Let me start out by saying that, with reviews, I am in no way trying to knock an artist/vendor for their efforts, but instead trying to critique performance and inform the masses, aka our readers. With this, my first review, I have been inspired to write, not because of an all-around horrible experience and not because I am over-the-moon thrilled about it either-as it stands, I am giving Studio Blue 2.5 stars (out of 5).
One of my best girlfriends was married this past October 17th in an intimate ceremony held at the Como Conservatory in St. Paul, truly a magnificent venue. The weather was perfect, the bride-stunning, and the day progressed without incident. But, if I am to be picky (and I am), the photographer arrived late. Not terribly late to the point that the bride even really noticed, but late enough for the mother of the bride to make a phone call. Half of the bridesmaids had already had their hair done and the bride's veil was already fixed in place by the time Brian from Studio Blue arrived.
Brian seemed young, and carefree; naturally, he picked me out right away as the "party girl" and so the two of us bonded quickly. Brian and his assistant spent the next 5 hours before the wedding with us-the female half of the wedding party. He hung out while we had lunch, he helped us keep track of personal items, hell, he was there (eyes averted) as the bride slipped her dress on-taking photos nano-seconds after she pulled it up to snap family-appropriate pictures. He was there to take advantage of photo opportunities that I am sure the bride, her family and the wedding party will treasure for years. The main problem? It has been 13 weeks, 13! and still no pictures of the day posted to his website or presented to the bride and groom.
Am I wrong to be aghast?! His business card promises 12 weeks, which I thought to be absurd, but rolled with, because I was sure that he took 1000 photos that day and that it would likely take him some time to edit and organize-especially being that Kristen's wedding came at the end of the busy season. I checked the Studio Blue website after a few weeks thinking that maybe, just maybe, I would be pleasantly surprised. This past Monday was the 13th Monday that I had checked the site with high hopes-this time, being 98% sure that those photos would be there. Nope!
I understand that there were a lot of pictures taken that day. In addition to the ones for which we posed, the candids, the traditional family and bridal party shots, Brian also had a "photo booth" of sorts set up at the reception at which couples, etc. could be posed and shot-and in very unique ways I might add (for example, he had my boyfriend flip me upside down-in a bridesmaid dress-and then swing me through his legs from behind his back-sounds interesting right-you should SEE the picture!). This is one of the reasons that I am even more excited to see the end result-I want to order prints and have them framed; I'm anxious!
I want to give Brian and Studio Blue the benefit of the doubt on this one, I truly do, but it's getting to be less disheartening and more maddening. I am sure that he is busy, I understand that he edits every shot before the bride and groom get their hands on them, I sympathize with the fact that he is a father of 4 and has a life outside of the studio, but as a business person, when you make a promise, you need to follow through.
I want to make sure to point out that I was impressed with Brian's commitment on the wedding day-he had some brilliant ideas for backdrops and poses-even though at times it seemed exhausting, I am sure that the pictures will make me forget entirely that I ever felt annoyed. I will also admit, that I am likely a little more anxious than even the bride about seeing the shots, but I do know that on that day, Kristen was a little perturbed with Brian as well. He failed to show up for the sunset shots of the bride and groom, he did not spend any time with the groomsmen during their prep, he was absent on the dance floor and at times, made us do ridiculously meticulous poses that took a very long time.
After all this, I would still have recommended Studio Blue; they have produced some fabulous photography and I continue to be impressed with the workmanship of the galleries on their website, but the length of time that it has taken does not sit well with me. When (read: if) the photos ever get posted, I will make sure to update this review. Patient, I am not, but maybe the photos are SO stunning that all of this angst will wash away when I get my hands on a print of the ten of us, dressed to kill and posed like a bunch of drunks in an old brothel (because THAT was one of my favorite poses-I told you that he was creative).
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
chow down
If you are anything like me, you like to eat. Recently, I came across a specific local caterer whose name I just could not seem to get out of my head (killer branding if you ask me), and so decided to check out. Chow Girls is a Minneapolis-based company started by two women who met in 2003 and bonded over their love of food and cooking. 7 years later they are operating one of the most popular, albeit, unique, catering companies in the Twin Cities. Their menu is impressive-with items ranging from Corned Beef Pickle Dogs and Maytag Apricot Turnovers for starters to Miso-Maple Glazed Salmon and Pot Pies for entrees. Holy Hannah! My mouth waters every time I read the menu-I want to try everything-even those things that I Thought that I didn't like and others that sound intimidating, like "Hummus, Skordalia, & Tzatziki Platter". Chow Girls advertises the ability to "cater to" groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000-which is amazing in and of itself. Additionally, they provide different levels of service; from basic to above and beyond, these girls have thought of everything!
No matter the next event, Chow Girls will definitely be one of my recommendations-and if you are still undecided on your venue, they have a list of some one-of-a-kind locations that do not have catering restrictions and still more in which they are the preferred vendor. "Feast" your eyes on this:
No matter the next event, Chow Girls will definitely be one of my recommendations-and if you are still undecided on your venue, they have a list of some one-of-a-kind locations that do not have catering restrictions and still more in which they are the preferred vendor. "Feast" your eyes on this:
Chow Girls' Maytag Apricot Turnovers-YUM!
Friday, January 8, 2010
anemones
I thought about posting a picture of an all-anemone bouquet (and likely will at some point), but I couldn't stop staring at this arrangement, made up of artichokes, wine colored peony tulips, wine sweet pea and hydrangea - love. LOVE. love. Most days, looking at floral bouquets makes me want to become a florist...so, I have added that to my resolutions list for 2010. Sweet dreams.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
'tis the season to save money
So yesterday I got home from work and decided that it was about time to take down the Christmas decorations (tear). For some reason, this year I have grown especially attached to my adorable 3 foot tall tree-and you would too if you saw it. One by one I picked the ornaments from their perch and carefully wrapped them up until next year, but when it came time to take down the tree, I just couldn't do it. I decided that I will keep the tree until it sheds enough needles to make me tire of vaccuming every day...so, maybe March?
Honestly though, how much money goes into things that we throw away-in particular around the holidays? From trees, to greeting cards, to wrapping paper, Christmas is expensive-notice no mention of gifts in that list. Maybe more so than the tree, I felt bad throwing away cards from family and friends. How do I look at a picture of your smiling children (one, by the way that was chosen through hours of deliberation on who looks good in which shot) and toss it in the garbage?
The same can be said of the countless correspondence that has become standard to send when you are planning on getting married; engagement announcements, save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, thank you notes-the list goes on and on. A bride-to-be spends hours, not to mention thousands of dollars, choosing paper that guests will eventually throw away. This got me to thinking...how do we encourage people to want to save what we send? I can't expect my aunts and uncles to be framing my wedding invitation, but maybe they will throw it in a scrapbook if I make them think twice about it-like, "Oh this is just too pretty to be wasted". Or what about a functional save the date? I am just planting the seed here, but there are tons of options out there-and what a fine way to practice your green lifestyle!
The following are just a few of my ideas-feel free to make them your own.
I love trees (as you have probably surmised by this point), and simply love this idea. I have not yet seen a coaster save-the-date, etc., but I would assume that it could be done-all you need is heavy stock, recycled fiber and a wateproof ink. This is something that could even be done at home, on the cheap(er).
Postcards-This is something that your guests could post on a bulletin board for years afterward and not look like serious creepers. In fact they might appear to outsiders as seasoned travelers.
Honestly though, how much money goes into things that we throw away-in particular around the holidays? From trees, to greeting cards, to wrapping paper, Christmas is expensive-notice no mention of gifts in that list. Maybe more so than the tree, I felt bad throwing away cards from family and friends. How do I look at a picture of your smiling children (one, by the way that was chosen through hours of deliberation on who looks good in which shot) and toss it in the garbage?
The same can be said of the countless correspondence that has become standard to send when you are planning on getting married; engagement announcements, save the dates, invitations, RSVP cards, thank you notes-the list goes on and on. A bride-to-be spends hours, not to mention thousands of dollars, choosing paper that guests will eventually throw away. This got me to thinking...how do we encourage people to want to save what we send? I can't expect my aunts and uncles to be framing my wedding invitation, but maybe they will throw it in a scrapbook if I make them think twice about it-like, "Oh this is just too pretty to be wasted". Or what about a functional save the date? I am just planting the seed here, but there are tons of options out there-and what a fine way to practice your green lifestyle!
The following are just a few of my ideas-feel free to make them your own.
Coasters-sort of obsessed with this idea:
I love trees (as you have probably surmised by this point), and simply love this idea. I have not yet seen a coaster save-the-date, etc., but I would assume that it could be done-all you need is heavy stock, recycled fiber and a wateproof ink. This is something that could even be done at home, on the cheap(er).Magnets-Magnets are a great idea, especially for people like myself, who spend a lot of time in front of the refridgerator. I would bet that people who use a magnet as a save-the-date, etc., will have higher attendance on average, at their event. Plus, who doesn't love a cute magnet? Pretty sure that I would gladly throw away a Papa Johns magnet over a save-the-date should the fridge get too crowded.
Postcards-This is something that your guests could post on a bulletin board for years afterward and not look like serious creepers. In fact they might appear to outsiders as seasoned travelers.
(Photobooth) photos-Although this has been done in many ways before, it is not a bad idea to send guests an invitation, etc., on the back of a photo; two birds, one stone. This way, you are able to circulate a picture that you both like and get the word out. It is my opinion that people are much less likely to throw away a picture than they are a piece of paper-no matter how fancy or elegant.
For more ideas and some amazing designs from independents, visit the New York Wedding Guide online. Or, as per usual, check out etsy, where you are sure to find a multitude of treasures at reasonable prices.
Save on my friends.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
jim buron
Also, as a shameless bit of promotion for our Minnesotans kickin' it out there in the Big Apple, check out their blog.
baby it's cold outside
Yes, it is cold...so cold in fact, that sometimes I think that my eyeballs might freeze solid while I walk to the bus stop in the morning, and if you are like me, it is about now that we begin to imagine our winter getaway to some tropical, or at this point even moderate, location. If you are thinking about making your escape, or better yet, are planning a destination event, there are tons of opportunities to let your creative spirit shine, while entertaining your guests against a beautiful backdrop. From Scotland to Jamaica, there is something for everyone and every occasion-often at wonderfully affordable prices. No matter your motivation, the options are virtually limitless. Here, in short order are some of the highlights:
If it is cold cocktails on a hot beach that you desire, try The Somerset of Turks and Caicos Islands. This pristine resort is pure paradise. Hailed one of the ten best beaches in the world, this Carribean destination is sure to tickle your fancy. Just reading their website description has me surfing the web for fares:
"A place where spacious rooms and stylish suites linger at the edge of a turquoise sea, and the stars are closer than you ever imagined. We invite you to bring your playful side to The Somerset, where luxury and indulgence meet whimsy and surprise and every day offers a new opportunity to be enchanted."
...um, yeah. I'm going.
If you would prefer to do as little as possible, then try the Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. This luxury hotel, located on a two mile stretch of beach on Montego Bay, boasts an 18-hole golf course, yoga pavilions, and a lagoon with trained dolphins. Half Moon goes so far as to promise that the experience they provide is sure to become part of your soul. Now, that might be a tad dramatic, but they had me at "Sandy crescent beaches dotted with palms, white washed cottages surrounded by fragrant gardens. A world of leisure in an oasis of calm."
Add this to the "most definitely" column on my to-do list.
If you seek something more rustic or simply love the grandeur provided by a mountainous landscape, try Arrabelle at Vail Square in Vail, CO. Being that the high and low seasons are switched here (summer is their off season), prices decrease as the temperature rises. Arrabelle, a relatively new, luxury hotel, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers exceptional accomodations, supreme ammenities and timeless elegance. Additionally, the resort offers a green wedding option with locally grown, organic food and fuel-efficient transportation (gotta love that).
If you prefer to go Euro, there are a number of unique, albeit easily accessible, venues including, but not limited to an Italian farmhouse or villa set amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany or the Glamis Castle in Scotland where the marriage regulations are comparatively limited.
So let your imagination run wild; why not, right? What is a little dip in the savings account when you have something like this to look forward to. A week away may be worth more than you know.
For more ideas, visit this season's edition of New York Wedding Week online.
If it is cold cocktails on a hot beach that you desire, try The Somerset of Turks and Caicos Islands. This pristine resort is pure paradise. Hailed one of the ten best beaches in the world, this Carribean destination is sure to tickle your fancy. Just reading their website description has me surfing the web for fares:
"A place where spacious rooms and stylish suites linger at the edge of a turquoise sea, and the stars are closer than you ever imagined. We invite you to bring your playful side to The Somerset, where luxury and indulgence meet whimsy and surprise and every day offers a new opportunity to be enchanted."
...um, yeah. I'm going.
If you would prefer to do as little as possible, then try the Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. This luxury hotel, located on a two mile stretch of beach on Montego Bay, boasts an 18-hole golf course, yoga pavilions, and a lagoon with trained dolphins. Half Moon goes so far as to promise that the experience they provide is sure to become part of your soul. Now, that might be a tad dramatic, but they had me at "Sandy crescent beaches dotted with palms, white washed cottages surrounded by fragrant gardens. A world of leisure in an oasis of calm."
Add this to the "most definitely" column on my to-do list.
If you seek something more rustic or simply love the grandeur provided by a mountainous landscape, try Arrabelle at Vail Square in Vail, CO. Being that the high and low seasons are switched here (summer is their off season), prices decrease as the temperature rises. Arrabelle, a relatively new, luxury hotel, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers exceptional accomodations, supreme ammenities and timeless elegance. Additionally, the resort offers a green wedding option with locally grown, organic food and fuel-efficient transportation (gotta love that).
If you prefer to go Euro, there are a number of unique, albeit easily accessible, venues including, but not limited to an Italian farmhouse or villa set amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany or the Glamis Castle in Scotland where the marriage regulations are comparatively limited.
So let your imagination run wild; why not, right? What is a little dip in the savings account when you have something like this to look forward to. A week away may be worth more than you know.
For more ideas, visit this season's edition of New York Wedding Week online.
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