Cyber Monday Sale: Bigger Really is BETTER!

It's been said you get what you pay for, but really, these days wouldn't it be nice to get a bit better return on your investment! In the spirit of Cyber Monday ('cause nobody appreciates online shopping like me- Amazon.com and Etsy.com and LLBean.com, oh my), Samantha Warren Weddings is offering you more for your money with our Bigger Really is BETTER! sale on gallery-wrapped canvas prints and parent books. Through next Wednesday, Dec. 8, when you buy any photo canvas print or parent book, you'll automatically be upgraded to the next size, for free!

Here are the details...

Gallery-Wrapped Canvas Prints: Your favorite image is printed on museum-quality canvas and hand-stretched on a 1.5-inch thick wood frame. The image is gallery wrapped, meaning it continues around the side of the frame for a wall-ready print you'll admire every day, no frame needed. Trust me, as someone who has these on their walls, you won't be able to stop staring!

For example,
Pay for a 12 x 24, get a 15 x 30 (panoramic sizes)
Pay for a 16 x 16, get a 20 x 20 (square sizes)
Pay for a 16 x 24, get a 20 x 30 (standard sizes)

Parent Books: A press-printed duplicate of your wedding album, these hardcover books with magazine style pages make the perfect present for parents and other characters in your wedding story. A variety of fabric cover options to choose from or leather with foil imprinting available for an additional fee.

For example,
Pay for an 8 x 8 book, get a 10 x 10!
Pay for an 10 x 10 book, get a 12 x 12!

For complete pricing details and ordering, please email me at sam@samanthawarrenweddings.com.

This promotion expires Monday, December 6 and all orders placed by then will be delivered no later than Wednesday, December 22.

And remember, slideshow DVDs in custom photo cases are buy one, get one free through Friday, Dec. 3! To order, please email me at sam@samanthawarrenweddings.com with the number of discs to order (promotion applies to additional discs- buy two get two free) and the Pictage image number of the image you'd like featured on the cover (those who prefer a leather or fabric case just email me for details) and any supporting text.

Happy Holidays!

Black Friday SALE: Buy One, Get One DVD Slideshow!!!

Why fight the crowds? Revel in your post-Thankgiving relax and shop for the far-too-fast-approaching holidays from home in your PJs (preferably with some leftover pie and coffee). In celebration of Black Friday, now through December 3, DVD slideshows will be buy one get one free!

Yeah, you read that right: buy one, GET ONE FREE! Just because. Because I like you (a whole lot!) and because I think there are few more meaningful gifts than the gift of imagery. And because really, who doesn't love a sale!

The DVD of your wedding highlights slideshow comes in a custom case featuring an image of your choosing on the case front and text detailing your name, date and wedding location on the back (see sample layout below). Other cover options include leather and fabric, in your choice of colors. These DVDs are regularly listed at $200 for the first copy and $100 for each additional disc but those who order through December 3 will receive two discs for $200, each in their own custom case and shipped to your door.

Turnaround time is approximately two weeks, ensuring they'll arrive in time for the holidays, where they'll make memorable gifts for parents, grandparents and other friends and family.

To order, please email me at sam@samanthawarrenweddings.com with the number of discs to order (promotion applies to additional discs- buy two get two free) and the Pictage image number of the image you'd like featured on the cover (those who prefer a leather or fabric case just email me for details) and any supporting text.

And come back on Cyber Monday for another deal that will just about take your holiday shopping list from daunting to done!

(The Slideshow) Casey & Micah: Belgrade Lakes Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Rehearsal dinner: Jamaica Point Lodge in Belgrade Lakes
Ceremony site: Jamaica Point Lodge
Officiant: Henry Beck (bride's brother)
Dresses (bride's and bridesmaids): J. Crew
Reception venue: Family camp on Great Pond
Caterer: Susie Laidlaw of ChiChiChef from Camden, Maine
Cupcakes: The Cupcake Place in Winslow, Maine
Event designer and coordinator: Jen Dubord (artist and bride's cousin)
The band: The Big Chiefs

