Guest Blogger: Amy Samuel from The Flower Shop - Encinitas, CA

When Melissa first asked to come up with some helpful hints for brides this season, I have to admit, I was at a loss. Well, that's not exactly true. I was more at a loss for how to narrow it down. With the convenience of the handy invention that is the Internet, brides have so much inspiration just a click away. Gone are the days of magazine cut outs and portfolios. These days, it's all about the Pinterest board.  

So if I may be so bold as to turn this into an advice column.... Please be advised that all florists capabilities and experience are not the same! And with as handy dandy as Pinterest is, brides need to be sure that the florist they choose can actually replicate the florals they've chosen. Ask to see their portfolio. Get a reference from a friend or loved one who has worked with them at previous events to be sure they are masters at their craft.

All that being said, don't be afraid to tap into technology, tap into your creative side and work together with your florist to create something magical! My favorite brides this season are painting mason jars, collecting broaches and getting downright crafty to create their looks. By doing your homework and coming to the consultation with a clear idea and direction, you'll be able to marry your ideas with your designer to develop a wedding that guests will be talking about for ages...AND you'll save money to boot! With some savvy google searches, you can find supplies and props at less than wholesale prices. A couple of my favorites are save-on-crafts.com and candles4less.com.

  Ssshhhh... Here comes the inside scoop. Wait for it. Florists are advertising to your guests. Yes~That's right! We want to wow your guests because nine times out of ten, our referrals come from someone sitting at your table, admiring our work all night. We want to dress to impress so don't be shy to ask your florist if he or she has any spectacular props that can be incorporated into the cost of the arrangement. Assign Aunt Sally to return all of the items the following day to save money on delivery and pick up costs. See what the caterer has to offer as far as candles and linens go. You'll never know if you don't ask so be bold! Be smart! And for goodness sakes, kiss that beautiful man you get to call your husband one day! I've been happily kissing mine for ten years now and let me tell you, it never gets old. 

Amy Samuel is the owner of The Flower Shop in Encinitas and has been designing for 17 years. 

Visit their website at ww.theflowershopencinitas.com.

"A" Family Session {Del Mar Family Photographer}

I met the "A" family in Del Mar at Powerhouse Park for their first family photo session in a while. It was a gorgeous, crisp Spring morning and all the joggers/Starbucks drinkers were out and about. The kids started off kinda shy but soon warmed up when we headed to the playground. This fun family are fellow South Africans who I met them a couple years ago through friends, before their son was born.

They say you should never work with kids or animals ... {Encinitas Photographer}

Well, this weekend, I did it ! I took on the challenge of both kids and animals for my first annual Easter Mini Sessions ! Surprisingly, there were no meltdowns ! ... and the kids and animals behaved themselves too ! My friend, Rabecca, was gracious enough to volunteer the use of her mini farm as the location for the sessions and everyone had a great time ! I may have gone a bit crazy on the decor, and may be paring it down slightly next year. Altogether though, I think we had a ton of delighted kids, some happy parents and one tired photographer ! It being St. Paddy's Day, I couldn't wait to get my "green" on ! :)

4 Things your Bridesmaids are b*tching about behind your back.

As the bride, you're not going to love EVERY second of the wedding planning process. And neither will your bridesmaids, who are along for the ride—but don't get the added bonus of a big party in their honor at the end. Here's what probably has your bridesmaids all buggy—plus, my tips for keeping happy as they help you plan your happy day.

Your Bridesmaids Are B*tching About ... The Dress. It's too long, too short, too pink, too black, too bright, too drab—and too damn expensive. To Keep the B*tching to a Minimum: Part of being a bridesmaid is sucking it up in the Dress Dept.—you'll never find a dress that pleases everyone unless you let them pick their own—but try to be considerate of your friends' body types. (An easy solution: Pick a designer, a color, and a fabric, then let them pick the dress style.) Also be considerate of their budgets. If you know a $150 dress is too much for a friend, don't offer to chip in (she'll never accept)—just hand her $75 and say, "I know things are tight right now, so put this toward your dress. I'm not taking no for an answer."

Your Bridesmaids Are B*tching About ... The Moms. Your mom is bullying your MoH to invite her 30 sorority sisters to the bridal shower, while your groom's mom is insisting that the food be kosher, vegan, and gluten-free. Fun times! (Not.) To Keep the B*tching to a Minimum: YOU don't want to deal with mom drama, so don't pass the mom baton to your bridesmaids. Let both moms know that all wedding-y requests should be directed to you, and you'll pass on the reasonable ones.

