Here is a link to an article that Laura wrote for The Wedding Planning Institute of Canada (WPIC) regarding The Canadian Professional Disc Jockey Association (CPDJA) and why you should be hiring a professional DJ company for your next wedding!
It is currently being featured on their blog! Check it out!
http://wpic.typepad.com/wpic/
Our Views from the Mountain... Looking Over the Skyline of the City!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
NightinGail Photography - Gail Kenney
Gail is a truly gifted photographer based out of the Barrie area. She captures weddings in a phenomenal style and is wonderful to work along with. Check out her website at www.nightingailphotography.com and in the meantime, here are the questions we asked her and her responses.
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
I have the best job in the world. I love being able to photograph people and transform those fleeting moments in a life into a format that will become a timeless precious heirloom. I have always loved taking pictures and being a photographer has allowed me the opportunity to provide creative images for those special moments in peoples' lives like weddings. Because I am such a people-person, my business has specialized in photographing weddings and life-style portraits.
2. How did you get into this business?
I actually "fell" into the business. I have always loved photography and had been taking photos ever since I was a little girl. When I got married, I realized that I wanted to put my "hobby" into capturing those special events like weddings. I wanted to be the person on the other side of the camera who could get just the "right" image that makes the statement for each particular event. I was strongly encouraged by my husband to use my talent to open NightinGail Photography and that was five years ago. I have never looked back!
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
That's a hard one. I have a lot of favourites but I guess the most unique weddings are the ones that really stick in my mind like Edmund & Eve's. She had one of the most unique gowns I had ever seen and she had planned such a special surprise for her husband - an antique car to drive them around after the ceremony at the haunted church - St. Columbekill in Uptergrove.
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
We are growing! I now have two second shooters who work with me on a regular basis. We are also expanding our home studio and will be moving into a new location, hopefully in the fall. In five years, I want to be photographing even more special friends and clients!
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
I am an extremely passionate person who gives 110% of myself to each and every client's wedding day. I custom design all of our albums and make sure that my clients are 110% satisfied with the outcome of their day, their prints and canvases and their albums.
I am the "real" deal and what you see, is what you get - trustworthy, reliable and honest in all of my business and personal dealings with friends, family, clients and business associates. I also have a great laugh and do see the humour in most situations!
Thank you Gail! We are looking forward to working with you this upcoming season!
Dan and Laura Forbes
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
I have the best job in the world. I love being able to photograph people and transform those fleeting moments in a life into a format that will become a timeless precious heirloom. I have always loved taking pictures and being a photographer has allowed me the opportunity to provide creative images for those special moments in peoples' lives like weddings. Because I am such a people-person, my business has specialized in photographing weddings and life-style portraits.
2. How did you get into this business?
I actually "fell" into the business. I have always loved photography and had been taking photos ever since I was a little girl. When I got married, I realized that I wanted to put my "hobby" into capturing those special events like weddings. I wanted to be the person on the other side of the camera who could get just the "right" image that makes the statement for each particular event. I was strongly encouraged by my husband to use my talent to open NightinGail Photography and that was five years ago. I have never looked back!
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
That's a hard one. I have a lot of favourites but I guess the most unique weddings are the ones that really stick in my mind like Edmund & Eve's. She had one of the most unique gowns I had ever seen and she had planned such a special surprise for her husband - an antique car to drive them around after the ceremony at the haunted church - St. Columbekill in Uptergrove.
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
We are growing! I now have two second shooters who work with me on a regular basis. We are also expanding our home studio and will be moving into a new location, hopefully in the fall. In five years, I want to be photographing even more special friends and clients!
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
I am an extremely passionate person who gives 110% of myself to each and every client's wedding day. I custom design all of our albums and make sure that my clients are 110% satisfied with the outcome of their day, their prints and canvases and their albums.
I am the "real" deal and what you see, is what you get - trustworthy, reliable and honest in all of my business and personal dealings with friends, family, clients and business associates. I also have a great laugh and do see the humour in most situations!
Thank you Gail! We are looking forward to working with you this upcoming season!