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(The Slideshow) Luke & Tracy: Grand Cayman Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Cruise line: Carnival Cruise Lines (Ship- The Carnival Valor and stops including Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico)
Pre-cruise accommodations: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
Bride's dress: David's Bridal in South Portland, Maine
Maid of honor's dress: David's Bridal
Hair and makeup: Eclipze Hair Design and Day Spa on Grand Cayman
Coordinator and florist: Celebrations destination wedding planners based in Grand Cayman
Ceremony site: 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman
Cocktail hour: The Wharf Restaurant & Bar on Grand Cayman
Dinner: Dining room aboard the The Carnival Valor


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(The Slideshow) Lindsay & Pat: Cape Neddick, Maine Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Venue: Fairbourne, a private oceanside residence available for rental in Cape Neddick
Hair and makeup: Tina Wardwell of The Roaming Artists
Florist: Bloom's Flower Shoppe in Wells, Maine
Officiant: Captain Ken Barnes
Tent: Sperry Tents
Rentals: Exeter Rent-All
Caterer: Foster's Downeast Clambake in York Harbor
Cupcakes: Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland
Favors: Popcorn from Coastal Maine Popcorn
Guest transportation (trolley): Oqunquit Trolley Company


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(The Slideshow) Madeline & Tim: The Essex, Vermont Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Hair and makeup: Reflections Salon and Spa in Shelbourne, Vermont
Ceremony church: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Shelbourne, VT
Reception venue: The Essex (Vermont Culinary Resort and Spa) in Essex Junction Vermont
Florist: Randi Nonni of Silver Toad Floral Design
Placecards: Pink Lilly Press via Etsy
Program and placecard board design: Bridesmaid Faith Towers of Design Fixation Blog
Cake: Baked by staff at The Essex
Honeymoon destination: Stowe, Vermont


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(The Slideshow) Silversides Family Session: York, Maine

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is available for viewing here on Animoto.com)

A shift in slideshow focus today, to one showcasing a recent family session I did in York with Samantha Warren Weddings' 08.08.08 couple, Lani and Steve, and their adorable one-year-old daughter, Emma, who was a pure delight to photograph and play with.

You can see my coverage here of Lani and Steve's York Harbor Inn wedding on the Samantha Warren Weddings blog, or click here to read the couple's thoughtful contribution to my Bride's Side blog series.


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(The Slideshow) Deirdre & Ryan: The Barn on Walnut Hill Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Hair and makeup: Headgames Salon in Portland, Maine
Bride's dress: Michelle Kelly (a local Maine wedding dress designer) at Eco-Elegance in Portland
Bride's shoes: Frye boots and Seychelles heels (from Nordstrom)
Bridal bling: Brown Goldsmiths in Freeport
Groom's suit: David Wood in Portland
Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew
Ceremony and reception venue: The Barn on Walnut Hill in North Yarmouth
Officiant: Family friend
Caterer: York's Catering
Florist: Emily Carter Flowers
Centerpieces: Whole Foods Portland
Cake: Good Eats Boutique in Portland
Cocktail hour acoustic music and DJing: Joe Farren
Invitation design: by Bridesmaid Jess Wolfskehl
Printing (letterpress invitations, programs, etc.): Dunstan Press in Scarborough
Honeymoon destination: Croatia, Slovenia, Italy including sailing charter with Club Adriatic


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(The Slideshow) Kristyn & Paul: Bailey Island, Maine Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(For iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Wedding dress: Calvin Klein (from Nordstrom)
Bride's shoes: Kate Spade
Ceremony: Mackerel Cove on Bailey Island
Guest accomodations: Log Cabin Inn on Bailey Island and private residences
Reception venue: Library Hall on Bailey Island
Caterer: 111 Maine
Florist: Emily Carter Flowers
Cake: Baked by bride (Boston-based Quintessential Cakes)
Honeymoon destination: Maine coast


