Newborn Thankyou cards

My new birth announcement cards have just arrived and they are so beautiful!!!! Can’t wait to put them on show.  These can also be used for wedding thank you cards or even invitations.  They are sold only in packs of 25 and everyone who gets one will proudly display these.  All custom designed with the images I take from your session.  If its for a wedding invitation colour and design can be changed to suit.

DSC_0451 DSC_0454 DSC_0456 birth announcements for baby girl

Newborn Photography – Saskia

This session was so AWESOME!!! After to talking to Saskia’s parent I got the vibe that they would love an outdoor session which I dont do very often for newborns but in this case it really suited them. It was a little windy but after about 20 minutes I got her settled enough and she slept the entire hour we were outside she was nice and toasty. So many to pick from but I just LOVE!!

Newborn Photography Newborn Photography Newborn Photography Newborn Photography Newborn Photography

4 Different Ways To Write Your Wedding Invites

4 Different Ways To Write Your Wedding Invites

After the wedding date has been set and the venue has been booked, the first item to check off your to do list should be the wedding invitations.

Most people choose to either do them themselves or have the invitations sent out by the parents of the bride, however not everyone wants a traditional wedding.

For those on a budget, or for those looking for new, unique and modern ideas, here are four different ways to write your wedding invites.

1.) Calligraphy Writing: Take a calligraphy course, and write the invitations in fancy writing. For this you will need to purchase an expensive calligraphy set, as this type of writing can only be done with a certain type of pen and ink. Make sure to place all the relevant details in the invitation, such time, place, day and the RSVP details.

2.) Computerized Invitations: If you are looking for a fun, modern, fast and inexpensive way to make your invitations, print out the invitations on your computer, using a fancy font. This way of writing invitations may not be as traditional as hand written ones, however it can still econvey your message in a classy and fun way.

3.) Hire a professional: Consider hiring a professional to write your wedding invitations, if your budget permits. Many people find it difficult to make sure the message is conveyed with elegance yet as simply as possible, therefore hiring a professional may be worth the money if you are concerned about the presentation and content of the invitation. In addition, hiring a professional will save you time, as there are many other decisions and important aspects of the wedding that should have more focus and will take up more of your time.

4.) Have an Editor: Consider writing the invitations yourself, and allowing a professional or a family member or friend who is gifted with words look over what you have written to make sure it sounds professional and is grammatically correct. You do not want to find spelling mistakes, punctuation errors and incorrect grammar in your invitations once they are all printed and sent out.

These five ideas can help you create the perfect wedding invitations, while sticking to your budget, time frame, and still conveying the message you want your guests to receive. By choosing one of these five ideas you can reduce stress during the wedding preparation days.

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Find Your Wedding Invitation Specialists Right Here On Wedding House!

Before you leave this page, did you know that Wedding House has a list of Wedding Stationery & Invitation Designers from all around Australia. Why not take the next 5 minutes and find your Wedding Stationery & Invitation Designer here.

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Photo Gallery Of Wedding Invites

Image Source:
(Cream) bridalwave.tv
(Teal) weddingdresses4you.org
(B&W) weddinginvitationsideas.com.au
(Purple) weddings-place.com
(Pink) polkadotbride.com
(Brown) wedding-parks.com

Article Source: http://www.weddinghouse.com.au
Wedding House Online Wedding Directory can help you get organised for your wedding day! Search our Wedding Directory to find your local australian wedding businesses that will help make your wedding day unforgettable. From wedding dresses and accessories to wedding planners and wedding celebrants, you can choose the best service providers to suit you and your partners needs.

Things You Must Do To Look Good On Your Wedding Day

Things You Must Do To Look Good On Your Wedding Day

I have been looking after brides, creating fabulous makeup and sensational hair for many years. There is so much planning and money spent on planning for that radiant glorious beautiful wedding look.

BUT, there are a few things that can really tarnish or even spoil it!

1. Have you checked your veil has the correct attachments for the hairstyle you have (chosen comb or loops)?

2. Have you had an extensive comprehensive makeup trial to make sure you are not allergic to ANY MAKEUP used? (Do you have sensitive eyes…. will those false eyelashes be okay on the day?)

3. Have you made sure the makeup artist has written all the makeup used at the trial will be used on the day…. no additions? (i.e. some people do not react with fixer, primers, mascara etc.)

4. Have you requested that the makeup artist gives you a compact powder for the wedding day? Professional makeup has elements in it to not give white faces to the camera flash etc. plus its longwearing and high quality.

The worst thing to happen to me was to attach the veil on the wedding day on a bride who I had created a fabulous l960?s hairstyle – high on top and great straight fringe. The bride had not brought the veil to the trial as requested for us to check it out. On the day the veil was so heavy and long that it dragged the fringe down to the end of the bride’s nose and ruined her high up style.

Next one is the bridesmaid who thinks they are more important than the bride herself. At the hair trial, if you have a bridesmaid who is SO difficult and likely to be a problem for you, get her to have a hair trial. Then we know exactly what to do on the day and everyone is happy.

