to blogger! I finally made the switch over to Word Press! The new blog is up at http://parsonsphotoblog.wordpress.com/ - please be sure to follow that one! This one will remain up, but I will no longer post on here.
I'm hoping the new blog will streamline our photos and new slide shows. Pop over and tell me what you think!
Showing posts with label FYI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FYI. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Thursday, November 4, 2010
It's Black Friday - all month!!
Yes, you read that right - no, it's not a typo!!!
Every Friday this month we're going to have some crazy sales for the holidays! What's the catch? We'll be announcing the deals on Facebook and Twitter only and they will be for that day only.
Here's the fine print - cannot combine with any other deal or discount, item must be ordered that day only and payment must be received by PayPal on that day or by check within 3 days.
Email me (info@parsonsphoto.org) if you have any questions! Otherwise - enjoy the deals!!!
Every Friday this month we're going to have some crazy sales for the holidays! What's the catch? We'll be announcing the deals on Facebook and Twitter only and they will be for that day only.
Here's the fine print - cannot combine with any other deal or discount, item must be ordered that day only and payment must be received by PayPal on that day or by check within 3 days.
Email me (info@parsonsphoto.org) if you have any questions! Otherwise - enjoy the deals!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Boudoir session in the new studio!
Our new studio is now OPEN! We celebrated with two boudoir sessions yesterday! Jess & I had an awesome day with two of our brides and we had so many good laughs, good times, and quite honestly, my windows are still steamy from the sessions! These two brides were HOT!!
Here's one of my favorite shots from the first session!
Here's one of my favorite shots from the first session!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Coventry Farmers' Market & New York Times
About a month ago, I was interviewed by a reporter from the New York times regarding the Coventry Farmers' Market. As most of you know, I am a huge supporter of the market - so much so that this year not only am I a Friend of the Market, but I am a Business Partner as well.
As a local businessperson, I am huge on keeping things local and the CFM embodies that idea! Not only can you buy local products, but you can meet local friends as well! It's fantastic!
It was such a pleasure to read Jan Ellen Spiegel's article on the market and especially to be quoted as a supporting business! Thank you, Jan, for the fantastic article; and thank you, Coventry Farmers' Market for EVERYTHING you do!
Click here for the link to that article
As a local businessperson, I am huge on keeping things local and the CFM embodies that idea! Not only can you buy local products, but you can meet local friends as well! It's fantastic!
It was such a pleasure to read Jan Ellen Spiegel's article on the market and especially to be quoted as a supporting business! Thank you, Jan, for the fantastic article; and thank you, Coventry Farmers' Market for EVERYTHING you do!
Click here for the link to that article
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wedding Season Kicks Off!
We are very excited about this up coming season! We have a new staff, new video packages, and fresh new ideas (we'll be bringing back some oldies but goodies too!)!! We are thrilled to share all of this with our upcoming clients!
We are also VERY excited to be a part of the Wadsworth Mansion's brochure! We had a lot of fun gearing up for the release!
Be sure to keep a look out for our super fun couples - and wedding guests too (this past weekend, I discovered one of the wedding guests was a guest at one of our fall weddings!)!
And we're not just limited to weddings! We just booked a bunch of parties, studio shoots, portraits, fundraisers, community service, and pinups for the spring and summer! I cannot wait!
Happy Spring everyone!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Need to hire your photographer AND a wedding planner?
As some of you may know, I am a "retired" wedding planner - in another life I owned my own business as a wedding planner. I have since retired...it was bittersweet, but I'm glad I did.
I'm glad because I recently met my WFF (wedding friend forever), Kia Martinson-Wenzel of ESTOccasions. Kia is a wedding planner, living in the next town over. I met Kia (as I do just about everyone lately) through Facebook and we became Facebook friends. Kia asked me to photograph a few events she was working, and it all began with a pair of hot boots!
Usually when I meet wedding planners, a tiny little skeptic inside my heart groans a little because...well, quite frankly...no one could plan a wedding like I did (let's be honest here, right?)!! then I met Kia...I really tried not to like her...but she won. I was impressed.
So impressed that I asked her work with me to offer our future clients some super awesome values!
For everyone that books with Parsons Photography through May 31:
Email me to schedule a meeting to discuss this awesome event! info@parsonsphoto.org
Current couples - are you interested? Shoot me out an email and we'll see what we can work out! ;)
I'm glad because I recently met my WFF (wedding friend forever), Kia Martinson-Wenzel of ESTOccasions. Kia is a wedding planner, living in the next town over. I met Kia (as I do just about everyone lately) through Facebook and we became Facebook friends. Kia asked me to photograph a few events she was working, and it all began with a pair of hot boots!
Usually when I meet wedding planners, a tiny little skeptic inside my heart groans a little because...well, quite frankly...no one could plan a wedding like I did (let's be honest here, right?)!! then I met Kia...I really tried not to like her...but she won. I was impressed.
So impressed that I asked her work with me to offer our future clients some super awesome values!
For everyone that books with Parsons Photography through May 31:
- Kia will meet you and your fiance at one session and offer you a detail meeting or an in depth consultation (questions, advice, timeline, mom's questions, budget, tipping, whatever you want).
- The cost? Nothing to you! I'll cover the fees!
