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Nestled between the banks of the Potomac River and Powell's Creek, Potomac Shores Golf Club offers picturesque views, casual elegance, and five star catering. Book an intimate wedding reception or rehearsal dinner for up to 60 guests in our Tidewater Grill or tent our event lawn for a wedding extravaganza for up to 160! Our wrap-around veranda and brick patio with fire pit offer the perfect backdrop to entertain and dance the night away.
Call us today and let us help create your Happily Ever After!
For more information on how to book your fairytale wedd ing email us at events@potomacshoresgolfclub .com
1750 Dunnington Place I Potomac Shores, VA 22026 571.383.3050 I www.potomacshoresgolfclub.com
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28 Cover Image by Brandilynn Aines
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Beauty
Catering/Dine In
Dansk Day Spa
Giorgio’s Family Restaurant
Occoquan, VA Dansk offers classical techniques paired with advances in the field of massage therapy, soft tissue manipulation, body treatments, and advanced skin care - offering relief from painful conditions, reduction of stress, detoxification, weight loss and anti-aging. Dansk can help you feel and look better, while educating you in body awareness. Also available for private in-spa parties. www.DanskDaySpa.com
EuroBronze Tanning Salon
Manassas, VA EuroBronze Tanning Salon & Spa is unlike any tanning salon you've experienced! Named Best Tanning Salon in Prince William County in 2014 and 2015, we are a luxury, full service tanning salon and spa offering premium high pressure tanning beds and custom airbrush tanning for your bridal glow. We also offer mink eyelash extensions, waxing, facials, and professional makeup application. Looking to plan something extra special for your bride as part of her bachelorette party or just to unwind before the big day? We host private spa parties! Choose from a multitude of services for a one-of-a-kind private pampering experience complete with hor d'oeuvres and champagne for each guest. www.EuroBronze.com
Perfectly Posh
Haymarket, VA For as long as a girl has needed to care for her skin, she could find FUN products and she could find GOOD products, but it was difficult to find products that were both fun AND good. Perfectly Posh offers products you'll feel good about putting on your skin. www.perfectlyposh.com/gotposh
Shear Image Hair Salon
Woodbridge, VA Located in Staples Mill shopping center, Shear Image Hair Salon is the answer to your bridal needs. Offering custom bridal packages, cut, color and styling services. We have a passion for great customer service and amazing quality work. Our stylists excel in up-styling to give you just what you want! www.facebook.com/ShearImageHairSalon08
Montclair, VA Feeding Friends and Families in Prince William County and beyond since 1999. We welcome you into our dining room and look forward to serving you a fresh and flavorful meal with great wine and service. www.GiorgiosFamilyRestaurant.com
Malones of Manassas
Manassas, VA Located in the heart of Old Town Manassas, Malones is quickly setting a new standard for dining and hospitality in the Washington, DC metro area. Providing a contemporary twist to fine dining, with a focus on local ingredients, our awardwinning Chef Wesleigh Lin and his team provide a surprising array of dishes for all tastes. www.MalonesofManassas.com
Monza
Manassas, VA Casual bar and restaurant in historic Old Town Manassas. Come in for the longest and best happy hour around and great patio specials all summer! The menu includes authentic brick oven pizza, home-made pastas, salads, sandwiches and more. Live music most weekends! www.EatMonza.com
Okra’s Cajun Creole
Manassas, VA Okra’s was opened at the corner of Center and Battle streets in Manassas in October 1998. It was the place that brought “New Orleans to Manassas” including the first Mardi Gras parade complete with marching bands, costumes, food and live music. As a popular gathering place for locals and area visitors, Okra’s guests can be found nightly enjoying happy hour specials, chatting around the bar or dining on authentic Cajun cuisine. www.Okras.com
Travinia Italian Kitchen
Woodbridge, VA Serving handcrafted selections for both lunch and dinner, each Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar Chef is compelled by a passion for the flavors and freshness of regional ingredients. Here, guests look forward to a creative and varied menu of