Your Bridesmaids Are B*tching About ... The Extracurricular Activities. Engagement drinks! Engagement party! Shower 1! Shower 2! Bridesmaids spa getaway! "Oh, and you're going to help me assemble favors, right?!" To Keep the B*tching to a Minimum: Make sure your bridesmaids know that the only MANDATORY event is the wedding. Yes, you want everyone there for all the events leading up to it, but don't pressure bridesmaids who are long-distance, pregnant, or otherwise in over their eyeballs to be there for every dress fitting. Instead of commanding them to help you craft fabric buntings (or whatever doozie of a DIY project you've dreamed up) let them know you'll be slaving over a sewing machine and you're happy to ply them with brunch and booze if they're willing and able to lend a hand. In short: Forget the "maids" part of "bridesmaids"—and DON'T forget to thank them profusely for their help.

Your Bridesmaids Are B*tching About ... Each Other. Of course you love your childhood friends just as much as your college friends and your post-college BFF—but the only thing they have in common is their shared bridesmaid title. To Keep the B*tching to a Minimum: Don't force the friendship. It would be grand if they all got along, but chances are they're not going to talk again after your wedding. (Until your baby shower, anyway.) Instead, make everything more intimate by keeping your bridesmaids separate but equal. Chances are EVERYONE doesn't want to plan your shower, so if your sisters are really into it, let that be their job. Then ask your two friends from overnight camp to come dress shopping with you. If you ask only a few bridesmaids to participate in each wedding-y activity (and there are PLENTY to go around), none of them will suffer from wedding-overload—and you'll get more quality time with each of them.

What do you b*tch about as a bridesmaid? And do you think your bridesmaids b*tched about your wedding?

Article Credit: Kim Fusaro

Photo: Thinkstock.

Forward Pass ! Rugby time with the Saffas ! {Oceanside, CA}

Despite all of us having left South African behind for the fair shores of California several years ago, there is one pastime that can bring us all together on a Saturday morning over homemade Boerewors (South African Sausage) and fried tomatoes. And that, is Rugby. We don't all support the same  team and some of us (the women mostly, and those married into this clan) don't know all the rules, but it doesn't matter. We are all united in our love for this South African game. We shout at the ref when it seems appropriate and high five when "our team" scores ! We don't take the outcomes of the games as seriously as we used to, but it's a great time to round up the Saffas (South Africans) and catch up on each others' busy lives. After the game, we all sit around over instant coffee and Rooibos tea and chat about the old days and the days to come. Good times ...

Editors' Choice 2013 Award Winner - Two Bright Lights

As a testament to my outstanding clients, and my commitment to producing the best-of-the-best Lifestyle Wedding & Portrait Photography, I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as a winner of a 2013 Two Bright Lights Editors' Choice Award!

The award is given in recognition of the those whose number of published features in 2012 placed them among the top 5% of all Two Bright Lights members. Winners were published across many of the most respected lifestyle, wedding and other print and digital publications in the United States and worldwide.

I am honored to be part of this group of talented photographers and creative professionals. My features this past year have enabled me to increase exposure for my work, and I am thrilled to have been recognized for my endeavors. 

In 2012, I had the privilege of being published in the following publications:

Rock the Aisle
Munaluchi Bridal
Fly Away Bride
Urban Style

Thanks to all of the other creative professionals who made these features possible!

To see more of my work, or to get in touch about my services, please visit www.belladivaphoto.com.

Showit United 2013 Conference - Four Seasons Hotel Santa Barbara, CA

Last week, I drove 4 hours up the Coast to Santa Barbara to attend the Showit United 2013 Conference. All I knew about the conference was that a few of the photographers I admired were going to be there and there would be workshops and lectures. I didn't personally know anyone who was going to be there and I just hoped my somewhat outgoing personality could get me through the initial awkwardness that comes with situations like this. 

Well, initial awkwardness aside, it was a fantastic 3 days of learning from and socializing with other photographers from all across the country and the world ! More than 200 photographers in all stages of their career were there to learn and improve their craft and businesses. For me, it really got me thinking about the deeper purposes of my photography and business. How I want to use it to serve my clients and what greater purpose my business has, other than to make money.

I got some great tips on branding and posing from Katelyn James, Lightroom editing shortcuts from Trevor Dayley and Off Camera Lighting instruction from Justin Marantz. I could never have dreamed that so many of the photographers I admire would all be in one place at one time, never mind that they were there the whole time, sitting in the audience with us during the other speakers and having lunch with us every day. These people are some of the kindest and most giving people I have ever met ! And in chatting with several of them, it was great to find out that so many are Christians. I truly believe it was a God thing that I was at the conference this week. He is always so good to surround me with fellow Believers.

One of the most fun events I got to partake in this week was a Styled Yacht Shoot. Here are a few of the images I took during that shoot.