Dan and Laura Forbes
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
10 Tips for a Greener Wedding!
1. Shorten your guest list – the more guests that you invite to your wedding, the greater your carbon footprint will be for the event. The more people that are on your list the more food that will be consumed, the more miles that will be travelled and the bigger your venue will have to be to accommodate your wedding.
2. Time of Year – The months of April, May, September and October typically in our Canadian climate will take less energy to heat/cool your venue, therefore leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
3. Ceremony & Reception Venue - Consider an outdoor wedding in the park or at a beautiful natural spot so you can take advantage of nature’s décor and reduce the amount of added decorations. Have the reception at the same location, or at least nearby to shorten guest travel and reduce car pollution.
4. Choose Local Vendors- By using a local Photographer/DJ etc. You will lower the carbon footprint by having less travel involved with your oh so important vendors. Also work with vendors that are digital, leaving less paper trail.
4. Wedding Dress and Tuxedo - Consider one of the following: buying a vintage dress and tuxedo from a resale clothing store; buying an organic silk/hemp wedding dress; wearing a simple dress or suit that you can wear again. Have your dress made by family or friends. If you are buying new, at least buy your dress from a Canadian (local) manufacturer.
5. Invitations – Consider printing your invites, thank you notes, programs and all other related items for your wedding on handmade seed paper so that your guests can plant the invitations and enjoy the flowers that grow from them. You can also encourage your guests to recycle the paper and make that your keepsake from the wedding. Also think of using less paper by using a postcard for the replies and forgoing the envelope and creating a wedding website with all the necessary information so that you do not have to do too much printing. Remember... 1 invitation, 1 envelope!
6. Flowers – Consider using a florist that uses flowers from local and/or organic farms or use a wildflower grower at your local farm market to create bouquets & table arrangements. Try to find potted plants instead of cut flowers for centerpieces and guests can take them home to plant and watch your love bloom!
7. Food – Consider donating the food left over from your reception to a local soup kitchen or shelter instead of throwing it out. This will assist them to feed so many persons that rely on them for a daily meal and it will reduce the waste produced from your celebration.
8. Jewellery - Work with a jewellery designer that uses all recycled beads and materials to make all the jewellery for the bridal party. Another great option would be to make the jewellery yourself or have the wedding party get together to create it.
9. Favours - Choose something recycled, or a bulb/plant that can be re-planted, or do a donation to your favourite charity in the place of favours.
10. Gifts - Ask for donations/monetary gifts instead of traditional wedding gifts. This will cut down on waste, and lower car pollution from shopping.
Dan and Laura
2. Time of Year – The months of April, May, September and October typically in our Canadian climate will take less energy to heat/cool your venue, therefore leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
3. Ceremony & Reception Venue - Consider an outdoor wedding in the park or at a beautiful natural spot so you can take advantage of nature’s décor and reduce the amount of added decorations. Have the reception at the same location, or at least nearby to shorten guest travel and reduce car pollution.
4. Choose Local Vendors- By using a local Photographer/DJ etc. You will lower the carbon footprint by having less travel involved with your oh so important vendors. Also work with vendors that are digital, leaving less paper trail.
4. Wedding Dress and Tuxedo - Consider one of the following: buying a vintage dress and tuxedo from a resale clothing store; buying an organic silk/hemp wedding dress; wearing a simple dress or suit that you can wear again. Have your dress made by family or friends. If you are buying new, at least buy your dress from a Canadian (local) manufacturer.
5. Invitations – Consider printing your invites, thank you notes, programs and all other related items for your wedding on handmade seed paper so that your guests can plant the invitations and enjoy the flowers that grow from them. You can also encourage your guests to recycle the paper and make that your keepsake from the wedding. Also think of using less paper by using a postcard for the replies and forgoing the envelope and creating a wedding website with all the necessary information so that you do not have to do too much printing. Remember... 1 invitation, 1 envelope!
6. Flowers – Consider using a florist that uses flowers from local and/or organic farms or use a wildflower grower at your local farm market to create bouquets & table arrangements. Try to find potted plants instead of cut flowers for centerpieces and guests can take them home to plant and watch your love bloom!