contemporary American Italian cuisine, an extensive Gluten-Free menu, an impressive collection of carefully-chosen wines, and an atmosphere of comfort, style...and our unmistakable desire to please. www.TraviniaItalianKitchen.com
WineStyles
Montclair, VA Choose from hundreds of wines and craft beers that have been sorted for you by style and taste, which complement our selection of handcrafted chocolates and bistro fare. Great wines don't need to be expensive. Whether you're looking for an amazing $10-$25 bottle of wine or a unique gift, we strive to create the best shopping experience in town. www.WinestylesMontclair.com
Consultants/Planners Simplicity Events by Johanna
Northern VA Simplicity Events by Johanna is a full service event planning company that will create and coordinate an event from the very first steps until the last guests leave. We strive to help our very busy clients realize both their dream event and relieve the burden of planning. www.JohannaGossens.com
Entertainment Metro DC DJs & Entertainment Herndon, VA Metro DC DJs & Entertainment is an awardwinning DJ company providing wedding DJs for couples celebrating their special day. Packages include DJ, sound systems, uplights and custom gobo to enhance your wedding ceremony and/or reception. www.MetroDCDJs.com
Life Planning Virginia Realty Partners
Woodbridge, VA Virginia Realty Partners, LLC is a firm with aggregate real estate expertise exceeding 200 years. VRP was founded for the distinct purpose of bringing a focused spectrum of real estate disciplines to the direct benefit of clients. Let VRP help find your starter home that you will share as you build a future together. www.VirginiaRealtyPartners.com
walking in their normal day. It doesn't matter if you walk, run, bike, swim or dance it. It's the movement that counts. Get a FitBit or something similar and challenge some friends. 4. Eat Real Food- Stay away from fast food even if it's a salad. Real food is far better. Your tastebuds and your waistline will thank you for it. Try a variety of new vegetables and fruits. When in doubt, check out Pinterest for recipes. And if you're in a crunch, at least look up the menu before you head into a restaurant and make an educated decision rather than letting your eyes decide on your meal. 5. Water- at least 1 gallon a day. Yes, you read that You're already stressed out with wedding planning, the cost, the people and the whole process. You're running out of time and know you need to get a bit of weight off, but if you hear the word diet one more
correctly. Diet sodas don't count. Ideally, you'd down 24-32 ounces before even getting started for the day. Find a fun cup that you can keep track of your ounces with and make a game out of it.
time you might scream. And you're really tired of
6. Meditation/Breathing Exercises- Stress loves to
hearing who you have to invite and where they need
add weight when and where it can. Simply taking the
to sit, so one more bit of chocolate isn't going to
time to de-stress and relax can help the weight begin
hurt, right?
to reallocate. Even a 5 minute a day plan to sit and
Take a deep breath. There are ways to make the slimdown process easy and part of your every day routine. 1. Sleep - As much as we have to get done during the day, this is one of those non-neogotiable items. The body restores itself with sleep, rebuilding muscle and flushing out toxins. While you may not need 8 hours, you do need to find that magic number for yourself.
focus on your breathing will help make managing everything you're trying to get done a little easier. And who knows? Your blood pressure may start to come down naturally too. 7. Love the process- Learning to listen to your body and the process it goes through under stress or in relaxation will serve you well into the future. Catch the signs of a cold well before it settles in. Realize that a certain food craving is actually a sign your body
You probably know how many hours it takes for you
isn't getting enough of a particular nutrient. Our
to feel energized rather than tired and deary even
physical bodies are a spectacular force of nature. Love
before you crawl out of bed.
it and put it to work!
2. Warm Water with Lemon- a small cup of warm
Prince William native Stacia Kelly has a doctorate in
water with lemon is said to help reset the acid levels
holistic health and a background in fitness, nutrition,
in your stomach so that you break down and digest
stress management and nutritional supplementation. For
foods better. Set the coffee pot on a timer in the
more information about her, visit stacia. usana. com and
morning, skip the coffee for a bit and squeeze half a
facebook. com!StaciaDKelly.
