Wedding Gown Smackdown!

TIVO TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't routinely stay up to watch the Tonight Show, dear brides, tonight is the night! Or set your Tivo because I think this evening's show might be worth it! Among the guests showing up on Jay's couch tonight will be a segment called "Wedding Gown Smackdown", and it looks like a reporter showing up at one of those humongous wedding gown supersales. I have every confidence that it will be pretty darn funny and we won't want to miss it! I've heard amazing (and horrifying) stories of these sales so I'll be watching to see what those crazy brides are up to!

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Speaking of the Tonight Show, the website has one of those 'trainwreck moments'---- Ross the Intern. Well, he used to be known as Ross the Intern anyway. Ross has now 'made it big' and does special stories for the show, he just did the Academy Awards for example. I couldn't believe that he has a blog, that it is featured on the show and that oh--------- my gosh, this guy is seemingly building a career. There is definitely hope for us all. http://blog.nbc.com/ross_blog//

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For the rest of us who rely on talent and hard work to make a living---- :) have a great Wednesday!

Vivian and Tim

Another St. Louis day sunny and bright with the promise of SPRING! We are so pleased to welcome Vivian and Tim to the wedding family at BBP! Vivi and Tim also came to us from the Wedding Show at WOW and we are just delighted to have them. Vivi teaches second grade and is the bubbliest elementary school teacher you can imagine! Tim is an exec with one of the local investment firms. I'm sure the two of them will have a wonderful future together.

On another note, I got a very funny call yesterday from one of our hilarious brides. She says that my post yesterday about Jennifer Hudson looking like a baked potato in a prom dress was a little harsh. Harsh Schmarsh I say!! After all, did you see Hudson this morning on the Today Show? They point blank asked her about that dress during her interview and she very tactfully said that she loved "THE DRESS"...... emphasis on the dress. I think she was referring to the fact that she is young and wet behind the ears in show business and she allowed 'them' to dress her. baked potato jacket and all. See, it wasn't just me!

Envelope Schmenvelope!

Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian/ap

Photo Credit: Harrison Getty

Photo Credit: Granitz Wire

Photo Credit: Gilbert Flores

Envelope Schmenvelope indeed!!!!!!!!!! In my book while the movies are intriguing and the behind the scenes buzz interesting------- the reason to watch the Academy Awards is the FASHION! I love it all! In years past, my daughter and I would gather in the middle of my bed with every sort of junk food and soda imaginable (so as not to have to venture too far afield and miss something fabulous) and watch the pre-oscar show as the glittery and famous arrived on the red carpet. It used to be that there were just two pre shows, Joan Rivers and E. I still absolutely adore the irreverent and dishy Joan and wouldn't miss her, even if it means catching her show on TV Guide channel. I refuse to believe that she has fallen from grace, merely that her dish is a bit "too too" for the majors! This year I watched them both, going back and forth on the tube. Personally, I think that Joan gave the best commentary----- Ryan Secrest lost me when he untucked his shirt and showed that his altogethers were Calvin Klein briefs! Good Grief! I didn't hold court in my bed either as my daughter has flown the coop, but I did indulge in some Sticky Toffee Hagen Dazs and my favorite comfort curry dish. How can a day be better?

Regardless, the pageant on the red carpet was wonderful this year! My favorite actress was Helen Mirren who looked regal, glamourous and age appropriate in that stunning Christian Lacroix dress. That grande dame knew she was going to win last night and reflected every bit of it during the evening. Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace was old Hollywood glam in that pink 'all that' gown, very regal. And Gwenyth was absolutely incredible as always in her beautiful Zac Posen dress, different, stylish, trendy yet with a nod to vintage. You can't watch the red carpet fashion and not give a nod to Reese Witherspoon in that ultra glam Nina Ricci, she looks even more gorgeous post Ryan indeed! And did you catch those 38 carats of Van Cleef and Arpels? Wow! I think that while Jennifer Hudson is remarkably talented and deserving of her big win last night, her dress made her look like a baked potato going to the prom! Beyonce's gown was over the top with that beaded strap thing going on.............. and Jessica Biel? Ohmygosh........ hot pink and no bra. I know I know, I just sounded like my mother! Nicole Kidman's red Balenciaga was incredibly stylish but that big red bow made her look like a gift or something. As vintage Saturday Night Live used to say----- "just my opinion................. I could be wrong!"

The day after indeed, back to the routine and everyday!

PDA

So here is the question of the day: To PDA or not to PDA? By that, of course I mean Public Display of Affection. There doesn't seem to be a middle of the road opinion, you either don't mind pda or you do. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mean an all out in your face big whoop-de-do, I mean beyond holding hands----- say a kiss in public. Recently we've had several brides and grooms weigh in on the subject, all rather spontaneously--- and they were both ANTI pda.

