1. Allow extra time for hair and makeup.

Next week we are having a makeup artist featured on Wedding Wednesday, so I thought I would start my tips with a makeup tip.  I have worked with some great hair and makeup artists.  Though they are great, and very professional, hair and makeup usually takes longer than anticipated.  As a rule, when scheduling your hair and makeup artists, add extra time to the schedule for them.  You may not need it, but if you do you will be glad the extra time is there, so you are not rushing something else.  

2. Have an official timeline, and a public timeline.

I dont know about you, but sometimes I feel like when I am making a plan, not everyone is on the same timeline as me.  I see this to be true at weddings.  Have an official timeline (the one that says when things are suppose to actually happen) and a public timeline (the one you share with your friends and family).  If you want photos of the wedding party to start at 2:30 on the public timeline have them starting at 2:15 (or maybe even 2:00 if your friends typicality run late) – that way everyone has some extra time to get there, and you will be less stressed about everyone being late.   Also, dont forget to allow time buffers, so if things are running late you dont need to stress about it.  (if you chose me as your photog, I would love to help you with your timeline).  

3. Make sure you have communicated and communicated again with your transportation. 

Nothing is worse than mis-communication on the big day.  If you are having a Limo or a horse and buggy or any other form of transportation, make sure you over communicate with them.  Have your pickup times and locations in writing.  Often times the driver is not who you made the initial arrangements with and nothing is worse than having to cut something short because of the drivers schedule, or arriving at the wrong place.  

4. RELAX and have FUN!

Here is the thing.  No matter how much you plan, something will happen that you did not plan for.  I have shot weddings without flowers, brides without shoes, ring bearers that start talking to people in the audience.  I have even shot a ceremony with out power.  No matter what your wedding day throws at you, rain or shine, enjoy it!  The ceremony could start and hour late, but years from now that is not what you will remember, and honestly is not worth stressing over.  RELAX and have FUN, roll with the punches and enjoy the first day of the rest of your life with the love of your life!  :)  

When I decided I was doing the wedding in Haiti, it took alot of  courage for me.  The only time I had left the comforts of the US were to go to Canada, which being from Montana, was basically in my backyard, and to Mexico, but that was with a van full of my friends, and most of them I had known all my life.  Also, The first time I ever flew I was in College (well technically, according to my mom, I flew when I as 6 months, but I totally don’t remember that and don’t count it).  Because this was a new experience for me, I decided to take my sister (who is an amazing Basketball player and did a tour of Europe with a B-ball team, so had much more travel experience than I did.)  Im glad I took her too, or else I would still be standing in The Dallas/Fort Worth Airport wondering how to get on the subway that takes me to the next gate.  :)

me and my sis hanging out in an airport. We are a little silly, but that's what makes us cool...Right!?!

Because this post is going to be alittle long, please click view full post if you want to continue reading about my adventures.  

When we arrived in Haiti I was soaking everything in the best I could.  Beth, the bride, had warned us about people trying to “help” us and then demand $$ for it.  I was thinking, “Oh, I can handle this!  I am a tough girl and have always stood my own.”  Well, Let me tell you that it is a little different when you are in a place where you can not understand everything being said to you and people are literally ripping the bag off of your back to try to make a dollar.  Luckily, Beth and ZiZou were there waiting for us and rescued us from the airport madness.  That day we spent the day relaxing, worshiping at church, and getting to know the other Americans that came for the wedding as well.

