Tuesday, March 20, 2012

aspiring wedding planners vidblog two

In the midst of my currently chaotic life {"I can't find my shoes!"  "did you pack my white shirt?!"  "we have no dishes!" --yep, can you guess-we are MOVING!}, I carved out time for this new video for you aspiring planners.
Cause you are worth it - and amazing - and, well, I had makeup on today! :D
enjoy lovlies!


Friday, March 16, 2012

turning five... and the heart of a mother.

I sat through church and couldn't stop the tears from flowing. And it wasn't the pretty tears either. It was the sobbing-choking-hiccuping kind of tears where all you want to do is crawl under the covers and hid in the dark while you cry your heart out. But there I was in a crowd of people, and it took everything in my willpower to hold back the tears as graciously as possible.
I just wanted to just sink through the floor because I knew.
I just knew.
I.was.pregnant.
It's terrible to admit, but I didn't want another baby. Rob and I started out parenthood young and naive. My selfish instinct wanted to be done after having two little girls.
But God had something so much better.
My pregnancy was long, and hard. I'm not the type of girl who enjoys being pregnant. {What the heck  is that?!} But as the days past, I fell in love with this little boy growing inside of me. I found glimpses of joy, and my perspective started changing.
Rylan came to us on St Pattys day 2007. My little Irish gift. I absolutely loved how he was born on a holiday that is one of my favs. :)
...and he has forever changed my life.
Rylan makes us laugh daily. His love for me is indescribable. His smiles lights up the room.
And he is my reminder-daily-that Gods will for us, is SO MUCH greater than we can ever think possible.
Happy Birthday, my baby boy. You make my heart explode with joy. I love you to the moon and back... X a million.


 xo
love, mommy.

Friday, March 9, 2012

love in the purest form.

Oh, how I adore love. Love that's pure and fresh. Unselfish and raw.
In the purest form.
Love is the heart of this business for me. I love what weddings hold; the essence of a man + woman coming together as one.
I love blessing my clients with a seamless day. A day where they don't have to worry about a thing.
A day filled with love.
As a planner, I'm constantly absorbed in wedding photography. Because of this, I have really been able to pin point my favorite ways a photographer captures love on the wedding day. So, when I see a photographer that absorbs that love to the fullest - I'm smitten.
This month, I'm 'over the moon - head over heels' happy to feature Miss Chelsey Paul. She is fabulous, fun, and has such an amazing eye for photography. I heart her, and am confident you will too!
oh, and ps. she doesn't only do weddings. yep, she does it all.... I may or may not be dreaming about wrapping her around my fingers for my next family shoot!! :D
Read on, friends and than... CALL HER!!


Give a brief description on your services:
I am a photographer, producer, and stylist! I photograph lovely weddings, portraits and lifestyle. I produce photoshoots, fashion shows, and campaigns for designers, companies, photographers and individuals wanting to strengthen their brands and ideas. I style for my clients as well as for other individuals and photoshoots.



Give your vision for this business:
I’ve never liked to just pick one thing, so early on I made the choice to do everything I love; to make them each something that I enjoy while providing something lovely, professional and time- less for my clients.



How long have you been doing this? 
5 years


How are you different from other photographers? What makes you stand apart?
Having the styling and production experience,  helps me to photograph in a way where my subjects are being portrayed at their best.


Talk to me about prices:
My portraits begin at $300.00 and weddings at $2,500.00


Does the client have all rights to the photos?
I do give the disc of edited images with every session, which allows my clients to make prints and share online (with proper credit). Anything that will be published needs to have my approval and images may not be manipulated in any way other than the way they were received.



What is the turn around time for the client to receive their images?
A feature on my blog happens within 1-2 days and clients receive their full online gallery in two to three weeks after their session/wedding.





