Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

Take Some Time.

Wedding season isn't even in full swing and I can feel it already.

The details, schedules, flowers, dates, fittings, pick ups, deliveries - it goes on.

What I want to talk about tonight is not the fact that planning a wedding is a huge (and equally wonderful) thing, we all know that. The part I want to address is that "it goes on," and on, and on part.

Right now in our lives we're learning the importance of taking a Sabbath every week; and for extended periods of time throughout our life.

Sabbath is defined as:

1 a: the seventh day of the week observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening as a day of rest and worship by Jews and some Christians b: Sunday observed among Christians as a day of rest and worship 2: a time of rest

It's that second of the two definitions that applies to us all.

I'm encouraging all you planning brides and grooms-to-be to take a break. At least once a week, take a night (or entire day if you're daring) off from wedding planning. Tomorrow will always be there to get done whatever was unfinished from the night before.

"But I have sooo much to do!" I don't doubt it; scouts honor.

Life, and God, are teaching me that no matter what I think I can get done, if I don't pause to take a break I'm not really getting as much done as I think. Whether from exhaustion, or whatever else weighing on a person, rest is important. Rest revitalizes, recharges and prepares for the next day/task/event ahead.

And the last thing anyone wants is to get so exhausted they are too tired, or sick, to enjoy the honeymoon.

So, I'll leave you with this: take just an afternoon, to start, with your fiance. Go out and leave the planning binder at home. Get some coffee together, or enjoy a dinner out and take time to remember why you're putting yourselves through all this wonderful work. Recharge your relationship with a date.

Now, go - enjoy one another!

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Exposure 2009

Yea! I just entered two of my photographs into an upcoming photography competition called Exposure 2009.

A few years back I entered the competition - this was back in 2003 or 2004 - so coming back a few years later with a little more confidence and a lot more to display is an exciting thing!

The Best of Show will be chosen at the opening reception this Saturday, March 14. Show starts at 6pm; winners are announced at 8pm. The opening is free! So come check it out and feel free to dress to impress.

The address to the California National Bank: 555 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802.

All images will be available for purchase.

Also, the show will run through March 31 at retailers and restaurants throughout the East Village Arts District. Here's a list of where you can view work from the show after the opening reception.

Hope to see you there! Come say "Hi!" if you make it. :)

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Real Estate Photography

Every now and again I get to photograph something outside the box - this past week I had the opportunity to photograph some amazing condos for Realtor Jack Tanner.

These two beauties are in Long Beach, CA and are stunning! Take a look... :)

real estate photography

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

Okay, I confess. It's been a little longer than a week since my last "tip or trick" post. But, alas, here you go. :)

I've been reading this great book my good friend gave me called, The Good Girls Guide to Negotiating. Despite it's business application, the other morning I realized that a portion of it is super applicable for brides-to-be!

The portion that caught my attention was about how others influence our decisions - yet they live without the consequences. The book referenced making a large purchase; not unlike when planning your wedding you're making several large investments, for your venue, photographer and dress, to name a few.

Well, when others give their input there's no cost to them. And yet often we (and I'm no exception here) let their opinions sway us to the point of making bad or unwise decisions. Does this always happen? No. Are they trying to ruin us (financially)? No.

The point is, though, that we need to give a grain of salt when friends or family decide to give input to our lives (solicited or not). Why? Because we're the ones footing the bill.

So, when you're mother, maid of honor or future mother-in-law give you their sage advice about how to spend your wedding budget it's okay to say, "Thank you!" and then move forward in what you know is a direction of peace.

Let their advice roll around your mind just long enough to test and see if it "fits." If it doesn't - let it roll on out. Should anyone give you any grief for not using their words of wisdom, kindly remind them it's your money (or if you're not as subtle, ask them if that's an offer to pay for the service they're recommending?). :)

Most of all - take a deep breath and follow the path of peace in your planning!


Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith