W EDD I N GS at The Christmas House
WHAT’S INSIDE: As time goes by: YO U R W E D D I N G TIMELINE 8 Sanity Soothers In bloom: FA N C Y F L O R A L S So engaging: IS AN ENGAGEMENT S E S S I O N F O R YO U ? Client Spotlight: M A H TA B A N D D A N I E L’ S ROMANTIC WEDDING Photo albums: PRODUCING YO U R OW N G R E AT E S T HITS 2015-2016
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MY STORY
F O R E V E R A N D A D AY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FOR A LIFETIME Welcome and thank you for stopping by! You’re here because you want to learn a little more about me.. In a nutshell, I’m a romantic at heart, a believer in marriage, and chaser of dreams… I’m a wedding photographer and I invest my heart and soul into my client’s wedding. I’m there to capture moments you don’t see, to document the day as it unfolds, and create romantic and sophisticated wedding imagery that you will cherish. I do this because my husband and I learned the hard way nearly 20 years ago when we were married, that photography truly does offer the best return on your wedding investment… we foolishly did not hire a photographer and now have nothing to show for it. You see, what I learned is that your wedding photographs aren’t just for you to enjoy now, but many years from now, when you are sharing your love story with your children, when you want to remember the beginning of your family’s legacy. I do this because I want to give my clients what I didn’t get and would love to have. One of my favorite quotes is from Steve Jobs (yes, I’m a mac-aholic) and it goes like this:
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do I do this because it is my bliss. That’s it for now! If you have any questions, I’m here for you.. In the meantime... Love each other. Deeply. Madly. Authentically. ((hugs))
Carrie Vines
CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
letters from you
Kali McWilliams Thank you for such incredible eye for detail. One of the images you captured might not have appeared important to anyone else, but the brooch on my bouquet was given to me before my mother died of cancer last year. The care and attention you give to even the little things are one of the reasons I tell all of my friends about you.
Jessica Hiersche
You took the most beautiful and special day of my life and captured every moment so beautifully. Every time I look at my wedding photos, I’m reminded of the love of that day and those special friends and family members surrounding us. Thank you so much.
Jade and Joe Hitzelberger
The album you created for our wedding was so beautiful! I loved that we had such quality materials to choose from, and your help made the process easy and fun. I can’t wait to share you with friends.
My fiancé and I really want to have an outdoor wedding, but what happens if it rains? The very first wedding we photographed at the Chrismas House happened during the worst storm of that year. Thankfully, the Christmas House had a back up plan in place, and everything worked out great! We even came back a few weeks later to get some romantic bride and groom photos in the gardens of the Christmas because we knew how important it was for the bride and groom to have those portraits. Even if we can’t schedule a day after photo shoot, there are plenty of locations, both inside the house and on the large wrap around porch that work very well for portraits. I know it’s best to take formal photographs before the wedding, but I guess you could say we are old-fashioned. Why do you think taking the formals before hand is so important? Here at Carrie Vines Photography and Video, we definitely pride ourselves in catering to the needs and desires of our clients. That said, we are believers in taking the formal photographs before the wedding, ensuring not only more time to get the best photographs but also getting the formals out of the way by the time you are ready to go to your party. We find that stress levels with brides, grooms, family members and wedding parties is greatly reduced when the formals are taken care of and they can focus on just having fun and being with their guests. Also, depending on the time of day, we may have better light and access to better portrait locations before the ceremony. However, if you don’t desire this timeline, we completely understand. We are here for you! We’d love to set aside some time for an engagement shoot. Is this something you do? We sure do! We work with you to plan the engagement shoot of your dreams, including location selection and wardrobe recommendations. Additionally, we can even help you design pieces for your wedding using your engagement shoot photos for sign-in boards, guest books, save-the-date cards, thank you cards, table place settings, and much more. Carrie Vines Photography and Video also offers many wonderful album options to help you remember your engagement shoot forever. Be sure to check out page 15 of this issue for more information about scheduling your own engagement shoot for a lifetime of special memories! Have a question? We’d love to hear from you and answer your question in a future issue of our studio magazine. Please send your question to info@carrievines.com.