WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG? kidchamp edition.

(Click to enlarge, if you like)

Happy 4th!

For those of you who are stuck at home/work, or who don't like fireworks, or who don't live in the fucking USOFA, here is the second installment of "What's in your bag?" brought to you by our very own kidchamp.

What bag is currently in your wardrobe rotation? a faux leather marc by marc jacobs messenger i found on ebay

What’s inside? two drop cloths for painting some chairs; half a bag of strawberry haribo wheels; my husband's sunglasses; a big wet wipe from a ramen restaurant; quilting scissors; lip balm, lipstick, and one of those josie maran argan oil everywhere things; a theater receipt for one goose island honker ale and sour patch kids; a notebook i use on the subway; a cardboard adapter my friend stewart made for our turntable; a pewter spoon from loch ness; pink washi tape; my iphone; my sunglasses; a domino i found in the street; a pen; a packet of hair clips; tic tacs; icelandic licorice mints; my wallet; my metrocard; the summer issue of tin house; a printout of regulations for taking cats on airplanes.

What is the one item we will always find in your bag? candy

What is your favorite thing about your job? peoplewatching

Where is your favorite place in Los Angeles to grab a drink/bite? my sister's apartment

What are your top three favorite stores in Los Angeles to shop? the 7-11 on melrose, the pet store down the street from tacos villa corona with all the parrots, wasteland in santa monica

If you could tell your 22-year-old self one thing it would be.... look into rose oil

What is your ultimate guilty pleasure? aerosol cheese


You can check out Installment #1 over here

sequins for the dream team

Dear ESB,

One of my nearest and dearest is getting married in September. It's all happening on a piece of land by a river outside of the city where we live. She's decided to call her bridesmaids (of which I am one), "The Dream Team" which I find to be fucking awesome. 

Right now we're in the midst of finding dresses or top/skirt combos and are in a bit of a bind. The initial vision was really pretty corset tops (not too revealing of course) and high waisted skirts. Now we're thinking sequins/sparkles. We love these dresses, but can't find where they're from and we also assume they're a fuck ton of $$$. 

So here's Heidi Klum wearing the bride's dress. You can see it's super light and airy and didn't come with the belt. What do we do?

So we need your and your readers' help! We need to make a decision in the next couple weeks...

Sparkles? Sequins? Fun corset tops and beautiful high waisted skirts?

xo

*****

WILL THERE BE ELEPHANTS??????????????????

I believe this is the dress you're looking for.


Reese Witherspoon by Jonathan Van Meter for Vogue

Why the F* does it cost so much?? DJ edition! (Sponsored by Dart DJ)

We didn't hire a DJ for our wedding. We sort of recruited the best man (bad idea) to help with the music, but he was too busy doing best man things (I.E. having fun at the damn wedding) to pay much attention to the music.

Was the party still amazing? 

Yes.

Do I wish I hadn't spent 45 minutes fucking with the iTunes playlist in the middle of the reception? 

Yes.

If I had it to do over again, would I scrape up the money to hire a REAL DJ? 

Yeah, I might.

Here's Jesse from Dart DJ to tell you why the good ones cost so f*@%ing much:

My partner Michael and I started Dart with the goal of shaking up the typically safe (read: boring) world of wedding DJ's with our unique sound and style. We believe that creativity is essential, from the custom gear we use to the personal mixes, edits and playlists we make for our couples.

Much like our friend Beth at Whoa Nelly Catering, as DJ’s we are often asked, "Why the f* does it cost so much?"

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of why hiring a DJ—and specifically a good DJ—is expensive, we should start by saying that talent and reputation will always be the main factor when it comes to DJ pricing. You pay for what you get and if it's important to you that your wedding DJ is talented, engaging and professional, the price point will always be higher. While Dart itself is a relatively new company, both Michael and I have been making people dance for years at events, clubs and festivals around the world. We are always digging through vinyl looking for those timeless tracks that avoid cliche but are universal in their appeal. This process is something we love to do and a key part of what separates us from a DJ who downloads top 40 playlists and rehashes what Ryan Seacrest is playing on KIIS FM that morning. 

With that said, spend five minutes on Craigslist and you will find DJ’s who are way cheaper than us (charging anywhere from $400-$800). AVOID THESE DJ’s. After you see the amount of gear, time and energy that goes into each event we do, I hope you will see why these price points put you at risk of hiring someone flaky and unreliable for your wedding.