The Next day we went out and about to see a little of Port-au-prince.  It was really eye opening to see everything and really made me appreciate what I had at home.  We drove around in what is called a tap-tap.  I was told it is called that because you tap the side of it to let them know you are getting off or that you are on and ready for it to start going again.  A tap-tap is basically a truck with a lifted canopy so you can stand up in the covered bed of the truck.  The tap tap we were on was really nice compared to some of  the ones we saw while driving around.  some even had a metal hand cutout welded to the hubcaps so the driver would know if they were to close to someone!  :)  Seriously…driving there is a whole other ball game!  :)  

Now, all of us thought that we were crowded.  There was no sitting room and we were already sitting on top of each other.  The Nationals, however, thought we  were crazy.  They told us that we were only about half full!  Because I really wanted to take some photos of everything, I chose to stand.  I was literally hanging out of the back of the taptap with one hand on the camera (which was also strapped around my neck…I wasn’t going to let my baby fall) and one hand wrapped around a rope running form the front to the back for people to hold onto.  Here is a little of what I saw.   (please keep in mind, all of these photos were taken form a moving vehicle.  and when I mean moving, I mean driving trhough potholes and dodging other cars and people.)

As you all know, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake in January of 2010.  What many of you may not know, is that Haiti has still not recovered from this natural disaster.  After the tsunami in Japan and the happenings of life went on, Haiti took a back seat.    I am here to tell you, they still need our help and support.  Take a look at these photos, showing were people still live to this day, still using the same tarp and or tent they got after the earthquake.  The tarps are warn and tearing after 2+ years of daily use.  Yet, life goes on, people continue to live like this, have babies in these conditions, and fight for $$ and food just to survive.  

If these images touch your heart, please contact me.  I would love to get you in touch with Beth and the team of medical professionals she works with (without pay).  They are dedicating their time, heart and talents to helping this country and these people.  If you feel so driven to help in any way, I know they would appreciate it, and let you know how you can best help.

That is all for today, next week I will share my experiences with the orphanages I got to see.  Here is a little preview of a cutie-patutie I got to meet:  

jenandadam_2_12_12-1 jenandadam_2_12_12-2 jenandadam_2_12_12-3 jenandadam_2_12_12-4 jenandadam_2_12_12-5 jenandadam_2_12_12-6 jenandadam_2_12_12-7 jenandadam_2_12_12-8 jenandadam_2_12_12-9 jenandadam_2_12_12-10 jenandadam_2_12_12-11 jenandadam_2_12_12-12 jenandadam_2_12_12-13 jenandadam_2_12_12-14 jenandadam_2_12_12-15 jenandadam_2_12_12-16 jenandadam_2_12_12-17 jenandadam_2_12_12-18 jenandadam_2_12_12-19 jenandadam_2_12_12-20 jenandadam_2_12_12-21 jenandadam_2_12_12-22 jenandadam_2_12_12-23 jenandadam_2_12_12-24 jenandadam_2_12_12-25 jenandadam_2_12_12-26 jenandadam_2_12_12-27 jenandadam_boise_wedding_photographer-1 jenandadam_boise_wedding_photographer-2 jenandadam_boise_wedding_photographer-3

I am trying out my new photo viewer, let me know how you like it.  to see the photos, click on the thumbnail.

First we stopped at a little grassy field on the way up to Table Rock.  When I asked Heather how Chase proposed, she told me that he had her daughter bring her the ring box… I thought that was so cute so I wanted to incorporate that into the photos.   

Isn’t she cute?  And its no wonder, her mom is drop dead gorgeous!  :)  One thing I LOVE about this couple is they have fun together.  Look at them.  

Then we headed up to Table Rock.  Table Rock is a great place for photos, but is not an overshot location like some places in Boise.  I love that there are some structures with graffiti and textures there, but there is also AWESOME views and scenery.  It is a great place for a photo shoot.  Just look at these photos and see for your self.   

Next, one of my favorite series of photos.  I could not have asked for better light, or a better couple to make this amazing spot work.  (oh, by the way…this really pushed me, because I am VERY afraid of heights).

It was a little windy and cold, so after we got back to our cars we headed to coffee.  :)  I grabbed this quick shot of the daughter and her little pooh bear that she takes everywhere with her.  