7. Food – Consider donating the food left over from your reception to a local soup kitchen or shelter instead of throwing it out. This will assist them to feed so many persons that rely on them for a daily meal and it will reduce the waste produced from your celebration.
8. Jewellery - Work with a jewellery designer that uses all recycled beads and materials to make all the jewellery for the bridal party. Another great option would be to make the jewellery yourself or have the wedding party get together to create it.
9. Favours - Choose something recycled, or a bulb/plant that can be re-planted, or do a donation to your favourite charity in the place of favours.
10. Gifts - Ask for donations/monetary gifts instead of traditional wedding gifts. This will cut down on waste, and lower car pollution from shopping.
Dan and Laura
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What it means to be Canadian
Every time the Olympic Games are on, I feel a sudden burst of Canadian Pride. These Olympic Games have me over the top. It is partly due to the games being held in Canada, but also watching how our athletes are handling themselves. I have never witnessed a more humble Gold Medal winner than Alexandre Bilodeau, and his teammates who did not finish on the podium were still absolutely honoured to share in his glory.
It is not just the sports that have me feeling pride in being Canadian, it is the way our nation represents itself as a whole. We are a proud and dedicated country; we will continue to encourage anyone who shows initiative. We are proud of every Canadian who has been successful and we root on those who are trying hard to succeed.
In my personal, public and business life, I try to be a great Canadian. Whether it is holding open the door for someone, congratulating another on their success, being humble in my own, and doing random acts of kindness with no need for recognition... I am a proud Canadian!
Laura Forbes
It is not just the sports that have me feeling pride in being Canadian, it is the way our nation represents itself as a whole. We are a proud and dedicated country; we will continue to encourage anyone who shows initiative. We are proud of every Canadian who has been successful and we root on those who are trying hard to succeed.
In my personal, public and business life, I try to be a great Canadian. Whether it is holding open the door for someone, congratulating another on their success, being humble in my own, and doing random acts of kindness with no need for recognition... I am a proud Canadian!
Laura Forbes
Monday, February 8, 2010
Irina Photography - Irina and Mihkel Fortey, Photographers Extraordinaire!
Irina and Mihkel are a fabulous couple and have mastered the art of photography, giving you a truly amazing package when booking a Photographer for your wedding. Take a minute to visit their website at www.irinaphotography.ca, you won't be disappointed.
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
I have a fascination with history and documenting it in photographs. This is my way of freezing moments to share with others. I also love working with people and hence, it has lead me to cater to documenting weddings and family portraits.
2. How did you get into this business?
My university degree is in Business and Economics which was my first love. While studying a friend recommended a job in a photolab, which I took at that time ... well that changed my life! I absolutely fell in love with the process and soon after began photographing everything and everyone I knew. After my graduation from Business School, I went on to study photography and 2 years later had my certification. Today, I specialize in capturing people at their most beautiful moments in life.
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
This is a hard question, as every wedding has a special connection to me. It's always an honor to witness a couple or a new family interact in front of my camera. I am blessed to have the best job in the world!
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
I am a believer that opportunities are always around the corner. Every industry has its ups and down, as well, new technology continues to change the market. Just as film and prints has moved to digital and files I feel it is important for the industry to share its knowledge for the betterment of the consumer.
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
Anything less than perfect is unacceptable, that's my philosophy! My client know they will get my full attention with every wedding or portrait commission! Because I care about my work, my clients always go home happy.
Thank you Irina! We are looking forward to working with you again this upcoming season!
Dan and Laura
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
I have a fascination with history and documenting it in photographs. This is my way of freezing moments to share with others. I also love working with people and hence, it has lead me to cater to documenting weddings and family portraits.
2. How did you get into this business?
My university degree is in Business and Economics which was my first love. While studying a friend recommended a job in a photolab, which I took at that time ... well that changed my life! I absolutely fell in love with the process and soon after began photographing everything and everyone I knew. After my graduation from Business School, I went on to study photography and 2 years later had my certification. Today, I specialize in capturing people at their most beautiful moments in life.
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
This is a hard question, as every wedding has a special connection to me. It's always an honor to witness a couple or a new family interact in front of my camera. I am blessed to have the best job in the world!
