Houston Wedding Photographer – Photographics

I found this great article from Seattle Bride Magazine and wanted to share it with you.  Often, as a photographer, I know we tend to have a bias about our work and how important it is for you to hire a professional wedding photographer.  We try and let you know how the experience of a professional photographer outweighs the money you may think you are saving by letting a friend or family member do the photography for you.  Here is some info from the amateur’s point of view:

Seattle Bride sent local writer and (semi) amateur photographer Cody Ellerd to shoot photos alongside a top wedding professional and set the record straight once and for all: Is it worth it to hire a friend or family member who’s pretty good with a camera for your wedding?

By Cody Ellerd

I consider myself a pretty good amateur photographer. I’ve taken a couple of classes, I have a nice Nikon D60 and, as a professional travel writer, I’ve even had a few of my shots make magazine covers and pages. If you didn’t budget for a professional photographer at your wedding, I’m the friend you might call to take pictures.

So when Seattle Bride sent me to the late-winter wedding of Vicky Wu and Chris Nicoll to shoot alongside Joey Hong of John & Joseph Photography, a local award-winning team of two brothers who have been shooting commercial, fashion and wedding photography for more than eight years, I was curious to see how well I could keep up with a seasoned pro.

From the moment we started shooting in the bride and grooms hotel room, I was floored. Vicky, look down at your shoulders put a gentle smile on your lips. Chris, look straight at my lens no, smile. Relax your forehead. Joeys attention to such minute detail went way beyond Say cheese and brought out the couples absolute best. He knew how to manipulate the rooms light and reflective surfaces in ways I never would have dreamed of, transforming what I thought was an unremarkable setting into a photo studio with endless possibilities.

To read more of this story and see Cody’s and Joey’s side-by-side images, visit Seattlebridemag.com

This was such a cute moment, totally unscripted, Ellerd remembers. They bumped fists and it was clear it was a little habit of theirs, one that conveyed their friendship. Joey was right there to catch it while I was fumbling with my focus ring.

“This image is so painfully inferior,” says our rouge photographer Cody Ellerd about her image. “My angle is bland while Joey’s is creative. His is crisp and perfectly exposed, while mine is washed out and grainy. Joey knew exactly how to take advantage of the sense of motion created by this cool backdrop.”

Here is another one of my “vendor interviews” to assist you in planning your wedding.  I asked Nadine Moon of “Who Made the Cake”  some questions that I thought you may ask when looking for someone to made your wedding cake or Groom’s cake.  I also had the opportunity to visit her store and her staff is very friendly and helpful and her cakes are absolutely amazing!  The detail in the flowers made them look real!  The pictures you see are from her shop so you can get a better idea of her work.  For more information you can contact her at:

Who Made the Cake
Nadine Marie Moon
1811 S. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77019
Consultations by Appointment Only
Phone: 713-528-4719
Fax: 713-522-4787

Email:   info@WhoMadeTheCake.com

1. I have friends that have offered to prepare my cake for me. What would be the difference in having them do my cake for me vs.. having you do it?

There are several important difference between someone who does cake decorating as a hobby and a professional. Most important is structure. Wedding cakes require special supports to keep them straight. The more experience someone has with wedding cake assembly, the better. This is not something you want someone experimenting with on your wedding! Second is licensing and insurance. Professional bakeries are required to be inspected by the city and have staff on hand that has passed a class in food safety. It is illegal in Texas to sell food items produced in your home because of foodborne illnesses. Many venues now require proof of your health permits and insurance before you can bring outside food/cakes into their venue!

2. Will you do a custom wedding cake, or are there a set number of designs for us to choose from?

“Who Made the Cake!” is a custom bakery. When a client comes in for a consultation, they browse through books of things we have made to get ideas, then I start sketching out concepts based on their likes/dislikes.

3. How adaptable are wedding cake designs, especially due to budget concerns?

Many of the designs brides see in magazines are quite expensive. We try to provide a range of options at different price points that capture the essence of the more expensive, trendy designs. Then the bride can select how detailed she wants it, based on her budget.

4. If I want to use fresh flowers on my cake, will you coordinate with my florist, or will I have to manage getting the flowers to you?

Fresh flowers on a cake would be done by your florist. We will give the bride cake size information, but it is up to the bride to explain to the florist how they want the flowers place. We do not recommend fresh flowers being stuck into the cake layers as the stems drain into the cake! Ultimately, sugar flowers are the safest and there is no risk of damaging your cake.

5. Can each tier be a different flavor? How much additional is that?

We occasionally have brides do a different flavor on each tier. However,while there is no additional cost, this usually results in more cake being consumed because the guest want to try several flavors. If you do this, plan on getting a slightly larger cake so you don’t run out!

