Don't Be Afraid of the Word Custom: Check DG Invites and Why Your Wedding Can Be Different!

Whenever I come across something at a wedding I think others should know about I get all excited. I track down where it came from and want to share the information so others can relish in all it's goodness.

This summer I had the pleasure of photographing a rustic, country wedding at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont for Marissa.  Marissa has a super creative sister (bridesmaid) who own DG Invites. Once I caught wind of the creativity gene I was blown away about how Darci pulled together the entire event through her work. It wasn't just invitations. It was Save the Dates, Invitations, Table Numbers, Ceremony Programs, Escort Cards, Menus, Thank You Cards and the list goes on!
I tracked Darci down and together we worked out the highlights of her amazing work!

Please check out Darci's work on facebook and on her site to get a complete feel for all that she has done!

I asked: What is unique about your work?
Darci:What is and always has been unique about us is that we are TOTALLY custom.  Someone can certainly choose an invite we have done in the past and just change the wording and colors.  However, we like it when people come to us with really unique ideas.  We have done some amazing invites in the past that may have started out with a feeling of uncertainty for sure, but came together in the end.  With almost limitless paper options, several printing options, the ability to order 4 or 462, to layer or not layer, add some kind of pocket, create a special die-cut, add duck feet to their invite....we can do just about anything.  People that are searching for something that is very traditional do no necessarily come to us.  Not to say we don't love creating something that is timeless and classic we do, but we tend to get more "out there" ideas.  Cutout clover escort cards to sit on glasses of Guiness for a St. Patricks Day Wedding; neon pink, orange and green invites for a "Dream in Color" Gala event; disco balls and bowling for a surprise birthday party, sketched drawings of the grooms little white dog who is the "best pet", a combination of snake skin print and peacock feather and I did already mention duck feet right? Yes, duck feet!

I asked: What do you want your clients to know most about you?

Darci: What I really want people to know is that they should not be afraid of the word custom.  Custom means a number of things and it doesn't have to be insanely expensive.  I work really hard to stay within a clients budget and still create an invitation they will love.  There are all kinds of things that can be done that will affect pricing: quantity ordered, type of paper, type of printing, number of layers, number of inserts, any embellishments, pocketfolds and so on.  Can we create a $10.00 boxed, ribbon embellished invite with 3 inserts that are all layered and have raised printing...yes!  We can however also create something beautiful, but much more simple for the client with a smaller budget.

I asked: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Darci: There are a couple things I really enjoy about my work.  One is that I get to stay home with my little man and watch him grow up.  Soon he will be off to preschool and our 2nd little man will be arriving!  With all the things I have experienced along side him working from home I can't imagine what life would be like otherwise and what I would have missed!  The second thing I love is my clients. Yes at times
things can be extremely challenging but in the end I truly love my clients.  The best part by far has got to be when I give them their finished product and if they are local,  seeing their faces light up!  After the hours of work, reviewing designs and colors, getting to that finished product is the greatest feeling.  Seeing how happy they are for what I have created for them, getting lots of hugs (even from grooms), so many thank yous for pure appreciation for all I have done....that is the best feeling ever!  When the reviews and emails come through about how all their guests keep commenting on how amazing their invites are is just the icing on the cake!  It just makes me realize that even when times are tough I do what I do because I love it and other people love it too.

I asked: How did you get started in doing something like this?

Darci: I come from a very crafty and creative family.  So it was only natural for me to in some way be just like them. As a child I would always do small projects with my mother and sell ribbon bracelets along side her at craft shows.  Once I hit college I expanded to designing and creating banners, t-shirts, posters, flyers and so on for my Sorority.  After graduating I took a job with FELD Entertainment. Feld produces Disney on Ice, Disney Live and Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.  I had the privilege of working in product development where we designed all of the items sold at the shows from the lights and swords to the plush characters and vendor uniforms.  I loved that job and it just fueled my passion for design even more.  While there I got engaged, planned my own wedding and designed my own invites. With the motivation from my lovely co-workers & family DG Invites was made official....at least that was the start!

Upstate NY Photographer: Guests, favors and menus..so creative!

We had summer right? I think so. It just so happen it went by in a blur. That is what I blame anemic blogging on. I have broken every blogging rule known to the social media sphere and especially the No. 1 rule: be consistent.
We are working on that actually. I love blogging, just have had less time to do it. I was considering asking for a little blogging help, but I have to think about that a little more.
However, I did want to share a unique table display for guests.  The bride found all these animals, spray painted them herself and they became great table conversation as her guests found their seats.

