Fun Road Trip Questions

My husband and I travel a great deal for work and/or pleasure, so we are always on the look out for fun ways to entertain ourselves on those long road trips.  We live in deep south Texas, so any trip we make is a LONG one.  Traveling to San Antonio, Houston, Austin, or Dallas alone can range between 3 to 8 hrs on the road. Now those are just our Texas trips. We’ve also traveled to New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Louisiana by car. On those long and grueling trips any distraction whether it be a game, conversion, or music is welcomed, in the hopes of helping pass the time more painlessly.

This month my husband and I (with family in tow) are making our way to Dallas, Texas for my cousin’s wedding. This will be a long one, but thankfully we are pros when it comes to these lengthy ventures. We’ve got it all planned out. We have our road trip music at the ready, activities to keep us thoroughly entertained, snacks packed, and plenty of liquids to keep us hydrated. We have thought of EVERYTHING!

A couple of years ago my husband and I made it all the way to Marathon, Texas (about an 8 hour trip). While planning our trip I scrambled to think of ways to pass the time. This led me to create 60 FUN ROAD TRIP QUESTIONS.  Answering silly and light hearted questions is the perfect way to spend that time together. I have included questions like: Is there anything you would not do for a million dollars? What language do you wish you could speak fluently? If you could be any character in a TV sitcom, who would it be?

I knew when I created these questions that they probably wouldn’t keep us entertained ALL 8 hours of the trip, but it was a start.  I hope to add to this list, so be sure to keep an eye out for additional pages.

FYI: These are also a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. Grab a glass of wine and start answering.

**I do want to stress these question should be read out loud by the person NOT driving and please be safe on the road.

Click HERE  to print questions.

Monthly Happy Goals For July

It is SUMMERTIME, so all my Monthly Happy Goals for July are all about having fun! That means there will be a great deal of fun in the sun, for instance, soaking in some rays, enjoying the outdoors, being one with nature, taking my meditation outdoors, and making a ton more excuses to get outside!

Technically, I won’t have any real vacation time in July–as a wedding professional I will busy with weddings–however, that does not mean I won’t be able to steal a moment or two to get in some R&R. I hope to take advantage of every free moment to enjoy myself this July.

JULY HAPPY GOALS
1. Enjoy some beach fun. I live about an hour and a half away from the beach, so I have no excuse.
2. Lots ‘n lots of chic picnics. Hey, we all have to eat why not do it in style!
3. Get my reading done outside.
4. Barbeques GALORE! That’s what summertime is for!
5. BUBBLE PARTY! You only live once, why not have as much fun as possible in the process. And who doesn’t love bubbles?!

This July I hope to make frequent trips to the beach (South Padre Island), drag my hubby out on several (yes more than one babe) romantic picnics, get outside and have our very own impromptu bubble party, make some good ol’ fajitas and pollo (Mexican Style) and we can’t forget the roasted corn, and last but not least, sit outside surrounded by nature, the chirping birds, and rustling wind as I sit and enjoy a good book. Even though I may not get to vacation this July I am certain I will still have one heck of a summer. As long as I am with my hubby and we are together making new memories, I know it will be a spectacular month.

 

6 Tips To Create An Unforgettable Engagement Session

One of the many things to look forward to when getting married is the Engagement Session. These are my favorite to film and/or be a part of, because as a cinematographer I have the opportunity to get to know the couple and these sessions are so much FUN!

Many couples find themselves swallowed up with stress when planning the wedding and understandably so, you want your wedding day to be perfect.  The Engagement Session is a nice distraction from the stress, because it is about letting loose and being in the moment.  I kinda think of it as a de-stresser.

I have compiled a list of tips to help create an unforgettable Engagement Session.

6 TIPS TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE ENGAGEMENT FILM/ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

1. LOCATION
Choose a location that represents you as a couple. A place that has memories attached to it or brings fond memories to mind.

For instance, if you are the outdoorsy type a park, field or any outdoor space would fit you like a glove. If you vacation in the Texas Hill Country, ask your cinematographer/photographer if traveling there is an option.

2.  CREATE A THEME
You want to create a common thread that brings everything together.  For example, a particular color, style, movie, hobby etc.  This comes in handy when you have opted for multiple locations and want them to come together seamlessly.  It also gives an Engagement Film cohesiveness.

COLOR
– What is your favorite color?
– What color(s) did you wear on your first date?
– What color best compliments the location(s) you have chosen?

