Engagement Party

He asked . . .  you said, "YES!!!" . . .  So . . .  Now what?  You're engaged!  Congratulations.  Now what?

Now it is time to start announcing your news, planning your wedding day, and get organized.  The first step after getting engaged is to host an engagement party and take professional engagement photos. 

Why?  Great question!  Why host an engagement party?  The engagement party is the introduction for your two families.  Have your parents never met?  Grandparents?  Cousins?  This is the time to bring everyone together and let relationships between your family members build - before the wedding date. 

Who should host the event?  Traditionally - the bride's parents.  Modern-day?  Anyone who is involved in the wedding day.  We have seen Made-of-honors, groomsmen, parents of the groom, the bride and groom themselves host the engagement party. 

Where should the event be hosted?  Someplace intimate and private.  This is a smaller event - usually restricted to family members and very close friends.   Restaurants, parent's homes, small party centers, church centers, the bride and grooms home *(if they have one together already), picnic in the park, or even an activity center or arcade room.  We have even seen a successful bowling alley engagement party.  We have photographed destination weddings where they do host a larger engagement party locally for the guests who can't make the out of town wedding. 

When?  This really depends on many factors.  Most often than not, the party is right after the engagement.  I've seen the couples that start calling family right after the proposal and do it that same night.  Do you have people coming from out of town?  Make sure to work with their schedules for picking a date to host the engagement party.  The engagement party should be the first event celebrating your up-coming wedding.

Don't confuse the engagement party with the bridal shower.  The engagement party is usually a more social event with just food and toasts - not really any games or gifts.  The bridal shower is held closer to the wedding date, has games, more guests, and presents.  Engagement parties are to introduce family members to each other.

Many couples will usually hire a professional photographer to help make their announcement public.  It is very important for the bride and groom to have called all important family members before posting an image on social media making the announcement public.  Why call family first?  "Heard it through the grape-vine." No grandma wants to find out that their grandchild is getting married via someone else.  Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brother all love to hear directly from you.  Make them feel loved by letting them know with a phone call or a snail-mailed letter.

How do I use my engagement photos for the engagement party?  The couple will often use a professional image at the engagement party and to invite guests to the event with a photographic invite mailed to guests. 

Guest Book using engagement photos

Guest Book using engagement photos

Guest Book using engagement photos

Guest Book using engagement photos

Planning your wedding day

As I sit here making sure we have everything for our fist time with a table at Bridal Blast 2018, I can't help but remember my own wedding night and running over our last minute list for day of with our families. 

My husband and I reflect often on the many months planning our wedding day.

We put so much effort, energy, time, and creativity into every detail and moment.  Our families helped pull everything together too.

My goal with our blog is to help you plan the perfect wedding day.  We know many of the local vendors - we have quite a long list of vendors that we recommend to our clients.  Recently we met up with a new make-up artist (new to me!)  I can't wait to share more about her - we are waiting for our first session with Beauty by Sabrina Shell.  Sabrina sent me a guest blog post to share with ya'll - once we have the an image from the upcoming session we will post everything together.

To make that last night before you turn from Miss to Mrs stress free, keep an ongoing list and a folder that EVERYONE knows is for the wedding.  This way your groom, maid-of-honor, mother-in-law-to-be, sister, mom, aunt, ect... knows where they can find information pertaining to every detail of the wedding.   My husband is an I.T. guy, he used Google docs and Google drive to do most of his part of the wedding planning.  He made updating the wedding guest list easy. 

Lists, organization, and constantly being in contact with your vendors and bridal party are three simple factors of putting together a fun memorable wedding day.

See you at Bridal Blast.

Peace, Love, and Laughter, Suzie Thompson  AKA Lady In Pink Photography

Destination wedding, Boldt Castle on Heart Island - New York

Save the Dates: 101

Wedding planning is really fun.  Save the dates are one of the most important items to send to guests you would like to invite who are out of state, who are super busy, or you haven't seen in a long time.  This can help guests plan ahead.

Save the dates can be as simple or creative as you would like.  For instants, a beach wedding I interned on in Miami (WAY BACK WHEN...2002... way before Lady In Pink Photography even was thought up of...) sent out a small bottle full of sand, shells, and a note saying "Save The Date..." to each of their guests.  It truly was all the guests talked about before the ceremony, "How creative!", "Really made me want to come today.", and, "Oh look the save the dates match their decorations!"...  They spent all night talking about how creative it was to send an item that was part of the theme.

Magnets are also a popular save the date.  My husband and I did that exact thing along with a DVD slideshow with his proposal to our family members.  

Our save the date. This is a 4x6 magnet.  We still see them on our family and friend's fridges.

DVD cover sent to family members, to view the slideshow proposal visit youtube.com.

Save the Dates need to be sent out early enough for guests to plan.  1 year is the earliest Save the Dates should go out.  Or as soon as you book your venue.  Never send out the save the dates without actually having a venue booked.   Stay tuned for more wedding planning tips.

Grown-ups

How many of you have blinked; and when you opened your eyes the world around you has changed?   Your kids are all of a sudden rolling over.  Then. . .  what's that?  He took his first step!  Oh my, how our children grow so quickly.

We blinked!  Two of our favorite clients came in to update their photos.  Once, an infant and toddler, are now young and sophisticated make-up wearing ladies turning 4 and 5.  These are just a few "sweet sneak peeks" from their Valentine's mini session.

Yearbook Package

"Find The Baby"

Lady In Photography offers the perfect package for a growing family.  Choose the Lady In Pink Photography Yearbook package to remember every milestone of your child's growth.  We will start at any milestone but recommend starting with week one.  Babies grow into toddlers in a blink of an eye.  Sneeze and you may miss their crawling stages.  Before you know it your babe is walking.  

Our yearbook package lets you relax and take in every moment without stress. Each yearbook package comes with a 12 page album, Smash cake one year celebration, and a digital pose from each 12 mini sessions.

1 Year on Earth

In a blink of an eye, that's all it takes for our little ones to grow up.  Within the first year babies grow so fast that every moment is precious.  What is a great way to celebrate their 1 year birthday?  A Smash the Cake Boutique Session.  

What is Smash the Cake Boutique Session?  Smash Cakes are tiny personalized cakes that your great big 1 year old can have the thrill of smashing all over!  Lady In Pink Photography knows many bakers in the area but the one we recommend with 5 stars is Lady Cakes.  www.iloveladycakes.com  Check them out!


 Looking forward to celebrating with you and your buga-boo! Book your Smash Cake Boutique Session today.  Find Lady In Pink Photography on Facebook or e-mail LadyinPinkPhotography@gmail.com for available dates.

Wedding bell memories

Picking out wedding photos can be fun but also overwhelming.  
Here are some tips to keep you from becoming overwhelmed.  

1.  List how many frames you have, what size picture, how many pictures the frame holds, and if the image is vertical or horizontal.  Make sure you do this before you even see your first proof from the professional photographer.
(Even go as far as to label frames with sticky notes to help remind you which frame is 1, 2, 3, 4... in the future)

2.  Bring the lists you've made and cellphone photos of each frame already placed where you want them in the house with you to your wedding photographer. 

3.  Look for the memories and people you want to remember on a daily basis.  The images that make you feel strong emotions when viewed are the ones to consider for frames or album.  

4.  Pick key moments from the day.  Ie.  Did he carry you down the isle as husband and wife for the first time?  Did your husband and his mother do a unique dance?  Pictures with family members.

5.  Remember your favorite formals of family, wedding party, and the NEW MR. and MRS!!!!!

Choosing wedding memories does not have to be overwhelming.  Picking out memories can be fun, easy, and an excuse to decorate the walls and bookshelves with memories in cute frames!

Let me know if you have questions on where to find the perfect frame for the perfect memory.  Find Lady In Pink Photography on Facebook or e-mail LadyinPinkPhotography@gmail.com

     

The Digital Age

Printing family photos is very important.  The digital age is now.  We live on our phones, talk over seas via internet, and even keep all our memories on external drives.  This trend has been building for decades, with the digital age comes a small flaw for memories.  I call it "computer dementia" when all the digital memories you put onto a storage device are lost due to some unforeseen disaster.  Computer dementia is major problem!  How many others have had years and years of memories lost too?  It hurts!

There are so many ways to prevent memories and special moments to being lost forever due to an error, print them out.  I can't say it enough, print print print.  Print your memories on paper, on specialty products, or even in a custom album.  There are even apps available for cell phone print outs.  Groovebook is a great app for printing out your cell phone photos.

Lady In Pink Photography has made it their mission to make sure your memories last for generations.  Everything is printed on archival papers or products.  Our team makes it easy for you to keep your memories from fading and prevent "digital dementia."

Welcoming 2015

Suzie and Chris in front of their first Christmas tree.

Family.

The word of the day is Family.

Leona Murray, Suzie's Grandmother

Family is my why.







This year think about "Why do you do what you do?"
"What is your why?" 

I wake up for family, I travel the world for family, and my family is everything I am.  Love, care, and the bond of a family made 2014 very special.  There were births this year and deaths.  In other words we celebrating that family bond many times.  