Heather and Chase~

Thanks for choosing me to be your photographer!  I am really excited for your wedding.  I know it is going to be AWESOME!!!  :)  It was great to get to know you all alittle better.  I hope you enjoy your preview!  :)

To see more photos of Heather and Chase’s engagement session head on over to our facebook page.  Be sure to  LIKE US on FACEBOOK to receive updates and discounts, and see more photos! Want your picture taken? CONTACT ME!

Congratulations to Emily and Brad!

Here is there story:

My future husband and I are young (we turn 21 in March), the parents of two beautiful girls, students, and all of these plus life’s way of throwing hardships at people have put us on a very tight wedding budget, so tight, I have been tempted to postpone in several times, but am hoping to find a way to pull it off. Our wedding is scheduled for May 19, 2012 in McCall, ID. Even though we’ve only been engaged 11 months, it feels like we’ve been planning it forever. Then again, we’ve barely been together a year, and it feels like I’ve known Brad my entire life.

We met in January 2011, and have had quite the first year together. We met through a mutual friend who thought we would be perfect for each other. I was living in Salt Lake City, and Brad was living in Boise, so we started our relationship with phone calls and texts. Our first weekend face-to-face Brad went all out. He treated me to Cheesecake Factory, gave me a promise ring, and spent the next 3 days laughing and enjoying each other. We parted Sunday afternoon, and Monday morning I texted Brad “Don’t panic, but I’m going to the hospital, I can’t get my blood sugars down.” By that evening he was in Salt Lake City to take care of me, and never really left. He moved into my small apartment with his 1 year old daughter, Khloe, and by the beginning of March we were engaged. Our engagement wasn’t a big elaborate affair. One night as we were going to bed I asked Brad what we should teach Khloe to call me since I didn’t want it to be confusing for her that she has a biological mom and me. By the end of the conversation he had asked me to be his wife and Khloe’s second mommy.

We were so broke the first few months that I remember one night specifically that Brad searched the apartment for change on the floor to have enough to buy us a box of mac-n-cheese. Things started to look up after Brad found a job in Salt Lake, and in June we were so excited to be able to buy my wedding dress and set a wedding day, November 19, 2011. Little did we know that dress was not going to fit come November because I was 6 weeks pregnant. As soon as we found out about our little bun in the oven, we moved our wedding date to May 19, 2012. If only we had known then how much our world was going to change before our sweet baby girl was born. I began having morning sickness to the point I could no longer work. Brad quit his job because his boss was verbally abusive, and one day when Brad stood up to him his boss pushed him and because I needed help taking care of myself. Our doctor continually told us our baby wasn’t going to make it because of my diabetes. Brad stood by me as I fired multiple doctors because I would not stand someone telling me there was no chance my baby would make it. Sure enough, I was right. And on December 29, 2011 at 36 weeks gestation Remi Blair McNichols was born by emergency c-section due to my extreme preeclampsia.

Just when we thought things were looking up because we had gotten to grove of juggling school and pregnancy, our world really came crashing down. On September 2, 2011, Brad was in a horrible vehicle accident in which a semi-truck rear-ended him at 70 miles an hour on the freeway. He spun a 360 across all four lanes of traffic, was rear-ended by another sedan, and then smashed into the cement barrier. As soon as the car stopped moving he called me. When I asked if he had called 911, he hung up on me. I had never been so terrified in my life, but was thankful Khloe, our unborn baby, and me were safely at my parent’s house. Because of this accident, I had to quit school to stay home and help him and take care of Khloe, when that was too much for me to handle at 5 months pregnant, we moved in with my parents. Because of his accident, Brad is still receiving chiropractics on a regular basis, has not been able to work and is having shoulder surgery later this month. His left arm lost 80% of its strength due to damage caused by the seat belt, and he is in pain everyday. The hardest part has been seeing him grimace in pain every time he goes to lift one of baby girls. But despite all these hardships and running low on funds, we have stuck to it that we WILL have our wedding May 19 of this year.

