One trendy post processing technique is called Texturing. The key to texturing is picking the right type of textures, and the right combination to give the photo a special feel.

Boe Lefebvre, of Pokedog Photography, utilizes a variety of techniques. For example, he says:

"I might overlay an image of a scuffed up cement wall to give the image depth, and then add a vivid image of green grass for color, and finally a blurred image of bright street lights to vary the tone and exposure. There can be millions of combinations and unlimited layers created to craft a work of fine art that a wedding couple could have printed on canvas to hang on their wall as a conversation piece, without feeling the need to pull it down after the one year anniversary."

www.pokedog.com

When choosing a ring, it is wise to consider what type of wedding band you will wear. Is it part of a matching set? Will you wear it alone? It is important to consider all these factors. Today some brides choose to wear only a wedding band. Most grooms all wear a wedding band. Whatever your choice make sure you’ve done your homework before making this big purchase. It is best to know when purchasing a ring the “Four C’s” Cut, Carat, Colour, and Clarity. In Ring Bling Part 1 Cut and Colour were defined. Here are the following two

Clarity:

• Is the most impressive quality of all.
• The more irregularities there are, the lower the value of the diamond.
• A flawless diamond must show no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10-power magnification.

Carat:

• The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.
• The weight of a diamond is the most important factor when determining its value - however, a smaller carat diamond with better colour, clarity or cut can easily cost more than a larger carat diamond.

Most importantly, your ring’s cut, setting and stone should all be a reflection of your own tastes, opinions and backgrounds.

Sharpen your sparkler know how before making the big decision!

Severed Shoe - a broken heel is basically impossible to fix on the spot so act like a boy scout and always be prepared. Bring an extra pair of shoes with you. They don’t have to be the exact same shoe - just have the same heel height. If you don’t have a spare pair, don’t do barefoot - at least not for the ceremony or the pictures. Borrow some shoes from a guest or one of your bridesmaids. Even if they don’t match, most people won’t notice. However, they will notice your ten little piggies poking out from under your dress. If you still have a lot of time before the wedding, ask a friend to run out and get a new pair of shoes for you.
Check one of our Bridal Fantasy exhibitors Mayfair Shoes .

Absent Officiant - surprisingly this does happen to a fair number of couples. See if there is another wedding going on in your ceremony venue and find out if that officiant can marry you. Check the phone book for a marriage commissioner or you can have one of your friends ordained online. You will have to check if that would be legitimate in your area. If none of those options work see if there are any lawyers in the crowd who can legally marry you. Finally, you can ask someone to conduct the ‘spiritual’ ceremony and go down to the courthouse the next day. Keep in mind - it’s not the piece of paper that makes you married, it’s what in your hearts.

Sweaty Groom - wedding day nerves combined with a hot day equals a perspiring groom. If you’re prepared for this, then your groom won’t have to worry about showing any wet spots. Bring an extra shirt for the groom - two if you know he’s going to have a problem. If you can’t get an extra, have your guy duck into the prep room at your ceremony site and blow-dry whatever spots you can see with the cool setting. Carry some antiperspirant for him in your emergency bag.

Purchasing Your Tuxedo

So you are one of the lucky few that have decided to own your tuxedo, you must understand your decision puts you in a very prestigious group with the likes of James Bond, Frank Sinatra and almost every major motion picture actor to ever win an award. Now how do you feel? Where to begin?

Fabric: This is going to be the primary distinguishing factor between a rental and retail garment. Most tuxedos are made of very fine wool’s (often in Super 100’s or better), this is because the tuxedo was meant to be worn on momentous occasions and at those times of your life you want to look your very best. You will find that the tuxedo you are buying will be extremely lightweight and breathable so that you stay comfortable. You have enough on your mind let alone worrying about what you are wearing.

Style: This is completely personal; however, there are a few simple things you should know going into your purchase. First, this garment is going to last you a while (often 5+ years) so make sure the style you choose is something you can live with. Most traditional tuxedos come in 1, 2, 3 button coats and if you are a purest you will want a 1 button without question. You then have three simple lapel choices: a notch, a peak or a shawl. Most formalwear specialty stores will have a selection of these tuxedos for you to look at and try on.

Accessories: Accessories may be the most important part of the process. If your tuxedo is going to last you a while, you don’t want to continually show up in the same outfit time after time. What we recommend is you find a few sets of accessories that say something different about you, maybe one set is red and shows your outgoing side, while the black set shows your traditional classic side. Accessories are a great way to continue to keep that tuxedo current without spending a lot of money.

I know what you’re thinking; isn’t it much cheaper to rent? That isn’t necessarily the case. If a guy is wearing a tuxedo 2 or 3 times in the course of a few years often it works out more cost effective to buy. And if we look at the entire budget of the wedding, even if the groom buys his tuxedo often times it is hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars less than the brides dress alone.

This small piece of information should allow you to feel comfortable buying your first tuxedo, although we are sure you still have questions, a reputable formalwear specialist can answer those questions.

A tuxedo just isn’t me…

Although as an industry we are seeing most grooms opting to wear a tuxedo there are some that are looking for something more casual. This is the perfect opportunity to wear a suit. Perhaps you don’t get dressed up much or that you might just want a new suit. Most formalwear specialists will have a suit to rent however; most men that are looking for a suit for their wedding are looking for something to purchase. 

Although some men may want something a little bit more fashionable for their wedding we generally discourage that. Do you remember looking at wedding pictures from past generations? Ruffled shirts and baby blue were just a couple of pictures that came to mind, you do not want your wedding pictures to stem those same thoughts in your children one day.