It is that time of year again! Can you believe it?

We all look through photos on different websites and blogs, right? So, I thought it would be a great idea to recognize the talent of the many photographers who work so hard to create the inspiring masterpieces we drool over every day.

The Third Annual Bliss Photo of the Year Contest in on (!!!) and I couldn’t be more excited. Last year, we had almost 10,000 readers checking out the 400 submitted photos and over 5,000 votes to name the top photos of the year. Almost TRIPLE the attention that we had the year before. I was shocked by the turn out! This year will be a little more structured, thanks to the insane number of emails and submissions received last year. We had photos from all over the United States and a number of submissions from all around the world, including South Africa, Ireland and Canada, to name a few.

So, photographers, let’s do this! Read the rules below to learn how you could have THE BLISS PHOTO OF THE YEAR! We have three categories this year; Engagement, Michigan, and Global. All should be pretty self-explanatory, but please leave a comment on this post if you have any questions, or Tweet me on Twitter (@BlissAmanda) and I will be sure to get an answer to you. Please remember to follow these rules closely. If you don’t, your submission may be disqualified.

Please feel free to share this contest with photographers. The more submissions we have, the merrier! The official #hashtag for this contest is #blissphotocontest. Check back often for contest updates and the beautiful artwork from some amazing photographers! You can see past contest posts by clicking HERE.

Last year’s winners…

Bryan Rupp Photography – First place in Global Weddings

Flashes of Life Photography – First place in Michigan Weddings

Derek Cookson Photography – First place in Engagement

Rules:

• Photo must have been taken in 2010.
• Only professional photographers can submit a photo, or the couple featured in the professional photograph, with written permission from the photographer.
• May NOT be from an inspiration shoot.
• Only one photo per category per photographer may be submitted.
• Must be submitted by midnight on February 10, 2011
• Send all submissions to blissphotooftheyear@gmail.com
• Email must contain the following:
  • Please TITLE your email with the category you are submitting to (Engagement, Michigan, Global) and your company name. For example: Engagement: Bliss Weddings & Events
  • Company Name, Location and website
  • Photographer’s first and last name
  • Name of Couple, Wedding Date if applicable, Location of shoot
  • A brief explanation of the photo
  • Which category you are submitting for
  • Please send photo as an attachment, do NOT paste in email
• If any of these rules are not followed, your submission will not qualify.

Process:

• All submissions will be received by Midnight on February 10, 2011
• A panel of judges will rate each photo and the Top 10 in each category will be featured for public voting
• Each category will have a week of public voting and the Top 3 will be announced

*Dates subject to change without notice.

Our gorgeous contest logo was created by Meant To Be Creative. Please do us a favor and visit her website! You can also follow her on twitter @Meant2bcreative and @Meanttobesent on Twitter.

We all LOVE seeing photos of real couples, don’t we? Why not celebrate the fabulous photographers out there with a good old fashioned contest!

The details are simple. Just send a photo, our readers will vote, and a winner will be announced on February 16, 2010! Whether you are a photographer, a bride, a mother of the groom, or just a big fan (With permission of course!), send us your favorite photograph from a 2009 wedding to amanda{at}yourblissweddings.com.

This year, there will be THREE categories! Homegrown (Michigan based photography) Weddings, Nation-wide Weddings and Engagement Shots! Everyone can enter!

Here is the run down:

• Pick a max of three favorite wedding or engagement photos from 2009.
• Title each photo.
• Send an email to amanda(at)yourblissweddings.com with the photo, title and info about the wedding (location, couple’s names, date, etc.).
• Send Photo PER EMAIL. That means, if you have three photos, send three separate emails.
• You must put “Bliss Photo Of The Year + Your Company Name” in the subject of each email. This will help organize and prevent lost photos.
• Send these emails to me no later than midnight on 2.10.10
• Stay tuned for our announcement of the Top lists and spread the word about voting. We’ll send this info to you as soon as it is available!
• Winner will receive a very special surprise… Shhh! I said SURPRISE! :)

If you want to see last year’s winners, click here.