Article written by June-Rose of June-Rose Bridal Makeup & Hair.

photo source:brides.com

Article Source: http://www.weddinghouse.com.au
Wedding House Online Wedding Directory can help you get organised for your wedding day! Search our Wedding Directory to find your local australian wedding businesses that will help make your wedding day unforgettable. From wedding dresses and accessories to wedding planners and wedding celebrants, you can choose the best service providers to suit you and your partners needs.

Mismatched Bridesmaids – The New Trend?

Mismatched Bridesmaids – The New Trend?

It has been seen in hundreds of bridal magazines: the mismatched bridesmaid dresses. For years, there has been an unspoken rule that your bridesmaid dresses have to all match. The only exception has typically been the maid of honour, who often has had a different colour dress or a different style dress.

But in today’s fashion world, there is the trend of not only letting your bridesmaids choose different styles, but now many brides are allowing their bridesmaids to choose different colours of dresses. Some dresses are in the same colour family, and other brides let their bridesmaids choose whatever they want. There seems to be no more rules about what your bridesmaids can wear.

Popular Bridesmaid Trend

There is a good reason behind this popular bridesmaid trend. Although it is the bridesmaids’ job to keep the bride happy, in recent years, it has become a burden of the bride to keep her bridesmaids happy. Because bridesmaids are purchasing a relatively expensive dress, among other things, they often want a dress that they can wear again, and that they feel comfortable with. When they have a say, they feel more important, and they feel as though the bride is listening to their opinions and their needs. By letting the bridesmaids choose their own dress styles or colours, the bride can please her maids. Also, not all bridesmaids have the same body type, so some styles will not look as good on some maids as they will on others. Different styles allow bridesmaids to feel comfortable on your wedding day.

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses can add a nice touch to your wedding. Instead of having all your bridesmaids look exactly the same, you can let them show off their personalities by letting them pick different styles.

One of the best ways to do this, and still accomplish the vision for your wedding that you want, is to choose three or four different styles of dresses for your bridesmaids to choose from. That way you can still be in control of what your bridesmaids wear, and they have the opportunity to choose the dress that best fits their personalities and body types.

Same Style Dress In Different Colours

When you’re looking to have different coloured bridesmaid dresses, one of the best ways to go about it is to choose the same style of dress in different colours. While mismatched bridesmaid dresses can add something special to your wedding, there still needs to be some similarity between the dresses to make them look cohesive and like they belong together.

Choosing the styles of dresses in different colours, but still choosing colours in the same colour family, for example, all yellows or all blues, you can allow your bridesmaids to express their personalities, while still remaining true to how you want your wedding to look.

The final decision, of course, is completely up to you, the bride. It is your wedding and your vision. If you have great friends and bridesmaids, they will be more than willing to wear whatever you want them to wear.

photos source:unitedwithlove.com

Article Source: http://www.weddinghouse.com.au
Wedding House Online Wedding Directory can help you get organised for your wedding day! Search our Wedding Directory to find your local australian wedding businesses that will help make your wedding day unforgettable. From wedding dresses and accessories to wedding planners and wedding celebrants, you can choose the best service providers to suit you and your partners needs.

Exceptional Music For Your Wedding

Exceptional Music For Your Wedding

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They say music is a universal language. Everyone has a favorite song, or singer or band etc.

Choosing the right music for your wedding is critical in making it memorable or not.

Here are a few tips we have learnt over the last 5 years of performing at and attending weddings.

#1 – DJ or Live Music

  • A DJ is able to play the original recordings of songs at anytime through their system, however they are restricted to what tracks they have on their IPod, or CD database.
  • A Live band is restricted to what songs they know, and their willingness to learn your special songs.
  • A DJ fundamentally lacks the dynamic of the live music element that is inherent with live musicians playing instruments.
  • A live performance is always unique, and therefore special to your day.
  • A DJ is generally more economical, as there is only one person, whereas a band will be more expensive as the number of members in the band increases. (Remember you need to include a meal for each of the band members)

Generally speaking, people do prefer a live music experience over a pre-recorded one, which means that the majority of your guests will too.

#2 – Ceremony & Reception

Generally for the ceremony, a song to walk down the aisle, one or two songs for signing of the register and maybe a song to walk back out.

Popular choices for ceremony music include strings (violin, cello etc.), acoustic guitar and vocals solo or duo, harpist etc.

Sometimes your location can restrict what is possible. i.e. in a church, on a beach etc.

For reception, generally 5-6 hours is standard. This could be upwards of 5-6 sets of music, however all best laid plans mostly never go to schedule, so having a music provider that is experienced with weddings and can work in with the ‘actual’ timings of the event is ideal.

Specific songs may include: Bridal party entrance into reception, First dance, Cutting the cake, Garter & Bouquet toss, Circle of Goodbyes.

#3 – Song Choice

There is no substitute for experience here. Playing the wrong song can clear a dance floor, offend your grandma, annoy the venue staff etc., all of which results in a less than ideal wedding experience.

