Glamnuptials: La Bosse des Noces (We were on TV)

Being a blogger for Weddingbee has definitely made me feel special / sort of celebrity-ish at times (but seriously I'm just a normal gal who blogged about her wedding planning) and it was an honor to share it with all of yous. Some bees have been recognized in public on several occasions (crazy I know!) So when Mr.Flamingo and I took part of a wedding tv show called La Bosse des Noces, well that definetly an interesting experience.

A couple of weeks ago, I was flipping the channels on the television and came face to face... with me. Yup, our wedding was airing again on television. Kinda neat I know. I know you have been waiting to view this video for quite some time, but trying to find a way to upload the video took longer than I anticipated. But I can finally share it with you now. So for those of you who understand french - enjoy!

Though it may not look like it, but I was extremely nervous. Its not every day you have cameras in your face and someone prepping your makeup. A hint ? Notice how many times I say "Glamour" lol ...

The show was about helping us out with issues we came across while planning our wedding. They helped us out with decor elements and our place card chandelier tree. What's great is that they even featured Wes Jones of Film Jones because they found the whole 8mm video really intriguing... plus that whole segment is in english  :)

Our wedding was also on the web with a detailed description of the episode (for canadians only), list of stores where they purchased the items for our wedding and DIY explanations. Check it out here (if you can read in french) Our wedding will be playing for the next 5 years (re-runs obviously) So the "Hey weren't you on TV?" remark will be common, but i can get use to that...LOL But seriously we loved our experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

So that's it... I'm officially done my wedding recaps. Sniff sniff. I hope you enjoyed my blogging as Mrs.Flamingo. Now this is not an official goodbye, because I will stick around the hive and maybe blog a few more things ;) but my journey as a bee is finished. I've been around for 2 years exactly... and its my time to sign-off and let the spotlight shine on the new bees.

You can visit me on Glamour This! my personal blog. Or better yet, follow even more my randomness on twitter @blushink. 

Best of luck to everyone, and thank you for reading/listening to my rambling :)
Now and forever,
Flamingo
xox


If you want to see all the Glamnuptials recap posts... they are listed below.

Glamnuptials: Beauty Time
Glamnuptials: Prep Time
Glamnuptials: Our details
Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials: Groom Posing
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 1
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 2
Glamnuptials: The Newlyweds
Glamnuptials: We are Family
Glamnuptials: The first dance
Glamnuptials: Toast time a lot of tears
Glamnuptials: Boogie on Down
Glamnuptials: 3,2,1 and Catch!
Glamnuptials: The Favors
Glamnuptials: Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials: The Guestbook
Glamnuptials: Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials: Our mini moon
Glamnuptials: DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board
Glamnuptials: The REAL Budget

I'm not a photographer...

A couple of months ago, I was happy to find out that my cousin was getting married. What's funny is that I had never ever thought she would tie the knot, but admitted she did it for her fiance. Marriage was something very important to him and she knew she'd be with him forever... so why not make it officialy. A very nice gesture on her part I found.

They decided they wanted a really really really small wedding, 25 people tops. Heck I wasn't even invited (which was fine of course ;) ) They were planning a wedding in 6 months, and had a very little budget to make this wedding happen. Well 2 months ago, I received an email. She asked me if I would be willing to do both her makeup and be the official photog for her wedding. They weren't paying for a photographer so she thought that I would be a better candidate to take pics than say… uncle Bob.

Of course I said YES, I was actually honored that she asked me. I've had a photography background back in College but that was 6 years ago... so my photography skills were quite rusty. She lent me her Canon SX10-IS camera so that I would have time to play around with it. Let me say... it wasn't easy. I was more rusty then I thought. Luckily I did lots of research on the web.

Well the wedding was last weekend… and I was so freaken nervous. I was putting so much pressure on myself, that I vowed never to accept to be a photographer again. Don’t get me wrong I loved my experience but dang… I don’t need to have the nervous craps. I seriously bow down to all your photographers out there… (I have no clue how you do it! geez)

My cousin told me she just wanted say 40 good pics… Phew! I think were good. I took over 400… Now, Im in the process of editing them. Thats the long part... but with the Totally Rad Photoshop Actions ... its a breeze.

My advice if you ever decide on accepting an invitation to shoot a wedding.

BE PREPARED!!!!
Do lots and lots of research, and practice with the camera you will be using ahead of time. Even if you need to carry a little booklet with notes on what camera settings you used in which lighting... it will defintiely help you out. Oh and take at least 2 pictures per shot. To be sure at least one turns out.