Taste

As I noted above, no amount of gear, cabling or time will ever perfectly explain the cost of a DJ (don’t hate us for it). The reality is that music is a crucial part of your wedding and to keep people dancing and keep their interest, we need to always be reading the crowd and making adjustments. People who are charging $400 are simply not doing this for a living. They may be selling life insurance during the week and trying to make a few extra bucks on the weekend—which is totally cool—but when it comes to really knowing your library of music and being able to make quick adjustments in a tasteful and stylish way, we feel that this is where devoting your full time and energy to the craft pays off. A few months ago, I came in contact with a wedding DJ to remain nameless. He told me he plays more or less the same songs at every wedding, explaining that these songs “work” and why mess with a good thing. Maybe you're cool settling for "good" (really, "OK" is probably more accurate), but Michael and I simply don't believe in that kind of platitude. You don't have to trade taste for dancing - you just have to work a little harder to find well produced songs that connect with people in a universal way. And that's what we're all about.

Gear

(Note: This gets really boring really fast, so feel free to skim!) Owning and maintaining top quality gear is not a cheap endeavor. Michael and I obsess over the gear and aesthetics of our company and we think that pays off both musically and visually on your wedding day. Our custom wood console, 900 mixer, technics turntables, mics, subs and brand new JBLs are expensive and would probably be in the $500-$750 range just for you to rent from a rental company on your wedding day. With that said, the truly hidden cost for DJs and gear is the cabling. Reliable cables are REALLY expensive and we need a lot of them! In addition, we need back ups of everything so that if something shorts out on the day we can quickly and seamlessly swap it out. We've thought through little details like that precisely so you never notice them and keep having a great day instead. 

Time and Prep

While rates are often negotiated based on how many hours you need us to actually DJ, the reality is that any wedding is going to take up our entire day and night. A short day will be around 10-12 hours while others, particularly with travel, can stretch to 19 hours (We actually did a 19-hour day last weekend!). While some of that has to do with our attention to detail (we typically set up 2-3 hrs before anyone arrives to make sure everything works perfectly), the reality is that DJing a wedding is much more involved than DJing a club. You can't just plug in your computer, play for two hours, and then leave. Then again, most people are assholes in clubs, slip you $20s to play shit songs you hate and/or spill their Red Bull vodkas on your backpack in the process. So ultimately you can see why we're much more interested in the more exacting, but more rewarding business of making you, your friends and family boogie down. 

DJs are often stereotyped as being lazy, apathetic, overpaid stoner kids. After DJing all over the world and for a long time in Los Angeles, I can tell you that this is pretty true! It’s true because switching between two songs is super easy if that is the height of your ambition for an event. The exceptions to this rule are the DJs who are talented mixers, that love what they do, and who want to push an event to engaging and exciting levels. Inevitably these are the people you want at your event and the ones who will command higher prices. 

A final tip for couples who are on a very tight budget: ask a friend (not a close friend) with solid DJ experience to DJ your wedding either as a favor or at a friend rate. That way you have at least seen the person spin and have an idea of what they will bring to the event. If you do not have a friend or a friend of a friend who is a good DJ, you may have to step up your budget and give us a call! We're pretty nice. 

[Editor's Note: If there is *no room* in your budget for a DJ, no way no how, Dart DJ has some pretty good mixes for the swiping. Don't tell Jesse I told you.]

A visit to Echo Park's Bride boutique

This wee bridal boutique opened up in my neighborhood a few months ago, and I finally figured I should go check it out.

I asked Michelle Pullman of Rad + In Love to come take photos, and she brought this lovely bride-to-be along to try on dresses. (Pro Tip: It is so much more fun to watch a REAL BRIDE try on dresses than some jaded model or whatever.)

To start, Mel put on her mom's wedding dress and did a quickie consult with Maria Diaz, the owner/sole employee of Bride, about doing some alterations.

The dress is basically Zeffirelli's Juliet meets Laura Ingalls Wilder and it's pretty fucking awesome in a weirdly modest, 110% polyester way.

Maria specializes in altering such dresses.

Next up was this shreddy gown by Madabby ($350)

This simple gown by Holly Stalder ($450) (I loved this one.)

This Holly Stalder tiered gown ($650) (Mel loved this one.)

This strapless high/low by Caroline Flach (north of $4000, this was by far the most expensive gown we saw in the shop) 

The teensy sample Mel obligingly put on is the actual dress that teensy Caroline made for her own wedding.

