Although the Suns lost Wednesday’s game 0-2, we still had a good time. The game seemed to be a lot closer than the score let on, as both teams scored four hits. But in the end, it’s the score that counts, isn’t it?

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Today’s blog post comes from OneWed, one of the biggest wedding planning sites on the Internet, from an original article by Christine Dyer of  BridalTweet. Christine ends each section with questions vendors should ask themselves about how we are to address these issues to our clients, so I’ve added my response in italics:

During tough economic times, we are quick to assume that price is the main factor for brides as they plan their wedding. Yes, price is important but I believe this past year has brought forth other factors that are just as influential.

I came to this conclusion after reading Lee Eisenberg’s Why Shopping is Good Again. Eisenberg articulates today’s top consumer values. I believe these three values can also help all of us to understand what brides are thinking as they are making their purchasing decisions.

1. Brides Value Experiences That Transform Them

Even some of the shyest women embrace the spotlight on their big day. As a bride plans her wedding, she is more commonly thinking about her own personal ‘red carpet’ moment. That is the moment when everyone at her wedding will look at her in astonishment. Various vendors have picked up on this common value or mindset. For example, Astrid Mueller designs romantic illustrations. When she is designing, Astrid asks lots of questions – what the bride dreams she’ll wear as she floats down the aisle, what is her and her sweetie’s love story, what their dream wedding will be like. Through personalized art, Astrid’s sophisticated illustrations make all of those special details come alive. What additional services can you add to your current offering in order to make brides feel special and transformed?

I know that your wedding day is something you’ve looked forward to, dreamed and fantasized over, since you were a little girl. You will be princess for the day, and I will be there to capture those dreams coming true. All the glamor, the pageantry, and those special moments you will share, not only with your husband-to-be, but with the rest of your family. A wedding is a life-changing experience, one that my photography can only enhance as you reminisce with your children, and your children’s children. These photographs will be among the first of your new family’s heirlooms!

2. Brides Value Shared Experiences

During tough economic times, people tend to place more value on family, friendships and relationships in general. We’ve been forced to focus on the things that are really important in life – and that’s not a bad thing. This is also entirely true for weddings. In some cases, guest lists have had to shrink and brides have had to focus on the elements that matter most to their loved ones. But behind all of that, weddings have become more intimate. What can you do to add to the intimate, meaningful experience of a bride’s big day?

From the tender moments you’ll share with your mother as you get ready to come down the aisle, the beaming pride your father will have giving you away at the alter, your first kiss, your first dance… there are so many emotional moments during a wedding! These are the emotions you will remember for the rest of your life!

3. Brides Value Experiences That are an Extension of Themselves

It’s no wonder that many brides are now into DIY (Do It Yourself) elements. They are creating their own menus, programs, favors – you name it. We tend to think this is only to save money. However, they are also doing this to put their stamp on their big day – to make it personal. Thinking beyond price, and thinking deeper about the personal nature of a DIY wedding, how can you make your products and services more personalized?

No two weddings are alike. There are many elements of your wedding that will set yours apart, from the gown and shoes you wear, details at the reception like the colors and table centerpieces – even your wedding cake. These are important elements to you, and to me as your photographer. These elements will live on, included as part of your wedding album. Your work is important, not only to the wedding itself, but to how you will remember your wedding, and pass on these memories as part of your legacy.

I work with you during your wedding planning, gaining an understanding of what’s important to you, and providing help as needed. I’m not just going to show up at the wedding with my camera and take pictures. I working with you (and your wedding coordinator), not only to help solve problems, but to become intimately familiar with your wedding beforehand to maximize my preparation.

Your wedding day is as important to me as it is to you!

Please call now - (904) 412-4628, and let’s set up a time to chat about your wedding. No cost or obligation.  I really want to hear from you about what’s important to you about your wedding, and your wedding plans.

I Learned about PTS time from one of my mentors, Charles Lewis. PTS (planning, thinking, studying) time allows me to set the right goals for the use of my time. First thing in a morning, before anything else happens, is the very best time for this. I give myself about an hour, without interruption, to plan the day, think about my objectives and study from my mentors. I highly recommend it and here’s a list of some of the things you can do with this time:

• Look at what you achieved the day before.
• Read material by successful people or motivational speakers (the internet is great for this, as long as you stay focused and don’t end up surfing into oblivion).
• Gain some new knowledge in sales or marketing
• Never turn on the news or read a newspaper before noon (very important – keep negative thoughts at bay!).
• Keep a journal with your goals and ideas
• Prepare yourself a to-do list and prioritize the items on it.
• You will be amazed at how much better your day will go.

I do this first thing in the morning, but you will need to find the time that suits you best. I like that time of the morning though – it’s quiet enough that there are no distractions. For those in recovery, this is an excellent way to do your 10^th step, the daily inventory.

This advice also dovetails nicely with some of the other advice I’ve received over the years from other experts in the field, such as Dr. Stephen Covey (especially Habbit 7: Sharpen the Saw) and Zig Ziglar‘s constant theme of  opportunity through optimism, preparation, and hard work.

This simple little task – PTS Time – has made a world of difference to me. Not only has provided a tremendous educational opportunity for me, but it has also been remarkable with my attitude toward life, reducing feelings of depression, negativity, and being overwhelmed by these challenging times.