So where do you stand? To kiss in public or not?

Spring finery

Rain Rain Go Away, come again another day! The skies are gray and we're under a severe weather alert. At least the rain coming won't be in the form of ice and snow, I just don't think I could bear that! I'm holding on to the knowledge that spring is on the way!
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With the coming of spring comes the heart of the wedding season 2007 and we are jam packed with brides and grooms. As always, we are so lucky to have couples that we just love, and are looking forward to each and every wedding on the schedule. We’ve all been taking bets lately about the colors of our spring bridesmaids dresses and the matching vests for the groomsmen. USUALLY the spring has less ‘all black’ weddings, and we see pink, lavender, moss green or even pale yellow, colors usually found in the Easter Egg range. Will this year be the same or different? Three of our wonderful brides have either called or emailed to tell us that they’ve changed their minds on the colors for the weddings so I think that this coming season will just be full of fun surprises! A couple of our weddings last year had bridesmaids dresses from Ann Taylor---- who knew? Those dresses were loved by the ladies in attendance as they were really stylish as well as actually wearable at a later date. This spring those fine designers at Ann Taylor have created yet more really fabulous dresses, our favorite is above (below the BBP Image). Lots and lots of really great styles, although I think that having to pay quite a bit extra for a matching satin sash is a bit much! We've never had a bridal gown from Ann Taylor, we actually didn't even know they made them! Their Jacqueline style is new this year and $900.00 dollars but they have another style at $600.00.

www.anntaylor.com has the info if you'd like to take a look!

All things considered, we will be watching to see what spring bridal wear looks like in St. Louis, no doubt it will be lovely!

Toolbar says spring is on the way!

Could it be????? The birds have been singing in the early mornings for several days in a row, the snow is melted and I have found a few annoying weeds popping up in the yard, people are out walking their dogs without heavy winter coats and it is going to be SIXTY today! Hallelujah and Amen! I'm absolutely sick to pieces of winter, sick of it I say! Even though I've been living here for several years now, Hawaii is still firmly in my blood---- when it is below 70 honey, I'm just flat out cold! I think that spring is really coming, even with a bit of a cold setback next week---- I can almost begin to believe that winter will be laid to rest. And none too soon! It will soon be time to crank up the barbies, root for the Cards, walk in the park, and celebrate with our brides and grooms.
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As the warm weather approaches, I dig being able to see the temperature on my toolbar---- right now it says 56, 56 before Noon, how great is that? If you are also a bit of a computer gadget geek freak, try the free download at http://weather.weatherbug.com/. You can install free weather goodies for your Mac or PC. If you want a freebie, you have to choose a "sponsor", i.e. an ad banner that will be on the bottom of your weather screen. No problemmo, I can look at (and ignore) NetFlix just fine. When my on computer temperature tells me it is 100 degrees I might be slightly less enchanted, but today I am optomistic!
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Now......... I have to laugh at an email I received from one of our brides this morning. She (along with many of you) are an avid blog reader and she wanted me to know that it was unfair yesterday to say that Lindsey is Prince and Hana's favorite bride. "Hey........ I like dogs and they like me! I am sure that Hana and Prince would absolutely love me best if they had a chance to meet me! Give me a chance puppies! I want to be your favorite bride, I know you will not even remember those other brides!" Okay! Now we not only have lunch with our brides, consider them life long friends and the like, but now they are lining up wanting to be on a first name/first sniff basis with Bobbi's dogs. What can I say, I'll have their people call your people! :)
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Puppies to Dogs

It is amazing to everyone at the studio how much Prince and Hana have grown! They are absolutely hilarious, and so full of personality. Their favorite bride is Lindsay---- who is probably the biggest 'dog nut'. The photos above were taken last week when they decided to get a bit playful---- Hana (the smaller female) is always the instigator of all trouble!

Everyone always asks for new photos of the puppies---- they are DOGS now, but forever puppies to Bobbi! They look so different from a year ago when they were just tiny little perky eared balls of fluff. Even their coloring has changed from caramel and white to a rather faded caramel color.

I'm sure you can agree with us all, things just somehow completely change!!! As Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes) says:

"Know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon...everything's different."

