BEST OF 2010 CONTEST WINNERS!

Congratulations to Agron and Angjelina, first place winners of the $200 AMEX gift card in our BEST OF 2010 CONTEST! Congratulations also to Krikor and Anita for their 2nd place finish and $100! Here are the winning videos:


AGRON + ANGJELINA



ANITA + KRIKOR

Best of 2010 Contest

It's time for a little Holiday Cheer(ing) for our best videos of 2010. Vote for your favorite. The winner will receive an American Express gift card worth $200! and the runner-up will receive a gift card worth $100. To Vote, leave a comment below. The contest will run until Monday, Dec.27th, and we'll post daily totals on our Facebook Fan Page.

LENA + FRANK


JAIME + RYAN


JESSIE + JOE


ANITA + KRIKOR


LAURA + MARK


KRISTEN + MATT


AGRON + ANGJELINA


LAUREN + ROB


MICHELLE + BRIAN


JACLYN + CASEY


ALISSA + ROSS


MOLLY + RICK


HAPPY VIEWING!

Lena + Frank

Lena and Frank were married on Nov. 20th, 2010 at St. Paul's Albanian Church. Their reception was held at the Royalty House. There were over 900 guests in attendance. What a party! Their photographer, Wilson Sarkis, took them to the Fox Theater for pictures...very cool! Lena and Frank asked us to surpise them with the trailer, so here it is, surprise!

Alissa + Adam

Alissa and Adam were married at the Davison Free Methodist Church in Davison, Michigan. Their Reception was held at the Lapeer Country Club. It was a beautiful day and everyone involved had a great time! Take a look at their poster!

Jaime + Ryan

Jaime and Ryan were married at beautiful St. Hugo's Chapel. Their reception was at the Atheneum Hotel in Greektown. The flowers and decorations by Blossoms were phenomenal! The up-lighting was done to perfection by The Lighting Guy. Their photographers were Nathan and Jessica from Jessica Johnston Photography. The entertainment was provided by Mell Ball and Colors...wow! The whole affair was coordinated by Events by Sasha Amina It was definitely a high powered night!

Jessica + Joe

Jessica and Joe were married at Chateau Chantel, a picturesque bed and breakfast/ winery in the old mission district of Traverse City, Michigan. You couldn't possibly find a more beautiful location and the bride and groom were such wonderful people, it was more like a vacation than a wedding shoot. We had a great time with thier photographer, Scarlett, from Photography By Scarlett. She knew just where to go to get the best pictures. If you know someone getting married, they definitely need to check this out.

Anita + Krikor

Anita and Krikor were married at St. John's Armenian Church. Their Reception was held at Baypoint Country Club. We had the pleasure of working with Their photographer, Wilson Sarkis, who is definitely one of the best in the area. Here's their Highlight film:

Laura + Mark

Laura and Mark were married at the Pine Knob Mansion. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding followed by an awesome outdoor party...party on!

Kristen + Matt

Kristen and Matt were married at San Francesco Church, a nice, little, VERY Italian church, on August 14th, 2010. Their photographer was Marci Curtis. She was great to work with and alot of fun. They went to the beautiful Edsel Ford House for their wedding photos; WOW, but, Man was it HOT! The day ended at Lakeland Manor with a great dinner and entertainment by Dueling Pianos. Take a look at their day:

Agron and Angjelina

Agron and Angejelina were married at St.Paul's Albanian Church on July 17th. This was the first Albanian wedding that we filmed, and brother, was it a marathon! Everyone had a great itme...all 700 of them! So did we, although we were pretty tired by the end of the night. Agron and Angjelina are a wonderful couple. May they have many years of happiness together. God Bless.

Lauren + Rob- Bloomfield Hills Country Club Wedding

Lauren and Rob were married at the Woodside Bible Church in Troy. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. Their reception was held at the Bloomfield Hills Country Club. The photographer was Frank Lombardo and the entertainment was provided by Skyline and the Backstreet Horns. The Event Planner for the day was Lindsey Nartker. A Big thank you to Lindsey and her crew for a great job keeping everything on time and making everything look beautiful! Lauren and Rob are not only a wonderful and joyful couple. They are a deeply religious couple, and that is reflected in their trailer:

Chicago Wedding: Michelle + Brian at Oakbrook Hills Marriott

Michelle and Brian were married on Saturday, June 12th at the beautiful St. Francis church in suburban Chicago. Their reception was held at the Oakbrook Hills Marriott. We had a blast working with photographer Dennis Lee and wedding planner Christine from Tying the Knot . Michelle said it best...she was a princess! Here's their trailer:

