Melissa & Michael {Wedding}- "Bridezillas" in Columbus, GA

Melissa & Michael's wedding was certainly THE most interesting wedding I've ever shot! I unfortunately can't give away the "dramatic" details...you'll have to watch the show to see the down & dirty! LOL! I am proud to say I am not one of the ones who got yelled at! :)

Well the day started out peacefully at Da'Zhavue Hair Salon where Melissa had her hair done (beautifully might I add) & her eyelashes put on. We then headed over to the FOP Lodge where the wedding & reception were held. When we got there, Melissa & the girls had their make-up done by Miss Raquel. She did an awesome job with the make-up!

Both Melissa & Michael had some pre-ceremony pictures done on a horse, a black horse I should say as Melissa strictly said no one else will be in white, not even the horse! LOL!

When the ceremony started, there wasn't a typical father walking the bride to the groom. Oh no...Michael was instructed to meet them half way, on bended knee, to escort them to the rest of the way!

I absolutely LOVE that they incorporated the tasting of the 4 elements into their ceremony. It's such a symbolic, old, and beautiful African tradition. You rarely see this done at all! Although I had heard of it, this was my first wedding that I had actually seen it.

The tasting of the 4 elements requires that the bride and groom taste: lemon as representing the sour, vinegar as representing the bitter, cayenne pepper as representing the hot, and honey as representing the sweet and delicious times of marriage. This ritual dramatizes the "traditional" promise to love "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health."

When Melissa & Michael were pronounced husband & wife, they happily jumped the broom, & instead of walking out...the groomsmen carried Melissa out! She used one hand to tightly hold Michael & the other to wave to her family & friends- think the Miss America wave!

Once married, Melissa also crowned Michael (because he was not a King until he married her!!)

The reception got under way with Michael Soul of Foxie 105 deejaying the party. He did a great job! I wanted to put the camera down so I could cha cha with everyone! And I love that for the bouquet toss, he played Beyonce's "Single Ladies"!! I think the intro to that song is going to be the official song that all DJs use for the bouquet toss now!

BTW if you need a DJ I highly recommend Michael Soul. He did a great job! Contact him by clicking here or here.

Melissa & Michael's cake was beautifully created by Patty-Cakes (2nd Ave). It was a gorgeous castle cake complete with carriage & castle on top (that lit up)!! And the groom's cake was McDonald's french fries! The dinner was excellent and it was catered by Ms Eddie Mae Carter!

I also want to thank Emma for second shooting with me! She did a great job as usual! And to the wedding planner Sharon Mignone of Dream Wedding- wedding planning services for her assistance.

Melissa & Michael...I wish you both the best! Thank you for allowing MPC Photography to be there for your special day!

Click HERE for slideshow.

*slideshows expire in 60 days*

*Tune in to Foxie 105 Friday as Melissa & Michael will be on the show to discuss their wedding!

*To the person who left the anonymous comment on 5/13/10- I never "claimed" to be a photographer for weTV. Please reread the COMPLETE sentence again. I was the "2009 Photographer for Wetv's Bridezilla in Columbus, GA." That is a fact, not a claim. If that isn't clear enough- feel free to call me at 706-289-6593. Thank You.

New Blog Domain

I just wanted to announce the new domain of my blog...instead of mpcphotography.blogspot.com it will now be www.mpcphotographyblog.com. Be sure to bookmark the new domain! It will take a few hours to transition over so for now you can still access me via mpcphotography.blogspot.com.

Also I just made the final approval on my new blog design! I can't wait to share it with you all!

And...be sure to pick up your copy of Wedding VOW magazine! 7500 copies were distributed throughout Columbus. Look for my ad! And check out their website as they have several downloads to you to help plan your perfect wedding!

P.S. Don't forget the contest that I am hosting! It ends February 13th so that means you have 2 weeks left! You must complete all 4 steps in order to be considered. I have received some fabulous shoes so far!!!

Inner Message Ring- Jungyun Yoon

This blog is for the men out there! If you want to reeeeeally surprise your bride-to-be take a look at the Inner Message ring. It is undeniably THE most creative ring I have seen.

Here is the description from the website:

"A few years ago a Korean singer wrote a song about the sunburn mark that he found on his finger after he broke up with his girlfriend and removed a ring he had been wearing for a long time. This is the story that inspired Jungyun Yoon to make ‘Inner message’, a ring with hidden letters on the inside. Inner message is a ring that leaves an impression on the finger.

