PHOTO OPS

What a fabulous find! Here is a way for you to find an award winning photographer, with a sample of their work all in one place! The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers is a wonderful resource to find a reputable photographer, look at their work and read reviews from clients and other photographers. This is just a small glimpse of some of the winter 2008 winners of the photography contest. Now, these are not the only great photographers out there! But, for those of you having trouble finding the right fit, this is a wonderful place to go. It's fun just to look at all of these amazing images too! Thanks to Joe Milton for turning me on tho this great resource! And, congratulations to the winners- I wish I could show all of you here.

Getting Ready: Photo Courtesy Scott and Tem Juarez of Dallas Texas

First Dance and Emotional Impact: Photo Courtesy Carl Bower of Washington, DC

Reception- Not Dancing: Photo Courtesy Green Door Photography of Missoula, Montana

Decisive Moment: Photo courtesy Arguedas Photography of Boston, Mass.

Candid Portrait: Photo courtesy KB Image Photo of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

PINGG MARTHA STEWART

Did you know that now you can send beautiful invitations through cyber space designed by Martha Stewart? There is a new on line service that allows you to do just that- and they are lovely! It's called PINGG and you can send invitations or ecards with a "Martha" touch. You can also get expert advice from Martha on entertaining. So, now get to PINGG and get started planning your next bridal shower, baby shower or your first backyard party of the summer season. I just love the collection- and you will too!

PINK TEA FOR THE CURE

Miss Jane is a dynamo and an amazing human being! Last weekend she had her second annual Pink Tea for the Susan G Koman Foundation for breast cancer. All of the little lovelies she teaches ballet and tap to took a break from practising for the recital and came dressed in their finest. We shared tea and treats. Both studios were decorated and there was a wonderful raffle with great donations from local business. There was even a fashion show for all the little girls. Here are some photos- and, yes, that is Miss Jane in the pretty pink hat. Of course, my little lovely was there with her Nanny.

WHIMSY ON A BUDGET

Are you looking for a clever, yet budget savvy way to do your out of town gift bags, your favors, even your gifts to your wedding party? Well, look no further! Cardstix has the answers and you are going to love what you find! What a fabulous idea! You pick from the whimsical designs, add your own words and your wedding colors- and Voila!, the perfect little sticky label. These are so cute and really different, plus they are inexpensive. So, what are you waiting for? Go to Cardstix and find out where you can buy them or just order them on line and you can cross one more thing off of your list!

SEASIDE SAVE THE DATES

Here's one for all of you Ben and Jerry's fans! A Save the Date made to mimic a Ben and Jerry's ice cream lid! How much fun is this to send out to announce your upcoming nuptials at the beach? This adorable little disk with lighthouses in the background is the perfect thing to set the tone for your seaside wedding!! I also like this simple and different invitation that carries the same color scheme and the feel of the sea-- and fun! You can find these little gems from Linda and Harriett's in stores and on line. It's a tiny company with some big ideas and some things I haven't seen anywhere else. It's worth checking into. Go to Linda and Harriett's site and find out where you can buy these in your city!

These cute little pins made from "mistakes" and hand constructed are a great little touch. Use them instead of a bow on your bridesmaids gifts, as a favor for a bridal shower or just for something fun to wear at your rehearsal dinner! What a great idea! Have fun shopping for Linda and Harriett's clever paper goodies!

TODD FRANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

The first time I got a photo from Todd I was blown away! I had never worked with him, but he sent me some samples and a price list. I could not wait to see more. His style is very personal and his photos are stunning. You can tell how much fun these couples are having with him. Finding a photographer takes more than just looking at great pictures. There are plenty of great talents out there who know how to take those. Finding a photographer that you "click" with is just as important. In Todd, you will find both!

Photos Courtesy of Todd France Photography

DO ME A FAVOR

To do favors or not to do favors? If you are asking yourself this question and tired of the same old favor ideas that no one really wants, then check out Products With Personality. These favors are so cute and you are sure to find a favor that fits your wedding theme. I chose these three favors to showcase some of the clever ways you can show your guests you thought about them on your wedding day. Butterflies that dress up your tables are also filled with wildflower seeds for your guests to take home and scatter in the yard. Or, these little lanterns, perfect for an outdoor wedding. You can bring light to the evenng and your guests can enjoy them all summer on the patio.

If you are planning an eco- friendly wedding, try these, and many others, that will be a lasting and lovely memory for your guests. I love these little boxes. They are organic and can be filled with anything- organic or otherwise! Another idea for seeds are these personalized bags of seeds.

Whatever your wedding theme, you will have plenty of ideas to choose from at PWP! It's a great place to go "surfing" for ideas! Thanks to Sarah for turning me on to this site and for sharing this wonderful little company!