MiaS Photo LLC

Ways to Work Within Your Wedding Budget

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

As promised here are my expert tips on how to stay within your budget while still having a fabulous wedding…

Budget – Start with what you can afford. Find a total number that all paying parties can work with. Prioritize your budget. Talk about what you absolutely need for your wedding, what you are willing to live without, and what you could cut if it really came down to it.

Select a Date – Be flexible with your date. Many couples decide to move their original date in order to have the venues they really want. Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays do offer the possibility of discounts but not on everything. To really save money stay away from holidays and holiday weekends (Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Labor Day, Sweetest Day, New Years Eve, Mother’s Day, College Graduation weekends, Super Bowl, etc). Not only will different vendors charge more for these days, your guests will spend a lot more in travel costs such as hotels and flights.

Investment vs. Expense – There are certain aspects of your wedding that will be gone by the end of the day; Things that you do not get to keep. This includes food and drink, the venue, music, fresh flowers, decorations, transportation. These are considered Expenses. When couples are looking to save money much of it is done with expenses. Look for items that make an impact on your day but not your wallet.

Items that you will keep long after the wedding day are Investments. Investments include your wedding gown, rings, videography, and photography. Make sure that the investments are items you love and are of high quality. These are things that you shouldn’t feel bad about spending a little more on because you will have them forever.

Bridal Shows – You can get all of your wedding planning done in one or two days (saving you time and money). Some of the vendors will give special offers to couples who book at the show. If you really love their quality and style take advantage of special offers rather than waiting to book later.

Photography – Photography is an investment and an art. It is the only thing that you will take away from your day that will showcase every moment and detail of your wedding day. Each photographer is an artist. Make sure you love the photographer’s style before you meet with them. If you like their personality and love their quality of work then book them. This is one area where you may spend a little more than you originally planned. After the wedding is done and you see your photos you will be glad you did.

Flowers –When going with real flowers you have to be flexible with what you want and what is in season around the time of your wedding. If not, you can expect to pay a lot more. A good florist will be able to suggest other floral combinations that are more in your budget too. If you want to keep your flowers or if you really want the out of season flowers look at “real touch” flowers. They are very similar in price to fresh flowers and are always in season.

Open Bar – This is one area where the bill can get out of control in a mater of minutes. If you decide to do an open bar think about limiting the drinks that are “on the house” or how long the bar is open. Some couples order a keg or two of specific beers ahead of time and just those beers are free for guests until they are gone. Other couples only offer the bride and grooms favorite cocktail complimentary. Some couples only have open bar for the hour or two before dinner.

Favors/Table Decorations – This is an area where DIY projects can cut down on cost. The most creative of couples are combining table decorations and favors. Let’s say you are planning a green wedding. Your table decorations may include potted plants. Make an announcement that the decorations can be taken home. Many couples are taking favors out of the budget all together so that they can spend it elsewhere in their budget.

**Before taking on a DIY project make sure you have the time and patience to do it. If craft projects are not your thing a DIY wedding project may feel like torture after the 10th one.

These origami cranes were handmade by the bride's mother. For this couple it was a great way to tie the bride's heritage into their simple and modern theme.

Cake – Order a small cake for everyone to see and sheet cakes for everyone to eat. The sheet cakes stay in the kitchen until they are cut and ready to serve.

Other ways to trim your budget…

Do a cocktail party instead of a sit down dinner. In order to make this work your ceremony needs to be later in the day/evening with the party immediately following. Your invitations also need to say something like, join us for cocktails following the ceremony, so that guests do not come ready for a meal.

A Morning Ceremony and Luncheon. The luncheon could be done indoors or out with light foods and ice tea and champagne. For entertainment think about hiring a string quartet for a few hours. Again, this does need to be spelled out in your invitations so that guests are not expecting an all day event.

Trim your guest list – Compile a guest list of everyone and anyone you would like to invite and then start trimming from there.

Destination Wedding - This doesn't have to be Las Vegas or Mexico. If you live in Chicago, think about doing your wedding in Milwaukee where the average wedding cost is considerably less. If you go to Madeline Island every year for vacation or if a specific place is special to you as a couple look at having your wedding there.

My hopes are that this list helps you find ways to stay within your wedding budget. For specific information on any of the ideas here feel free to contact me. I am always happy to help.

Bridal Show Tips

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Through my years of attending bridal shows as an exhibitor, a bride, and bridesmaid I have compiled a list of Bridal Show Tips that I have found to be very helpful.

Week(s) Before The Show

Do your homework. Are you looking for a photographer, cake, tux, caterer, flowers? Look at information online about each to find out what you do and don't like and to get a general idea of how much each will cost.