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(The Slideshow) Lisa & Dan: Devens Common Center, MA Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Wedding dress: Maggie Sottero, purchased at New York Lace Bridal Salon in Taunton, Massachussetts
Hair and makeup: New Outlooks Salon in Lunenburg, MA
Venue: Devens Common Center in Devens, MA
Florist: Windmill Florist in Fitchburg, MA
Cake: Joyce's Pies and Bakery in Leominster, MA
DJ: Anthony D'Elia of Revelation Productions
Honeymoon destination: Cruise to Turks and Caicos & Bahamas

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(The Slideshow) Shana & Chris: Bangor, Maine Wedding

All images in slideshow by Samantha Warren Weddings
(Original blog entry here on the Samantha Warren Weddings' Blog and for iPhone/iPad users, the slideshow is also available for viewing here on Samantha Warren Weddings' YouTube channel or here on Animoto.com)

Other wedding vendors featured:
Wedding dress: Madeleine's Daughter in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Bridal shoes: Kate Spade
Hair and makeup: Heather Baine, of Tangled Endz, and Kylie Hanlon, of Capello's
Transportation: Hollywood Custom Rides in Bangor, Maine
Church: Saint John's Catholic Church in Bangor
Ring bearer bowl: Paloma's Nest
Reception venue: Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor
Florist: Chapel Hill Floral in Bangor,
Cake: Janna Gallant
Band: River Bottom Funk
Honeymoon destination: St. Lucia



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And let the show begin!

i live in an iWorld. And now the emotionally engaging eye candy that is my wedding highlight slideshows can join me and the millions upon millions of my fellow iPhone and iPad users there too (kinda), thanks to my recent switch to a new slideshow software program called Animoto*.

Animoto is a subscription-based web application that helps professional photographers and other creative types (as well as paying consumers) generate fully-customized widescreen videos (I call them supped-up slideshows) made using high-end motion design that takes into account the genre, song structure, rhythm, instrumentation and vocals of the selected song when syncing the images to it. Reporting on the buzz Animoto generated a few years back at the SXSW conference, The Wall Street Journal said Animoto was "a web site designed to let users turn their digital photos into supercharged videos more akin to music videos than slideshows." And CNN said "It's not just any ol video, it's digital photos presented as a very compelling movie with music. The end result is quite stunning." But I think G4TV summed it up best when they called the results of an Animoto creation "maximum slideshow bad-ass-ery!"

I'd been looking for an alternative slideshow software program for some time for a variety of reasons and while cruising the tradeshow at the Photo Plus Expo in NYC last month with my photog friend Amy, was luckily lured into the Animoto booth.

Despite my pledge to not make any costly commitments from the tradeshow floor (with all that shiny new gear and the seductive salespitches, it's easy to get sucked into unnecessary spending), I walked away from their booth knowing that while I'd hold true to my promise to not buy anything from a booth, I'd sign up the second I got home. And I did.

What sold me on Animoto: their rock star (read: non cheese-ball) collection of more than 1,000 commercially-licensed songs to sync my shots to; the ease in which I (and in turn my clients) can disseminate these sleek slideshows (in high resolution) to Facebook, YouTube, other social media outlets and email; that clients and their family and friends can order slideshows directly through me (and not through the company that sells the software) saving shipping and production time and ensuring high quality; and yes, that these videos are viewable on iProducts*. (*The caveat is that these videos can not be watched if you are trying to view the version that is embedded within this blog on your iPhone and instead must view it on Animoto.com, YouTube or Facebook, on the Animoto app for iPhone/iPad or within iTunes. To understand why, ask the man in black.)

Animoto has been reaching out into the professional photography community lately (hence their presence at PhotoPlus and also at WPPI which I attended in March), and now having used the application a bit, I can see and feel the appeal. I hope you agree!

While I am embarrassingly behind on blogging the stories of the 30 or so weddings from this season and last fall I've yet to share (having Grand Jury duty for four full weeks this fall hasn't helped in the least), I will be trying to break-up the blogjam and get back in the blogging habit by showing you a new slideshow I've made using Animoto in a new post each day for the next month, starting with Chris and Shana's show later today. So grab some popcorn, a box of tissues and let the show begin!

And, clients who wish to purchase a copy of their slideshow (a perfect present for the holidays for parents and wedding party participants), please email me at sam@samanthawarrenweddings.com to place your orders.

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