A Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon, Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival, it is celebrated in many countries around the world–mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations–on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday's most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.

1. Custom necklace from Lucky Me Beads | 2. My Sweet & Saucy | 3. Cufflinks by Le Papier Studio | 4. Invitation booklet by Chellé Paperie | 5. Katie + Ian’s wedding on MSW | 6. Silhouette DIY | 7. Silhouette jar DIY by Lauren Elise Crafted | 8. Carter Kustera | 9. Leaf silhouette by Jenny Lee Fowler | 10. My Sweet & Saucy

Have a great weekend.
Melissa Sheets

I'm bouncing on air with excitement about upcoming weddings this year. Today I was scouring images and kept coming across one from the vineyards. If you are still looking for a venue for your wedding head over to the vineyards just off 64 and have a look around. Visit Childress vineyards by clicking HERE



Did you get married or attend a wedding here? I'd love to know what you thought. Leave your comments below.

There are several other wineries in our area, WeatherVane Winery, and Native Vines Winery.  are just two of them.

Happy Wednesday.
Melissa

Last week I walked down the street to photograph another new store that has opened in our sweet little town. Their ribbon cutting ceremony gave us all a good chance to step inside and have a look around.

Lydia, for whom the shop was named.

Open      Monday-Friday 10:00 - 6:00   Saturday 10:00 - 5:00



How cute and simple would this be?

Step One: Decide where your booth will be set up. Pick an out of the way space at your reception. A corner away from dancing and food works the best.

Step Two: Decide who will be in charge of your booth. Your photographer may have an assistant that can man the booth for you. If not grab a friend or family member and put them in charge of it. Having a preteen, or teen is not a good idea. You want these to be awesome portraits, so pick someone who at least is interested in photography.





Props are a must.


 Step Three: BUY props. There are tons of online prop shops and free printables to download. Just print cut and hot-glue onto sticks. Think feather boas, sombrero hats, funky signs, sunglasses.

Step Four: Plan your backdrop and secure a camera. If your photographer is helping he/she might have studio lights for her assistant to use. (Usually there is a small fee from the photographer). Below are a couple examples of how to create your backdrop.



PVC backdrop stands an be made by following this diagram. Fabric can then be secured in place by clamps. You can even sew pockets to slip over the pipe. Be sure to use sandbags to hold this in place if you are taking it outside.

Step Five:  Put out signs directing people to use the props and booth. Encourage your wedding party to partake early so guest are encouraged to step up.

Have fun with this idea, can't wait to see it in action this wedding season.


All images were found online and not taken by me.  For more image ideas visit Pinterest, or type in PHOTOBOOTH Ideas in your search bar.

Happy Thursday!
Melissa

So excited to see this new line of Nikon cameras coming out. They are available for pre-order now, but aren't set for release until March.

The new Nikon D800 promises unsurpassed resolution with its 36.3 megapixel sensor. Nikon announces its new full frame camera to fulfill the needs of professional landscape photographers as well as the new wave of DSLR-based film makers. The D800 also features built-in flash, and is compatible with the acclaimed Creative Lighting System Nikon, including the Command Mode for embedded control Speedlights wirelessly.

Here is the D4 body compared to the D800.

I'm so excited about this release..... Now I have to decide, hardwoodfloor in my studio, or a new camera? The jury is still debating :)

Happy Wednesday!
Melissa