Additionally! Their RSVP cards were hysterical. Madlib style..remember those? Adjective, noun, verb, adverb? 

and one more favorite thing about this wedding, the menu:

More highlights from weddings coming up! But definitely had to share these from a wedding I am currently working on. 

Upstate NY Photographer: MOB, what are you going to wear??

Dear Mother of the Bride, this blog is for you.  What do you wear for the wedding? How do you choose what is appropriate, but stylish?  Perhaps, we should answer that question prior to the big day and have you feeling fabulous and confident on your daughter's wedding day.
Stylist Kathleen Kiernan from Closet Therapy For You is our guest blogger today, with a few a tips and tricks for your wedding day attire..

loved her simple, yet elegant look.

When it comes to the bride there are absolutely tons of” how to,” “what to” and “where to” guidelines . . . but what about you, Mom?
How does the Mother of the Bride (from here on affectionately referred to as MoB!) decide how she can look her best on her daughter’s Big Day?

1.Stay with colors that work for you – even though this is a special day, it’s not the time to experiment with neons just because they’re the latest color trend – stick with tried and true colors that enhance your own natural coloring.

2. Dress for comfort – not JUST for style – of course, looking beautiful on this day is a given for Moms of the Bride, but remember it is going to be a long wonderful day, you will be doing the light fandango and being snapped non-stop by the wedding paparazzi AKA hired photographers and your uncle Al from Pittsburgh. . .  make sure that the gorgeous look you select for this day is one you will FEEL comfortable in all day while looking DIVINE.
3 Elegant and Sophisticated are the watchwords of the day for the MoB!  By the time our children are old enough to tie the knot we are old enough to enjoy who we are and the signature looks that work for us. . . listen Moms, you deserve your beautiful elegance at this season of life . . . wear it well with a dress that is sophisticated and elegant . . . something dreamy that enhances your look. 

Remember Mom, you deserve your own beautiful look today too – embrace – enjoy – be elegant!


4. Fit to be fantastic!  Let’s face it . . . we have all been there trying to put a size 10 body in a size 6 dress because it just screams: Must have!  The fit that fits is the fit that works . . . be good to yourselves, ladies . . . select a look that fits fabulously and you will look fabulous in it! 


5. Finally, set a budget . . . so much emotion is attached to this day . . . one that most MoB’s have looked forward to for a lifetime.  By setting a budget you can look beautiful AND be practical. (Great role modeling for the newlyweds, Mom!)  Why not consider consignment shopping for a fabulous look that is –one-day-only-wear-worthy?  In the Capital Region, Fifi’s Frocks and Frills has an awesome selection of beautiful dresses that you will wear very well . . . AND so will your pocketbook!

Kathleen is available for one-on-one home visits as well as walking you through her favorite stores to select the look that is right for you.
For more information email: amberjphoto@gmail.com

Upstate NY Photographer: Weddings and Seniors...oh my.

 When I first started dappling with the idea of my own business, I cringed...EVERYONE wants to be a photographer. EVERYONE.  I quickly discovered, everyone wants to be a photographer, but not everyone wants to be a business owner. Ah.... light bulb moment.
There are a million decisions to make every day. Since the inception of Amber J Seniors, let's make that a million and one.  However, for the first time since my break from a "real" job a few years ago. I am set. I am where I feel I can have two feet firmly planted and break free of doubt and wonder.
Weddings and Seniors.  This is in no way absolute. This world is too big and too beautiful to forgo producing imagery in other aresa, but these two avenues are where my heart beats with excitement.
I love weddings.

I love seniors.
I didn't come to that conclusion lightly.  In fact the senior thing was something I didn't feel I truly wanted to do until the idea of stylized shoots came in my head and realized NO ONE around here does this!
There is so much to explore in just these two areas that I can't wait to see what unfolds.  So if you are wondering why the heck there two sites, two twitters and two instagrams...all attached to my name, it's because they are their own. Amber J Seniors will run under the umbrella but separate from Amber J Photography/Weddings.  They are their own entity and it's a blast watching them come to life and breathe :)
It all comes together here:  amberjphotog.com on this landing page. EEEEK!~