lemon into the cup. Sip while you go about your morning routine. 3. 5 miles a day! Some people panic here. However, most people in the US can get in at least 2 miles
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Vintage Moving & Storage
Manassas, VA When you schedule your move with Vintage Moving and Storage, our crew will arrive at the agreed upon date and time to complete your move in a safe and timely manner. Along with our traditional moving services we offer additional moving services to better assist our valued customers through the transitional phases of the move. www.VintageMoving.com
Whitlock Wealth Management
Lake Ridge, VA Organize your finances today and plan for a more confident tomorrow. Whitlock Wealth Management can start by talking about your dreams and goals and projecting your retirement income and expenses. WWM can address the many options you may have for your future. www.WhitlockWealth.com
Miscellaneous Services Magnificent Belly Dance
Manassas, VA Magnificent Belly Dance has belly dance opportunities for the everyday woman- no matter your age, size, or skill level. We offer classes for the beginner, classes to learn choreographed dances, and the opportunity to perform with the Suburban Gypsies Dance Troupe. www.MagnificentBellyDance.com
Patriot Scuba
Occoquan, VA Patriot Scuba offers the full range of recreational scuba diving and snorkel training. From beginners to PROs, our dedicated and friendly staff can provide you the skills for your next adventure. Ready for adventure? Patriot leads group trips and will book individual travel. Let us help you find your next adventure. www.PatriotScuba.com
The Pope Institute
Woodbridge, VA The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise, & Etiquette, LLC provides a range of (“soft skills”) services for your etiquette needs. We tailor our services for each client, based on requirement, expectation, and audience. We offer individual consultations, small
group workshops, and large-scale seminars. Our brand is simple – it is all about POPE. Let’s work together on developing POPE! www.ThePopeInstitute.com
Yellow Cab of Prince William
Woodbridge, VA Yellow Cab of Prince William County serves the entire Northern Virginia area including all area airports. We service all local and long distance trips. We go where people go. All Yellow Cabs are equipped with the latest Android based tablets and two-way radios, allowing real time communication with drivers and dispatchers to ensure you the best and fastest service possible. www.YellowCabPW.com
Photography Imagewerks, LC
Woodbridge, VA Imagewerks, LC is a creative studio that has provides services to businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and professionals for over 36 years. Services include photography, illustration, and creative coaching workshops. www.imagewerks.net
Robert Jinks Photography
Manassas, VA Robert Jinks Photography provides personalized and attention grabbing wedding, engagement, portrait, and event photography in the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area. www.RobertJinksPhotography.com
Venues Harbour View
Woodbridge, VA Harbour View is a premier event venue nestled beside the charming Occoquan River in Woodbridge, VA. Boasting more than 12,000 square feet divided among several versatile event spaces, Harbour View can accommodate banquets of up to 320 guests, and seminars and mixers of up to 400 guests. www.HarbourViewEvents.com
Harris Pavilion
Downtown Manassas, VA The Loy E. Harris Pavilion, the newest entertainment facility in Historic Downtown Manassas, is now available for rent for a variety of public and private events. This new pavilion is the home for public ice-skating during the winter season. From April to November, the pavilion will have a variety of entertainment and events. Please visit our calendar of events often for current information. www.HarrisPavilion.com
Heritage Hunt
Gainesville, VA The community plays host to dozens of events each month that reach a wide variety of interest. From movie nights, concerts, theatrical performances to recreation tournaments and lectures there is something for all to enjoy. The community also is a perfect site for private events such as weddings, milestone celebrations or business functions. www.HeritageHunt.net
Historic Manassas, Inc
Manassas, VA Historic Manassas, Inc. engages the community to promote, preserve and enhance our vibrant Historic Downtown. Only 30 miles from the nation's capital and a short ride from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the superb variety of shops, museums, galleries and restaurants, combined with its robust calendar of festival and events, offers an endless source of interest and fun. www.VisitManassas.org
Osprey
Woodbridge, VA Discover a unique and charming waterfront venue filled with natural beauty and quintessential hospitality, The Osprey’s at Belmont Bay. With the picturesque Occoquan River providing a naturally breathtaking backdrop, the 15,000 square-foot Clubhouse features a beautifully adorned Ballroom with vaulted ceilings, elegant chandeliers and spacious accommodations for up to 150 guests. www.OspreysGolf.com
Piedmont Club
