Monthly Archives February 2012

lllawarra Wedding Awards Winner 2011
Wollongong wedding photographers  win 2011 Australian wedding industry association awards  winner "most outstanding photographers"  kirk,  nick,  mile
Weddings – Who pays for what?
Traditionally when planning a wedding, who pays for what? Of course in today's society with many different cultures there are many variants to this.

When planning a wedding, one soon realises that no matter how you look at it, it could cost you a tidy sum. We have been collecting data from our brides over the past ten years and it never ceases to amaze us how much can be spent on a wedding. Some couples choose to have casual intimate affairs and have spent as little as $1,000.00, whilst others opt for something a little more grand and opulent and have spent as much as $80,000.00. However, no matter what your budget, we all would like to know who pays for what.

We have put together a list, by category, of the key items involved in organising a wedding. Alongside we indicate ‘traditionally’ who has been responsible for these items, bearing in mind that not everyone sticks to tradition.

Category
Beauty
Bride's Hair .........................................bride
Bride's Makeup ................................. ..bride
Bridesmaid's Hair & Make-up ............... .bride

Bridal Party
Bridesmaids' Dresses & Accessories .......bridesmaids
Flower girl's Dresses & Accessories .........bridesmaids
Groomsmen's Suits & Accessories ..........bridesmaids
Pageboy Suit & Accessories ...................bridesmaids

Bride's Attire
Bride's Gown .......................................brides family
Bride's Headpiece & Veil .......................brides family
Brides Shoes & Accessories ...................brides family

Ceremony
Celebrant or Officiant ..........................both families
Ceremony Decorations ........................both families
Ceremony Musician .............................both families
Ceremony Venue ................................both families

Flowers & Decoration - both families
Bride's Bouquet ..................................
Bridesmaids' Bouquets ........................
Ceremony Flowers ...............................
Flower girl's flowers ..............................
Groom's Boutonniere ...........................
Groomsmen's Boutonniere ...................
Reception flowers & Centrepieces ..........

Gifts
Bridesmaids gifts ................................ brides family
Gifts for Parents ................................. brides and groom
Groomsmen's Gifts ............................. grooms family

Groom's Attire grooms family
Groom's shoes and Accessories .............
Grooms Suit ........................................

Honeymoon & Travel bride and groom
Spending Money .................................
Honeymoon Travel & Accommodation ....
Wedding Night Accommodation .............

Misc both families
Bomboniere ......................................
Rehearsal Dinner ...............................

Wedding Photography & Videography both families
Extra Prints & Video Copy ....................
Photographer's Fee ............................
Videographer's Fee ............................

Wedding Reception both families
Beverages - Alcoholic & Softdrink ..........
Master of Ceremonies .........................
Reception Meals .................................
Reception Music .................................
Reception Venue ................................
Wedding Cake ...................................

Wedding Rings groom
Bride's Wedding Band ........................
Groom's Wedding Band ......................

Wedding Stationery both families
Invitations & Reply cards .....................
Thank you notes & Placeholders ...........

Wedding Cars both families
Transportation ...................................

Wedding Planning both families
Wedding Consultant ...........................

If you are looking an awarding winning  Wedding Photographer then please do not hesitate to contact is for a free consultation.
Tips on planning the wedding of your dreams
Did you know the average Australian spend on a wedding is around $28,000. Did you also know that couples that marry the second time around spend less than half of this amount. Sure, there are other factors at play such as number of guests, etc., but having been through two weddings myself - alot of the savings came from experience and know-how.

­Getting engaged can be one of the most memorable and exciting moments in your life. For t­he first few weeks after the proposal, you both feel dizzy with happiness and are bursting with anticipation. As well you both should be! You've met the man or woman of your dreams, you've decided to get married, and now it's time to plan the wedding -- the official celebration of your love and commitment.

As you plan this wonderful day, you both will continue to feel great joy, but may also experience a few butterflies and a little confusion. After all, organizing a ceremony and reception is a big undertaking.

There will be questions about anything and everything: from the meal (fish, chicken, or beef?) to the gown (low-cut, fitted, or empire-waisted?) to the reception music (live band, small orchestra, or DJ?). the photographer and video. There will be issues about budgets, guest lists, and styles.

But in the end, just remember what this day is really about -- a celebration of love. Stay focused, and keep organized and keep within your budget .

Prioritise your big wedding items.


 

Reception, ceremony (garden or church wedding), Wedding  photography, videography these are the main items you will need to book as early as possible.  Next items on your list will be the cars, flowers, suits, bridal gown, bridesmaids etc .

If you organise yourself early enough book the big things first at least 12 months prior then everything else will follow . A bridal diary is a must and worth every cent. An organised wedding is a successful wedding. Give yourself plenty of time and everything will go to plan. Seek a wedding planner if you can afford it,  or simply don"t be afraid to ask questions.  A lot of the wedding suppliers have been in business for many years and their experience and advice is invaluable.
Tips on buying your first camera
The following are some general principles and considerations if you are about   to buy your next digital camera:Digital Camera
1. Budget
Decide first how  much you have to spend on your new camera. Factor in some dollars for   extra memory and maybe a re-chargeable battery kit and extra batteries.  Also, a camera case or bag will protect your camera from dust and bumps (not supplied with the camera).



2
.Whether you are buying a compact or an SLR the same considerations apply. Do you want it go in your handbag, your coat pocket, your shirt pocket or your back pack? Do you require an ultra compact camera? Is it for a beach holiday - does it need to be splash and sand proof? Will I be taking a lot of indoor shots, night time parties, or tall buildings, speeding racing cars? Do you want a camera that can take wide angle or telephoto lenses? Will you only ever want to take point and shoot shots?. All brands  are very good so you can't go wrong really , buy what you need and in your budget.

Nick Cunzolo
Glamour Maker Overs Are Fun
From the moment you enter the studio you are made to feel at ease.

The day is full of fun. Whats not to like about being pampered for once in your life.
Sipping fine champagne and eating chocolates while your hair and make up are done.

Your friends and family will be amazed when they see the photos. The transformations are amazing.

Here are what local celebrities Majee and Fairle from the i98 drive team had to say when they completed their glamour photo shoot.

 
Just wanted to say thank you so much to you and your staff Marina, Joanne and Esra. We loved the glamour photo shoot we had and the photos are awesome. Thank you.

So if you are thinking our a glamour photo shoot then please give us a call.

 



 
Dressing for family portraits the right clothes
Carefully chosen clothing allows the face to dominate a family portrait, with all other elements being secondary. Against a medium or dark background, colors that photograph best for the yearbook portrait and other close-up poses are medium to dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine, or blue. Darker shades are more slimming.

Bold stripes, plaids, checks, and prints are visually confusing and do not photograph well.

Bright colors, such as red and orange, will overwhelm the face and ruin a portrait.

Because darker clothing is slimming, it often is a good choice for full-length or three-quarter-length portraits in which a medium to dark background is used.

Bare shoulders or tops with “spaghetti straps” often make the subject look heavier and take the eye away from the face.

Informal portraits invite much more variety in clothing color and style. Girls can choose a favorite casual outfit, dress, prom dress, shorts, jeans outfit—the clothes you really enjoy. Guys can go formal or casual as well: Anything from a suit to the clothes you live in every day, including a school or other jacket. Bring along extra outfits, and we will help you choose.

if you have a hobby, then bring it along! Musical instruments, art supplies, theatrical garb or athletic uniforms, stuffed animals, skateboards, pets, girlfriends, boyfriends, and buddies. Think creatively and you’ll have a family portrait to remember!
Psychologists Agree – Potraits on Display Make a Child Feel Loved
Many psychologists who specialize in early childhood development believe that children who see their own images displayed throughout the home grow up with a feeling of wellbeing and self-confidence.

Portraits on display, they agree, make a child feel loved and valued. And when parents, siblings, and even grandparents appear in the portrait, the child is reminded of the meaningful place he or she enjoys within the family.

What better way to demonstrate how you feel about your child than to decorate your home with portraits made at important milestones in his or her life!

Planning the most precious investment you’ll ever make...

...An investment in the lifetime of your child.

A Baby Today. . .A Child Tomorrow


At no time in your child’s life will changes occur so rapidly than they do during the first year and early childhood years that follow. In what seems like the blink of an eye, a tiny helpless bundle is transformed into an active, robust, and inquisitive youngster. These changes have already begun! So it’s not too soon to call for your baby’s first studio appointment. We’ll explain the many charming possibilities for capturing the developmental stages of the first year and beyond.

Preserve the wonder of infancy in a portrait collection that captures your child’s first milestones . . . from birth . . . to sitting up and crawling . . . and finally the independence of walking. This lovely “portrait story” can become the first chapter of your child’s personal portrait history.

 

Infant And Toddlers


Little ones photograph best in simple clothing that doesn’t overpower their delicate features. Whites and pastels are classic choices, and casual play clothing works well for older babies. This also is a great time for no clothes at all!

Pre-Teens And Teens

Clothing, locations, and props that show moods, activities, and achievements are good choices for these ages.

Many clients tell us they regret not having more portraits made as their children grew up. It’s not that they didn’t value childhood portraits, they simply led busy lives, and the years just slipped by. That’s why we’ve created a structured plan to help parents recognize the most important times to have their children photographed: The “7 Ages of Childhood”— times that mark the most significant changes along the path from infancy to young adulthood.