I got lost on the way to the church, but so did everybody else ...

I shot a wedding at this little church in LaValle Wisconsin a few weeks ago. My GPS took me to the middle of a farmers field. The farmers wife comes out and laughs and says "Must've followed your gps looking for Avent Chrisitan eh". Apparently lots of folks looking for the church end up in the middle of the farmers field. Farmers wife handed me directions to the church and off I went. Next time I'm using a map ...

Chicago is My Kind of Town

I love Chicago. Lived there when I was a kid. There's no other city like the City of Big Shoulders, the Windy City, yep, my kind of town. Drove down from Madison to Chicago Friday night and stayed with an old acquaintance from the 70's Madison art scene, Michael Bonesteel. Michael is a Chicago based art critic, writer and teacher. And the the occupant of a very cool pad on Chicago's northside. I slid into town a little later than planned on and caught Michael as he was heading out, drum under arm, to meet up with his men's drumming group. So what do you do for six hours at a men's drumming group anyway? Wouldn't be surprised if part of the goings on included smoking fine cigars, one of Michael's (and his girlfriend's) little pleasures.

I headed out to explore my and my assistant's old neighborhoods after Michael left. My assistant, Jen, mostly plays bass in my band Kronic Jones, but I thought it would be worthwhile to bring her along to help with equipment on this very special wedding in Chicago. So the two us cruised Chi-town, looking at the old neighborhoods. Jen seemed surprised and a little saddened by all the changes that had come about since she and her friend Russell Thorne had left Chicago for Madison to be near the Buddhist temple in Deer Park. Russell is a jazz alumnus of the downtown Chicago music scene, and one of those spiritual seeker types you find hanging out in esoteric book stores and antiquity shops. Anyway, yes, things sure have changed. My old neighborhood was near Clark and Wells, now Old Towne. Neighborhood used to be just run down old town.

After cruising for awhile Jen decided we should get something to eat, and she knew where; Sultans Market in Wicker Park. Jen thought it was on the southside. So we're cruising the 2000 block of N. Clark St and Jen call's her friend and co-musicial conspirator Madison jazz icon Joanne Powers for directions and Joanne tells her it's located on N. Clark. A magical moment! The restaurant is right across the street from us on the left just as Joanne tells us it's location. Would have been more magical if it was still open for business after 10pm on a Friday night. But we managed to each get a closing time falafel. Very nice. But the spinach cheese pie, unattainable as it was, called to me. Like eat me, yum yum.

Later got to have a nice visit with Michael back at his place before we crashed for the night. And the next day it was off to the 4th Presbytarian Church off of Michigan Avenue. Beautiful ol world church in the heart of the city. The big wedding day arrived at 11:00 pm for the photographer, his assistant, and the wedding party. And what a wedding day it was. Beautiful blue skies and a drop dead gorgeous bride and groom; Lindsey Voitlander and Dr. Brian Stubitsch. Yep, she's a nurse and they met on the job. Brian's from Chicago, and Lindsey is a die hard Bears fan, so the Windy City was the had to be location for their wedding day.

After the ceremony we spent several hours driving around getting snaps in front of Soldiers Field, down by Lake Michigan, on a bridge, etc. Lot's of great cityscape backgrounds everywhere you turned.

Reception was at the Holiday Inn Marc Plaza, right down town, on the 15th floor with a terrific view of the city all around. The usual fun was had by all, but Lindsey threw in a special twist. Her garter bore the Chicago Bears logo. Touch down!

Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

The Wedding Fruitcake

Christines grandmother made this fruitcake in 2002 and put it in the freezer, waiting for the day Chrisitine would get married. The day arrived on May 2nd, and the fruitcake came out of the freezer. I've seen a lot of interesting wedding cakes, but this was probably the most unsual. Christine and Jason said it tasted great, and I bet it did (grandma said she used a lot of rum and brandy in the fixings). Each of the tables at Nakoma Country Club was also graced with a jar of home made jam with a cute heart shaped label that read "Spread the Love".


Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

Goofy Groom

Danny Coyle with his mom and soon to be mother-in-law at the head of the aisle. He made ok, and I got this nice photo of Danny & Maureen with their wedding party outside the church on the way to the reception ...





Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

The Bride Sold Me Her Car

Just back last week from shooting Katie & Cory's wedding in Boyington Beach, Florida. It was a great wedding and a lot of fun to shoot. The weather on the wedding day was a little cool for an out of doors ceremony, but the locals referred to it as free air conditioning. We did the formals at the beach front Ritz Carlton before the ceremony, and then on to the very elegant Buenvenuto for the ceremony and reception. Great party. I stayed until 1:30 and followed the bride and groom to their home for an after the wedding party. Those Floridians sure have fun. And the bride sold me her 2003 Nissan 350Z sports car for a steal. What a fun drive home!

Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

Wedding Photography - Why It Is One Of The More Critical Choices For Your Wedding

Wedding photography is one of the most important decisions that an engaged couple must make. While the dress, cake, flowers and other details are of course important, the wedding photography will capture the event for all time. When deciding on wedding photography, you need to make not only the all-important decision on which photographer to use, but will also need to decide what style of wedding photography you would like.
Engaged couples have more options now than ever before regarding styles of wedding photography. Photojournalistic wedding photography is a highly popular choice for today’s weddings, offering a much less stilted wedding album than the old formally posed shots. Black and white wedding photography is also very popular, adding an old-time romance to your wedding photos.
Contemporary wedding photography allows couples to customize their wedding photographs freely to match the feel of the wedding ceremony. The traditional posed wedding portrait is quite appropriate to the old-fashioned formal wedding. However, this is only one of a myriad of wedding styles from which couples now may choose. From jumping out of an airplane or exchanging vows on a roller coaster to highly themed custom ceremonies, weddings in general are much less standardized. It is only fitting that wedding photography should also change with the times.
Many who are on a budget worry that affordable wedding photography will not allow them to choose the style of photography that they most desire. In reality, photographers in all price ranges are starting to offer alternative styles of wedding photography in an effort to stay competitive in the rapidly changing market.
One of the first decisions that couples must make regarding wedding photography is whether to go with traditional film photography or the newer and increasingly popular digital wedding photography. Both styles have distinct pros and cons. If your wedding will be of a more traditional style, you may wish to follow tradition and select film photography. Film also provides a softer feel for certain styles of photography. The major disadvantage to film is the inability to preview the photographs immediately. While any professional photographer will be able to take excellent photos without the immediate feedback, couples whose wedding photography includes difficult action shots may feel more secure knowing that the photographer is able to preview and re-shoot photos as necessary.
Digital photography is the wave of the future. More and more photographers are starting to turn to digital photography as their preferred medium. Digital photography allows the photographer the freedom to experiment with tricky shots, as he or she will know immediately whether the shot was a success. It also allows the photographer to snap virtually limitless numbers of photos rather than being tied to a certain number of rolls for budgetary purposes.
Choosing the type of wedding photography and a photographer that fits your style is more involved than it was several years ago. The couple plays an active part in the planning of photography, as opposed to handing all the choices over to the photographer and hoping for the best. Affordable wedding photography is available if you take the time to look for it and ask the right questions. Talk to as many photographers as you can until you find one that fits your personal style.
Planning a wedding can be a very daunting task. What with time restraints as well as budget concerns, some couples choose to give a few of the of the more critical aspects out of their wedding totally. Photography should not be one of them. In this article, we will handle several fundamental topics on wedding photography that every couple should acknowledge while preparing for their grand day.
When I book a photographer how soon in advance should I do this?
Many photographers recommend booking a photographer as soon as you become engaged, or at least until you recognize when the wedding date is. It is suggested that the engaged couple book at least 8-12 months in up front because some studios book wedding dates quickly. Weddings are more prominent from May to October while the weather is most favorable. If you choose to hold your wedding within this period, the photographer you select will likely need a non-refundable deposit or retainer fee to book the date of your wedding. This makes certain that you will have this studio or photographer on your desired date, as well as guaranteeing a contracted job for your photographer. The sooner you book your photographer, then it is more likely you are able to work with your first choice.
When contracting a professional what are some of the advantages?
The main advantage to hiring a professional wedding photographer is experience. Most wedding photographers have experience dealing with numerous various individuals and problematic personalities. They have confronted unfavorable weather conditions, and faced various technical problems. Since they specialize in photography, they are well prepared to manage assorted wedding sizes or photo demands. Unlike a friend or relative of the couple, a professional photographer’s chief goal is capturing candid moments on film. Acknowledging they are counted on on delivering high quality photos that will be cherished for numerous years to come, they are less likely to be carried away by facets of the ceremony. With an event that allows no second chances, hiring a professional is a good investment that will help keep your memories of your special day around for years.
What is the best way to pick a good photographer for my wedding needs?
First, get a few testimonials from individuals you are friends with about various photographers they have used. Friends and relatives who have had beneficial experiences with the photographers or studios they have used usually should be more than eager to share this information with you. After reviewing websites and portfolios on the internet, get a hold of each studio or photographer that you are interested in. Set up a meeting at their individual studio and examine various samples of their work personally, preferably with each party of the engaged couple. Ask the photographer to view pictures from various weddings, and if possible a entire wedding. Doing it this way allows for complete evaluation of photography styles and formats, or even artistic impressions that each individual photographer can offer you. Ask yourself if they share your artistic vision while looking through their portfolio. Do you agree with the styles they use? Is the quality to your liking? Also, observe how well you communicate and interact with each photographer. As Well as friends and family, your photographer is the one person you will be contacting with the most. Being comfortable enough to interact with them while your wedding will lessen the tension of an a day which is already hectic. Once you have selected a photographer whose work you are happy with, and whose demeanor is compatible with your own, you can then talk about various costs.
When employing a professional photographer for my wedding is there any possible way to spend less money?
There are a couple of things you can do to pull down the cost of photography without sacrificing quality. Numerous photographers decide what they charge based on how many hours they spend at a wedding. Signifying, holding a short wedding can significantly bring down how much you that you spend. Cut the cost of extras by either purchasing a basic photo package, or acquiring a photographer who is prepared to permit you to keep the proofs. This way you have the option to print extra copies while not getting charged an excess fee. In addition, selecting to shoot with digital cameras is not just budget conscious, but time saving as well.
After I have selected a photographer, what other questions should I ask him or her?
Once you have made a committal to a photographer of your preference, there are nonetheless more questions you need to ask. With larger studios especially, you ought to ask whether you will be working directly with the photographer you first talked to. Ask to have a meeting with the person who will actually be shooting photos of your wedding. You might also want to ask the length of time your photographer has been in business, or the amount of weddings of your size that they have worked with in the past, and if they have liability insurance. You may like to ask him or how long it will take to get the proofs back to you or their rate for printing extra photos and albums. You ought to unquestionably inquire about their back up plan and arrangements for any unexpected changes. As well as any refund or cancellation policies they may have.

Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

When to splurge, when to save on wedding costs

By LISA TOLIN
The Associated Press

Khris Cochran splurged for her wedding seven years ago. The ceremony was in a rose garden overlooking San Francisco Bay. The cake was made by a star baker featured on the Food Network. The honeymoon was in French Polynesia.

Then came the debt. She was $5,000 in the hole before she lost her Silicon Valley job in the dot-com bust."It took years to get out of that debt," she says. "By being so tied to the wedding dream, I ended up in a financial nightmare."

Weddings are said to be recession-proof, but the same can't be said for couples' budgets. As the economy takes a hit, many nearly-weds are looking for ways to scale back on a lavish wedding without sacrificing a special day. What's worth the splurge, and what's a smart save? Here are some ideas for richer and for poorer:

Save: Guest list

You can always elope. Barring that, if you want to save money, trim the guest list. "You really don't need to invite everyone you know or have a party of 20 bridesmaids," says Maria McBride, an editor at Brides magazine and author of "Party Basics for New Nesters."

If you really want a big crowd, consider a smaller wedding with a separate cocktail reception. It beats a 300-person sit-down dinner in both cost and atmosphere, says wedding planner Marcy Blum. "There's no way to go about making it affordable andreally fabulous, unless you're a rock star or someone you know is Kuwaiti." If your parents really want all their friends to attend, or your colleagues at work expect invitations, remember it's your day. A good rule of thumb: Have you had dinner with this person in the last year? If not, and you live in the same city, consider
a cut.

Looking back, Cochran wishes she and her husband had invited only the people
closest to them. "It's not only an instant budget saver but a way to make the whole
event more intimate," she says.

Splurge: Setting

David Tutera, who planned Star Jones' wedding, advises couples to focus their spending on the venue and decor, including flowers. "People walk away remembering the unique experience you create and not the food that you served," he says.

For Eda Kalkay, design and location were the most important decisions for her October 2007 wedding. The 150 guests to her city-meets-country wedding at an estate in New Hope, Pa., were treated to a white fantasy in the woods, with globes of white hydrangea, white candelabra and a surprise performance by a gospel choir. "It was so beautiful it felt surreal," says Kalkay.

If you want a deluxe setting at a discount, ask for a deal on a Friday or Sunday wedding, or cut costs with a daytime affair. And consider alternatives to expensive floral displays, like smaller "tablescapes" of candles and fruit, or centerpieces using a single type of flower, bought wholesale.

Save: Invitations

Cochran, who now runs the Web site DIYBride.com, says invitations are an easy way to cut costs. "Paper is cheap, and most people have a computer, word processing software and a decent printer already at home, which makes invitations an easy way to save some cash and be creative," she says.