I can’t wait to see what you all come up with! Last year’s contest was a huge hit and I just know that this year will blow it out of the water!

I am loving adoring these fun finds today! What do you think? Which is your favorite? Know of something that I should share? Send me a message or leave comment with your ideas!

These photos by the FABULOUS Brian Hopkins are seriously at the top of my fave photos list right now. Head on over and see the rest of the session.

One of my favorite places to find cake inspiration is Sweet & Saucy, a California based cake shop. You have got to check out their collection of sugary works of art.

This next LOVE of mine is Oslo Press. These are some of the most creative invitations that I have ever seen and they even have other fun items that you just have to see.

I am a sucker for a pretty cake! All photos are from Real Bliss Weddings. :)

Real Bliss Wedding of Amee & Matt by Bates Photographic

Real Bliss Weddind of Amy & Adam by Bates Photographic

Real Bliss Wedding of Anne & Aaron by CMH Imaging

Real Bliss Wedding of Carrie & Matt taken by me :)

Real Bliss Wedding of Dawn & Rocky by Kristen Taylor Photography

Real Bliss Wedding of Shannon & Kayu by Anne Ruthmann Photography

Real Bliss Wedding of Joanna & Tom by Kara Purtell Photography

Real Bliss Wedding of Lisa & Matt by Amber Hunt Photography

There are so many times when people ask me what I think makes a wedding perfect. Lisa & Matt’s big day was the perfect example of this…

So, please enjoy my version of Lisa & Matt’s “Recipe for a Perfect Day”, with the help of the AMAZING Amber Hunt Photography. Seriously, Amber is a true talent. Just look at these pictures!

First, you mix the many faces of a beautiful bride.

The anticipation of a handsome groom.

A few amazingly fun friends.

A dash of moments that take your breath away.

Romance & Commitment.

A handful of gorgeous details.

Celebration by the truck load.

And a whole lot of love that will last a lifetime.

There are so many things that I could say about how amazing Lisa & Matt are, or how completely wonderful their family and friends are, but it would take me a decade to list it all out. I am so lucky to have been able to enjoy their wedding day with them and I know that their’s it the type of love that will last forever. Thank you for being some of the best clients I have ever known, Lisa & Matt!

The Wedding Day Team: Bliss Weddings & Events, Immanuel United Methodist Church, Mac & Ray’s Harbor, Amber Hunt Photography, Two Penny Productions (I can’t wait to share the video!), Gina’s Bridal, Sposa Seating, Patrick James Productions, Viviano Flowers, Bocci Salon, Plush Paper Creations

So, as most of you know, the pre-season craziness has begun! This is one of my favorite times of the year. We are wrapping up all of our Spring & Summer weddings, getting everything prepped for a crazy fun season and filling up our calendars with lots of fun meetings!

Two weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to attend Eventology: The Science of a Wedding Business in Indianapolis. I have one word to explain this event. Fantastic! Not only did I learn a lot, I came home with a whole new outlook on Bliss. It was a little strange (in a VERY good way!) to finally meet some of the wonderful wedding planners and vendors that I have been speaking to for years through various social media outlets. I can’t even explain how great it felt to finally put a face to their names. The magnificent speakers (Lienne, Saundra, & Terrica) really knocked it out of the park and Katasha did a fabulous job pulling it all together. Bill from Fabulous Events and Deborah from A Bride’s Choice Florist did an amazing job decorating for the luncheon. I can’t wait for next year! Below are some photos from the outstanding JK Photography. Thanks Jen! (Click on them to see them larger.)

Click HERE to see more photos.

Turquoise is the perfect summer color and when paired with a bright and vibrant red, it makes a great color scheme for July.  

Photo credits: Adam Welch Photography, Bella Figura, Etsy, Michelle M Waite, Boutwell Studio, Brides In The City, Canlas Photography,

I know I have said it for every month, but June is a fabulous time for a wedding. The beginning of Summer, the green grass and leaves on the trees. Full days of sunshine, warm weather (but not too hot!) and the relaxing feeling that only this time of year can bring. My picks for the perfect June colors? Purple and green. Two of my favorite colors!