Playing the right song keeps the floor dancing, makes the first dance beautiful and can even tie in the ceremony to the reception. This results in a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Ensure you discuss you and your partner’s favorite songs or bands etc., as well as a demographic profile of your guests.

For example, if you are having a group of young children at your wedding, or a group of elderly grand parents etc. then current hip hop songs laced with swearing is not going to go down well.

Understand that guests at your wedding can range from infant to great grandma, so a mix of popular songs from across all ages will appeal to all of your guests. As opposed to 5 hours of Metallica, because that’s what the groom likes!

  • A DJ can play any song you want.
  • A live band can (at least we do!) learn your special song for first dance or walk down the aisle etc. to make the moment special. A live band can also play pre-recorded songs (off an IPod etc.) during the breaks just like a DJ, which will give you all the songs that the band themselves don’t know or play.


?? US2 DUO HOT TIP ??

A great idea for song choice is for you to include a section on your invitations that says: ‘The song that will get me on the dance floor is _________’ Once you get the RSVPs back, compile the list together and send it to your band or DJ. This allows the band or DJ to tailor their set list to music that all your guests are going to enjoy, and even announce songs along the way. ‘Where’s Aunt Martha?. This ones for you…’

 

#4 – Professionalism

The biggest complaint with music from guests is ‘IT WAS TOO LOUD’ or ‘bad song choice’ (as covered in point #3).

The biggest complaint with venues is the band was rude, arrogant and hard to deal with.

Your music supplier is like any other provider (be it cars, or dress or cake etc.) and should present themselves professionally at all times both with you, and the venue management.
They should communicate with you well, be upfront with costs, and work with you proactively to meet or exceed your expectations. Testimonials are helpful here. As are venue recommendations. So is the ability for you to be able to watch the band or DJ in a public setting prior to you making your decision.

#5 – Costs

These days’ costs are going up everywhere and all of us have a budget to work within. Weddings are no different.

Prioritize your spend based on the importance the element is to your wedding.
As mentioned earlier, a DJ in theory should be the cheapest option as there is only one person, and therefore a 9-piece big band will be very expensive.

A good rule of thumb for wedding music is $100 per hour, per person. This is how we charge and it factors in the following:

  • Time spent at your wedding
  • Time spent learning songs
  • Time spent learning and practicing playing and singing to remain gig ready at all times
  • Cost of equipment (Instruments, PA system, lighting, transport, insurance etc.) e.g.: DJ playing 5 hour reception = $500, Duo playing 5 hour reception = $1000, 4 piece band playing 5 hour reception = $2000, 9 piece band playing 5 hour reception = $4500.

Additional costs that you might experience include:

  • MC Duties
  • Playing at Ceremony (as well as reception)
  • Travel for regional areas.

It is common for a deposit (20% is approx.) to be made to secure a date, as many weddings are booked 12-24 months in advance.

The best weddings are the memorable ones. It is the one you think back to because the bride was leading a conga line through the venue, or the bride and groom were dancing choreographed to a specific song.

I have been to weddings without a cake, or cars, or bonbonierre etc. I have never been to a wedding without music. Have you? It truly is what makes a wedding special.

 

Article written by Steve Legg – Singer and guitarist in Us2 Duo – ‘A professional and versatile musical duo specializing in weddings’ – ‘Tailored musical solutions for your special day’. http://www.melbourneacousticduo.com

imagesource:mountainsidebride.com

Article Source: http://www.weddinghouse.com.au
Wedding House Online Wedding Directory can help you get organised for your wedding day! Search our Wedding Directory to find your local australian wedding businesses that will help make your wedding day unforgettable. From wedding dresses and accessories to wedding planners and wedding celebrants, you can choose the best service providers to suit you and your partners needs.

Newborn photography Workshop

So I am back from Perth now and madly catching up I will have a day off soon I hope.  I just had to post some of these super cute shots from the workshop I attended in Perth recently.  The one and only little girl model was my best friends baby she was a perfect little angel slept all day.  I have also included some pull back shots of what was happening so you guys can see a little bit of what it actually looks like.  Posing was done by kelly Ryden and Tracey Raver shots taken by me.newborn photography1 newborn photography2 newborn photography3 pull backs-1001 pull backs-1002 pull backs-1003 pull backs-1004 pull backs-1005

Newborn photography Melbourne of Joshua and Maddison 11 days old

Maddy had her newborn photos done 3.5 years ago doesn’t time fly now little Joshua has made an appearance and at 11 days old he slept through most of his session.

Wedding Photography Melbourne – Rae and Matthew

Wedding photography Melbourne photographed Rae and Matthew in and around Melbourne City.  They were married at One Community Church in Blackburn by Minister David Ratten.  We then headed into the city to have some photos done on Collins street and Fitzroy gardens.  The reception was held at The Point Albert park where we had some more photos.  All details of the day below:

Celebrandt: Minister David Ratten
Bridal Gown:  Lisa Ho
Groom’s Attire: Formal Red
Flowers: Balwyn Events
Hair/Makeup:  Hair, Alison Larwood; Make up, Victoria Strong
Cake: Sara Garraway