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Mahtab and Daniel I recently had the privilege of photographing Mahtab and Daniel’s gorgeous wedding this last fall. Brisk weather matched the racing pulse of friends and family alike as the two said “I do.” Because weddings are a flurry of excitement and special moments between loved ones, family and friends, it is important to not only capture those smiles, demure glances and beautiful flowers; stunning photography also captures the wishes of the client. How can you be prepared for the biggest day of your life so far? Here, Mahtab and Daniel share: THE BEST ADVICE FOR A BRIDE. “The best advice for a bride would be to do your do diligence in finding good vendors and then relax and let the process unfold. And to slow down and take your time. I felt like I was rushing things along until I realized I didn’t need to do that and that everything was happening exactly as it should. Having great vendors like Carrie and a great venue makes sitting back and letting things come together very easy. Also, to relax and enjoy these moments despite how frustrating and time consuming they can be.” T H E B I G G E S T S U R P R I S E A B O U T T H E I R W E D D I N G D AY . “The biggest surprise was how easy everything was on the day of. I couldn’t believe how perfect it all looked and how not stressed I was. I was expecting to be super nervous and controlling and I didn’t need to be as everything was taken care of and I knew I was in good hands. .” T H E I R FAV O R I T E P H O T O M O M E N T. “We have so many favorite moments and soooo many favorite photos. If I had to pick one it would be..... Wow, this is hard. I loved our first look, our kiss as husband and wife, the building of the chuppah with my parents and friends (which I didn’t see as I was getting ready, so with the photos I feel like I didn’t miss anything), first dance, cake cutting... I’ll let you pick!” W H AT T H E Y LO V E D M O S T A B O U T W O R K I N G W I T H C A R R I E V I N E S P H O T O G R A P H Y. “This one is Tough! I loved everything about working with Carrie Vines Photography. She captured every moment exactly as it was, with all the emotions. She put me at ease and I knew I was going to have an amazing result as long as I let her do her thing. And turns out I was not disappointed. My photos are AMAZING and my video is the best work of art ever! I’m amazed at how well everything came together and how beautiful she made everything and everyone look. Especially my husband and me!”
CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
H O W T O T A M E T H O S E W E D D I N G D AY NERVES. Mahtab says, “The best way to tame the nerves is to take long slow deep breathes. Remember to do everything that needs to be done before hand and on the day of just let it all come together. There’s nothing left to be done on the day of except enjoy it. “
WHICH ONE MOMENT WILL LAST FOR THEM FOREVER. “The one moment that will stay with me forever was marrying the man of my dreams.”
Mahtab and Daniel’s engagement session took place at the Newport Beach Civic Center.
YOUR WEDDING
A W E D D I N G D AY P H O T O T I M E L I N E A wedding is a whirlwind of events, gone in the blink of an eye. There’s little more important to a perfectly executed event than an organized timeline. If you are looking to effectively plan out your wedding day, you are in good hands at the Christmas House. We are here to help assist you in planning out your day so that you don’t miss a beat.
1-2 HOURS BEFORE THE CEREMONY Depending on the day, I will arrive 1-2 hours prior to the start of the ceremony to begin with detail and getting ready shots with both the bride and groom. Detail and getting ready shots (45 minutes - 1 hour) I instruct the bride to have these items ready: – Rings (ALL THREE BANDS) – Dress – Shoes – Garter – Bridal Jewelry – Both bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets – Anything else you want a picture of (i.e. invitation, sign, or any other special memorabilia or garment you’ll be wearing that day). After the details are documented, we will be taking photos of the bride getting the finishing touches to her make up and getting into her dress. The type of dress can directly affect the timeline. Be sure to practice lacing or buttoning up the dress prior to the wedding day.
Groom and family portraits (15 minutes): Just like the bride and her family portraits, please have the groom and his immediate family ready for pictures at this time. We are now 1 hour away from the ceremony. Groom and groomsmen photos (15 minutes): Again, it is SUPER important to have all groomsmen accounted for at this time. We are now 30-45 minutes away from the start of the ceremony. 15-20 minutes prior to the ceremony I will be setting up my equipment and getting candids of your guests arriving to the ceremony site. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY - Combined Family Portraits (10 minutes) IMMEDIATELY following the ceremony have both immediate families of the bride and groom meet at a designated area for a couple of large group shots. Bridal Party Pictures (15 minutes):
Bride and bridesmaids photos (15 minutes) Please be sure that ALL bridesmaids are picture ready prior to the bride getting dressed. The goal is to get as many photos prior to the ceremony as possible. Note it is now 1.5-2 hours BEFORE the ceremony. Bride and family portraits (15 minutes): To keep up with the flow of the day, it is important that at this time the bride’s immediate family is at the venue. Please note that it is at least 1-1.5 hours BEFORE the ceremony. Punctuality is key, so please remind family members to be at the Christmas House on time. (Immediate family consists of: Mom, Dad, Siblings, and Grandparents)
Don’t let your Bridal Party wander off to cocktail hour just yet! We will need to get a few large group shots of the bridal party, as well. Bride and Groom Portraits (30 minutes): I like to save the best for last, and if everything goes smoothly, we will have ample time to get the most important shots of the day. We may even finish early enough for the bride and groom to enjoy some of their cocktail hour!
