Animal advocate, photographer Bonnie Smith dies at 72

By Mark Winekamark.wineka@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Bonnie Smith, a trailblazer in animal protection in Rowan County and an award-winning  photographer, died Friday after a period of declining health.

Smith, 72, was a longtime animal cruelty investigator for both Rowan County government and the Humane Society of Rowan County, for which she was a founding member in 1973.

"I don't know why I feel such a responsibility toward animals," Smith told Rose Post in 1983, in a Salisbury Post story titled, "Bonnie Smith to the Rescue," "and most of the time I wish I didn't because my life would be a lot easier and simpler — and I'd probably be a lot richer. But when it comes down to it, there are not enough people willing to help animals."

She was a photographer with the Salisbury Post for two years and had been a wedding and portrait photographer locally. She won several awards as a member of the N.C. Professional Photographers Association, including a Best of Show in 1983 for a black-and-white print titled "Sands, Sea Oats and Solitude." That photograph was chosen as one of 25 for the N.C. Traveling Loan Collection.

More than once, Smith also was chosen as official photographer for national conferences of the Humane Society of the United States, from which she received training in animal cruelty investigations in 1975. She became an instructor in animal cruelty investigations and photography, teaching classes to law enforcement, animal control officers and local humane societies.

In 1992, after responding to a stray dog in trouble in Salisbury, Smith told the Post, "If you see it and don't try to help, it makes you part of the problem. If I don't do something about it, to help that animal, I'm as guilty as the person that is intentionally or unintentionally allowing that cruelty to happen."

Smith served in every official capacity for the Humane Society of Rowan County. In a guest column for the Salisbury Post in 1984, Smith had several suggestions which became common practice, such as deputizing animal control officers, prosecuting repeat offenders, making spay-neuter mandatory for adopted dogs and cats, requiring license tags to be worn with rabies tags and allowing animal control officers to intervene when blatant cruelty was evident and immediate action was necessary.

As a parting thought in that column, Smith also recommended changing the name and image of the Rowan County Dog Pound, by calling it the Rowan County Animal Shelter.

"I don't know why people don't care," Smith said in 1983, "and I don't know why I care so much. If I had my choice, I would probably choose not to be so involved, but it seems I have no choice."

Smith's obituary is on page 4A.

Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.

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Source: Animal advocate, photographer Bonnie Smith dies at 72

Finger food, bikes instead of limos and a ceremony in the park: Meet the brides who married on a budget and insist it was perfect... so could YOU achieve your dream wedding for ...

Three couples share how they planned a wedding for $10,000 or less

Top tips for budgeting included choosing canapés over a sit down meal

Wedding photography was done by a friend or held for only a few hours 

Each couple said it was important to prioritise the things they 'must have'

They suggested keeping your future in mind when budgeting  

By Lauren Grounsell For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:11 EST, 29 August 2015 | Updated: 02:50 EST, 30 August 2015

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With recent studies revealing the average Australian wedding costs $65,000, brides-to-be are looking for ways to plan their dream wedding on a budget.

Instead of garlands of flowers and crystal champagne flutes, couples are staging intimate ceremonies, and placing love before money.

Daily Mail Australia spoke to three couples - Geri and Casey Hammond, Cascie and Stacy Kambouris and Michelle and Simon Hutchison -  who each revealed how they planned their dream wedding for $10,000 or less.

Scroll down for video  

Wedded bliss: Three couples revealed to Daily Mail Australia how they planned their wedding for $10,000 or less

1. GERI AND CASEY HAMMOND - $10,130

'Keep it simple, nobody ever remembers all the little things that cost you so much money.'

When planning her wedding to husband Casey, Geri focused on the age old adage that less is more.

The Gold Coast bride planned an intimate 50-guest affair, but told Daily Mail Australia that sticking to a budget did not mean skimping, it just meant prioritising.

Wedded bliss: Geri and Casey Hammond were married in the Gold Coast Hinterland 

'One of the things that Casey wanted, his only request the whole time, was he did not want a sit-down, formal wedding,' Mrs Hammond, 28, said.

