I am so excited to be heading down to Texas this week to participate in the Foundation Workshop for the second year in a row. Last year I was a student, this year I am going back to be Greg Gibson's sidekick and assistant team leader.
Check out my personal site to see my assignment from last year.
I am so excited for all the participants as this will truly be a life changing experience for them. My associate shooter Molly Grace is going this year too so I am excited to see her grow in new ways as well.
So what this means, is that due to the intensity of this workshop, I will be very busy and it will be hard to answer all the emails and phone calls so thank you in advance for your patience! I will do my best to get back to you promptly. I will try and post some pictures just so you can see what we are up to.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Favorite Wedding Memories
Sarah and Chad were nice enough to share their favorite picture with me from their wedding and why it was so special to them!
Sarah says..."This photo was taken right after we met up for the first time. The day started out so gloomy, I couldn’t believe our good luck with the weather. All along we wanted a fall wedding and a city wedding, and this picture combines the two perfectly. I love the beautiful leaves of the tree canopy in Grant Park, but even more unique is that you can see the buildings peeking out through the other side. To stop and share this quiet moment together before the craziness of the day was so special."
Continued happiness to you both! It was such a pleasure to work with you!
Sarah says..."This photo was taken right after we met up for the first time. The day started out so gloomy, I couldn’t believe our good luck with the weather. All along we wanted a fall wedding and a city wedding, and this picture combines the two perfectly. I love the beautiful leaves of the tree canopy in Grant Park, but even more unique is that you can see the buildings peeking out through the other side. To stop and share this quiet moment together before the craziness of the day was so special."
Continued happiness to you both! It was such a pleasure to work with you!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Impact Tip - Vampire Energy
My friend Nancy passed this little interesting bit onto me and I thought I would share it. I didn't realize how much energy is still be used when our electronics are in standby mode, especially plasma TVs!! So check it out and see where you can start saving some energy :)
http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/transparency/008/trans008vampireenergy.html
Thank you for doing what you can, it helps all of us!
http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/transparency/008/trans008vampireenergy.html
Thank you for doing what you can, it helps all of us!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Contest Winner Announced!
First I want to say that I am very thankful for all the entries and the finalists. It was not easy to chose, but in the end, I believe all the couples deserve a lot of praise for putting themselves out there and competing for this prize. These socially responsible couples have set great examples to future couples that want to make a difference!
Also, in the end, it was very close and got a little heated. I received some blog comments that were good and not so good. In fairness, I decided not to publish any of them. I just don't believe that these couples deserve anything but support for what they are trying to do. No one planning a wedding deserves to be criticized. If I didn't have the utmost faith in their entry, they wouldn't have been chosen. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support these couples. Also, rest assured, no one lost and all the couples will be receiving a special consolation for their entry.
So the much anticipated announcement of the winner of the first ever green wedding contest is...
To review:
Venue: Outdoor ceremony in Lake Tahoe where Tom used to live, reception to follow in NYC (family spread out over 5 states, chose one which will limit the size of the wedding)
Catering: Local organic farmer, no red meat
Flowers: Local and organic flower farmer
Dress and Rings: Tom's grandmothers ring, antique.
Gifts/Registry: Sapling trees for favors supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, looking for sustainable household items for registry such as bamboo, organic cotton, composting bin
Transportation: Not needed for ceremony
Invitations: Recycled paper postcards, with website for rsvp
Honeymoon: Eco-resort desired
Turns out he's not always so cruel, nor am I a homicidal maniac. We hit it off from our first date, when we went to see the Flaming Lips play, and I fainted. It was still the best concert ever. That was the beginning of our adventures, which have already taken us halfway across the country. We are now living in the Deep South while he attends grad school for landscape architecture. (One of the areas he wants to concentrate on in his future practice is reclaiming neglected urban areas for green space.) On the afternoon of this past New Year's Eve, we were visiting home for the holidays. Tom and I went for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, where he proposed to me. (Photo attached from right after the proposal.) I know this is going to sound so corny, and especially feels weird to say as a formerly jaded New Yorker, but it was one of the happiest days of my life. When Tom first asked what kind of ring I would want, I made it clear that I didn't want a blood diamond and I'd prefer a vintage ring. So my engagement ring was his grandmother's, and was purchased in the 40s in New Orleans, not so far from where we happen to live now.
I am excited to work with you and be a part of your green wedding!
Also, in the end, it was very close and got a little heated. I received some blog comments that were good and not so good. In fairness, I decided not to publish any of them. I just don't believe that these couples deserve anything but support for what they are trying to do. No one planning a wedding deserves to be criticized. If I didn't have the utmost faith in their entry, they wouldn't have been chosen. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support these couples. Also, rest assured, no one lost and all the couples will be receiving a special consolation for their entry.
So the much anticipated announcement of the winner of the first ever green wedding contest is...
Colleen and Tom! Congratulations you two!!
To review:
Venue: Outdoor ceremony in Lake Tahoe where Tom used to live, reception to follow in NYC (family spread out over 5 states, chose one which will limit the size of the wedding)
Catering: Local organic farmer, no red meat
Flowers: Local and organic flower farmer
Dress and Rings: Tom's grandmothers ring, antique.
Gifts/Registry: Sapling trees for favors supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, looking for sustainable household items for registry such as bamboo, organic cotton, composting bin
Transportation: Not needed for ceremony
Invitations: Recycled paper postcards, with website for rsvp
Honeymoon: Eco-resort desired
Other info shared by Colleen:
First, a little background. I'm a freelance writer, among my gigs is blogging about green and not-so-green celebrities for Plenty magazine. (http://www.plentymag.com/blogs/dirt/)
Turns out he's not always so cruel, nor am I a homicidal maniac. We hit it off from our first date, when we went to see the Flaming Lips play, and I fainted. It was still the best concert ever. That was the beginning of our adventures, which have already taken us halfway across the country. We are now living in the Deep South while he attends grad school for landscape architecture. (One of the areas he wants to concentrate on in his future practice is reclaiming neglected urban areas for green space.) On the afternoon of this past New Year's Eve, we were visiting home for the holidays. Tom and I went for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, where he proposed to me. (Photo attached from right after the proposal.) I know this is going to sound so corny, and especially feels weird to say as a formerly jaded New Yorker, but it was one of the happiest days of my life. When Tom first asked what kind of ring I would want, I made it clear that I didn't want a blood diamond and I'd prefer a vintage ring. So my engagement ring was his grandmother's, and was purchased in the 40s in New Orleans, not so far from where we happen to live now.
I am excited to work with you and be a part of your green wedding!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Finalists!
Alright, this is going to be a long post as all of the finalists are implementing many great ideas for their green wedding. Just for reference, venue selection and catering had the largest impact on who the finalists were as I feel these two aspects of wedding planning have the largest potential to impact the environment and make a statement to your guests.
So now it is up to you to chose the couple you feel is most deserving of the free coverage. Good luck to all the contestants and for those that don't win, I hope we can still work together! You all have demonstrated a true commitment and it would be an honor to work with you!
1. Leslie and Sheldon, California
Venue: Outdoor wedding and reception at San Elijo State Beach in California. Guests will be camping.
Catering: Pizza and Italian fare from local restaurant Leucadia
Flowers: Local and organically grown florals from Seabreeze Organic Farm
Dress and Rings: Both have purchased antique wedding rings from a store that went out of business in 1928 to avoid supporting gold mining and conflict diamonds. They plan to purchase hemp clothes that they can wear again.
Gifts/Registry: Asking for donations to be made to several animal shelters and support groups.
Transportation: none needed, all onsite.
Invitations: None mentioned, using their website to post information
Honeymoon: Drive to Lake Tahoe and rent a cabin
Other info shared by Leslie:
My fiancé Sheldon and I have been planning this wedding for a long time, and trying to save as much money as possible. We have been friends for about seven years, and started dating on Valentine’s Day, 2005. We adopted our dog Daisy in June 2005, and we have been a happy little family since then. We became officially engaged in November 2007, with the purchase of antique rings at an estate sale. We are planning a wedding for Spring 2009. I am a vegan, and Sheldon is a vegetarian. We believe very strongly in animal rights and preserving the environment.
2. Stephenie and Mark, Illinois
Venue: Peggy Notebart Nature Museum in Chicago for reception is the desired location, ceremony to be at nearby church.
Catering: Greg Christian Organic Cateror
Flowers: Local and seasonal florals to be donated at a Hospice Mark's mom directs following the wedding.
Dress and Rings: Dress will be recycled to make a baptismal gown as is tradition in her family.
Gifts/Registry: Asking for donations to be made to NAMI and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of their family members who have suffered these maladies.
Transportation: Trying to find biodeisel or hybrid bus for transportation
Invitations: Printed on recycled paper with no extra decorative pieces.
Honeymoon: Not mentioned
Miscellaneous: They are serving Black Apron Collection Coffee from Starbucks that promotes high quality farming practices where grown and benefits clean water. Using soy candles for wedding which support US jobs, lower melting point to reduce energy use, supports local economy of wax producers.
Other info shared by Stephenie:
Sustainability is something I’ve always been passionate about. I recently designed Green Grocer Chicago, a neighborhood grocery store that features locally sourced and organic foods. My design utilized as many sustainable finishes as possible such as, bamboo flooring, low VOC paints, and energy efficient lighting. The cashwrap was built out of reclaimed wood from an old church in the city. I am also studying for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Exam. LEED Accredited Professionals are professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity w/ LEED requirements, resources, and processes.
3. Colleen and Tom, Louisiana
Venue: Outdoor ceremony in Lake Tahoe where Tom used to live, reception to follow in NYC (family spread out over 5 states, chose one which will limit the size of the wedding)
Catering: Local organic farmer, no red meat
Flowers: Local and organic flower farmer
Dress and Rings: Tom's grandmothers ring, antique.
Gifts/Registry: Sapling trees for favors supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, looking for sustainable household items for registry such as bamboo, organic cotton, composting bin
Transportation: Not needed for ceremony
Invitations: Recycled paper postcards, with website for rsvp
Honeymoon: Eco-resort desired
Turns out he's not always so cruel, nor am I a homicidal maniac. We hit it off from our first date, when we went to see the Flaming Lips play, and I fainted. It was still the best concert ever. That was the beginning of our adventures, which have already taken us halfway across the country. We are now living in the Deep South while he attends grad school for landscape architecture. (One of the areas he wants to concentrate on in his future practice is reclaiming neglected urban areas for green space.) On the afternoon of this past New Year's Eve, we were visiting home for the holidays. Tom and I went for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, where he proposed to me. (Photo attached from right after the proposal.) I know this is going to sound so corny, and especially feels weird to say as a formerly jaded New Yorker, but it was one of the happiest days of my life. When Tom first asked what kind of ring I would want, I made it clear that I didn't want a blood diamond and I'd prefer a vintage ring. So my engagement ring was his grandmother's, and was purchased in the 40s in New Orleans, not so far from where we happen to live now.
So now it is up to you to chose the couple you feel is most deserving of the free coverage. Good luck to all the contestants and for those that don't win, I hope we can still work together! You all have demonstrated a true commitment and it would be an honor to work with you!
1. Leslie and Sheldon, California
Venue: Outdoor wedding and reception at San Elijo State Beach in California. Guests will be camping.
Catering: Pizza and Italian fare from local restaurant Leucadia
Flowers: Local and organically grown florals from Seabreeze Organic Farm
Dress and Rings: Both have purchased antique wedding rings from a store that went out of business in 1928 to avoid supporting gold mining and conflict diamonds. They plan to purchase hemp clothes that they can wear again.
Gifts/Registry: Asking for donations to be made to several animal shelters and support groups.
Transportation: none needed, all onsite.
Invitations: None mentioned, using their website to post information
Honeymoon: Drive to Lake Tahoe and rent a cabin
Other info shared by Leslie:
My fiancé Sheldon and I have been planning this wedding for a long time, and trying to save as much money as possible. We have been friends for about seven years, and started dating on Valentine’s Day, 2005. We adopted our dog Daisy in June 2005, and we have been a happy little family since then. We became officially engaged in November 2007, with the purchase of antique rings at an estate sale. We are planning a wedding for Spring 2009. I am a vegan, and Sheldon is a vegetarian. We believe very strongly in animal rights and preserving the environment.
2. Stephenie and Mark, Illinois
Venue: Peggy Notebart Nature Museum in Chicago for reception is the desired location, ceremony to be at nearby church.
Catering: Greg Christian Organic Cateror
Flowers: Local and seasonal florals to be donated at a Hospice Mark's mom directs following the wedding.
Dress and Rings: Dress will be recycled to make a baptismal gown as is tradition in her family.
Gifts/Registry: Asking for donations to be made to NAMI and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of their family members who have suffered these maladies.
Transportation: Trying to find biodeisel or hybrid bus for transportation
Invitations: Printed on recycled paper with no extra decorative pieces.
Honeymoon: Not mentioned
Miscellaneous: They are serving Black Apron Collection Coffee from Starbucks that promotes high quality farming practices where grown and benefits clean water. Using soy candles for wedding which support US jobs, lower melting point to reduce energy use, supports local economy of wax producers.
Other info shared by Stephenie:
Sustainability is something I’ve always been passionate about. I recently designed Green Grocer Chicago, a neighborhood grocery store that features locally sourced and organic foods. My design utilized as many sustainable finishes as possible such as, bamboo flooring, low VOC paints, and energy efficient lighting. The cashwrap was built out of reclaimed wood from an old church in the city. I am also studying for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Exam. LEED Accredited Professionals are professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity w/ LEED requirements, resources, and processes.
Finally the most important of all our sustainability practices is something I like to call eco-Education. Knowing that we created the most sustainable wedding will be a rewarding feat, but even more rewarding will be the impact that this could have on our guests. We will definitely be creating a wedding website for all of our guests to view throughout the duration of our engagement. Our website will be used as a vehicle to inform all of our friends & family on the methods we are using to create our eco-wedding. In addition we hope to have weekly tips on ways they can green their lives.
3. Colleen and Tom, Louisiana
Venue: Outdoor ceremony in Lake Tahoe where Tom used to live, reception to follow in NYC (family spread out over 5 states, chose one which will limit the size of the wedding)
Catering: Local organic farmer, no red meat
Flowers: Local and organic flower farmer
Dress and Rings: Tom's grandmothers ring, antique.
Gifts/Registry: Sapling trees for favors supporting the Arbor Day Foundation, looking for sustainable household items for registry such as bamboo, organic cotton, composting bin
Transportation: Not needed for ceremony
Invitations: Recycled paper postcards, with website for rsvp
Honeymoon: Eco-resort desired
Other info shared by Colleen:
First, a little background. I'm a freelance writer, among my gigs is blogging about green and not-so-green celebrities for Plenty magazine. (http://www.plentymag.com/blogs/dirt/)
Turns out he's not always so cruel, nor am I a homicidal maniac. We hit it off from our first date, when we went to see the Flaming Lips play, and I fainted. It was still the best concert ever. That was the beginning of our adventures, which have already taken us halfway across the country. We are now living in the Deep South while he attends grad school for landscape architecture. (One of the areas he wants to concentrate on in his future practice is reclaiming neglected urban areas for green space.) On the afternoon of this past New Year's Eve, we were visiting home for the holidays. Tom and I went for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, where he proposed to me. (Photo attached from right after the proposal.) I know this is going to sound so corny, and especially feels weird to say as a formerly jaded New Yorker, but it was one of the happiest days of my life. When Tom first asked what kind of ring I would want, I made it clear that I didn't want a blood diamond and I'd prefer a vintage ring. So my engagement ring was his grandmother's, and was purchased in the 40s in New Orleans, not so far from where we happen to live now.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Impact Tip - Week 5
This time next week I will be announcing the winner of the contest! I can't wait to see who is going to be chosen as the winner. It will be a great testimony to their friends and family and I am excited to be a part of it...but I digress...
This week I want to give a few more examples of how to go green specifically related to the dress!
One of the most fun things to do when you get engaged is pick out your dress and there are many ways that this dress can say something more than just how beautiful you look in it.
1. Buy a slightly used or sampled dress from a boutique like White Chicago. They offer many designer dresses that deserve a chance to shine again. This is an obvious choice for a green dress as it is recycled!
2. Buy a hemp dress or one made from recycled fabrics. If you want a dress that is uniquely yours then you can still make an impact by choosing fabrics that have not been treated with harsh chemicals endangering the ecosystem and the workers who harvest the materials. Wholly-Jo's is an example of a designer working in organic fabrics and fair trade. Threadhead Creations designs and sells hemp dresses.
3. Go to the Brides Against Breast Cancer trunk show and support breast cancer while buying donated dresses. I had a bride do this last year and her dress was beautiful and she had a sense of peace knowing her purchase was helping a great cause.
I hope this helps and it is one more thing you can do to make your contest entry more appealing ;)
Don't forget, contest entries must be in by 10 pm CST on Sunday February 10th. Good luck!
This week I want to give a few more examples of how to go green specifically related to the dress!
One of the most fun things to do when you get engaged is pick out your dress and there are many ways that this dress can say something more than just how beautiful you look in it.
1. Buy a slightly used or sampled dress from a boutique like White Chicago. They offer many designer dresses that deserve a chance to shine again. This is an obvious choice for a green dress as it is recycled!
2. Buy a hemp dress or one made from recycled fabrics. If you want a dress that is uniquely yours then you can still make an impact by choosing fabrics that have not been treated with harsh chemicals endangering the ecosystem and the workers who harvest the materials. Wholly-Jo's is an example of a designer working in organic fabrics and fair trade. Threadhead Creations designs and sells hemp dresses.
3. Go to the Brides Against Breast Cancer trunk show and support breast cancer while buying donated dresses. I had a bride do this last year and her dress was beautiful and she had a sense of peace knowing her purchase was helping a great cause.
I hope this helps and it is one more thing you can do to make your contest entry more appealing ;)
Don't forget, contest entries must be in by 10 pm CST on Sunday February 10th. Good luck!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Launch Party and a Blizzard....
Months ago I decided that in January, after the holiday rush, I would have a launch party to get people in the wedding industry acquainted with my new company Vrai and its vision and style! Of course I wasn't expecting a blizzard...this did affect the turnout but not the fun. I have the most amazing friends and despite the weather many of us were able to enjoy the amazing food and fun atmosphere of the party. The party was at FlatFile Gallery in Chicago and it was catered by Greg Christian who did an amazing job as usual. Kelly from Fleur provided the uncut, seasonal florals and did a fantastic job as well! Drew Fortson provided the entertainment and he was a huge hit! It was a great time and since half the guests couldn't come, I might just do it again in the spring :)
Here are some pictures of the party and the wonderful guests that braved the horrible weather to be there. Thank you to all of you!
A few pics of the flowers, the space, and the food!
A few photographers: Glen Abog, David Wittig, Amanda Hein, me and Nancy Beale
The girls from Dolce Studio in Minnesota with their spouses
Dave from Couture Books was kind enough to come from California and wow us with their amazing new album line.
The fabulous Drew Fortson came in from St. Louis, MO
Some more amazing photographers: Rachel from LaCour, Bob and Dawn Davis, Erin from LaCour and Dave and Nancy, and me
The LaCour girls, me and Emilie from Emilie Inc in Maine
Another local group: Chad and Michelle from Husar Photography, me and my husband Brian, Molly and Amanda Hein
Gotta add Kmo in there!
My dad and step mom :)
My mom, Becca and Mark from Wirken Photography in Kansas City, me and Heather from Rusty Dog Films!
Lillian and Ray from SmartBride TV (coming soon!) and Bob and Dawn Davis and me
Me and Greg Christian :)
And last but not least, me and Kelly from Fleur
The whole photographer group
Special thanks to Sonia Roselli and Christina Stylist who I didn't get pictures of but were so nice to make it out!
We missed everyone who couldn't make it and thanks so much for the ones that did, it was a great time!
Here are some pictures of the party and the wonderful guests that braved the horrible weather to be there. Thank you to all of you!
A few pics of the flowers, the space, and the food!
A few photographers: Glen Abog, David Wittig, Amanda Hein, me and Nancy Beale
The girls from Dolce Studio in Minnesota with their spouses
Dave from Couture Books was kind enough to come from California and wow us with their amazing new album line.
The fabulous Drew Fortson came in from St. Louis, MO
Some more amazing photographers: Rachel from LaCour, Bob and Dawn Davis, Erin from LaCour and Dave and Nancy, and me
The LaCour girls, me and Emilie from Emilie Inc in Maine
Another local group: Chad and Michelle from Husar Photography, me and my husband Brian, Molly and Amanda Hein
Gotta add Kmo in there!
My dad and step mom :)
My mom, Becca and Mark from Wirken Photography in Kansas City, me and Heather from Rusty Dog Films!
Lillian and Ray from SmartBride TV (coming soon!) and Bob and Dawn Davis and me
Me and Greg Christian :)
And last but not least, me and Kelly from Fleur
The whole photographer group
Special thanks to Sonia Roselli and Christina Stylist who I didn't get pictures of but were so nice to make it out!
We missed everyone who couldn't make it and thanks so much for the ones that did, it was a great time!
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