The Perfect Groomsman

It's more than renting the correct tux and getting the groom to the church on time. The guys help to set the mood for the day. There's nothing worse than guys who think they're too cool for school--especially when they have a secret collection of pocket protectors at home. And as for setting up and breaking down, I think the girls really appreciate having a little extra muscle on hand. So besides the obvious, what does it take to be the perfect groomsman?

Availability.

If you haven't noticed, girls tend to keep and collect friends. When it comes time for the bride to choose her bridesmaids, it's not unusual for her to have a longer list than her fiance.  In this type of situation, it's possible that you've known the groom for less than six months and only hung out on the basketball court or soccer field.  Don't be offended.  It's a guy thing.  More specifically, a guy-who's-engaged-to-be-married-to-a-fiancee-that-wants-an-even-amount-of-wedding-party-members thing.



Shades.

The kind that cover you eyes and block the sun's rays.  They also look pretty nifty when you all do your "manly pose."  Forget them at home and you're at the mercy of your environment.  You may end up wearing a pair of girl's shades with pink flowers on the temples.  Break them and you die...after the wedding.  I wouldn't want to upset the balance of the wedding party.

Cool Socks.

A newer tradition, it's a way for guys to express their personality without messing up the look of the day.  The key is to make sure you all are doing it.  While guys have been known to trade socks so they all have one cool one on for the picture...let's not go there.  Invest in a pair of argyles or stripes, and you'll be good to go for many a wedding season.

Jumping Skills.

This can be learned.  I recommend practicing in a location that's hidden from public view.  Otherwise you might get unusual looks or even calls to the police to report suspicious conduct.  A lack of ability to count 1-2-3-jump could be the difference between a 20 minute workout before the wedding and getting it right the first time.  Things could get ugly if you're the only one not lifting off on time.

Note: portions of this post may have been written tongue-in-cheek

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Covenant Gardens Wedding | Rosemary & Jared

There wasn't a cloud in the sky at The Covenant Gardens as Rosemary and Jared said their vows and officially began their new life together. No one could miss their utter joy as they together walked back down the aisle they had just recently come up separately. It was worth enduring the blistering heat to see it! Rosemary, thank you for being such a sweet example of steady faithfulness to the rest of us single girls. Jared, it's hard to believe you're the same guy I met back in January. Your exuberance is boundless, as I'm sure all the wedding guests can attest! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a special day.

Melody did a gorgeous job on all the bouquets!






Jarod danced down the aisle. He was bubbling over with happiness!  I can't wait to see the art film of it from W. Video Productions!


Jared's first glimpse of his beautiful bride!


Rosemary circled Jared three times as a representation of the Trinity.



Rosemary's nieces and nephew were so adorable. I think Sophia might have been as excited as Rosemary and Jared!


Releasing butterflies they had raised themselves. The poor things didn't want to leave them!






Isn't The Covenant Gardens gorgeous? The wedding party was also the best ever!








My favorite picture from the day!


Each table had a different color theme that matched the different bridesmaids. So creative!








Michelle's mother lead in Jewish dancing!


They rode off into the sunset in a horse drawn carriage. So Rosemary!



See more of their wedding by viewing the slideshow!  The music is a song written by Rosemary and in which she performed with Jared for Melody and Peter's wedding back in January.  Nine months later, nothing could be more perfect for their own wedding!


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Lydia Photography Slideshows

There's something special about viewing your pictures for the first time in a slideshow. With the music playing in the background, it's almost like reliving the event. Because of this, I thought I'd do a quick tutorial on how to get even more out of your slideshow.

Share it easily with others:

• click the "show controls" button on the bottom right side of the slideshow
  
• click the envelope icon to email it directly to your friends and family
  

Add the slideshow to your Facebook profile:

• become friends with me
• go to the "slideshow" tab on my profile
  
• click the slideshow's title
  
• click the "add slideshow to my profile" link underneath the slideshow
• allow the Showit application to add itself to your profile
• enjoy sharing your pictures with your friends!
  

You can also purchase a small picture book or a DVD copy of the slideshow by clicking the appropriate link.  The gallery from the entire session can be viewed by clicking the "order pictures" shopping cart button.

A few slideshows from this past year:
Leah & Derrick's Slideshow
Melody & Peter's Slideshow
Sheri & Nick's Slideshow


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Taking Holidays Seriously

Labor Day. The day people take off of work to bbq, boat on the lake, go for a bike ride, or chop and stack wood. Well, the last one probably only applies if you belong to my family. We take our holidays seriously at my house. While my sisters slaved over homework and deadlines, I took the time to clear out old magazines, organize my closet, enjoy a homegrown pear, and work on my branding. I'm going to miss summer, but I'm looking forward to my favorite time of year--fall in California.

Almost all of us took the day seriously...

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