Leather Craftsmen Album/Guestbook Sample

When we were looking for an album company that could produce high quality materials, timeless appeal and a variety of leather options, we didn’t have to look far beyond Leather Craftsmen.  We went to WPPI last year in search of a long-term relationship with an album company that could deliver and after meeting Ira at their booth and seeing all their heavy samples, we just knew our search was over.  These guys work with the best of the best and we wanted to bring that level of quality to our clients.

For our online proofing and prints, and a direct line to Leather Craftsmen, we use Pictage.  Together these two teams have top quality customer service and products that deliver on high-end packaging and modern appeal – just the kind of edge we like.

Here’s a sneak peek into a recent sample 8 x8 engagements album, which is also a great size for a guest book.  We used the silver brush cover and euro black leather spine.

{Karen + Damien} Engagement Photography; Malibu, California

Meeting Karen and Damien was one of those moments that begs perfection.  Little did we know when we went to the Olympics in Vancouver earlier in the year that we would happen to be standing right behind Karen and Damien, waiting in line to see the Olympic flame  – just moments before he popped the question.

As it went, we all walked up to the flame, Damien casually asked Byron to take a photo with his point-n-shoot and before Byron could even raise the camera to his eye…Damien was down on one knee.  I was daydreaming at the flame when I turned to see Byron’s jaw drop.  What a beautiful sight for a wedding photographer to fall into!

Damien is in the Navy, a submariner, a quiet, calm intellectual.  Karen is in pharmaceuticals, sweet and shy.  Both of them not into the mushy stuff (so they say).  They met several years ago when Damien literally landed on Karen’s door   The live in the OC outside of Los Angeles and we went down to the WPPI Road Trip Conference and did their engagement session on the beach at Paradise Cove.  I have to say, they have the most FANTASTIC clam chowder and coconut shrimp (thanks for the recommendation Karen!) and I have a hunch I saw James Marsden (27 Dresses, X-Men actor) when we first got there!

So what does it take for a quiet couple to have fun with Byron and I?  Not much!  It only took a few to get warmed up, shoes off and the smiles to come…

Speaking of shoes….sadly the sea took them for a spin when the tide came in so quick.  We were only down one flip flop however and Karen mentioned it was just another excuse to go shoe shopping (that’s my kinda gal!).

Karen, Damien – we’re so stoked to travel to Mexico and capture your wedding.  Thank you for making this romantic story come full circle.

B + W

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What do you get when you have two quiet people kiss for one of the first frames?….a keeper.

We had to wrestle with the tide….my job was to watch the waves and yell if they were coming close for a soaker!

In a surprise attack, I said grab a hunk of shirt…Karen went for the pec!  YEAH!

In Paradise Cove, they have these spectacular rocks on the shoreline….another sweet moment.

Here’s where it all started clicking and the rock, laughter and sunset made for a nice mix!  Is that a palm tree in the background, Byron?

Karen, look that those eyes!  You’re adorable   We just loved your smile here…

Love this…ah, yeah…trying not to get wet!

That’s a full Navy stance, Damien! 

Love the reflection here.  A pond and bridge….30 feet from the shoreline.

To Heather + Phillip; From Mom + Dad: Elk Lake Resort Wedding Photography, Bend Oregon

Heather + Phillip,

We are so pleased that everything went very, very well for the whole weekend. Everyone pitched in.  We enjoyed meeting all your friends, co-workers, and Phillip’s family.

We thought your photographers, Byron and Wendy, were wonderfully creative and are looking forward to seeing the pictures. The music was very appropriate for the setting.  Roland White and Fiddleplay played with enthusiasm despite being wrapped in blankets to keep warm.

With all the preplanning everything worked out just the way it was supposed it – the caterer, the wedding dress, the favors were extremely appropriate for the cold afternoon, the wedding rehearsal dinner was a real treat with the wonderful dinner and the fun of the chairlift rides, combining 2 birthdays on Thursday, the group shot on the mountain, wedding on Saturday and your honeymoon trip.

