Category: Uncategorized

When you mention beer, bacon, and Bucky, you’re more likely to think Wisconsin Badgers tailgate and less likley that of a happy couple’s elegant union of love. However, once you see the amazing pictures of Vicki and Matt’s wedding captured by Appleby Photography, you’ll never think the same of those three words again.

The couple met in a beer bar and fell in love over their craft pints. Not ones for fussy affairs, Vicki and Matt knew that brews had to be a part of their big day. While some couples might simply have a beer specially brewed for the occasion, Vicki and Matt went all out, weaving the beer theme into just about every detail of their day. Our favorite? The bouquets and boutonnieres featuring hops and wheat–two base ingredients for many beers. But that certainly isn’t all. See the amazing pairing job they pulled off…

From the bride:

When planning our wedding, Matt and I had three goals: Make sure that everyone has fun, eat good food, and drink good beer. I think it’s fair to say we accomplished all three.

Neither one of us are stuffy ballroom types, so we were looking for a relaxed atmosphere for our reception. We’re both beer nerds, and met at a beer bar. So, when I found out there was a new brewery opening in Verona that would have an event space, it was a natural choice. Besides hosting our reception at a brewery, we incorporated our love of beer in small ways, too–hops in the bouquet and boutonnieres, coasters as placecards, beer boot toasting glasses, wheat and barley centerpieces, and a beer crate card box. We also included our favorite beer festival food–bacon on a stick, which proved to be a huge hit with our guests.

Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. It was filled with love, laughter, good friends and family, and great food and beer. And Bucky.

Have you wondered what to do with your kid’s school photos, your photo booth images or the disk from your wedding?

I have just the idea: Photo Christmas Ornaments!

Life has been busy and blogging took a seat in the “way-way back.” I am now attempting to get back into the groove.

Our website is new and improved. It’s Simple, clean and very pretty. It’s now have a “responsive” design that changes to the device that you use to access it, making it easier to use and with less clicking around to find what you need. The best thing is that it’s 100% HTML, so it’s completely compatible with iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices. (No flash!)

Wedding Planning – By The Numbers (larger)

From the very beginning, I loved having Sarah and Virgil as clients. Every meeting was like chatting with old friends. From their farm themed engagement session to their tractor shaped groom’s cake, they personalized their wedding. And I love that my favorite image from their wedding makes people think of a fairy tale. How prefect is that?

Planning the wedding day to get the best photographs can be tricky when you have never planned a large event like a wedding. Having an experienced photographer will help the day run smoothly. We know how much time we need to cover the day the way you would like it covered. We will take care to the details with the photography schedule to keep you on track so you do not need to stress.

We want you to enjoy the day.

Below are some tips and suggestions that YOU can do to ensure the photography gets off to a great start:
Before the wedding:

• Communicate with your family and bridal party about scheduled portrait times.
• Think about a “First Look.” It’s romantic and a major de-stressor!
• Allow enough time in your wedding day schedule so you are not rushed for photographs.
• Have hair, nails and make-up professionally done, but don’t stray too far from your usual look so you still look like you.

On the wedding day:

• Manage the clutter in your “getting ready” room so it will look tidy.
• Have your accessories, like shoes and jewelry, ready so those details can be photographed. A cute hanger for the dress- and hung in a pretty spot while it waits for you- is also good.
• Keep lipstick handy to freshen up throughout the day.
• Don’t rush to remove the veil or bustle the dress- those are details you should capture!

How to look good in photographs:

• Remember good posture- Stand tall and keep your shoulders back.
• Slim the face by slightly pushing your chin forward.
• Balance your weight on your back foot for great curves.
• Stand close to your new groom and show your love and affection.
• Smile, laugh, and have fun!

Did you make it to the bridal show last Wednesday? We had a booth to show off our photography and the Cheeky photo booth. It was great to meet brides and grooms and chat about their upcoming weddings. Next week, we’ll will post the tips we shared at the show. We handed out cards that gave helpful ideas on how to make your wedding day run smoothly to get the best photographs possible.

“For the shoe connoisseur who knows precisely what color combination she wants and knows exactly the heel height she loves, the Milk and Honey™ design my own heels web tool allows the discriminating customer a one-of-a-kind shopping opportunity. Choose from our signature collection of pumps below or design your own shoes!”

Everyone likes “cute” and “little.” Who can resist all those puppy and kitten videos on YouTube? Miniature versions of desserts are all rage. (Cupcake, anyone?) Babies are no different. People love their small, squishy bodies, little fingers and their sweet tiny noses.

Loving babies is in our DNA. It’s part of evolution. In 1943, Konrad Lorenz coined the concept of “Baby Schema.” Cuteness is measured by things like big eyes and a big, round head, paired with a small nose and mouth, and dimples. These Baby Schema features trigger a feeling of protectiveness, even when the baby is not ours. Loving our children is not something we choose or are conditioned to do. It’s an instinct that we can’t help- because they are so cute.

But what happens when babies grow up and become preschoolers? They lose their cuteness.

Let’s face it: babies and toddlers get by on their cuteness. Tantrums and potty talk from a 2 year old is cute and funny (even when you don’t admit it to them) but, it’s reason to send a 5 year old to their room without dinner. Toddler hugs are more satisfying, their off-key songs are sweeter, their little smiles more adorable. But when they pass the toddler stage, they are no longer cute.

“But, not my kid,” you say.

Sorry, you are wrong.

A research study done in China and Canada asked men and women to rate photographs of children ranging from infants to 6 years old to determine each face’s likability and attractiveness. “Men and women rated infants as more likeable and more attractive than toddlers, who, in turn are rated as more attractive than young children.” [J Pincott, Psychology Today] What they found was, after 4.5 years old, the features deemed “cute” are no longer prominent and the likability rating dropped off like a lead balloon.

But does cuteness matter? Probably not.

You see, parents don’t really care about research when it comes to someone telling them whether their child is cute. Research doesn’t know about snuggles at story time, homemade cards and art projects or “Phineas and Ferb” quotes being recited at random times. Research doesn’t prove to me whether I think my 5 year old’s missing front teeth are adorable or if my 7 year old’s excitement when making s’mores is cute, or even if my 13 year old’s incredible imagination is lovable.

Is it a coincidence that if you ask a parent what their favorite age is for their child that it always seems to be the age that child is right now? I have four children, three of which are past the “age of cuteness.” And I wouldn’t trade even one of my beautiful children for a world of cute.

You have a new ring. You want to enjoy the romance of the proposal. But, the words “We’re engaged!” are barely out of your mouth before everyone wants to know when the big day will be. 

They will pump you for information on your plans and details that you haven’t even thought of yet. They will offer you suggestions and advice; some good, some really, really bad. (No, Aunt Jenny, no one thinks tulle arches or fake flowers are a good idea anymore.)

But you are in luck!

The annual spring bridal show is next week, May 22, 2013 at Marriott Madison West. This is coordinated by the same people that do the huge show at the Alliant Energy Center in January and that publish the Wedding Planner & Guide book. (SO helpful- get a copy at the show if you don’t have one!)

How do you make the best use of the show? I’m glad you asked.

1. Come with a plan. 
You don’t have to plan your whole wedding in one evening, so don’t try to meet with every wedding professional at the show. If you at the beginning, concentrate on venues and photographers. If your wedding is already in the planning stages, pick 2 or 3 things to work on, like cake, flowers and invitations.

2. Bring a fine-tip Sharpie & take good notes. 
Imagine you have the good luck of finding the best cake baker in the whole world. “But,” you think, “maybe I should go peek and have a quick taste of the other cakes, just to be sure.” After a few more tastes, your tongue is sugared-out and you forgot who your favorite baker was, let alone where their booth is located and now you fear you will have to settle for blah ordinary wedding cake! Taking good notes could have saved you.