I often have people reading my blog and sending me messages asking where I purchased the things I talk about, so I’m including affiliate links – you don’t pay more, but I’ll get a tiny stipend for sharing the info when available. No need to purchase that way at all – I just want to make it easy to purchase, if you choose!
OK…. Let’s Start!
1 – My husband (It’s our 21st wedding anniversary on August 9th!)
My husband is not only my best friend and father of my kids, but he is now my second shooter!!! YAY!! I’ve been asking him to be my second shooter for 9 years. He’s taken classes on photography when he was a teen and photographs often, but I totally had to beg him, until he relented.
One reason he decided to do it is that it allows us even more time to spend together. With my teenager’s commitments and my busy business, not to mention helping in my church office three mornings a week – we don’t get much time together.
The second reason is that it’s nice to have voiceless communication at weddings, after so many years of marriage. So when I need him to go around and photograph from another angle, I can just send him a look. (All wives will be laughing right about now.)
He’s photographed the last three weddings and it’s taken so much pressure off me, just knowing he’s there (plus the benefit of having someone carry my heavy camera bags hehe) We have such a blast. We’ve made it a habit to request our first dance wedding song (“For you” by Kenny Lattimore) to our bride and groom, and after we are done photographing the time promised, we have a dance too.
NOTE: The photos above are almost 3 years old, so we’ve scheduled new portraits of us having fun! Plus we both have lost some weight and my husband lost the beard (thank goodness!!!).
2 – Camera belt and hook for my camera
This is something that I really love. With all the weddings I’ve been shooting during “wedding season” (The busiest time of year for wedding photographers), it has saved my back and shoulders a ton! Lifting my camera thousands of times during a wedding and holding it can leave me exhausted the next few days or week. With this belt, it allows me to clip my camera and not hold it.
Another plus is it allows me to be able to use my hands to help to pose people. You see, I’m Italian and I talk with my hands. Now I’m not flinging my camera around as I try to communicate with my clients.
3 – Rose Gold Pen with huge Diamond On Top
I love to be very extra!! I also love anything blingy, so this pen is my “go to pen”! What pen should a wedding photographer use? Well, of course, a rose gold one with a BIG diamond! Now don’t be jealous and go gets yours with the link up there. It also starts conversations everywhere I go!
4 – Reusable Straws
Trying to do my part in helping the environment isn’t easy, but this makes it super simple AND I get to share my PINK obsession. This silicone (wide mouth) drinking straw is great for my favorite smoothies (a blueberry banana protein shake, just in case you wanted to know).
These straws come with baby straw scrubbers to clean them. Did you know it’s hard to clean out straws? The best part is they come in really bright colors like purple, yellow, green, and my favorite hot pink!!
5 & 6– Fitbit Versa and the Pink Band
Fitbit Versa Watch. I love this so much because it’s less expensive than an Apple watch (bonus). It gets texts, can play music, it’s water-resistant for my favorite exercise in the summer – swimming! Plus, it tracks your sleep, steps, and exercise. It enables me to be able to quickly view texts (in case it’s an emergency with my family) without looking at my phone, which is rude when you are photographing a wedding!
Of course, I have to have a pink band, so I purchased one that is waterproof on Amazon of course! Shangpule Compatible Fitbit Versa Bands, Nylon Sport Watch Band. It doesn’t have a buckle, which is a must for me. It has a creative button thingy that is super comfy, especially when sleeping. It comes in multiple colors, but of course, mine is pink!
7 – JLab Wireless Earbuds
I just love them so much! These JLab Wireless Earbuds are something I use daily, from listening to an Audible book (my favorite fiction author is JD Robb) or a podcast (did you know I have a podcast?) to watching a youtube video if my husband is watching something on tv I don’t want to watch (fishing, golf, or astrology stuff) =}.
The case also is where they are charged, so it makes it super easy. There is a USB type plug built into the bottom of the case and I just pop it in my laptop to charge. Plus when you aren’t wearing them, the case charges the earbuds. It takes a bit to get used to wearing them, but they have alternative sizes of ear inserts that come, so you can choose what fits best.
7 on 7 Project
As many of you know, I am involved with a fabulous group of photographers from around the country. This is a chance to read and learn about different photographers from around the world, as they share their images in a blog post.
Read below about my friend Kris of Kris McNeil Photography. She always has gorgeous images and I confess, I can’t wait to see what she posts this month!.
Please go check here out here!
Read wedding planning tips below:
The Pros and Cons of Eloping: Is It Right for You | 2023 Edition
The article discusses the signs that eloping might be a good fit for you. Some of these signs include having a smaller budget, not being into the spectacle of a traditional wedding, wanting a more intimate ceremony, being worried about family drama ruining your day, and wanting to travel and explore. The article goes into more detail about each of these signs.
3 Ways To Cut Costs When Wedding Planning
Planning a wedding can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can also be a significant financial burden. With the average cost of a wedding in the US for 2023 being around $29,000, it’s essential to be mindful of expenses and cut costs wherever possible. In addition to shortening your guest list, there are other practical ways to reduce wedding costs. For example, consider simplifying your floral budget, choosing a practical time of year, and being mindful of peak wedding season. By making smart financial choices early on, you can ensure that your special day is not only beautiful and memorable but also financially manageable.
The Best Wedding Emergency Kit List for Brides | Jen Vazquez Photography
Wedding planning can be a challenging task, and even the most meticulous planning may not prevent unforeseen emergencies. That’s why having an emergency kit can be helpful on your wedding day. It’s like insurance for the unexpected. While not all items on the list are necessary, it’s best to be prepared for any situation that may arise. The list includes items that have been commonly used by brides over the past 10 years, and these kits are also great to keep in your car after the wedding. The emergency kit can also be divided amongst your bridesmaids for added convenience. The list contains items that cover touch-ups, wellness, wardrobe malfunctions, toiletries, and miscellaneous items. Don’t forget to print out the image provided to use as a shopping list and consider purchasing from affiliate links or dollar stores to save money. On your big day, remember to enjoy the moment and cherish the fact that you’re marrying your best friend!
I love that you and your hubby share a love of photography and are having fun working together! So fun! And I am a big fan of reusable straws too – and I just got a fitbit versa this weekend – Yay for a new waterproof watch!! 😉
Thanks so much for your sweet comment! You will LOVE the Versa – it’s a life saver!
Happy Anniversary!
What a great list! Ohh I need that belt for traveling. After a few days I always want to punt my “big girl camera” and give my neck a break. That looks like the ticket.
Thanks!! I highly recommend it and it’s super affordable!!