One of the best things about my job, ever, is getting to talk about newer photography studios building their businesses (and are going to thrive with APWer help). I feel like I should have a special trumpet and a special confetti parade that I use to do this, because it's so exciting! I mean, first, let's talk about what a big deal it is to get your business shiny and pretty enough that you want to trumpet it to the world. And second, let's talk about how CRAZY AMAZING AND LUCKY we are here at APW, that we get to find and work with photographers who are super talented (and getting better ever single second) and still affordable. So it's with great glee that I get to announce Alaina Bos Photography in Chicago! You are going to adore her.

Alaina Bos Photography has a delightfully well-rounded and balanced approach to weddings. With her, you get a little bit of everything (which can be so hard to find). Her shots capture the emotion and the real moments between people, but she also gets the details, the posed shots, and the pretty moments, with skill and clarity. Plus, she shoots pictures that will stand the test of time. These are not over-processed hipster photos that will look dated next year; these are real moments and emotions that you're going to treasure forever.

Alaina told me, "My artistic approach to weddings is editorial/photojournalistic. I want to capture the moments organically as the day unfolds, but also provide a little guidance to my couples if they need it. I want my couples to feel comfortable in their own skin so it shines through in their images. If that means grabbing a Kleenex, helping re-apply lipstick or even deodorant on a hot day, I'm there. I feel so happy when I look back through a wedding and see the genuine emotion that I've captured. Nothing makes me more giddy than knowing I've drawn out genuine emotion in my couples on a wedding day." And that is exactly what her portfolio shows. Continue reading Alaina Bos Photography in Chicago!

Today is one of those rare sponsored posts that's as much for the married, pre-engaged, and single ladies as it is for the engaged ladies. And I love that. Favor Jewelry...  it's something we can all get behind! Monika, of Favor Jewelry came on as an APW sponsor last year, and I can't personally endorse her work strongly enough. Oh, wait. Yes I can. Because you'll see me wearing Favor Jewelry when I was holding my book for one of the very first times, as a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding, at Yay New York, and going dancing. I've worn it everywhere. I even lost one of my Favor earrings in Istanbul, and am still grumpy about it.

Why do I love Favor Jewelry so? Well, it's beautiful, first of all. It's simple, delicate, hand hammered, and stunning. But it also has soul, which I think comes from being made by hand by an artist like Monika. But Monika isn't just a super talented artist, she's also focused on running an ethical business. She says, "As nature provides the inspiration as well as the materials for Favor, I feel it is an obligation to act environmentally and socially responsibly. I carefully research materials' sources and I am committed to American distributors, who I feel confident are providing fair wages and are meeting ethical working standards. I use natural gemstones and reclaimed, hypoallergenic, and nickel-free metals. My sterling silver and 14k yellow and rose gold are certified to be 100-percent recycled. My 14k goldfill has verbal assurance that it is manufactured from post-consumer recycled metals. Additionally, I recycle all metal scrap, use recycled paper in printed materials, and all packaging is post-consumer recycled, recyclable, and reusable. I design and produce all of Favor Jewelry in Portland, Oregon, to support the local economy." Plus, she gives a portion of her profits to the American Brain Tumor Association, the Audubon Society, and the Natural Resource Defense Council. (How much do I love that so many APW sponsors give a portion of their profits to charity, as part of building businesses we can all be super proud to support?)

Plus, Monika has worked with tons of APWers for jewelry to wear on their wedding day. (You can see Danielle wearing a lovely Favor necklace at her beach wedding!) She says, "I've gotten so many customers from the APW community and each one has been a treasure to work with. They're laid back and so sweet and really, just my favorite type of person. I'm always honored to know that my jewelry is going to become an intentional part of someone's special day. (Or permanently on their finger!)" (Not to mention she's done things like worked with my husband to get me an anniversary gift!)

But enough with all the pleasantries. Let's talk SHOPPING, shall we? Continue reading Favor Jewelry: Affordable and Indie Wedding Rings & Jewelry

Today I'm delighted to get to write about long time APW Photography sponsors LeahAndMark.com, who are based in Atlanta, but shoot all over the US with no travel fees. When Leah and Mark first started with APW, they just had a few weddings under their belt, and you guys turned their raw talented into a big time, awesome career (but no, their photos are not a million dollars now!). You flew them all over the country to shoot your weddings, and they paid you back with gorgeous pictures, and a seriously awesome business. I'm not kidding when I say seriously awesome. Part of Leah and Mark's deal is that they give a portion of their profits to Kiva.org, to fund loans for entrepreneurs in developing countries. And their total loans with Kiva are now nearing $12,000, in large part thanks to you guys (amazing, right?)