Imagine that your boyfriend giving you a ring that on the surface seems plain, but later when you take the ring off; it says, “Marry me.” Or imagine that even though you take off the ring to clean your hands you are still wearing an impression of the words, ’always’"

We all get this indentation on our finger when we remove a ring that we wear constantly, and thought of having an impression there, that says "Marry Me" or "Always" would be such an awesome reminder!! Isn't that a BRILLIANT idea!?

For more information (prices, sizes, etc) please visit his website by clicking HERE.

When I saw this I had to email him & compliment him on this amazing design! So creative & unique! So with his permission I used images from his website! :)

I've also sent this link to Keith...I think this would make a great 5 year anniversary gift don't you? lol!

*Oh here's a new fyi for you...in Korea (and many other Asian cultures) many people go by their last names first. So for us, his name is Jungyun Yoon...but there it's Yoon Jungyun. I get asked this a lot since my mother is Korean so thought I give ya little tidbit there!

Enjoy!

Imagine This Designs - Custom Framing

I happy to announce that MPC Photography has teamed up with Imagine This Designs to offer my clients 25% off all custom framing!

Imagine This Designs is located at 1200 14th St, Suite D, Phenix City, AL 36867. (Take the 13th street bride into Phenix City & the 4th light turn right. It's the brick building with green awning). Ask for Mike or Kim!

Now you ask, what is the significance of custom framing? Well we all know you could go to Wal-mart and get a decent frame for $20, and yes it may look good....but until you have had something custom framed, you really don't know the difference. It is AMAZING the difference that it makes.

And yes it may cost more than the plastic frames from Wal-mart, but if you are going to spend $$$ on photography, why not have it custom framed?

ITD has several frames & mats & glass to choose from as well! They will make sure they find out what your home & decor look like already so that you can have something that fits just right!

I went to ITD yesterday to discuss our partnership and got to see some of his work! AWESOME! :) In fact, I think I will be taking my wedding pictures there to be re-framed! LOL!

One item I highly recommend is the new museum quality glass. I never knew there was a difference in glass but let me say this, with museum quality glass, it truly looked invisible. It is a much higher grade and I couldn't believe that difference it made!

BTW, Imagine This Design won the 2007-2008 Ledger Enquirer Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Frame Shop!

Remember to tell them I sent you so that you can get 25% off your order! *Website coming soon!

MPC Photography's FIRST contest! $100 gift certificates!

MPC Photography is announcing it's first contest! This is open to everyone... past, present, and future clients, non-clients, brides, non-brides, local, non-local, blog readers...everyone!

This is your chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Wedding Paper Divas and a $100 gift certificate from Beau-Coup!

&

Now before you non-brides log off....PLEASE note, you don't necessarily have to be a bride to enjoy these gift certificates. Wedding Paper Divas can create wedding invitations, thank you cards, save the date cards, baby shower invites, birthday invites, thank you cards, holiday cards, etc. And Beau Coup has not only the cutest wedding favors, they also have favors & decor for baby showers, parties, graduation parties, etc.

So with that said here are the rules....

Contestants are entered into the contest by:

1. Visiting each sponsor's site and selecting a wedding invitation (WPD) & wedding favor (BC) that fulfills your unique sense of a modern and/or unique romantic wedding.

2a. Save the unique wedding invitation as a "favorite" on the WPD site. This is done by clicking on the "Save in Favorites" button on the desired wedding invitation page.

2b. Subscribing to the Beau-coup newsletter: http://www.beau-coup.com/newsletter.htm.

3.Comment on my blog describing which products best fits your ideal wedding plan with a link to your favorite product.

4. Finally.....well, you all know I LOVE shoes. And a while back I entered my fav shoes on a blog contest and I thought that was such a great idea...so I'm going to host the hottest shoe contest as well! Send me an email (carolin@mpcphotography.com) with a picture of your favorite, cutest, hottest shoes!

I will post all the images I receive on here. The person with the hottest shoes will win BOTH gift certificates!!! Depending on the # of entries, it may require a vote from my readers!

I know this is geared towards weddings, but again- you don't have to be a bride, you don't have to even be a client of mine...this is open to all of my blog readers! :)

Contest Ends February 13th!

Good Luck!