Email me to schedule a meeting to discuss this awesome event! info@parsonsphoto.org
Current couples - are you interested? Shoot me out an email and we'll see what we can work out! ;)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
On being Greek and cookies
I am 100% Greek - that means that both of my parents are Greek. My mother emigrated to America as a child and my father was born in America the child of immigrants. Growing up, I only knew Greek customs - you cook, you bake, you work at the family's restaurant (in a nut shell...this is a test to see if my parents read this blog...they'll have comments!!). Actually, my father used to tell me joking (although I think there was some truth in his jest), "you learn how to cook so you can marry a nice Greek boy. But go to school and get an education and a good job too". My dad is Americanized...
But I did...I learned how to cook and to bake. My passion is baking Greek pastries and cookies. When we used to own our restaurant, I used to plan Greek nights where we had a Greek band, Greek food, Greek drinks, the menus were in Greek...everything. And I did all of the cooking and baking - I made trays and trays of sticky baklava, I made pans of pastito (a hearty Greek lasagna), containers of tzatziki (we could get the jarred, but I wanted the real stuff!), pans of mousaka, kourembethes (my favorite butter cookies coated in powdered sugar), I made plates of olives (from Kalamata, of course), feta, pita. I was in heaven on these nights! I spent the week preparing and cooking, then enjoyed watching everyone eat my food, laugh at my Greek humor on the menus, order boukalia after boukalia of krasi, prassino, and ouzo. It was wonderful!
Then I got out of the restaurant business and married an Irish boy (who happens to love Greek cooking...). I started wedding businesses but remained true to my roots - my first business was called Nifi's Wedding Planning (which is actually still the parent company of my photo business), which was my personal joke - nifi means bride in Greek, so I was the Bride's wedding planner. I like to educate my clients on Greek traditions...sometimes it's more out of convenience (I always tell people it's good luck to smash a glass at a wedding...yes, it really happens)!
I don't flaunt being Greek as much as I used to. I'm not sure why I stopped - I am still incredibly proud of being Greek and I encourage my kids to do the same (they both are baptized Greek Orthodox and are learning the same traditions I did growing up).
Last week, my family had the flu and we were all knocked out of commission for about a week. My first weekend back was a full weekend - I had an engagement shoot on Saturday, then a bridal show on Sunday. I was exhausted by the time we made it to the bridal show - but I made it through. After the show, Jessica and I were treated to dinner by our very good friend, Bert Fonseca of After Hours DJ (he thinks I'm plugging his name to increase my SEO...ok, so that's part of it!!). I wanted to thank Bert for his generosity - what do you give the man that has more gadgets than Best Buy? I thought about it and I did what popped into my mind first - I baked him cookies!
I spent a few hours in the kitchen - clarifying butter, whipping the butter, listening to my KitchenAid hum along, plopping the cookies on my well loved cookie sheet...I felt alive! I remembered why I loved the book Julie and Julia - I could understand why she loved to cook. What brought out my passions - what made me feel renewed!!
On my way to drop off the cookies (of course, we met for dinner - Bert & I have a lot in common, but I think our favorite is our love for GREAT FOOD!), I was listening to one of my audio books of "The E Myth Revisited" and had a lot of a-ha moments. I'll have to say that my number one a-ha moment was - why don't I run the photo business like I ran the restaurant? Wow...it all fell into place. I felt my passion renewed, the drive came back...and I walked into that restaurant a new person.
All because I am Greek and I love baking cookies. :)
Want to see more of the connection? Stay tuned!
But I did...I learned how to cook and to bake. My passion is baking Greek pastries and cookies. When we used to own our restaurant, I used to plan Greek nights where we had a Greek band, Greek food, Greek drinks, the menus were in Greek...everything. And I did all of the cooking and baking - I made trays and trays of sticky baklava, I made pans of pastito (a hearty Greek lasagna), containers of tzatziki (we could get the jarred, but I wanted the real stuff!), pans of mousaka, kourembethes (my favorite butter cookies coated in powdered sugar), I made plates of olives (from Kalamata, of course), feta, pita. I was in heaven on these nights! I spent the week preparing and cooking, then enjoyed watching everyone eat my food, laugh at my Greek humor on the menus, order boukalia after boukalia of krasi, prassino, and ouzo. It was wonderful!
Then I got out of the restaurant business and married an Irish boy (who happens to love Greek cooking...). I started wedding businesses but remained true to my roots - my first business was called Nifi's Wedding Planning (which is actually still the parent company of my photo business), which was my personal joke - nifi means bride in Greek, so I was the Bride's wedding planner. I like to educate my clients on Greek traditions...sometimes it's more out of convenience (I always tell people it's good luck to smash a glass at a wedding...yes, it really happens)!
I don't flaunt being Greek as much as I used to. I'm not sure why I stopped - I am still incredibly proud of being Greek and I encourage my kids to do the same (they both are baptized Greek Orthodox and are learning the same traditions I did growing up).
Last week, my family had the flu and we were all knocked out of commission for about a week. My first weekend back was a full weekend - I had an engagement shoot on Saturday, then a bridal show on Sunday. I was exhausted by the time we made it to the bridal show - but I made it through. After the show, Jessica and I were treated to dinner by our very good friend, Bert Fonseca of After Hours DJ (he thinks I'm plugging his name to increase my SEO...ok, so that's part of it!!). I wanted to thank Bert for his generosity - what do you give the man that has more gadgets than Best Buy? I thought about it and I did what popped into my mind first - I baked him cookies!
I spent a few hours in the kitchen - clarifying butter, whipping the butter, listening to my KitchenAid hum along, plopping the cookies on my well loved cookie sheet...I felt alive! I remembered why I loved the book Julie and Julia - I could understand why she loved to cook. What brought out my passions - what made me feel renewed!!On my way to drop off the cookies (of course, we met for dinner - Bert & I have a lot in common, but I think our favorite is our love for GREAT FOOD!), I was listening to one of my audio books of "The E Myth Revisited" and had a lot of a-ha moments. I'll have to say that my number one a-ha moment was - why don't I run the photo business like I ran the restaurant? Wow...it all fell into place. I felt my passion renewed, the drive came back...and I walked into that restaurant a new person.
All because I am Greek and I love baking cookies. :)
Want to see more of the connection? Stay tuned!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Changes are a-coming!
Going along with my overflowing inspiration from WPPI - I made a few purchases from the trade show! (I'm a sucker for a great deal...especially one that will help make my day run smoother!) I'd like to share some of the new fun items and programs!!
first off, I am so very excited to be a GREENER photographer! We now have all of our contracts, checklists, and correspondence is online with ShootQ! All of our clients (current and future!) will be able to access their payment schedules, contracts (new clients only), correspondence, and more online! each couple will get a unique code for their wedding and they can access that at any time. I'm also pleased that it will streamline my workflow! We're hoping to have ShootQ completely live tomorrow to offer to potential and new couples!
Now, on to the goodies!
I am now a retailer of SnapTotes -- where you can turn your photos into super cute bags, pillows, wallets, etc! I'll post some pics soon when I get in my samples!
I am also a retailer of Celebrations 3D - I think this is the coolest in the world!! As a child of the 80's, I used to love my Viewmaster! How cool is it that it's available for your own photos? wow!! Samples are coming really soon for these (and I think I need to hide them from my kids too...)!
I am also patiently waiting for Fed Ex to bring me my new ShootSac! FINALLY, I found a bag that can hold my stuff without killing my back and making me bend like I'm pregnant!! Anyone want to guess which one I ordered? ;) I'll post pics when it comes in!!
And finally, for my camera friends...I am doing it...I am getting the 70-200 2.8L lens...this is a debate I have been having with myself for the past year...I spoke with MANY photographers and the time has come to get it! It's insulting, but B&H has it for $50 off (I still think they forgot a zero)...I think that's going to be my best deal! But I will have it by the end of the month (still taking deep breaths...)!!
I am very excited with the new additions and I'm looking forward to helping streamline our workflow! Please let us know your thoughts on any of the above!
first off, I am so very excited to be a GREENER photographer! We now have all of our contracts, checklists, and correspondence is online with ShootQ! All of our clients (current and future!) will be able to access their payment schedules, contracts (new clients only), correspondence, and more online! each couple will get a unique code for their wedding and they can access that at any time. I'm also pleased that it will streamline my workflow! We're hoping to have ShootQ completely live tomorrow to offer to potential and new couples!
Now, on to the goodies!
I am now a retailer of SnapTotes -- where you can turn your photos into super cute bags, pillows, wallets, etc! I'll post some pics soon when I get in my samples!
I am also a retailer of Celebrations 3D - I think this is the coolest in the world!! As a child of the 80's, I used to love my Viewmaster! How cool is it that it's available for your own photos? wow!! Samples are coming really soon for these (and I think I need to hide them from my kids too...)!
I am also patiently waiting for Fed Ex to bring me my new ShootSac! FINALLY, I found a bag that can hold my stuff without killing my back and making me bend like I'm pregnant!! Anyone want to guess which one I ordered? ;) I'll post pics when it comes in!!
And finally, for my camera friends...I am doing it...I am getting the 70-200 2.8L lens...this is a debate I have been having with myself for the past year...I spoke with MANY photographers and the time has come to get it! It's insulting, but B&H has it for $50 off (I still think they forgot a zero)...I think that's going to be my best deal! But I will have it by the end of the month (still taking deep breaths...)!!
I am very excited with the new additions and I'm looking forward to helping streamline our workflow! Please let us know your thoughts on any of the above!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
WPPI In Vegas
As most of you know (ok, everyone on Facebook...some of you here...), I was in Las Vegas last week for WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). I was honored to be one of almost 15,000 photographers in attendance...yes, I said 15 THOUSAND! This was my first WPPI conference, but not my first wedding event conference, so I sort of knew what to expect.
What I didn't expect was waiting for classes! First day, I waited twenty minutes for the wrong class...just to find out that class was full. So I got in the right line and was cut off...6th in line. UGH! OK, lesson learned!
Can anyone guess how long I had to wait for classes? ONE HOUR! Sounds bad? Not really! I had a chance to meet some wonderful new photographer friends! I met some Vegas photographers (oddly enough, none of which were wedding photographers!), a woman from Utah, a woman from NJ. We all had some great conversations to make the wait go by quicker!
Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I saw some fantastic speakers! My Platform favorites were:
Kevin Kubota - so unbelievably inspirational and motivating. His platform class really gave me a lot of "duh" moments and helped me get organized. You may recognize his name from my Alphabet Challenge - he posed the challenge to our class.
Then Kevin hosted Photographer's Ignite - a wonderful blend of 21 top photographers who had 5 minutes to speak on something inspirational, fun or helpful. It was the most fun 2 hours - I laughed and enjoyed myself!
The funniest speaker was Khara Plicanic with "Lessons from Uncle Bob" - what a riot!!!
Another enjoyable Platform class was CT's very own Justin & Mary Marantz - Mary was uber cute by starting her emotional talk with "holy crap! We're speaking at WPPI!" :) Even though I have hear her through PUG meetings, and I am an avid reader of their blog, I was still moved to tears with her story. Fantastic and inspirational! Thank you!