Through it all, we have stood strong together and known better days would come. As we look back on our first year together, we don’t see it as heartache and hard times, we see it as proof that this marriage will last. We see the strength we have as individuals and as a family. We are thankful for our extended family that has helped us and supported us, and that we have two beautiful healthy girls. We want to have our Wedding as a celebration of our never ending faith, strength, and love for each other. It will also serve as our last chance to see everyone before we move back to Utah so we can both finish our degrees, mine in Counseling and Adolescent Drug Rehab, and his in Computer Network Security.

Wedding season is just around the corner…

We are looking for a couple with a story.  It could be about a hardship they had to overcome or are in the middle of now.  It could be about the awesome cause they are dedicated to, it could be because they are involved in the community.  What every the story is, I want to hear it.  I want to know what brought you together, what keeps you together and why you need wedding photography.  So if you know a couple, or if you are getting married soon, tell us a story!

- A free engagement shoot

- Your submission must be TRUE. This contest IS for couples who have overcome great odds, hardships, or are otherwise deserving of free wedding photography. This contest IS NOT for people who can afford a photographer, and just want to win something free.

Our selection committee will be made up of a local officiant, my sister, both sets of parents, 2 former brides and friends, and by brother and sister in law. Results are final.

I cant wait to get your submissions!

Please share this blog post on facebook!

Meet Beth and Zizou (also known as Frantz):

Let me share Beth and Zizou’s story with you.

Zizou and I met in 2008 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. I was there for a medical missions trip and he lived at the orphanage that partnered with the church I traveled down with. During our stay we quickly became friends with the boys at the orphanage. I became good friends with my translator for the week and he was the one who introduced Zizou and I. We became friends and exchanged email addresses. We emailed back and forth pretty consistently for two years-our friendship grew. In January of 2010 I decided to go back to Haiti for another trip. I was excited about the work and excited about seeing my friend Zizou again. Our first day at the medical site he was assigned as my translator for the week. This gave us ample opportunity to get to know one another and spend time together. Towards the end of the week we both had very strong feelings for one another, but reservations surfaced about a long distance relationship. We decided to remain friends and see where the future took us. (At this point I was planning on coming back to Haiti as a full time missionary) I left Haiti the afternoon of January 12, 2010. As you know, an earthquake devastated Haiti that day and completely destroyed the orphanage that he called home since 5 years of age. It shook my world too. I didn’t know if he was dead or alive and for three days I had no contact with him. When we were finally able to talk about our future we both knew that whatever happened we wanted each other in it. We made a commitment to work hard on our relationship knowing that distance is a huge issue. Most importantly, we’ve strived to put Christ at the center and we attribute that to the many obstacles we have had to overcome.

Proposal: Zizou proposed in September of 2010. I was visiting from the states with a friend and he planned a beautiful day in the mountains of Haiti. Unfortunately, the car never made it up the mountains and he proposed in what I suppose to be the nicest restaurant in all of Haiti I said yes!

Why us? : I can’t say with all certainty that we deserve to win more than any other couple. What I can say is that in May of this year I will leave and work in Haiti for 15 months unpaid. I am currently raising money to live on and have not included wedding expenses in a missionary salary. The unemployment rate in Haiti is astronomical and Zizou lost his translating job last year. Having a photographer is something special that Zizou and I consider a luxury. It is something that, on our own, we would not be able to afford. Luckily, we have friends and family that have digital cameras and are willing to get us pictures throughout our special day. However, we would love quality photographs taken to capture our sweet memories. It would be a blessing for us, thank you.

Here is a slideshow capturing The wedding!!!  It is long, but worth it.  Enjoy!

It has really been a blessing to me to meet Beth, Zizou and all their friends.

Beth and Zizou~
I Love getting to see the two of you communicate and truly Love each other. I love seeing your awesome support system, and I love seeing both of you have such a heart for the Lord. I know you will be blessed for many years to come!!!

Stay tuned for more Haiti Photos soon…and a few stories too!

You may remember this couple from their engagement session.   I love how much energy and love these two have.  It is so precious to see the way that they look at each other and calm each other down.