TRY TO CONVINCE THEM TO HIRE A PRO
Explain to the couple that photography is something that takes time to learn and that its not because you have a camera you are automatically a photographer. Tell them that their wedding only happens once in their life (hopefully) and those moments are really really important. So slurging on a photographer is important. If they still ask you to take pictures after that... then go for it.

HAVE LOW EXPECTATIONS
I know this sounds bad... but make sure the person your shooting for knows your not a pro and that it IS huge possible the pictures don't turn out. Plus, if your expectations are low, you won't be disappointed if they are crappy... but on the contracty super excited if you did a good job.

HAVE FUN WITH IT - and drink a glass of wine of two
Once the day is finally here... theres not turning back (but you might wish it could; anyways I know I did) Relax, drink a glass of wine or two and simply have fun with it. It will definelty make the whole day so much more pleasant.

I’m not a photographer… but I did okay? Anyways I think so.
Good luck if your shooting a wedding... I wouldn't want to be in those shoes again. LOL

Glamnuptials: Strike the Pose Part 2

Taking pictures and more pictures is what a wedding is all about, so here is part 2 of Strike the pose! When we were planning our wedding we wanted to take the whole picture thingy into consideration. So we decided to rent some vintage inspired lamp posts to recreate a park circa the 1950s.

The result... beautiful pics with an awesome backdrop.

My sisters

We seriously had a blast taking pictures with our guests. It was the beginning of a movement (if I can call it that) people were standing in line to take pictures of us; like we were some famous rocks stars signing autographs. Rock on!

Some girlfriends

My flower girl showing off her pink flip-flops

I was lucky that two of my grandparents were able to share this special day with us, since Mr.Flamingos grandparents passed away when he was just a little boy. Mommy flamingo's daddy was with us, and daddy flamingo's mommy too. They were so happy to witness this special day, and we were even more happy to share it with them.

My 93 year old italian nonna

I felt extremely lucky to have both my mom and my stepmom... thats double mommy goodness, and the fact that they are such great friends made it so much easier. No fights, no issues with seating arrangements, just love.

Step-mom, me (duh!) and Mommy flamingo


My new family :)

My high school friends made it to my wedding, who knew we would stick together after all this time ( 14 years is a very long time!) I was the first one to get married and let me tell you they partied like there was no tomorrow. LOL

My cheeks hurt so much because of the permanent smile on my face. Guess thats part of the whole "its your wedding day, say chesse! " ;)

My aunt

Up next: Introducing the newlyweds…

Images taken by Ipi-events and guests
——————–
Previously:
Glamnuptials : Beauty Time
Glamnuptials : Prep Time
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials: Groom Posing
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 1
Glamnuptials : Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials : The Guestbook
Glamnuptials : Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials : DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board

Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 1.

Last time we left off .... we were in the posing mode; first I strut my stuff, then it was Mr.Flamingo turn. Well, my girls (sister and cousin) were anxious to take some pictures so we got ready to strike the pose. Say Sex! (instead of cheese... its so much better - don't you think???)

I must admit that I seriously felt like a cut (Ctrl + C / Apple + C ) and paste (Ctrl + V / Apple +V) for all the pictures. I look like a porcelain doll with the same smile and position... and the people around me were photoshopped in. Guess thats what happens when ALL the pictures are taken in the same place.

Mommy and Daddy Flamingo

Daddy with Step-mother Flamingo

My sisters looked so glamorous on my wedding day. I was so happy that they really considered my theme and asked for vintage inspired hairstyles. They were perfect. Just how I like them.

Oldest sister

Older sister

Baby sister

Thats it... we only took pictures in the stairs. When we asked to take pictures in the grass, or somewhere else, he didnt want. Said that the sun was too bright and would create ugly pictures cuz of the shadows. WTF? Come on! Are you serious??? Plus, my mom had specifically gotten the grass redone in the front for wedding pictures. Didn't work out like she planned either.

Off to the church...

I love this next picture of my in-laws and Mr.Flamingos 2 little nieces. It was nice to have a "in-the moment" picture of them, since all the other pics were very calculated.

During the ceremony, my gals where having fun snapping pictures. Girls... I'm getting married, and I'm in front of you. :) Aren't they so beautiful? Someone even pointed out that they looked naked. Bad girls! Not in church!!!

Trying to get everyone together for a group shot was definitely not an easy task... but the outcome was great. Minus the couple of people not looking, or have their mouths open. Either way, I love this shot, we are one sexy group!

