eventually land us in Honolulu, Hawaii, the destination of one Misty Davis and Travis Easter wedding event.

We figured out the time zone difference from Indianapolis to Hawaii was 6 hours.  Once we hit the ground, it was time ti seek out our rental car from Hertz.  After that was settled we headed to Waikiki and the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  What a beautiful setting.  Lots of beachcombers up and down the beach.  Music was playing from the Tropics Bar & Grill, which gave the air of a grand continuous party.  The smell of food permeated the air and drew in those who were hungry.

So much is here at this Waikiki place: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Maui Clothing Company, Benihana, Tropics Bar & Grill, Maui Divers Jewelry, LeSportsac, Polynesian Culture Center, Cartier, etc.   I could go on and on about the shops here.

This is the place where they film the new Hawaii Five-O.  Book ‘em, Dano, actors Alex O’Laughlin (McGarrett), Scott Caan (Dano), Daniel DaeKim (Chin Ho), Grace Park (Kono) are the leads in this new show.  This island loves the show and the locale in Waikiki.

Once we settled into our room, we decided to join the crowd on the beach for a walk.  We were so hungry from the long flight that we did our search and found a quiet place, the NY Deli.

On Monday, we awoke to a text from our dear bride about joining them for breakfast in the rainbow tower. It was there that we met Misty’s parents, Cathy & Elmer. Once breakfast was finished we checked out and had the valet bring our car to load up and head to Bellow Air Force base and the private Bellow Beach.  Yes, we had our OWN beach.  Despite a few Portuguese man of wars, we still found time in the Pacific Pool.

Before we arrived at the beach, our guide and husband to be, Travis, took us on a tour of island shops.  I was so glad to have someone with us who knew the island and gave us our own personal tour.  We visited Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice, a local favorite with their own T-shirt brand.

When we arrived at dark we had the opportunity to meet with the entire group; Misty’s parents, Cathy & Elmer stayed in the same suite with Onda & I.  Next door was Pam & Roland, Travis’ parents.  They were joined by Pam’s sister Debi and her husband, Mike.  There were a total of 15 people, including my wife and I.

Assorted throughout the campsite was Renee, Josh, Wendy, Mandy & Jonathon.

On Tuesday, we made the most important trip to Hilo Hattie’s and received a shell lei when we ealked in the door.  The day before, as we drove by, there were the local Polynesian girls doing the hula on the side of the road at Hilo Hattie’s.  We also drove the island during the daytime as well.  You can actually drive around the island in about an hour and a half, except for rush hour in Honolulu, which has five lanes bumper to bumper.  Stay away!  Stay away!  And gas was minimum $4.08 per gallon.

On Wednesday, the wedding day, we were all up so early for the wedding.  Everyone had to be seated on the beach by 7:30.  Misty arose at 2am to head off to get her hair & makeup done.  I awoke at 3:30am to join her at the salon.  She donned her Vera Wang and headed off to the beach with Travis for some pre-wedding sunrise photos.  Once finished, we readied for the wedding.  Beautiful setting, with Captain Howie doing the honor of the ceremony.  He blew the conch shell for about 3 minutes.  I thought he might turn blue, but he still had enough air to conduct the event.  He told many stories with many nuptial illustrations.  What a beautiful setting for a wedding.

Once the wedding was over, poor Misty had to retire to her cabin to sleep.  I heard Travis say that he tried to wake her but she was comatose.  Out cold!  Once awakened, we had the non-traditional cake cutting and toast on the beach.

As the day progressed, Onda and I took our leave and headed out to Hanauma Bay.  This bay is amazing.  It is open out to the sea, BUT, it is a safe harbor for small fishes as the large predators cannot get into the bay.  It is protected by coral.  It is a beautiful beach, with snorkelers viewing the colorful sea life.  The beach had some “friendlies” in the mongooses.  I understand that mongooses were brought to the island to rid it of rats.  Not doing enough research, the Hawaiian government didn’t realize that rats were nocturnal.  Not so with the mongoose.  Cutest creatures though.  Sharp teeth!

Thursday was the day I was so looking forward to as we headed off to breakfast at Anna Miller’s, the off to Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor, I could feel lots of emotions inside, as I was a veteran of the Vietnam era war. My father was a WW2 veteran, and our Hancock County, IN has a Pearl Harbor survivor of its own. They showed us a movie of the event, which was so moving, then we took off to visit the USS Arizona, buried under the water where it was sank on December 7, 1941 in the surprise Japanese attack.

After Pearl Harbor, we headed off to an evening luau at the Germaine’s Luau. We arrived in time to get our tables, which were reserved for us, then I headed off the capture the sunset. OMG, it was great to see the sun disappear over the horizon. God gives us these little glimpses into His created beauty, and I am so thankful for these moments.

As we arose on Friday to leave this beach and these wonderful people, we headed to see them all at the beach and get our wet hugs. Onda cried and felt so blessed to have met such great new friends