I am excited to announce a contest that the lovely Kym Ventola of Ventola Photography has submitted to our MRSter readers. You will see samples of her work below as well as the instructions and rules at the very bottom. First, take some time to read a bit about Kym and her team. They are dynamite and so fun to work with. We are excited to have them on board and soon to be offically MRSter approved.

Who are you?  I'm the girl behind the camera. The one that adores weddings....adores people in love. 

What is Kym Ventola Photography?  Someone actually called us, "Team Freaking Awesome" after a wedding this year. I guess our clients have a great experience with us from beginning to end. Actually, it doesn't end after the wedding or when they get their album. We get inquiries for maternity and portraits when our couples start a family. I totally and completely love that. Oh, and who is "team freaking awesome"? Kym Ventola - Owner/Photographer/Mom/Wife, Mackenzie Goodman - Associate Photographer/Photoshop Extraordinaire, Tayler Moore - Office Manager/Our Former Bride

What is the most common thing people say after working with you?  "That was so much fun!". We hear that the couples, their families and their wedding party felt really comfortable with us. I think it brings out the best in them.

Why do you do what you do?  I like when people are in love. I adore documenting their commitment to each other. I love how emotional it is. I often cry (or tear up) behind the camera.....especially when the bride and groom cry. I've spent a lot of time with these couples....our first meeting, their engagement session, our follow-up meeting, random phone calls and e-mails. And then Mackenzie and I get to share one of the most important moments of their lives!

Why do you want to be a part of MRSter?  I flipped out the first time I found Mrster.com; I couldn't believe it was local, here, in Arizona. The first thing I did was contact Cicely, one of the co-founders. My team and I wanted to be a part of something that supports equality for same-sex marriages and this was so perfect.

DETAILS :: 

1. 250 words or less: "WHY DO YOU DESERVE AN ENGAGEMENT PORTRAIT SESSION?"

2. Submit to: kym@ventolaphotography.com

3. Voting will be done by Kym Ventola, Tayler (office manager) & Mackenzie (associate photographer)

4. Deadline is August 1st, 2010

5. Winner announced on August 6th, 2010

6. Engagement session will include: 2 hours with Kym Ventola, up to 75 images presented on an online gallery

7. Engagement session can be booked between August 15th - September 30th

8. Engagement session will take place in Phoenix, Arizona

Good luck and submit your entries soon! 250 words is nothing...you can write that in your sleep!

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller is the founder of MRSter.com and is the owner and senior consultant of an event and wedding planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona called Life Design Event Planning. She specializes in celebrations of all types including hetero- and gay weddings or commitment ceremonies.

NBC's 'Today' show produces their 'Modern Wedding Contest' every year, and annouced that they are including the applications to include same sex couples. This is awesome news!

Check out the link below from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Thanks Sara for sharing this article with me (and our MRSter readers!). If you are interested in applying click here for information on the contest and to read their rules.

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller is the founder of MRSter.com and is the owner and senior consultant of an event and wedding planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona called Life Design Event Planning. She specializes in celebrations of all types including hetero- and gay weddings or commitment ceremonies

This event is AWESOME to check out. We have had the pleasure of being involved in the three previous ones, and all the designs are damn kick ass. I just can't tell you enough how worth it is to go. If you are a couple, designer or just like pretty things you have to check it out. All information is below. See you there!

Last year Rikki of The Invitation Lady and I designed this table with the category of Tokyo! We won two out of the three awards including 1st in our category and People's Choice!

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller is the founder of MRSter.com and is the owner and senior consultant of an event and wedding planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona called Life Design Event Planning. She specializes in celebrations of all types including hetero- and gay weddings or commitment ceremonies.

I recently received an email from a gentleman who is an LGBT-friendly pastor in Tucson, Arizona. He asks, "I want to open a commitment ceremony chapel. What certification does the LGBT community want me to have?"

Since our stubborn state doesn't recognize...well you know where I am going with that. How should I respond to the LGBT-friendly pastor?

Do you have any thoughts on what you want from him or what kind of feedback we can give him?

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner,

Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller is the founder of MRSter.com and is the owner and senior consultant of an event and wedding planning company based in Phoenix, Arizona called Life Design Event Planning. She specializes in celebrations of all types including hetero- and gay weddings or commitment ceremonies.