Haymarket, VA Whether you are from the Northern Virginia area or coming in from out of town, the Piedmont Club will specialize in making your wedding and making one you will always remember. Our private events team works diligently with you through every step of the planning process so you can relax and enjoy
Shear Image Hair Salon
yourself on your special day. We make sure your Northern Virginia wedding day is one of your fondest memories. www.PiedmontClub.com
Poplar Springs Inn & Spa
Warrenton, VA Poplar Springs is a wedding venue right outside of Northern Virginia that is tucked away in the heart of wine country. Take advantage of the historical charm and old-world elegance of Poplar Springs for your wedding or next special event in Warrenton, Va. Steeped in history going back to the Civil War and offering the rustic sophistication of a lovely outdoor stone terrace, landscaped lawn areas and carriage house, Poplar Springs provides some of the best wedding options as a unique indoor and outdoor venue or luxury family resort. www.PoplarSpringsInn.com
Potomac Shores Golf Club
Potomac Shores, VA Potomac Shores Golf Club is the perfect venue to host your next event. The clubhouse offers picturesque views of our Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course and a peaceful, calming atmosphere. www.PotomacShoresGolfClub.com
Windy Knoll Farm
Nokesville, VA If you yearn for the peace and quiet of rural America as you plan a unique, special event venue for your wedding Windy Knoll is the perfect venue. Located on a 95 acre cattle farm, their temperature controlled barn and granary are filled with farming memorabilia and rustic charm. www.windyknollfarm.com Want your business listing included in our Weddings Guide? Fin out how by following this link: www.PrinceWilliamLiving.com/Weddings
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Intimate. Rustic. Charming.
It wasn't until almost ten years later when we found Photographs by Brandilynn Aines Photography
ourselves both in the Northern Virginia area and single. He asked me to dinner .... and the rest is
Our Real Prince William Weddings feature is from
history.
David & Ashley Jenkins. Their event took place at Piedmont Club in Haymarket. Ashley explains how they met they met along with details about their wedding day.
When David proposed he had a bright idea to ask my sister to take Christmas card pictures for us. Me knowing that he hates taking pictures was a little thrown off by this. We went to a beautiful area in
"My husband and I met back in College at
Gainesville. At one point my hand was on his chest
Shenandoah University. He was a baseball player and
and I could feel his heart beating so fast. At that
I was a dancer. We dated from Sophomore to Senior
moment he confessed that we were not there to take
year. When it was time to graduate the real world
Christmas card pictures. He pulled out a ring from
stepped in and we unfortunately had to go our
his coat pocket which we both remember feel like
separate ways. I wanted to pursue my career in dance
taking forever! He got down on one knee and asked
and he wanted to become a head baseball coach. Over
me to be his wife. It was the happiest day of my life.
the years we tried to stay in contact but me dancing
We had found our way back to each other and were
on cruise ships and him always busy with coaching, it
living out our real life fairy tale. "
was harder than expected.
PWL: What local vendors did you use? Bride: Photographer: Brandilynn Aines Photography Florals: Flower Gallery Dress: Rosalin' s Bridal Venue: Piedmont Club DJ: The Pro's Cake: Wanda's Cakes
PWL: What were your wedding colors? Bride: The color scheme of dusty blue, dark
burgundy, and tan really helped accent the decor.
PWL: Describe the dress you chose and the moment you knew it was the one. Bride: The dress I chose was a lace gown with
lots of beading and sparkle. I knew I wanted
PWL: Three words that describe your wedding.
something with some embellishment but also
Bride: Intimate. Rustic. Charming.
didn't want to take away from the vintage feel I was going for. I saw this dress hanging up right when I
PWL: What was your theme? What inspired you
walked into the boutique and knew it was the one.
to pick that theme?
My favorite part was the back of the gown and
Bride: The theme of my wedding was Rustic/
Vintage. I have always loved that rustic look and
loved how I was able to tie the birdcage veil into the whole theme.
mixing the burlap, lanterns, and birdcages really
PWL: Favorite detail from your wedding day?
made the theme come alive! I had so much fun
Bride: My favorite detail of the wedding would
planning out all the details.
be the birdcage center pieces. I love how they went with the theme and we could really make them our
own. My Father is actually the one that painted
PWL: Any advice for other PWLiving Brides?
them all to match our color scheme. I added burlap
Bride: Some advice I give to future brides is just
ribbon around to them all and loved how they
be organized! Start early, make a spreadsheet, and get
looked at night lit up with the candle inside.
a wedding organizer to hold all of your contracts, receipts, etc. It also helps to have an amazing mother and bridesmaids. I could not have done it without
PWL: Describe the first dance.
them!
Bride: The first dance was nerve wrecking!
Funny I say that because I am a professional dancer. We picked A song we both adore but not a
More photos on page 24.
lot of people know. We just love the lyrics and how
Ifyou have a Real Prince William
in pertains to our relationship. I gave my husband
would like to submit for future Weddings Guide updates
some slow dance tips but he didn't need them! It
please follow this link:
was his idea to add in some turns in and we ended
princewilliamliving_. com/2015104/real-prince-william-
our dance with the biggest dip ever, his idea. It was
wedding.s
truly a magical moment.
Wedding that you
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QUESTIONS
MANY
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Soon after the wedding is over - and the chaos of planning had subsided - many newlyweds start asking themselves questions related to their financial situation. Should we buy a home? Should we merge accounts? Who pays the electric bill? How much should we be saving for a rainy day? Can we afford to take a trip? It's smart for newlyweds to take some time to focus on establishing their new financial lives together. Here are the answers to four common questions from newlyweds:
Start by having a conversation about money habits and styles. How have you handled money in the past? Is one of you a spender and the other a saver? If two individuals have very different ways of managing money, keeping some accounts separate and preserving some independence can be a way to maintain a healthy relationship while protecting your joint financial wellness. If you're on the same page both savers, for example- togetherness in all things financial can create some efficiency.
What are the pros and cons of merging finances? How you go about commingling finances is something that all new couples should carefully consider. Some couples merge everything, others prefer to keep things separate and some choose a combination of the two. The most important factor is that both spouses feel comfortable with the arrangement and that you have a process set up to ensure you pay your bills on time and maximize your finances.
In addition to careful budgeting, a good compromise is to have one checking account in which a couple deposits their income, and then a separate account for each holding an agreed-upon amount that comes from the shared pool that each spouse can spend as he or she wishes- no questions asked. It's also important that the couple agrees on how much money they will save together, and to establish an auto-transfer from the shared pool so that saving is easy and automatic.
Equally critical is for couples who are blending their finances to consider different "what if' scenarios. Discuss how much each partner would be comfortable spending on things like new furniture, or how they would financially approach an unexpected situation such as a relocation. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for blending finances, so having regular conversations about how to approach their finances is important for any couple. How do you determine when you can buy a home? Buying a home with your new spouse is a significant and exciting event. It's also a major financial milestone, so you should talk candidly about what you want for your family, and decide how much you can commit to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments. Research together as to what the interest rate and terms of your mortgage might be and then decide how your monthly expenses and budget will be affected in the short- and long-term. Newlyweds should first ask themselves if they plan to stay in the same area for the foreseeable future. If a move - due to a career change, desire to be closer to family or other reasons- is something you've seriously considered, home ownership is probably not right for you at this time. The transaction costs and market risk make it hard to guarantee that you'd break even should you decide to sell your home in the next few years. Renting and saving more for a down payment in your new location may be a better option for couples in this circumstance. Secondly, talk about the type of homes you like and what you can maintain. You both need to feel comfortable with the style and the amount of upkeep or maintenance required. You may want to also discuss the neighborhoods you'd prefer, and even your plans for having children. If you are thinking about starring a family in your new home, you may want to research school districts before making a decision. A general rule of thumb is that you can afford housing about two and a half times your annual salary. It is typical for a bank to require a 20 percent down payment. You may qualifY for less, but this will make your monthly payment larger, so calculate carefully and be sure the monthly mortgage payment
is affordable. Keep in mind that what seems affordable now may be less so as you start a family, make a career change or go back to school, and take on other financial obligations. Also be sure to factor in taxes and insurance. Talk with your banker about your interest rate, the right length for your mortgage and make sure you understand all the details about your mortgage choices. How can you ensure you don't go over budget? Having one joint household budget makes it easier to monitor spending and stay on track. First, create a monthly and annual budget, taking into consideration your income, monthly fixed expenses (like rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance and basics like groceries) and your savings goals. Then determine how much you can afford for discretionary expenses (like clothing, travel and entertainment). If one person is "in charge" of the budget or finances, it is important for the other person to communicate about his or her unplanned purchases. But, even the best laid plans can go astray - be sure to have overdraft protection in place to cover any purchases that fall through the cracks.
Who does what? Communicate openly and often about your money. Financial disagreements or misunderstandings can fester, so making sure you keep the lines of communication open is important. Have a clear process for who does what and when. One individual may have more of a propensity or interest in financial management; if that's the case and both spouses support that arrangement, it may be the best for your family- but mal<:e sure that both parties are informed about their financial situation. It can be helpful to have a set time each month to pay bills, do record keeping, and discuss overall financial issues. Consulting with a financial advisor early in your relationship is another way to create a mutually agreeable plan and to have regular sessions to track your progress towards financial goals and talk about money.
Bennett Whitlock, CRPC 路, is a private wealth advisor and managing director with Whitlock Wealth Management, a franchise ofAmeriprise Financial Services, Inc. Learn more at WhitclokWealth.com or call 103-492-1132.
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Robert Jinks Photography provides personalized and atrention grabbing wedding, engagement, portrait, and event photography in the Washington
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Northern Virginia area. We recently asked Rob about his business and his unique wedding photography style.
PWL: What is the story, motivation and/or inspiration behind your start?
RJP: Growing up I spent a lot of time in the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and all with my family and friends. Photography started as a simple way to remember the good times and the amazing scenery we were experiencing together. It was a natural extension of artistry in a very portable nature. Drawing, sketching, and music were arts that have been a part of my life since a very early age, and photography was another way to express myself and capture was what going on around me. At first my photography, like any beginner, was very unartistic, a simple visual journal. As I came to understand how light was captured through a camera, I began to be fascinated with the creative possibilities. Capturing beautiful remote vistas, peak moments of action, and fleeting bursts of emotion were things that got me excited. Having been a part of a family where my Dad had his own remodeling and plumbing business for most of my life, I had a natural affinity to personal business ownership. As I went through college, studying business and music, working with Public Relations as a photographer, and photographing frequent weddings, I came to realize I enjoyed the business side of photography. Earning a living through photography is not easy, and it involves so much more than pressing a shutter button, but having the opportunity to be creative on a regular basis, and meeting people and experiencing events that I otherwise wouldn't is wonderful.
PWL: Did you have previous business experience? RJP: Part of my history with the outdoors includes wilderness summer camping experiences with Hemlock Wilderness Brigade Camp in West Virginia. I had the opportunity to be the program director, where it was my responsibility to develop and implement the camp program schedules, train and supervise eighteen staff members working at the camp, and oversee daily property maintenance. PWL: Do you hold any specific certifications/ awards for your field? RJP: During my college career I was the Design Editor for Student Publications, where it was my responsibility to design, layout, and occasionally do photography for the student 12-page weekly magazine. In my senior year I was awarded first place for a feature photo by the 2015 Student Keystone Press Awards, as well as a second place award for layout and design.
PWL: What has your business enabled you to do with your life? What qualities has it brought?
RJP: Owning my own photography business has allowed me to live life with a much freer schedule than I would have with a 9-5 job. I enjoy being able to set my hours around the needs of my family and friends, taking a morning off to help someone move or visit family, even though that sometimes means that I have to stay up late to finish editing or working on a blog post. Family comes first, and my business reflects that. I appreciate how owning a photography business has taught me discipline in a number of areas, as well as the ability to see creatively and notice amazing things that might otherwise be overlooked. Photography has also enabled me to meet people and be a part of events where I am right up front in the action.
PWL: Any unique story behind your product/ logo/name development?
RJP: Jinks is not a normal everyday last name, so I wanted to keep it in the business name. Otherwise, there isn't much of a story here!
PWL: What specific services do you offer?