'We had a canapé, stand-up style wedding - that reduced the cost from $150 per head to $60 per head.'

Less is more: The couple prioritised their wedding must haves so they could stick to their budget

The Hammonds were married at Teavine House, Tallebudgerra Valley, with t he venue the biggest cost for the couple at $4,500.

Another big purchase was hiring the celebrant, but at $750 Mrs Hammond said he was 'worth every cent' and that some of their friends have since gone on to hire him for their own weddings. 

The rest they did on a budget.

Happy snaps: To keep the cost under wraps, the Hammonds had a photographer for a couple of hours only

THE HAMMOND'S WEDDING TIPS

Have a small, intimate guest list

Serve canapés instead of a sit down meal

Use friends and family to provide services

Have a photographer for a couple of hours

Prioritise your list 

'My sister� ��s best mate owned a cupcake company, and they did our wedding cake and 50 cupcakes for a good price,' Mrs Hammond said.

'Alcohol was another big thing, but Casey's parents paid for that for us - it was their contribution to the wedding.

'I decided to have a photographer for a couple of hours.'

However, the best value-for-money part of the day, Mrs Hammond said, was the gifts they gave to the guests. 

Mrs Hammond's father makes muesli, which they packaged in brown paper bags for less than $1 each. 

Ever after: Mrs Hammond packaged her father's muesli as a wedding gift for her guests at less than $1 per serve

2. CASCIE AND STACY KAMBOURIS - $10,000

When guests arrived at Cascie and Stacy Kambouris' engagement party at Brisbane's New Fa rm Park, they were in for a surprise.

Nearly two hours into the party the music stopped, and the Kambouris' announced they would be tying the knot – right there and then.

'We walked back home, about 300 metres away, got changed, the groomsmen rode pushbikes back, the food trucks rolled in and we did a massive lawn party,' Mrs Kambouris said.

Surprise wedding: Cascie and Stacy Kambouris threw an engagement party, but ended up tying the knot

'We had games of checkers on the lawn, bocce, jenga and connect four. It was a really fun day.'

Planning her wedding was a light-bulb moment for Mrs Kambouris, who used the experience as inspiration to launch her own business, Queensland Wedding Hire.

'What I noticed is that as soon as anyone said wedding … they charged a ridiculous a mount,' she said.

Garden glam: The Kambouris' married in their local park and kept costs down by hiring food vans for the catering

'I wanted to give people the option to do this cost effectively.'

The biggest cost of her big day, Mrs Kambouris said, was the food and drink for their 100 guests.

However, instead of a sit-down affair the couple opted for food trucks, spending just $20 a head on food and $15 a head on drink.

Family and friends: By hiring a friend to do their wedding photography, the Kambouris' kept the cost down to just $200

CASCIE AND STACY KAMBOURIS 

Hire food trucks to provide catering

Control the cost of alcohol by purchasing it yourself

Send e-invites 

Compare a number of suppliers 

'We spent $30 a bottle on bubbly, but went through [Australian liquor chain] Dan Murphy's to control our costs.

'If we didn't use it, we could take it back.'

Another tip to keep costs down from the Kambouris was embracing social media to send out invites. They sent out only 20 printed invitations for their older relatives who did not have Facebook.

Big day: The bridesmaids spent just $45 each on dresses and $20 on shoes

The photographs were taken by a friend, who charged the couple $200 for the day.

Mrs Kambouris also saved on bridal attire, with her bridesmaids spending $45 each on dresses and $20 on shoes.

'The most expensive thing we did was go to MAC [Cosmetics] in the morning to have our make-up done,' she said.

'I think it's really important to keep a list of your must-haves, the things that are not negotiable, and put that list first.

'Also, talk for three or four different suppliers.' 

Fun and games: Outdoor games, like Connect Four, were a low cost idea that kept guests entertained for hours

3. MICHELLE AND SIMON HUTCHISON - $9000 

When Sydney couple Michelle and Simon Hutchison sat down to plan their wedding, they had more than their big day in mind.

