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Wow...been too long since I've been blogging! We have relocated to Olympia and are loving it.

Ever move all by yourself? Wow...so many "things" we accumulate over time. I need a garage sale...soon. We have been in the process for about six weeks and close to being done.

We have one studio at tyhe Grand Holiday Ballroom and the other on the westside of Olympia, only one mile east of the 101 north, north of Olympia.

It's worth it, such a super setup at both locations. We just finished installing a custom lighting $ystem for extraordinary picture taking possibilities in the ballroom.

Also directly adjacent, and connected to the actual ballroom is our fully equiped portrait studio for you and your guests. We have a blast doing moderate groups, couples, and individual portraits while everyone of your guests are dressed up, happy, and with a happy face. Perfect time for pictures and of high quality! Not washed out on camera flash photos.

Everyone looks great and has fun...we require fun!

Robert
360-915-8066 Office
360-259-8986 Cell

"GO TO" ...NOW!!
www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

Got any? I didn't. Thats the down side of going to visit relatives outta state. I think I love the left overs more than the fancy layout meal.

I spose I could cook a turkey here at home...but...nahhhhh. I'll just gripe about how I am blessed with a wonderful family, incredibly fulfilling profession, and a couple a great kids to keep me sane.

YES, I AM SANE!

The drive was "iffy" with traction tires recomended. Just what us four wheel drive guys love. The opportunity to show the world of BMW, MB, & Lexus owners how tough we are. Like Tim the tool man Taylor of the mushy road of the Pacific Northwest.

Enough of holiday travels.

I'm booking up, gimme a CALL, FAST!

I think I've found a better DVD Show company here in the PNW instead of Hong Kong. Wait til you see these...brings tears to the eye...yup. Beautiful pictures of you to music on DVD along with your flush mount album, tough to beat!

See then at the show in January. Come by our booth, get your super gift or prize.

NOBODY goes away without a gift, AND a chance to win a prize ALL of ya want. Come by!

Robert

360-259-8986
360-400-1201
www.rbphotography.com "GO TO" ...NOW!!
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

I suppose you're trying to get all your ducks in a row as much as I am, travel preparations, big dinner planning. The only dinner planning I am doing is to decide which relative to go visit for dinner.

A lot of bride's use the holidays as a platform to formally announce their plans to marry the following year. Many others use the pre-holiday season to "wisely" solidify their wedding plans. Booking the hall, the photographer, the wedding planner, etc... You smart girls you. ;-)

We are not only getting ready for our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. We're preparing for the upcoming Tacoma Dome Bridesclub.com Bridal Show.

Got a surprize for ya'll.

It's gonna be fun!

You'll have a blast at our booth.

Bigger gifts!

Robert of Robert's...duh.
360-259-8986
360-400-1201
www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

P.S. Get a jump on the smart girls, come out before Dec 15th to reserve your date and I'll buy you a dinner for two at Outback Steakhouse!

Yup...

Just come out to discuss what we might do for you and get free movie tickets.

If you reserve your date...i throw in dinner...for two!

I am trying to get as much done and dates booked before the holidays as I can. Help me and you out. We're heading over to Idaho for Thankgiving and California for Christmas and would like some dates nailed down before we go.

Get it done before the big January bridal show. Dates are going to dissappear at the show...get ahead of it!

I'm easy to talk to...gimme a call now.

360-259-8986
www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

I know that the holidays are a favorite time to "announce" your engagement officially to family and friends. A few things to remember.

If you're planning for a wedding in 2007 some things need to be addressed very quickly, some you can put off if you have to. Being a hyper overcompensating procrastinator, I know how easy it is to put off things. It's ok, if you know what biggies you need now.

1. A Quality Wedding Planner (if you have a true professional, you can stop here)
2. Ceremony/Reception facility (READ the fine print...WHAT...NO BATHROOMS??)
3. Professional Wedding Photographer...an experienced professional makes your day fun!
4. Caterer...easy to communicate with?
5. Cake...there's Pretty Cakes, Delicious Cakes...and both in one. Mmmmmmm
6. Florist...I do have thoughts...but won't here.
7. Video...got something new in the works!!

Yup...there's a lot more. But really...a great wedding planner will take care of things you aren't even aware of at this point.

The best, and most affordable? Patricia Smith...brilliant!
Call her now @ 360-870-0314 or brides_choice@msn.com

Go to www.rbphotography.com to see her webpage and lots...LOTS of pictures..NEW PICTURES!

You need a professional wedding photographer...thats me...360-259-8986.

Dates are going quickly! Call now!

PS...if you secure your date with me by November 15th...I buy you dinner at Outback...AND A MOVIE!!

...that reserves their wedding date with us before the end of October!!

Yes...ITS TRUE...there is a free dinner...come on out and secure your date and then go into town for dinner...on me!

CALL NOW...360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201.
Dates are booking quickly for both 2007 & 2008.

I just updated our bridesclub.com gallery AND on the website.

www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

I had another quote I was trying to remember and it just came to me regarding questions to ask photographers, caterers, wedding planners, etc...

Remember this:

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing!" -Dale Carnegie

Most anyone can tell whether this is true if you talk long enough with a prospective vendor. You know what's really sad...and I've had it happen several times. Thats when I, as a photographer, have had more enthusiasm for the wedding than the bride and groom. It was more important for me than them...thats really sad.

Another topic reminder:
Still time to get in your e-mail describing the most romantic setting/situation you can imagine.

Win a dinner for two at "Outback Steakhouse". Deadline is tonight at 10:00 pm. Read blogs below for more details.

www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com
360-259-8986
360-400-1201

PS- dates are disappearing, call me, Robert, today!

hey girls...looking for a way to save money?

I know where to look that you'd never guess to look! This will save you money and time and is the real deal.

Not just save money with me, while true. This will save for all wedding costs!

Yup! It's true. I have proved it to dozens of brides just this summer.

Go here now ---->>>> http://rbphotography.com/page10.html

Or go to my homepage www.rbphotography.com

You also need a photographer that understands you...right?

contact me now 360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201

fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

Remember...get that e-mail in. Describing the most romantic place/setting and why, and I send the winner to dinner for two.

Read the blog down the page a bit for details.

Deadline is Friday evening at 10:00 pm.

ROBERT"S PHOTOGRAPHY
www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com
360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201

Because...every couple needs that transition picture?

NO.

Because...you want to drag your guy shopping for the right "outfit"?

NO.

Because I include them in every package and they're free?

Maybe;-)

There are two reasons, one is rational and logical, the other is strictly of the heart.

RATIONAL: We as a wedding photography team (you, him, & I) need to get to know each other BEFORE the wedding, preferably in a photographic setting. Perfect idea you say? YES...perfect. I get to see that you blink every three seconds and that his attention drifts even more frequently than you blink. We need to discover these little challenges and conquor them before the wedding. Okay...right...makes infinite sense! Yes. But read the following carefully and don't miss the point.

THE HEART: I have shared this absolutely true story a few times, and it never fails to crack my voice a bit, it always gets me...because it's true.

I booked Jack and Jill's (you understand about name discretion) wedding and arranged the engagement session in Carmel, California, land of Ansel Adams. This is the arguably the most romantic and beautiful coastal region in the United States. I did a lot of sessions there.

Jill wanted the perfect day and Jack wanted whatever Jill wanted. Smart groom!

So, we shopped there for the perfect dre$$ and the perfect $hirt and $lacks...got everything. Photographed them eating lunch in the sidewalk cafe, eating ice cream cones, shopping for diamonds and Ferra-ferrari-ferraaariiee...fast cars.

Photographed them at the Carmel Mission...exquisite light! Then finished up at sunset at Carmel beach overlooking Pebble Beach. It was a magical day, really. They had the time of their life...a day to remember.

Back at the studio...we projected the previews and they made their choice of several, with one being a 24x30 which we mounted on canvas and framed with the finest frame available. They were not rich people, but this was important to them...to Jill.

They paid the $1,500+ price, drove away happily. We photographed the wedding, it was perfect. Perfection doesn't happen that often in weddings, but it did that day. Album done, delivered, all is well.

I'm out in front of the studio one day when Jack drives up..."hey, how's everything Jack?" "Good" he says, "Jill sends her love...blah, blah."

"Robert, can I share something with you?"(duh)"When we ordered that 24x30, I secretly was thinking...that overpriced photographer...$1,500.00 for one picture? Thats a lot of money, but jill seems to want it pretty badly...we'll get it"

"Last month, we had the fight I thought we'd never have. It was horrible! I packed two huge bags, and was walking out...never to return...when I walked through the living room...and I saw our beautiful canvas, lighted, framed, perfect...overlooking the sea and the beach."

"I stopped and thought. That was not a picture of us, it defined our coupleness, our life together, our commitments to each other and the marraige. It reminded me of what we were about."

"I remembered what she meant to me. I turned, went back to appologise to the woman who is not perfect nor am I, but that picture is now worth a million dollars to me."


That's why...free engagement sessions...with wall prints...in every package.

I believe in what I do for couples, it's why I continue to do it.

www.rbphotography.com
fiddlestix777@yahoo.com
360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201

Besides as to whether you like the candidate...you should.
Here are a few things to ask...and get credible thoughtful answers to...

1. How long ya been doing weddings? (duh)
2. WHY ya doing weddings? (LOVE them)
3. How many backup camera rigs ya got? (FOUR at least)
4. How many backup flashes? (four at least)
5. How many batteries & chargers? (six & two)
6. Who takes over when you've sick? (associate, pro)
7. How many years studied,under whom and where? (lots-verifiable)
8. What's your wedding philosophy? (yours)
9. How ya goin to make my day fun? (sound right?)
10.Why should I trust you? (BC prefered list)

11.What do you do when...the groom passes out, the cake falls to the floor, we are two hours late and your perfect light has gone over the horizon, your car is stolen with your camera cases...huh?

You think I'm being silly or ridiculous...BUT...provisions and plans should be in place for every conceivable hurdle that might possibly occur adversely affecting your pictures. Because, (sorry to burst your bubble)as much as I'd like to deny it...some of these things have and can (will) happen to some of you.

So, what ARE they going to do to save the day, thats what professionals do.

These talents and abilities are often more important than your photographers artsy eye or their fifty billion megapixel camera.

They are also talents and skills one develops over...not years...but decades.

Ask ME ...fiddlestix777@yahoo.com
See ME ...www.rbphotography.com
Call ME ...360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201

ROBERT"S PHOTOGRAPHY

NOW!

PS-How are those romantic place and situation e-mails coming along?

"Outback Steakhouse" my friends...no worries! mmmmmmmmmmmmm

I'm bummed. My wood dealer says he can't get me my favorite wood...Madrona...never heard of it before moving here.

What is it about a fire in the fireplace that warms your heart as well as your toes? Does it do this for you guys like it does for me? All is well if I have a warm glow flickering into my living room.

I suppose its the classic "romantic" thing...like candles...roses...and bamboo flyrods. Oh, no flyrods for you? Oh well, what can I say?

I'd really like to hear back from you guys...whats the most romantic setting? Dinner at beachfront seafood restaraunt? A walk in the woods?

Tell ya what...I will offer up a free dinner at Outback to the best/most compelling description of a romantic setting. This is an honest offer, but I suppose not completely fair because the determing non-objective (thereby subjective)standards for winning are entirely up to me. Compelling is the key word!

The offer is open for three days, Wednday, Thursday, Friday til 10:00 PM.

I will post winner's first name and wedding date here, along with her "compelling" e-mail text.

Only rules:

1. Must be clean and decent.
2. Must be under fifty words.
3. Must have setting and WHY.

e-mail to me fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

Hey...BTW...go visit the website www.rbphotography.com

Oh, gotta wedding, you need me. Call 360-400-1201 or cell anytime 360-259-8986.

Start writing!!

I happened to talk to at least six brides that are crazy into cameras and digital photography this week. So, read this re-print from this site.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/notcamera.htm

It echoes everything I've been preaching for years and years!

*******************************

Why is it that with over 60 years of improvements in cameras, lens sharpness and film grain, resolution and dynamic range that no one has been able to equal what Ansel Adams did back in the 1940s?
Ansel didn't even have Photoshop! How did he do it? Most attempts fall short, some are as good but different like Jack Dykinga, but no one is the same.
Why is it that photographers loaded with the most extraordinary gear who use the internet to get the exact GPS coordinates of Jack's or Ansel's photo locations and hike out there with the image in hand to ensure an exact copy (illegal by US copyright laws and common decency), that they get something that might look similar, but lacks all the impact and emotion of the original they thought they copied?
I'm not kidding. You can read about a bunch of these turkeys here. They used university astronomers to predict the one time in almost two decades that the conditions would match and had 300 of the clueless converge at just the right spot. They still didn't get the clouds, snow or shadows right. This makes Ansel cringe. Of course they didn't get anything like what they wanted.
Compelling photographs come from inspiration, not duplication.
Why is it that even though everyone knows that Photoshop can be used to take any bad image and turn it into a masterpiece, that even after hours of massaging these images look worse than when one started?
Maybe because it's entirely an artist's eye, patience and skill that makes an image and not his tools.
A camera catches your imagination. No imagination, no photo - just crap. The word "image" comes from the word "imagination." It doesn't come come from "lens sharpness" or "noise levels." David LaChapelle's work is all about his imagination, not his camera. Setting up these crazy shots is the hard part. Once set up, any camera could catch them. Give me David LaChapelle's camera and I won't get anything like he does, even if you give me the same star performers.
The only reason I have a huge lens in my photo on my home page is so I don't have to say "photographer" or "photography." The lens makes it obvious much quicker than words. That's what visual communication is all about: thinking long and hard to make your point clearly and quickly. I haven't used that huge lens in years.
Just about any camera, regardless of how good or bad it is, can be used to create outstanding photographs for magazine covers, winning photo contests and hanging in art galleries. The quality of a lens or camera has almost nothing do with the quality of images it can be used to produce.
Joe Holmes' limited-edition 13 x 19" prints of his American Museum of Natural History series sell at Manhattan's Jen Bekman Gallery for $650 each. They're made on a D70.
There are plenty of shows selling shots from Holgas for a lot more money, just that those folks don't tell me about it. Holgas sell for $14.95, brand new, here. You can see an award-winning shot made with a Holga hanging in Washington, D.C.'s Hemicycle Gallery of the Corcoran Museum of Art in their 2006 Eyes of History competition of the White House News Photographers Association here.
Walker Evans once said "People always ask me what camera I use. It's not the camera, it's - - - " and he tapped his temple with his index finger.
Jesus Christ's dad Joseph built a masterpiece of a wooden staircase in a church in New Mexico in 1873, and does anyone care what tools he used? Search all you want, you'll find plenty of scholarly discussion but never of the tools.
Your equipment DOES NOT affect the quality of your image. The less time and effort you spend worrying about your equipment the more time and effort you can spend creating great images. The right equipment just makes it easier, faster or more convenient for you to get the results you need.

******************************************

It's not the equipment, it's the photographer! Nuff said??

Have I a surprize for you this January.

HA!! Gifts!! Fun!! You're gonna say...WHY DID HE DO THAT? But you'll like it. enuff said. ;-)

Remember you can secure your date...call me...e-mail me...IM me.

360-259-8986 360-400-1201 fiddlestix777@yqahoo.com

www.rbphotography.com

It's all there...you just need to come out...the date is yours. Do it before the new prices take effect Dec. 15th.

ok...gotta go to the shop...building the...you'll see.

Call today.

yup...I saw it. all day today, that pepto bismal/bridesclub.com car sat next to our booth all day at the south hill mall bridal show in puyallup today.

I think I could actually taste pink cotton candy after a few hours.

Also saw a really pretty pink wedding dress in the little mini fashion show...just a hint...very slight hint of pink. I can't believe I'm blogging about a pink wedding dress, even with my roloe as a wedding photographer and really liking the wedding industry...I dunno...a little weird.

I'v had pink shirts...I'm not insecure...just...well,you know.

Ok on to the show. Very successful and much much improved over this springs show. I look forward to the bridesclub.com January show where we book summer dates all weekend. Dates disappear by the hour. hope ya'll are ready. THATS a bridal show!!

Get a jump on your date so it doesn't get gobbled up...call me, robert, today...lets talk...grab your man and come on out. Call 360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201 for appointment, I'll even set up red bulls all around!!!!!

E-mail @ fiddlestix777@yahoo.com...go to: www.rbphotography.com

What is it that is going to make your special princess day fun? It's YOUR day dog-gone-it!!

Yeah, vendors are trumpeting those words...but what do they really do? How are they going to act at your wedding?

How do you make sure that boring, stick in the mud vendors don't throw cold water on you and your guests...extiguishing all hope of spontenaity and joy?

You get a vibe from them when you deal with them.

Do they express genuine excitement, not just for your wedding, but for life in general? Or do they drone on like you're the five hundreth phone call that day?

Do you like them? How do you know they aren't just putting on an act to get your hard earned $$$$

the answer??? spend time withem...mmmm. sounds liek the "E" word is in order...effort. Talk to them...a lot. Listen to them...a lot. It's like the old "quality time" issue...how do tyou know when that quality is going to show itself? tthe more time you put in interviewing...the better the odds it'll happen...you'll know.

We'll I'm drilling, painting, gluing, printing again.

Bridal show October 14th, in Puyallup at the South Hill Mall, Meridian exit. Yeah, it's a mall show...a little small but free...and a food court to booty...oops...boot.

Point is I will be there and we can interface. All you need is one photographer...and I'll be there...what more could you ask? ;-)

We're going to have a blast there, come in a visit...gotta free gift for ya!

Also there in my booth will be Pat Smith of Bride's Choice Wedding PlANNERS (this gal can save you $$$$$$) and Bel Canto (sounds like a wine, huh?) this is a group of musicians for wedding music. Flutes, cellos, fiddles...classy stuff...BEAUTIFUL WDIING MUSIC!!

Hey, here's A REAL DEal...come to the booth Saturday from 10-5 and tell me my e-mail name ( FIDDLESTIX ) AND i WILL GIVE YOU A frEE parents album with your package...a free FLUSH ALBUM for mom & pops!

Call me for your personalized appointment @ 360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201.

Better yet e-mail me... fiddlestix777@yahoo.com.

Visit my website... www.rbphotography.com

See ya Saturday!

Where's your wedding going to take place? Beach, church, meadow, how bout percival landing...that's in Olympia...lotta boats. Need lotta room for a million guests?

It does rain up her ein PNW, not so much this year but ya gotta plan right?

How about those snazzy wedding "mansions".

No red wine allowed
No use of the fourteen bathrooms...just use the honey bucket out back thank you very much
No use of the front door
No parking over ten cars
No smoking...anywhere anytime

A GAURD is there to make sure you're SAFE?? NOOO, he's there to make sure you don't go anywhere in the mansion. HA...sad...huh?

Olympia & Tacoma needs more accessable wedding locations.

Got any you love?
Got any you hate?

Lets hear it girls!!

I know bout a new one...ha ha...ask me!! You'll love it! Betcha drove past it this week and didn't know it. Room for 250 guests...INDOORS...very classy.

It's not quite ready to advertise...quite ready to book. I know the coordinator if you're interested?

Cal me 360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201 or e-mail fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

www.rbphotography.com

I think I dislike thenm more than you do. I've spent...mmmm...many years un-becomeing one. They boss you around, they swagger, take thousands of dollars and tell you how lucky you are to have them.

Not me! Who needs that? Do you want that? Got a horror story to share with us?

Anyway, I wanna have fun at your wedding. I want YOU to have fun on your wedding day. I can make it happen. It's taken me many years to be able to relax, let the day unfold, create beauty and calm midst the "potential" of stress. It doen't have to be stressfull.

We'll have a great time, call me now, or at least after 8:00 in the morning (after my coffee).

360-259-8986 or 360-400-1201

Or e-mail fiddlestix777@yahoo.com

Go see the website www.rbphotography.com.

We'll have a great time...come on out, we'll talk about what I can do for you!

We've had an eventful spring and I for one am ready for an exciting summer season!

The new Flush Albums are so beautiful and fun to create. Many more options are being offered by more companies, it's hard to know which company is delivering reliable quality in a timely manner. Any suggestions?

I've seen brushed aluminum covers that are sophisticated and nearly bullet proof...pricey though. How important is the cover? Still want leather? I've not had an order for leather since last year.

Ya'll like the "tall" albums? Fouteen inches tall...different format? Share your thought...PLEASE?

Yes, we are again going to be at the Tacoma Wedding Expo, assisting you in attaing your wedding photography dreams with many new ideas and products you will absolutely love.

Our newest Custom Video Montage or CD-ROM is a collection of personally selected still images (color or black and white) and run to your choice of music.

This incredible product is offered for a limited time as a standard offering with all packages from the Magnolia Blossom and above.

We have many options for you to choose from regarding packages or even zero percent financing.

Stop in and visit us...we can't help if you don't stop by or call, 360-400-1201. See you this weekend!

Regardless of your own particular religious persuasion...or lack thereof...we here at Robert's would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas season.

I don't believe wishing you good things is bad...and if it is...too bad. We would hope that everyone recognize that a season devoted to goodwill is a practical way to refocus on what is important to you.

For us, it is God, family, and humanity in general. Do good to others, treat the less fortunate with generosity and kindness, and contribute to society in a sincere, useful and meaningful way.

Well...I feel mildly guilty for neglecting the blog portion of the site. However, I have a plausable excuse...steelhead fishing.

Productive or not, it's still fun to get out on the rivers here in Washington. I suppose I could write the trips off if I can find some nice portrait locations?

The booking season is right around the corner and as we fill our calendar those fond outdoor memories will have to suffice.

We wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!

Ok...forgive me. This is about the new "flush albums". But hey...this is my life too!

I've finally recognized a problem with the wonderful uniqueness potential of these things (if you don't know what these are...go to the gallery and watch for a while).

It only became apparent after my second cup of coffee the other night, sitting at my computer screen, rearranging the third page...AGAIN...because I felt it wasn't perfect (first born curse).

The problem?

I love tinkering with the images and the myriad of potential layouts, image groupings, and graphic bells and whistles. I do this way more than is necessary, time spent I mean. I'm not really a bells and whistles guy.

Often I look at the latest "improvement" and compare to the first version, only to be befuddled as to which is better...tomaaaato vs. tomaaawwwto?

Thats it, time.

I will spend too much time, I guess thats a given. But I suppose too much time spent on something that elicites warm feelings, tears of joy & fuzzy emotion, is not so bad.

It doesn't contribute to my already increasing cholesteral, carb intake, or global warming.

It's something I can live with. Maybe it's not a problem after all. Nothing a fire in the fireplace won't cure...have a great evening.

Any thoughts?

If you kiss her, you are not a gentleman
If you don't, you are not a man
If you praise her, she thinks you are lying
If you don't, you are good for nothing
If you agree to all her likes, you are a wimp
If you don't, you are not understanding
If you visit her often, she thinks it is boring
If you don't, she accuses you of double-crossing
If you are well dressed, she says you are a playboy
If you don't, you are a dull boy
If you are jealous, she says it's bad
If you don't, she thinks you do not love her
If you attempt a romance, she says you didn't respect her
If you don't, she thinks you do not like her
If you are a minute late, she complains it's hard to wait
If she is late, she says that's a girl's way
If you visit another man, you're not putting in "quality time"
If she is visited by another woman, "oh it's natural, we are girls"
If you kiss her once in a while, she professes you are cold
If you kiss her often, she yells that you are taking advantage
If you fail to help her in crossing the street, you lack ethics
If you do, she thinks it's just one of men's tactics for seduction
If you stare at another woman, she accuses you of flirting
If she is stared by other men, she says that they are just admiring
If you talk, she wants you to listen
If you listen, she wants you to talk
In short:
So simple, yet so complex
So weak, yet so powerful
So confusing, yet so desirable
So damning, yet so wonderful...
...WOMEN!

fair is fair...heard any good one's lately?