Jaclyn + Casey's St.Paul on the Lake Trailer

Jaclyn and Casey got married at St. Paul's on the Lake, a really beautiful church! Their reception was at the Sycamore Hills Golf Club--very nice! But the nicest thing about this day was Jaclyn and Casey, the nicest people you could ever meet.Take a look at their Trailer:

Alissa + Ross Detroit Yacht Club Trailer

We filmed the wedding of Alissa + Ross on Saturday, May 15th, at the Detroit Yacht Club.
It's such a beautiful venue! The Jewish part of the ceremony was celebrated by Dr. Miriam Jerris, of The Wedding Connection. Alissa and Ross are both New Yorkers and this was definitely a New York style bash...fun, fun, fun! The photography was by Studio L. Here's the trailer:

Leo + Dana

Leo and Dana are just a wonderful couple...so in love, and it REALLY shows in their movie. We had a blast filming their wedding, along with their photographer Andria Watha. Their reception was at Lovett Hall in Greenfield Village. Here is the beginning of their film. I hope you like it, Dana and Leo!

Opening of Yabut-Shim Film from Joe Bauer on Vimeo.

Want to Look Your Best?

Today we met Maria Ahee Wines, a Mary Kay consultant. So what, you say? Ah, but this lady is much more than a make-up salesperson. She really knows her stuff...that is, she'll show you how to look your best. She'll actually do a skincare make-over for you...for FREE! She'll work with you to get the look that YOU want, and teach you how to properly apply the stuff yourself. What a find! She can help you get the products that you need for YOUR skin and it all comes with a money back guarantee. You absolutely MUST meet her to see what she can do for you. What do you have to lose? All it costs is a little time. You can reach her a mjahee@marykay.com

Molly & Rick

Here's the long-form version of the Opening of Molly + Rick's Wedding Movie. The wedding was held at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The Photographer was Chris from Parker Photographic...we love working with Chris. He's very laid back, very creative. The DJ was Sarah from Platinum Mix. It was a great day, and we got some great footage.

Copeland Opening from Joe Bauer on Vimeo.

Finding a Photographer: Part II

The interview

So, you have made a list of all of your favorite photographers who could immortalize your wedding in film stills. Furthermore, you've by now called them and made an appointment to meet with them at their office. You have called them and set that up, haven't you? That was what the list was for in the first place!

You absolutely must set up that meeting appointment. The interview is the single best opportunity for you to learn everything you can about your potential wedding photographer, so that you can make the best and most informed final decision possible.

When you arrive at the home or office of the photographer, take note of your surroundings.

• Does the place look old and run down?
• Is there strange looking writing on any of the walls?
• Did you think that you heard what might have been faint screaming in the distance?
• Is it suddenly nightfall outside?

If you find that two or more of the above happen to be the case for you: Stop where you are! You have wandered into a horror movie, and are in grave and immediate danger.

Conversely, if you find that the place is:

• Brightly lit and inviting.
• Well kept.
• Smelling sweetly of flowers or fresh cookies.

If any of these are the case, feel free to let your guard down and proceed on to your appointment and interview with the photographer.

At the photographer's office, you should be able to get an even better sense of exactly what they offer and whether or not that is to your taste. To do this, you need to ask some important questions.

Basic things to ask

• How many hours will you stay at the reception?
• How would you describe your style of photography?
• How many cameramen will there be to take pictures of the wedding?
• Will you be coming to the rehearsal?
• Will you personally be the one taking the photos?
• Do you have any reference clients that I can hear from?

Use these questions and more to figure out just what kind of levels of commitment and professionalism the photographer brings to his jobs, and whether that matches with what you need and expect for your wedding.

Of course, it is also important to find out what kind of packages and prices the photographer offers. As much as they have to fit your expectations as a photographer, they also have to fit the needs and constraints of your budget.

Post interview

So, you have met your photographer and had your questions answered. All that remains now is for you to ask yourself whether the photographer fulfills all of your needs. Does he/she seem experienced in shooting weddings like yours? Are they capable of giving you exactly what you expect? If they gave you any references during the interview, go ahead and contact them to help you figure out if the photographer is right for you.

The right wedding photographer can give you images that not only can depict the events of the day as they happened, but can capture forever all of the ephemeral beauty of the emotions and senses that occurred in those brief moments. Choose wisely.

