Great Quote for the Day:

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after low pricing is forgotten."

-Grace Ormond

Quality has always been of great concern and importance in the wedding world, perhaps more so today when budget restraints meet the desire for the best available options. We always remind our brides (and ALL brides) that when corners are cut, quality generally suffers and that individual pays the ultimate price in dissatisfaction (or worse). When it comes to choosing wedding vendors we suggest that you start with an excellent wedding planner. She can maximize your budget keeping quality in mind in addition to the other fantastic things that she can do for you. Because a planner knows vendors, every effort can go towards putting together a team that results in a quality event in a price point that is live-able and even smile-able!

Price should not be the only factor when deciding how to allocate your wedding dollars---- or anything else for that matter! We do hear all the time from brides who choose vendors based on budget and low price and end up with disappointment and often far worse.

Our BBP family of brides and grooms are always quality! We're so fortunate to have the best clients in the world, we will never tire of saying that truth!

Seek quality with deliberate intention!

The Color of Winter

The color of winter? Why GRAY of course! Dull, drab, nasty gray. While the rest of the country has seemingly gotten more in the way of snow, or cold, or just plain winter-- we have been slammed with the gray and grim.

Good thing that we have such great clients to brighten things up, like the wonderful Shaun and Jennifer in the photo above. We've said it before and we'll say it again, our clients are such blessings and we can't be happier about them. Actually in a unanimous vote we think that Jennifer and Shaun shouldn't get married this spring as we'll all be so sad without them in the "current" file!!

Our very own Shauniffer------ nothing at all gray about that!!!

I hope you caught the Wedding Show on Martha Stewart last week, it was truly exceptional! From kitchy pipe cleaner rings to great table settings, fashions and more--- lots of beautiful ideas to be found. The wedding fashions were great---- traditional and yet very fresh! Did you happen to see the groom in the pink jacket?

Whether you are planning your wedding, growing your family or hoping to marry someday, we all send wishes for a BRIGHT and blessed Monday!

Happy Fat Tuesday: Malasada Day!!!!

Mardi----- Tuesday of course. How goes yours????? And this particular Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, hence Mardi Gras. The big party happened last Saturday in St. Louis and it was my job to be the designated "dropper offer". Meaning heck no I'm not going to go hang out with those crazy people................. but I'll drop you off as close as we can get! Every year the floats line up outside the Studio, loads of fun to watch, and it never ceases to amaze me at the number of beer, booze, jello shots and even syringe loaded shooters make their way through the Square at an hour early enough to make the biggest partier blush. (Or color slightly!) I think there are still some local hangovers happening!

Today on Fat Tuesday are you loading up for Lent? Even in those individuals without lenten traditions, some sort of Fat Tuesday thinking ensues. One of my favorites is the annual Hawaiian Fat Tuesday tradition held on Oahu, when the famous Leonard's Malasadas prepares for a gazillion people to fight for parking on that little lot in order to score some of those incredibly sweet and sugary pastries. I miss Leonard's! And today (yes TODAY) is the annual, eagerly anticipated MALASADA DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In case you've a mind to whip up a batch of heaven, from the Punahou Carnival in Hawaii comes a great recipe that I've used quite a few times when locked on the mainland means you just have to have a malasada!



Ingredients:

1 package yeast (1 T)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup warm water

6 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1 cup water
1 cup evaporated milk
6 eggs

1 quart vegetable oil (to cook)
extra sugar

Procedure
Dissolve yeast, sugar and water and set aside. Beat eggs. Measure flour into mixing bowl and add salt. Make a well in the flour, pour yeast mixture, eggs and other ingredients. Beat in circular motion until the dough is soft. Cover, let raise until double. Turn dough over but do not punch down. Cover and let raise again. Heat oil to 375 degrees and drop dough by teaspoon full into oil and cook until brown. Shake in brown bag with sugar. Best when hot.

Note: If the malasadas have a tendency to come out with the center still doughy, turn the heat down on the oil which will allow them to cook longer. ***My note, the malasadas don't have that doughnut "hole"......... so a longer cook time is almost always necessary, especially if you make them too big in the first place! ****Double note: I like to mix sugar and cinnamon to shake some of mine.

I will tell you straight up, this (or any) malasada recipe is just not as good as having one from Leonards! NOT! I think it is something about eating one hot as you leave the store, graced by gentle tradewinds and blue skies, warm and sunny, add sugar and you've got something!

Julie & Drew for Drizzle

Another addition to the wedding family here at Bobbi Brinkman Photography---- and what a wonderful addition it is!!!!

Julie and Drew are getting married 'on the Illinois side'-------- which when you live in a town like St. Louis is just an expansion of the Metro. We've seen Julie around a fair bit, she hangs out with some of our favorite past brides who know that we'll take excellent care of the almost marrieds.