This meringue-y Caroline Flach ($1500) (Which we ALL loved.)

Here's Mel curled up into a ball, she loves it so much.

And then we made her try on this black tulle one, designed by Maria Diaz herself ($500), which is basically Michelle's dream wedding gown.

There are lots more dresses in the shop, including vintage gowns in the $100-200 range. If you happen to live in the neighborhood (or might like to plan a trip to the neighborhood), do check it out.

Bonus: Bride is right across the street from Guisados, my most favorite taco joint in Los Angeles.

(Photos by Michelle of Rad + In Love)

molly goddard for Asos

Do we like these?

No, right?





WHY DO I LIKE THESE

Thank you Anna for the tip.

speaking of armpits. and pit stains...

I got this question more than a month ago and I quickly emailed Rachel (silk-wearer extraordinaire) to get her professional opinion, but I've been avoiding posting it because.... Armpits.

Today seems like the day.

Dear ESB,

Like you, I hate polyester. I almost didn't find my wedding dress in time because I was holding out for 100% silk in my tiny budget. (Found it, miracle.)  

But what about, you know, sweat stains? I'm not a sweaty person, but the minute I put on a long sleeve silk shirt I'm all damp. I can't wear my favorite emerald green blouse unless it's like exactly 50 degrees and cloudy. 

Any tips on prevention, cleaning?

*****

Here's what Rachel had to say:

Hmmmm ... oddly, given that I'm sweaty and I wear silk often, I don't have much advice for this. I find silk less sweat inducing than polyester, which is why I held out for it at the wedding. Is the wedding dress long sleeved? I can see how that would be a concern.

My only suggestion is going to be one that you aren't into at all. Bring in the big guns, serious antiperspirant. I used Certain Dri a couple times the week of the wedding. I'm sure it's terrible for you and it made my pits itch like hell the first time I used it (apply lightly the night before, never right after shaving and test it out a couple times before the wedding) but damn if it doesn't keep me totally sweat free.

Re: cleaning. I've never tried cleaning my own silks and just take them to my trusty, if exorbitantly priced, dry cleaner. Honestly, any pit stains would have been the least of the damage done to my wedding dress by the end of the night. I ripped out the hem in the photobooth, safety pinned the back in a fake bustle to keep it out of my way for dancing and then spilled beer all over myself when I tried to be helpful and haul out a recycling bin towards the end of the night. And I didn't care at all.

[Editor's Note: I haven't used Certain Dri in YEARS. Because we all know I'm a hippie. But that stuff saved my ass in high school....]


Photo: Shalom Harlow by Cass Bird for Oyster #99

such amazing, vegetabular dresses

On sale! (Thx, my anonymous German reader!)

Sadly, they're only available in Europe.

Seeking: a red dress that will blow his mind

Okay, so! I have been a faithful daily reader of your blog ever since my sister got married a couple of years ago. I had perfected my role of older, unattached cool sister. I was interested in researching as much as I could about how to be a Maid of Honor, even though the subject frankly was not at all interesting to me.

But something kept me coming back to this blog. And six weeks ago, out of complete nowhere, I met my match.

Everything is beautiful, everything is perfect, except for the fact that he lives in DC and I live in Des Moines. We have planned a trip to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks. The theory being that it would be wise to continue to get to know each other on neutral turf.

My issue is simple: I need to buy a dress that will blow his mind when I step off of the airplane. It needs to be red, and it needs to be relatively form-fitting in the ass area, and it also needs to not be so tight in the armpit area that it shows pit stains, which will certainly emerge due to my excitement and the climate.

I promise that when all is said and done I will show the wedding money shots that I am of supreme confidence will follow. I just need some direction, some shopping help. I am prepared to work it like I have never worked it before. I just could use a little input.

*****

SLOW DOWN, LADYPANTS

There is no need to work it so hard.

Have lots and lots and lots of sex (Vegas is good for that) but don't even think about marrying the guy until you've tried living in the same city first.





Okay, rant over. Who feels like shopping??

Marion Cotillard by Ellen von Unwerth for Tatler (June 2010) via Fashion Gone Rogue

CHECK OUT THIS DEMEULEMEESTER

I mean, check out the whole wedding, but CHECK OUT THAT DEMEULEMEESTER

I found it in grey over here. On sale. You're welcome!


The photo is by Tec Petaja, and all credit goes to kidchamp for the tip. (I've been boycotting Design*Sponge ever since they implemented that hideous redesign.) 

