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 ! :)