Other fantastic speakers were Doug Gordon (posing), Kay Eskridge (boudoir), Jim DiVitale (Photoshop tips). I have so many pages of notes that I am looking forward to applying to the business!
My Masters classes were fantastic too - I learned how not to burn out with Dennis Orchard and to keep my focus, refocus on albums and lighting with Nick Ghionis, and an intensive class on using and manipulating natural light with Claude Jodoin.
And, I photographed! :) More teasers to come on my walks around the strip, and the shoots I participated! I definitely recommend WPPI to all photographers at every level! Hope to see you next year!
What I didn't expect was waiting for classes! First day, I waited twenty minutes for the wrong class...just to find out that class was full. So I got in the right line and was cut off...6th in line. UGH! OK, lesson learned!
Can anyone guess how long I had to wait for classes? ONE HOUR! Sounds bad? Not really! I had a chance to meet some wonderful new photographer friends! I met some Vegas photographers (oddly enough, none of which were wedding photographers!), a woman from Utah, a woman from NJ. We all had some great conversations to make the wait go by quicker!
Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I saw some fantastic speakers! My Platform favorites were:
Kevin Kubota - so unbelievably inspirational and motivating. His platform class really gave me a lot of "duh" moments and helped me get organized. You may recognize his name from my Alphabet Challenge - he posed the challenge to our class.
Then Kevin hosted Photographer's Ignite - a wonderful blend of 21 top photographers who had 5 minutes to speak on something inspirational, fun or helpful. It was the most fun 2 hours - I laughed and enjoyed myself!
The funniest speaker was Khara Plicanic with "Lessons from Uncle Bob" - what a riot!!!
Another enjoyable Platform class was CT's very own Justin & Mary Marantz - Mary was uber cute by starting her emotional talk with "holy crap! We're speaking at WPPI!" :) Even though I have hear her through PUG meetings, and I am an avid reader of their blog, I was still moved to tears with her story. Fantastic and inspirational! Thank you!
Other fantastic speakers were Doug Gordon (posing), Kay Eskridge (boudoir), Jim DiVitale (Photoshop tips). I have so many pages of notes that I am looking forward to applying to the business!
My Masters classes were fantastic too - I learned how not to burn out with Dennis Orchard and to keep my focus, refocus on albums and lighting with Nick Ghionis, and an intensive class on using and manipulating natural light with Claude Jodoin.
And, I photographed! :) More teasers to come on my walks around the strip, and the shoots I participated! I definitely recommend WPPI to all photographers at every level! Hope to see you next year!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Viva Las Vegas!
Cliche? Yes...but I still love the ZZ Top cover of the Elvis classic, "Viva Las Vegas"...must be a generation thing! ;)
Tomorrow, I'm heading out to Vegas...solo...without my husband, without my children, without my second shooters. I'm taking a deep breath, hopping a plane, waiting for a very long layover in NYC (3 hours to be exact), then arriving in Las Vegas for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Convention.
In addition to taking some classes, hitting a bunch of parties, doing some shopping...I look forward to being inspired, being challenged, stepping way outside my comfort zone, being humbled, being tired, being pushed to my creative limits, being blissfully thrilled...
And I cannot wait! :)
Be prepared for some updates as I've sign up for some shoots with some other photographers - I'm really looking forward to learning from some new friends and creating some new relationships! Updates will definitely be posted on Twitter & Facebook from my phone - so if you're not following, hop on board! I look forward to sharing my new knowledge with photographers who couldn't make it to Vegas as well as my couples I will be photographing this year.
Have a great week! I'll keep you posted!
Tomorrow, I'm heading out to Vegas...solo...without my husband, without my children, without my second shooters. I'm taking a deep breath, hopping a plane, waiting for a very long layover in NYC (3 hours to be exact), then arriving in Las Vegas for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Convention.
In addition to taking some classes, hitting a bunch of parties, doing some shopping...I look forward to being inspired, being challenged, stepping way outside my comfort zone, being humbled, being tired, being pushed to my creative limits, being blissfully thrilled...
And I cannot wait! :)
Be prepared for some updates as I've sign up for some shoots with some other photographers - I'm really looking forward to learning from some new friends and creating some new relationships! Updates will definitely be posted on Twitter & Facebook from my phone - so if you're not following, hop on board! I look forward to sharing my new knowledge with photographers who couldn't make it to Vegas as well as my couples I will be photographing this year.
Have a great week! I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Great Customer Serivice
Being that I have been in the service industry pretty much all my life (parents have always owned restaurants & liquor stores - my first job was pouring sodas at my dad's restaurant when I was 6...I charged him 5 cents a soda I poured...), I have a very high standard for customer service. When I go to a store or a restaurant, I expect to be greeted with great customer service. What does that mean?
"Hi! How are you today?" and a pause, waiting for the answer...eye contact is a must.
"Thank you for stopping by!"
"Did you need help finding something?" followed by eye contact again, waiting for the answer.
"Enjoy the rest of your day"
That to me is great customer service - you're taking care of your customer by showing you care.
I pretty much expect genuine service. One thing that has been driving me crazy lately are the stores that ask you (at checkout, mind you - I find that pretty condescending), "did you find everything you're looking for today?". when I answer "no" - I either hear crickets or the store turns code blue. No one knows how to handle it! That to me, is not great customer service.