*******UPDATE********
Please make sure you include your email address if you post as "anonymous"! We have to know who to issue the gift certificates too! :)

And just to clarify, there will be TWO winners. One will get the $100 gift certificate to Wedding Paper Divas and one will get the $100 gift certificate to Beau Coup.

And ALL 4 parts of the contest must be completed!

Thanks again!

Mary Kay Skin Care Class

I wanted to invite all of my past & future brides to a Mary Kay Skin Care class on Saturday, March 7th at 7pm. One of my past bride's, Raquel, is a Mary Kay consultant and she asked me to host a class for her at my home.

You do NOT have to purchase anything! It is simply a class on creating your own skin care regime. I know all of you are young & beautiful already, so if you want to stay that way, you should have some type of decent skin care regime going on! There will also be games and prizes!

So if you're interested, please let me know! You can also feel free to bring a friend! As an added bonus, Raquel is an AWESOME make-up artist (in fact she was the make-up artist for the Bridezillas wedding)! So if you need someone to do make-up for your wedding day, this would be a great opportunity to meet her and have your make-up done before your wedding! She can help you get your skin in shape for your big day and even come out the day of to do your make-up for you (or teach you how to do it yourself)! So come on out for a girls-night-out & get a free lesson on skin care- with no obligation to buy! :)

Ledger Enquirer article about Bridezillas

I read this article that the Ledger did about "Bridezillas." It wasn't about my Bridezilla Melissa, but rather an article quoting some local wedding planners and their take on "bridezillas".

Here's the article:

January’s not the typical time of year to be thinking about weddings — unless you’re planning one, that is. And with the predictable slew of Christmas engagements, plus the Wedding Extravaganza at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center last weekend, the air is thick with thoughts of puffy white dresses, copious amounts of flowers and bad DJ music.

Not to mention that “Bride Wars” opened Jan. 9. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson as best friends turned bridezillas due to conflicting wedding day plans. Coming in second at the box office and bringing in $21.5 million in its opening weekend, the under-25 female crowd confirmed that weddings and cat fights are a money-making combination.

But does that translate into real life? Are all women capable of turning into “bridezillas?”

The term “bridezilla” was coined in 1995 in a Boston Globe article titled “Tacky trips down the aisle.”

A pithy and widely accepted definition, via Urban Dictionary, states the term is “formed from (a) blending of the words bride and Godzilla (Japanese movie monster). (It is) used to describe a woman whose behavior becomes outrageously bad in the course of planning for her wedding.”

To anyone who has seen the Women’s Entertainment network’s show of the same name, “bad behavior” is an understatement.

Thankfully, Lynda Johnson — wedding and event consultant for The Garrett-Bullock House, a special events facility on Second Avenue in Columbus — said the drama on the screen is the exception, not the rule. In her five years in the wedding industry, she has yet to encounter a bridezilla.

“The main concern is they want to stay on budget,” said Johnson. “The second concern is people having a good time.”

While numerous factors affect whether bridezilla emerges or not, having a professional’s help can take some of the stress and pressure off the bride and groom.

“We really get to know people one-on-one,” said Johnson. “We work with their nerves and fears. We talk to them and get them to calm down.”

Robin and Katey Lewis, a mother-daughter owner/coordinator team for Pleasant Grove Church, agree that bridezillas are overplayed on television and in the movies.

They have had only one encounter with a bride who wanted to run everything herself. Katey Lewis said once the bride learned to trust other people with the preparations, she calmed down.

“What we run into is they want Aunt Betty or Aunt Susie to cater,” said Robin Lewis, “and that doesn’t work too well.”

Both Lewises agree that the laid-back atmosphere of Pleasant Grove Church helps keep things running smoothly.

But just because bridezilla doesn’t rear her ugly head doesn’t mean wedding planning comes problem-free.

Audra Baker, sales and banquet coordinator at the Hilton Garden Inn, said during her six years in the business she’s encountered challenges, but nothing like what they portray on “Bridezillas.”

“There are challenges with each individual,” Baker said. “I work with brides according to their needs. We work together as a team to take care of the wedding.”

But no one is perfect and some tension may arise.

Arisa Wheeler has come across a bridezilla or two in her five years in the wedding industry.

“It boils down to they want more than they pay for,” said Wheeler, who, along with partner Tiffany Sellers, coordinates events for Total Events. “They won’t compromise. It’s the bride’s way or no way.”