The Bride and Bridesmaids started their day at the Sun Valley Lodge with some makeup, wine and laughs.

Then we headed out to Galena Lodge where the wedding would take place.  I LOVE this place for a wedding!  It is a great place to bring the beauty of the mountains into your wedding.  I could see this place being decked out with tents, horse drawn carriages, etc, or you could just keep it simple and let nature decorate for you, like my wonderful couple chose to do.

My 5 year wedding anniversary was the day before Kathleen and Mihai’s wedding.  Seth, My husband showed me a beautiful photo of clouds and asked if I knew what it was.  I did not.  He told me that it was the sky on the day he married me.  I decided to take a similar photo for Kathleen and Mihai so they can always remember what the day was like, even down to the clouds.  

Kathleen and Mihai chose to see each other before the ceremony.  Mihai was really nervous when I first saw him that day, then his beloved bride walked out and I could see relief sweep over him!  I love how much these two love each other!     

Kathleen and Mihai told me when I first met them that they love jumping photos…I do too…and this one might be one of my favorites!  I love the mountains and the setting, and the serious air some of the wedding party got!  :)  

This photo was taken after the ceremony as they were walking toward the Lodge.  LOVE!!!  :) 

Not only was the Bride and groom looking their best, but these adorable flower girls were as cute as ever!  :)  Im pretty sure they stole my heart!  :) 

The first dance was a memorable one with Mihai and his amazing dance moves and awesome sence of humor…he eventually got down on one knee and sang, after doing a series of jumps and leaps!  :)  The best part was Kathleen was still following him…True love I tell you.  These two were meant for each other.  

The cake was so beautiful.  I loved the softness of the frosting and the strawberries cascading down.  The cake was made by Cristina’s of Sun Valley.  If you are ever in Sun Valley, go there…trust me, you will not be disappointed!  :)  

Last, but not least…a ring shot…only because taking photos of rings is one of my favorite things to do!  :)  

Kathleen and Mihai~

I have been so blessed to get to know the two of you.  I loved your wedding and hope you like the wedding photos as much as I do.  I also LOVE the postcard you sent!  :)  Thanks!  :)  I wish you many more years of happiness, and I cant wait to see photos from your Romanian wedding!  :)

When I got to the Vineyard, Jocelyn was getting ready for her big day.  

SShe was a Stunning bride!

And the Bridesmaids were also beautiful.  

The Boys were also getting ready…I would say they clean up well.  

The Ceremony was beautiful.  The officiant was Jocelyn’s Grandpa, which is awesome.  I love when the couple incorporates family into the wedding.  They also had the guests throw the little hellicopter leaves at them as they walked down the isle as a newly married couple.  LOVE!

After the ceremony it was time to get the party started!  :)

JJocelyn and Eli chose to sneek away for a few sunset photos.  

Jocelyn and Eli~

Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your day.  I really loved everything about it and have enjoyed getting to know the two of you.  I wish you many years of happiness to come.  I Love watching the to of you and love how much fun you guys have together.  This sawtooth winery wedding is one for  the books.  I loved this wedding…Have fun viewing more photos in the slide show.

eliandjocelyn-1 eliandjocelyn-2 jocelynndeli-2 jocelynndeli-3 jocelynndeli-4 jocelynndeli-5 jocelynndeli-6 jocelynndeli-7 jocelynndeli-8 jocelynndeli-9 jocelynndeli-15 jocelynndeli-16 jocelynndeli-17 jocelynndeli-18 jocelynndeli-19 jocelynndeli-20 eliandjocelyn-1-2 eliandjocelyn-2-2 eliandjocelyn-3 eliandjocelyn-4 eliandjocelyn-5 eliandjocelyn-6 eliandjocelyn-7 eliandjocelyn-8 eliandjocelyn-9 eliandjocelyn-10 eliandjocelyn-11 eliandjocelyn-12 eliandjocelyn-13 eliandjocelyn-14 eliandjocelyn-15