RJP: My services include wedding photography, headshots and portraits, events, and commercial photography. The biggest service that I offer is wedding photography, and I love having the chance to be creative on a moment's notice. I particularly enjoy employing off camera lighting and unique angles to tell an authentic story of the bride and groom's day, with a mixture of photojournalism and portraiture. Headshot photography and portraiture is exciting to me because it means bringing out the real person and telling their story with one image. Events include everything from a memorial service to a birthday party to a company conference. There are casual and candid environments, similar to weddings with their need for instant, in-the-moment creativity. Commercial photography is about telling the story of the business I am working with, whether it means showing the process and the people involved or conveying the personality of the organization.
Visit www. RobertjinksPhotography.com for more.'
Social media is embedded in our day-to-day life; in fact, for most of us, social media facilitates the majority of our daily interactions with others. We use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in touch, share updates, and celebrate milestones; it's only natural that social media has found its way into wedding celebrations. That said, before uploading a photo of the happy couple saying "I Do," it is important to remember your social media wedding etiquette. Here Comes the Hashtag A particularly social couple may utilize social media to engage and communicate with their guests from the first RSVP to the last thank-you card. While the majority of couples still choose to mail out paper invitations, many opt for electronic RSVP's: a cheaper, more environmentally friendly option. It's also a more efficient option for guests. Wedding websites and blogs are also commonly used to share updates and information about the wedding day, the registry, and anything that wasn't covered on the invitations. Social-savvy couples may also request and encourage their guests upload photos taken at their wedding to a photo-sharing site such as WedPics or Wedding
Party. Alternatively, a unique hashtag may be provided for guests to categorize photos posted on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Digitally catalogued photos enable the couple to revisit the special (and sometimes hilarious) moments the days after their wedding. Similarly, guests can swap stories and rehash inside jokes long after the last dance-off. Wedding Couple Tip: If you would like your guests to share photos with an app or website, make sure this information is communicated clearly and in advance either through your wedding website or via signage at the reception. Otherwise, you may end up with several hashtags and countless irretrievable photos. Something as simple as "If you are sharing photos, make sure you use our hashtag: #PWLivingWeddings" will let guests know how to upload photos with the group. Guest Tip: While it may be tempting to capture every moment through your device, remember to look up and experience the wedding. You wouldn't want to miss a big moment because you were applying the Valencia filter to your latest photo on Instagram. After all, it was you and not your social media followers who was invited to share in this special day. Your followers can wait.
Privacy, Please While there are many arguments endorsing a webbased wedding infused with social media, it isn't uncommon for a couple to go one step further and request their guests be present and refrain from using smartphones and other electronic devices. Before you gasp in horror, we could all learn something from the un-plugged wedding. If a couple has discouraged the use of smartphones, odds are they are more concerned with ensuring guests enjoy the evening than with ensuring guests have updated their social media. Simply put, the emphasis is placed on the guests experiencing the wedding through their eyes, not their phone. While your wedding day is a special occasion "checking in," tweeting, and photo sharing may be daily (if not hourly) routines for many of your guests. Wedding Couple Tip: If you would prefer photos and details from your wedding not end up on social media sites, politely ask your guests to refrain from doing so. Just like the weddings involving social media, signage can be particularly effective in delivering this message. For example, "We ask that you visit with your friends here today. Do us a favor and please put your phones away." Guest Tip: Pay attention to the wedding correspondence you receive: has the couple specifically requested guests refrain from using their phones during the wedding and/ or reception? If so, be respectful: The couple has asked you to share in one of the most important days of their life. Be a guest first, photographer/ blogger/ tweeter second. When we think of wedding etiquette we may think of toasts, attire, glass clinking, and perhaps even dance moves. Today, we must also think of social media. Photos, videos, tweets, and check-ins are fluid in our society. While we can control what we share about ourselves, we can't always control what others share about us. When planning your wedding it is important to determine how you feel about social media: what roll, if any, will it play? Regardless, we must all be reminded to be social first, media second. Amanda Causey Baity, Prince William Living's marketing director and photo editor. A wedding photographer in the metro Atlanta and east Alabama area, she now resides with her fomily in Manassas, Va. She can be reached atacausey@princewilliamliving. com.
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