Michelle & Mike/In Praise of Naps

Saturday was a really fun day, we had some winter shoots out and about in St. Louis but the one we enjoyed the most was meeting Michelle and Mike. Poor Mike has been working out of town and arriving home on a Mardi Gras weekend he brought his fiancee to the park for winter engagement photos! He was a great sport---- even when Michelle really pelted him with snow..... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


I was going to put their photos on the blog yesterday, but quite frankly decided that a nap would be a fantastic idea, and it was! Napping as a sport is greatly underrated and just flat doesn't happen often enough, well at least in my life! In taking a poll (once I woke up) of friends and family, almost none of us DO take a nap, even occasionally. I'm here to suggest strongly that we stop considering napping as sloth and instead as a wonderful way to revitalize our spirit! When I took my nap I confess that the brief guilt abated when the body just felt soooooooooooo good! I had forgotten the perk of a bit of sleep could make. I'm not saying that we should ignore the crucial tasks that we must perform for our families or jobs, only that sometimes a wee bit of a nap can bring us back to our lives feeling refreshed and better able to tackle life in general. Go on.......... take a nap! Just a shortie won't hurt a thing and whatever nagging tasks, unless life threatening, will certainly wait just a bit.


I am looking forward to my NEXT nap! :) Have a great Monday, looks like St. Louis will be blessed with some warmer weather this week--- in the 50's! Yippee!!

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

Let the good times roll! It's Mardi Gras in St. Louis (among other places) and once again thousands of people will converge in Soulard for the parade and festivities. As I have said before, I don't 'do' Mardi Gras, and especially this year, heck folks it is fanny freezin' out there and we're winding up a winter storm with another couple of inches of snow on the ground! Yikes. For those of you who do partake, have a great time, stay warm, and be safe! For those of you with an offbeat sense of humor I send you to the Riverfront Times website to download their 6 RFT's Mardi Gras Bingo Cards. Hilarious, if bawdy. I call out Mullet and Shirtless Dude! :) www.riverfronttimes.com/issues/2005-02-02/news/features.html

We're meeting Michelle and Mike for a winter engagement session in the park today, it should be fun! Cold--- but fun!

Have a great weekend!

Katie & Jason

A warm welcome (on a very cold day!) to Katie and Jason who will be married at Caroline Vineyard in September. It should be an absolutely gorgeous event---- with a fun, lively, and wonderful couple! We're delighted to have you as part of the wedding family!

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Between a really cold day, getting to Friday, and many St. Louisans gearing up for Mardi Gras this weekend there is just something for everyone. Personally, I don't do Mardi Gras it is just to doggone cold! If it were 60 or 70 I might consider it----- maybe. :)

Regardless, stay warm, and hang in there--------------------- the weekend is almost here!

Rings & Things

I wonder about wedding rings everytime I see them. Do they choose them because of:

• price
• design
• the 'show off factor'
• personality expression

At every wedding, we normally do a 'ring shot' before the ceremony, as well as throughout the day. When we are handed those little boxes by the best man and maid of honor it is always thrilling to open the case and see the jewel inside. Some rings are plain and simple, some are very trendy in their styling (i.e. square shaped or colored stones), and some are just plain flashy. In most cases the rings match the wearer---- but not always.

It's the day after Valentine's Day and everyone seems to be in a sort of daze. Is it the chocolate hangover? Or is it just the letdown that follows a 'holiday', especially a holiday where love is on the minds and hearts of just about everyone? We hope that you had a great Valentine's Day and your choice of loving gifts. I have to brag on my gift---- a RED iPod Nano! My Shuffle died recently and it's passing left me feeling very sad indeed. I'll be listening to Pema Chodrun while working today and feeling very Zen!

Stay warm----- and gather your strength, after all---- this weekend Mardi Gras is here!

Happy Valentine's Day!

If life were a University, we major in BRIDES----- so who better to speak the language of LOVE? We're completely blessed to see love, devotion, and the art of cherishing your life as a couple modeled for us daily.

Happy Valentine's Day! Spread the love around!

Nothing more thrilling than snow??? Well, so say the kids around metro St. Louis where lots of snow fell around the area. The weather folks promised around 5 inches, looking out the back door I'd guess we received maybe 3 inches or so. Thanks to my wonderful neighbor Laine, my sidewalk and steps were shoveled and salted! We're a bit harder to thrill than our young neighbors, either because we don't get the fun of 'snow days', or we're just a little more jaded. Finding a good belly laugh today wasn't that hard, even without a sled! Check out this uTube video, the entire wedding party does the "Thriller Dance". Ohmygosh!

Personally, I think that the groom is really having WAY too much fun! Notice how the bride is in the second row? The groom is just sucking up all the attention and spotlight, I wonder if this is just the way their relationship goes? Geez! :)

So................... who will be the first wedding couple to provide such entertainment? Just let me know ahead of time, okay? I wouldn't want to set to giggling and embarrass myself!