'We were saving for a home and land deposit, so we didn't want to spend too much,' Mrs Hutchison told Daily Mail Australia of her 2009 nuptials.

'Our initial budgeting strategy was to spend as little as possible.

Future together: When Michelle and Simon Hutchison got married, they kept to a budget so they could still afford a home and land deposit afterwards 

MICHELLE AND SIMON HUTCHISON 

Look for package deals

Choose your time of day - a Sunday afternoon wedding is cheaper than a Saturday wedding

Ask the bridal party to pay their way

Get hair and make-up done by friends 

'All my family and friends were married or getting married and spent a lot of money.

'But they had a lot of extras and a lot of things they paid for that you don't necessarily have to have.'

With a smal l, intimate wedding in mind, Mrs Hutchison set out to tackle what would be her biggest spend – the reception.

Instead of a sit-down meal, the Hutchison's planned a beautiful Sunday afternoon canapé wedding for their 80 guests.

Intimate affair: By keeping their guest list small, the Hutchisons were able to stick to their budget

They settled on a package deal that included food, alcohol and a DJ at the reception.

'Some of the things I looked at was comparing the types of meals available, for instance canapés verses a sit-down meal, and the time of day, so lunch-time versus dinner,' Mrs Hutchison said.

'Saturday was the most expensive day to hold the wedding … so we had a Sunday afternoon canapés that brought the cost down.'

Casual elegance: Having canapés instead of a sit-down meal is a good way to stay in budget

In the lead-up to her wedding, Mrs Hutchison worked with friends to keep her budget under wraps.

'Another good tip is to get friends or any people you know to do things for you on the day,' she said.

'A friend who is a hairdresser did our hair at a great price, she did mine for free, and my sister-in-law did my make-up.

Picturesque: Mrs Hutchison advised couples getting married to 'keep in mind what you're life goals are'

'Someone I knew was a photographer, and he offered to take some photos.

'At the end of the day you're there to celebrate getting married and starting a family together … there's no need to spend more than necessary.

'The less you spend on a wedding the more to have for thi ngs later.'

Source: Finger food, bikes instead of limos and a ceremony in the park: Meet the brides who married on a budget and insist it was perfect... so could YOU achieve your dream wedding for ...

