The Welcome Guide
Hello! I just want to start off by saying congratulations on your engagement, I’m so glad you’re here! Thank you for choosing me to photograph special day! I’m so excited to get to know you and hopefully this welcome guide will answer any questions you may have! At little bit about me: I’m just a graphic designer who fell in love with photography but I’m also a 28 year old cat mom, and an Indiana transplant. I am also engaged, so I know just how stressfull planning a wedding is! I thrive in sunshine and live for beautiful sunsets, flannel shirts, and sweater weather. I love to travel. I have a bachelors degree in graphic design and am self taught in photography. I’m a Nikon girl. My goal as a designer and photographer is to capture love in its entirety. To watch your family start and grow. To not only be your photographer, but your friend. I want to help you capture the best moments in life and give you something beautiful to remember them with for years to come. I absolutely love what I do and I am truly honored that you’ve choosen me to capture this wonderful milestone for you! Congratulations again, and I look forward to working with you!!
a s i L
Sincerely,
the lmdp experience Welcome! LMDP is the ‘one stop shop’ for the Midwest family. Along with providing engagement, wedding, maternity and family photography I design high quality paper goods for weddings and social events. These include invitations, wedding programs, save the dates, menus, signs, favors, and cards for the Indianapolis and surrounding area. I work with top stationary manufacturers to ensure professional quality each and every time. Along with photography and custom design work I can also provide you with beautiful custom heirlooms to display your images around your home such as image prints and wall canvases.
Wedding Engagement photography Save the dates Wedding invitations Bridal shower invitations Wedding programs Wedding menus Wedding favors Wedding signs Personalized gifts Wedding photography Thank you cards
Maternity Gender reveal photography Maternity photography Baby shower invitations Birth announcements Thank you cards
Family Family photography Birthday nvitations Party Invitations Thank you cards
engagements Engagements are such an exciting time in life, who wouldn’t want to document it! Engagement photos can tie into your wedding theme and create wonderful save the dates as well. Below are some of my favorite spots around the city. Let me know if you’d like something more woodsy or urban or if you have any location ideas of your own! 1. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields 1850 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46228 2. Newfields (requires an application & a $50 fee) 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208 3. Eagle Creek Park (has a small admittance fee) 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254 4. Fort Harrison State Park (has a small admittance fee) 6000 N Post Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46216 5. Indianapolis Canal 601 West New York Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 5. Lockerbie Square Historic District Downtown, Indianapolis, IN Time of shoot: Please keep in mind that I’m very picky about the times of day that I shoot. I prefer shooting early morning or late afternoon only. It’s when light is the best. Early morning shoots consist of the hour the sun is rising, and evening shoots are typically 1 ½ hours before sunset. Those times change throughout the year, so I may
Research Take a look at my work. Does anything stand out to you as a must have? It can be poses, locations, props. While you have booked me for my style, I also encourage you to look online at places like Pinterest, is there anything there that really speaks to you? Send it to me! My Pinterest link is below, I have boards for What to Wear and Engagement Photography. https://www.pinterest.com/lmdesignandphotography/boards/
what to expect The Session When you first arrive, I will go over the details of the location. Most locations have more than one or two spots that we can use. We will make our game plan on where to start, where to go and how to end. After that, we will begin! My best advice is to relax. I know you may be uncomfortable and worried but we got this. You’re going to look amazing.
Children & Pets If there are any photos with children/pets I start with those. In my experience, they won’t last more than 20 minutes, maybe 30, if we’re lucky. And that’s perfectly OK! When those shots are complete, we start with photos of the happy couple!
Posing I always get asked, “Will you help with posing because I don’t know what to do” and my answer is always YES! It is my job to make sure that you are posed in the most flattering positions. If something doesn’t work, we move to the next and you will never see that photo again. When you receive your gallery, I want you to see how beautiful you are and not hate the way you look.