Invitations set the tone for an event, but Tutera, author of "The Party Planner," thinks
guests are more likely to remember the last moments of a wedding. Etiquette experts still frown on electronic invitations, so prepare for raised eyebrows if you cut that corner. Instead, Blum suggests cutting down on invitation inserts and heavy stock that waste paper and increase postage.

Splurge: Photos

A wedding is only one day, but the photos last forever. Even on a budget, brides
rarely lament the amount spent on a quality photographer. "We really love our wedding photos and still get compliments on them to this day. She was worth the extra cash we spent," Cochran says. If you're cutting corners, however, you may be able to find a skilled student
photographer who's eager to earn extra cash and build a portfolio. And you can forgo
a videographer. "It's very passé compared to photography," says Tutera.

Save: Favors

"Nobody needs another place card frame, or a bottle of crummy wine with your name on it," Blum says. It may seem like a small expense, but even cheap trinkets add up when you have a lot of guests. Odds are, there will be no complaints if you skip the favor entirely. (Cochran also points to money-wasting extras like toasting flutes as a bad idea.) If you really want to give your guests favors, Blum suggests something edible. "You'd be much better off to have all your bridesmaids or ushers bake cookies and enclose a great recipe," she says. Another nice touch: offering a coffee cake or brioche on the way out for the next morning's breakfast.

Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/

Finding High Quality Wedding Photography

High quality wedding photography is an important ingredient in today’s wedding planning process. Indeed it is the one building block that provides the couple with a physical reminder of how wonderful their big day was. The difficulty, however, is what constitutes a high quality wedding photographer? If a couple does not know how to identify a high quality wedding photographer the chances are not good that they will happen upon one.

Indeed, the chances are good they will end up with average or even poor wedding pictures, giving them low value for their money. Even if a couple has the money to simply go out and hire the most expensive photographer around there is no guarantee that they will end up with the best possible wedding pictures, much less the best value for the money. Likewise, hiring the photographer that is booked many months in advance is no guarantee, though both price and popularity are indeed indicators that they might have the requisite skills to do the job that you want.

However, since most soon to be married couples cannot afford to simply go out and hire the most expensive and do not have or want to take the time to engage the wedding photographer that is booked two years in advance it is crucial to find a way to get the best value for your money. Put simply, what specifically are you paying the photographer at your wedding to do or possess?
First, a wedding photographer is compensated for their technical knowledge and to possess the right equipment. This is obvious. To find someone that is really skilled a couple needs to look at a portfolio of entire weddings taken by the specific photographer they are considering, not just a patchwork collection of the best pictures they or their company took from a variety of weddings. Anyone can put together an album of great photos if they take enough pictures. The problem is that an engaged couple are buying an entire wedding’s worth of pictures so compare on that level.

Second, a high quality wedding photography grows out of the photographer’s interpersonal ability. To many this seems absurd, but in truth this is probably the single most important factor in ending up with the best possible wedding pictures. A couple gets the best value from a photographer that sets them and their family at ease because the posed pictures will look most natural and the candid pictures will be more candid.

Third, take into consideration the photographer’s time and labor. If a pair needs to watch their budget this is the primary place to look. By carefully scheduling the wedding day so that the photographer can get in, get the pictures they need and get out, the price should be less than keeping them around all day. By scrutinizing and rearranging the schedule, a couple therefore will likely be able to meet the expense of a more skilled photographer and therefore have better quality pictures as a result.

Fourth, popularity is evidence the photographer might be suitably skilled. If a photographer is popular among brides there might be a reason - or it might simply indicate that they have the right friends. Regrettably, like anything else, the most popular wedding photographers command the highest fees. Still a photographer could be worth a look in the event they are popular. Ultimately, however, no bride should let the prestige of engaging the most popular photographer deter them from taking all factors into consideration when making their decision.

Finally, when a couple finds a photographer that meets their needs in order to make certain they get that high quality wedding photography they are paying for they need to get a written contract that guarantees that the specific photographer they are engaging will in fact be the one who shows up to shoot the wedding.

Of course, the big selling point of the wedding photography industry is that they are not just selling pictures, they are selling memories. It is a valid point. Ultimately when a couple buys wedding pictures they are buying a tangible record of their big day celebrating their union. That has value. Nevertheless, only the couple themselves can come to a decision regarding how much value it has. Still, by taking into account the above four elements of wedding photography and by taking the precaution to get the specific individual photographer named in the contract, a couple ought to be able to uncover a skilled individual to provide that high quality wedding photography that will reflect their big day for years to come.

Madison WI photographer Terry Talbot

http://www.talbotphoto.com/