After the ceremony, we were off to take some pictures at The Manoir Globensky. I happened to get married on a holiday weekend which now that I look at it, wasn't the best idea ever. Saint-Jean Baptiste weekend (sort of like your Independence day à la Quebecois) is the most celebrated holiday here in Quebec. Filled with local artistes, fireworks and lots and lots of blue and white flags.

When I called the city to see whether I could take pictures at the Manoir, they told me there was no problem. I asked them again, knowing that it was a holiday and they reassured me. Well, as we arrived, the entranced was blocked and we couldn't get it. Security guards were blocking the road and told us we couldn't go cuz of the National Holiday. Crap Crap Crap!

I was furious... you have no idea. I specifically called to make sure there wouldn't be any problems... and then exactly what they said wouldn't happen - did! Luckily one of the organizer saw my worried face, and gave us a green light to snap some pictures fast. Don't you just love people like that... thank you sir!

(notice the blue and white flags in the background - hurray for national day ;) )

Trying not to push our luck too much, we snapped a couple of pictures. (and when I say a couple, I am not over exaggerating ;). One of the girls mentioned that there was a nice little bench across the street overlooking a river. I never noticed this little spot when I was looking for nice places for pics. Its like it was meant to be...so off we went.

Guys have nothing to worry about really. Simply smile and there you have it. When it came time for the girls to pose, we were checking our teeth, re-apply our gloss, fix our dresses....

But its worth it in the end...


Up next: The family and bridal party shots Part 2…

Images taken by : Ipi-events, and guests
——————–
Previously:
Glamnuptials : Beauty Time
Glamnuptials : Prep Time
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials: Groom Posing
Glamnuptials : Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials : The Guestbook
Glamnuptials : Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials : DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board

Glamnuptials: Groom Posing

The morning of, the photographer stopped by the best man house to take pictures of the boys getting ready and snapping a couple of shots here and there. Both Mr.Flamingos parents were there as well to help him get ready for the big day.

Not many shots were taken, and the photographer didn't seem to catch the little moments/details that were so important to us. It felt like he was more in a hurry to be where the bride was at (this according to Mr.F)

To top things off... the pictures that he did take, were suggestions of the best mans girlfriend (in pink below) who happen to take our after wedding shoot since we were disappointed with our pro-pics. No pictures of the cuff links, of the bouts or any of those little details. Too bad, and so sad. We were really disappointed.


Could you believe out of all the pictures there is NOT one of the groom and the best man. I was heartbroken when I got my pictures because it meant a lot to Mr.Flamingo to share this special moment with his bestfriend. Plus, the pictures with his parents are nothing spectacular, but at least he has a picture with them.. whew!

But what can you do? ... NOTHING!!! whats done is done. So instead of getting worked up about it and think about the pictures that could of been, we look at the ones we do have... and looking at Mr.Flamingo all pretty in his suit - makes up for it for a good 5 seconds. ;)

Up next: The family and bridal party shots...

Images taken by : Ipi-events
--------------------
Previously:
Glamnuptials : Beauty Time
Glamnuptials : Prep Time
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials : Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials : The Guestbook
Glamnuptials : Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials : DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board

Glamnuptials: Bride Posing

Hello Hive! I'll start off by saying I'm pretending that I haven't been MIA for the last 4 months and will continue my recap posts where I left off. ;) Looking through my Glamnuptials posts, I realized that I've been writing all wrong. Going back and forth with no story line... "um hello, where's your head been flamingo?!?" I'm gonna get my act together and continue the recaps properly.

Looking through my Pro Pics, I select some shots I thought were pretty. Unfortunately I don't have many pictures of me. I don't know if it was because we were tight in time or because everything seemed to be overwhelming, but at least the ones I do have are awesome.

The next picture is my ultimate favorite shot. I remember how I felt at that exact moment. I literally took 10 seconds to let the whole day sink in... I was getting married and felt like a million bucks!

What I love about the next couple of shots is the angle they were taken in. I'm a fan of unique pictures and not to mention that they showcase my fake lashes rather nicely ;)

I loved our limo, a 1959 Bentley... exactly how I like them - 50s inspired vintage glamour. Apart from the fact that we didn't have AC, it was rather roomy and not to mention comfy. I definitely felt like a movie star.

At the reception, we rented vintage outdoor lighting and a bench to re-create a park in NYC circa the 1950s. It was only fair that I take the first shot to test it out. It passed the test and our guests loved the bench of love... :)

Up next: Its the grooms turn to pose...

Images taken by : Ipi-events
--------------------
Previously:
Glamnuptials : Beauty Time
Glamnuptials : Prep Time
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials : Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials : The Guestbook
Glamnuptials : Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials : DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board