After Your Session Session is done, now what? You are dying to just see one sneak peek and you are in luck! Within 48 hours, you will have a sneak peek on my Facebook page. Tag yourself, share it, brag about it, just don’t edit it (this includes Instagram filters). I do edit sessions in the order it was shot. When I get to your session, I go through the gallery and select the best of the best. Turn around time for your gallery is 3 weeks.
wardrobe Tip 1: Don’t be afraid of color- Loooong gone are the days of white white white and black black black. Bright happy colors make for a bright happy shoot, I’m convinced of that! If either of you have fair skin or very blond hair, I strongly recommend not wearing any white, unless it’s covered with a shirt, jacket, vest, tie, or scarf or other item adding some depth and color. It has a tendency to wash out faces! Tip 2: Coordinating is key- Matching… not so much. Be creative with it! You’ve already put the time and effort into searching for the right photographer for your style and needs, contacting that photographer, paying your deposit and planning around that special day. Have fun with it! Tip 3: Be comfortable- You will be asked to do quite a number of poses, and it’s really unpredictable what ideas will suddenly pop up on set! So dress comfortably, and dress for the weather. Tip 4: Dress on the same scale as your partner- It would be very awkward if you went in your favorite summer casual dress and he went in black tie. Talk about what to wear for engagement photos beforehand and pretend it’s a date with a dress code! Tip 5: Dress for the season- Your outdoor settings would look perfect if you could dress for the season! Autumn coats and knit scarves look awesome among the fallen leaves, and floral dresses and linen look so comfy among the spring flowers. Tip 6: Dress for the surroundings- Be careful about blending into the background too well! You still want to look like the star of the shoot, so be careful about that. Tip 7: Choose the right material- Alongside dressing for the season and surroundings, you would like to choose proper fabrics too. It might be a good idea to go with wrinkle-free material like jersey, chambray, or wool. Tip 8: Inject your personality- Don’t be afraid to go completely out of your regular comfort zone! Choose “costume-like” outfits if it applies to you. Tutus, pettiskirts, crazy hats, mismatched socks, big sunglasses, etc.
Tip 9: Variety is good- Go all out with the outfit choices, if you’re really on the fence about what to wear! To save time and effort, just bring a few paired outfits and change during shooting. Tip 10: If leaves are still green don’t wear a lot of green for your session. There is already SO MUCH green outside, try other fun colors! Green as an accent color looks great, though! Tip 11: Ladies this one is for you. Choose outfits that flatter your body type- This photo shoot celebrates you, the person in love, ready to commit herself fully. Wear your most flattering clothes and you will be a beautiful and handsome pair, no doubt about that. Tip 12: Channel your wedding day look- If you had a theme in mind for your wedding, it might be a good idea to incorporate that into your engagement photos. It brings an overall finish to your final photo album, after all! Tip 13: Layers- Layers look good, adding a new depth and interesting flavor to your characters. They are also an easy way to switch up your outfit in a matter of seconds.
stationery When it comes to wedding stationery and paper goods, it’s important that they form a cohesive aesthetic. Paper goods have the unique role of setting the tone for your day as they’re the first thing your guests will see. I offer custom save-the-dates, bridal party invitations, invitation suites, and thank you cards. Based on your vision and budget, we will determine which printing method is the best fit for you: letterpress, embossing, foil stamping, or digital printing. Then I’ll design beautiful coordinating pieces that form a cohesive style all your own. You can then enhance your suite with accessories and enclosure options like a mat backing, vellum wraps, colored envelopes and envelope liners, hand torn edges, wax seals, hand dyed silk ribbons, address printing, and calligraphy. Feeling overwhelmed? Not to worry, I’m always here to help! You can also grab a free copy of my wedding stationery guide at www.lmdesignandphotography.com/ weddingstationery. It was designed just to help you navigate the world of paper goods and proper etiquette. From traditional invitations, to pocketfold, to seal & send, the style and details of your wedding invitation is all your own. All designs are custom and created just for you but semi-custom pre-designed Invitation suites are available on Etsy! Design consultations and price quotes are recommended, and always free.
“Lisa was a fantastic photographer. She truly captured the emotions and details of our special day.� - Melanie B
“Lisa was a fantastic photographer. She truly captured the emotions and details of our special day.� - Melanie B
the whole shebang Planning a wedding is a lot of work, we all know that, but LMDP is here to help! Along with providing stationery, I also provide wedding day items and favors.
