Photographers
Today’s entry is a follow-up to one posted a few days after our wedding. I later mentioned that a review of the photographer was pending until proofs arrived in the mail. The proofs arrived but I thought, why not wait until the final prints are in-hand? After two deliveries we have the final prints and my review is ready.
Ups and downs included, it was a positive experience. Enchanted Forest Photography provided very personal service from start to finish.
You might be wondering what the “down” part is about. Actually, it has little to do with EFP and more to do with the mail carrier. Although our prints were sent via flat-rate USPS priority mail, the mailman thought it was okay to bend the package into our tiny mailbox, disregarding the rigid cardboard used inside. Unfortunately, two of the 5×7 prints were bent on the edge as a result.
Adding to the moment, upon opening the package I found that the 5×7 photos (four in total) came in two uncut sheets. Why not cut them? The wallet prints were cut and the edges trimmed to nice half-rounds. The 4×5s were cut. It was a detail that slipped through the cracks.
After only a few e-mails the problem was resolved and replacement 5×7 photos were sent via UPS at no charge. No one likes problems but when they’re resolved quickly and without fuss, that’s good service. EFP is very much an entrepreneur-level business, both in price and operation but they genuinely care about getting the job done right.
Wedding Photos
Our proof booklet arrived today from the photographers. It has a very polished look and is itself a great keepsake. Out of 200 photos we’ve selected 15. I have no idea how many were taken during their 2-hour shoot. The close-up portraits are the most striking. I really can’t complain too much for the price. I know if we didn’t hire a photographer we would feel some sort of regret.
However, between my dad’s video camera, my mom’s SLR, Gerrit’s digital camera, and grandma (using my digital camera), we were able to take many similar photos. Here’s the catch: if that was their obligation during the ceremony, it would ruin the fun.
Official Name Change
Kristien applied for a new social security card today. It was an important step because she also legally changed her name. She is now officially Kristien Crumley. We discussed the name change issue earlier and both agreed about what to do.
The standard procedure for a name change (post-wedding) is to complete a form SS-5. You then bring the form and a certified copy of the marriage license to a local Social Security Administration office.
We waited roughly 40 minutes until our number was called. The clerk typed the information and said it would only be a week or two before the card is delivered. That’s pretty good for the government.
I Do
It was beautiful. March 1, 2006 had the most stunning sunset in weeks. The day before and after were slightly cloudy but our wedding day was totally clear. What’s a perfect sunset worth? How much would an engaged couple pay to know the exact day one will occur? We rolled the dice and Wednesday was our lucky day.
Family and friends will soon have access to the gallery for photos of the ceremony and dinner.
The final cut of photos is still pending. There were five cameras clicking not including the photographer’s. The vacation has been great fun and the number of photos is evidence. Since 19 February we’ve taken a total of 1006 photos.
There might be a few more Wedding category entries. A follow-up on the photographers is still pending until we see the proofs. Publix delivered a great cake (beautiful and delicious) but only average flowers; we had to fix-up Kristien’s bouquet to make it presentable. The photos probably give no indication of this. Still, the value is very hard to beat. Lastly, but most impressive is the Don Cesar. It was truly the center of our wedding. The hotel’s staff and amenities were amazing. The Maritana Grille restaurant was a pleasure — rich food without pretentious service. Our thanks go to the staff and especially to Sohnne, our wedding officiator.