Just to get you started thinking, here’s the best marriage proposal ever!!

That should get your creative juices flowing fellas!!

This is your job!!

Proposing falls on you guys.  Sure, there are lots of women that propose to their hubbys, but don’t let her one-up you.  You’ve seen the YouTube videos (search “best marriage proposal” and you’ll get lots of inspiration)  Also, if you have any friends who are married, find out how they did it.  I once heard about a police officer having his fiance pulled over on her way home from work.  (your tax dollars at work).   He filmed the whole thing using the police cam on the cop car.  Then, he shows up on the scene and proposes amongst his friends and co-workers. Very nice indeed!

So, how are you going to pop the question?

• To begin with, ignore the traditional, “Hollywood” locations for proposals. You have probably seen all sorts of candlelit dinner proposals and stadium scoreboard proposals in films and on television. And, while these are not necessarily bad places to propose, it is important for you to remember that the largest necessity is to propose in a setting that is special to you and your prospective fiancé.   What do you two like to do together?  What are you both passionate about?  What common thing drew you together?  Start thinking about why you to are made for each other and work that into your proposal.  I once shot a wedding for a couple who loved the University of South Carolina.  They met there, fell in love there and it was their alma mater.  So, when he proposed, he had the USC mascot show up on the scene as he proposed in the empty football stadium on the 50-yard-line.

• Now, here’s where I come in:  When you are going to propose, please consider having me shoot your engagement (if you’re in Colorado). So, how do you go about it and not raise too many suspicions?  Once you’ve planned your day there are a couple of ways to get away with having a professional photographer around.  You could set it up as a “couple’s session” and then propose during the session after saying the secret keyword that let’s me know it is happening.  Or, for an extra measure of sneakiness, you could have me shooting it at a distance with my long lens, then after it is done I can come in and begin your engagement session.  Just remember, these photos will be priceless for you and for your family.  Imagine a time where you have kids or grandkids and they say, “Daddy, how did you propose to Mommy?”

• Last, and certainly not least, be sure to give some serious thought to the engagement ring you pick out for your fiancé!  While it does fall under the category of “material,” this is an extremely important part of your proposal. Spend some time browsing stores like 77-Diamonds in order to find a design that fits both your taste and your budget.  One thing to remember about the engagement ring and ultimately her wedding ring.  She is going to show it off to the world.   There simply is nothing better than having your lady bragging about your proposal to all of her friends and family.  You quickly obtain superhero status and you can proudly wear a big “S” on your shirt.  Seriously, don’t just assume in advance that a basic diamond ring will do the trick – you may be surprised at how many different design options are actually available to you as a consumer.  There are different setting, precious metals and cuts that will make her feel so special and loved.

You might have noticed that we work all over the country now capturing couples on the biggest day of their lives.  We would love to speak with you about photographing your wedding as well.  Don’t be put off by our center of the country address.  We travel anywhere in the U.S. to deliver our photojournalistic style to couples.  Please contact us to set up a time for a Skype meeting to discuss your wedding plans.

Here are some of our favorite shots from the weddings we have captured at Boone Hall over the years.

As you can see by Amanda’s smile, she was having the best day of her life.  She was so radiant and beautiful.   Check out some of our favorite shots from their wedding!

Price:
Date: April 27, 2012

The BUSINESS AND ARTISTRY of WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

DATES:  April 27 & 28

TIME:  10:30 am – 9:00pm (The workshop schedule is determined by changing lighting situations for the best possible learning environment)

CLASS CAPACITY:

During this two-day workshop, you will spend time with Bill and Kelli Nixon, from Kelli Nixon Photography, out of Denver, CO.  Our Workshop is a hands-on, participatory, small group setting, providing you with the information, resources and skills you will need to run a successful wedding photography business.  You’ll be providing your clients with beautiful wedding images they will treasure over their lifetime.  We’ll teach you from our experience shooting over 350 weddings.  Over the past seven years, we’ve refined our skills and processes, allowing us more freedom and time to enjoy family while having a highly profitable, and FUN business together!

You will leave this workshop with a huge advantage over the ever-growing competition in this industry.  We will teach you business management practices and shooting skills in a fun, relaxed, hands-on atmosphere.

Here’s some of what we will cover:

BUSINESS KNOW-HOW:

• getting started
• how to (and not to) price your service
• equipment lists
• computers and software
• backups and storage
• correspondence & contracts
• interviewing with the bride and groom
• post-production workflow – Lightroom
• delivering the product
• storing images long-term
• finding your ideal wedding clients

THE BIG DAY:

• wedding day start to finish
• anticipate the moments and capture them as they happen
• stress-free group portraits
• creating art with the bride and groom
• getting the shot – in-camera so that you don’t have to use Photoshop in post-production
• how to ROCK the reception
• working with other vendors
• making the light work for you in ANY situation

INCLUDES:  Class time, on-location shooting with models, workshop booklet, snacks and drinks, lunch both days, our contracts and correspondence, and a copy of our favorite photography book.

WHAT TO BRING:  A way to take notes, your DSLR camera with batteries charged, flash(es), memory card, at least one lens (more if you have them) and a willingness to learn.

WHAT ABOUT DINNER?  We will go to Chipotle on Harbison Blvd for dinner.  Plus, there’s a Starbucks right next door.

PREREQUISITES: A basic, working knowledge of your camera.

** Bill has shot with all brands of cameras and can quickly figure out almost any setting that you need.  Kelli has an extensive knowledge of Nikon equipment.  So bring any brand DSLR that you intend to shoot with and we can help.

• Lisa and Casey – Cielo Wedding
• Caitlin and Seth – Cielo Wedding

Cielo is only part of the reason we’re excited.  Lindsay and Chad are the biggest part.  They are two beautiful people, inside and out.  They have been together for eight years their love for one another is simply beautiful.  The way they interact and laugh is so refreshing.

At the session, they brought their dog, Reggie.  He is such a sweet guy.  Check out a few of our favorite photos from their engagement session and stay tuned (for several months) for their wedding coming up this Summer.

In a browser, copy and paste this link:  http://pinterest.com/source/kellinixon.com  Remove the “kellinixon.com” part and replace it with your own URL.  That’s it.  It is super simple to see who is pinning your wedding photos on the site.

p.s. Don’t be sad to see very few.  As of this post, we only have a few pins.  We need to increase those numbers, so start pinning us!

After the wedding, the couple made their way to the Soiled Dove Underground where the staff transformed a concert venue into a reception hall.

Caitlin used mushrooms in her bouquet and centerpieces, rocking the details.  The dessert table was over-the-top with more sweets than we’ve ever seen.

Limo Service

This is the third or fourth time we’ve gotten to work with AR Limo.  They are fantastic.  Great service and even better cars.  This time they brought a super-rare ’36 White Bus.  Superb.

Check out some of our favorite wedding photos from the day.