Photo Credits: Wildflowers by Lori, BHG, LeFiores, Hip Hostess, The Green Kangaroo, Grazier Photography, Wedding By Color, Visionary Sound Productions, Maddy K Weddings

Michigan, while being an absolutely beautiful state, definitely has a lack of “out of the ordinary” locations to celebrate your wedding day. Here are a few ideas for finding the perfect spot!

Photo credit: Nicole Ladonne Photography

1) Search outside the “cookie-cutter” banquet halls. Don’t stop until you find the location that fits the mood and atmosphere you want for your big day.

2) Ask around. Some of the best locations are off the beaten path.

3) Be the first! Do you know of a building with a fabulous lobby? Maybe you have seen photos of a hotel’s gorgeous courtyard. Call these places and ask if they would be willing to host your event. You’d be suprised at how many people will say “Yes!” when you ask.

Photo credit: A Picture's Worth (Backyard Wedding & barn reception!)

4) Think outdoors. You can put a tent up practically anywhere. Find a State park or a museum’s spacious front lawn. These venues could be perfect on that warm summer night. What is better than dancing under the stars?

5) Family & Friends may be willing to help. Do you know someone with a gorgeous home? What do you have to lose? Maybe they have a lakefront mansion or a quiant hide away. 

6) A few other places to check out… libraries, art galleries, sports arenas, college halls and chapels, zoos & aquariums. Just keep an open mind, the possibilities are endless!

I can speak first hand about how hard it is to celebrate your special day without a certain loved one. To some it is a grandmother or grandfather, sister or brother, or even a parent. For me, it was my dad. It was a tough experience thinking that he wouldn’t be there to walk me down the aisle, give me away to my new husband or even share that very special father daughter dance. I wanted to include him in the special day, but I also didn’t want to create a sadness for the friends and family that still miss him. I decided to include a few special details that made the day complete. It didn’t take away any of the sadness for me, but I had a smile in my heart knowing that he was able to be a part of a moment that I know he was really looking forward to.

I thought it would be great to give a few examples of easy ways to include someone that you’ve lost. Many of my clients have done this and I know there are many couples out there wondering the same thing.

1. In Memory Candle- This was one of the ways I remembered my father. I had a candle and photo frame with his picture at the altar. Instead of having our mother’s light the unity candle from a match or a lighter, I had my sisters light my father’s candle and the mother’s then lit the tapers from that. It was a great way to include my dad in the unity circle and it felt like he was there as Nick and I lit the flame.

2. A special dance- I also did this one! Since I couldn’t do a daddy daughter dance, I made a short speech inviting everyone onto the dance floor to do the Polka. I come from a very Polish family and this was the perfect way to pay tribute to him. Not only was it a great feeling, everyone came out on the dance floor to share the special dance. I could just picture my dad smiling as he saw some of the confusion on the faces of those who had never done a polka before! It was great.

3. Reserved Seating – Save a special spot front and center during your ceremony. This will serve as a great tribute to those who have passed. It is always nice to lay a white rose or another special flower in their place.

4. Slideshows – I recently had a groom who surprised his bride with an adorable slide show of their own personal pictures and special songs. Towards the end of the slide show, he added in a section all about her grandpa, who she’d recently lost. This was a very sweet and special way to make her grandpa a part of their special day and she absolutely loved it.

5. Bouquet Lockets – I have seen this more and more recently. I LOVE the idea of carrying a special locket with a photo of the remembered person. A great variation of the locket is could be a jeweled initial, a handkerchief or rosary beads. Personally, I had a handkerchief from my grandmother who passed away when I was really young.

How did you/do you plan to remember those you have lost? I’d love to hear your ideas and I am sure our readers would also!