The guys did their own activities (golfing, rifle range and a strenuous hike) judiciously keeping out of the way of intricate final wedding arrangements.

Dad is glad he was able to strike up good memories with the wedding toast.

The canoe ride was an excellent “sailing off into the sunset” way of ending to the ceremony.

A successful marriage requires a lot of give and take and lots of patience.  You two are off to a good start.
“May your lives be successful, may you have the patience to work out your problems big and small, and may you have a long life together.”

Mom and Dad

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H + P,

SUCH a joy to see you two wed.  After seeing the entire relationship unfold from a simple meeting to full blown love, we’re so stoked for the two of you to embark on this new journey together.  You’re some of our closest friends and we couldn’t be more happy for you.  On to the next adventure, a pitter patter maybe?

Love,

B + W

Special thanks to the vendors:
Venue/Bar/Rentals: Elk Lake Resort
Flowers: All Occasions
Dress: Cordially Invited
Live Music: Fiddleplay
Catering: Rockin’ Dave’s Bistro

Heather is the queen of DIY (do it yourself) brides – homemade programs.

Set amongst logs and lake, Elk Lake Resort is a simple, beautiful place for the outdoor lovers wedding.

Heather in all her glow

Their ‘First Look’ next to Phillip’s rockin’ hot Bronco.

Their getaway car – no second thoughts though!

Oh yeah…”he’s mine.”  Phillip’s basically showing off the Bronco here

Just a few details to show off the lodge-esque feel.

Heather’s bridal bouquet, right outside the getting ready cabin.

Mt. Bachelor (both H + P work at the mountain full-time and it’s how they met!) offered a laugh and brought down a custom sign just for their day!

Love, love our macro lens just for RING shots!  Did you catch the reflection of the pines in the ring?  FAB.

A final kiss from her dad before the official handoff, so sweet.

The full venue on a private beach just for the wedding party.

A quick, “whatcha doing?” from the cutie flower girl.

Right after the ceremony, H + P jumped into a canoe for some alone time.  Pushed off by Father of the Bride and friend…

The flower girl 

Although we don’t post formals too often, this was too good to pass up.  Both parents chatting it up next to a cabin with so much character!

…and H + P with close friends Jordana and Ryan

Some quick portraits prior to the reception and party!

The clouds left the most perfect light to be had!  In the marshes with Bachelor in the background.

Grab Your Facebook Username – Limited Supply! Web Marketing For Wedding Photographers

Cheesy sales tactic I know, I know but this is important and takes literally 1 minute.

Why It’s Important:
Claiming your business Facebook (FB) username is as important as claiming your domain name of your website, once you secure it, no one else can get it.  It’s an easy way to change the URL of your facebook page…

FROM: http://www.facebook.com/pages/company-acme-photography/106869342666733 (BAD!)

TO: http://www.facebook.com/companyacmephotography (GOOD!)

Not only is it easier to market but it’s nice and clean in your Google results too (see example below)

How To Do It:

1)   Start a FB business page if you don’t have one already (http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php)

2)   Gather at least 25 fans or friends/family that ‘like’ the page (down from the previous 100 required)

3)   Login and claim your username (http://www.facebook.com/username)

1. You must be an admin of the business page you’re trying to claim
2. Make sure you’re claiming your business page (It says ‘Set Username for Pages’ and NOT your personal profile with your business name – VERY IMPORTANT.

It’s difficult to impossible to change your username after you’ve claimed it or if it’s already been claimed by someone else (or your personal profile accidentally), you would have to get creative and come up with another username.

Now you have a marketing URL that’s easy to remember for your clients, great for Google and can be utilized on traditional marketing material, emails, business cards and more.  Don’t DELAY, go for it before it’s too late.

Happy Wedding Anniversary, My Love!