Newport Beach's Figge Photography has a 70-year legacy of smiles and centerfolds

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Leslie Figge and her brother Greg Figge will "do whatever it takes to get the picture," according to Leslie. The siblings own Figge Photography in Newport Beach, which was founded in 1945 by their parents. The family business celebrates its 70th anniversary on Oct 1. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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It's all in the family at Figge Photography. Greg Figge and sister Leslie Figge are the force, along with other family members, behind the Newport Beach business' success. He's the photographer. She's the stylist, makeup artist, photo assistant and does whatever else is needed to get a great picture. Their mom Melba, the studio's "heart and soul," assisted their dad Bill in much the same way when they founded the business in 1945. Their immediate family is framed by the doorway and old black and white images of their parent are under the sign "Celebrating 70." CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Love and war. Bill Figge photographed it all. The World War II combat Army photographer was also a wedding photographer. In 1963 he started photographing Playboy centerfolds. Bill and Melba Figge would discover Playmates while photographing weddings. They wound up photographing 47 centerfolds and three covers. He, assisted by his wife, photographed this June 1966 Playboy, left, and Nov. 1966 on right. Back then the magazine wanted a photo essay of the girls. The playmate, left, stayed months with the Figge family because it was logistically easier. They are close to this day and the former Playmate even shares the family's USC tickets. She was one of about ten Playmates that lived with the family at different times. They still keep in touch with several of them and many came to Melba Figge's funeral last year. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Bill and Melba Figge, pictured left and standing in the background right, were resourceful. She would go to the county courthouse, find out who had registered for a marriage license and cold called the couples. The Figges took wedding photos for free and sold prints to those interested. The couple always looked their best, according to their daughter Leslie Figge. She, along with other family members, run the Newport Beach Figge Photography business, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary Oct. 1. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Bill and Melba Figge, pictured throughout, teamed up to run a very successful photograph studio that started in 1945. When he became sick in 1975, all four children helped with the studio. He passed away in 1976. Afterward, Melba surprised everyone by deciding to move the family to Newport Beach. It was her husband's dream to have a business there. She figured life was too short. Today, their children Greg and Leslie carry on the Figge tradition. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Who's the boss? Neither. Greg Figge and sister Leslie Figge are a team, she explains. He makes the pictures and she is the support, taking light meter readings, being the photo stylist, organizing the wedding shoots and more. Together they've continued their parents' tradition. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Greg Figge and sister Leslie Figge have kept up with technology, switching to digital at the end of 2004. Their lights are on ceiling tracks in their well-equipped Newport Beach studio, Figge Photography. They are known for their high end family portraits, special occasions and wedding photography. When the siblings first started they did two Playboy shoots, "to show our street cred," Leslie says. However the family didn't care for the risqué direction the magazine was going so they stopped. They've successfully managed to keep multi-generational clients. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Melba Figge, matriarch of the family, looks glamorous in many pictures throughout the Figge Photography Newport Beach studio, with the exception of this one, which shows off her humor. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Melba Figge's glamour and style grace the Figge Photography Newport Beach studio. Her daughter Leslie still has this hat. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Greg Figge of Figge Photography in Newport Beach learned photography from his dad. Growing up they'd watch sports on TV in the darkroom after his dad devised a way for it not to fog the prints. Greg has fond memories of those times. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Figge Photography turns 70 on Oct. 1. The calls and letters of appreciation to the family, gets Leslie Figge misty. The family is grateful to all the clients who've kept them in business for seven decades. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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"She was the heart and soul of the studio," Leslie Figge said of her mother, Melba Figge. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family outside of their Newport Beach studio. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family. In the 1960s, Figge Photography was shooting 500 weddings a year. Now the company only does a handful. Greg Figge said this is because they have fewer photographers and they do not want to shoot weddings every weekend. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill and Melba Figge outside of the Rose Bowl. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill and Melba Figge started Figge Photography 70 years ago. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge children stand outside of the photography studio. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family stands outside of Figge Photography. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Figge Photography started in Glendale. After Bill Figge's death, Melba Figge moved the studio down to Newport Beach. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The passing of Bill Figge in 1976 shook the business. The family decided to move from Glendale to Newport Beach. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill and Melba Figge founded Figge Photography in 1945. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family before patriarch Bill Figge passed away. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figges have taken photos of many celebrities over the years including Richard Nixon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Langdon, Natalie Wood, Bob Hope and Pete Carroll. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill Figge graduated USC in 1941 with the goal of working in Hollywood. Then World War II rolled around and he enlisted in the Army's Signal Corps where he served as a combat photographer. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill Figge. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill Figge poses next to his camera. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill and Melba Figge married after World War II and started Figge Photography. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Melba Figge and her children. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Figge Photography found success as a wedding photography business and opened a studio in Glendale. They moved to Newport Beach after the passing of Bill Figge. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Newport Beach photography studio has pictures and old cameras on display. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Figge family at their Newport Beach photography studio. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Five family members currently work at the studio. They are pictured holding a photo of Bill and Melba Figge. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Bill Figge graduated USC in 1941 with the goal of working in Hollywood. Then World War II rolled around and he enlisted in the Army's Signal Corps where he served as a combat photographer. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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When Figge Photography was still young, Melba Figge came up with an idea: to go to the county courthouse, find out who had registered for a marriage license and cold call the couples. The Figges offered to take the photos for free, selling prints if the couple decided to purchase them. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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After the war, Bill and Melba Figge, college sweethearts, got married. They began photographing debutantes from UCLA and USC. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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The family found success as a wedding photography business and opened a studio in Glendale. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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"She was the heart and soul of the studio," Leslie Figge said of her mother, Melba Figge. COURTESY OF FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

View slideshow

Leslie Figge and her brother Greg Figge will "do whatever it takes to get the picture," according to Leslie. The siblings own Figge Photography in Newport Beach, which was founded in 1945 by their parents. The family business celebrates its 70th anniversary on Oct 1. CINDY YAMANAKA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BY HANNAH MADANS / STAFF WRITER

