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Hello, Friday friends! Welcome to the 10th edition of Three to Share! That means I've shared 30 bits of goodness with you over the last several months! If you've missed any of those posts, follow this link and you can catch up! :) |
I'm nuts for fonts! And, lucky for me – and all of you out there that share this obsession – Amanda Bottoms, of KevinandAmanda.com, makes it easy for us to indulge with her site Fonts for Peas! She specializes in handwritten fonts, which I particularly love. And the coolest part? You can submit your very own penmanship and she'll turn it into a font for FREE... if it's cute enough! If your handwriting is not cute, no worries – there are hundreds of fonts and doodles available for download at absolutely no cost! If you need to create personalized print pieces for your next event, consider using a fun font from Amanda. It'll make your creation totally personalized and super adorable!
I also want to mention that Amanda's blog is one of my favorites to read. She's a fellow Southern gal that loves scrapbooking, cooking and photography. Her writing voice is very friendly and I've learned a lot. She recently taught her readers how to wear a scarf – something this South-Florida-transplant has been wrestling with this past cold season! Oh, and check out her scrapbook room, it's to die for! |
I absolutely, unequivocally, *adore* Sweet Tomatoes. My husband and I ate here religiously when we were at college in Orlando. We sat in the same booth, we had the same, lovely server every time. Until one day, we went to pay as usual and the cashier told us that our meal had already been taken care of... Huh? That's when we learned that our server-friend was leaving due to family matters and she just wanted to treat us. Her kindness was never lost on us. I'm telling you, this restaurant is good for the soul and for the tummy! Why we don't have any within a 500-mile radius is beyond me.
If you're not familiar, Sweet Tomatoes (or Souplantation, in some areas) is an awesome salad bar and buffet of sorts. Here, you could create the salad of your dreams with over 50 fresh ingredients or just have one of their specialty prepared salads (that's what we did). In addition, they offer hot pastas, oh-so-good soups, fresh muffins (the blueberry is soooo good!), and Focaccia breads. It's so not your average buffet experience. You can make good choices here or indulge a little and still leave feeling light and satisfied. I LOVE this place! If you are familiar, I hope you've had wonderful experiences there as well. I'm wondering how I go about bringing one to our area? ;) |
| Spoon Sisters is another one of my go-to places to shop for unique gifts. They have an extensive collection of products ranging funky to functional. Really cool stuff for your friends and every member of your family. With Easter and Mother's Day around the corner, you'll definitely want to check 'em out! |
| Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful weekend! |
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Brittany + Adam come from a long line of Meg Baisden Photography clients. Where do we start... I guess it all goes back to Laura C, and the ADPi girls at Florida State University. The trail even sidesteps through Destin last summer, with the wedding of Jen + Tom, and will continue on! Brittany's sister, Kara, has been a long time blogstalker, so it was great to get to see her again! (I know you are reading this, Kara!) :-)
Here are a few images just to tease you a little! Enjoy. |
| Reunion was absolutely gorgeous. It is a golfing community located SW of Orlando and had the most stunning grounds. |
| A tender moment...meet Adam as he sees his bride walking the long aisle to him. |
| Brittany - Meg says to say that she was just leaving the wreath in this shot to poke a little fun. ;) |
| A little private time with Meg. |
| Congratulations, Brittany + Adam. Happy, like, 5 day anniversary :) |
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two plus two equals fun |
What do you get when you add the two of you with the two of us? FUN! As cheesy as it sounds, and we know it sounds totally corny, the number one comment we receive after a session is "I had so much FUN today!" Well done then. Our engagement sessions combine all of your favorites - your favorite location, your favorite outfits, and your favorite person - what's not to love? We can pretty much guarantee an e-session with us will be among your favorite days of the engagement period. Factor that in along with buckets full of great couple pics and this shoot becomes a must-have for any to-be-wed.
Why do I need an engagement session?
Well, if the above isn't reason enough - consider the following... engagement sessions are scheduled prior to the big day - offering us all the opportunity to work together and do the get-to-know-you stuff out in a real, live shoot. For the nervous nellies out there, stepping in front of the camera can be a daunting task, so this is a nice way to baby step into the wedding day photography. And for the rest of you who just can't get enough of having your picture taken (you know who you are) sessions offer a legitimate way to get the fiance in front of a lens again. The great photos taken at your engagement session will undoubtedly wind up all over the place - on your save the date cards, your wedding website, your ceremony programs, a reception slideshow, your sign-in table, the local newspapers, and even at the rehearsal dinner in the form of a gift to your new mom & dad.
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Location
All of our engagement sessions happen "on location". This means we travel to you...or to somewhere in the middle! We've photographed engagement sessions in Pensacola, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and even far away places like Washington D.C. and Greece! Whenever we travel for work or otherwise, we try to fit your out-of-town session request into the schedule for an engagement shoot in YOUR hometown. So be sure to let us know where you need us to meet you...you never know when we might just drop by!