Contact information: 
Chelsey Paul 
www.chelseypaul.com
info@chelseypaul.com 
612-743-9085 
on facebook and twitter

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

be you: steps to becoming a wedding planner

One of my most favorite shows is "The Middle". It's beyond hilarious, and I choose to think the reason behind that is because it is so real. It's like the writers are looking into my own home at times.
I just so relate.
Last week, I was talking to a friend about the show and she said "they are setting me free!"
and that hit me.
I love it when friends say something that lingers in my head, and I take that home with me and let it marinate. I think that a lot of people put on pretenses. We want to be perceived as the very best...the best planner, the best photographer, the best mom--whatever it is. At our core, we know that we're not, but desire that illusion to be there.
One thing that lays on my heart, is to help girls who want to be in the wedding industry. I get so many emails from girls who want this career.
And I remember.
I know what its like to be there; waiting, longing, and wondering "what is the next step? how do I get into this career?" And I long to help them - all of them.
So, this is my way. My first step towards one of my 2012 goals. I am starting a video blog for girls starting their planning business. Its not the most professional video, or the most professional planner.
But, it's me-being me.
And it's my way of setting us free from anything that holds us back from truly using our greatest assets.
Ourselves.


Always,
Liz

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine Proposal Shoot

When Jess emailed me about planning a proposal shoot, I almost fell out of my chair from excitement and joy! 
Literally. 
I think my reply was a million explanation points and smily faces. :D
You see, proposal planning is something that my heart longs to do more of, and to be able to truly capture the essence of how amazing these planned proposals can be-well, I was literally bursting with pure joy!
Executing this shoot with the vendors we hand selected seriously-blew me away. All of them were willing to go the extra mile, and most of them even endured the cold elements on the Saturday in January we selected. 
Since most proposals happen this time of year, we wanted the shoot to be valentine themed while showcasing how intimately beautiful a winter proposal can be. It all came together so seamlessly, and the venue we selected {Cindyrella Gardens} was the most perfect backdrop for it. 
I can't thank the vendors enough. You guys saw the vision, and executed it to perfection. I'm thankful to call you friends in this industry. YOU are people I'm honored to be standing next to.
Thank You.
And to our gorgeous models... Angel + Nik. Braving the cold with such grace and joy. You two blew me away. Your smiles never faded, and your energy was contagious. I send all my love to you as you continue to plan your most perfect wedding day. I can't wait to see the photos from Jess+Jeff! :)

Enjoy these photos that were featured on The Wedding Chicks last week.
The story unfolds with hand warmers, and ice skating...


A proposal surrounded by MN beauty
Pretty sure there is nothing like ice skating on a private pond with your fiancé.
An intimate space just for the two of them to warm up with some tea + desserts.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three of the cold beauties that executed to perfection:
Ashley, Christy, and Amanda
Myself and Angel--cold but happy!

And seriously-thank you so much to Jeff loves Jess Photography! 
You two. Gosh, I have nothing but love.

Have a beautiful heart day, friends! 
xo
e.

Photographer: Jeff Loves Jessica
Event Designer: Elizabeth Anne Weddings
Venue: Cindyrella Wedding Garden
Makeup: Julie Swenson
Hair: Julie Swenson
Cake: Cocoa & Fig
Flowers: Ashley Fox Designs
Stationery: redshoes26 design
Prop or Furniture Rentals: Lime CanaryVintage Rentals
Models: Angel Gunderson & Nik Rowell
Wardrobe: ModCloth

Monday, February 13, 2012

Featured: The Wedding Chicks

In honor of the most lovely of all days {valentines day, obviously}, tomorrow I will post thee most amazing styled valentine proposal shoot for you to feast your eyes on! Today though, I want to sing at the top of my lungs in excitement that it was featured on The Wedding Chicks last Friday! Did you happen to catch it? Check it out here if you did not! :)


Happy hearts and much joy,
Elizabeth Anne

Friday, February 3, 2012

videography at a whole new level.

Okay, okay, I admit it. If I got married all over again today, I don't know what path of inspiration I would choose. There is just so much beauty out there right now...its hard to narrow down for a girl!
I do know a few things that I would most definitely do. One would be this:
I would totally hire a professional videographer. a good one.
Granted, some videos are cheesy. But the good ones... well, they are worth the investment.
I have a lot of clients ask me if they should hire a videographer, and I say the same thing: If the film  captures the essence of your wedding day the way you remember it - and more- it is worth the investment. Wedding film is supposed to bring tears to your eyes, and goose-bumps. If its cheesy, you won't watch it, or be proud of it to showcase to your friends and family.
So, if you have that extra in your budget, hire the right videographer. It's not something you'll regret.

I met with Beau and Karen of emotion cinematography last month, and was immensely grateful for this connection. They are fun, and they love what they do! Plus, their work is amazing, and completely affordable! It's a complete win-win!

So, this month I am featuring this dynamic duo in my vendor highlight! Enjoy the little blog interview I had with this sweet couple:

                                                        eMotion cinematography 


Give a brief description on your services.  
We love to step away from the typical wedding video and create a unique, fresh, and entertaining recount of each couples wedding.

Give your vision for this business.  
It’s our endeavor to give a fresh perspective of a wedding film and to create a living memory that you look forward to watching for years to come.  

How long have you been doing this?  
We’ve been doing wedding films for 2 years now.

How are you different from other videographers? What makes you stand apart?  
For one thing we are a husband and wife team, which I think makes the bride and groom much more comfortable on their wedding day.  I know I’ve shot weddings before with another guy as a 2nd shooter and I can tell the difference of how the bridal party is more relaxed with a woman there.  We also are very low key and unobtrusive as we take in every detail of the day.  We’ve had many couples comment that they don’t even remember us being there but how amazed they were at their film and how we captured every special moment and detail throughout their day.  Growing up in a family business taught me that each customer is special and deserves to be treated that way.  So for every couple that we meet we make sure that they feel comfortable and well taken care of on their wedding day and the days leading up to it.

Talk to me about prices. 
Our packages start at $2000 and all of our packages include the 2 of us for the whole day, so we don’t look at our clocks and after 6 or 8 hours we’re gone, we want to make sure all of the special moments of your day are captured.  In the past we have even run a couple of special promotions that have made our prices even sweeter!  I know that most other videographers in our area that offer similar products start at $2500-3500, but at eMotion we’re really trying hard to make a wedding film something that is a reality for most brides.  It’s awesome to hear from a couple that they almost didn’t hire a videographer and then after receiving their film, it’s their favorite part of their entire wedding!

What is the average length of time it takes to complete a wedding video?  
This has always been important to us, I hear about couples having to wait 6-12 months to receive their video.  I never want that to be the case for one of our couples.  To make sure that our couple has to wait in as little time as possible, we have our editor, Mike.  He just does editing so we get your film back to you as soon as possible.  Most weddings films take about a month to complete.

eMotion Cinematography                                                                                                                        
Beau & Karen Leslie    
phone: 651-276-5741
lets be friends: eMotion Cinematography


Below is a sample of their work!


Cory + Bre @ The Enchanted Barn from eMotion Cinematography on Vimeo.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Real Wedding: Rachel + Kyle, Stillwater MN

When I think about these two, I seriously have tears in my eyes. That's super cheesy, but what can I say?
It's just...true.
Rachel found me on Brandon Werth's website, and I can't thank that man enough for it. When Rachel and I first met, I had a hard time choking back my tears. Her story is one of redemption, and God's complete love and grace when you hand over the reigns to Him, and simply - let go. It's a lesson we all learn in life, but one so utterly worth it.
Because when you do, amazing things happen.
Like Rachel + Kyle.
Their love story makes you remember once again, that dreams truly do come true.
And every girl deserves this kind of love.

Their sweet and FUN daughter! She is a joy!


This wedding touched my heart in so many, many ways. And to do it with Brandon Werth? Well, that was just icing on the cake. Brandon is a true artist, and he captures weddings in such an in-depth way, it makes you feel like you literally stepped back into it. I adore him, and have nothing but his praises to sing. Thank you, Brandon!!

To Rachel and Kyle, oh you guys. Simply put-thank you.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.
Thank you to your families for being so completely and utterly amazing, welcoming, and loving.
Your wedding is imprinted in my heart-may the Lord's love and grace flow into your marriage forever.

All my love,
Liz

oh the amazing vendors - I cannot dote your praises enough!!!

Wedding coordination + planning: Elizabeth Anne Weddings
Photography: Brandon Wearth
Venue: Historical Courthouse of Stillwater
Catering: Lake Elmo Catering {they are some of the sweetest people you have met!}
Floral: Munster Rose {breathtaking + amazing rolled into one!}
Desserts: Cocoa and Fig {if the photos don't say enough, the taste is even more amazing. yes, even more!}
Band: Caleb Hawley {side note: this is Rachel's brother and he also was on American Idol! He is hilarious, and super talented!!}
Hair: Smart + Chic {always a win!}
Table Linens: BBJ linens
Photobooth: Little Black Booth

Twitter