New Year's Resolution ~ Reward Our Fans & Friends!

Wow, have we been naughty in not posting a blog in so long.  New Year's Resolution #1 -- blog more consistently!

The holidays came and went so very quickly, don't you think?  Why is it with today's technology (which was supposed to save us time), we always feel as though we have less time this year, this month, this week, than we did last year, last month, last week?  Regardless, all one can do is the best one can do, right?!

And so Chris and I sat down to discuss our photography goals and what we see as beneficial for 2012, and luckily for our clients, we've got a great way to attract engaged couples as well as thank those we've done business with before (our 'VIPs' - very important patrons!).  Even fellow wedding vendors can benefit.  So what have we got up our sleeves?


Announcing
Wakeen Photography's Referral Program for 2012 ~

   Could you use an easy $100?   (Who couldn't?!)  If you know anyone who's engaged and who'll be looking to connect with a professional wedding photographer, your referral to us can earn you a referral bonus upon the couple contracting with us to photograph their wedding day.  In fact, you might not even KNOW that you know someone who is engaged, so if you want to take advantage of an easy opportunity, we hope you'll share this post with all your friends ... they'll tell two friends, who'll then tell two friends, and so on...

During the initial consultation with a couple, we always ask how they heard about Wakeen Photography.  If they mention that Y-O-U referred them, then guess what?  Y-O-U are $100 richer!  This applies in every case, whether you're a former client, a personal friend, a family member, a neighbor, or our mailman  ... someone in your life is probably planning a wedding in 2012!  What have you got to lose ~  SPREAD THE WORD !

AND AS IF that weren't enough ...

We've got another promotion up our sleeves to be announced in the very near future.  Brides and grooms, you won't want to miss this!

Wishing everyone a terrific 2012 full of opportunities, cherished moments and golden smiles!



In Gratitude ~  Chris & Vickie

... Who's The Fairest of Them All?

OK ladies, admit it.  Once upon a time, you wanted to be a princess, right?  The proof?  What about those fairytale picture books you've saved to pass down to your own daughter someday.  Or how about those videos and coloring books you spent hours dreaming with - remember Jasmine in Aladdin, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid?  Not to mention those of you who loved to dress up Barbie.

I think that's why we women love weddings so much.  We love putting together our personal vision of becoming 'princess for a day'.  When will there ever be another time in our life when we can pull out all the glamor-stops with our gown, our shoes, our jewelry, our hairstyle and our make-up?  We want our prince charming to be dazzled, don't we!

What I don't like about weddings is that once the day arrives, all too quickly our princess package is put away, never to be enjoyed again.  So much planning, fussing and fretting (not to mention $$$) for nary 8 to 10 hours of looking our best ever.  Then for perhaps weeks after you wait and hope that your photographer has captured you in the best light.

That's why we propose couples consider a "Rock the Dress" session (sometimes called a 'trash the dress' session, but we don't like that term for such a precious item).  These sessions can occur one day after or even months after your wedding date.  Wouldn't you love the chance to have your hair and nails done again so you can don that gorgeous dress for a more relaxed and fun glamor session with your new husband???  For this session men often wear a pair of white or black dress pants with a white dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves, so your guy doesn't have to frown over putting on a tux again!

Your bridal fashion session can take place at any multitude of locations -- a beach setting, a park, a cityscape, perhaps outside a bistro or a building with beautiful architecture.  Even a railroad track can be a fun backdrop. 

Wakeen Photography offers these sessions at your convenience.  We're always available and eager to discuss ways to personalize your session.  We offer your finished images (approximately 50) on CD, or if you prefer, we'll create gorgeous wall art of your favorite image (think above your bed, or a living room mantle) such as 20"x30" canvas gallery wraps.  

So DON'T box up your dress just yet!  Call to inquire on pricing -- it is so much more affordable than you may think!

                        
  Call Chris at 774-262-5332, or Vickie at
              774-279-6782                                         

       

Family Beach Sessions - One Day Only! Saturday, September 24th

courtesy Emerald Coast Reflections

So, you ask yourself, "just what is this Family Beach Session and why would I want to do this?"   Well, if you haven't had your whole family photographed in a while (come on now, fess up), or you've always envied your friends who've got great professional portraits on their walls with all the kids and the dog looking so 'together' and beautiful -- NOW is your chance!

For one day only, September 24, Wakeen Photography is offering discounted family sessions at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, Massachusetts, beginning at 4:30 p.m., the late afternoon 'Golden Hour' that us photographers know offers primo lighting.  And sources tell us that Wollaston Beach is unmatched in this area for beautiful sunsets.  Not to mention, after your easy and comfortable 'mini-session', you can walk across the street to a variety of fish/clam/ lobster shacks for a fresh seafood dinner (last of the season, perhaps)?

Each session will last approximately 20 minutes (be sure to arrive on time as a courtesy to the other groups booked), and will consist of a customized professional sitting for families of any size.  We'll offer you suggestions beforehand for wardrobe color-coordination, if desired, and after we've created about a couple dozen images for you, your online previews (password protected) will be available for viewing within two weeks.

Session fees are only $95, no matter the size of your group.  A 50% deposit is required at time of booking.  You will receive a 8x10" print, enhanced and color-corrected for a look only the professionals can provide!  Naturally, we offer many other reprint sizes, as well as some fabulous wall décor products that you'll want to have in your home, once you see how great you look!

If all that isn't enough, we're throwing in a 10% discount on holiday cards ordered through Wakeen Photography, if that's what you choose to do with your family image.  [orders for holiday cards must be placed by November 30.]  AND if you REFER A FRIEND you'll BOTH receive 10% off your entire session fee and any subsequent order.

Be sure to call A.S.A.P. as this offer lasts but a day, and the day is just around the corner!  To speak with Chris in our studio, call 774-262-5332, or email Vickie to inquire:  vickie@wakeenphotography.com.
See you at the beach!

Vanessa & Rich ~ August 20, 2011

The day had finally arrived!  We'd been looking forward to Vanessa and Rich's wedding for what seemed like soooo long.  Having photographed their E-session back in April, we were quite excited to handle the photography for their special day - we knew the wedding would be a blast for us!

Keeping with Massachusetts' summers as we know them, the day was quite warm and humid, and even tho thunder storms were forecast, we all lucked out with sunshine and dry weather!

The couple exchanged vows at the N.E. Dream Center (a gorgeous, scaled-down replica of Paris' Notre Dame), and the ceremony was presided over by Reverend Will Bard.  A reception following was held at Cyprian Keyes, on one of the most gorgeous golf courses in New England.  In fact, as we photographed the wedding party and family groupings before dinner, the couple was nearly creamed by a renegade golf ball as someone shouted 'fore'!!!  (a little something amusing to share with their grand kids one day, we hope!)

Vanessa had long prepared for what would make her wedding day a perfect reflection of her style.  The sequined bodess of her wedding gown (provided by Loren's Bridal of Sturbridge, MA) was absolutely stunning as you can see (click on image to enlarge).

Vanessa's matron of honor and bridesmaids were so beautiful in lilac-colored dresses by designer Justin Alexander, and the coordinating bouquets by Perro's Flowers were a perfect match of calla lilies, roses and hydrangea.  The groom and groomsmen wore very distinguished looking tuxedos from Men's Warehouse in black with pale blue vests and white boutonnieres.  The groom's niece served as flower girl, and there were two handsome young ring bearers as well.
 

The three-tiered wedding cake was beautifully adorned with coordinating white frosting with decorative swirls, lavender ribbon and roses of pale blue, provided by Gerardo's Bakery.

I (Vickie) personally fell in LOVE with the glass charger plates of Cyprian Keyes' table settings ... just love the beaded glass around the edges ~ very classy!  Everything looked just beautiful.

Special touches included having the guests sign-in on a drum head (cool!) rather than the typical guest book.  So appropriate since Rich is drum virtuoso for the band Shiver (formerly Ever Fading).  The lively dance music was provided by DJ icon Kevin Whitney, and videographer Tim Ethier was on board to document the festivities, "moving-picture style."  Super fun for us as Chris has worked with both Kevin and Tim at many weddings over the years!

So, Vanessa and Rich (and your wonderful families), we're Ever Grateful to you for a day we won't soon forget and we can't wait to show you the remainder of your images in the weeks to come!

All the best for many years of happiness, and best of wishes in your new condominium!

                                                      ~ Vickie and Chris

Sneak Peek ~ Vanessa & Rich

What a fantastic wedding day it was for "Nessa and Richie" on Saturday ... and we're so pleased and honored to have been their photographers.  Here is a little 'sneak peek' to just whet the appetite for more beautiful images of their day.

Remember to click on the image itself for a larger view.

Stay tuned ~ there's more to come!

Before and After

On our very first date Chris said to me, “I’ll probably die with a camera in my hand.”  And I thought, “hmm, that’s an interesting thing to say to a woman you’ve just met!”  Our first meet was over coffee at my place, at the suggestion of my friend and neighbor, Sharon.  Chris’ mom. (If you must know!)

Looking back I see that was truly a revelation making it clear from the start that photography wasn’t just what Chris does, it’s who he is.   When he isn’t shooting a wedding/event, or a portrait session, he can be found working for another organization doing action sports photography and portraiture.  Either way, he’s got to be “quick on the fly” since the action of weddings and sports stops for no one! 

Unfortunately we aren’t always able to display Chris’ work when he’s contracted out to another outfit, due to copyright protection laws.   But suffice it to say, he’s continually honing his craft which can only benefit our wedding and portrait clients in the long run.   In his free-time he likes to photograph top-fuel and ‘funny car’ race cars and their drivers, as well as local musicians' bands.

Not only do professional photogs have to know their equipment, the theory and practice of what makes an interesting image, and possess great people skills, they also need to keep up with industry developments and techniques of photo enhancement and touch-up.  All this takes time (and money!) and Chris has been at this since long before he launched his own business in 1993.  Yeah, I deal with loads of miscellaneous camera equipment around the house.  And photo books.  And photo paper, matte boards, camera cases, lighting kits hidden under the bed that I stub my foot on, and tripods galore … but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

We thought you might enjoy some examples of photos fresh out of the camera versus how they look once we’ve cropped, or adjusted highlights and shadows, or changed the saturation, or a myriad of other ‘tweaks’ to create results that are as optimized as possible.  Enjoy!  And stay tuned for our next wedding coming up on August 20^th – we can’t wait!

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER