Together In Style.tv and a new blog

I am excited to post that I have taken over as the official host of www.togetherinstyle.tv. My blog here will soon be inactive as I have a new journal that is live at Together In Style now. We have been updating the site with many new shows and a lot of new content. The new TIS will have many new capabilities features to offer and we are starting segments on home entertaining and how sexy the concept of togetherness is. Thank you for your support in following this blog, and I hope to see you at our new, already live blog, at www.togetherinstyle.tv.

Creativity From Cover to Cover

Wedding books and albums can offer a world of creativity inside, but what about the exterior of your most precious book? It seems that most photographers, and album companies for that matter, offer the basics. Black, Brown, White, Grey, etc... but if you are a bride that enjoys fashion, then you are probably finding yourself a little board when you visit photographers and go through sample albums.

Just as designer handbags, shoes, and clothing have a special place in your heart, your wedding book should be no exception. Books by a new designer book crafting company called LuxArt Books takes wedding albums and books to new heights by creating one of a kind collections with fine leathers and hides in just about any color and design imaginable. Platinum Crocodile, Pink Alligator, Chocolate Brown Ostrich, and a world of other originals make these books a cut above. Your book can be designed with your personality in mind. Design your cover to match your color scheme, your home decor, or your even favorite handbag. Whatever your tastes, your book cover should compliment the photography inside making your book a work of art from start to finish.

If you aren't seeing creativity on this level, ask for LuxArt Books by name to your photographer.

Photography|Motion Picture Fusion

There is a new way to capture and view the world on the horizon that is quickly becoming the buzz around the wedding industry. Canon and Nikon recently introduced new hybrid cameras that capture both still photography and motion picture all from the very same system. This new advancement in photography will no doubt change the product offering of studios around the world if they haven't already. Early adopters of this new medium are giving rave reviews.

While much has been upgraded on the still photography front as well, the video being captured by these state of the art systems offer dramatically more detail than current HD video cameras and Canon's newest camera even captures in full 35mm 1080p. There are a few unanswered questions that couples will have about this technology and since I have first hand experience, I thought I would share a little insight...

Will this allow couples to replace the cost of videography?
The answer to that is clearly no. Having worked with the systems I can say without question that one photographer simply cannot capture both video and still photographs at the same time. While in theory it can be done, in the real world working environment of fast paced weddings, trying to do both will end in something being missed. Whether you hire a photographer or video company with this technology or not, it is imperative that you make sure that there is a person dedicated to motion picture and a second person dedicated to still photography.

Is this new hybrid concept better?
Better in some ways, yes. However different is a more accurate word to describe what can be done. These systems are smaller than current HDV or HD cameras allowing artists to work even more unobtrusively than ever before. They can also capture more detailed video in lower light conditions that any other HD cameras on the market making them perfect for weddings. The look of the footage is sharper and the color renderings are far superior as well. Compliment all of this with every lens Canon and Nikon makes being able to mounted onto the camera and new worlds open up for visual artists.

There are a few drawbacks in sound production. While the sound on the cameras is very good, as of this date, they are lacking the ability to mix sound from multiple microphones. This is useful in many areas of videography, but certainly not a must. What really matters is that you like what you see and hear when you are interviewing potential video artists. However, I must suggest that you seek out videographers or still photographers that are utilizing these new cameras to see for yourself because the image quality is so superior.

What are the options for my wedding?
Many photographers I have talked to have plans to blend a few motion picture clips into a slideshow along with their still photographs with this new technology at an attractive price point. Videographers we have spoken with are considering the cameras for key moments such as low light situations but will blend this footage with their current HD or HDV cameras to offer couples the best of both worlds. The door is now wide open and each company will likely use this their own way. Therefore I wouldn't dare compare based on price at all, but rather how each company uses the technology to it's full potential. There will be a wide range of products and options available for weddings. What matters is that you learn, know, and understand what each company is capable of before making a decision.

In Closing...
Keep an open mind right now when it comes to the fusion of motion picture and stills. It will take some time before professionals can wrap their heads and hands around what products couples get excited about. However, based on what we are seeing first hand, I have to suggest that you at least ask about this new technology and plan on seeing the difference for yourself. While video is often an afterthought, you might want to take a strong look again, because video is just about to be stepped up to big screen qualities that radiate art and style.

Imagine having a documentary so visually powerful that you and your friends experience a wow factor. In the right hands this new technology will offer just that. Plus.. you can take it with you on your phone everywhere you go, stream it on the web, and much much more. Now how cool is that?

wedding veils

Today so many brides are exposed to amazing bridal fashion. Bridal veils are a symbol of that final touch to complete the brides wedding attire. So many brides are undecided if they want a veil at all. My thought is go for it! I love seeing a bride with a wedding veil! So many of my brides say to me when I am photographing their weddings, is that when they put the veil on they really felt like a bride. You have so many choices today when it comes to veils. I happen to love the French veil or you may know of them as bird cage veils as you see in the photograph. They have a classic yet fashionable look to them, they remind me of Vintage Hollywood. Here are some things to think about when choosing your veil. If you want to have a cathedral length veil ask about a veil bustle. This way when you walk down the isle it looks stunning and when you are dancing it is out of the way. Many brides choose to have a veil for the ceremony but want to take it off for the reception. That is a great idea and you will be very comfortable. If this idea sounds good, you may want to consider hair jewelry to add some sparkle to your hair style. One more thing, make sure you have a person dedicated to helping you with your veil take off. The person you choose should talk to your hair stylist to know exactly how to take it off with out ruining your beautiful hairstyle. If you are going to keep it on all night and love wearing it, great. You may want to consider practicing your fist dance with your veil on before the wedding. I know that when I got married my veil added a few inches on me so when my husband twirled me it was nice to know he was prepared and I didn't get clocked in the head. It sounds silly but it is true!

Sex And The City

I was just on Radio with a Twist talking about the big new movie Sex In The City. I had a great time talking with the hosts about party ideas and how to create the best Sex And The City party. We all had a blast coming up with great ideas. This is a great theme for a bachelorette! Some of the theme ideas would make a fun day of sex and the city or just have a few hours of fun!

Pedicures and Shoe shopping is a great Carrie style of hanging out with the ladies. This would be great fun to do with your bridesmaids and maybe even select the shoes for the wedding.

How about a personal photo shoot just like the ladies from Sex In The City. We all see the advertisements on tv, billboards, and magazines. All of the ladies are wearing the same color just all different dresses. As women I think we love the idea of relationships and seeing the ladies together as it makes you think of your own friendships. Have your bridesmaid's dress up in their favorite sexy dress. (same color for everyone) Hair, Make up and HOT high heals are a must. Have fun and create an amazing photo with your friends just like the ladies in Sex and The City.

Pajama Party , grab the DVD box set invite your friends over in their PJ and High Heals to watch the episodes. Serve NYC style of food and for cocktails,  a Cosmopolitan is a great choice, but if you are looking for something not so pink try a Manhattan.

Last but not least... Go See The MOVIE Sex And The City. Rent a limo go to a fabulous chic restaurant and bar then go see the movie. You will not only have fun with your girlfriends but they will think it is a fun and fabulous party idea. Love and live the glamorous lifestyle for a day with all your best girlfriends. Cheers!

Destination Wedding DO's

Destination weddings are so special. They are all so very different, from two people sharing an intimate experience to a gala event. Anyway you decide on... it's always a treat! I was just recently in Antigua at a resort called Curtain bluff. It was amazing!! I met a few couples while filming for Together In Style. A few of the couples were taking a honeymoon and one of the couples got married at the resort. We had great conversations together. While I was there I was thinking about do's and don't that sometimes get over looked. Here are some tips and advice to help you enjoy your destination wedding and honeymoon!

Make sure to work with a travel planner. Today so many of us use the internet to make basic flight and travel arrangements. For your destination wedding or honeymoon a travel professional that you can personally talk to is a must. They will be a great help to get you the best rates and let you know all about the destination you are looking for. It is a total misconception that is cost more when doing business with people instead of a website. You still pay fees no matter what. The great part of working with a travel planner is that your guests at the event can have a simple solution for making travel arrangements. This way you know first hand that your guest are going to have a great experience getting to and from your wedding. This is the dream vacation and you want it to be perfect!

Do hire a professional photographer that you are familiar with. This one of the most important moments in your life! Pictures of the moments, people and place will bring you back in time as each year that passes. Many resorts have packages that include photography with a certain number of photos in a book. Every book looks the same filled with the same poses just different people. You will regret not having something special and photos that when you look at them you connect with he people in the photograph. My advise is t hire someone that you can personally meet after the wedding. Photographers services are not only the day of. Most of the final work is done when you are picking out your photos after the wedding. Honeymoons count too! The couples I met at the resort said how they would have love to hire a photographer to do a photo shoot on the beach at sunset to remember the moments. They just did not think about it until it was too late! Thankfully we had our cameras and we able to hook them up with great pictures! The photography is so important and will great effect the way you remember things!

