Poly Mendes Photography :: Weddings

TGIF (vol. 8)

Poly — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:33:37 +0000

Jacket and blouse Ann Taylor Loft - Leopard bottoms: Von Maur - Watch: Michael Kors - Earrings: Forever 21 - Shoes: Donna Dorff from Brazil – Bracelets: Express - Nails: Essie’s Smokin’ Hot at Target

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THE FOOD YOU EAT CAN BE EITHER THE SAFEST & MOST POWERFUL FORM OF MEDICINE OR THE SLOWEST FORM OF POISON. – Ann Wigmoew

I’ve been thinking a lot about my eating habits lately. As I was talking to a friend about the fact that I like to recycle she told me how silly I was for doing that, and what a waste of my time it was. I actually felt like she was bragging that she didn’t recycle! The conversation kept going and I told her I didn’t eat salad. My attitude about it was similar to hers and it just caught me off guard. I’ve been living my life as if eating a salad, or eating healthy, is just a waste of time. Why bother? I’m already kinda thin. Well, the truth is that it does matter. I’ve been married for close to 4 years now and I know we will soon start trying to have a baby. I want to be healthy inside and out and I want to be able to tell my kids to eat their vegetables. This might all sound very silly, but I am taking it seriously. During my bible study on Thursday I made the commitment to eat a salad once a week and go from there. On a positive note, I recycle .

Highlights:

1. My “american” mom turned 60 and we planned a surprise birthday party for her! Her expression of joy and the tears in her eyes were simply priceless.

2. FINALLY bought a new iphone! After mine cracked I knew it was time. Just a bigger investment since I had to buy an unlocked to work with T-mobile… Anyways, loving it so much! If you have a favorite app I must have let me know!

3. Also, big thanks to my friend Gina and Julia for for taking my pictures!

Movies: Haywire (**) – Fireproof, acting is not very good but the message is beautiful (*****)

Reading: The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Learned: To just go with the box! Seriously, boxed cakes are so good that it really is a waste of time to try to make it myself from scratch.

Excited: Today is my first wedding of the 2012 season! Wow!

Bryan + Jane | St. Paul

Poly — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:19:46 +0000

Wow, I am absolutely in love with Bryan and Jane. When we met for the wedding consultation I thought they were adorable and was thrilled when they decided to book me. THEN came the engagement session and working with them as amazing. I am in love with how every image turned out…

TGIF (vol. 7)

Poly — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:16:31 +0000

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft - Shirt: Target - Vintage Cords (on sale!): JCrew - Watch: Michael Kors - Earrings: Forever 21 - Shoes: Me Too - Necklace: Express

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WHATEVER YOU THINK YOU CAN, OR THINK YOU CAN’T, YOU’RE RIGHT. – Henry Ford

Highlights: Purchased my ticket to Brazil! I am officially going at the end of November for a couple of weeks. Some VERY exciting new ventures over there. I’ll share more about it when I have more concrete news. — Also, big thanks to my friend Brittani Capetz for taking my pictures again! She and I went out to lunch and we ate Peruvian food (my first time). It was fabulous!

Movies: The Avengers (*****), The Darkest Hour (**), Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (***)

Reading: The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Learned: When I was up North I realized I packed for sunny, warm weather and it turns out it was rainy and super cold! So, not knowing where to go for something cute I ended up at “safe” Target. As I was browsing their selection I realized they didn’t have hardly anything with long sleeves. No sweater, light sweater, cardigan, nothing. SO, I finally found ONE light jacket that would probably “do.” Even on sale this jacket that was really not that cute was over $30. I just couldn’t justify spending $30 on a Target Jacket, SOOOOOOOO, and here’s where the learning part comes in, I headed to the MENS section and found a really cute sweater (size XS) for $6.88 that worked well paired with Jeggings over a light shirt I had brought! That way if I never wear it again I won’t feel like it was wasted money . Next time I’m out of town and in desperate need of anything I’ll think outside the box to find my solution!

Yes I did: I ate 12 cupcakes in 6 days! You can probably tell by my pictures since I totally gained 3 pounds. BUT, they were delicious!

2012 Wedding Season

Poly — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:12:36 +0000

I can’t believe how excited I am May is here. From now on I will have at least 2 weddings a month until October and I can’t wait to share with my couples their wonderful day. When I look at all the gorgeous locations I will be shooting I can’t help but feel blessed. I put together a list with my 5 tips for awesome wedding pictures:

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER: There is nothing more devastating then not liking or wedding photos, or worse yet, HATING your wedding photos. So look around and find a professional photographer with a style you like. Once you find that person book as soon as possible. Photography should be one of the first items for you to cross off your list.