There is always a point during a clients’ wedding where I get lost in the moment and just watch two amazing people really interact with each other in an inspiring and loving way. Saturday’s moment happened when the ceremony ended and I watched Stacy & Jonathan walk back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. I have never seen such joy on someone’s face and it was completely obvious that they had very supportive and caring family and friends there to share in their special moment. As they walked back down the aisle toward me, Stacy & Jonathan had giant smiles and made it a point to shake hands, hug and kiss almost everyone who came to watch. When they reached the steps up to their private area, I found myself wiping away tears and had the biggest urge to give them a hug. The music throughout the ceremony was touching and sweet, the friends and family clapped in unison the moment the newlyweds kissed and everyone was grinning as they made their first walk and Mr. & Mrs. Schwartz. Stacy’s father walked into the private area after the ceremony and it was obvious he had been crying too. As soon as I saw his face, I lost it all over again. Ugh… I am such a sap!

Message from 30 North

30 North was such a beautiful back drop for the evening’s events. We were able to begin setting up early and the staff was fantastic. (They even pumped up my flat tire… yes, I got a flat tire. Not the greatest part of the night.) The building is a restored bank, complete with vaults and teller areas. The classic ceiling was the perfect match to the chocolate brown, ivory and french blue color scheme and the giant windows let in amazing natural light. Fletcher from Music Box Productions kept the dance floor moving all night with some really fun music, Lynn from Clever Bumblebee provided the beautiful flowers, Pronto! created a delicious cake, and Tapestry made the really tasty food. One of the best details of the day had to be the weather. What a perfect day!

I finally had the opportunity to work with Jess and Nate from Mod 4 Photographic and let me tell you, they are as awesome as everyone says they are. I have been stalking their blog for months and I was completely ecstatic when I found out that they would be photographing Stacy & Jonathan’s wedding. They are the perfect mix of fun and professional and seemed to get every necessary shot without being obtrusive or overbearing.

The Happy Couple

Overall, the wedding was perfect. Everyone had a blast and even when the night was ending at 1 in the morning, there were still people crowding the dance floor. I helped clean up and headed out the door around 2 AM. I was completely exhausted but drove home with a smile and thinking about all of the intimate and sweet details that rounded out the perfect day.

Congrats Stacy & Jonathan! I am so happy that you chose me to be there on your big day. I couldn’t imagine being surrounded with a more loving couple and their amazing friends and family. I wish you both the best and really hope that we run into each other again. You two are fantastic and made this one of the best weddings I have ever been a part of. XOXO

**Update: Check out Mod 4′s blog for a sneak peek of Stacy & Jon’s pictures.**

Couple: Stacy & Jonathan; Bliss Weddings Services: Customized Pure Simplicity; Venue: 30 North; Cake: Pronto!; Music: Music Box Productions; Photography: Mod 4; Flowers: Clever Bumblebee; Catering & Linens: Tapestry; Valet: A1 Valet; Chair Covers: Hana Ayer

My favorite moment of every wedding that I do, is watching everything unfold and every detail come together. Ivana & landry’s wedding was no different. The day was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was phenomenal.

I had been working with Ivana for almost a year planning the wedding day of her dreams. The beautiful modern contrast of pink and black created a very romantic mood complete with tons of candles and a gorgeous venue. The ceremony was set under a bright blue and cloudless sky, in front of a sparkling lake and 150 of their closest friends and family.

I had the opportunity to work with A Thousand Words Photography for the very first time and they were a joy to be around. I can just tell that the photos they took will represent the mood of the day perfectly. I also was lucky enough to work with Mary Ann Ross and Video Magic again and I honestly can’t say a single negative thing about either of them. They are two of my favorite vendors! The flowers were provided by Westborn Market, who always creates amazing works of floral art and Jess from Salutationsdid the same with the fabulous paper products. Ivana was a very hands on bride and did the place cards, seating chart and fan programs all with a little help from her friends and family. She is seriously a DIY Queen!

I wish you both the best of luck, Ivana & Landry! I am so sad that your wedding day is over, but enjoyed every second of the planning experience I shared with you. We are definitely going to have to stay in touch. Next time, the coffee is on me! :)

The beautiful bride!