As far as places to shoot -- we've done everything from historic southern plantations to college football stadiums to the French Quarter in New Orleans . Popular choices everywhere include parks, gardens, beaches, and more urban downtown areas. Whatever the location is, we always encourage our clients to make it personal whenever possible ... if the location is special to you in someway, so much the better. Every so often we are able to include the site of the proposal in our shoot - making for a sentimental favorite everytime. |
B EZ
As Don Cheadle once told Charles in an online poker game, "b ez". That's really what the engagement session is all about -- finding a way to ease the initial awkwardness of being photographed. While so many of our clients photograph like models, we can only pinpoint one example where our bride had actually had professional modeling experience... so we expect things to start off just a little rocky. But not to worry, we'll get you there. Meg's background in theater and, more importantly, directing has given her a real advantage when it comes to molding you, our eager subjects, into a comfortable state of quiet intimacy. We'll work through the nerves and get to 'the good stuff' right off the bat and by the end, we promise to leave you looking forward to the next time.
It's also worth mentioning that there's more to it than just looking suave for the camera. There is a global sense of relaxation and confidence that stems from the engagement session as well; Families really feel at ease when they see a set of stunning images of the two of you BEFORE the wedding day. When moms & dads have confidence that things are in good hands, EVERYBODY tends to relax & trust the process.
And of course there is a direct benefit when it comes to couple shots on the wedding day -- once you've been through an engagement session with us, you'll have a really good sense of how we operate and we are better equipped to serve you. This simple understanding can be critical when the light is fading from the evening sky, and you guys are chomping at the bit to get to your reception. |
What to wear?
Well, of course we can't really answer that. You should realize by now that we want to encourage you guys to express yourselves in this process. We want you to wear what YOU think you should wear! For some clients, this might mean a dress & heels for the bride or a suit & tie for the groom... for others this means those favorite ripped up jeans and tshirt. Whatever you decide on, it'll work...because it's you.
Some general guidelines -- wear something comfortable. We do a good bit of moving -- sitting, standing, hugging, kissing, to name a few. You'll want to stay flexible - wear something you are comfortable showing from all angles. Sometimes, our couples need two different outfits to get the job done. That's OK too! Pick something you love - or even a few somethings - that you are comfortable and confident wearing, and the rest will fall into place! |
| Oh, and if the pictures in this post don't spell it out for you, we always welcome the dogs :) |
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frequently answered questions |
Are you married?
Yes! Meg & Charles were married during May of 2003 in Tallahassee, FL. We both attended Florida State University, and no, neither of us studied photography. Life has a funny way of finding a path for you.
Would you be willing to travel to cover my wedding?
Yes, absolutely! We love to travel & look forward to the opportunity. We travel extensively for wedding day coverage: Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, St. Augustine, Hilton Head, Atlanta, Birmingham, Meridian, New Orleans...we've photographed weddings in almost every major city in the southeast. We've also photographed weddings in St. Lucia, the Bahamas, St. Thomas (USVI), Tortola (BVI), and Greece for wedding weekend coverage! Our passports are current & we're ready to go with a moment's notice!
What type of equipment do you use?
We use top of the line Canon digital cameras and accessories. In every wedding, we employ a variety of state of the art Canon professional lenses, both zoom and prime. We also bring professional lights that are used for formals (as needed). We also bring a complete set of backup cameras & lenses to each & every wedding.
Do you shoot in color or black & white?
Both! Technically, everything we shoot is in color. This allows us to offer every option possible for your final print. Our editing process is explained in detail on our Before & After page.
How many images will I receive from my wedding coverage?
This number will vary a bit based on length of coverage, but most of our clients receive somewhere between 700 and 900 images. We don’t have a set number that we try to reach for every wedding. Our focus is on getting the best coverage possible and never “counting” or conserving shots on your wedding day.
How much time should we allot for formals on the wedding day?
We are happy to help develop your wedding day timeline, and can offer advice on how much time will be necessary to schedule for family formals. We strive to move quickly during this time and promise to work in the most efficient manner possible. Often times, we are able to complete many of the must-take formals prior to the beginning of the ceremony, without the bride and groom seeing each other beforehand! Also, while we recognize the importance of these family heirlooms, we encourage our clientele to avoid elaborate shot lists, as we like to focus the unplanned, emotion-filled moments that will occur naturally throughout the day. But the short answer: anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on YOUR tastes. Bear in mind that this includes the couples formals as well!
How long after the wedding will I be able to order prints online?
Your image gallery will remain online for three months following the wedding. If you find that you need additional time, gallery hosting extensions are available for a nominal fee. Of course, you do receive your digital files...our clients love being able to make their own prints!
How do we reserve our wedding date?