Photo tips

The Figges have taken photos of celebrities such as Richard Nixon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Langdon, Natalie Wood, Bob Hope and Pete Carroll. They offer some tips to capture the best portraits:

• It's all about lighting: open shades to backlight a subject; there shouldn't be any sun in the photographer's face

• It is best to take photos at dusk

• Back up pictures for safekeeping

• Invest in timeless, not gimmicky photos

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Greg Figge, 68, has worked in the photography business his entire life.

But neither Figge nor the bride was prepared for what happened at this particular wedding, some 40 years ago.

Just as the bride and groom were about to cut the cake, Figge realized he was out of film. Not wanting him to miss the moment, his sister Leslie Figge, now 60, grabbed a roll of film and tossed it his way.

The film landed right on the top layer of the cake. After a brief moment of shock, the bride started laughing.

It was but one of many memorable moments for the Figges, whose family business is celebrating a 70-year history that has seen countless family portraits, Playboy centerfolds and a huge shift in technology.

WEDDING PHOTOS

Bill and Melba Figge, pronounced "figgy," created the family business somewhat by accident in 1945.

Bill Figge didn't envision owning a photography studio. He graduated USC in 1941 with the dream of working in Hollywood. Then World War II rolled around, and he enlisted in the Army's Signal Corps where he served as a combat photographer.

After the war he married Melba, whom he met at USC. Dreams of Hollywood shifted to photographing debutantes from UCLA and USC.

Eventually Melba Figge came up with an idea: They would go to the county courthouse, find out who had registered for a marriage license and cold call the couples. The Figges offered to take the wedding pictures for free, selling prints if the couple decided to buy them.

The family went on to find its niche as wedding photographers and soon opened a studio in Glendale.

PLAYBOY MAGAZINE

In 1963 the Figges met Hugh Hefner and a new era of portrait work began for the business.

Playboy magazine photographer Edward DeLong introduced the family to Hefner and his team, and soon the Figges were scheduling Playmate photo shoots between family portraits and weddings.

The family would go on to photograph 47 centerfolds and three Playboy covers. Bill Figge is credited with discovering many Playmates at the weddings he photographed. They stopped working with Playboy in the early 1980s.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Leslie and Gregg were teens when they joined the growing Figge Photography.

Leslie earned $10 a photo book; her brother 25 cents an hour for studio work.

In 1969, Bill Figge told Greg he could shoot a wedding.

"I told him he better teach me how to load a camera," he said. At the time, you could only take 12 photos on a roll, making it easy to miss shots if you were unable to load a camera quickly.

The passing of Bill Figge in 1976 shook the business. The family decided to move to Newport Beach.

"Our mom said 'life is too short, let's do this.' Our accountant thought she was crazy but we moved the studio," Leslie Figge said.

The family kept one studio in Glendale and one in Newport Beach until the Orange County location became the more popular of the two.

About a year ago, Melba Figge passed away.

"She was the heart and soul of the studio and big shoes to fill, but I realized I didn't have to fill her shows, I had to fill my own," Leslie Figge said.

NEXT TAKE

In recent years the company has shifted gears, in more ways than one. The staff is smaller (just five family members), the wedding work is minimal and the film is long gone.

The Figges said that while wedding shoots are lucrative, running $7,500 to $12,000, they are labor intensive. The time invested in the event and post-production work can whittle the profit margin.

The company in 2004 switched to an all-digital operation. The work once done in the darkroom has switched to a computer.

"Everyone has a lot more to do with digital photos. There's a lot more editing, creating slideshows and presentations for meetings," Leslie Figge said.

The business has added head shots and real estate photos to its portfolio, but the portrait work continues to be its bread and butter. The Figges said many of their clientele come back over the course of their lives to capture milestone moments. The business shoots around 450 sessions a year.

Both the Figges say the best part of their business is capturing their clients' celebrations over the years.

