Spring may be officially here, but it looks like the snow angels forgot to mark it on their calendars!
When planning your wedding you may have a back up plan for rain, but do you have one for snow? (This goes for you as well, my fellow photogs!) If snow is in the forecast for your big day, here are a few tips for turning an icy nightmare into a winter wonderland:

1. Be ready. Sounds simple enough, but sitting back and hoping for the best isn’t going to work! You’re much better off planning for the worst because then you will be able to tackle whatever comes your way. Here in the northeast we are no strangers to snow. It’s more likely in the winter months (December – February), but can occur anytime from October through March. It’s best to discuss this possibility and have terms set with all vendors to be clear on how they operate in anything from mild snow to all out blizzards and make sure it’s stated in the contract. Cancellations are not likely but they DO happen. You can also consider wedding insurance as an option.

2. Gear up. A chance of snow also means a chance of rain, so either way the number one thing to have on hand is umbrellas. Steer clear of white or ultra bright colored umbrellas: the light will reflect bright colors onto the faces of whoever is holding it, and white umbrellas will simply blend into the scenery. Choose lighter colors that compliment the bridal party, or standard black always works as well. I always keep a few umbrellas in my car for clients, but large bridal parties should definitely make sure everyone is covered. It’s even be a good idea to pack a bag with some towels, boots (cute boots are great for pics!), and anything else you think might come in handy. Just appoint some one to remember to bring it!

3. Talk to the venue and/or church about their backup plan. How do they handle snow removal? Are there alternate parking procedures? Do they have a generator in case of unexpected power outages? Don’t be afraid to ask these important questions. It’s your job to make sure that your guests will have a safe path wherever you bring them.

4. Time adjustments may need to happen depending on road conditions. This is definitely something to discuss with your limo or car service. They may want you to be ready an extra 15-30 minutes to allow for traffic and alternate routes. If you are driving yourself or having a family/bridal party member drive you, then go over a revised timeline with them and plan multiple ways to get to the locations of the days events. Make sure that everyone is notified if you do decide to alter the timeline.

5. Waterproof make-up. This is a must. And bring a makeup bag with anything you would need to touch up and fix throughout the day/night. Including make-up remover wipes.

6. Improvise. So your day is here and there’s a lot more snow than you expected and it’s not looking safe to do to photos outside. No doubt that snow can give you some stunning images, but you don’t want to chance slipping and getting injured or damaging your dress just for a few snapshots. You can still make the best of the beautiful white backdrop by thinking outside the box. Take pictures in a large doorway, or even a in front of a large window to give the appearance of the snow in the background. Trust your photographer! He or she should be able to come up with some creative ways to use the situation to their advantage and make it work!

7. Have FUN with it! I’m sure the crazy weather will make this day one for the books, so come up with some ways to embrace the snowflakes and make it even more memorable. For example, talk to your venue about changing your signature cocktail to something frosty and minty, or even something that will warm them up like hot chocolate. You can also have the DJ play “Sleigh Ride” or “Winter Wonderland” during the reception or during the bridal party intros to put a humerous spin on it. Get creative and embrace it!
You only get one shot at this day, so being prepared and making the best of it is the only way to go. Hopefully these tips help! xo

I’m still here! I realize that I still am not the best blogger.. ok, maybe I suck at it! I will try to make it up to you :)

SO many sessions to catch up on the blog before wedding season picks up…. first up, a small set for Baby Gia!

Have I ever mentioned how I LOVE to travel?… especially for work. SO much fun

This wedding put me on a mini road trip to Maryland, where Jenni and Dan were married at a private location. These two are just so stinkin cute. Honestly. There’s no other way to put it. Plus they are obviously head over heels for each other!

Yes, it’s on!

I’ve been out of touch on the internet machine because I’ve been working like CRAZY this summer…. so the good news is that I have lot’s of good stuff that I’m prepping to post about over the next few weeks. A few new engagements, a few amazing weddings, and remember Crystal & Vincy’s maternity session? – Well, baby Gia has arrived!

Stay tuned.

And since I can’t make a blog post without a picture….

Every time I edit a portrait session I have to control my urge to B&W every shot…. I LOVE love love black and white photography. I still shoot B&W film for fun every once in a while. Don’t get me wrong, of course I will always love a bold color photo… but I’ve done so many side-by-sides of the same image in color vs B&W, and so many times the B&W speaks volumes more. Maybe it’s because instead of the color grabbing your attention first, the subject is.

Here’s a few of my favorites from the Withers family session, in celebration of their newest addition – baby Clive! Sienna is already an awesome big sis

Lana and Nicholas met in the military years ago (THANK YOU!), and have been inseparable since.

They wanted to do something a little different with some of their engagement photos. Lana is super creative and into the DIY wedding touches. She handmade a couple of props and we met up in Philly to walk around and see how we could work them into a few of their photos so they could use them for save-the-dates.

As first time parents, Crystal and Vincy are on an emotional roller coaster… the anticipation, excitement, nervousness, preparation… but here it’s easy to see the love they are already feeling. This is such a huge turning point in their lives, and they wanted to take some time out to relax and capture a few moments.

Baby Gia will be here next month, I can’t wait to meet her! Stay tuned

I can’t think of a better way to kick off my new blog than an engagement session with the cutest couple EVER.

love.

Ok, I know I tried this a few years ago and it didn’t take long before I fell off the face of the blogging planet…… BUT I’m ready to take this on again! I follow a few blogs of my photographer and wedding vendor buddies and I feel like I know the most about them because of what they are blogging. I want you guys to know me! This will be where I post my most up to date work, as well as random photo talk, and a glimpse here and there into my life and what I’m up to (only if it’s awesome).

This post doesn’t count…