Good night, Robert

If you kiss him, you are easy
If you don't, you are frigid
If you praise him, he thinks you are fake
If you don't, he thinks you are ungrateful
If you agree to all his likes, you are submissive
If you don't, you are controling
If you visit him often, he thinks you're desperate
If you don't, he thinks you're not interested
If you are well dressed, he says you are vain
If you don't, you are a dog
If you are jealous, he say's you're possessive
If you're not, then he fools around
If you attempt a romance, he say's you are cheap
If you don't, he thinks you are cold
If you are a minute late, he says you are fussy
If he is late, he says you're impatient
If you visit another man, you are fooling around
If he is visited by another woman, "oh we're just friends"
If you kiss him once in a while, he says you're too shy
If you kiss him often, he says you're too forward
If he fails to help you in crossing the street, he brings up the feminist movement
If he does, he expects to be rewarded
If you stare at another woman, he says you're jealous
If he is stared by other men, boy, you're in big trouble..
If you talk, it's always too much
If you listen, it's never enough

In short:

So complex, yet so predictable
So macho, yet so sensitive (usually to their own feelings)
So confusing, yet so funny
but most of all,
So irritating, yet so irresistible

...MEN!

Check back for the other side tomorrow ;-)

Robert

I happended to see a photographer a couple of weeks ago drag the bridal party and family all over creation half a day for that "one more great shot".

I heard later that she kept at them all through the reception. How many pictures do you need? It's you WEDDING DAY, not a photo shoot for "Bride's" magazine.

Sorry if this is so photography specific, but this issue of being a pestering bully on the first day of this young couples new life infuriates me. I have been trying to undo the stereotype of the obnoxious wedding photographer for 27 years...and again I see this behavior continue.

OK...I'll calm down now. I am going to enjoy my fireplace and the fine drizzle that I see coming from the south. I do love this autumn weather.

I just returned home from a seminar hosted by Bridesclub and heard about even more changes and attitude changes than I ever imagined were possible.

Wow, the wedding world has changed over the last five years. Not to mention the last twenty. Digital technology, CD-ROM, DVD Albums, website evolution, blog sites. I am possitive they are for the most part good changes, just look at the new Flush albums...they are so cool...and artsy...gotta love them.

I wonder what is most important to you brides though. I don't mean...which "vendor" is going to get your business, and why. Thats the commercial stuff we get from marketing companies.

What I'm talking about is like...is it still the feeling like a "princess" joining your "prince"? Is it the celebration? Is it the ceremony and public commitment?

I am curious what has stayed the same when so much has evolved?

E-mail me...I really want to hear from you guys...just curious.

Good night.

Well now I’m curious about the origins of wedding favors. The thoughtful mementos that are given to your wedding guests as a keepsake and reminder of your special day.

Evidently, in the late 17th century, it was very common for wedding guests to receive favors such as scarves, garters, or gloves. Greek legends speak of wedding favors such as five sugar-coated almonds as symbols of health, wealth, fertility, happiness and long-life. Sounds like the ho hum Jordan almonds doesn’t it, now they mean something.

Modern brides have become more creative in their expressions of gratitude to guests through wedding favors. Wedding favors are often a reflection of a couple’s personal style. At many favor vendors, I see they are continuously searching for elegant, distinctive wedding favors that will leave a lasting impression for you and your guests.

What’s the most popular for next season? You tell me.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've always enjoyed seeing (and collect) interesting wedding favors. Even though I really do like ho hum Jordan Almonds, my favorites are clever and inexpensive.

Handmade & craftsy momentos are also nice, but very time consuming. Something that speaks to the couples interests are nice. I saw little "buoy key ring fobs" for the couple that liked to sail. Another was a mini wine bottle for collectors of fine wines.

I did see one I thought was nice on a website this week, if you are already aware of the site, forgive me. It is a small glass oil bottle with a grape design from FAVOR OUTLET at www.favoroutlet.com.

Anyone else have some really original ideas? I think using a cutting edge yet seasoned professional consultant is the best way to arrive at an interesting favor, and wedding in general.

Lets hear those ideas!

No advertising here today, just want to say hi.

We have just recently relocated to the great Northwest. No I won't tell you from where. ;-) We absolutely love it here, and hope to be able to apply our many years of experience in creating award winning images to brides here in the Seattle/Olympia area! (oops...that sounds too advertizee...sorry)

Friendly people, beautiful terrain, realistic pace of living will hopefully make this and end destination for us.

Any recommendations on kid friendly, moderately priced hole in the wall restraunts in the South Sound area?

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