Six weeks before your wedding we will touch base via phone or e-mail to discuss your wedding day photo timeline. At this time we will also provide you with our Complete Wedding Information form to fill out with all your wedding details including locations, family members, special wedding day events, vendors and much more. This information will ensure we are all on the same page for an unforgettable and stress-free event!
CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
GETTING MARRIED WITHOUT BEING HARRIED
• Be sure to have a hair and makeup trial at least a month before your wedding. Many brides will have their make-up trial the morning of their engagement session, and we think this a great idea! This will give you peace of mind to know exactly how you will look and give you the opportunity to change things in advance if necessary. Make sure to bring all jewelry to the trial to see how makeup shades work with the pieces. • If possible, arrange to have your formal photographs taken before the ceremony. Getting this step out of the way early in the day frees up the rest of your time to spend with your guests. You will be able to go straight to cocktail hour after 30-40 minutes of the ‘Romantic’ bride and groom portraits and catch up with loved ones without stress. It’s a new age, so it’s no longer considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. • It may be hectic, but take the time to have a bite before the wedding since it will be a while before you have the opportunity to nourish yourself during the reception. If you just cant stomach the idea of eating while getting ready, then you must have a bite immediately after the ceremony. It will be another hour before the reception, and no one likes getting their photos taken when they are hungry! • Prepare an emergency bridal kit with clear nail polish, mints, a sewing kit, stain treater, Visine, safety pins, bobby pins, pain reliever and mini deodorant. • Allowing 50% more time for hair and makeup than you originally anticipated alleviates the number one reason wedding schedules end up running late. This will assure you have plenty of time for all the portraits you want to take before the wedding. •.Corset dresses take at least 15 minutes to get into so make sure to leave room in the timeline to account for that.
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CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
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T H E D I VA’ S I N T H E D E TA I L S W H AT A M A Z I N G AC C O U T R E M E N T S G O I N TO T H E M O S T D E L I C I O U S DAY E V E R ? So many things are special about your wedding day. While they may seem like small details, the unassuming pillow your ring bearer carried might have been made from your Christening gown. Or those shoes with the delicate pearl buttons may have been your mother’s. These are the smaller, sometimes unnoticed details that tell the story of your special day, that we document for you at Carrie Vines Photography and Video. Whether it’s your bouquet or your shoe or your something blue, it’s all a part of your distinct personality as a couple, sharing your yesterdays while you prepare for your many tomorrows.
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1 | WEDDING CAKE BY CUCAMONGA CAKERY, CUCAMONGA CAKERY.COM 2 | BRIDAL SHOES BY LOUBOUTIN, US.CHRISTIANLOUBOUTIN.COM 3 | FRESH FLORALS FROM WISTERIA GROVE, WISTERIA GROVE.COM 4 | BRIDAL BANGLE JEWELRY BY KENDRA SCOTT, KENDRASCOTT.COM 5 | BRIDAL PERFUME BY CHANEL, CHANEL.COM 6 | AIRPLANE CUFFLINKS FROM TIFFANY & CO., TIFFANY.COM 7 | BRIDAL FLORAL CROWN BY WISTERIA GROVE, WISTERIA GROVE.COM 8 | SUCCULENT BOUTONNIÈRE FROM WISTERIA GROVE, WISTERIA GROVE.COM 9 | DISHWARE BY DISHWISH, INFO@DISHWISHEVENTS.COM 10 | WOODEN WEDDING SIGNS, ETSY.COM
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TRADITIONAL GROUP PHOTOS
STRIKE A POSE Here at Carrie Vines Photography and Video we pride ourselves in capturing the most natural, candid portraiture possible. This style showcases your day as it was, helping to bring your personalities forward and documenting your day for a lifetime of memories. While we shoot the majority of our images this way, it’s also very important to capture traditional formal portraits as well. These group shots are best immediately when everyone is ready and fresh, right before the ceremony; and since our most important goal is getting you to your wedding on schedule, we allow 3-5 minutes for each desired grouping to ensure maximum results with minimal time. (Make sure all flowers and boutonnieres are delivered on time and affixed to family members and to the wedding party in advance.)