Discuss your budget. Decide what you cannot live without (a specific gown designer, awesome photography, silk flowers, specific venue, etc), what you are willing to spend more on if needed, what are you willing to spend less on (favors, open bar all night, transportation, rehearsal dinner, etc) or what you are willing to cut from the budget entirely.

Look for my post later this week about budget saving tips.

Day of Show

Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
Only bring people with you who are part of the decision making process (ie. people who are paying for the wedding). Additional friends and family are great for getting opinions on different things but having too many people with you can get overwhelming.
Bring paper and pen for notes on exhibitors, things that interest you, and for ideas you may pick up along the way.
Bring your checkbook. Not all of the exhibitors accept credit card. If you decide to book at the show you will need to put money down. (Some exhibitors will offer a special if you book at the show.)
Only pick up information from the exhibitors that you are most interested in. Bringing home brochures from 10 different photographers will make it that much harder to remember which one(s) you actually talked to, which one had the style of photography you liked best, and which one you thought was awesome enough to trust with your wedding photography.
Allow as much time as possible to spend at the show.
For serious shopping, it is best to revisit booths during one of the fashion shows. Aisles tend to be less congested, allowing for quality time with the vendors.
Take a break if you are feeling tired or overwhelmed. Rest and refuel. Look over your gathered information, and discuss interesting things you want to look at again.

After The Show

Go home and view the information collected.
Follow up with vendors you are interested in. Come back to the show on Sunday to finalize decisions.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself throughout the planning process! Your primary goal is to get married; everything else is secondary.

Check back tomorrow for budget saving tips.

Engaged | Winter Bridal Show

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

We are going to be at the Engaged Winter Bridal Show January 21 & 22. Be sure to put this show on your calendar.

I am really excited about the featured guest this year - David Tutera! He is an award winning and highly sought after celebrity wedding and event planner. Be sure to check out his website. [www.davidtutera.com]

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

May the Christmas season

fill your home with joy,

your heart with love,

and your life with laughter.

Merry Christmas from MiaS Photo LLC

MiaS Photo is closed through January 2nd. I will return all emails and voicemails on January 3rd.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

iPhone

Photo courtesy of Apple

My iPhone has made being an single member business owner, mother, and wife much easier. Everything I need to keep my business and personal life in line and on task is on my phone. If you want to control your computer with your iPhone, there is an app for that. You want to keep track of your baby's schedule - like how often you change your baby's diaper, feed your baby, or the time and length of baby's nap - there is an app for that. Want to keep track of your workouts (including distance ran, length of workout, calories burned) and have them synced to your favorite music? There's an app for that. Apple isn't kidding. Seriously, there is an app for pretty much everything you can think of. I can even read some of my magazine subscriptions on my phone now too! I seriously don't know what I did without it.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Bandolino

Zazie pumps

First of all, these are 1 of my 3 my all time favorite dress shoes. I love these shoes for 3 reasons...

1. The heal height is super comfortable, even while pregnant.

2. They have a pointy toe so that they stick out perfectly from underneath my flared leg pants without making me look like I am wearing witch shoes and without making my foot look longer than it already is.

3. They have a superb cushioned foot bed which makes them extremely comfortable walk around in all day (even while pregnant). If you are on your feet a lot for work but still need a nice dress shoe these are the perfect shoe!

I found mine at Boston Store. I have also seen them online at Macy's, Zappos, Amazon, and Piperlime.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Homemade Body Scrub

I found this recipe a year ago and absolutely love it. It is simple to make, has a decent shelf life, and is easy to alter.

2 parts coarse sugar or sea salt

1 part oil (olive, almond, baby, etc)

a few drops of your favorite essential oil

The coarseness of the sugar or salt is up to you and your skin's sensitivity. I went to the grocery store and picked up a container of coarse natural sugar. Olive oil works best as it really soaks into your skin. Get the extra virgin olive oil which doesn't have a strong scent. I have also tried using the Bath & Body Works massage oil. It leaves a nice scent without adding the essential oil, but doesn't hydrate your skin like the olive oil. Hobby Lobby and Michael's craft stores carry essential oils or you can find them online. Slowly add the essential oil as some are stronger than others.

Then put the mixture in shower safe container. I am not sure of the exact shelf life as I typically make a small batch that lasts a couple months. The mixture will start to separate if it sits a while which is fine. Just mix it up.

This makes a great last minute and inexpensive gift for your girlfriends or a hostess gift too.

There are other recipes that substitute coffee grounds for the sugar/salt. However, these get moldy and runny after a week or two.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Kessler's Diamonds

When my husband and I went ring shopping 6 years ago we went to quite a few different jewelry stores. Everything from the mall to stand alone businesses. After going into Kessler's in Menomonee Falls and talking with a sales woman and then sitting down to look at rings we knew we would be purchasing our rings from Kessler's. Before I was allowed to seriously look she pulled my husband aside and discussed his budget. This way I didn't fall in love with a ring that he could never afford. Then, she showed me a few rings to get an idea of what I liked, showed us what to look for in a diamond, and what affects the price of the diamond. After that she came back with a small tray of rings in the styles I liked. I narrowed them down and kept only my 1 or 2 favorites. We did this until I had 3 absolute favorite rings. I then narrowed it down to 2 and let my husband decide from there, as I wanted the final ring to be a surprise.

After 6 years I am still extremely happy that we chose Kessler's Diamonds as our jeweler. They have a "Miraculous Warranty" which is exactly as it states...

Photo courtesy of Kessler's Diamonds

I had to have my center stone reset twice because I kept getting it caught on everything from the dishwasher handle to my child's diapers. ALL of the work was completely free and they even lowered the stone, per my request, so that I wouldn't have to worry about getting it caught again! Anywhere else, I would have had to pay a few hundred dollars each time. I was truly amazed!

If you are getting engaged over the Christmas and New Year holidays you HAVE to check out Kessler's Diamonds. You will be glad you did!

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Scoop deVille - Hartford

Scoop deVille is an old fashioned ice cream and malt shop in downtown Hartford.

Over the past couple years I have taken a few bridal parties and engaged couples to Scoop deVille for a lighthearted and playful setting for their photos. One of the gentlemen who works there looks like an original to the shop. All of my couples ask him to pose in their photos with them and he happily does.

My family and I love going here as a special treat on a Sunday. If you are looking for a unique experience be sure to stop by Scoop deVille in Hartford.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Carpe Diem Hair Studio

Photo courtesy of Carpe Diem Hair Studio

After years of driving by and "planning" on making an appointment I finally did.

Brittney did a fantastic job of reviving my worn out hair cut and even gave me new ideas and tips on how to style it. I was so happy I set up my next appointment before leaving that day.

Many of my West Bend brides use Carpe Diem and their hair always looks stylish and their do's stay put all day long. I highly recommend them for your bridal hair as well as your regular salon.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Pinhole Press

I found Pinhole Press at a photography convention last year and have fallen in love with their products and quality. They offer the best consumer accessible press printed books, cards, stationary, labels, and more. Their calendars books, and magnets make for awesome Christmas gifts, and their stationary and cards are perfect for holiday greetings as well as personalized thank you notes.

Here are a few of my favorites:

photos courtesy of Pinhole Press

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Soul Source

Prenatal Yoga

I did prenatal yoga with my first pregnancy and completely swear by it for an enjoyable, healthy, and energetic pregnancy as well as an easier birthing experience. These weekly classes helped me learn how to breath correctly, build the muscles needed for giving birth, as well as taught me many different active labor positions that can both alleviate birthing pain and help the process along. I had such a great experience during my first pregnancy that now with my second I find the prenatal yoga classes to be as important as going to the doctor.

Jennifer Martin, owner and certified prenatal instructor, is so awesome and makes you feel great, totally relaxed, and renewed. She offers a full line of yoga classes, not just prenatal, so be sure to check it out.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Dyson DC33 Vacuum

My husband and I have seasonal allergies like none other. Since moving into our new home 6 years ago my indoor allergies seemed to last year around. After taking a full inventory of all of our cleaning products, tools, and the regularity and degree to which we clean our home as well as trying new products and tools we figured that it was either remove the carpets or try a different vacuum cleaner. Since the vacuum is much less expensive and time consuming we opted for that option first. After researching vacuum cleaners for over a year both online and through friends suggestions - we are super thorough when it comes to researching a new product as we want to make sure our money is well spent - we found that the Dyson DC33 was our best bet. On Black Friday this year we found one at a great price, brought it home, and started vacuuming the carpets.

To make sure my carpets weren't just dirty to begin with, I dusted and vacuumed the entire house with my Hoover Saavy the day before we bought the Dyson. What was in the canister after just one room of vacuuming with the Dyson DC33 was absolutely mind blowing. After vacuuming the upstairs alone the canister was full!!! This is only 1 day after vacuuming with my regular vacuum. No wonder my allergies were so bad inside my home. All I could think was, why didn't we do this sooner.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Mia's Homemade Peanut Butter Fudge

Alright, I am a little nervous about giving this recipe away as it has been in my secret stash for 10 years now. However, I love it so much that I want to share it with everyone! If you have a few minutes before your holiday party or get together, whip up a batch and surprise your friends with this excellent treat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ready In: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Servings: 24

Ingredients:

2 cups peanut butter chips

14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 Tablespoons butter

dash of salt

1 teaspoon Penzey's single strength vanilla extract

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In heavy saucepan melt peanut butter chips over low heat with 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Stirring frequently.

