Random

[bertine]

1. Work this week has been crazy. However, it has been crazy in a fun way. The first site I worked on goes live today. Once it is announced I'll post it.

2. I am pretty sure I have an ear infection.

3. I am having a wedding freakout today. It is time to review the list and get some stuff done. I think I should tackle hotel blocks and getting the save the dates ordered. I thinking that gwangi should starting thinking about the honeymoon since we are going over a popular time.

4. Serinia made an appointment for dress shopping (May 15th).

5. I have been thinking about the photographer. Everyone has been telling me that it is a good thing to invest in. I also was so blown away by the number of offers that I recieved from people to take the photos at my wedding that I just shut down. However, I have been thinking about it since. I don't know how many of you are friends with melissa_maples but she is one of my favorite people on LJ and even flying her here is cheaper than paying for a photographer. Plus I love her photos. My dad keeps asking if I am going to do this (and has decided that she will stay in their guest bedroom) and Zach thinks it is cool. Am I crazy to say I will only pay $300 for a wedding dress but I'll fly my friend from Turkey to come take pictures at my wedding?

6. I am going to a web conference on Monday. Woo!

7. I have a view of Bachman's (a local garden store) from my desk and it is so nice to see them setting up the spring plants.

8. I broke down and bought some decent decaf grounds for work. SO MUCH BETTER.

9. I am having a clothing swap tomorrow. However, I am pretty sure I am going to have a "sloppy seconds" one in a couple weeks since so many people won't be able to make it.

Okay, time to get back to my crazy pile of work.

Comments

[sterlingphoenix.livejournal.com]

I'm biased, but I definitely think a photographer should be paid more than a dress costs, and not just cause I've worked a wedding as a photographer and I know what a hard job it is!

I think it'd be pretty cool if you flew a friend over. And melissa_maples does do good work. I assume she's on board for the idea? (:

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

I have it on good authority that she is most certainly on board.

I've agreed to do the actual work as as wedding gift if they'll pay my travel expenses. Which will end up costing them less than hiring a local photographer because I'm pretty low maintenance (sofa, ramen soup, flight ticket).

[bertine.livejournal.com]

LOL, you'll get more than ramen. Though you know more people here. I am sure you will want to meet some other people from LJ.

BTW, if we do this you will end up with a bunch more LJ friends. I am pretty sure there are 10 people coming to my wedding with LJ accounts. I am not sure if sterlingphoenix will be coming but it is possible you would meet him.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

YAY. I'm vaguely aware that there's a cluster of you in the Minneapolis area, and the theoretical thought of theoretically meeting everyone makes me theoretically ecstatic.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

Omg I totally blanked out that you guys are neighbours. Holy shit.

We'd better do our shooting in the morning because I'm going to start drinking cocktails about noonish and I'm taking you with me. Then we'll go get cheeseburgers.

You might need to take the next day off, too.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

Oh and thank you!

[sterlingphoenix.livejournal.com]

You're welcome (: Although sometimes your photos give me Middle East Flashbacks (;

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

Hahahaaa that's totally understandable!

[bertine.livejournal.com]

Plus a dress is something you wear once. If you get something handmade and high-end, you should pay a lot but I don't mind getting something off the rack and simple.

I think it would be cool also. She is the one that suggested it and we have been sort of talking about it.

[sterlingphoenix.livejournal.com]

Well if she's OK with it (which I have on second-hand good authority that she is) then you should totally do it.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

You make me blush. Seriously.

[bertine.livejournal.com]

Dude, you take great pictures.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

Hahaha no pressure. :-D

[damncutekitty.livejournal.com]

I think the fact that you would rather spend your wedding budget on the reception and pictures than a dress is awesome. Those are good priorities.

[scotia-girl.livejournal.com]

Re item #5 (photog over dress): Spend the money where it will make you happiest. If you REALLY want her specifically to come to the wedding AND take the photos, then do it. It's your's and gwangi's decision how to do this thing.

Me, I skipped flowers ENTIRELY, but we spent a crap-ton of money on the Dave & Buster's party/reception. Because THAT was the important part for us.

[433.livejournal.com]

DING DING DING DING

Take people up on their offers to help, but if you are unsure you'll be happy with the results, politely decline and spend money.

[grenacia.livejournal.com]

Its your wedding, you get to decide what your priorities are. So if you want to fly your friend in to photograph it, go for it if you can make it work (and it sounds like you can).

[bertine.livejournal.com]

I figured you would.

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

I've had a lot of time to think about this today, and putting all the coolness and new friendships and everything aside for a moment, I think I've narrowed it down to a single issue.

If you think that thirty years from now you'll be glad to have had the extra $1500 in your life and you'll never wonder with regret what it would have been like to have had pictures of your wedding taken by me, then you should not bring me there.

If you think that thirty years from now you'll be glad to have my photos of your wedding (and, let's face it, photos of Christmas and the rest of the week as well) and you won't wonder with regret what you could have spent that $1500 on instead, then you should bring me there.

I think that's the question. What would likely be the bigger regret in the long run - not having the photos, or not having the money to spend elsewhere?

[bertine.livejournal.com]

I think you have nailed it on the head. For me, money is about experiences, not things. I am pretty sure I am going to do it but give me a week or so to commit to it (I never do anything implusivly, you can ask my family about this when you meet them, HA!).

[melissa-maples.livejournal.com]

Hahaha I look forward to it!

[faxoshit.livejournal.com]

This article was vey helpful to me. It helped me to be informed and more aware. The details were such a blessing, thanks.