Finding the right photographer can be as individual a choice as finding the right dress, shoe or ring. Unfortunately, unlike the right dress, shoe or ring, you can’t see what you’re paying for or try it on for size. Some people are happy with handing a camera to a friend with a “good eye” while others scour the local phone books, reference pages, etc. for everything from stills to video options.

Iqphoto.com has some very good advice on questions to ask and procedures to follow when considering the candidates. There is also a link to an absolutely beautiful gallery. While you’re there, take a moment to view the video of the traditional Indian wedding. I almost felt like I had been a guest! Lovely work!

And for more comparison, check out the stunning “first-ever” 10 best photographer list from PopPhoto.com. Check out the slideshows and websites too! But be warned, you’ll be there quite a while.

As I personally have not a smidge of photographical talent (I’m lucky I remember to take my finger from in front of the lens!), I was blown away by the variety and uniqueness of the presentations.

Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Try to find a photographer whose eye is seeing on your level!

There are certainly some beautiful choices when it comes to wedding guest books. Many are elegant and classic with their plush covers and soft colors. While they certainly suit the more formal atmosphere, what to do if you’ve a more casual venue? What if you just want something that reflects a little more about you?

If you’re looking for something besides an actual book but still want a beautiful piece to display, engraved trays and photo mats could fit the bill. Having your engagement picture framed with a large mat board is an alternative to the engraved one. Instead of a picture, use your favorite poem or painting as the center.

If you’re the crafting kind, you can take a page from Martha Stewart’s book with this colorful cards guestbook. Personally, I like this idea. The receptacle could be anything that fits your theme. You could use anything from a bowl as shown or a vase in your wedding colors to baskets or other pretty containers to collect the cards. Use pens with colored inks or all the same ink if you’re using lots of different colors for cards.

With scrapbooking having become just a popular pastime, it was just a matter of time before some creative minds substituted a scrapbook for a guestbook. I found a number of posts and articles about involving your guests by having a number of Polaroid cameras with the guestbook for them to take pictures to include with their comments and wishes. (Check out this example at Americanbridal.com) The techo savvy can quickly see how digital cameras could be substituted for Polaroid’s and make online albums available much faster post-event. If you still want something to hold in your hands from the digital pictures, check out this software and service at Picaboo.com.

Be sure to assign wedding party members to rotate through the guest book duty. Have them encourage and remind guests to sign as they come in or leave. That way, no matter which you choose, you’ll have a lovely memento to cherish.

Did you know weddings could be green? Well, I didn’t! Actually, I hadn’t thought about it much beyond the whole rice toss thing. It seems there are all kinds of options for those who want to be a little or a lot more eco-friendly. How cool is that?!

Great Green Weddings has everything from invitations to wedding ring option.

Some other places to see for those who just can’t go whole hog and give up all the fripperies (that would be moi):

• Plantable wedding favor
• Eco-friendly favors

And according to this USA Today article, wannabe green brides aren’t alone.

Well, shut my mouth! Go Green!