If you are still looking for a make-up artist for your wedding, contact Sarah Fairbairn at info@sarahfairbairn.com or 613-929-8406. 

Some of you may be familiar with the term “trash the dress”. I like to call this a “day after session”, which means we get together after your honeymoon to get some great shots of you where you wouldn’t typically be able to go on your wedding. This doesn’t mean you have to actually “trash” your dress… it may get a little wet or dirty, but that’s what the dry cleaner is for :)

Here is a great article featured in the NY Daily News about trash the dress.

To check out more trash the dress photos, click here to visit www.trashthedress.com.

To view a sample day after session, click play to watch the slideshow!

One of the ‘most asked questions’ I get is:
“When is the best time of day to take photos on our wedding?”

I love that couples think to ask me this, because perfect lighting makes such a huge difference! I always encourage couples to figure out how much time they’ll need for photos before they book the times of their ceremony & dinner times. This way, you’ll get the best light for the photos that matter the most!!

The golden hour is the hour right before the sun sets. The light makes everything look golden, which makes your photos look even more magical and romantic. Of course it won’t always be possible, for example if the sky is cloudy, or the sun is setting really late, but the closer you can get to that golden hour the better.

The next ‘most asked question’ I get is:
“How much time will we need for photos?”

Great question!! The answer is “It depends!”.
It depends on a few things. First it depends on how many family members are going to be in your group family photos. I recommend only having immediate family, and grandparents during this photo time. There will be lots of time during the reception where we can get group photos of your great-aunt bess, your funny uncle bob, and your 18 cousins.

Family photos are important, but they don’t need to take a lot of time. I like to get them done as quickly as possible so they can go and enjoy themselves and mingle with the guests. Usually if it’s just parents, siblings, and grandparents, they take approx. 20 minutes.

Next up comes the bridal party. I usually spend about 20-30 minutes with the bridal party. I always suggest scheduling more time than less time, because it’s better to show up early to the reception than late! I always do some just with the guys, some just with the girls, and some all together.

Then comes the most important! I like to spend about 45 minutes (sometimes more, if there is more than one location) with the bride and groom. These are the most important photos of the day, and the more time you leave for them the better. These are the photos that should try to be scheduled during ‘the golden hour’, if possible. Whenever you see a photo where the people are back-lit (like there’s a rim of light around them) they are usually taken during the golden hour. Here are a few examples to show you what I mean:

So, I would recommend scheduling in about 2 hours in between your ceremony and reception for photos. Every wedding will be different, and sometimes you won’t have that much time in between. Just let me know if you’re planning on having multiple locations, or if your circumstances are a lot different than the ones used here.

Here are the approximate sunset times. It will be a little harder for weddings in June/July/August because the sun sets so late.
But if there’s a gorgeous sunset during your dinner, no one is going to stop us from going outside for 10 minutes to grab some great shots!

Apr 1 ……..7:30 PM
Apr 15…….7:40 PM
May 1……..7:50 PM
May 15……8:00 PM
June 1…….8:30 PM
June 15…..8:40 PM
July 1……..8:50 PM
July 15……8:40 PM
Aug 1……..8:30 PM
Aug 15……8:20 PM
Sept 1…….7:40 PM
Sept 15…..7:20 PM
Oct 1……..7:00 PM
Oct 15…….6:30 PM

Hope that helps!!
Happy planning! :)

You know those really ugly books with the lace on them that you can buy for all your guests at the reception to write their signature in and then you stick it in a box in the basement for the rest of it’s life?

Well I have some great news, because you will NEVER (say it with me now: NEVER!) have to buy one of these silly things for your wedding! Because included in all my wedding collections is a casual engagement shoot, *AND* your own custom designed photo signing book for your reception! So instead of all your guests just signing their names, they can leave you fun little notes, memories, and advice. The best part is that it’s full of photos of you and your groom to be!

Here’s one I just designed for Samantha & Noal, who are going to be married on Sept 27th! So excited for your wedding you guys!!

(Just click the play button)

Attention 2008 Brides & Grooms! I just have to tell you how fabulous Leanne is at l.s.p designs! She is such a sweet person and just loves what she does! I can always tell when Leanne has done the flowers at a wedding because they are always so gorgeous..

I stopped by her cute little flower shop at 676 King St. W. (in Portsmouth Village) and took a few photos..
but you should go in and see it for yourself.. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

She also puts together beautiful flower arrangements.. so if you boys are looking for some brownie points.. you know where to go! :)

Here she is working her magic! :)

she also does gorgeous centre pieces and chair covers!

Be sure to visit her booth this Sunday at the Bridal Show!

for all you 2008 brides, wedding wire is the new way to find the perfect wedding vendors for your needs!

one of my fab 2008 brides gave me the link to the Style Me Pretty blog, which is the perfect site for all your blog-a-holics out there!! :)

envelopments is an awesome site for those who want a great invitation resource…

check out travel zoo for great deals on honeymoon vacationsl!

and last but not least.. if you’re trying to decide whether or not you want to do a trash the dress session after your wedding, check out this trash the dress blog!