6. What ingredients do you typically use? What kind of icing do you use?

We specialize in butter cream cakes and white chocolate fondant. We have a wide variety of flavors, fillings and ingredients to fit all tastes. Brides get to sample 4 of our most popular flavors when they come in for a consultation.

7& 8. How far in advance should I order?  How long before our wedding are the cakes prepared?

We suggest ordering wedding cakes a minimum of 3-6 months in advance. Because our cakes are produced fresh, to order, we do fill up. While we sometimes can fit people in on short notice, you don’t want to risk your date being a “hot” wedding date when we fill up early.

9. How long does it take to make a cake?

While the bulk of the preparation on the typical wedding cake is done the day of and day before the wedding, the time required for each cake varies significantly. We have done cakes that require over 2500 hand made sugar flowers which are gradually created over a 3 month period before the wedding!

10. Are your wedding cakes priced by the slice?  Is there an extra cost for special fillings or details?

General wedding cake designs are priced by the slice starting at $3.50 per serving for butter cream styles. There are a variety of flavors, fillings & icings that are no additional charge, as well as some specialty flavors & fillings that are extra. The price per serving varies based on the complexity of the design, and materials required to make it.

11. Will you charge extra for my design?

If your design requires intricate detailing or fondant accents, that will increase your cost.

12. Do you do deliver? How much does it cost? Will the delivery person be able to make emergency frosting or decoration repairs and arrange the cake table?

All of our cakes are delivered by one of our decorators, not a “delivery” person. We expect that some minor damage may occur in transit and they have an emergency basket with supplies necessary to handle repairs. Occasionally, there is more significant damage, and they are equipped to handle that also. Delivery is included for 3 tier or larger cakes within a 10 mile radius of the shop, during regular business hours. Other areas are an additional charge. We have delivered cakes as far as 61/2 hours away with no problem!
Our decorators will set up the cake, but do not decorate the table. Typically, the florist or the planner handle that for the bride.
Because settling can occur, and tiers can shift, we do not let customers pick up cakes larger than a 2 tier cake.

As a wedding photographer in Houston and around the Country, I encounter other professionals in the wedding industry and I have grown to respect and appreciate the work they do as well.  Wedding planners, DJ’s, Caterers, etc..  Each of us plays a role in making sure that a couples wedding day go as well as possible for them so they can have lasting memories and the “once in a lifetime” event.

If you are planning a wedding, you need a wedding planner and rather than try and explain why, I decided to “interview” some of them and allow you to get it straight from them.  One of the premier wedding and event planners in Houston is Simply Jubilee Events and the owner, Heather Hamilton-Sims.  Their contact information is:

Heather @ SJE, Inc.
Simply Jubilee Events
713 443 2588 ext. 250 phone
simplyjubilee.com web site
simplyjubileeblog.com blog

Awarded…

2009 Bride’s Choice Award, Wedding Wire Network
Magazine BLU Preferred Partner

As seen in…

The Smart Planner ^TM
Modern Luxury Brides
Weddings in Houston
The Knot Texas
Meetings and Events Houston

Heather Hamilton-Sims of Simply Jubilee Events

Here are the questions I asked (some of which I found on another web site) and her responses.

1. How many weddings have you  planned?
Since I started the company in 2005, I have planned over 100 weddings to date.

2. Can you work within my budget?
I can work with any realistic budget from $5,000 to over $150,000. A realistic budget is when the client and the planner understand the value of their dollars and how far they will spend. If your budget is limited, I always encourage my clients to really prioritize their wants and their needs.

3. What is your  fee?
Is it a flat fee, a percentage of the wedding, an hourly rate, etc.? We offer packages based on where you are in the planning process. Those packages can be customized to better suit the client’s needs and are charged as a flat rate. We do offer our services on an hourly basis as well.

4. What is included in your fee — all phone calls, meetings, e-mails, etc.?
Unlimited communication is included in all of our packages via phone or email during reasonable hours. I do not restrict communication to “business hours” because I deal with national and international clients.

5. Do you get a kickback from vendors?
As a part of my services, we offer our clients savings and value. Any offerings from vendors that we d business with is passed on to the client in an effort to help our clients pay for percentage of our services.

6. Will you work with me and listen to my ideas?
Absolutely! We are here to make sure our client’s wedding is what you envisioned. We do make suggestions regarding design and coordination based on our experiences; however, the final decision belongs to our clients.

7. Will you make a checklist of all the items I need to accomplish?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.

8. Will you create a timeline for the wedding day?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients, unless otherwise requested not to include one. We still make one though even if it is just for us.

9. Do you have an assistant who will work with you at my wedding?
There is always at least one assistant assigned to each wedding.

