As a small business, it is very important to understand branding.  A good brand should be timeless and flexible.  Labeling a business as “2012 Linens” would be a horrendous idea, and it won’t last.  It is limiting and its time will run out.  Common sense.  The flavor of the 2012 year in the wedding world is the romantic vintage theme.  The new style is made in the likeness of one-of-a-kind hipsters and creative artists.

Bridal shops display their modest, lace dresses and planners are going crazy trying to think up yet another way to personalize the most inventive idea for a centerpiece to make their brides’ intimate outdoor wedding spectacular.  Candles, crafts, antique furniture.  Photographers are popping out of the woodwork with muted tones, cross processing, and warped color curves to make their images old timey and vintage.  It would be a wonder to find an old abandoned truck that hasn’t been posed by in a field.   Textured, distressed, and yellow.  That, my friends, is the vintage style in a nutshell.

You don’t need to be a frequent Tumblr user, Pinterest fanatic, or StumbleUpon addict to know what style I am referring to.  Just check out the girl in the thick hipster glasses sitting across from you in the coffee shop.  The style of today is yesterday, and as vendors, we serve our clients and give them what they desire for their wedding day.

My question is, how long will this déjà vu fashion last? As wedding professionals and business owners, how much stock do we put into this current fad? Will it last long enough to matter?

Is vintage timeless?

My thoughts are that this vintage epidemic will fade.  There will, as well as there should be, always be those artists who will forever stay true to their vintage style and products.  However, stay true to your brand and artwork, because without consistency, your branding becomes weak.

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”.

Everyone goes through those monumental moments in their lives, and the term ‘monumental’ is relative.  From a tropical vacation to a baby’s first (insert verb here), milestones make life wonderful.  So why wouldn’t you want to remember it forever?

Call them what you will.  Souvenir, keepsake, memento, token, reminder, symbol.  We collect them and keep them to remind us of the most important instances in our lives.  Certificates, movie tickets, tee shirts, snow globes, postcards, collectables, and of course the most common keepsakes of all, photographs.  Stick them in your scrapbook, drop them in that drawer, or shove them on that top shelf.

Everyone does it to ultimately make sure they remember that significant event in their lives, for the rest of their lives.  I’m going to just jump into the example of your wedding, because I’m sure you are all waiting for it.  I am, after all, a romance photographer.  One of the most momentous times in your life: when you declare to your family, friends, and God, who you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with.  If it sounds like a big deal, it’s because it is.

Whoever you choose to be your photographer, and whether or not Bello Romance Photography is the right match for you, not only will I beg you to at least choose a wedding professional to capture the event, your event, of the year, but I will also urge you to make sure you decide upon that keepsake.

Get a wedding album, and get it done right.

A wedding album is a perfect way to remember over and over again the best parts of your wedding.  At Bello Romance Photography, we work with our couples to create a book perfectly suited for them, inside and out.  All of our wedding albums are custom designed with the newlyweds in mind, and all of our page designs are approved upon before we send them off to the lab to be printed.

Brides, I hope that whoever you trust to make your wedding album, I hope you choose to have a final say in the result of not only your purchase and investment, but your memory.  Your keepsake.  As important as a wedding album is, and I believe it to be, make sure it is treated with the same importance. ­

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.

“She goes around in circles
Till she’s very, very dizzy
Still they holler

Keep a busy Cinderelly”

~Disney’s Cinderella

With the endless this and that’s of planning a wedding, the brides minds can go a little topsy-turvy with stress.  From the DJ, to the florist, to the venue, to the linens, to the caterer, to the dress, to the bridesmaids, to the cake, to the ceremony, to the invitations, and so it goes on and on.  Talk about a to-do list, right?

Well brides, before anything else, what you need to scoot right up to the top of your list are your own, personal well-being.  Your stress level should not get so high that you become an example of a Reader’s Digest article, with break-outs, early wrinkles, and on and off cold symptoms. Let’s face it, stress can be the cause of instability, mentally or physically, and you don’t need to be a doctor to figure that one out.

Here is what I recommend.  Now is the perfect time.  Halloween is right around the corner.  Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes are open and in season.  Now is the time for apple cider, pumpkin pie, and Halloween candy. The smell of fall leaves and winter frost is in the crisp air, and now is the last chance to get out and have some fun before winter freezes over.

The point? I guess I should make one right about now.  Make sure you take the time to play.   All work and no play makes Jill a dull bride.  I encourage you to take the time to have a stress reliever.  Take your fiancé, or maybe just all the girls, and go for a hay ride or a run through a haunted house.  Never forget to jot down time for yourself on that to do list.  Keep calm and plan your wedding right.

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.