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

Grassroots marketing through social media.  That’s what Fortune 500 “marketeer” and owner of Be Branded, Tony Fannin, said about this innovative new company, whose “official” launch was September 22, 2011.  BuzzJoy.net, the buzzing sound you hear from owners Kathy & Ron Pierce.  If you can’t get excited over Kathy’s infectious, bubbly personality, you have to check your pulse.  She’s a dynamo.  She is the CEO, Ron is the COO, and Tony is the CFO of this new, great company on the rise.

This company has offered a way for businesses to connect to other business and customers to connect to businesses.  It is based on “Meritology”, as Kathy so aptly put it, whereas many referral sites base your listing on how much you spend.  Basically an unfair advantage to those without the funds, who may be much better than the “pay for rank” businessws.  With BuzzJoy, your ranking is based on your favorable reviews.

The event was wonderfully executed as Kathy opened the event by sharing the vision and then fielding questions.  The crowd was a mixture of assorted businesses, as we at Bello Romance Photography are a BuzzJoy client.  My associate, Emily Brauchle and I, met and spoke with Leslie Howard, CPO with Streamline Design.  I hadn’t seen Leslie in quite awhile.  Her company is growing and she is excited about her growth.  We also took a few minutes to connect with Becky Homko, Social Media Consultant with Today’s Consulting, and Cheryl Friar, a Manager with Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing.

The food catered in was wonderful.  Finger sandwiches, cheeses and assorted crackers, fruit, desserts, assorted drinks, etc.  Camille Keys of the Fishers Banquet Center did a marvelous spread for us to enjoy.  She was supported by her charming daughter, Cortney.

I see BuzzJoy being a brand that will excel in the connecting business.  I am proud to call Kathy & Ron friends and business associates.  Look for BuzzJoy to be the neighborhood brand.  Listen for it.  Here it comes.  Can you say BUZZJOY?

Scottish Rite Cathedral, Indianapolis

Our BRP eventful day started with a trip to the Scottish Rite Cathedral for our monthly IWPN wedding meeting.  As usual, DJing emcee, Mike West of MGS opens by telling us all that the lunch line is ready for us.  Sitting at our table was my lovely associate, Emily Brauchle, along with Sandy Gosling, Phyllis Lynch and our new guest, Natalie Love, a Bridal Consultant with Events by Love.  What a great woman.

After lunch we heard some SEO tips from one of our photographers, Joe DeFabis.  He has been helping wedding pros learn about optimization for our websites.  Thanks, Joe.  Donna Rice then told us how membership was growing.  Our guest speaker was Nick Carter of Address Two, who gave us some SEO and marketing tips.  As usual, Nick was entertaining too.

Starbuckin' across the universe

Once lunch was over, Emily, Natalie, and I headed to the local watering hole, Starbucks, for a latte and some more conversation.  Our local Barista was in his element as he entreated Natalie with a special concoction called Pumpkin Spice “something”.  What a treat as he shared his anecdotes with us while showing the fine are of “Barista-ing”.

Capital City Chorus

In the middle of our conversation, one of my special friends, Denise Speer, of C3Indy, showed up and visited with us for awhile.  While Emily and I were chatting with Natalie, Emily turned to a page in the Indianapolis Woman magazine and found a photo of her mother with the Capital City Chorus.  How ironic that mother on page 84 and daughter on page 71 were featured in the same magazine.

Natalie, Emily & I shared about our visions and how we can work together.  Natalie was very specific about her dreams for her company.  Emily & I concur that she is an amazing woman with great talent.  Above all, I feel confident in her integrity and soft heart.

David (PixelPurfect) with Jennifer (Hoosier Web Chic)

Today was a great day as David Lawrence the PixelPurfect guru and his lovely wife, Jennifer, owner of Hoosier Web Chic, came for a visit with Emily and I at our Bello Romance Photography studio in Greenfield.  He is so “digital” in his Photoshop organization, whereas I am so not.  I enjoy the artistic approach to my work.  He enjoys the numbers that coincide with colors.

The very happy Emily Brauchle

As he was teaching Emily and I some “basic” Photoshop tutorials, I was mesmerized at his 3,000 hours in Photoshop compared to my hundreds.  His talent to see a light “booboo” and make repairs is amazing.

As we took notes and were enthralled as David was teaching us, we followed our history palettes to keep track of each specific change…..and there were hundreds.  From understanding the RGB of colors, to CMYK facts, David kept us focused and excited.  Layers, and layer masks were amazing, not only for the images, but how they were set up.  He truly “sees” colors in a digital world, or vice versa.

Sneaky iphone shot of Marty Moran & Emily Brauchle

I appreciate David & Jennifer for driving all the way from Zionsville to hang with us for several hours.

David’s portfolio is amazing to say the least and is called upon my many because of his attention to detail.  The phrase on His Facebook page says “I can fix anything but a broken heart and the crack of dawn.”

David’s Photoshop work is amazing.  Call him.  And Jennifer is  great web mistress.  Both are great people too.  Glad to call them my friends.

There are rare times in your life when you come across someone who truly loves their profession and it shows in every way.  I was fortunate enough to encounter this as I made a wise decision to hire Marty Moran as my wedding photographer!!

The first moment I met Marty, which was at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Bridal Show, he stood out.  I remember him vividly as he truly took the time with each interested candidate to get to know you on a personal level and answer any question you may have.  He has a passion for his work and for people that is honest and pure.  From that moment on he was always a front runner on my pursuit to find the perfect wedding photographer.

When I came to the time to interview my candidates, Marty was gracious to meet my fiance’ (now husband) and I for dinner.  Marty brought along his sweet wife Onda as well.  This meeting sealed the deal for me as Marty took SO much time out for us and truly connected with us as a couple.  It wasn’t a stuffy meeting of pre-rehearsed sales pitches.   It was two couples meeting to discuss the amazing power of love and romance.  Marty made you feel like you were in a fairytale when he describes his passion behind his photography!  From this point on Marty and Onda were there for my fiance’ and I through all the planning stages!  They even took time out of their hectic schedules to sit with us over coffee and help guide us through the millions of vendors to help us de-stress….a gracious gesture that was not included in their responsibilities!

The day of the wedding Marty and Onda were the calming winds in the storm!  There seemed to be a million things to do at the last minute and stress was building but Marty and Onda have an amazing ability to provide a feeling of peace.  Needless to say Marty did an amazing job not only photographing my wedding but keeping us all organized and focused on the joy of the moment.

Marty is a one of a kind….very rare and precious!  I would highly recommend him to anyone!  When selecting someone to fill this very important role on this very important day, remember to look not only at the professional skills but the genuine soul behind the camera….with Marty you will be amazed at both!

Shannon and Laura Vice

What a wonderful experience at the Crowne Plaza Union Station bridal show!  I have nothing but gratitude to Ryan & Stacey Hendrickson, owners of the Indinapolis Perfect Wedding Guide.  They always do a great bridal show event.  The Crowne Plaza was so gracious in showcasing their beautiful, historic venue.  Absolutely breathtaking.  Megan and Katie really did a fine job in all this and have to give them thanks for doing so.

First, I have to thank my lovely wife, Onda, who has given me room to work and grow and find the romance in our art work.  Secondly, I have to thank my wonderful associate and partner in this business, Emily Brauchle, who has a real connection with those she meets.  So professional and dresses for style.  A truly amazing young woman.

Bob Ridge, of Indy Visual, was in the background videotaping in time lapse for the event.  Cannot wait to view this video.  I probably will forget some of my friends who I made contact with, but want to give them kudos for their professionalism during the show.  Next door was Sunny Moon, Great DJ Entertainment, with his musicologist, Sandi Brown.  One of his referrals to me was a blessing.  Across from me was Tanya Marshall, of Heavenly Sweets, and amazing cake designer.  David & Leah Cupp of My Daily Wedding Deals, who are always so kind and gracious to all.   Scott & Mark Evans, of Evans Audio Visual,and their wonderful crew, came early in the day to set up the jumbo vision over our Bello Romance Photography booth.  Thanks, Scott & Mark.  True friends.  Also saw Jill Westwood Sowder of the Westwood Paper Company.

The lovely brides walking throughout the show, Kristin, Kathryn, & Stephanie, were more than beautified by the also lovely Rebecca Shorter, of True Colors Indy.  She did hair & makeup for the runway girls.

