Counter Assertion

If, as a couple, you find that your wedding budget has no room for the services of a professional photographer, the situation does have a remedy. Even though you are not able to take advantage of the creativity and experience of a professional you can still put together a beautiful wedding photo album that is unique and memorable.

You probably know someone in your circle of friends or family members who is an accomplished photographer or at least has a strong interest in photography. Don’t be ashamed to put the word out that you need some help in documenting your special day. The individuals you approach will probably be flattered that you have asked for their help. Some might be a little nervous about taking on this responsibility so it will be up to you to put them at ease and make it clear that there is no pressure.

It is important once you have agreed to work with your photographer that you meet and discuss your vision and expectations of the wedding photos. Please remember though, that this individual is really doing you a favour so treat them with respect and sensitivity and not as an employed professional. Ask your photographer for their ideas and input and work together on the process of planning the wedding day’s photo documentation.

Here are a few quick ideas that you can share with your photographer to get him or her started on the planning process.

1. If your wedding is being held indoors, select a scenic outdoor location in advance where you can stop after the ceremony and prior to the reception to get some photos in natural light, preferrably with a park or flower garden background.

2. When taking photos at the reception, try getting candid photos at the tables and on the dance floor. Many amateur photographers alert the subjects and the results look far too stiff and posed. More interesting shots are natural photos of people having fun and interacting naturally.

3. Every photo need not have a full view of a person included as much of the story can be told by small vignette type photos such as a close up shot of a guest’s hand signing the guest book or just the bride and groom’s hands intertwined showing the rings. Photographs such as these add great interest when interspersed in the album with the people photos.

4. Stand on a chair or kneel down when taking some shots to get differing interest perspectives.

5. Load a seperate camera with black and white film as many of these shots have a nice artistic appeal.

6. If necessary, when photographing the wedding cake, move it to a location free of background distractions.

7. If you are taking a series of group shots, make sure that you move the location as several photos with identical backdrops will get monotonous when viewed concurrently in an album.

My experience has been that having a freind or family member take the photos, often produces a more intimate result because he or she knows the people involved and often captures more meaningful shots.

Don’t forget that in all likelyhood many more people will be taking photos of their own of which some will be keepers, let your guests know that you would be interested in getting copies of their best shots.

In conclusion, while it’s a nice luxury to employ a pro you can get wonderful results using a friend as your wedding photographer.

For more information and descriptive wedding planning articles on every aspect of the process please visit: Perfect Wedding Plans

Jim Hutton writes articles on wedding planning, the article library can be seen at:

Perfect Wedding Plans

Is your anniversary here again? Don’t know what to buy your better half? Maybe the anniversary gift guide can help. The guide has been updated with a few gift ideas to make your shopping a little easier.

1st Anniversary- The first anniversary is the year of paper. Paper gifts are not as boring as one may think. It can be as simple as a handwritten poem or as lavish as an airline ticket.

2nd Anniversary - The second anniversary is cotton. A good cotton gift is clothing. Personalizing it makes it even more special. Nowadays you can personalize just about anything.

3rd Anniversary- The third anniversary gift is leather. Wallets and purses are nice leather gifts. There are also tins of leather items that can be personalized as well. (Ex. Personalized leather bracelets or briefcases)

4th Anniversary- Linen is the fourth anniversary gift. Linen gifts include table linens and vacation linen shirts also known as Guayaberas.

5th Anniversary- Wood is fifth anniversary gift. Gift ideas range from gift baskets to furniture.

6th Anniversary- The sixth anniversary is iron. Iron gifts include candleholders and picture frames.

7th Anniversary- Depending on who you ask, the seven year anniversary is either copper or wool. Cooper gifts include vases and bowls. Wool gifts include sweaters and scarves.

8th Anniversary- Bronze is the eighth anniversary gift. Bronze gifts can be anything from a candleholder or vase to a trinket or memorable keepsake being bronzed.

9th Anniversary- Pottery is the ninth anniversary. Sculptures, vases and bowls are the most common of these gifts. A great gift idea would be to enjoy a pottery class together.

10th Anniversary- Tin or Aluminum is the gifts for 10 years of bliss. Jewelry boxes or tin gift containers filled with goodies make great tin/aluminum gifts. Gift basket containers would be a great to incorporate tin or aluminum.

11th Anniversary- Eleven years of marriage equal a gift of Steel. Gifts can be anything from a stainless steel watch or pendant to stainless kitchen appliances.

12th Anniversary- Silk is the twelfth anniversary gift. Silk pajamas and sheets are a wonderful gift. Robes and clothing are also great.

13th Anniversary- The thirteenth anniversary is that of Lace. This anniversary gift’s element is more for the ladies. Lace table linens, hankies and nightgowns are wonderful gifts of lace.

14th Anniversary- Ivory is the gift fourteen years of marriage. Imagination is important for this gift giving year. An ivory broche is a worldly gift for your wife and if your husband is open to anything, try an ivory elephant tusk. Not likely huh? How about Ivory soap? At least I tried.

15th Anniversary - Fifteen years of wedded bliss earn you Crystal. Swarovski Crystals set in a pendant, watch or other piece of jewelry is a nice idea. For the simple folk, a crystal vase or personalized champagne flutes add that touch of romance.

20th Anniversary- Twentieth Anniversary is the gift of China. That is pretty self explanatory.

25th Anniversary- Twenty five years of marriage is also known as The Silver Anniversary. Silver jewelry or nice jewelry boxes are always safe bets.

30th Anniversary- Pearl is the gift of a thirty year anniversary. Pearls can be given as a necklace or placed in a ring.

35th Anniversary- Coral or Jade is the gifts for this anniversary. You can find coral gifts such as vases, sculptures, trays or games made or coral. Jade gifts are usually jewelry like bracelets and earrings.

40th Anniversary- The fortieth year anniversary gift is Ruby. Like many of the gifts, jewelry is a good gift.

45th Anniversary- Sapphires represent forty years of marriage. Jewelry

50th Anniversary- The Golden Anniversary is among one of the well known. Gold gifts can be anything from jewelry to golden vases, cups, frames, figurines and other trinkets.

55th Anniversary- Emeralds are the gifts of this year. Jewelry is a common gift.

60th Anniversary- Sixty years of being married most certainly deserves Diamonds. What could be better than diamond jewelry?

65th Anniversary- Blue Sapphires are the gifts of this year. Once again jewelry is appropriate…it’s deserved!

70th Anniversary- Platinum gifts are representative of seventy platinum years of marriage. Platinum gifts include jewelry, music boxes, figurines and gift boxes.

75th Anniversary- Once again Diamond is the gift of choice. After seventy five years of marriage, it is most certainly deserving. Best gift…Jewelry!

80th Anniversary- Oak represents eighty years of marriage. If you have been married eighty years than you marriage is stronger than oak. Nevertheless a fantastic oak gift is Oak Home! If you can’t afford it, there are tons of handmade oak gifts such as furniture, wall shelves and many more.

Another gift suggestion is flowers made of any of these elements. There are now stores that offer flowers made of cotton, wood, tin or lace. You name it they have it.

Cynthia Marcano is owner of Simply Sinful Baskets. Visit http://www.simplysinfulbaskets.com for great gifts for any occasion.