In the past year, I've challenged my vendors, contractors, and other colleagues with some situations I've been in and I've seen some excellent examples of customer service that I feel needs a shout out!
~ The Hartford Insurance - I had a business claim. My agent not only walked me through the process, but she called to see how the replacement parts were working out. Wow! My claim was paid within 2 weeks of the filing AND she called to see how everything was working out! Amazing!! How simple was it for her to put a reminder in her calendar to call me up and ask? Did it make me tell other wedding vendors about their insurance? You bet it did! and they're the first on my post!
~ Smug Mug - these guys always get kudos from me! A "small" business (I think family owned) who remembers their customers. I have had some really out of the box problems happen a couple of times - last night to be exact. They emailed me right away and explained what happened and gave me suggestions to fix it on my end and then how to get the information back to them. Steve was responding to me at 11:00 EST last night to make sure I did it correctly! WOW! No matter where in America Steve was, that's still fantastic because it was after hours! Thanks once again!
~ Kaplan Computers in Manchester, CT. I had two computers crash in a row and lost some information in the transfer to the new computers (silly thing of switching OS from vista to Windows 7). They asked me to come in so they can try to retrieve my information - it ended up taking longer than they thought (I had my kids with me...), they asked us to have a seat on a couch, put a movie in, turned up the volume so they could hear, and brought me coffee. It made the almost two hour wait almost bearable with two small children! My tech repeatedly came out to give me updates. How simple is that? But fantastic because I'm talking about them!
~ Best Buy - I'm sure most of you are looking at the computer sideways on that...but this was something so simple! I bought a new computer at the store to replace the one in repairs. I put the computer on my Best Buy credit card and the clerk had to call in for an authorization code so I had to wait a few minutes longer. When I got home, there was an email thanking me for being such a great customer and that Best Buy appreciates my business and they were sorry it took so long to process my transaction. The clerk at the store didn't apologize, I got an email. That brightened my spirits a bit! I ended the day on a good note!
~ And to all of the sales clerks, food/bev servers, agents, etc who said my two favorite words: "THANK YOU" - the most simplest way to give the BEST customer service is to THANK your customer!
"Thank you for stopping by"
"Thank you for thinking of us"
"Thank you for buying something"
"Thank you"
I'm not going to mention any of the poor customer service I encountered in the past few months because this post is not to stress on the negatives...I don't think that we need to draw attention to the negatives, I think we need to stress the amazing! THANK YOU to everyone who have given me wonderful customer service and THANK YOU for reading this! :)
What does great customer service mean to you? feel free to comment!
"Hi! How are you today?" and a pause, waiting for the answer...eye contact is a must.
"Thank you for stopping by!"
"Did you need help finding something?" followed by eye contact again, waiting for the answer.
"Enjoy the rest of your day"
That to me is great customer service - you're taking care of your customer by showing you care.
I pretty much expect genuine service. One thing that has been driving me crazy lately are the stores that ask you (at checkout, mind you - I find that pretty condescending), "did you find everything you're looking for today?". when I answer "no" - I either hear crickets or the store turns code blue. No one knows how to handle it! That to me, is not great customer service.
In the past year, I've challenged my vendors, contractors, and other colleagues with some situations I've been in and I've seen some excellent examples of customer service that I feel needs a shout out!
~ The Hartford Insurance - I had a business claim. My agent not only walked me through the process, but she called to see how the replacement parts were working out. Wow! My claim was paid within 2 weeks of the filing AND she called to see how everything was working out! Amazing!! How simple was it for her to put a reminder in her calendar to call me up and ask? Did it make me tell other wedding vendors about their insurance? You bet it did! and they're the first on my post!
~ Smug Mug - these guys always get kudos from me! A "small" business (I think family owned) who remembers their customers. I have had some really out of the box problems happen a couple of times - last night to be exact. They emailed me right away and explained what happened and gave me suggestions to fix it on my end and then how to get the information back to them. Steve was responding to me at 11:00 EST last night to make sure I did it correctly! WOW! No matter where in America Steve was, that's still fantastic because it was after hours! Thanks once again!
~ Kaplan Computers in Manchester, CT. I had two computers crash in a row and lost some information in the transfer to the new computers (silly thing of switching OS from vista to Windows 7). They asked me to come in so they can try to retrieve my information - it ended up taking longer than they thought (I had my kids with me...), they asked us to have a seat on a couch, put a movie in, turned up the volume so they could hear, and brought me coffee. It made the almost two hour wait almost bearable with two small children! My tech repeatedly came out to give me updates. How simple is that? But fantastic because I'm talking about them!
~ Best Buy - I'm sure most of you are looking at the computer sideways on that...but this was something so simple! I bought a new computer at the store to replace the one in repairs. I put the computer on my Best Buy credit card and the clerk had to call in for an authorization code so I had to wait a few minutes longer. When I got home, there was an email thanking me for being such a great customer and that Best Buy appreciates my business and they were sorry it took so long to process my transaction. The clerk at the store didn't apologize, I got an email. That brightened my spirits a bit! I ended the day on a good note!
~ And to all of the sales clerks, food/bev servers, agents, etc who said my two favorite words: "THANK YOU" - the most simplest way to give the BEST customer service is to THANK your customer!
"Thank you for stopping by"
"Thank you for thinking of us"
"Thank you for buying something"
"Thank you"
I'm not going to mention any of the poor customer service I encountered in the past few months because this post is not to stress on the negatives...I don't think that we need to draw attention to the negatives, I think we need to stress the amazing! THANK YOU to everyone who have given me wonderful customer service and THANK YOU for reading this! :)
What does great customer service mean to you? feel free to comment!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Bride's Choice Award 2010
Wow! Thank you to all of our amazing brides that voted this year for the Bride's Choice Awards! We are thrilled to have won for 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.
The Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means our past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected us to receive this honor.
Thank YOU for this honor!Monday, January 18, 2010
Bridal Expo at the Hartford Expo Center
What a great weekend we had this weekend! We were able to meet some amazing couples and put some faces to some great vendors! Liss & Jessica experienced first hand how much fun, albeit tiring, a bridal show can be!
Here is our amazing display that was specially designed for us by my personal contractor (ok, my dad did it and he used to be a contractor...). I was pleased with how eye catching it was!!
We had to make some tweaks because the side wall was so exposed - it worked out great as our neighbors were florists and they brought some complimenting colors!
Nothing is more challenging that a bunch of photographers trying to take their own photos! :) After much deliberating, these two shots were our favs! (Left to right is Jessica, Liss and me!)
Left to right on this shot is me, Jessica, Liss
Here is our amazing display that was specially designed for us by my personal contractor (ok, my dad did it and he used to be a contractor...). I was pleased with how eye catching it was!!
We had to make some tweaks because the side wall was so exposed - it worked out great as our neighbors were florists and they brought some complimenting colors!
Nothing is more challenging that a bunch of photographers trying to take their own photos! :) After much deliberating, these two shots were our favs! (Left to right is Jessica, Liss and me!)
Left to right on this shot is me, Jessica, Liss
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bridal Show this Weekend!
Come see us at the Bridal Expo at the Hartford Expo Center this weekend! We are all very excited to show off our new display, our (partial) new team, and our new uniforms!
Jessica, Liss, and I can be found at the really cool Green Living Room at Booth 914! We're bringing out the unexpected at this show!! If you're expecting a promotion we ran at a previous show - don't! This is all new! We have a new team, a new look, and new promos! Everyone that stops by takes home a fun prize and some couples can get some more prizes!!
I love bridal shows! They are so much fun for me!! Where else can I talk to people all day long about one of my greatest passions? (my other passion is my kids...I'll save that for another day!)
CT Expo Center
265 Rev. Moody Overpass
Hartford, CT
Saturday, January 16 11-5
Sunday, January 17 11-5
Booth 914
We hope to see you there! Stop by and say hi!
Jessica, Liss, and I can be found at the really cool Green Living Room at Booth 914! We're bringing out the unexpected at this show!! If you're expecting a promotion we ran at a previous show - don't! This is all new! We have a new team, a new look, and new promos! Everyone that stops by takes home a fun prize and some couples can get some more prizes!!
I love bridal shows! They are so much fun for me!! Where else can I talk to people all day long about one of my greatest passions? (my other passion is my kids...I'll save that for another day!)
CT Expo Center
265 Rev. Moody Overpass
Hartford, CT
Saturday, January 16 11-5
Sunday, January 17 11-5
Booth 914
We hope to see you there! Stop by and say hi!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009 Blessings & Reflection
Wow...where did 2009 go? It seems like just yesterday I was enjoying the sunshine of the summer and now I'm packing up Christmas decorations and getting ready for bridal shows! Looking back at the year, I decided to count my blessings and reflect.
[I started writing this blog post on the morning of December 30, 2009 - after I had written about 2/3 of the post, I received a Facebook message from a friend of mine. She told me of a former classmate who had lost his home to a fire the day before. I immediately started pulling things together for a goodie bag and dropped off some toiletries and other necessities for the family...and yes, I included some Hersey Kisses as necessities! :) Please keep the Potter family in your thoughts and prayers this New Years and we all must be grateful for the roof over our houses]
1. On a personal level - I am blessed with my family. I have an amazing understanding husband who just gets this crazy business I work in! Thank you, Dave! I also am blessed to have two fantastic kids who think it's perfectly normal for couples to come to their house and talk about weddings! Thank you, Alexandra and Evanthea for embracing the wedding business and enjoying the learning process of taking over Mommy's business eventually! I am also blessed to have awesome parents who taught me business, how to stand up for myself, and the fact that yes, girls can do anything (I'll give Mom more props in that department;) )! My parents have always encouraged and challenged me my entire life and at age 37, I'm grateful for it! thank you!
2. I have been thinking about my grandfather a lot this year - he passed away about 10 years ago but he always encouraged my art. He, himself, was a very talented artist but as every other Greek immigrant did, he owned a restaurant! :) Euxapistw Papou para poli (Thank you Grandfather very much) for the talent and the encouragement to be an artist.
3. We are blessed to have wonderful doctors. With all of the bashing of heathcare of late, I think props need to go out to the best doctors who get paid well - without them, we never would have noticed the health issues of my youngest daughter. This year was a roller coaster ride for my 4 year old, Evanthea. she was diagnosed with LVAS and treated with a hearing aid, all within three months. It has been a daily challenge adapting to her new restrictions, but we are blessed to have the knowledge with how to handle it.
4. I am blessed with my clients - this past year has brought to me not just wonderful couples but amazing friends through weddings. I have remained friends with many of my clients and their friendship is a blessing - thank you!
5. On the professional side - I was voted Best of Weddings by the knot brides for the 3rd year in a row. For that, I am truly blessed and humbled. Thank you everyone for that honor!
6. 2009 has brought to my door some new photographers - Jessica McBee, Liss Flint, Dave Field & JR Burrows. This is definitely the staff to beat! Thanks for your help and hard work this past year and I am really looking forward to growing with you guys in the upcoming year!
7. As silly as this may sound, it's not - I am thankful for Facebook. Without it, I would not have reconnected with so many faces of the past, met new friends, reconnected with family, and greeted new clients. I am able to share my photos, update my crazy life, vent a little, listen to others, learn from others, and help. Through Facebook, I met my neighbors who (oddly enough) have the same last name, and I had the opportunity to photograph them before Tyler was deployed with the National Guard. Through Facebook, I learned of the recent tragedy of a former classmate losing their home to a fire right after Christmas and found out right away how we could help. Through Facebook, I see the strength of many of my family members as they fight their way through cancer. Through Facebook, I am able to "talk" to clients and other photographers so that I can grow. Thank you, Facebook, and everyone I have come across in my journey!
I can go on and on as there is so much for me to be grateful for. 2009 has been a blessed year and I hope we all continue to count our blessings in 2010.
Happy New Year to all from Parsons Photography!
[I started writing this blog post on the morning of December 30, 2009 - after I had written about 2/3 of the post, I received a Facebook message from a friend of mine. She told me of a former classmate who had lost his home to a fire the day before. I immediately started pulling things together for a goodie bag and dropped off some toiletries and other necessities for the family...and yes, I included some Hersey Kisses as necessities! :) Please keep the Potter family in your thoughts and prayers this New Years and we all must be grateful for the roof over our houses]
1. On a personal level - I am blessed with my family. I have an amazing understanding husband who just gets this crazy business I work in! Thank you, Dave! I also am blessed to have two fantastic kids who think it's perfectly normal for couples to come to their house and talk about weddings! Thank you, Alexandra and Evanthea for embracing the wedding business and enjoying the learning process of taking over Mommy's business eventually! I am also blessed to have awesome parents who taught me business, how to stand up for myself, and the fact that yes, girls can do anything (I'll give Mom more props in that department;) )! My parents have always encouraged and challenged me my entire life and at age 37, I'm grateful for it! thank you!
2. I have been thinking about my grandfather a lot this year - he passed away about 10 years ago but he always encouraged my art. He, himself, was a very talented artist but as every other Greek immigrant did, he owned a restaurant! :) Euxapistw Papou para poli (Thank you Grandfather very much) for the talent and the encouragement to be an artist.
3. We are blessed to have wonderful doctors. With all of the bashing of heathcare of late, I think props need to go out to the best doctors who get paid well - without them, we never would have noticed the health issues of my youngest daughter. This year was a roller coaster ride for my 4 year old, Evanthea. she was diagnosed with LVAS and treated with a hearing aid, all within three months. It has been a daily challenge adapting to her new restrictions, but we are blessed to have the knowledge with how to handle it.
4. I am blessed with my clients - this past year has brought to me not just wonderful couples but amazing friends through weddings. I have remained friends with many of my clients and their friendship is a blessing - thank you!
5. On the professional side - I was voted Best of Weddings by the knot brides for the 3rd year in a row. For that, I am truly blessed and humbled. Thank you everyone for that honor!
6. 2009 has brought to my door some new photographers - Jessica McBee, Liss Flint, Dave Field & JR Burrows. This is definitely the staff to beat! Thanks for your help and hard work this past year and I am really looking forward to growing with you guys in the upcoming year!
7. As silly as this may sound, it's not - I am thankful for Facebook. Without it, I would not have reconnected with so many faces of the past, met new friends, reconnected with family, and greeted new clients. I am able to share my photos, update my crazy life, vent a little, listen to others, learn from others, and help. Through Facebook, I met my neighbors who (oddly enough) have the same last name, and I had the opportunity to photograph them before Tyler was deployed with the National Guard. Through Facebook, I learned of the recent tragedy of a former classmate losing their home to a fire right after Christmas and found out right away how we could help. Through Facebook, I see the strength of many of my family members as they fight their way through cancer. Through Facebook, I am able to "talk" to clients and other photographers so that I can grow. Thank you, Facebook, and everyone I have come across in my journey!
I can go on and on as there is so much for me to be grateful for. 2009 has been a blessed year and I hope we all continue to count our blessings in 2010.
Happy New Year to all from Parsons Photography!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Spread the Love Tour
Sigh...I am admitting an addiction online...I am addicted to Justin & Mary Marantz's website. I so love their work - yes, they are photographers here in CT; and yes, they are really fun! I met Justin & Mary at the local PUG meetings and I was drawn to Mary's bursting personality. first time I met her, I went home and Googled their site. It's been an addiction since. LOVE IT!
Now Justin & Mary are looking for sites for their Spread the Love Tour for next year. Hit their site (be careful, you may become addicted too!!) and vote for Hartford in the comments on the first post -- maybe I'll see you there! :)
Now Justin & Mary are looking for sites for their Spread the Love Tour for next year. Hit their site (be careful, you may become addicted too!!) and vote for Hartford in the comments on the first post -- maybe I'll see you there! :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Introducing our photographers
Within the past few months, Dave & I have welcomed some new and wonderful photographers to our staff! I have been wanted to post a welcome so you, our readers, could have an opportunity to meet everyone...but the challenge has always been the fact that we're always behind the camera, not in front of it!