2. TANNING: I know you want to look nice and tan for your photos, BUT, if you are going tanning, make sure your fiance goes too so you both look tan. Also, be careful with self-tanners and the “orange” look.

3. SHOES: Bring flip-flops along while taking photos so you can put them on while walking to different locations. This will keep your pretty shoes clean AND will help with pain.

4. TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: I can’t stress this enough. Hiring a “professional” photographer has many advantages. They will ~~should~~ have backup equipment, know what they are doing, and will be able to deliver images that follow the same look and feel of what you’ve seen on their website. SO, trust them and let them be creative.

5. TIMELINE: It is always better to have “breathing room” in your timeline than to be rushing everything so plan accordingly. Your wedding planner or photographer can help you with this.

6. PRETTY HANGER: I usually have a nice hanger in my trunk (just in case), but this is a cool detail and you can find nice looking hangers on etsy or maybe borrow a wooden hanger from grandma!

7. FAMILY FORMAL LIST: I ALWAYS require a family formal list from my brides and I think this is SO important. By following a list I can usually be done with family formals in less than 30 minutes. It makes it a lot easier not to forget anybody!

8. OUTSOURCE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE: Even to friends and family. Give other people the responsibility to get specific tasks done. Then assign one person (other than yourself) to whom people can go when they have questions (having a wedding planner is HUGE!). You don’t want to be stressed on your wedding day and having people coming to you with problems will stress you out and your photographer wants you happy and relaxed for photos.

9. GIVE YOUR PHONE TO YOUR PERSONAL ASSISTANT: If anybody calls or needs anything she can direct them to whoever can help them.

10. HAVE A SPA DAY: Get a facial, a massage, your nails done, anything you can think of to relax the day before the wedding. Don’t get your hair cut on the week of the wedding though (just in case).

Enjoy your day because it will always be a beautiful and special day. Your pictures will look amazing (especially if you hire moi)!

Love,

Poly

Event Organizers Emma & Josh Smith -WWW.EMMAJANEPHOTOS.COM/ COUTURECLICKS.EMMAJANEPHOTOS.COM | Venue- El Dorado Canyon Mine Tours ( Ghost Town) -HTTP://ELDORADOCANYONMINETOURS.COM/ | Hair/Makeup by Hair by Liz- Liz GopwaniWWW.HAIRBYLIZZ.COM | Wedding Gowns - The White Dress WWW.THEWHITEDRESS.COM | Fashion Wardrobe- Kristy Rose WWW.KROSEKOUTURE.COM | Accessories- Renee Pawele Bride WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/RENEE-PAWELE-BRIDE/164189221263 | Hair and Makeup Mayra Jauregui :WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MAYRA.L.JAUREGUI & Www.MayraJauregui.com | Hair and Makeup by Sarah Diaz Professional Makeup Artist and Hairstylist HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SARAHDIAZMUA

TGIF (vol. 6)

Poly — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:34:58 +0000

Trench Coat: JCrew – Shirt (not shown) GAP - Weatherby Rain Boots: JCrew - Leggings: JCrew - Watch: Michael Kors - Earrings (not shown): Von Maur – Scarf (from Africa): Gifted from Mom#2

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IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT IS DONE. – ???

It’s been a busy week. Due to rainy weather I ended up doing 2 sessions on Sunday, and although I don’t like to work on Sundays, these two sessions were definitely worth it! On Wednesday I had the pleasure of assisting a good friend on a newborn session. Twins! I can’t tell how it felt to look at both babies snuggled with each other and think that they were together for 6 months in mom’s belly! It looked like they were the happiest together… After the the session my friend Brittani Capetz snapped a couple of pictures for me so I can keep sharing weekly photos with you.

Highlights: Delivered a wedding album to my client AND she gave me the best cupcakes EVER!! And yes, with cookie dough in the middle! Also, hubby and I are heading up North today for the weekend! I’m looking forward to some waterpark fun, The Avengers, and hopefully some fudge!

Movies: Safe (***), Chipwrecked (***), The Rebound (***), The Cutting Edge (****), Touched (***), Geek Charming (**)

Reading: I’m ashamed to say I’ve only read Vogue, Allure, and some gossip magazine this week – don’t judge!

Learned: How to turn a Nikon on!!! No, not switching from Canon.

Yes I did: Went to JoAnn Fabrics 3 times this week! Feeling crafty .

TGIF (Vol 5.)