Have a great time in the snow, no matter what your age!

After the WOW Show

WOW............ what a fantastic bridal show at Windows Off Washington yesterday! We had a great time meeting SO many brides, grooms and families. We're already busily scheduling consultation appointments--- thank you all very much. It was so nice to have met quite a few of our soon-to-be wed brides and grooms as well, throughout the day it was like old home week!

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We had the opportunity to meet a few new vendors at the WOW show, always fun for us, and a perk for our wedding family as we always get asked for the best WHO's in the business. From florists to cake, and a few really incredible rehearsal dinner and reception venues--- they will all be featured in upcoming Wedding Newsletters. As always, if you are not on the email list for our newsletters if you send us an email to info@BobbiBrinkmanPhotography.com, we'd love to put you on the list.

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While at Windows Off Washington one thing held true, no matter how hard we worked, how much we talked or how long the day was during their bridal show, when you are at Windows you are always fed! The staff passed h'ors d'ouvres that kept the edge off hunger during the day, and most were really good. We always love that sugary bacon they serve, and this year there was a really good puff pastry with artichoke hearts and gruyere that we tried. Brides and grooms enjoyed a glass of wine as well while they enjoyed the great venue and the wide variety of vendors.

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I have to say, one of the most spectacular wedding gowns I have ever seen was in the Neiman Marcus booth----- wow at WOW. No, I didn't ask how much it was, you know the old adage "if you have to ask how much it costs..............."

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Have a great Monday to kick off what looks to be a cold, wet, snowy week. If the weatherman is right the snow will move in late tonight into tomorrow and then should stick around awhile in the cold weather that follows. Michelle and Mike are number one on the 'snow engagement photo' list and wouldn't you know it----- Mike is out of town. Sigh................

stay warm and be a blessing to someone today!

Maria & Ron

Maria and Ron came to us from the recent Wedding Show at America's Center where we had met in a crush of people. They are a really great couple and we immediately established a rapport with them even amongst the throng. When they came in to see us, it seemed obvious that BBP was the perfect blend to do their wedding photography. Thanks Maria and Ron, we are so pleased to have your trust and confidence! Welcome to the family!!!

Speaking of our wedding family, we're having dinner and cocktails with one of our brides and her Mom, Lindsey and Mary. I'm sure we will have a great time and much laughter. Are we the luckiest studio in the world? You bet!!

Happy Wednesday and Happy birthday to Jacob!

Breakfast of Champions

No, not Wheaties---- far too healthy I think. When I talk about the Breakfast of Champions at the studio it is far, well, more challenging food. We have a toaster and a coffee pot at the studio, this gives us the ability to create breakfast (or a snack emergency) when breakfast doesn't happen at home. So this morning, Bobbi comes in bearing a box containing a foil pouch in her briefcase. I know I shouldn't make this admission publicly to present and future brides on the BBP Blog but it is simply too good not to! The contents of the silver pouch were POP TARTS. Bobbi's favorite breakfast food, well one of them anyway. Personally, I'd be hard pressed to eat a Pop Tart unless it was a cherry one. When it comes to cherry I'd eat just about anything, and quite frankly-- have! :) Pop Tarts, and CHOCOLATE FUDGE ones. I think that is fairly disgusting although Bobbi can give you song and dance about their delicate and delightful taste and nutritional perks. Whatever!


The amazing thing to me is that apparently those fine creative folks at Pop Tarts have discovered yet another incredibly delicious treat------- FROZEN POP TARTS. Frozen, Pop Tarts, can you even imagine that? My stomach does a barrel roll at the thought of a chocolate Pop Tart from the toaster much less a frozen one.


I have admitted here frequently that I'm just a less than young, skinny fuddy duddy so I beseech you all, fine blog readers----- if you have actually eaten a frozen Pop Tart, I want to hear all about it.

I'll be eating Irish Oatmeal while I wait.............

Because I am a Google freak, the subject of Pop Tarts piqued my curiosity. GET THIS---- http://www.pmichaud.com/toast this guy has an actual article on the Internet about how to create a torch using your toaster and two strawberry Pop Tarts, based on the article about the same by Dave Barry. This is FUNNY stuff and I urge you to take a peek at this, really--- it is hilarious. (Then again, as we all know I am easily amused). The author of this article is a sick man, and I am sicker still to be laughing quite some time after reading the article, thanks Patrick.


If you still have not had enough laughter for the day, please find your way over to http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/wordpress/category/food/pop-tarts/. If you are language sensitive or a big Hello Kitty or Colin Farrel fan I would quickly turn you away gentle reader. If you scroll down a few entries however, I can recommend the K Fed Pop Tart Rap.