First, I'll explain this picture below before I introduce everyone! Yesterday's wedding (Meghan & Nick) had a photo booth. We always hop in to test it out to make sure settings, backdrops, etc are set. One of us will hop in, make a silly face then grab the bride and groom for their test shots. Yesterday, all three of us jumped in with our cameras - we had 5 seconds each photo to figure out what we're doing! Not bad for a bunch of photogs? :)
So, on to the introductions!
Tall guy in the back - the other Parsons of Parsons Photography! Dave Parsons, the love of my life! Yes, we work well together! ;) Dave's photographic background is strong with details and photojournalism. Dave likes to blend in with the guests and then catch "that shot". Dave is also our Photo Booth Guy! He is usually the official attendant and works as a third photographer when the photo booth is rented.
Heather Whitehouse is the fiery redhead who shoots Nikon! Heather has become my right hand lady...my "Gal Friday"...my friend. Heather & I share a challenging zodiac sign and we're fortunate to be on the compatible side of Geminis! Heather comes from a background of fine art photographer and she brings such a beautifully unique perspective to our weddings! And she's lots of fun to be around!
And last - that's me! (That's my favorite lens too!) You've heard all about me (you can read it on the website too) so I won't bore you! :)
We also have two other photographers that work with us. Dave Field is newer to Parsons Photography, but definitely not new to photography. Dave (my hubby) has been photo-friends with Dave F. for at least 5 years, they used to go on shoots together. Dave F. is obssessed with lighting and how to make the same pose be a different photo by changing the direction of the light - we love what we've seen! Here's Dave helping out a local fisherman...actually it was the brother of the bride (check out Becky & Rich's photos for the story!)
And we have a cross-over vendor! Vinnie Nadeau crosses over in many different ways - I first met Vinnie as a DJ (he works with After Hours DJ Entertainment), then we photographed his wedding (see Cheryl & Vinnie's photos), then Vinnie decided he wanted to learn photography on the side! It seemed a natural progression to take him on! Vinnie has a great eye - he's very creative and he knows the moments to grab! Here's Vinnie showing his stuff as a DJ with Bert Fonseca!
As we are in full swing wedding season, we are thrilled to have this great group of friends and photographers working with us! Love you all! MWAH!! :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
After Hours DJs on Fox 61
Those of you who know me, know that one of my favorite vendors to work with is After Hours DJ Entertainment. Over the years, Dave & I have become friends with Bert and his staff (ok, Pete - you get a plug now!)...so much so that I have Vinnie as a second photographer sometimes!
We found out that they were going to be on Fox 61 this morning - poor Evanthea, I made her watch a full hour of the news waiting for them! Right before Bert & Vinnie made their debut, Evanthea decided to get dressed up for the occasion. Now, here's the way a 3 year old thinks - she's wearing a bride dress because they work weddings (logical), and with this dress she needs to wear a t-shirt underneath so she chose a Hannah Montana t shirt because she thinks Bert's as famous as Hannah...sorry Bert, but in her eyes it's a pretty big compliment! :)
Then as only my child can say, she suggests I should take pictures! What a great idea! Being that I have never photographed a TV before, this was my first shot!! Here is Evanthea helping me test my settings (wasn't really sure how to meter for a TV...LOL!).
And here's Bert & Vinnie - the TV stars! Evanthea had two things to say: "Bert looks different" and "Vinnie doesn't talk".
Bert & Vinnie brought in their photo booth (remember when I did their promo shots?) and I think the TV crew had more fun that most wedding guests!
Definitely not a flattering pic of Bert - but it's cool that his name is below him!
Bert's always so animated I sometimes have a tough time getting a good pic - this one was voted as he's trying to give Rachel Lutzker a kiss!
Very cool, guys! Congratulations on a great interview! You're bigger stars in the eyes of my child!
We found out that they were going to be on Fox 61 this morning - poor Evanthea, I made her watch a full hour of the news waiting for them! Right before Bert & Vinnie made their debut, Evanthea decided to get dressed up for the occasion. Now, here's the way a 3 year old thinks - she's wearing a bride dress because they work weddings (logical), and with this dress she needs to wear a t-shirt underneath so she chose a Hannah Montana t shirt because she thinks Bert's as famous as Hannah...sorry Bert, but in her eyes it's a pretty big compliment! :)
Then as only my child can say, she suggests I should take pictures! What a great idea! Being that I have never photographed a TV before, this was my first shot!! Here is Evanthea helping me test my settings (wasn't really sure how to meter for a TV...LOL!).
And here's Bert & Vinnie - the TV stars! Evanthea had two things to say: "Bert looks different" and "Vinnie doesn't talk".
Bert & Vinnie brought in their photo booth (remember when I did their promo shots?) and I think the TV crew had more fun that most wedding guests!
Definitely not a flattering pic of Bert - but it's cool that his name is below him!
Bert's always so animated I sometimes have a tough time getting a good pic - this one was voted as he's trying to give Rachel Lutzker a kiss!
Very cool, guys! Congratulations on a great interview! You're bigger stars in the eyes of my child!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Great photogs from Nashville
Last night, Patrick & I had a great honor to meet Jody & Zack Gray of Gray Photography - a husband and wife photog duo from Nashville. They are young, hip, and have killer marketing instincts! Be on the look out for our new website because I was so inspired by their talk! But in the meantime, check out their website...you will fall in love with them when you poke through! :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Website changes
This week I am in the process of updating our website - new slideshows, new photos, new look! I'm so excited about that! we will be able to feature recent weddings, offer more services, and you can email photos to friends (or bridesmaids!). We're very excited about this new website! Stay tuned, it should be live within the week!
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