10. Can you recommend vendors who fit my budget and style?
Yes, we pair our clients with vendors according to their budget, personality and style.

11. What will you take care of — finding vendors? Invitations? Favors?
This is determined by the package our clients select; however, these are things we assist with. We also assist with contract negotiations, etiquette, and graphics (i.e. programs, escort/place cards, menu cards, etc.).

12. Can you get me discounts with vendors?
Discounts are not guaranteed with all of our vendors; however to work to negotiate the best rate possible for what our client needs.

13. Will you review vendor contracts with me?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients, unless otherwise the client customizes a package that does not require this service.

14. Can you help me with etiquette issues that may arise?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.

15. Are you planning other weddings on the same day or weekend as mine?
We only focus on one event per weekend.

16. Can you help me plan the rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch or shower?
Is there an additional cost for these parties? Absolutely! This is included in our all-inclusive package, this element can be added at anytime during the planning process.

17. Will you coordinate with all the vendors the day of the wedding — handling all deliveries and overseeing the set-up?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.

18. Is planning weddings your full-time job?
Yes. I established Simply Jubilee Events in 2005 in Houston, expanded to New Orleans in 2007 and currently seeking to expand to Savannah, GA by 2010.

19. Who will take over for you if for any reason you can’t be at my wedding?
As a member of several special events associations, if one of my staff members can not fill in for me, I am able to seek out one of my partners in the industry to manage the event in my absence.

20. Can I see pictures from weddings you’ve planned?
Select wedding galleries are available for viewing on our website at www.simplyjubilee.com.

21. What will you wear to my wedding?
Professional attire.

22. Will you help me find my wedding dress and attire for the other members of the bridal party?
If requested, we will be happy to assist with this aspect of the wedding.

23. Can you run my rehearsal if my officiant can’t be there?
We sure can. It is not common that an officiant will attend a rehearsal unless they personally know the family or it was requested and paid for by the wedding couple.

24. Do you provide a wedding day emergency kit?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.

25. If I give you payment envelopes, can you pay each of my vendors?
This is a standard element offered to all of clients.

26. How much is the deposit I’ll need to leave?
Based on services contracted.

If you have additional questions, you can contact her directly and I’m sure she or her staff will be glad to answer them…

While I would love to take credit for this post, I got it from a group I am a member of – You can go here to get more information about Wedfog – The Wedding Photographers Directory.  Since Facebook is becoming more and more popular (as is Twitter, and other social networking places), Here are some Facebook apps you can use to plan your wedding.  If you have a page on Facebook, please feel free to add me as a friend or become a fan of my business page. My personal page is here and my business page is here

The Wedding Quiz – Are you planning a wedding or do you just dream about your wedding day? Perhaps you’re already married and are thinking of renewing your vows. Take the wedding quiz to see what your ideal wedding would be.  THE WEDDING QUIZ

Wedding Dash – Help Quinn make wedding bells ring! Assist couples in selecting all the details, but once they’ve tied the knot, look out for obstacles preventing the perfect party, such as tipsy guests, falling cakes, and catty bridesmaids.  Wedding Dash

Wedding Bouquets – In this game you should catch the bride’s bouquet as many as possible. Occasionally the bride will throw out bombs and you must also catch them and put them in a safe place, if you failed to catch the bombs, you will lose one life! Wedding Bouquet

My Wedding - Use this application to include a customizable wedding announcement on your profile page. Include as much or as little detail as you’d like. My Wedding

Wedding Budget – Plan your wedding from your Facebook profile with Wedding Budget by WedSnap. Don’t know the price of rubber chicken? No worries, just enter your total budget and number of guests: we’ll suggest targets for all your anticipated costs. Wedding Budget

My Wedding map - Don’t let anyone be lost and late! Wedding Map for your wedding planning. Be sure everyone knows where to be and how to get there. FREE interactive Google WEDDING MAP to share with your bridal party, guests and friends. Map anywhere in Canada or USA. my Wedding map

Wedding Countdown – Add a wedding countdown box to your profile to let others see how many days until your wedding. Specify your Fiancé to include your Facebook profile photos. Available in a variety of colors and patterns! Wedding Countdown

Wedding Tip of the Day -Tips and ideas for planning your wedding. Eight different styles to choose from! Wedding Tip of the Day

What is Your Wedding Color? – Your wedding color says a lot about you as a person. Are you classy and regal or colorful and vibrant. Are you subdued and underplayed or bold and audacious. Your wedding color can make or break your wedding. What is Your Wedding Color?

What is Your Wedding Song? - Find out which song best suits your mood and personality. We have all the best commitment songs of all time- Nat King Cole, Elvis, Ann Murray, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr. and more…. What is Your Wedding Song?