Fun & Games: Win 1 of 2 $5 iTunes Gift Card

I LOVE winning contests - so I thought I'd pass along the joy to two lucky blog reader. (According to responses, this giveaway may be monthly).

First of all, this contest is open to EVERYONE! I have 2 cards to giveaway, one will go to the first person who replies/comments with the correct answer and one will go to a randomly selected person who comments/replies. So that means, even if you think the correct answer has already been posted, go ahead and post it again!

All you have to do is email me at martha@danielhowellphotography OR comment on this post with the answer to this question:

What is the birth name (the name he was born with) of the artist shown below:
He just happens to be my FAV artist and I've seen him in concert twice!

(*Image courtesy free-stock-photos.com)

Don't Forget - The Bridal Show!

See... I told you that I would be reminding you all about the Bridal show on Feb 22 in Chattanooga! (Visit http://timesfreepress.com/news/formalaffair/) for more information. Also remember our free print credit for booking between now and 15 days after the show (see http://danielhowellphotography.blogspot.com/2009/01/chattanooga-bridal-formal-event-expo.html) for more information.

Okay, now that "business" is out of the way, I wanted to share with all of you (all 2 of you who are out there reading this!) a 'resolution' that I have: to leave behind my corporate technical writing ways when blogging! Many times I write my blogs like commercial copy and leave out personal details. I have gotten feedback from people wanting more personal less business, so I'll try!

The next four weeks are going to be absoultely INSANE! Next week Daniel will be traveling to Henderson, TN (in West TN) for almost the entire week. The next weekend we're taking time off for a marriage retreat. We've rented a secluded cabin to relax and get away to - also to celebrate Valentine's Day! And the next weekend is the bridal show...

Oh and, we have an engagement session (pray for great weather!), a family portrait session, and are going to build our bridal show set. Yes, I said BUILDING it! You'll have to come to the show to see what we have in store, but you will NOT be disappointed (don't worry for those of you who won't be able to make it, we will post pics on this blog).

Why Hire a Wedding Planner... Guest Blogger #1

Until weddings begin to pick up again, I've invited several guest bloggers to discuss a little bit about their business and FAQs. I hope all of you will enjoy these guest spots - I know I've had fun getting to know other wedding vendors!

The first guest blogger is Peggy from "Plan it with Love" a Knoxville based wedding planning service.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner and More....
Hiring a wedding coordinator/consultant will be the single most time-saving and money-saving move you will make during your wedding planning. A seasoned bridal consultant knows the available vendors and after an interview with you they can determine who best fits your budget and priorities. I always try to offer choices to my clients and I accompany them on any and all appointments that they wish. As I always say, "I will be as involved (or not) as you (the bride/groom/mother-of-the-bride) wants me involved."

It is wise to check the credentials of a prospective wedding consultant to determine their qualifications as well as determining that they are a "good fit" in all aspects of the planning and directing of your wedding. I can speak from experience being the mother-of-the-bride - you need a professional bridal consultant to get you through the day. You cannot give your daughter the time and attention she needs and deserves if you are running frantically around chasing cake knives, toasting flutes, the caterer, a late bridesmaid, etc.

The wedding day is a celebration that should be enjoyed by the entire family (both the bride and groom) and when you have a professional helping you - you can relax and be a guest at your own wedding.

- Peggy from "Plan it with Love"

Long Time No Post

Wow... The holidays are finally over, and boy did we stay busy!

I just thought I'd do a quick post to update everyone on what Daniel & I are up to these days...

1) I (Martha) have had an interesting time helping Daniel's sister choose a wedding photographer. Since Daniel & I will both be in her wedding, obviously we will not be shooting it! She's getting married in West Tennessee, so it's a completely different market... stay tuned for my reveal of who she chose!
2) We're booking up quickly. It seems like January hit and *bam* everyone suddenly realized that it's time to book their wedding photographer! So, if you're interested in Daniel Howell Photography for your 2009 wedding (especially summer weddings), please contact us ASAP; and, remember that this year's packages have been reduced, starting at only $1180!
3) I've been adding new images to our website - go check them out!