Long story short........... I love the Internet, other people's blogs absolutely fascinate me, and we as a nation are pretty funny people. I still don't eat Pop Tarts, add an extra "o" and you'll know what I really call them, and I'm waiting to hear your stories about PT's.

We're back to being serious, well somewhat and looking forward to meeting brides today. Have a good one! Just in case you are a nefarious sort, be on your guard! I now carry a toaster and two strawberry Pop Tarts along with an extension cord in case I need to defend myself!

Carbo Hangover

Just about everyone we talk to has a nasty carbo hangover. You know---- too many chips, pretzels, dip, pizza----- sigh. The sure fire way to tell that the Super Bowl is over, we're all ready for a salad and light cuisine, well at least for a day or two until the hangover fades.

Super Bowl 41 was a good one, no matter where you hailed from or who your favorite team was. The Colts and the Bears gave us good reason to cheer, many times for both teams at the same time. Me? Well, having gone to high school in Chicago The Bears do have a very special place in my heart (said with John Belushi tones of "The Bears"!) Think vintage Bears, Dick Butkus, Brian Piccolo, Gale Sayers, along with many of the other Bears greats. I couldn't help but find them heart favorites. Alas, their victory was not to be as Manning and the Colts won decisively. Along with discovering that Maple Barbeque potato chips from TJ's were a smash hit, it was a fun and very entertaining game. I always think of my ex- father in law Len when I think of football generally, or the Bears specifically. Because there is a lot of really cold winter out there I believe I'll give you his super secret recipe for Hot Buttered Rum, if he were still living I wouldn't dare! The concoction sounds kind of nasty but trust me, it is darn good!

Len's Hot Buttered Rum
Fill a mug with hot cider-- HOT!!
Stir in a heaping spoon of dark brown sugar
Toss in a jigger +/- of dark rum (Myers is great)
Float a pat of butter on top
A cinnamon stick stir element is essential

And enjoy! Len would make these babies up by the thermos full and all the boys enjoying the game at Soldier's Field were always so happy to have them. He never shared the recipe, guarding it much as Martha Stewart must guard the family jewels. Remember, I didn't say it was GOOD FOR YOU, just good! And, ssssshhhhhhhh, don't tell Len you got the recipe from me!


For girly balance (because we surely do need that)--- I am SO excited to know that one of my favorite stores is coming to The Galleria.................. LUSH!!!! I discovered Lush in British Columbia years ago when they were just starting out and have enjoyed them since here in the U.S. and by mail order. How can you not be absolutely in love with a company that makes the most delicious bath bombs on the planet? My personal favorite is Butterball and Chelsea Garden. I'd love to try the sweet little bomb called "Sex Bomb", but really----- isn't buying one either looking desperate or giving too much information? The website says that when you take a bath with "Sex Bomb" that the fragrance will waft throughout your home turning it into a pleasure palace. Wow, now there's a claim! Their body butters are extraordinary as well............. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh the bliss. You'll love Lush too when it opens, it's a fun store that just draws you in with it's open shelves and piles of luxurious and organically appearing products. Grab tight to your wallet, it's easy to run amok here! http://www.lush.comhas more info.

Good thing we're wearing some carbo's to keep us warm, it is going to be a high of 18 degrees today so stay warm!

Farewell Ron

My cousin Deb's husband Ron passed away yesterday after a very long battle with cancer. Sweet Deb is left to raise their young son alone and even with family and friends, it won't be easy. Once again, we get the hard reminder that life is so short, so fragile, so generally under-appreciated.

Today I'm going to try very hard to cherish everything, appreciate my many blessings more fully, I encourage you to do the same. As I do so I'll give a special nod to Ron and the life he built and the precious family he left behind.

Live it large/Be a blessing

Snowball Fight!

Christy and Justin met Bobbi at Tower Grove Park yesterday for a winter set of engagement photos. Obviously, they had a great time!

For all of you who know Bobbi, you will know that among her many great talents is the fact that she is a world class instigator of trouble! :) I do believe that she suggested that Justin behave in such a way that the snowball fight was escalated. Now, mind you, Justin did take to the suggestion in a big way---- as evidenced by the fun photos.

The snow is mostly gone now, either trampled off or scraped away, the extremely cold weather will keep the rest of it on the ground through the weekend by the sounds of it. While it lasted it was a gorgeous snow---- light and powdery, just perfect.

The extremely cold weather will be here through next week so stay warm and be safe. Is it time to go back to Ft. Lauderdale for another wedding yet? I am counting the days-----------

Reality or Insanity?