Byron,

Today we celebrate two years of being married and six years being together.  I sit here SO happy for so many reasons.  Together, we’re making the life we both can find joy and meaning in.  Getting married was the easy part!  I remember clearly taking a walk by myself a month before our wedding pondering how you ‘choose’ the one single person you want to spend your life with?  How do you know it’s for real, for sure, guaranteed?  The only conclusion I came up with is that you’re willing to hold hands, and metaphorically stand on a cliff and jump together into the unknown.  My dad thinks I’m crazy for saying that but that was only thing that made total sense for me.  You’re the one I wanted to jump with.

Through the ups and downs of being married and running a business together, I know you’re the one for me.  We haven’t even touched the surface of what we’re both capable of.  But I know, standing there – holding hands – we’ll both be able to become the people we want for ourselves and for each other.

Although writing a love letter is something that has been around for ages, the simple act of writing one’s feelings down on momentous occasions is a beautiful thing.  We chose to share letters to each other the day of our wedding (thankfully before I put my mascara on!); it became one of the most special things on our day.  Below is my letter to you again, so that the world may know how much you mean to me.

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Dearest Byron,

After four years of being together, I know that you are the one.  Through our vows shared today, and this letter, know that I will stand beside you, love you and grow with you always.  We’ve already proved that we are stronger together.

I promise to continue listening – even when I don’t want to, trusting you – even when I don’t fully understand, care for you – even when you’re sick or fall, and have patience – even when I’m frustrated.

I love you because of your ability to communicate well, our electric chemistry, your adventurous spirit and your humor.  Your ability to grow, combined with your positive drive for life, are the qualities in you that I am SO proud of!

The commitments I share with you in marriage will be spoken today and lived out everyday.  I look forward to raising a family and being present for life’s journey with you by my side.

I love you,
Wendy

Reading Byron’s letter on our wedding day – photo courtesy of Green Door Photography

My sister to the rescue, only to read his letter herself and have us both crying (yes we’re sharing a towel).  Photo courtesy of Green Door Photography

To Gabe, From Mia: Central Oregon Engagement Photography

Gabriel~

Everything I can think to write does not seem to be enough, words seem too trite to describe how blessed I am. Our relationship is such a gift because of the amazing person you are. Each time I am left in awe of your kindness to others, genuine compassion, and commitment to a life of happiness and love. You love me unconditionally and accept me for the person I really am. You support me and encourage me. Simply, you are the person I know I want to spend the rest of my life with, because I know our life will be filled with love and goodness!

I look forward to our future together. I can’t wait to start our family together. I know that both of us are deeply committed to helping others. Light, love, and life are the things I most want to put forth as intentions for our marriage. I hope that our wedding, our relationship, and the rest of our life together bring radiance and joy to those around us. I know that we will continue our commitment to humanity, to healing, and to helping restore light where there was darkness.

“Our souls were split in two in heaven
in order that we should find our our beshert (soul mate)
in this world and become whole”  -Jewish proverb

…and this is what I have found, and what I hope that each person should find their fire, their passion, their blessings, and their other half.

Always,

~Mia

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Mia + Gabe,

From day one we knew that you chose us to create something unique, above and beyond, for you both.  The e-session had the backdrop of the sunset lit by smoke from an unfortunate nearby wildfire but it made for all the more spectacular light.  Thanks for being brave (walking on a cattle grate with heels!) and playing with us for few hours under sun and stars.  We wish you both the very best and can’t wait to participate in your traditional Jewish wedding next year!  Your letter, your love are truly special.

Best,

B + W

Yes, that’s Mia on a cattle guard with 3″ heels and a smile – WOW.

A little artsy flair from the ground – just a touch of something different.

Two of some of the best smile’s around no doubt!

Mia, you’re gorgeous!  So much so that Gabe’s nibbling on your neck

Another texture rich, gritty image we love with that perfect combo of sexy and sweet.

One of our total favs!  The gelled light here offers rich color to compliment the landscape.

The sunset was just magical.

Mia’s model smile – so cute.

Again, just a normal shot that’s just a little bit artsy and different.