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Archive for February, 2012


Bridal Show Survival Guide

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Bridal Show Season is upon us!

For all of the newly engaged couples out there, this is a great time to jump start your wedding planning. If you are wondering whether or not to attend a show, here are a few reasons why you should…

1. Meet a lot of vendors. There are a many vendors that you will need to hire for your Big Day! The efficiency of meeting this many in one day and place is totally underrated. It can seem overwhelming, definitely, but by asking a few questions you can get a lot of research done in one afternoon. Plus, there will be some vendors to you have never heard of before.

It’s also great to be able to meet the vendors in person.  Looking at websites and speaking with people through e-mail and phone is a great start but the face to face is crucial. Tone and personality can get lost in an e-mail and it’s important that you connect with your vendors.  Meeting everyone in person will give you the opportunity to see who you feel more comfortable with. You can tell a lot about the potential of a working relationship in those first few minutes at their table or booth.

2. Get Ideas. Most vendors decorate their booths with items that are popular right now. Using the internet is a good start to look at what is trending for favors, décor ideas or fashion, but seeing these things up close can make a huge difference.  Maybe you were deciding on what kind of photobooth to get, seeing the full set up may help you make that decision.

3. Bond with your family & friends.  Wedding planning can be a stressful process. Bring along your maid of honor or mother and have a great bonding experience that is relaxing and a lot of fun!

4. Get lots of Goodies. Who doesn’t love free stuff? The vendors at bridal shows want you to be able to experience first-hand what they have to offer.  Samples will help you remember which vendor or product you liked the best. And ok,  free cupcakes and champagne don’t hurt either :0)

5. Take advantage of bridal show specials. A lot of vendors will be offering special discounts just for meeting them at the show or will be raffling off free products or services. Typically the show itself will have many door prizes raffled off as well, so make sure you sign up for as many as you are interested in.  Bringing personalized address labels with your name, address, phone # and e-mail makes signing up for give aways a snap!

Longfellows will be at the Saratoga Today show on Sunday, 2/26…stop by our booth!

 

Vendors We Love…Rob Spring Photography

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

We don’t think we can say enough great things about Rob! We have only been working with him for a few years now, but every second has been such a pleasure. As soon as he walks into a room, he has everyone smiling and he has a way of making everyone feel comfortable.

Rob is originally from Glens Falls and currently works out of his home in Saratoga with his wife Rosie and their ADORABLE daughter Dorothy (Which Rob admits is his “hands down favorite thing to photograph”).  He was traveling around the country with a national tour of a Broadway Musical in 2002 when he began photographing people. “I always felt that being on stage, the audience learns all about YOU, the actor, but you never meet (or see) any of them in the dark theatre. Working one on one photographing individuals I found much more fulfilling – as I became the audience member and had an opportunity to learn all about THEM while still entertaining them by providing flattering photography.”

As the actors started getting married, Rob went back to school to earn his photography degree. Though he was used to the publicity shots he felt the right education was needed to ensure that he did not ruin the printed memories of the biggest day of someone’s life.

Though Rob hasn’t always been interested in photography he has always enjoyed making people happy and being a wedding photographer gives him that opportunity.  He encourages open dialogue with all of his clients. Though he has his own style, if someone has a certain idea in mind, he loves making that happen.

He understands the importance of the candid shots and “capturing the moment” and is well educated with knowing the importance of and finding the perfect lighting. “Without good lighting, you can make a great moment look awful- but WITH good lighting, you can make a dull moment look beautiful, funny or intriguing.” Rob enjoys getting to know his clients so while searching for the right lighting they are relaxed enough to act candidly. Resulting in a wonderful, natural moment caught in great lighting.

If you are looking for a photographer that you will enjoy having around you all day, adding that special touch and capturing moments that will last a lifetime, Rob is your man.

Check out his website or his blog to see his work!