STYLE
– Casual: perfect for the couple with a more laid back approach when it comes to their session.
– Formal/Modern: for the couple wanting a more metropolitan look when it comes to the finished product.
– Vintage: for the couple that favors retro, vintage, and throwbacks to a simpler time.
– Romantic: this couple wants passion and romance incorporated into their session.
– Outdoorsy: this couple is into outdoor activities and being one with nature.
– Whimsical: this couple has a playful and fanciful way of thinking.
There are a multitude of styles so many I couldn’t include them all, but hopefully these will get the wheels turning.

MOVIE
– Do you have a favorite movie?
– What was the first movie you saw together?
– Is there a movie you feel is reminiscent of your relation?
Once you have decided on a movie incorporate aspects of it into your session, for instance, locations, clothing, scenes etc.

Hobby
– Any activity you may have in common, enjoy doing together, or share a passion for.
We had a couple that loved to read, especially the Harry Potter Series, so we incorporated those particular books into their session.

3. MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Personalization is key!  You want your family and friends to say “that is so them” as they view your film/photos, so it’s important to incorporate aspects of yourselves into your session.  Anything that is unique to you as a couple, whether it be through props or activities.

PROPS
– Signs displaying your wedding date.
– Signs displaying love related words or significant sayings.
– Or a prop that has significance for you as a couple. For example, a book(s) you both love, sports equipment from a sport you play frequently, ticket stubs to the first movie you saw together, a record of your favorite song…Oh I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture!

ACTIVITIES
– Do you have a special or funny hand shake or gesture you may share?
– Do you share a love or passion for something? For instance, reading, bowling, teaching, playing instruments etc.

4. DRESS THE PART
Oooooh, now it’s time to choose the outfits! Choose outfits that compliment one another, as well as, fits your theme and the location you have chosen. Find a common denominator, whether it be in color story, style or degree of formality.

COLOR STORY
The outfits you and your fiance choose should share a common color or the colors compliment one another.

STYLE
Both you and your fiance’s outfits should match in style.

If you are going for a preppy look, both you and your fiance should be sporting outfits that fit in the preppy category.

DEGREE OF FORMALITY
Both you and your fiance should choose outfits that are the same degree of formality.  Not to say the outfits must be formal, rather they should reflect the same kind of tone or feel. If one is wearing a formal outfit while the other is in a more casual outfit, it may create an unbalanced and odd look.

5. TRUST YOUR CINEMATOGRAPHER/PHOTOGRAPHER!
I cannot stress this one enough. Your cinematographer and/or photographer are true professionals who have been doing this for a long time, and their ultimate goal is to make you look your best, so trust them to do so.  They want to capture you at your best in the hopes of producing an incredible film/photos.

6.  And most importantly…HAVE FUN!!!
Your best film/photos will be when you are comfortable, letting loose and having fun. For that short time let go of ALL the stress and be in the moment.

Photo Booth Fun!


Photo Booths have come a LONG way, thanks to modern technology. They have so many cool functions and options you are sure to have some amazing photo booth fun! It’s hard to imagine the wedding industry without today’s chic and modern photo booths.

The photo booth has evolved throughout the years. It’s origins date back to 1889, where it made its debut at the World’s Fair in Paris. The fair attendees could get their photo taken and five minutes later received their image printed on a thin sheet of metal.

Fast forward to 1925, when Anatol Josepho debuted his enclosed (curtained) booth in New York City. For 25 cents you could have your photo taken and 10 minutes later walk away with an 8 photo print out.

In the following years the photo booth saw few changes. It isn’t until the 2000’s that the photo booth is revolutionized.

In the 2000’s they are more portable, sleeker and modern looking. There are now loads and loads of backdrop options: fabric, velvet, sequin, mermaid, wood, floral walls, etc. the options are endless. The addition of props ups the fun factor. And yet again, there are an endless number of options to suit anyones tastes: modern, vintage, minimalistic, fun, colorful, paper etc.

Today you find photo booths EVERYWHERE: weddings, quinceaneras, parties, galas, charities, and corporate events. It’s not a party unless you have a photo booth!

If you aren’t sure what all the fuss is about for photo booths or not quite convinced on whether to have one at your wedding or special event I urge you to watch this amazing video created by John Arriola Films for Le Vintage Photo Booth. It shows their chic and modern photo booth in action, as well as,  how much fun it is.

 

 

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