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
I am a believer that opportunities are always around the corner. Every industry has its ups and down, as well, new technology continues to change the market. Just as film and prints has moved to digital and files I feel it is important for the industry to share its knowledge for the betterment of the consumer.
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
Anything less than perfect is unacceptable, that's my philosophy! My client know they will get my full attention with every wedding or portrait commission! Because I care about my work, my clients always go home happy.
Thank you Irina! We are looking forward to working with you again this upcoming season!
Dan and Laura
Monday, February 1, 2010
Jennifer Images - A Terrific Photography Experience!
Jennifer has been a longtime friend of ours in the Wedding Industry. We work with her numerous times every year and we are always amazed at the quality of her work. Check out her website at www.jenniferimages.ca
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
Photography is such a gratifying field because it allows me to express my creativity.
Being a photographer also allows me to see things, people and places that normally would be off limits to me.
It is a very exciting career.
2. How did you get into this business?
My very first job at the ripe old age of 15, was a sales position at Blacks cameras.
There were a few good benefits to that job, such as getting to demo all of the new cameras and gear.
This is were my passion for photography began, and continued for many years.
Of course it wasn't until many years later, with thoughts of choosing a different career path than the one I was on, that photography as a business entered my mind.
I guess you could say that once I realized what I didn't want, I knew what I did want.
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
There are a few weddings that really stand out in my mind, but honestly my favorite wedding, would be the wedding of Justin and Laura, at the Old Mill in Toronto, On April 4th, last year.
Justin and Laura were really genuine people, whose kindness and friendship have remained in the minds of Lisa (my second shooter) and myself .
The family bond they all had for one another and the way that they so readily added us to their list of friends was unforgettable.
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
Over the next five years Jennifer Images will continue to be a personal company, that won't lose site of the importance of the relationships we form with our clients.
While our style will continue to grow, it is those personal relationships with our clients, that are the key to our definition of success.
Mutual respect, honesty and friendship are what make our clients comfortable during our sessions, and what ultimately produces the best images.
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
Why do you love me?
Because I'm genuine.
You love me because I believe that human relationships are so very important, even in the business world.
You love me because I'm reliable and responsible, and I do what I say I'm going to do.
Thanks Jennifer, I hope those who visit our blog will take the time to learn more about you and business. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Dan and Laura
1. Why do you love being a photographer?
Photography is such a gratifying field because it allows me to express my creativity.
Being a photographer also allows me to see things, people and places that normally would be off limits to me.
It is a very exciting career.
2. How did you get into this business?
My very first job at the ripe old age of 15, was a sales position at Blacks cameras.
There were a few good benefits to that job, such as getting to demo all of the new cameras and gear.
This is were my passion for photography began, and continued for many years.
Of course it wasn't until many years later, with thoughts of choosing a different career path than the one I was on, that photography as a business entered my mind.
I guess you could say that once I realized what I didn't want, I knew what I did want.
3. What is your favorite wedding that you have ever captured?
There are a few weddings that really stand out in my mind, but honestly my favorite wedding, would be the wedding of Justin and Laura, at the Old Mill in Toronto, On April 4th, last year.
Justin and Laura were really genuine people, whose kindness and friendship have remained in the minds of Lisa (my second shooter) and myself .
The family bond they all had for one another and the way that they so readily added us to their list of friends was unforgettable.
4. Where do you see your company going in the next five years?
Over the next five years Jennifer Images will continue to be a personal company, that won't lose site of the importance of the relationships we form with our clients.
While our style will continue to grow, it is those personal relationships with our clients, that are the key to our definition of success.
Mutual respect, honesty and friendship are what make our clients comfortable during our sessions, and what ultimately produces the best images.
5. Why do we love you? What makes you special?
Why do you love me?
Because I'm genuine.
You love me because I believe that human relationships are so very important, even in the business world.
You love me because I'm reliable and responsible, and I do what I say I'm going to do.
Thanks Jennifer, I hope those who visit our blog will take the time to learn more about you and business. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Cheers,
Dan and Laura
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