Wedding Day Items Custom wedding monograms/logos, wedding fans, ceremony programs, place cards, signs, and dinner menus are available. Each is designed perfectly to reflect the look and feel of your wedding day.
Wedding Favors
Charity Cards: - Charity cards are designed give your guests a different kind of favor. Make a charitable donation to your favorite charities on your guests behalf. Can Coolers: - With over 30 colors to choose from can coolers are completely customized by you or available with semi-custom, pre-designed options.
etsy LMDP brides and grooms receive 15% off items in my Etsy shop up until your wedding day. Ask me for your one of a kind discount code! To shop, just visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LMDesignPhotography
Now offering:
Engagement/Save The Date Signs Ring Dishes Wedding Signs Can Coolers Wine & Rocks/Whiskey Glasses Lifestyle and Wedding Gifts Bags for the Bride & Bridal Party Photo Props Personalized & Custom Items Wedding Favors + more!
gift registry What is a wedding gift registry? A Wedding Gift Registry is my very own complimentary photography gift registry service for brides & grooms! Gift registries aren’t just for the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets anymore, now your family and friends can gift you your wedding photos or credits toward prints and products!!
How does it work? It’s super simple!! You contact me to reserve your wedding date and let me know you are interested in the gift registry. I will provide 30 beautifully designed registry cards to insert into your wedding shower invitations or to share with family and friends. Your family and friends will visit the LMDP website, and fill out the information listed in the contact form to purchase gift credits which will then be applied to your session and/or prints and products with LMDP. I track all of the information for gift purchases and keep you updated on account credits. When your big day finally arrives, your gift credits are applied to your order.
Give a gift to last a lifetime! The Bride & Groom are registered with Lisa Marie Design & Photography. To purchase gift credits that apply to their chosen wedding collection, please contact LMDP. www.lmdesignandphotography.com lisa.marie@lmdesignandphotography.com | 317.797.1760
unplugged wedding What is an unplugged wedding? An unplugged wedding is where you ask your guests to turn off their phones, cameras, tablets, and other mobile devices during your ceremony.
What are the benefits? 1. When guests use their own cameras, there are many ways that this affects the photography that you’re actually paying for. Guests oftentimes are taking photos at the same time we are, and their flashes interfere with our cameras, leaving you blown out completely (and unsalvageable) or having weird shadows or lighting throughout the photos. 2. Guest cameras can leave a red or green dot from their focusing mechanisms. These will show up in our images. If guests don’t turn off the noise on their cameras, they could be very loud when taking the photos. This can be very distracting to you and your guests. Speaking of distracting – let’s talk about iPads and other tablets used to take photos. They are HUGE and are very distracting. If we are taking a wide photo of your ceremony, your eyes go straight to the tablet and completely ignore the beautiful couple exchanging vows. 3. Guests will often get in the aisle or stand in front of the professional photographers, blocking their shot. Sometimes, it’s too late for us to be able to get them to move, and we certainly don’t want to upset your guests by making them move. 4. During family formals, guests will often stand around photographers to get shots of their own, which can create harsh lighting if they use their flash. Even if they don’t use their flash, it causes the group to constantly be looking around, leaving wandering eyes. It’s hard for the photographer to get a good photo with everyone looking at the camera when there are multiple people taking photos around you. Most importantly, if your guests are taking photos, they are not fully able to enjoy the moment. They are absent and distracted by their picture taking and posting. We highly recommend having your wedding unplugged, but respect your wishes if you choose not to. If you have any questions concerning this or how to unplug your wedding, feel free to contact me and we can chat.