Emily & I made a visit to see Bruce and Carol, of Top Hat Photo Booth, to get our silly photos done.  Thanks for the fun.  Jason & Tara Carpenter, of DJ Sound Solution were also a great presence as people entered the Grand Ballroom.  Jason has to escape to do a music gig, so Emily & I lent our support to help her get her stuff to her vehicle.

Julie Acheson, of Royal Creations, brought flowers to decorate our table in the color scheme we chose, Bello Bleu.  The day before, we were photographing a wedding and Julie was our florist, and always with a wonderful smile that comes from deep in her heart. Thanks, Julie.

Kenton Dixon, you’re a treat, my friend.  Love your passion.

There are too many to thank. I was so enjoying the moments where I can meet these brides.  Makes my day to enjoy conversation that matters.  Conversations of romance.  Conversations that build trust.

Marty & Emily, Bello Romance Photography.  See our daily “BELLO-ISMs on Facebook.

Last evening my wonderful associate, Emily Brauchle, lined up our wedding table for the Open House at Adaggios Banquet Hall.  While there we had the pleasure of meeting with people who were invited to come and visit with the wedding professionals.  Those who were present in this small open house were Kopper Kettle (mmm good food) and the lovely Kristi Langkabel, who is always so charming and beautiful.  Also was Sheryl with Hart Bakery, bringing her goodies to display, and our usual Bello Romance Photography monthly visit as the photographers with Adaggios.

Our evening was made complete when our dear 2013 couple, Lisa & Chuck, showed up to visit us again.  Chuck had an early flight out the next day, a 4am rising from his palatial bedroom, to head out to the east coast.  But before he did that, he made the long trip for his Lisa to visit all of us.  Chuck, the romantic!  The man who Lisa has in her life to make her laugh.  These are the sweetest couple.

The drizzle didn’t dampen the conversations or the relationship building processes as people were still coming out to view the beautiful venue with the wonderful design layout.  Sheryl Feyen was our usual great hostess.  Kim McKean also helped much.  Later in the evening my dear friend Jen Wiedenhaupt came to help another setup for the next day.

Oh, did I forget to say that Emily redid the design of our table with “BELLO BLEU” color scheme.  She’s an amazing young woman with a flair for the style.

Hope to see you all Sunday at the Indianapolis Perfect Wedding Guide, Crowne Plaza Union Station, Bridal Show.  This will be a BIG one.  Please go online at the link and register.  If you have never been to Crowne Plaza, you’re in for a treat.

We are now in the 2nd day of our “8 Weddings in 8 Days” promotional.  Will end on Friday, Sept 16, 2011.  Only 8 days.

What I hope to do in this BLOG is to  illuminate your hearts about the idea of romantic style photography and the Bello Romance Photography style of photography.  There are many styles of photography.  There is photojournalism.  There is traditional.  There is artistic.  All are great styles.  We at Bello Romance Photography comprehend all of them, and add to them, in a most unique way.  While many people are in the Photojournalism vs Artistic, or Traditional vs Photojournalistic battles, we don’t believe in the competition process.  Our clients want something different.  They want a style that captures something IN their hearts.

Lauren & Jin at Community Life Center

Romance photography, as seen from our eyes, has a benchmark all its own, developed through years of what captures the romantic eye.  We see the moments BEFORE the actual “typical” moments that many photographers capture.  We anticipate.  We are “pre” pre-pared for the moments.  We observe the entire environment looking for moments within the moments, a sort of BIG picture epic of what is occurring in our romantic world.  As a natural hopeless romantic, I want to see moments as they unfold like a flower embracing a sunbeam or a raindrop.  Moments are just what they are….brief encounters with a point in time that passes quickly into the future……and is gone……forever.  Our vision is to be at that specific moment in your photographic moment to see and capture it as it occurs.

Alisha & Josh at University Place Hotel & Conference Center

Brooke at Community Life Center

I believe we have created a new style of photography.  We believe we at Bello Romance Photography have created a fresh new evolving style to join traditional, photojournalistic, and artistic.  That is romance style photography.  It is already deep in the hearts of our Bello Romance Photography faithful followers over the years.  We have coined new Bello romantic thought processes, such as our daily BELLO-ISM on Facebook.  Romantic art is a concept that more than shows your “typical” style.  We have created a style all our own, with great lines, composition, less Photoshop, and just more intimacy.

Look out, world.  Bello Romance Photography has created romance photography and will continue to evolve into one of the world’s best, as is our hope.