We're looking forward to the Big Day, it's going to be a LOT of fun!

Welcome Julie and Drew, it's an honor and a privilege to photograph your wedding and preserve your memories with "Images from the Heart..."

We're in between rounds of snow by the sound of it. With more snow coming this weekend and a back that is still more out than in (ack) I think it is time to give consideration to the munchies one eats when it is snowing and you wouldn't go out in it unless the house was on fire and even then it's not a sure bet. :)

One of those must have items is the Chocolate Drizzle from Target. Sweet, crunchy, chocolatey, and a little bit spicy---- HEAVEN. Because it is made from cereal products that is a grain which is of course really good for you and your entire health profile! I say buy two or three bags because one is never enough and you just might find that other people discover this deliciousness and there is a run at Target leaving you unable to find more when you really REALLY need it. We can't have that. I bet Julie and Drew love the Drizzle too!

White Stuff

Here at BBP we are constantly surrounded by white stuff:

• wedding dresses
• tuxedo shirts
• tulle veils
• etc.

But today we are surrounded by white stuff of another order. SNOW! It's a dirty word to me, way too much sand in my shoes to find winter at all amusing, lovely, or even peaceful. 5 inches of snow fell outside the studio doors today, bring on the shovel! With the bitter cold temperatures, the snow may well hang out to wear out it's welcome (which was none too warm in the first place!!!!)

Trying to shift gears, how about some other white things we love????? Thinking of a warm and lovely destination (DisneyWorld) we show a couple of 'magical' gowns by Kirstie Kelly for the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings.

Interesting bodice treatment------

Simple and clean---

A little different twist---

I think the shot above just LOOKS Disney, doesn't it????

I'm a sucker for lacy jackets----- very Grace Kelly don't you think???



All I can say to the above is................ wow!

More Family! Welcome Megan & Charles!!

We're so happy to be able to welcome another couple to the wedding family at Bobbi Brinkman Photography! Megan and Charles, come on down!

Megan is the sister of one of our grooms, the fabulous Matt of Andi and Matt fame! Now Megan tells me that she is the BEST family member---- and we have no reason not to believe her. As Andi and Matt are now expecting their first sweet baby perhaps they are otherwise occupied and will not argue the point?

Regardless, we're really pleased to have Megan and Charles as part of the family! As always, it is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to capture their wedding with "Images from the Heart..."

Hearty Welcome to Amina & Phillip!

We just couldn't be happier to welcome Amina and Phillip to the wedding family at Bobbi Brinkman Photography! All of us here are just delighted! When Amina and Phillip came to visit with us we not only had the opportunity to meet them but Amina's lovely Mom and gracious Grandmother--- a sweeter family you couldn't ask for!

The warmest of BBP Welcomes to you all, of course we're looking forward to your very special Big Day!

Lovely Cakes--- from Martha Stewart

It must be the beginnings of the February doldrums because my mind is thinking CAKE! Not just any cake of course but wedding cake. Lovely, luscious, sweet and wonderful, loaded with frosting and tinted a pretty color. Yum!

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite cakes from Martha Stewart (thanks Martha!)----

A Charlotte of a cake------- I can imagine a tiramisu-ey cake maybe with the ladyfingers around the edge?

LOVE this clean and geometric cake, elegantly monogrammed and presented so simply. I bet it tastes as good as it looks!


A croquembouche wedding cake! How fabulous is this!!!!! On top of what is undoubtedly a yummy cake layer comes a fabulous presentation of sugary delicious croquembouche(s)! I have no idea in the world how you would SERVE such a magnificent frippery of cake but it would be fabulous!

Enough said!

Mr. & Mrs Haug-- in their glory

We were absolutely thrilled to have a recent two page spread in the Real Weddings section of St. Louis Bride magazine---- and Patrick and Jennifer Haug's wedding was a perfect fit. Gorgeous details, an exquisite reception and a very attractive bride and groom, I mean how can you go wrong? The spread is in the recent issue of St. Louis Bride, hope you have a chance to take a look and we know you will agree that it is the best issue ever from the cream of the STL bridal magazine crop---- hands down.

Crystal, Drew & Lacy Too

We're all very happy about so many things on this chilly Wednesday!

On the top of the list is the opportunity to welcome new BBP wedding family members! Crystal and Drew----- it is a privilege and an honor to have you and everyone here looks forward to capturing the story of your wedding with "Images from the Heart..."

It is no small thing to have the chance to work with one of the awesome wedding coordinators in St. Louis, Lacy Branch Events and her incredible team. Because of their attention to detail and desire to create the loveliest of weddings we can be confident that working with Crystal and Drew will be nothing but a pleasure!