Upstate NY Photographer: Barn Venue, The Olde Tater Barn

Nestled in between the gently rolling hills of the Schoharie Valley, The Olde Tater Barn claims it's stake in local history and sets the precedent for things to come.
The former potato farm still contributes to the farming way of life, but it also offers the enchantment of an Upstate New York country-chic wedding venue.  The original barn, now with new renovations overlooks the former potato fields that lend a hand at growing corn.  The acres surrounding the farm give it it's secluded and serene atmosphere, perfect for providing guests and couples with a wedding all their own.
It's as country as it gets, but it's flair for style and amazing food leaves the Tater Barn lacking for nothing.  The chef, the host, the entire venue caters to the whims and desire of couples looking to invest their most precious day in all that New York as to offer.
"This is something we do, because we love to do it. That's the basis of this entire place".  Rich graciously escorted me around the premise so I could see for myself all the updates, all the features and the amazing layout of the beautiful country which plays host to every guest.
If you are looking for an upstate NY wedding, you will love what you find here. A gem in Schoharie County.
Rich, who runs the venue with his sister Kate,  does suggest that you visit the premise during the time of year you plan on having your wedding so you have a clear idea of the flowers and other scenic treasures of the NY season.
For a complete history of the Tater Barn visit here:history
or visit the entire site at www.taterbarn.com

Be Inspired!

Upstate NY Photographer: BRAVE: Veterans

Before I became a photographer, I was a journalist. One of the most impactful events I had to cover and photograph was the National Honor Flight escort.  I had blogged about it then...and this is what I had written:

I had the pleasure of photographing 34 World War II veterans from the local area be escorted to the Albany International Airport Saturday morning. From Albany they were being flown to Washington, DC to see the WWII monument. In DC they would be welcomed again with transportation, escorts and many, many American citizens present to say thank you.
 So, on a sunny Saturday morning, 40 biker escorts with American Flags flying from the rear of their motorcycles along with state police who provided the ultimate motorcade through our local towns until the war heroes were met at the airport. I had to wonder what was going through their minds. They were all 20 years old or so when they flew out of our country to fight against another. It was all so long ago, but to them, the memories are vivid. The emotions were written in their overwhelmed expressions as they watched policemen flash their lights and traffic stop to allow their bus to pass through. It was precious to see them talk and joke around with so many sad memories haunting their past. However, they would all say it was worth it, they all said it was for freedom. My generation may take for granted more often they we care to admit. But, it was not taken for granted Saturday, not when I was able to hug and shake hands with so many men who seemed so impressed that a day was created just for them.
I have to admit, the tears came easy when I watched them all walk down the corridor of the airport and people awaiting their own flights stood to salute or clap for them. It's hard to explain the emotions that pumped through the airport Saturday morning, but it was amazing all the same.
Here is one of my favorite pics of the day:

I am still searching for images I took that day. If I find more, I will add them.  Once again, THANK YOU to all our service men and women and their families. <3 p="">

Upstate NY Photographer: BRAVE : My brother

I'll keep this short and sweet.  I had chosen to feature my brother in this ongoing BRAVE series last week and then yesterday slipped away from (when I meant to publish this) and so I am finishing it up this morning. Why is that important? Because, today..May 16, marks 10 years since his devastating car accident. I did NOT plan that. In fact, it wasn't until this morning that it hit me that today was THE day a decade ago.
So yes, 10 years ago my brother was t-boned by a van and his body suffered barely a scratch, his brain suffered everything.
He is a miracle. No doctor, no brain surgeon, no MRI, no evaluation gave him a chance of surviving the first 24-48 hours. I have never cried so much in my life. I have never seen my parents hurt so much either.
But let's not dwell on that. Let's focus on the fact that 10 years later, my brother has overcome amazing odds with the direction of our God and savior who has blessed him with survival and quality of life.  He has married someone I can honestly call my sister and he has a job that I don't really understand in computers.
He has had hurdles that I don't need to explain, but as you can imagine, anyone suffering from a traumatic brain injury has monumental obstacles to overcome.  He has relearned life again, my family and I have relearned God's grace.  Joshua is brave.  He has faced more than a lot of people and he still gives God all the credit. He is just, fair and honest. He is a leader, stubborn and faithful to the Lord.  Today, I celebrate his life and that I have had 10 more years with one of the most BRAVE people I know.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD... (NKJV)

Thank you to everyone who touched our lives during that time..there are too many to reach out to and I am afraid I'll forget someone. Thank you to the staff and wonderful people at SunnyView Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. You were truly our lifeline. 

For an inside look there is a facebook page to raise awareness for Traumatic Brain injuries

It's motorcycle awareness month. Just be careful :)