Saturday

Let March Madness begin......




I love basketball.  
LOVE college basketball.  
True, Real, Love.  

So, to me, March Madness is more endearing and exciting than "mad".  
I'm excited to say that this afternoon at jpb designs we started our own March Madness... 
The 2012 wedding season has begun! 

With a special shout out to Joanna & Matt -  Thanks for having us be a part of your special wedding day.  
We had a great afternoon at Glenview Mansion in Rockville, MD.

The wedding was such a lovely afternoon brunch.  
I cannot wait to get a hold of pictures from the event in the next couple of weeks to post them for you.        
      Can't you image some great events at Glenview?  I can't decide what my favorite season would be to have a wedding there.  Any thoughts?

Friday

Eric Stocklin

So a few weeks ago, Karla, Jenny, and I had the great opportunity to attend a catering even hosted by Absolutely Perfect Catering. They had different stations set up by themes and it was amazing. I'll be dedicating a post to this event with tons of pictures very soon, but this post is about something else. At the event, I met Eric, a photographer based out of Baltimore. If you're still looking for a photographer, you should consider him! Read on to learn more about him, his business, and take a look at his work.


 1. How long has your business been around? Where is it located?  

I have been a professional photographer and photojournalist since 1996, located in Federal Hill neighborhood in Baltimore, MD.  I am willing to travel and have photographed weddings from NC to NYC.   Mostly I work in MD.

2. How far in advanced do you arrive to take pictures of a wedding?  
Usually one or two hours depending on what the bride wants.  

3. What's your favorite part of a wedding to shoot (ie when the bride walks in, cake cutting, bouquet throwing, etc.)? Why?  

I love candid shots that tell a story.   I never do any cheesy posed photos and never put people in awkward poses.   These shots are a waste of time and my clients expect more.   My favorite images are when the bride and groom are having fun and forget all about having their photo taken.   These shots are natural and honest moments. 


 
4. What was your favorite wedding you've shot? Why?   

I love working for clients that have non-traditional weddings.   There is no such thing as a boring wedding, but when religious or family rituals are included in the day it makes the photos more personal and interesting.   I like working outdoors with natural light.   Anything in a park or near the Chesapeake Bay in late afternoon light is favorable.

5. Which venues are your favorites for weddings?  

 I don’t have a favorite venue but my clients often select locations that allow them to create the perfect day and don’t have any photography restrictions.    As a photographer I want to be able to get images anywhere without limitations.    I frequently work at Cloisters Castle, Herrington Harbor, American Visionary Arts Museum, Turf Valley, Museum of Industry, Pier 5, Peabody Conservatory, Gramercy, 1840s Ballroom, Admiral Fell Inn and the Hyatt Regency Baltimore just to name a few.  








  
All the photos seen here, as well as pricing and more info about Eric, can be found at www.ericstocklin.com. Check it out, and tell him the jpb designs sent you!

Wednesday

Better to Give

Going along with the bridesmaids post from Monday...

petalena.wordpress.com
Bridesmaids are an integral part of any wedding and during all the wedding chaos, you may forget to appreciate and thank your bridesmaids. Bridesmaids gifts are the perfect way to show your gal pals how much their understanding meant while you were off being Bridezilla. Here are a few gifts that I think can be used as a "starter," ie combine this starter item with a bunch of other items to create a themed gift basket.

If you have a bridesmaid that's a complete coffee addict, consider getting her a personalized coffee tumbler. With a variety of patterns, colors, and fonts, you can pick the perfect combination to let your bridesmaid know that you know her.

farmersmarketonline.com

*To build upon this starter item, add bags of coffee, Starbucks gift cards, scone or muffin mixes, and maybe even a personalized coffee mug!

For a spa theme, opt for a personalized bath wrap. Once again, with a variety of robe and embroidery colors, you can get the robes made in each bridesmaid's favorite color.

willowslodge.com

*The link is for a bath wrap, slippers, and cosmetics case, so it's already a variety of items. To build upon it, add some items your bridesmaid could use along with them, like candles, incense, or bubbles. You could even add a monogrammed towel or a gift certificate to the spa.

If your bridesmaid loves the beach, get her a monogrammed tote bag.

beach-backgrounds.com

*How to build upon this? Fill the bag with items one may use at the beach. Sun block, a personalized water bottle, monogrammed beach towel, magazines, sunglasses, etc. The options are endless!This would also be a great bridesmaid's gift if you have beach themed wedding.

I think the key to any bridesmaids gift is tailoring them to each bridesmaid. Using bridesmaids' favorite colors and interests will show that you know them well. What if your bridesmaids have nothing in common? Not a problem. There's no rule that says you have to get all your bridesmaids the same present (just make sure you spend the same about of money on each gift, a little more for your maid of honor's). Think outside the box. Let us know what you're getting your bridesmaids!

Monday

Best Dressed

Bridesmaids are like the most experienced pit crew at a NASCAR race. After prepping for weeks with showers, bachelorette parties and supporting the bride through cold feet moments, this team comes to the altar prepped with magic tape, sewing kits, and a whole lot of love for the bride. So why not show these girls some love and pick out some gorgeous bridesmaids' dresses to make them feel beautiful on that day too?

Now traditionally, bridesmaids' dresses could be the horror story of everyone's wedding experience. Every girl either has a memory or a vision of some tafetta laced purple gown that was neither flattering nor practical, yet ended up in every picture of the evening. I, on the other had, am a HUGE fan of non-traditional bridesmaids options. Check out some of these adorable ideas:


This option lets you stick with your wedding vision and color palette, but allows each girl to pick a dress that suits her unique style and shape. No more unflattering strapless numbers!


Or how about incorporating both of your wedding colors? I love the variety this choice lends to pictures!


How about choosing a color palette and letting each girl choose a tone or shade that suits them? Everyone knows that baby blue isn't for each girl.


Rainbow!


I'm in love with these striped little bits! Perfect for a day at the beach or a nautical theme!


Or how about these separate look alikes? Oh that pink!


For a more casual (and super comfy) look, try these gorgeous satin skirts with simple white tanks. I love the chic simplicity.


More Beachy Fun! 



Ok so I have to admit that my jaw actually hit the floor when I saw this group. Talk about a dress you can wear again!


What do you all think about bridesmaids dresses? Traditional? or maybe not even a dress at all? Share your thoughts below!

Saturday

Cupcake Cakes

Everyone loves cupcakes. One way to use cupcakes is to put them together to form what looks like a sheet cake. Now, in my opinion, these are probably best for more informal get togethers, like birthday parties, or whimsical, themed weddings as opposed to a formal, traditional wedding. Here are some cool cupcake cakes that people have created:


A "cool" cake for a summer party (haha - "cool" - get it??)
http://shop.oakmontbakery.com/product_info.php?cPath=336_290_312_349&products_id=2148

A fun cake for a Mardi Gras party
http://www.flickr.com/photos/charleyscakes/3322714491/


Proof that food is art - van Gogh's Starry Night
http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/