But, Wheeler adds, “I’ve always learned something that allows me to improve my business.”

Despite the minority of real life bridezillas, the WE network’s most popular show seems to find them and is now in its sixth season. However, judging by the comments on its Web site’s message boards, viewers love to hate the brides and the show.

So while women are entertained by watching the antics of brides who will stop at nothing to get their way, not too many women find that bridezilla within themselves.

Grooms everywhere are sighing with relief."

I have to knock on wood...because even though I photographed a real Bridezilla, I didn't feel her wrath! LOL! Which reminds me, I need to go work on her pictures some more!! :) Coming Soon!

I also went to Atlanta this weekend to meet with a potential bride and to go to Emma's house.
Emma was supposed to shoot some photos of me for the new blog design. We were going to go to Forsyth Park or Downtown Atlanta, but it was COLD yall!! On my way back I actually drove through SNOW flurries! Heavy flurries might I add! We did do some indoor studio pics, and they turned out great but it just doesn't fit the vision I had for the blog. So I emailed my blog designer & we're working on something a little different now.

I'll at least give you an idea of part of my new design...

I love pink & black & I love damask so that will be incorporated into my new design! :)

Oh and I got my main website working temporarily. Seems like I am having some JAVA issues which prevented me from uploading images to the site. It allowed me to add a few images to the engagement & wedding galleries but that's it. Hopefully I will have some more time to work on it this week!

Happy Inauguration Day!!!

David Tutera- The Party Planner

I am addicted to the WeTv Show "My Fair Wedding!" David Tutera, the ULTIMATE party planner comes in 3 weeks prior to the wedding and basically transforms weddings from blah to WOW!

Isn't he a cutie?!

I decided to visit his website and couldn't believe some of the weddings and events he's planned and decorated. The flowers are EXQUISITE, the details are UNBELIEVABLE, and of course the cost may be too high for the average bride. lol But nevertheless, if you are planning an over-the-top wedding, you must look at his website...at least for some ideas.

If you click on the the left image (of David himself), go to his photo gallery and look at some of the images from past weddings (heck look at all of them, he is amazing). My favorite is under the Weddings, with the title "Bling". Can you say over-the-top-wow! I watched this show & the total cost was $1million!!! YIKES! Pricey...I know! lol

If you click on the image to the right (it says STEM), you can view some amazing floral work. If you like some of his designs, I am almost certain some of the local florists can replicate his work at a fraction of the cost. I especially love the HUGE rose ball centerpieces. Helloooo! I want one for my desk! LOL!

Bottom line, it's ok to have expensive taste...just surf the net find what you really love and print out the pictures. Send them to your florist or baker or photographer. Many vendors are ok with trying to replicate what you like...it may not be exact but it can be close.

Some other top planners to check out would be Preston Bailey and Colin Cowie. All 3 have books you can purchase too. I love to look at their sites for ideas for party planning in general but obviously for brides, you can get some amazing decor and floral ideas!

Speaking of ideas...if you're still in the market for flowers, here's one that I really like. It's called Speaking Roses. You can have images or words printed on the actual roses! Now, because of the cost, you may not want to order a whole room full. But I think maybe a vase of a dozen roses by the guest book with your names & date would be cute; or even something to honor those family members and friends who have passed away...you could have them imprinted with the names or something simple like In Memory Of...or even an image of each person! It would certainly be unique!

Wedding Paper Divas

I received an email this weekend about an exciting opportunity for my brides! The only hint I can give you is "contest coming soon" and "wedding paper divas"!!!

If you haven't ordered your invitations or save the date cards, I urge you to look at the Wedding Paper Divas' website and order some samples. I received some of their samples this weekend and I can honestly tell you, they are absolutely gorgeous & unique! They have every color, design, size, and style that you can think of!AND...they are not limited to weddings! You can have custom valentine's day cards, party invitations, thank you cards, baby announcements....the list goes on!

Also as an added bonus...The Wedding Paper Divas currently have a contest going for the Most Romantic Engagement Story! The winner will get a $500 gift certificate! So click HERE for more details and to enter the contest.

And finally...you have to check out their blog, Diva Dialogue! Lots of great tips and advice and ideas! :)

Here are just a few I reallly liked!