Because we prefer to keep the number of groups to ten or less for more intimate group shots, we always start with the largest group and break it down after that to allow for mingling. As time permits, we love to include a picture of the bride with each of her bridesmaids and the groom with each of his groomsmen, since each person has been invited due to close, personal ties with the couple. If you have ideas for any ‘can’t-miss’ portrait groupings you would like to see photographed during this time, make sure to note them on your provided wedding information form. We’re happy to work with you to capture all of your special moments!
CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Lori Ann working on site at the Christmas House preparing the ceremony floral decor.
WISTERIA GROVE
Last summer I had the pleasure of working with Wisteria Grove for Mahtab and Daniel’s wedding at the Christmas House. I couldn’t believe their flower arrangements! The venue was gorgeous before, but it looked as if it was transformed into an enchanted garden once Wisteria Grove owner Lori Ann Moreno put the finishing touches on the arrangements. Wisteria Grove has been in business for 11 years and has been voted “Best Florist” 5 years in a row by Inland Empire Magazine. For more of her beautiful work, stop by Lori Ann’s store in charming downtown Claremont where her stunning displays greet travelers and locals alike. To learn more about how Lori Ann can transform your wedding venue into a stunning scene, call her at 909-625-9840 or stop by her store at 339 East Arrow Highway, Claremont, CA 91711 during her hours of operation, Monday 10A-2P, Tuesday Saturday 10A-5P, After hours appointments available
Wisteria Grove Philosophy Lori Ann says, “Our design process starts with the core belief that your wedding day is an extraordinary occasion, a beginning to be celebrated, experienced and remembered. We seek to understand what inspires you, what you love, what takes your breath away. Ultimately bringing together all the elements necessary to bring your vision, your perfect day to life. Each wedding is a new story waiting to be told. We set out to bring unmatched beauty and personalization to every wedding and approach the creative process anew with each client in hopes of incorporating your inspirations. We view the opportunity to design your wedding florals as an honor and a privilege.
THE PROCESS
FROM SHOOT TO ALBUM The weeks prior to and directly following your wedding planning are busy times. Here at Carrie Vines Photography and Video we honor your harried moments with a special timeline which will help you to understand how we are working our hardest to avoid any unnecessary surprises: Six weeks before your wedding: After chatting a little bit about the day and discussing any last minute specifications after our engagement session, we send you a wedding information form to fill out all the details most important to you for capturing the best images possible. Three days before your wedding: We give you a quick check-in call to confirm all the details from the schedule and your wedding form. The day of your wedding: We arrive at the scheduled time and quickly run through the course of the day. Then we coordinate with your family and friends regarding scheduled start times for formal portraits and what to expect. A week after your wedding: We collect all of your wedding images which will then be edited, retouched, archived and prepared for your online gallery. Four weeks after your wedding: We deliver your online wedding gallery proofs information. Six weeks after your wedding: We deliver your album pre-design via email for you to proof. Eight weeks after your wedding: You should return your album predesign approval to us no later than eight weeks after the wedding so we can do the final edit on the album designing process. Ten weeks after your wedding: We meet for your approval as well as to pick out your favorite components for your album in terms of materials, pages and style. We can also use this opportunity to take orders for portraits, wedding party member gifts, parent albums, and any of the other unique keepsakes we offer. Fourteen weeks after your wedding: Your album and artwork are ready for pickup! At this time we also provide a client care card packet which will ensure a long life for your precious heirlooms.
ALL A B O U T A L BUMS Your wedding album will be a culmination of all the wonderful memories of the day presented in a beautiful book that tells the story for a lifetime. Because the wedding album process can be a little challenging for busy couples, we provide full album services from image selection to design to cover selection, and more. Choosing from our main album line of gorgeous, professionally bound books constructed from only the best quality materials and workmanship, we fashioned a professionally designed keepsake complete with slip cover and protective box for decades of enjoyment. And since our premium line is also guaranteed for life against wear and tear, you never have to worry about your precious memories falling into disrepair.
