Every so often I get a chance to meet wedding professionals who are new to the area. I love meeting new people anyway, but it is always a treat to have a chat over coffee or lunch with the people from other places who are in the wedding business and bring a different perspective or fresh ideas with them. So, I was very happy when Michele Robb of The Perfect Fairytale contacted me and wanted to introduce herself. I invited her over to the studio so she could see firsthand what I offer my clients and to find out a little more about what she does as a wedding planner.

I really enjoyed my talk with Michele and it became apparent during our conversations about various things as they pertain to the wedding planning process that she was very interested in making sure her clients were matched with vendors that suited them. I’ve always felt that when it comes to photography, I’m not the choice for everyone whether it be an issue of style, budget or personality so her thoughts resonated with me very much. I like it when objectivity is involved in the planning process and business relationships are put aside.

“I try to select vendors based on their experience and creativity shown in their work,  their professionalism and their personality”, Michele said. “When I select my preferred photographers, I find them strictly by their photographs on their website and blog sites. A photographer is one of the most important vendors in a wedding because they truly capture the day with each moment and event that takes place. They need to be artistic, creative, and amazing with their photography angles and ideas. If I do not like what a photographer showcases on their website, I wouldn’t make them a preferred vendor. – I absolutely have to love their photography because I know that is what my clients would like as well.”

Welcome to Roanoke, Michele. I think you will find this an awesome place for weddings and you’ll find a wedding community that is friendly and open, always willing to share.

In less than 8 years, nearly 14,000 homeless animals have found their forever homes because the Roanoke Valley SPCA was there to help them. It is once again my pleasure to photograph some of the SuperStars of the RVSPA’s Puppy Love Ball. Each of the dogs below has been adopted through the RVSPCA and as you can tell from this gorgeous pack of pups, the RVSPCA has all you’ll need when looking for your next pet.

So, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 28, 2012 at The Hotel Roanoke. Or, if you are unable to attend the event, donations to the RVSPCA can be made here.

As always, a great big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and contributors who help the RVSPCA find all those forever homes!