And if you've followed my blog, you know that one of my July brides, Bekkah ordered her save the date cards from them and they were STUNNING!

Columbus, GA Bridezillas {Sneak Peak}

I couldn't resist posting at least one sneak peak from the Bridezillas Wedding I shot Sunday! As I was editing tonight, I came to this photo and thought, this should be the one!

Melissa's bouquet with an extra item she brought on her wedding day!


More to come soon! LOL!
Have a great weekend!

Samantha & Dana {Wedding}

What a way to end my 2008 wedding season! Samantha & Dana's Christmas wedding on the 27th was nothing short of Fabulous! From the beautiful poinsettias, to the Christmas tree, and the carefully hung ornaments on the ceiling!

Starting with the location....they had their wedding & reception at Lake Pines. The wedding was outdoors at the Pavilion. Although the weather threatened to turn the outdoor ceremony into an indoor ceremony...Samantha & Dana's luck persevered and the sun came out to shine over their day! The reception was in the barn. Samantha & Dana paid careful attention to decorating the barn with ornaments that matched their wedding colors, they had a chocolate fountain, and gave out the cutest little favors!

The groom's father served multiple roles this day....he made the wedding cake & groom's cake! Both were amazing & unique! He did the bride & groom's hair (he's a stylist at Bliss Salon). And he did the bride's make-up! I don't know how he did it all...but he did!

The bride's dress....ahhhh....so beautiful! So detailed! I love the red red ribbon, the cameo pendant, and the white fur coat!!! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they wore cowboy boots! Too Cute!

I could go on & on!!! It was just beautiful! Thank you Samantha & Dana for letting MPC Photography be there for your special day! I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon!

And thanks to Beverly for assisting me with shooting their wedding! And to the wedding planner who was AWESOME!!!!

Here are my favs:

I love how this image came out!!

I am soooo THRILLED they chose to see each other prior to the ceremony!

It made the day flow so wonderfully!
The lovely Groom! LOL!

I think this is so hilarious!!! We had to keep redoing this because they couldn't keep a straight face!
I thought this was so sweet!

Gorgeous!!!!!! My favorite photo of Samantha!
The pavilion with the sunlight shining through!

I LOVED the cake!!! Isn't it amazing!
HELLOOO!!!!! This cake was the bomb!!!! Look at detail!!! WOW!

Click HERE for the slideshow!
Stay tuned for Samantha's Trash the Dress session!!

"Bridezillas" comes to Columbus, GA

So you may have heard that the WeTV show BRIDEZILLAS has been in Columbus, GA all week! I just got through listening to them on FOXIE105, as Michael Soul (the dj for the wedding) interviewed them.

I am photographing Queen Melissa & "soon-to-be" King Michael's wedding Sunday...so as the photographer it was interesting to learn that there will be an underwear check by the Bride! She wants to ensure all the groomsmen are wearing clean underwear! And the girls will be having a nail check...to make sure they all have nicely manicured nails...but of course, none can be nicer than hers!

She has some more interesting surprises but you'll have to stay tuned for the pictures & for the show to air! :)

Pray for me internet! LOL!

In other news, I did see the proof to my new blog design and the only word that can describe my new look is: FABULOUS! We're doing some minor revisions so it's going to be a few more weeks!

Monday I recieved an order form back from Katie & David with the sweetest note & the bottom! It read "You were & are the best! We couldn't have chosen a more perfect photographer!" AWWW!!! How sweet!!! Thank you Katie & David for letting me be a part of your special day!

Also coming soon is Samantha & Dana's wedding!

Planning Your Wedding

Attention Brides...

If you are looking for something really custom for your wedding, such as invitations, thank you cards, favors, jewelry, gifts, garters, toasting flutes, wine bottle labels, etc....check out Etsy. Etsy is a site where people buy & sell things that are homemade.

A lot of these items are really quality items that look great! Don't be scared by the "homemade" terminology. Most of these sellers are very artistic, crafty, and professional!

And even if you are just looking for things for the home like custom drapes or art, check out Etsy!

This is where I found the company who is working on my custom blog design! And the latest update on that is I should have my first sample to review by Tuesday! I can't wait! :)

Happy Sunday!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a great time bringing in 2009! It's crazy how fast time flies!

I received some interesting news this week about a wedding I am shooting on January 11th!

I can't give away all the details, but here's a hint...

Stay Tuned for more info!