Do you have any: Comments? Suggestions? Veiled insults towards the author? Please post in the comments sections below and we'll continue the conversation. If you enjoyed reading this, found it to be especially useful or are just feeling charitable, then please Follow this blog by clicking the "Follow" button on the right side of this page.

Special On Wedding Day Help!

One of our favorite people to work with, Tracie from 'Your're the Bride', is offering a special for brides who don't want to be bothered with all the details on their wedding day. Check it out!

“Mini” Day-of Coordinator~ $350

This service is for the bride and groom who just want assurance that a professional will handle reception set-up and coordination only. If your worrying if your cake made it to the reception? If the DJ arrived on time? If the chair covers and centerpieces are set-up and a zillion other things then give us a call! Wouldn't peace of mind that everything is being handled behind the scenes and running smoothly make you happy?

You will receive the following benefits:

Wedding Day Timeline ~ Accessories Checklist ~ Confirmation of Vendors

Confirm tables have correct number of chairs, favors, etc. before guest arrival.

Set-up unity candle, guest book/pen, place cards, table numbers, pictures, table cameras, cake napkins, favors, menus, toasting flutes, candles, cake and knife set, card holder, tape loose cards to gifts upon arrival, etc.

Assist guests with seating cards by finding their table/seat at reception.

Coordination of Events at Reception (grand entrance, dining, dances, toasts, cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss)

Behind-the-scenes items such as dimming lights for bridal dances, supervise reception, check ladies room for toilet paper, paper towels and make sure trash is emptied as many times the hall is so busy they forget.

Pack up and wash toasting flutes, cake knife and gather other items belonging to you before our departure including gifts.

Unlimited e-mails and one consultation meeting to finalize plans.

Includes 6 hours departing no later than 10 p.m. Additional hours can be purchased at an hourly rate if you feel this is not enough coverage. You may upgrade to the full Day-of Coordinator Service which includes ceremony presence and coordination.

We will ask you to complete a questionnaire pertaining to all of your plans, vendors, attendants and more. If we are not already familiar with your reception site we will also visit to see layout and meet the on-site contact for questions.

If you’re worrying about the management of the day you won't be having a good time!

Call 248-408-4602 for availability on your date

to review all of our planning ensembles

www.yourethebride.com

How to find a wedding photographer: Part 1

The Big Question.

The absolute first question that you must answer when setting out to get yourself a wedding photographer is this: Do I want a professional wedding photographer?

Maybe you don't want traditional wedding photos. Maybe you just haven't made up your mind. Or maybe you have another idea on how to preserve your wedding memories.

What a great idea...

We've all seen "Wedding Crashers", so we all know just how great and cute of an idea it is to give out disposable cameras at a wedding reception and let the guests take the priceless candid shots that you know they will. In reality, however, your priceless shots will probably consist of captures of such great moments as your college room mate Ron downing his third whiskey sour, Aunt Ethel stashing food in her purse, and another shot of Ron from later in the night dancing with his pants around his ankles. In short, unless a lot of your close friends are professional photographers, the only memories you are going to capture are the ones you would much rather forget.

No, that won't do. So what if you still aren't sure if you want a photographer at your wedding? Well then this is your lucky day, because I am here to set you right. Provided below is a handy flow chart (made by yours truly using wondrous Paint.net technology) that can walk you through the entire wedding photography decision making process in an easy to follow, step-by-step fashion.

So, now that you have decided that you do indeed want a professional wedding photographer (or if you don't, you have vacated the premises as instructed), how do you go about securing the camera person that is right for you?

The interview phases.

Finding the right wedding photographer is really a three phase process:

1. Pre-Interview.


2. Interview.


3. Post Interview.

For now we will stick to covering phase one: The pre-interview. During the pre-interview phase you want to compile a list of all of the wedding photographers that you can find that you seem to like, or have heard good things about. The list itself is easy enough to make once you know where to find the information.

Making your list: Referrals.

The first and best place to find the name of a good wedding photographer is through referrals. Your recently married friends are always going to be the most reliable source when it comes to who is a good photographer (and who should be avoided at all costs). Likewise, your other vendors, having been to countless weddings themselves, can tip you off to their favorite camera person.

Photographer associations: Very helpful.

Another great way to find potential photographer candidates is through the DPPA web page. The DPPA, or the Detroit Professional Photographer's Association, is a place for the best pro shutterbugs in Michigan to network and grow their businesses. The website offers links and information for many of the members, and is a great way to help pad your list of potential candidates.

What's next?