planning help 1. GET ENGAGED! (Check!): Let the wedding planning begin! Start looking for a wedding planner now if you plan to have one, they can help with anything and everything! 2. Guest List: Creating a guest list right from the start is a good way to determine how big or small of a venue you will need. It will help you narrow down your search later on! Tip: about 80% of guests invited will attend. 3. Budget: Yes, the dreaded budget.. you’ll need to know pretty early on how much you are willing/able to spend and where the funds will be coming from. It will save some stress and headaches later! Tip: According to “The Knot 2016 Real Wedding Study”, the national average cost for a wedding is $35,329 and 2017 will most likely be more. 4. The Venue: The venue is one of the first big things you need to mark off your list. It sets the tone for the entire wedding and you can’t very well hire vendors without a date! 5. The Timeline I can help with that! You’ll want to make your timeline (or at least a rough draft) early. Most vendors are going to want to see it and it will help keep your budget on track to know how many hours you’ll you need your vendors for. 6. The Dress: Chances are you won’t buy the first dress you see and it will probably need some alterations. Dress shop early to accommodate for fittings so you have your dress in plenty of time! 7. Music: Reserve a DJ for you ceremony, cocktails and reception. Music can really make or break the party. 8. Photography and Video: Find a photographer (and videographer if you want one) that fits your style and you will work well with. The book up fast so make sure to reach out well in advance!
9. Engagement Photos: Your wedding photographer will most likely do your engagement photos as well so hop in front of the lens, you might use photos for your save-the-date! 10. Stationery: Start to plan out your save-the-dates as well as your invitations. They are the first thing your guests see and get them excited about your big day! They can take awhile to design, print, and assemble and ship though so plan early. 11. Book Your Honeymoon: Book your honeymoon early to make sure you are getting the best deal! 12. Flowers: Choose a florist that represents your style and your budget. 13. Cake: If if you are not going with a traditional cake you will still want some form of dessert for you guests. Pick a bakery that fits your style and budget but don’t forget to check with your venue before booking! Sometimes they only allow certain food vendors. 14. The Rings: A lot of rings are custom made so make sure you order in time to accommodate! 15. Hair and Makeup: Having someone on hand to do your hair and makeup with take a lot of stress off your during the big day. Sit back, relax, and be pampered! 15. Transportation: You may need transportation especially if your ceremony and reception are in 2 different locations. Look into limos and party busses for mass transportation! 17. Decor: Chairs, linens, signs, and favors, oh my! Be careful this is where things really start to add up. (Thankfully you already did your budget though “wink, wink”) 18. Live Happily Ever After: Enjoy your honeymoon and the joy of finally being married!
trusted vendors The below vendors I either know or have worked with previously and would highly recommend.
Wedding Planner Aisle Ready Events www.aislereadyevents.com hello@aisleready.com | 336-404-8174
Bakery
The Perfect Pour & More www.theperfectpourandmore.com theperfectpourandmore@yahoo.com| 317-502-0944
The Cakehole www.thecakehole.net thecakeholeorder@gmail.com
Florist Post Road English Garden www.postroadenglishgarden.com postroadenglishgarden@gmail.com | 317-898-6863
DJ DJ Connection www.djconnection.com 317-207-4300
Hair & Make Up True Colors Indy www.truecolorsindy.weebly.com truecolorsindy@yahoo.com | 317-716-5797
Calligraphy LoKee Lettering www.lokeelettering.com hello@lokeelettering.com
Bar Services
receiving your images How do you get your images? Good question. The Answer? Well online of course! Be Anywhere: My online client site is accessible 24/7. All you need is the event password, which will be emailed to you when your event is ready for viewing. Simple Purchasing & Downloading: My online client site has made downloading super easy! You can download 1 image at a time or simply click “download all”. A discount code will be emailed to you so you can use your $100 included print credit online.
Once your images are ready, you’ll receive an email detailing how to access your images. Follow the instructions in the email to access your images and then download and/or print them using my online site. Please note when printing images yourself: I, nor Lisa Marie Design & Photography, shall not be held liable for any and all defects in printing these images should you choose a big box chain store for printing. These include: CVS, Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, Costco, or the like. I highly reccommend purchasing images through my online lab. Pricing and information for these can be found on my website. The online files are not print ready, they will be blurry so please don’t print using those. Your print sized files will be mailed to you on a USB.
Website www.lmdesignandphotography.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/lisamariedesignandphotography
Instagram www.instagram.com/lmdesignandphotography
Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/LMDesignPhotography
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