Poly — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:47:47 +0000

Double-Cloth Townhouse Trench: Jcrew - Sweater (not shown): Jcrew - Darby Calf Hair Loafers: Jcrew – Pants: American Eagle - Watch:Michael Kors - Bracelet: Express

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WE CANNOT BECOME WHAT WE WANT TO BE BY REMAINING WHAT WE ARE. — Max DePree

I am very lucky to be part of a bible study that happen every other Thursday. Last meeting I brought my camera with and asked my amazing friend Gina to snap a couple of photos of me. I’m actually going to try to post photos of me with every TGIF post. Thank you so much Gina! I love them so much!

Highlights: Booked a weekend getaway for hubby and I. Bought 5 new fabrics for newborn sessions for the price of one at a store that’s closing. Got a fabulous mani/pedi!

Movies: Happy Feet 2 (****), The Muppets (***), Yogi Bear (***), Water for Elephant

Reading: I photographed a high school senior a couple of years ago and we become friends. I was very involved in the process of him publishing his first book, The Nine Roamers and the Quest for the Forest Blade! The author, Nick Gabanski, is now writing his second novel and has been sending me chapters to read. I love it!

Learned: received a package from my lab and threw the box away, then had to send it back hand paid over $8 for a box at fedex. So, next time, I’ll wait and make sure everything is fine before getting rid of the box.

Yes I did: Ran to DQ at 10pm after craving some oreo cookie ice cream cake. made 4 adorable newborn headbands (I’m not very crafty so this was big!

TGIF (Vol. 4)

Poly — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:06:22 +0000

A GOOD LAUGH AND A LONG SLEEP ARE THE TWO BEST CURES FOR ANYTHING. — Irish Proverb

Highlights: After 2 full weeks of being sick (like, REALLY SICK) I am finally feeling better and my brain has started working again. It’s funny how inactive my brain got while I was sick…. No ideas for 2 weeks! Oh, and received the Minnesota Bride Resource Guide and was thrilled to see my pictures on the cover and in 3 pages inside!!!!!

Movies: The Vow (****), Jack and Jill (***) and tons of Netflix!

Reading: Just ordered Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok and also Calm my Anxious Heart: A woman’s guide to finding contentment by Linda Dillow for a bible study I’m starting next week.

Learned: That I really need to start eating better so I don’t EVER get this sick again!

Yes I Did: Slept in my office for 2 weeks so my coughing wouldn’t wake up my hubby

Las Vegas

Poly — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:31:15 +0000

Event Organizers Emma & Josh Smith -WWW.EMMAJANEPHOTOS.COM/ COUTURECLICKS.EMMAJANEPHOTOS.COM

Venue- El Dorado Canyon Mine Tours ( Ghost Town) -HTTP://ELDORADOCANYONMINETOURS.COM/

Hair/Makeup by Hair by Liz- Liz GopwaniWWW.HAIRBYLIZZ.COM

Wedding Gowns - The White Dress WWW.THEWHITEDRESS.COM

Fashion Wardrobe- Kristy Rose WWW.KROSEKOUTURE.COM

Accessories- Renee Pawele Bride WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/RENEE-PAWELE-BRIDE/164189221263

Hair and Makeup Mayra Jauregui :WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MAYRA.L.JAUREGUI & Www.MayraJauregui.com

Hair and Makeup by Sarah Diaz Professional Makeup Artist and Hairstylist HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SARAHDIAZMUA

Menswear- Tuxedo Junction WWW.TUXEDOJUNCTION.COM

Purses- Judith Leiber The Forum Shops at Casers Palace

TGIF (Vol 3.)

Poly — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:09:26 +0000

OVERCOME THE NOTION THAT YOU MUST BE REGULAR. IT ROBS YOU OF THE CHANCE TO BE EXTRAORDINARY – Uta Hagen

Highlights: After a LOT of fighting and a lot of hard work, my husband found a great job at Fairview Clinics! I am beyond proud of him and so thankful he is now able to do something he loves and help people! Yesterday he came home with two cartons of Häagen-Dazs in my favorite flavor: strawberry! “A treat for you,” he said . Sigh.

Movies: The Hunger Games (****) — absolutely five stars on this one for me. And I was very happy when Nick, who was really not excited about seeing another “girly, lovey, etc” movie, really enjoyed it! | Sorority Wars (**) — I know, I know, but I’m running out of movies on netfilx too! Any recommendations are welcome!

Reading: Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins

Learned: The Pizza-N-Pasta right across from my studio has delicious cheese bread! Good thing I’m not there everyday!

Yes I Did: Cleaned my house every day this week for 2 hours! My office actually looks like an office again and the rest of the house look great . I actually feel way more organized now that my surroundings are organized.