Alternate wedding gift ideas

Many couples are marrying later in life and already have established households. They have little need for traditional wedding gifts like toaster, blenders, pots and pans and those other kitchen gadgets. This places the couple in an awkward position. Many couples end up registering at popular department store chains for things they may use someday because they feel obligated to give their wedding guests traditional gift ideas. In reality the couple would really prefer "cold hard cash". Perhaps the couple is saving for a home, a special honeymoon, a car or they simply need help to offset their wedding expenses. So, how does a couple ask for cash without violating the perceived wedding etiquette? Here are some ideas you may wish to consider to break from the traditional wedding gifts.

1. TheKnot.com offers a bridal registry that has a "Create-a-Gift" option.. This allows the couple to ask for money in the form of American Express gift checks that can be used for virtually anything the couple desires; their honeymoon, a big ticket item like a piece of furniture, a night on the town or a weekend get-away. This registry is available to anyone with internet access.
2. Some lending institutions now offer bridal registries for down payments on homes. This is a terrific way to invest in the couples future. You will have to do some leg-work if you wish to consider this option since not all lending institutions offer this type of registry.
3. Some photographers now offer gift certificates the couple can use to purchase prints and albums. This is a terrific way to help the couple cherish their wedding memories for years to come.

So how do you clue in your guest to your preferences without being perceived as rude or tacky? Talk to a few close friends and your immediate family. Ask them to politely spread the word to your guests. Remember to show your guests you appreciate their gifts by promptly sending them thank you notes. Consider personalizing your thank you note with details on how their gift of cash was used. This will help your guests feel like they truly gave you a gift rather than cash.

Beware of “shoot and burn” photographers.

In the last several years there has been an emergence of a new breed of photographer I like to call the “Shoot and Burn” photographer. These folks offer their services to “shoot” the wedding then “burn” the images to one or more DVDs at seemly low cost. They then turn over the DVDs to their clients and then walk away. The client is then responsible for getting their own prints locally from department stores, grocery stores, pharmacies or internet photo labs. Many couples are drawn to the “shoot and burn” photographers because the lower cost seems very attractive. However, looks can be deceiving. Here’s what these photographers aren’t telling you.

 Digital photography is an incredible technology. However, it is not without its limitations. Digital photos can be a little “flat” in some situation. In other words, the foreground can be well exposed but the background very dark. The image appears to flatten out against the background, lacking depth. However, this situation is easily remedied with proper digital enhancement. Most professional photographers digitally enhance images to improve color, contrast and exposure as part of their services. This often takes a high degree of skill, professional software and many hours of work. This service is not typically provided by the “shoot and burn” photographers. Consequently, the image quality they provide their clients is not on par with that provided by traditional professional photographers.

 Professional photographers exclusively use the services of professional digital imaging labs to provide their clients with highest quality prints available.

 Clients of “Shoot and Burn” photographers do not have access to professional color labs. Consequently, the prints they obtain from “non-professional” labs can be of noticeably poorer quality.

 Professional photographers stand behind their products and services because their reputation is on the line. In other words, their livelyhood depends on the quality of the services they provide their clients. “Shoot and Burn” photographer’s responsibilities end when they turn over the DVDs.

Don’t be deceived by a seemly good deal. You may be taking a chance on a very most important life event; your wedding.

Secret to a happy marriage

Everyone has advice on making a marriage last. It is a frequent topic on afternoon talk shows. Dr. Phil, the gals from the View and even Oprah all seem to have the answers....at least in their opinion. However, most of these folks are not necessarily the best role models. Pat and I will be celebrating our 36th wedding anniversary in early May, 2009. She is my best friend, mother of my two children, my companion and the love of my life. I would like to share some simple advice based on real married life experience.

First, you should be best friends before lovers. Some new couples confuse infatuation with love. Remember, marriage is a life long commitment. You need more than just infatuation to make the marriage last.

Second, marriage takes work. Remember the old adage....life isn’t always a bed of roses. There will be disagreements, arguments and occasional anger. However, that’s just part of life. Hone your listening skills and keep talking. You will soon find that compromise is the key to moving past these disagreements.

Thirds, be considerate of your spouse’s feeling. Remember to say thank you, good bye and don’t forget that kiss.

Fourth, spend time together. Couples that spend time together tend to stay together.

And lastly, here is some simple advice I have been giving grooms for the last 30 years. Remember two very important words...”yes dear”. These two words are the real key to making a marriage last.

This advice has worked for Pat and me for more than 36 years. I wish you all the best as you begin your new life together.

Our Profile

My name is George Bowman. Patricia (Pat) Bowman and I own and operate Point of Beginnings Photography, LLC in Verona, Wisconsin. Pat is my wife of 36 years, love of my life and my best friend. I have over 30 years of professional photography experience and serve as the senior photographer that anchors the business. My primary expertise is in the area of wedding and engagement photography. I worked as one of the principle photographer for one of Madison's well known photography businesses for over 25 years. I have photographed literally hundreds weddings during my career. I have a passion for photography and thoroughly enjoy working with my clients. I am easy-going and have a good sense of humor. I have the ability to put my clients at ease which is particularly important since a couple has more than enough to deal with preparing for their special day.

Pat works behind the scenes in an administrative capacity; assisting with digital editing, customer support and keeping me on the straight and narrow. She does a terrific job!

Photography is a family affair at Point of Beginnings Photography. Two of our contributing photographers are family members. Brooke Lewis, George and Pat's daughter, is co-owner of Dramatic Paws, a successful animal photography business. She is a highly talented photographer in her own rights. Her landscape, wildlife and architectural images have received high acclaim, and have been successfully marketed nationally. Our son, Wayne Bowman, is an up and coming photographer that has assisted me on many occasions over the years. He has a passion for photography that clearly shows in his images.

Bryan Gladding is also a contributing photographer. He is co-owner of Dramatic Paws Animal Photography with Brooke Lewis. Bryan is a highly accomplished and talented animal photographer and photojournalist. His photojournalism skills have been used to capture images at many sporting and musical events in the Madison area. His images have been used in advertising for a number of years.

Brooke, Wayne, Bryan and me each bring our own unique styles and perspective to the business. Our unique blend of the traditional with the new makes us an outstanding team. Two of our team members will attend weddings that require four or more hours of coverage.

So why hire us to photograph your wedding?

1. There is no substitute for experience; we have seen it all!!
2. Experience allows us to adapt to every situation with out losing focus on our goal; to provide you with the highest quality digital images that truly document this very important life event; your wedding.
3. We know our equipment and always have adequate backups.
4. We are always respectful of you, your family and friends. We pride ourselves keeping things simple, light and fun. We are there for you!
5. We are not a "shoot and burn" business. We take pride in our work. We digitally enhance all images and use a professional processor to provide you with the highest quality prints and images possible.
6. We love our work and enjoy working with our clients. If we have fun our clients tend to be more relaxed which allow us to better capture the spontaneity and natural emotion of the celebration.