Contact the studio to set up a phone consultation or a meeting in person. We maintain flexible business hours, often meeting on weekday evenings to accommodate our client’s schedules. Meg Baisden Photography can only hold wedding dates after the receipt of a signed agreement and payment of a $1500 retainer. |
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meet the baisdens |
So you want to know a little more about us, huh? Since we're not much for writing at length about ourselves, we figured we would finally give in and answer a few of those email forwards we keep receiving. You know, the seemingly pointless questionnaires that you are supposed to forward along to 5 other suckers? Yeah, we never do them either... UNTIL NOW.
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Describe the following:
Your full name
M: Meghan Nicole (Bolyard) Baisden
C: Charles Bradwell Baisden
Your birthday
M: August 21, 1981
C: December 24, 1980
Your birthplace
M: Pensacola, FL
C: Orlando, FL
Your guilty pleasures
M: Decorating anything, musical theater, and shopping
C: Poker and playstation
Your perfect pizza
M: White pizza with pesto and feta cheese on a thick crust
C: Pepperoni from Georgio's in Pensacola - check it out
Your favorite smells
M: Gardenia and Honeysuckle
C: My own essence :)
Your bedtime
M: Oh, this is funny...
C: Ideally around 11pm for me... My wife never sleeps
Your ideal 'day off'
M: Sleeping most of the day away in a sound and light-proof room on a pillowy mattress, followed by an in-room massage, then dinner out and a tickets to a Broadway show
C: Sleep in followed by web browsing at a quiet coffee shop, followed by winning a poker tournament, finished with dinner on the patio of some great seafood joint
Your handwriting
M: A little loopy, a little girly - a mix of print and script with uppercase letters mized in with lower ... I've seen worse
C: Super small and organized block printing ... looks as though I'm left-handed, though I'm not
Your most embarrassing CD purchase
M: A 'Dinner in Paris' CD I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond with a gift card after our wedding... everytime I see it, I stop and wonder what I was thinking
C: Meg says it would have to be Hanson's MMM-Bop | The Single - but I've been thinking about making this my new ringtone
Your favorite day of the week
M: Saturday, even if it is cliche (for a wedding photographer)
C: Sunday
Your favorite day of the year
M: Thanksgiving with loved ones
C: Christmas Day
Your favorite childhood memory
M: When the lightening knocked the power out and my parents would light a fire and we would roast marshmallows and talk for hours watching the lightening dancing outside safely from our cozy living room
C: Any summer day circa 1990 at my grandparents house - everybody was together and happy
Your favorite shows to Tivo
M: Law & Order, Lie to Me, The Mentalist, So You Think You Can Dance, Seinfeld, Family Guy, The Closer, Burn Notice, Grey's Anatomy, Food Network, HGTV, Project Runway, The Soup, and Chelsea Lately
C: Pretty much what she said (minus all the cooking, decorating, and talent competition shows) plus Dexter, some poker tournaments, and ESPN
Your favorite room in the house
M: Dining Room - because I love to host dinner parties
C: Does the yard count? That's my domain
Your strangest job
M: Wrapping packages at a kiosk in the mall as a sophomore in high school
C: Clerk at an Army Surplus Store in college ... that place was just weird. Or perhaps selling sweatshirts in a sorority house at FSU during homecoming weekend
Your dream job
M: Being Joan Marcus/Broadway Production Photographer
C: Selling sweatshirts in a sorority house at FSU during homecoming weekend :)
Your perfect vacation
M: This varies depending on the day, but today it would be a four month tour of all things Europe
C: Key West ... hammocks... deep sea fishing... seaplanes... card playing... beer drinking... Margaritaville lifestyle
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Which do you prefer:
Pepsi or Coke
M: Neither... I'm more of a rootbeer girl
C: Coca Cola Classic
Chocolate or Vanilla
M: Swirled
C: Vanilla
Coffee or Tea
M: Hot Chocolate?
C: Tea
Comedy or Drama
M: It's 50/50 with me
C: Drama
Watch or Play
M: Play
C: Watch
Dine In or Dine Out
M: Carry out
C: Dine out, always
Driver or Passenger
M: Passenger
C: Driver
Phone or Email
M: Email
C: Email
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Complete the following sentences:
I could easily max out my credit cards buying _____________.
M: Furniture, decor, and dishes
C: Poker rooms don't accept credit cards
I feel happiest when _____________.
M: I am snuggling up with my hubby
C: We've just finished shooting a big wedding and I can finally sit down in my hotel room and kick my shoes off
I get upset when _____________.
M: I see people treated unfairly
C: I have to wash dishes
When I grow up I want to be _____________.
M: Happy
C: Retired
When I fail at something, I generally feel _____________.
M: Discouraged... quickly followed by the determination to make it work
C: Angry
Before I die, I would like to _____________.
M: Travel more
C: Play in the World Series of Poker
I feel gratitude toward my parents for _____________.
M: Everything ... but practically, no student loan debt - which enabled me to start this business at such a young age
C: My education
I am most thankful to my spouse for _____________.
M: Supporting my dreams even when it's been a giant risk
C: My job security ;)
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