Parent Albums Albums aren’t just for couples anymore. Our parent albums are the perfect gifts to present to the parents of the couple after the wedding. Each parent album can be a clone of the bride and groom’s book or custom-designed to your liking. All cover and design options we offer for bride and groom books are also available for parent albums.
Design Services Never worry about design; Carrie Vines Photography and Video includes full design services for each album purchased. We will meet with you after the wedding to discuss your favorite images and plan your special album.
Album Options Our albums come with 20, 30, 40, and 50 pages, and are available as 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12 sizes. Parent albums are also available as 8x8 and 10x10 sizes. Covers are available in a curated selection of linen fabrics, but we also have a beautiful selection of leather options. Ask about cover cameos, a beautiful ways to personalize your book.
Cover Options Our albums come in a variety of colors to perfectly match your wedding’s theme. Below are a few of our most popular choices:
Natural
Lilac
Denim
Indigo
Caribbean
Moss
Fog
Charcoal
ENGAGEMENTS
considering an
Engagements are so engaging. Romance is in the air and the anticipation of a lifetime together comes to a crescendo in the rush during the weeks leading up to your wedding, causing you to wonder: Is an engagement shoot necessary? After all, your wedding pictures share the beginning of your life, right? Shooting an engagement is important for several reasons. First, this time allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer, figuring out how you work best together before the wedding. Next, you can showcase your personalities in a more
casual setting, while creating some fun captures for wall portraits, your wedding sign-in book, sign-in board and Thank You cards (shot early enough, we can also provide the images for your Save the Date cards and invitations). Images also add another dimension to your wedding album, chronicling the story from engagement to your wedding day. Best of all, you can remember this special time forever away from the throngs of loved ones and friends. This is your time together.
CA R R IE V IN ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO • CA R R I E V I N ES .CO M
Great engagement shoot ideas: • At the place he proposed: After all, what better way to capture an engagement than the place it all started! • At your favorite restaurant: Meaningful memories happen with food, ambiance and your special song playing in the background. • Doing your favorite activity: You both enjoy playing checkers. What better way to capture your personality than in the heat of game play, the agony of defeat, or the comedy of contemplating your next move? • Where you first met each other: Whether your first meeting was a discussion at the library or fumbling for the door at the local coffee shop, going back to your beginnings is a
marvelous memory. • Images with your pet: What better way to capture your new family than by including a beloved shared pet in your session? • Your favorite skyline: Your city is beautiful at any time of the year, and the skyline shares where you live now, a beautiful location that might change with time. • A downtown urban session: Fun and funky, pictures in alleyways or in otherwise undiscovered locations of your area make for a more intimate view of the city. • An amusement park: Nothing says fun like the Tilt-A-Whirl to go with your whirlwind romance. • A romantic beach: In the morning, evening or
any time of day, the sea meets an endless sky for a feeling of forever. • Vintage-styled, with old furniture and funky clothes: Bring out your nostalgic or avant garde side with some dramatic, edgy modern shots coupled with retro stylings. • At your favorite, cute coffee shop: Quirky and cozy, local mom and pop shops are a great way to take a quick break to refuel and to catch some local, architectural shots with you in the process. • Seasonal: Catch the nuances of the seasons, including everything from a winter wonderland, to leaves of fall, to flowers in spring, to the lush, green summers in nearby beautiful fields and forests.
“CARRIE
VINES
TOOK
THE
MOST MEANINGFUL PICTURES I C O U L D H AV E E V E R H O P E D F O R , I N C LU D I N G T H E M O M E N T WHEN MOM WIPED A TEAR FROM
HER
EYE
WHILE
WE
P R AY E D .”
- Saina Groves
CA R R IE V I N ES P H OTO G RA P H Y A N D V I DEO 1333 COLLEGE AVE REDLANDS, CA 92374 CARRIEVINES.COM | CARRIE@CARRIEVINES.COM
C O M P L I M E N TA R Y H I D E F S L I D E S H O W When you book our exclusive Christmas House Wedding Package at $2950 (which includes 7 hours of coverage, complimentary engagement session, 2 photographers, online gallery with printing rights, 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas, and an 8x8 30 page linen album), present this coupon at time of booking to receive a complimentary high definition *slideshow of your wedding day highlights. An $350 value *slideshow made available via download from your gallery EXPIRES 12/2016
CARRIE VINES PHOTOGRAPHY