2. In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips with remaining sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

3. Spread peanut butter mixture evenly into waxed paper lined 8x8 inch pan. Spoon chocolate mixture over peanut mixture. With a butter knife, swirl through top of fudge.

4. Chill 3 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board. Peel off waxed paper and cut into squares. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Enjoy!

variation: Mint Fudge

In Step 1 substitute premium white chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, and add 1-2 tablespoons of mint extract and a few drops of green food coloring.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Starbucks

I know. Seriously, who doesn't love Starbucks these days. Just saying the name makes me crave a latte. My reason for loving Starbucks though...the free music and app downloads, friendly staff and atmosphere, and the Drive Thru for days when I have my child with me or am going somewhere.

Sorry, Alterra. When it comes to sitting down over coffee with a friend, the comfort and friendliness of Starbucks has you beat hands down.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Nissi Jeans found at Fred Boutique

I always have the worst time finding a pair of great fitting jeans. They are either too big here, too tight there, too saggy here... Nissi Jeans are the first line of jeans that fit me perfectly in every style. Fred Boutique has some awesome fashion forward tops and dresses too! Be sure to check out their store on Water Street in Milwaukee.

Wissmueller Family | Milwaukee Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:44:00 +0000

I photographed Abby & Adam's wedding a few years ago and am honored that they remembered me for their child's first professional portrait session.

This was an amazing session to be a part of because half way through little "L" rolled over for the first time! To see new parents experience this moment at the most unlikely of times brought tears to my eyes.

To see the entire session visit www.miasphoto.com. Click on portraits, clients, Wissmueller Family.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

In Excelsis Day Spa

Photo courtesy of In Excelsis Day Spa

All I can say is Ahhh... Totally relaxing from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave. My husband searched long and hard to find the most relaxing day spa in the area and sent me in for a massage a few weeks before our wedding. Wow he absolutely got it right! I have been going back a couple times a year ever since when I am in need of total relaxation. You definitely have to try the Deep Tissue Massage and the Dew Drop Package.

My Favorite Things 2011

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

As we count down the days until Christmas I thought it would be fun to do a daily post featuring

"My Favorite Things" of 2011.

Saucy Girl Aprons

Fresh Squeezed Diva

I love how this apron looks more like a sundress than an apron. Check out their entire line of full, half, and child sized aprons available online. Saucy Girl Aprons

The Drake Hotel

Photo courtesy of The Drake Hotel

My husband and I stayed at The Drake Hotel for our 5 year wedding anniversary and had a fabulous time. The hotel itself is steeped in history which I love. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio stayed here quite often and even carved their initials in the hotel bar. The hotel is located right along Michigan Ave in Downtown Chicago and walking distance to so many great attractions which makes it a great weekend stay for shopping, sightseeing, or just relaxing.

While in Chicago we also went on an architecture cruise, which is a must see for anyone interested in the history and architecture of Chicago.

Kayla & Adam | Brookfield WI Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Kayla & Adam's wedding day was gorgeous from the attire, details, and venues down to the love between the couple. These two are so sincere that you just cannot help but love them instantly.

To view Kayla & Adam's entire wedding visit www.miasphoto.com. Click on weddings, clients, Kayla & Adam.

Hair & Makeup: Spargo Salon, Pewaukee, WI

Church: Brookfield Lutheran

Florist: A New Leaf Floral

Reception: Miller Room, Milwaukee, WI

Catering: Zilli Hospitality Group

Amanda & Justin | Engagagement Session | Hartford Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Amanda & Justin's engagement session was so much fun. We started at a park in Hartford and then went to Scoop deVille for ice cream and shakes.

To view their entire session visit www.miasphoto.com. Click on weddings, clients, Amanda & Justin.

Molly & James | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Molly & James were married last month at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel. Prior to the ceremony they did a First Look at St Francis Seminary in St Francis. The grounds were beautiful and because we were there later in the day the light was perfect too. It was the perfect location for Molly & James First Look.

To see Molly & James entire wedding gallery visit www.miasphoto.com. Click on weddings, clients, Molly & James.

venue: Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel

photo location: St Francis Seminary

Tessa & David | Menomonee Falls Wedding Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Here is the video of Tessa & David's Menomonee Falls engagement session. Enjoy!

To see their entire session visit www.miasphoto.com. Click on weddings, clients, Tessa & David.

Bridal Trunk Show | Miss Ruby Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Wichert Family | Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (MiaS Photo LLC) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:59:00 +0000

The Wichert Family proudly introduces their sweet little addition to the family.

Please take a moment to view the slideshow to see the cute expressions we captured.

To see the entire session visit miasphoto.com, click on portraits, clients, Wichert Family.