Thomas Dugan, Suzie's father.

As 2014 ends take a moment to remember everyone who has been family to you.  HAPPY NEW YEARS to you and your family from the Lady In Pink Photography family.

Sharon Dugan, Suzie's mother.

2014 to 2015 - New Years Resolution

After a very joy filled holiday season, with many surprise visits from Santa.  I'm sitting in the Lady In Pink Photography headquarters contemplating on 2014 goals achieved and goal setting for the 2015 and beyond.  

Lady In Pink Photography Headquarters.  Suzie's office.

2014 was a monumental stepping stone for Lady In Pink Photography, the LIPP team had planned and worked hard to make sure that many goals set back in 2008 were achieved.  WE DID ACHIEVE EVERY SINGLE ONE SET! The goals were set during a business course taught by Don Sheffield at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.  Mr. Sheffield actually cared about teaching industry standards in business and in trade of photography.  He had a wealth of knowledge.  In our last business class Sheffield had each of his students write out a goal list, address a stamped envelope, and turn it in.  He then years later mailed out each letter.  The day I got mine was shortly after starting Lady In Pink Photography.  By that time half the list was checked off.  Today I start a new list. 

During Lady In Pink Photography's BNI - Platinum Professionals' lunch meeting, our president - Chris Cosma - asked for New Years resolutions.  The first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Keep on doing what I'm doing".  After saying it, I felt powerful, excited, finally ready for the New Year.  What am I doing already that is working out for success?  Achieving goals early, taking the proper steps to achieve them, setting new goals regularly, and helping others achieve their own goals.  

2015 is going to be a year full of memories made!

Leave a comment with one of your New Years resolutions, looking forward to ringing in the 2015!

Event Planning 101: Wedding Dress Shopping

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most magical and stressful parts a bride has to plan for.  When shopping for the right dress many key factors come into play.  Style, color, size, accents, budget, alterations, and the list of things to think about keep going.   

Special features of blushing bride Ashley's dress, pockets!

The most important factor is how the dress makes a blushing bride feel when she puts it on.  My wedding dress was even more of a challenge, I wanted something with color.  After photographing weddings for 11 years, I knew my dress had to be different and reflect me and my fiance too.  

Special feature of blushing bride Charlotte's wedding dress, orange sash sewn on by mother and sister of bride and Grooms cape worn by Charlotte down the isle.  

After 6 months of looking and trying and discouragement and days wasted on just not right, I finally found it. . . The perfect dress.  It twirls just right, fits just right (NO Alterations needed!!!!!), and was well within my budget, which ladies... this means... I get to splurge on my accessories!  So the question every new bride to be planning her wedding asks, "How and when did you know the dress was THE dress?".   I've asked past and future Lady In Pink Photography brides the same question.  They just simply knew.  My "know moment" was when I twirled.  As soon as I finished the twirl, I knew the jewelry and accessories I would need to find, and hair style that would work with the dress.   I could picture how I would look with everything put together too.

Special feature of blushing bride Chyann's wedding dress, she wore the color blue!

Some of the best features our brides have raved about their wedding dresses; pockets, bustles, detachable train, built in corset/bra, cleaning service provided by the bridal store post wedding, the alterations made to make it perfect, and the compliments they received during the wedding day.

Special feature of blushing bride Chelsie's wedding dress,intricate bead-work, slit up front, and corset top.

To help make finding your dress easy, here are some of Lady In Pink Photography favorite locations in Lee County to find the perfect fit.  

Alfred Angelo - every style and color for each unique bride.  Should have an appointment, but they do accept walk ins. Love working with the staff.  (Ps.  they have mirrors EVERYWHERE!)

Special feature of blushing bride Janelle's wedding dress,
found at a second hand thrift store and had altered to perfection.

For the Bride - caters towards making the bride feel special and beautiful.  Designer gowns.  Must have an appointment to try on wedding gowns.  We had a blast!
Saks Fifth Avenue Bell Tower Shops - Jimmy was amazing to help find the most unique and beautiful designs on the floor.  He also took my information to let me know when new designs came in, he has sent me handfuls of e-mails with new arrivals. I felt like a princess with my own personally dress shopper.  Great place to find brides-maid and mother attire.
Goodwill Boutique Downtown Fort Myers - They are always getting in wedding dresses.  Some antique, some modern.  Every time we went in they had something new.  We found a close runner up there, it was 4 sizes too big and could have been altered down.
Neiman Marcus Last Call Mirimar Outlets - This is where we found THE DRESS!  It was so magical too!  The staff members were helpful and happy to be there.  The dresses were simply elegant!  I had my 2 junior bridesmaids pick out 6 beautiful dresses.  Each one had to be unique and different from the other, the girls were a joy to listen babble about how each dress looked.  The thing about 9 and 10 year old ladies, they are honest!  They would make faces at the bad dresses and oooooh and awwwwwww over the best ones.  They crossed fingers to hope "This dress is the one!".   In the end, Neiman and Marcus had the perfect fit, find, and flair for me.  It's all in the twirl.

Special feature to blushing bride Rebekah's wedding dress, bustled easily to make the perfect dress for an outdoor celebration and dancing after a rainstorm. 

We're curious at the Lady In Pink Photography headquarters to where you found your wedding dress.  Leave a comment with a photo of you in your wedding dress, where you got it, and WHY you loved your dress too.  Happy posting.   

Something Blue Boutique: J.R. and Ashley

Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Ramsey September 20th 2014

"Distance is to love like wind is to fire...

it extinguishes the small and kindles the great!"  ~Anonymous~

J.R. and Ashley are two souls meant to have found each other in this life.  Their story starts far from home and is only beginning of their tale to be told.  
Talk about fairy-tale love!   

They met in a land far far away from Ashley's home, Ohio, in Colorado.  A simple miss-understood question turned into a night of dancing while Ashley was visiting a dear friend. With just the one evening of dancing, J.R. and Ashley were left dizzy and giddy.  Just like every fairy-tale ever told, there is a twist... Much like the prince in Cinderella, J.R. was left in Colorado with nothing more than a memory of a girl who stole his heart and a small clue to find her.  Instead of being left with a shoe he was left with a name, a wrong name.  He had miss heard Ashley as Emily.  Ashley's poor prince searched the world for a girl who he couldn't find, he searched and searched without any luck in finding the girl of his dreams.  As many love stories - this one has a happy ending too!  When Ashley went back to visit her friend, J.R. and Ashley reconnected.  The rest is history!  They traveled long and far to grow the love that began with a simple evening out.  


Please enjoy part 1 of 3 of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey's wedding day memories.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey's wedding day was full of love, laughter, tears, and romance.  Please enjoy their proof slide-show, keep a tissue box handy... You'll need it!

Part 2 of 3, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey's wedding memories.

Thank you for enjoying their wedding slide-show.  The romance and celebration felt during their wedding day was contagious, the LIPP team was honored to have celebrated with Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey and loved ones!  

3rd and final part of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey's wedding day memories.

What is a Professional Photographer?

Way Too Tall Torrie, Lady In Pink Photography,
and mentor Maryellen Montana LSHS

Recently Lady In Pink Photography and Lehigh Senior High School teamed up to create the LIPP Intern program and Photography Kidz Club with the Explorers program.  A question was posed by a young student, last time Suzie Dugan went into speak about being a photographer professionally.  "What is a professional photographer?"  Very good question.  Instead of answering the questions, Miss Montana and Suzie Dugan opened the question up to the class.  

"What is a Professional Photographer?"

Some of the best and most interesting answers appeared from the student body. Such as:

"Wears a uniform."

"Uses a DSLR camera"

"Has more than one lens"

"Understands lighting and posing"

"Provides clients memories printed on unique products and pro-grade papers"

The answers they came up were fantastic!  Loved everyone of them.  When we opened up another question to the class, such as, "What kind of uniforms do photographers wear?".  The answers were just as good again.

"Polo shirt and jeans with logo" - many school photographers choose this method for their branding and durability.  I've worked with Smile Studio House of Photography for years, our uniform is the company logo on a black or white polo shirt worn with jeans or nicer pants.  Jeans are perfect for photographing preschool children.  We work hard at posing children carefully.  We need to be able to move easily and know our cloths will withstand the constant movement.  From experience, we need new jeans within months. When we go on location to a fancy event we match each other and dress in professional attire appropriate to the situation.  

"Matching Attire" - this answer was from a Lady In Pink Photography Intern.  LIPP asks interns and LIPP team members to wear black and pink when out on location photographing.  We have branded Lady In Pink Photography with the colors black and pink everywhere!

"Matching Uniforms" - many themed photography booths at medieval fests, comic conventions, historical sites, and themed parties will ask their photography team members to wear age appropriate attire.  This helps the photographers blend into the atmosphere.  

Lady In Photography is excited to have a partnership with the school that set Suzie Dugan, owner of LIPP, on the path towards running a photography company.  Yes, Lehigh Senior High School produced a young female entrepreneur!  GO LEHIGH LIGHTING!  Thank you for having educators who thought outside the box with their guidance.  

Many of the youth who come through the LIPP internship program have been inspired to go after their dreams.  Lady In Pink Photography is currently mentoring Sachima, her dream is to open up her very own photographic studio.  She has been one of the leading founders of what the LIPP Internship Program is today.  

Lehigh Senior High School students really summed up what a professional photographer is.  "A professional photographer has a brand, understands their equipment, and provides clients with memories printed on quality paper or products that won't fade."  Couldn't have said it better.  Professional photographers are hired to provide you with the memories you want to keep, we let you live in the moment.

Q and A: Lady In Pink Photography

Suzie Dugan in costume, do you know about October 4th 2014?
Click here to learn how to WIN a FREE Boutique Session

Recently many great questions have come in from Lady In Pink Photography fans and friends during conversations.  I've taken the time to combine the questions that were asked the most.  Here are the top 5 questions asked over this past summer:

Q: I've placed my product/print order with LIPP.  I'm too excited, when and how do I get my order?

A:  Lady In Pink Photography has two different delivery methods.  Your memories will arrive within 2-4 weeks from order date, depending on item.  The moment your memories come in, one of the LIPP team members will call you to come into the LIPP home office to pick up your memories.  Lady In Pink Photography also gives you the option to ship your prints and products for the cost of shipping.  

Q:  We just finished our Boutique Session with Lady In Pink Photography, we love our sneak peeks.  Now, how do I view my proofs and pick out my poses?

A:  Post production on most LIPP Boutique Sessions is 2 weeks.  A LIPP team member will call you 1 to 2 weeks after your Boutique Session to set up your viewing session.   Viewing sessions usually take 1 to 2 hours.  1 hour is standard for 2015 Grad Boutiques, My Family and Me Boutiques, and Perfect Pets Boutiques viewing sessions.  The only time 2 hours is standard for a viewing session is during a Something Blue Boutique Session.  Brides and Grooms on average have 600 images to sort through, an album design to approve, and an average of 20 poses to print.   Lady In Pink Photography opened their home office in January of 2014 in order to provide fans more availability.  We are located in Fort Myers Florida, conveniently by Tanger Outlets, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Bunche Beach. Please call 239-896-3785 for address and directions.

Q:  What paper type does Lady In Pink Photography use?

A:  Lady In Pink Photography prints all memories on metallic photographic paper.  Albums are printed on fine art matte paper.  We also have products that are printed directly onto metal.  Lady In Pink Photography has samples of each product for you to view, touch, and even try on.  Try on you ask?  We added fine photographic jewelry January of 2013. 

Q: I like what I see, and want a Lady In Pink Photography Boutique Session.  How do I book LIPP?

A:  Easy as 1, 2, 3.  

1.  Call Suzie - 239-896-3785, tell her how you heard about LIPP.  

2.  "Pic"-out the best print package for you. Set Date, Time, and Location for your Boutique Session.

3.  Print out, fill in, sign, and return contract with 50% deposit to hold your date.

Once you book with LIPP, and even before, you can earn free prints and products.  Ask Suzie how!

Q:  What happens if it rains?

A:  Good question, the answer is a LONG one.  Florida is full of Summer surprise showers,  including severe lightning-storms.   Lady In Pink Photography asks that you at least give rain a try, some of our most romantic or memorable sessions have been in the middle of a rainstorm.  Understand that we are a small photography company and we are in high demand, in order to meet everyone's demands we do not reschedule for THREAT of bad weather.  Florida's 7 day forecast usually says it is going to rain.  In order to provide you with stress free photography, let the LIPP team members worry about the rain and weather. The Lady In Pink Photography policy states, "In case of severe weather, LIPP will reschedule at no fee for next available date and time.  If client chooses to reschedule within 24 hours due to THREAT of rain, LIPP charges another 50% to hold next available date and time."  The reason LIPP put this policy in place, many of the locations that are available for photo-sessions outdoors have overhangs or indoors that we can use too.  As long as there is no lightning there is no threat to being outdoors.  Florida rainstorms are over sometimes within minutes and provide dramatic backgrounds, sometimes even rainbows.  When we come to the hour before your Boutique Session  and the weather is too severe, you will NOT lose your deposit.  Weather is not something we can control, you can reschedule for a date that looks to have a better forecast.

Mia's 2013 Grad Boutique Session, was wet and rainy the full time.
We stayed primarily under the bridge at Centennial Park Downtown Fort Myers.

Mia's 2013 Grad Boutique Session, was wet and rainy the full time.  
We stayed primarily under the bridge at Centennial Park Downtown Fort Myers.