Send out save the dates well in advance for your destination wedding. People love to know well in advance to plan. Guests may have to take off from work, save up, child care, a new dress... you never know. It is also smart in your invitation to let your family and friends know about all of the events happening during the wedding weekend, local hot spots and maybe other hotel options if they are available. Also let your guest know about dress codes. Your invitations and save the dates are the first impression that our guests are going to have for the event so theme them to your style of wedding!

Remember the essentials... Sunscreen!!! No one likes to be burnt and snuggling with someone else. Keep yourself comfy! Speaking of that bring sneakers, you may want to be adventurous on your holiday. Hikes, para sailing, horseback riding might appeal to you so be prepared!

Finally have fun!!! This should be the best time! Enjoy yourself, love your resort, and work with professionals who will make sure your dreams come true!

Every Wedding Is A Story

Wedding videos can be fascinating to watch. It's true. When it's done right, it can easily become a prized possession for couples that moves them to tears, makes them laugh, and brings them home to the moments that matter most.

Brett Culp is one of the nations most awarded video artists for weddings and events. I get the opportunity to work with Brett several times per year, and it is always a pleasure. He also has a great way of telling it like it is and has an in depth understanding of just how important documenting your life is. He shared this article he wrote with me, and I am in turn sharing it with you. Below he shares a great perspective with us in his article "Every Wedding Is A Story". I hope you enjoy it....

Every wedding tells a story. As you build your guest list, choose your colors, pick out a dress and envision your décor, you are writing a story. The family members and friends are your cast of characters. Your ceremony and reception locations are the setting. The bridesmaid’s dresses and tuxedos are the costumes.

But the heart of the story is you. You are celebrating a relationship that has blossomed from affection into passion, from a first date into a lifelong commitment. The most successful weddings express the personality and style of the bride and groom, telling the story of their relationship in a unique way.

The reality of a wedding, however, is that the story goes by so fast that it’s impossible to fully take it in. The day becomes a memory before you can truly cherish the experience. That’s what makes a wedding video so valuable. The power of video is its ability to capture those moments in a way that allows you to experience it forever.

Video can capture so many aspects of your wedding story. Your mother’s reaction when you zip your wedding dress. The movement of your steps as you walk down the aisle. The tenderness in your partner’s voice as they speak their vows. The graceful motion of your first dance. The blessings your friends and family share in their toasts. The energy of the dance floor as you celebrate this new phase of your life.

A well-produced wedding video is like a time machine. It can transport you back to places, people and events that have long since passed. You can relive the emotional experience of one of the best days of your life while savoring the details and intricacies of the story you spent countless hours planning and dreaming of.

Current technology now allows our team at The CVP Experience to produce “wedding films” that are comparable with the quality and emotional impact of major motion pictures. Low-light capabilities of the newest high-definition video cameras allow filming without obtrusive additional lighting. There is no posing, staging, or interacting. At many weddings, the majority of the guests don’t even know we were there.

The possibilities to share your day with video are endless. Our team often edits a four minute Highlights video as the day progresses, and our clients show it on a big screen during the dinner reception or as a finale to the evening. This Highlights video can then be shared with friends and family around the world via the Internet before the last dance even begins. Your cell phone or iPod can then carry your wedding story everywhere you go, allowing you to share your wedding anytime.

Your story can be enhanced with look-back interviews of your memories, filmed a few weeks after the wedding day. This adds a “Director’s Commentary” to your video, making it a journal of your favorite moments from the wedding.

Capturing your wedding story through video keeps you connected to the memories and people that matter most. Video allows you to celebrate and embrace the story of your life.

Since entering the field in 1998, Brett Culp of The CVP Experience has become one of the most respected event video producers in the nation capturing many of the top wedding and luxury events in the world. Brett is the personal videographer for celebrities, dignitaries, professional athletes, best-selling authors and rock stars and his award-winning work is frequently featured on national television broadcasts.

In total, Brett has won twenty-four prestigious WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Association) awards, winning more than any other company in the world over the past six years. www.BrettCulp.com