Happy Wednesday!

Vote for BBP as your Favorite Wedding Photographer!

A fun contest from the folks at Fox2, a vote for your favorite (insert everything under the sun here).

Of course BBP is listed in the Best Wedding Photographer category. For easy punching, lay your index finger on this link:

VOTE BBP BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Thank you, thank you and thank you. We are well aware that we have the very best clients and friends in the world (make that Universe!!!!)

Go on............ go vote now! Whatcha waiting for????

Upcoming Show & Cute Little Custom Toppers

We're all prepping for one of the favorite wedding shows of the year! Held this Sunday at Windows Off Washington, St. Louis Bride will gather great vendors in a great space all for local brides. If you are planning on attending the show, Bobbi and I would just love it if you would please stop by and say "hello"!

We found the cutest little custom cake toppers! They're absolutely not for everyone, some brides and grooms opt for flowers, sentimental or vintage toppers, or any other manner of cake dec finery. These were simply too cute not to share!

They come from The Small Object, owned by Sarah Neuberger.
You know you are in for a treat when you visit her site and are met by the little "sticker" above.......... yes do, close your eyes and smile real big. She's creative and just plain fun! Whether or not you covet these little toppers, they're loads of fun to look at and a set could look just like you!





I'm especially enamored of this couple of course!



Happy Friday!

Bride's Choice Award 2010!

Sincere thank you's from all of us here at Bobbi Brinkman Photography!

OUR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!!!

January 21, 2010: St. Louis, MO - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Bobbi Brinkman Photography has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for wedding photography!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Bobbi Brinkman Photography is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that Bobbi Brinkman Photography is among the very best photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Julie & Travis

WELCOME TO THE BBP FAMILY
JULIE & TRAVIS

We're all so excited to work with you and get to know you and your families as the year progresses! Your December wedding will be here before you know it!

Thanks so much for allowing us the privilege and honor of capturing your wedding with "Images from the Heart...", it is truly a blessing!

Otherwise Engaged

Busy stuff around the studio, just seems to be a lot going on.

One of the things that are always enjoyed are engagement sessions, a nice time to re-connect with BBP brides and grooms and have a little fun. The last blast of uber cold weather brought that dry powdery snow and one brave couple took advantage of the gift (ack) from Mother Nature and have Bobbi shoot their session. Okay, okay--- it was all about Caleb's tight schedule and that whole bird in the hand thing (make hay while the sun shines????) Bad metaphors aside, Alecia and Caleb made pretty good use of their session tiime I'd say! The question is, who won that snow fight??????

Their vid is below :

I remember that nasty cold--- it seems forever imprinted on my memory! Thank heavens this week and into next remains extremely mild by comparison! You know that Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet!!

Another look at Ashley and Brad

Also from the shiny new pages of St. Louis Best Bridal Magazine comes a last look at the wedding of Ashley & Brad.

We love this couple and their families, it was a blast working with them during the period leading up to their special day. On one of the hottest days of the year they were married and such completely great sports about the heat.

It's a pleasure to call them friends!

As always, we are reminded that our clients are the best in the world and we are the luckiest studio in the world!

Jean & Joe Revisited

Fresh from the brand spankin' new pages of St. Louis Best Bridal Magazine comes a great spread on a BBP favorite wedding couple, Jean and Joe! The newlyweds were so great to work with and remain not only clients but friends as well.

The spread features some highlights of their love story and their day and also has a photo of Joe's Groom's cake................ a replica of his beloved trumpet.

Pick up the new issue and read all about it!

A Blogoversary Milestone!

FOUR years with the BBP blog------- I think that is pretty remarkable, don't you???? We're all dancing in celebration, woo hoo!!!!!!!


It has been wonderful, and of course there is more to come!

Happy 4th Blogoversary BBP!!!!

Life After Snow

The snow arrived, a few inches here at the studio although it is hard to tell REALLY with the drifting and blowing. What we know for sure is that it is cold. Super cold and getting colder. (I yearn for warm tradewinds and sandy beaches in a big way!) Have I mentioned that it is going to be 82 in Honolulu today?

Maybe it is just time to remember that there is STL weather not below freezing and that the snow does (someday) give way to green grass, sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Yes, there IS golf. Not for a few months but golf cometh along with activities that are without skis, snowshoes, or shovels. Mickey and Jason will tell you.......................... y'just gotta' hang on!

Engagement sessions in the snow are coming up (weather permitting of course) and I can assure you that they won't look like Jennifer and Shaun's!

No short sleeves or jacket-less posing will be happening. (I hope!)

Happy New Year

From all of us here at BBP, we wish you a Happy New Year and send sincere wishes for an outstanding 2010 full of health, love, hope, and happiness!