So, now that you've completed your list of potential photographer candidates, how do you find the one that is right for you? Wouldn't you like to know... And you will, but in the next installment. Until then, remember that you need to compile your list of photographers, the easiest way to do that being:

1. Through referrals from friends and other vendors.


2. By checking out different photographers in business organizations like the DPPA.

As always, you are welcomed, nay encouraged, to continue the discussion in the comments section.

If you enjoyed this article and want to be aware of the second part from the moment it goes online, then subscribe to this blog by clicking the "Follow" link to the right of the page.

How to plan the perfect wedding: Tips and advice

So it is your big day, ten minutes to go before you take the plunge. You look around and only one word sums up the experience in your mind: Disaster. The cake is stale, the photographer is MIA, and your florist doesn't seem to know what a stephanotis is. Where did it all go so wrong?

...And then you wake up from the nightmare. As you wipe the cold sweat from your forehead you realize that you still have six months to set things right (and get rid of that shady flower peddler). The perfect wedding is still in sight, but it will take some planning. But just what does that involve?

Consult the experts.

Lucky for you, wedding planning is a much discussed topic. There are tons of articles and websites out there dedicated to the art of wedding crafting. Written by experts in the field, these blogs can help give you all of the information you need to refine your plans. From advice on how to interview your vendors and weed out mischievous horticulturalists, to news on the latest trend in theme weddings; these blogs can be an invaluable aid for you in your arrangement endeavors. When you find a blog you like, be sure to subscribe or, if it is on Facebook, become a fan. This way you can receive notifications of updates to the blogs and always be able to get the latest information as soon as it becomes available. Just be sure to become a subscriber of this blog first though, since I gave you the idea and all. Actually, with all the wedding planning tips you are getting, you really sort of owe me that at this point. Just saying…

Plan early, plan often.

Probably the most obvious tip, and yet the most important, is to plan early. Give yourself some time to set everything up. Last minute planning forces you to compromise and make important decisions, like which vendor to go with, based on a deadline instead of based on your feelings on the matter. Simply put, the more time you have left until the wedding, the more time you have to find the photographer who fits your budget.

Flowers? Check. Strictly 80's Billy Joel cover band? Check.

Check lists are fun! Well not really, but they are still very helpful tools. More than a simple to do list, a check list is a timeline that can show you not only what needs to be done but when it should be done by. In this way, a good check list can help keep you on track as you approach your big date. Luckily, the Internet once again is there to help you out on this one. Take a look at (link) from littleweddingguide.com for a great wedding check list guide, as well as other helpful wedding planning tips.

Your turn now.

Weddings are perfected and destroyed during the planning process, anybody will tell you this. Planning a wedding is a daunting task, but fortunately you do not have to face your herculean task alone and unarmed. Before you get overwhelmed just remember these important tips:

• Consult the expert blogs on the subject.
• Plan ahead long in advance of the big day.
• Start a check list.

For more helpful advice on how to have the wedding that everyone you know will be talking about for years to come (and not because a fist fight broke out between the DJ and the caterer), then sign up to be notified of new installations to this perfect wedding guide as they come. Become a follower by clicking the link on the right side of the page and you will soon hear of all the wedding tips, checklists, and ideas you need to know, straight from professionals in the industry.

Bridal Show Specials

We were there at the Palace Bridal Show, were you? Well, you can still check us out at the Crystal Gardens Bridal Show this Sunday, from 12-4PM. We've recently connected with some of the area's most outstanding photographers. This allows us to give you seemless photo-video coverage, multiple service discounts, AND the ultra-high quality of companies that concentrate on what they do best! We've got some fab show pricing for you, too! Can't make it to the Bridal Show? Call us...we can answer all your questions. We're there for you!

Townsend Hotel Wedding

This is a preview of the wedding we filmed on Jan. 23rd at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI. A beautiful venue, and a beautiful bride. Molly and Rick were a wonderful couple. Their photographer was Chris Parker of Parker Photographic. We really like working with him! The DJ was Sarah from Platinum Mix...very nice. Their theme was James Bond...shaken, not stirred!

Townsend Hotel Trailer from Joe Bauer on Vimeo.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Why settle for an ordinary wedding video when you can have a Custom Wedding Movie from Joseph F Bauer Studios, complete with your own Movie Poster! Take a Look:

Trash The Dress

We filmed this event last year- I guess it took a while to edit ;) Here it is, featuring photos by Amanda Williams

Trash The Dress from Joe Bauer on Vimeo.