Columbus Ohio Wedding Photography | Serving Westerville Delaware New Albany worthington Dublin

Blogging…Logging…Jogging…Snogging…Fogging…

Fogging is a good one to end with. I’m all fogged up! I’m a foggin’ bloggin’ fool. Some days I sit behind my computer….like today…and try to come up with crazy, funny, INSANE stories to tell you. But really? My life ain’t all that INSANE! Its normal, average and sweet. Bitter-sweet at times. But mostly sweet. I woke up today in an abnormal way. I usually rise at 7:00 a.m. on the dot, pee, weigh myself (obsession of mine) make coffee and then patiently wait on facebook while my delicious cup of joe brews. But no, today was different. I woke up to Jared nudging me. Over and Over and Over. “Hey, wake up! Nyquil knock you out?” Yessss I moaned as I rolled back over to hide under my pillow. “Can I get you anything?” Yessss I moaned again. Coffee would be super. He quickly got up, peed, and made coffee. I remember laying there wondering what the time was. I rolled over to grab my phone and read 10:45 a.m.!! Panic ran through my mind….Church started 15 minutes ago!! Crap. I quickly got up, peed, poured myself a cup of coffee and sat behind my computer feeling exhausted. Whoa baby…I’m sick! Headache, sore throat, running nose, aches, bleh. I take my first sip of coffee and nearly drenched my computer in disgust. I love Jared, but he is no longer in charge of making my morning coffee! I’m sure all you die hard dark brewers out there would have loved it, but I almost hurled. Just kidding, it wasn’t THAT bad, just bad enough I had to make a new pot.

Jared and I had a little fun with lighting yesterday before my photo shoot for a Make Up Artist (her blog post comes this week). Here are the head shots we did for each other. There are more of me because Jared wasn’t exactly photo shoot-ready!

By the way, ABC check was a huge friend of mine today! I was a little embarrassed to see all of my misspelled words!!!

Turning 30 can either be a wonderful and exciting moment or a time where a lot fall into deep, dark depressions. My sister, Heather, was one of the few who looked forward to turning 30. Never once did I hear her complain about the new adventurous age turning. Her husband, Matt, wanted to throw her a surprise birthday party with close family members and friends. Mom and I set out on a mission to put together a table scape and I think it turned out pretty good! Heather was over flowing with joy and happiness and I don’t think the night could have gone any better. But, how can a night go bad when you are in the presence of 5 wonderful cooks and their amazing side dishes and 62 BBQ for the main course?? Michelle, Matt’s mother made a delicious chocolate raspberry cake that was out of this world. I think she is available for hire if anyone is interested

Heather, I have really sincerely enjoyed you being my older sister. Every little sister looks up to her older sister. Even when sometimes they get on your nerves. From yelling at me at borrowing your favorite black skirt, to dragging me behind a snow mobile in the mountains of Pennsylvania….I love you. And always will.

Mom and I put the table together! I was quite impressed with us! LOL!

Carrot Cake poppers anyone? I made them

Delicious chocolate raspberry cake! So yummy!

oops!! Trick candles!!

Tall skinny caramel macchiato please….After ordering my hot beverage from a local Starbucks I glanced over to see the beautiful Meleka Murphy Joliff walking through the door. Styled in her fabulous button down wool coat, black tights and Aldo high heeled boots. We immediately eyed each other and exchanged long distance waves from across the room. As she walked towards me to order herself a hot yummy beverage I was caught off guard by her flowing model-like strut. She could have been placed next to Tyra Banks and would have completely fit in. We exchanged hugs and hello’s and found ourselves a table. Finally, getting a chance to get to know Meleka was a huge honor for me. Meleka is a fabulous wedding planner who any bride would be lucky to have. Her ideas are funky fresh, extensively creative and endless. Her personality and kindness would win over any Polar Bear….( I chose polar bears because they are MEAN!)

I did a Q&A for Meleka to let all you brides out there know how awesome and stress relieving it is to hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner is NOT to be confused with your wedding coordinator  that comes with your venue. A personal wedding planner goes MUCH deeper into detail.

• Q: Will the consultant commit to your budget and not push you in the direction of things you simply can’t afford?
• A: We are use to working with a budget, no mater how big or small it is! We realize not everyone knows how much a photographer usually charges for a wedding or how much is too much for a wedding cake. But we do! We’ll work with you to save money without compromising the things that matter most to you and your finace.
• Q: Will the consultant devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped decor?
• A: Yes, organization is one of the things I do best. From the time you sign the contract to the time you leave for your honeymoon everything will be mapped out in a organized timeline.
• Q: Can the consultant name the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to your wedding size, style, and budget)?
• A: Yes. I am constantly gathering information about local wedding vendors in our area for all price ranges.
• Q:Is the consultant familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in your price range? Can he/she explain their strong points to you briefly? (Ask yourself: Does the consultant seem both knowledgeable and passionate?)
• A: MMJ Events has put a lot of time and effort into building relationship with vendors. We know who will provide you with that perfect look.
• Q: Can the consultant score you some discounts with any vendors? (Consultants bring volume to favored vendors; often they’ll reciprocate by slashing prices or throwing in extras.)
• A: Discounts are a perk of hiring a planner. Vendors will see you as a repeat customer because of the multiple clients we send their way. Whether it’s 10% off or a free extra it’s a way of saying thanks!
• Q: Will the consultant read over the vendor contracts for you? What are some common traps to look out for?
• A: Yes. I will sit down with you personally to review every vendor contract to ensure you are receiving the services you should be and are not getting charged for things you should not be. People don’t always know what a corkage fee or cake cutting fee is and then end up paying a significantly more money at the end then they had planned.
• Q: Can the consultant create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process — vendors, members of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families — what to do and when to do it? How will she/he make sure that everyone sticks to the schedule?
• A: I will make a timeline for everyone in the planning process. The two planners on site the day of the wedding are there to make sure that everyone is where they are suppose to be when they are suppose to be there.  Your wedding is about being with friends and family while becoming husband and wife. Neither you nor your family should be stressed about whether a certain vendor has arrived or not.
• Q: Can the consultant counsel you on etiquette matters and alert you to hot trends on the wedding horizon?
• A: Part of a job of a planner is keeping up to date with hot trends.  I am consistently working on educating myself in the wedding industry attending workshops, conferences, and researching trends.
• Q: Will the consultant coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?
• A: On the day of your wedding there are always at least two coordinators there to help with arrival and setup of the vendors. Each vendor will receive a call the week of the wedding confirming times and location.
• Q: For the day of the wedding, will the consultant be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can she/he share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?
• A: This is in part one of the most important jobs of a planner.  Your wedding should flow smoothly without you having any worries. The two coordinators will be involved in ironing out as many of the unexpected wrinkles that happen to appear.
• Q: Will the consultant be willing to step in as your advocate, conveying your visions and desires to vendors when you don’t feel up to the task?
• A: Yes, if for any reason you are unable to attend a vendor meeting, I will be there to make sure the vendor understands your vision and expectations.
• Q: Will the consultant help plan and book your honeymoon?
• A: I am an experience traveler and I love giving my clients suggestions on honeymoon locations.  However, handling the details of the honeymoon is an add-on service to our package. If you choose not to add it on I have a great travel agent referral.
• Q: What happens if you have not worked my venue before?
• A: Each venue operates differently; therefore we will visit the property ahead of time and work with your on-site coordinator to gain a thorough understanding of how they function
• Q: My venue provides an on-site coordinator, so why do I need to hire an independent planner?
• A: On-site coordinators are wonderful, but they are limited as to what they can do for you. Your independent coordinator is there to do such things as review vendor contracts, getyou discounts with certain vendors, help you stay within your budget, offer etiquette advice, be there at your rehearsal, ceremony, and reception to make sure everything goes smoothly. Your event planner will make sure your event has the “wow factor” and much more!

Contact Meleka for more information on wedding planning services! MMJ events

Lasagna. I would chose lasagna.  A 5 cheese 10-layered noodle lasagna.

The steam that rose out of the teflon sauce pan as Jared boiled his cheesy filled ravioli struck up the deep conversation. The conversation that if we could only chose one food to eat for the rest of our lives, what would we eat?  I sat there thinking long and hard before I answered.  What if I could only chose one meal to eat for the rest of my life?  Think about it long and hard….its a little disturbing to try and imagine only one flavor, one texture, one indulgence to satisfy the little taste buds on the back of my tongue.  As the ice creams and french fries and salads (not so much) raced through my head I finally stuck with lasagna. The ooey gooey cheese spilling out of the tightly packed noodles that are also enslaving delicious savory bites of fresh ground beef.  Mmmmmmm……… My mouth began to water as the image began taking over any other thought of food I had had. I would definitely chose lasagna. A 5 cheese 10 layer lasagna. For the rest of my life.

What would you chose?

Yesterday was my Dad’s Birthday! I didn’t get a chance to get on here and make a public announcement about how old my Dad is getting but I can now! Yesterday my Dad turned 52!

My Dad is a great guy. Some of my most fondest memories I have are days he tried so hard to make us better in softball. Dad would take us out into the little field behind our split-level home and teach us to catch pop-flies. He would catch for us when we were learning how to pitch. So many bruises later….

He would always let us negotiate our spankings. One time our punishment was push ups and jumping jacks. Like 100 each. When I was 8.

He was so easy to convince we needed to stay home from school to help mom clean the house.

He took us on late night bike rides around the neighborhood. One night in particular I remember. Late June night, clear sky, the stars were so beautiful.

He took us to local school play grounds at dark because our family would always have the jungle gym to ourselves.

He taught us to over come fears and to love unconditionally.

I will never go through life not feeling like my Dad loved me, because he told us every day, 10 times a day.

He was there for us when we needed a back rub, a shoulder to cry on, or a boyfriend beat up. Just kidding about that last one. But I do remember the classic move of dad cleaning the shot-gun in the front yard. That was great.

Great childhood memories I have of my Dad and Im happy to be creating more!

After a week and a half of running the contest for the 2009 Best Engagement Photo I am proud to announce that Brandon and Melissa Dickson are our winners! Congratulations to them both and I cant wait to see what image they chose for their free portrait!!

Honestly, I loved this contest so much that Im going to hold a “Best of 2009 WEDDING photo” I’m trying to decide what category I want to pick, but this blog contest should be up and going within the next week! Keep an eye out!