And this awesome business could not have happened to better people. After years of sponsorship, I first met Mark in person last summer, when he and +Raven (Because yup! They totally have a studio full of photographers, who are hilarious and talented, and cost a little less than Leah and Mark) came up to New York City, for free, to volunteer their time shooting for Yay New York, our mass wedding and reception to celebrate marriage equality. And the photos were great, but Mark and +Raven were also exactly who I wanted to have in the room with us that day: funny, game for anything, and balls of talent. Then, in February, when I added a last minute stop in Atlanta to my book tour, Leah and Mark threw the whole book tour stop for me. They planned it in TWO DAYS. And it was one of the best stops of the tour, hands down. In short, these are people you totally want at your wedding.

I'm going to let them tell you a bit about themselves in their own words:

Ever since we became an APW Sponsor we've been booked by some of the best clients all over the country. And not only do they keep flying us out to photograph their weddings—but they've even flown us out to photograph their engagement sessions. Not just one or two states over—we're talking about from Atlanta to San Francisco (a trip I've made three times now—once for a wedding and twice for engagement sessions—and that was for three different clients!). So if anyone thinks that just because we're based in Atlanta that we won't be able to photograph their wedding AND their engagement sessions—that's totally not the case.

The wedding photography package that we're offering to APW couples is essentially the same one we've always offered: $3,650 for anywhere in the continental United States. Travel included. Ten hours of coverage, and of course the usual hi-res jpg files on dvd with a personal use license.

BUT—we now also offer something we're calling Wedding Home Movies. They're like wedding videos, but a little different. Because just like your wedding day isn't the time for a styled magazine photoshoot—it's also not appropriate to turn it into a movie set. Our movie packages are only available to our clients that hire us for photography, and we don't bring any extra people. That's right—we handle the photography and videography ourselves. We've had to literally invent new gear, and techniques and it's taken us several months of practice—but we've got it down. Of course we're constantly still inventing new equipment and new methods to make things more seamless. Technology is our friend and we're not afraid to use up to eight cameras in discreet locations during a ceremony to capture multiple angles. Basically—instead of possibly having a crew of four or five people for videography and photography at your wedding, you'll just have two people, doing both videography and photography simultaneously with multiple cameras. Oh—and we're offering our Full Movie package for only $950 for APWers—down from our regular rate of $1,750 (this is an add on to a photography package). Continue reading Leah And Mark: Wedding Photography All Over The US & Wedding Home Movies!

Long time readers know about our beloved independent jeweler, Turtle Love Co. Adrianne and Co. are some of my favorite small business owners. They provide all of you with unique and affordable wedding rings, engagement rings, and stylish jewelry, which I love. But they also do it with a laser like focus on ethical consumption and really innovative small business flair. So today, I'm thrilled to get to tell you about some developments in Turtle Love Co.-land... but before we even get into it, Turtle Love Co. wants to know a little about you! They've created a super short survey. (Which I've already taken! I love when people ask my opinions! And you should totally take too.) Here is some more information: Turtle Love Loves APW Survey! Adrianne told me, "We love our APW friends, and want to know more about how we can meet your needs and make the jewelry-buying experience more fun and less stressful. The survey will just take a minute, and you'll have a chance to sign up for TLC's Birthday Club at the end of the survey. TLC's Birthday Club concept rocks—we'll send you a treat on your birthday! Plus, each month, one lucky birthday kid will even get a birthday necklace! Now who doesn't want a necklace? Or a treat?  Take the survey here!"

How to Get Engaged Video Series.  And just in case you thought Turtle Love Co. wasn't going to listen to all of your feedback, think again! In January they asked for you to share your proposal and engagement stories on Turtle Love Co.'s Facebook page, and they loved them so much they are working on a new video series featuring those stories!! I know, right? Eeep! Given how rad and low-key APW engagement stories are, I can't wait to see the video series. If you haven't shared your story yet, share it with TLC on their Facebook page.  If you've already shared your story, don't be surprised to hear from them asking to feature your words in a video. Adrianne told me, "We want to share real people's stories about the decision to get married—those not-so-glamorous stories, and those breathtaking stories, and all the ones in between."

Vintage Earrings and Necklaces. There's lots of energy behind TLC's vintage engagement rings and antique wedding bands, so they've added earrings and necklaces, too. As someone whose taste in rings runs to vintage (both my engagement and wedding rings were estate, after all), I can't say enough good things about these rings. You can shop vintage, AND support Turtle Love Co.? It might not get better than that. Plus, TLC has just launched a new Vintage Style Council, which is an opportunity for fashion, wedding, and vintage bloggers to get to know each other, collaborate on fun vintage themes (and make money)!  If you're a blogger interested in participating, email ivory at turtleloveco dot com. Continue reading Turtle Love Co.: The APW Reader Survey!