Blog - Mrster :: Gay Wedding Planner in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Tucson, Arizona Gay Wedding Tips, Gay Friendly Vendors

So, what's this blog all about? Here is our "elevator" speech ::

MRSTER ::{pronounced :: miss + ter} is an online magazine for same sex and hetero couples who are planning their wedding day. Yes, wedding day! Our goal is to provide smart ideas, valuable resources, allied vendors, real life experiences and true stories for couples of all backgrounds.

With our unique line up of contributors our posts will be filled with lots of personality and passion. So grab a blanket and your laptop and snuggle up to some blog-talk with Mrster.

Entries in Photography (15)

Friday

Jul162010

Contest :: Why you deserve an engagement session! :: Kym Ventola Photography

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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.

Cicely Rocha.Miller of Life Design Event Planning |

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Friday, July 16, 2010 at 10:02AM

Friday

Jun112010

Todd and Austin's Engagement Session and a Few Words to the State of Arizona

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I had the pleasure of meeting Todd and Austin at this April's Phoenix Pride Wedding Expo. Both of these gentlemen ran in to the MRSter wedding tent to meet me and the rest of the founders of MRSter.com. They were so thankful and excited to find this resource online and immediately expressed their gratitude. Shortly after we arranged for the FABuLISTvendor Chris and Tammie Billey of Largo Photographyto shoot their wedding engagement session. These fine boys will soon be married in Boston, Mass then throwing a reception in Mesa. Here is a touch of what they have to say to Arizona about their union and a few shots from the photography shoot. Thank you so much boys for allowing myself and Largo Photography into a small portion of your love story.

Todd and Austin's Engagement Session from largo on Vimeo.

Your Modern Union Wedding Planner, Cicely

Cicely Rocha.Miller of Life Design Event Planning |

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Friday, June 11, 2010 at 6:12PM

Monday

Mar012010

Capture the Fun :: Photo Booth

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A few months back, I posted some ideas for party photo booths. Added to the list is a new shutterbug company on the block, from local photographers Jill and Michael McNamara. The Self Portrait Station will come and set up for your next event, and let guests snap photos of themselves with a remote-controlled shutter.

All images courtesy of www.selfportraitstation.com

The Self Portrait Station can also create custom backdrops to color-coordinate your event, and make DVDs of all of the images your guests created. Photo booths like these are always a big hit at events, and partygoers receive an archival-quality print to take home. Add a chair to jump off of, and voila! Action-filled photos that will keep your guests entertained all night.

Guest blogger Gina Niemiec is the owner of Fiori Floral Design in Scottsdale, Arizona

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Monday, March 1, 2010 at 12:36PM

Wednesday

Nov182009

What to Wear to Your Engagement Shoot

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While it's true your wardrobe says a lot about who you are, and I'll admit, I scoured at least four different bridal boutiques when searching for THE dress for my own wedding, selecting an outfit for your engagement session should be no pressure! Still, if you are standing at your closet brimming with options, and thinking “I have nothing to wear,” then worry no further. Here are a few tips on making those pictures postcard-worthy!

Images found here.

1. Keep it simple: Crazy patterns and bright fluorescents don't always look so hot on film. Going with a solid color that you know you can rock usually ends up looking the best.

2. Your favorite shoes: You know that pair of shoes that you wear five times a week even though you have more shoes than you can count collecting dust in your closet? Wear them! Wear the outfit that is very "you." After all, in five years, when you have worn that pair of shoes ragged, they will live on in your pictures!

3.Bring the orange scarf: Funky accessories really add to the composition of the photograph. You don't have to wear it in every shot, but it's an easy way to mix it up, and add a more playful element to your session.

4.Don't leave Snookums and Pooch at home: (Alright, so you can't really wear your pet, but this is a good tip regardless!) Bring your puppies/kitties/goldfish with you! Okay, the fish might be a little tough, but you get the idea. They'll bring on the candids like it's their job.

5. Bring a wardrobe change: Can't decide between two solid outfits? Bring both! It's always good to have more than one option, especially if one is casual and the other is a bit dressier. Variety, my friends, truly is the spice of life.

6. Get your partner's input: Your future spouse probably knows what you look really great in, so have them help you decide.

7. Layer, layer, layer: Layering allows you to achieve several different looks with the same base outfit. Adding a cardigan or fun belt to the same basic outfit can completely change your look. Not to mention a fitted blazer is super slimming and adorable with your favorite pair of jeans.

Just remember, don't over-think your outfit. With the radiant-I'm-so-in-love-glow you’re sure to have, you're going to look absolutely fabulous no matter what you wear.

Image found here.

Sarah Ralston of Life Design Event Planning |

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 8:00AM

Friday

Nov132009

The Pre-Ceremony Mixer

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Guest Blogger :: Rhonda

I've written before about my love for the daytime reception and at a recent Mrster meeting of the minds we took the idea a little further.

As a wedding photographer, I have access the some of the best people-watching opportunities available and am always fascinated as to how the day evolves. One of the many beautiful aspects of weddings is that they bring together different families and different circles of your favorite people and friends that may not have previously met. Your work colleague probably hasn't met your mother who lives out of state just as some of your college friends may not have met your BFF since kindergarten. They often arrive to the ceremony, maybe a little unsure of where to sit or if they know anyone and then it's not until many hours later when the toasts are given and people have had the opportunity to chat that the connections are made.

I like the idea of a little pre-ceremony mixer. Even if it's only 30-45 minutes, it gives people the chance to mingle, have a drink and a snack and basically just get comfortable. (This is also great for those friends that are chronically late.) If you're not worried about when your guests see you for the first time, this could be the perfect chance to grab a couple of snapshots with your buddies as well.

At the appropriate moment guests can be asked to take their seats for the ceremony...possibly with a new friend.