I found his secret sex toy stash

Dear ESB,


My fiance and I have been together about five years, engaged for five months. We just bought a house together about a month ago and plan to get married next year. Earlier in our relationship, it became apparent that his sex drive is much stronger than mine. I do enjoy sex and have had the best sex of my life with this man, I just don't initiate as much as he'd like. I always get into it once we get going, but it's rarely ever my idea.

We've talked about this a few times, though it's hard for me to discuss without getting emotional because I end up feeling like a failure as a woman and a sexual being. I think it stems from some old insecurities of mine. He really can't stand it when I get very emotional, so sometimes he avoids topics he knows will set me off. At one point I thought we weren't compatible enough in terms of sex drive and he'd never propose and we'd eventually break up. But he did, and he also stopped commenting on my lack of initiation.

So recently we've settled into a routine of doing it first thing most mornings, aka not my body's favorite time to be intimate to begin with. I roll with it as enthusiastically as possible. He always seems to enjoy it and is very complimentary, especially when I give him a blow job (often).

Anyway, I was packing for a trip recently and found his secret sex toy/lube stash under a couch. Specifically, it was a butt plug. I'm not that weirded out, because I know even straight men like stimulation there, but I'm hurt that he was keeping a secret in our house, and I'm back at the feeling of failure because I'm obviously not fulfilling all his needs and he doesn't feel like he can share this with me. I have been really busy lately with work and other stuff, but we do it about four or five times a week. I know he masturbates and watches porn sometimes when he's alone, which doesn't bother me, but for some reason this strikes me as a more serious need. Am I overreacting? I am not sure how long he's had this, but it would have been harder to hide it in our apartment, which was smaller.

Should I confront him about it? Ignore it and keep with the status quo, which meets my own needs? Put my finger there next time we're doing it and see how it goes? (I think I would be open to more experimentation along these lines...) All other aspects of our relationship are awesome.

xoxo

*****

I'd open with "Hey, I found your butt plug!" 

No, really. I bet he wanted you to find it.

Play with the butt plug or don't play with the butt plug. The butt plug is not the problem. The problem is "the status quo," as you put it, which sorta meets your needs but also sorta has you doling out blow jobs every morning when you'd really rather be asleep.

You love this man so much you're willing to go above and beyond in the sack (4 or 5 times a week is a LOT for most couples, trust) and he loves you so much he's willing to squelch his desire for you to initiate, but resentment will build up eventually. On both sides.

What are these "old insecurities" of yours? Have you tried talking to a therapist?

Maybe this is something you can work through, or maybe (surprise!) you two are just not sexually compatible.

But please don't commit to Mr. Libido -- for life -- while you're "feeling like a failure as a woman." Please. A ring will not make everything all better.

Amours Boudin II by Fabian Souche

Where do the cool girls shop? Part 1.

(Garrett Leight from Mohawk General Store)

The people have spoken, and they have demanded a Where do the cool girls shop? series. (But you just launched a new series! I KNOW, IT'S CRAZY.)

To start, I figured I'd hit up some of ESB's best/coolest shoppers. Duh.

Here's Rachel A\\\\\, who just so happens to live in my neighborhood and also has AMAZING HAIR. Is that relevant? I think yes.

Anyhoo. Here she is, with a guide to shopping Los Angeles/online/the mall/your mom's closet....

Los Angeles is, bar none, the most versatile clothes-shopping city on the west coast. We're equal opportunity -- whether you want to look like a hipster farmhand, a platinum-card princess, or a derby doll, we've got you covered. Still, I’m such a magpie scrounging clothes from all over the damn place that when asked to share my favorite places to shop, I generally freeze up. A list of where I wished I shopped, or where I solely window-shop, would be far easier… but for the first time (only for you, ESB), I'll try. My top places where I’ve actually bought more than one thing ever include:

aerie - The "vintage lace bikini" from AE's aerie line is my biggest life-improvement secret. You're welcome.

(Vintage lace bikini from aerie)

American Rag - Their denim bar is the best. Stuff that isn't sold anywhere (Naked & Famous!) turns up there. I haven't bought anything else at AmRag in years but if your pockets are deep it's a great resource for everything else, too. P.S. My second-favorite jeans are from Forever 21.

ASOS - THE BEST ONLINE SHOPPING EVAR. Shipping is always free, there's a new vintage section that seems really rad, and their sales are great for stuff like a wool-and-leather cape that sounds insane but turns out to be indispensable.

Barneys - Since we don't have Bergdorfs, when you need big-girl clothes the next best is Barneys. 

Designer sample sales - 100% A-#1 way to shop. Every LA-based designer has to get rid of backstock at some point, and R29 is really good at tracking all the upcoming sales.

Jet Rag - for vintage that isn't (necessarily) costumey, Jet Rag is a joy. Their racks of everything-under-the-sun are arranged by category and color (<3 <3); they have loads of great leather jackets and so-hot-right-now vintage Hawaiian shirts if you want to bring your guy along; I got my Enid Coleslaw outfit there; and my very favorite skinny teal belt is from their weekly $1 Sunday sale.

[Editor's Note: I've now been living in LA for 7+ years. How have I never heard of the $1 Sunday sale??]

J.Crew - wait for their sales, when all the best weird sweaters, ugly-patterned pencil skirts and sherbet-color ballet flats get marked way way down. I also want 9 million of their super-flattering "perfect-fit" tank tops to wear under EVERYTHING.

Jenette Bras - for those on the stacked side (or just weirdly sized like me), Jenette's skivvies selection and ferociously knowledgable ladies are lifesavers. 

Mohawk General Store - I hate how much I like Mohawk General. Their independent clothing and shoe designer roster is flawless, but it's the gorgeous mid-century decor, jewelry by my lovely friend Kristen Elspeth (OBSESSED with the silver finger chain I just got from her), Garrett Leight glasses, CDG clutches, and Mast Bros. chocolate that make you want to move in.

My lady relatives - I've raided the closets of my mother, my stepmother, my aunts, my grandma, my other grandma, my best friend's grandma, my mother's boyfriend's mother… this isn't a store, it’s just a tip: befriend All The Moms.

Steven Alan - I used to work in Venice and stop into the neighboring SA store almost daily to try on shoes by Marais and Rachel Comey, floral button-downs, leather bags, and the wonderfullest little gold rings made by Steven's dad.

(Boyfriend shirt from Steven Alan)

Zara - fun for basics, incredible for shoes. SHOES SHOES SHOES. SHOES.


If you're interested in writing a guide to shopping your city/the mall/online/your mom's closet (or whatever your version of that is), hit me up!

Blog of the week(ish): My Imaginary Well-Dressed Toddler Daughter

Okay, so the blog is this Pinterest board.

BUT COME ON

Seeking: An Imaginary Reception Dress

Dear ESB,

First off, I've been reading your blog for ages. From waaay before I even got engaged. Yours is pretty much the only bridal website I don't hate. So, thanks!

Anyway, I am engaged now to a wonderfully awesome man, the love of my life. I'm wearing the gown my mother, grandmother and great aunt all wore, and it's lovely. Clean lines, beautiful off-white satin. But not exactly a party dress. I thought the best way to go is to wear the beautiful family dress for the ceremony and get something more 'me' to wear for the rockin reception afterwards.

The issue is that I know what I want that dress to look like. But, so far, only in my head.

It's almost like a short 20s flapper kinda thing. It's very off white, even gold or rose or peach, with a shift dress feel to it, like not hugging my body. Some (or lots of) shiny beading. I'm really tall and skinny (size 0-2), if that helps at all.

Before I go down the get-the dress-custom-made road, I was hoping to find it on the internet. Turns out, I am TERRIBLE at finding dresses online, and you and your readers definitely have that skill.

Because the family dress comes with no cost at all, I can go nuts with the budget. I'm the type of person who normally would spend a lot of money on my wedding dress.

Please help? If you or your awesome readers could find it I will love you forever. Seriously.

xoxo

*****

I think what you want is a Jenny Packham, and you won't find it online.

But hey! If you're the type of person who normally would spend a lot of money on her wedding dress, you must be the type of person who would fly WHEREVER to get it, right??


xoxox

KAROLINA KURKOVA BY NINO MUÑOZ FOR NUMÉRO TOKYO JUNE 2013 via Fashion Gone Rogue

A tale of two dresses.... The FOLLOW UP

Surprise! It's Paige Lowe -- our lady who took her own engagement photos. 

I told you she'd ROCK that ombre dress.

Paige says:

The day and the dress were perfect (minus not exactly fitting, big girl + little dress = keyhole open back cuz it wouldn't button...but I kinda dug it!) (also minus the photo booth company completely failing and not working at all --- OH WELL!)

Other side note - I had my 15 year old INTERN take these photos, it was a HUGE learning experience for her and I got to walk her through every step (and edit the photos myself, big plus). huge huge huge exposure and experience for her, and a HUGE budget cut for us!

#umhelloamazingphotos #radinteren

Tune in to 100 Layer Cake first thing tomorrow morning for tons more photos/dets.

I'll tell you a secret: The dress is gorg, of course, and the images are gorg, but THE WEDDING THE WEDDING THE WEDDING.

Digby & Iona + TAXIDERMY!

Two of my very favorite things.



See more of the photos by Amy Shutt over on style carrot.

Shop Digby & Iona here and here.

Welcome to our sexy sexy first installment of WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

(Click to enlarge, should you care to.)

Inspired by this post that for some reason really amused me this morning (plus every "What's in your bag?" series on every blog ever), I bring you WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG? ESB-style.

I know nothing about this anonymous reader except that she is rad.

What bag is currently in your wardrobe rotation? A LV tote borrowed from a friend for last weekend in Napa. A purple marker opened up on the inside and made a huge stain. Have not figured out how to position this yet.

What’s inside? My stepson’s phone we confiscated for inappropriate use. My phone which holds a charge for about ten minutes. Two reminders for counselor appointments, along with the Wi-Fi code for the psych hospital. Two dirty scrunchies, a bracelet from the Napa Valley festival. Allergy meds and Pepcid. Detangling brush and comb, along with texture paste for fine hair. Four drug store lip balms, blush from 2009. IPad, company id badge, sunglasses, 1 mentos, 26 store receipts, the map of my community for community watch. Also a crumpled paper towel I used to wipe glazed donut crumbs off my fingers this morning. Hand sanitizer. 27 cents. No idea where my wallet and keys might be. DVDs of Love Actually and Bridesmaids - we're carrying these now, right?

What is the one item we will always find in your bag? Cough drop wrappers

What is your favorite thing about your job? Counting how many people don’t wash their hands after they pee.

Where is your favorite place in Los Angeles to grab a drink/bite? Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden.

What are your top three favorite stores in Los Angeles to shop? Macy's, Kohls and Forever 21.

If you could tell your 22-year-old self one thing it would be.... Look into rose oil

What is your ultimate guilty pleasure? esb

p.s Have I told you lately that I love you? I FUCKING LOVE YOU GUYS.

Do we need a Wedding Photographer? (Sponsored by Calin + Bisous)

Several brides have emailed me in the past few months to ask "Do we need a Wedding Photographer?" "Can't we just ask our friends to send us their photos?" "We don't feel the need to capture thousands of perfectly styled images of our wedding…" etc.

Here's Callie from Calin + Bisous to answer that very question….

You do not *need* a wedding photographer. You want one! And it's okay! And here's why.

1. Your wedding is a big deal. Your wedding photos are a big deal, too. And we are professional photo takers. Unlike your arty photographer friend from college, who will wander off during the first dance to take pictures of the catering truck, or the fashionista friend with the really great 35mm camera who will run out of film in the middle of the ceremony.... we are on top of our game for 8 hours straight.

2. Our job is to make you look fantastical in your photos. We like to run around and fix your hair and adjust your bridesmaids' boobs (if necessary). And we always tell you when you have lipstick on your teeth. We learn where you need to be and when, and we calmly get you there because we care that you're not flipped out and crazy lookin. Like I said, we want you to look really good in the photos.

3. We are crowd pleasers. We are day-of planners that you didn't ask for. We are your very own fairy godmothers. We usher you and your new spouse away when that receiving line you didn't plan on starts forming. Our camera bags double as bouquet and clutch holders. Your step-uncle once removed, who took one photography class in college, 37 years ago, brought a flask of whiskey to your all-local-craft-beer wedding and he's chatty? I got this. Go be at your wedding.

4. I can't speak for other wedding photographers, but I care deeply that people are happy whenever they're around me. (Happy people make for better photos.) The more I am running around getting shots, helping out, keep the massive cluster-!@&$ of family photos moving along, the more delighted I am.

This last one's just from me.

5. Everyone should be able to afford the photography they want, wherever they are, without hidden fees or scary terms or such bare-bones "basic" packages that you have to include all the extras to make them work.

I offer an all-inclusive rate of $4,000 for 8 hours of wedding photography anywhere in the continental US.

And I'd really like to shoot your wedding!

xoxo,
Callie

(Photos by Calin + Bisous. Obviously.)