"We have the responsibility to take images that capture people's lives. It's a huge responsibility and we take it seriously," Greg Figge said.

Newport Beach resident Scott Burnham is one such example. He's been going to Figge Photography for more than 40 years.

The Figge family has photographed his engagement, his wedding and his daughters' weddings.

"The Figges have captured really magical moments in my family's history and I love those guys and am grateful for all the lasting memories they've given me," he said.

As for the next generation of Figge Photography, Leslie sees her stepdaughter, Celia Lerum, taking over the company someday.

"If she's not careful, she could end up like my mother doing everything," Greg Figge added.

Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans

Source: Newport Beach's Figge Photography has a 70-year legacy of smiles and centerfolds

No more queuing at wedding photo booths. Click, tag and print!

Andri Yadi, CEO & Founder, Jepret Allegra Image Credit: KompasTekno

It all began from a desire to make his wedding day celebration more unique. There Andri Yadi saw a problem that led him to become CEO and Founder of Bandung-based photo-printing service app and machine Jepret Allegra.

Named after the sound cameras make when it takes pictures, the Indonesian startup aims to make photo printing easier and more convenient at events such as wedding parties.

"Most wedding photographers only accommodate photo requests from the bride and groom and their family. The guests are left to their own devices," says Yadi, as reported by KompasTekno in early August at a PopCon Asia 2015 event.

Most wedding organisers attempt to fix this particular wedding woe by installing a photo booth for guests. But this brings up another issue as it usually ends up creating a long waiting line, requiring at least a 15-30-minute wait for your turn. And it does not include the amount of time needed to print the photographs.

But with the IoT-based autonomous printing machine that Yadi has created, wedding guests can now eliminate queuing for photographs from their guest duties. All they have to do is take photos with their own smartphone, upload it on social media platforms, then tag it with a hashtag that the organisers have provided. Jepret Allegra will detect all photos tagged with said hashtag and print it automatically in only eight seconds. Voila! Guests can go to the booth to pick up their printed photos.

After applying the concept to his own wedding in March 2014, Yadi began to receive queries from friends and families about the app. Even the wedding organisers decided to use the concept for another client, prompting Yadi to turn it into a profitable business. At IDR 4 million (US$284) for three hours, customers get to enjoy Jepret Allegra complete with two on-site operators and an unlimited stock of photo papers. The event organiser also gets to gather all the photos tagged with the hashtag.

Also Read: Singapore-based startup ProperHands raises US$177K in seed funding

It began with a feature phone

Jepret's social media picture service has actually been around since 2012 as a feature phone app. "It was very much like Instagram, only for a feature phone," explains Yadi.

The app went out of the market as demands for feature phones decreased. It was not until that fateful night at his own wedding that Yadi finally found a reason to bring it back from the grave. In December 2014, he launched Jepret Story, a photo-sharing smartphone app that allows users to share photos more easily.

"For example, when you are going on a holiday with friends. You and your friends can agree on a single hashtag for the holiday. Photos from various devices will then be kept in the same cloud server. There is no longer the need to send photos to one another's devices," Yadi elaborates.

Jepret has now grown into three separate business lines under DyCode – Jepret Story, Jepret Cloud and Jepret Allegra. Each aims to fulfil different needs of the customer and works in sync to support one another.

Also Read: India's EazyDiner raises US$3M from DSG, Saama Capital

Plans to monetise

Apart from wedding organisers, Jepret Allegra is also available for marketing and promotional events. A great example would be utilising the app to promote a cafe or a restaurant.

"Visitors can take selfies in the restaurant and upload it with the provided hashtag. Then, before they go home, they can have their photo printed. They can play their part in making the restaurant more famous by using the hashtag," says Yadi.

Yadi mentioned that there are at least two cafes in Bandung, West Java, that have been using the service. The Allegra is only available for rent at the moment. "We only have six of them; that is why we can only use them for rent. You see, all these machines are handmade," he shares. For the future, Yadi aims to sell Jepret Allegras, instead of just renting it out. 

Source: No more queuing at wedding photo booths. Click, tag and print!

Forget selfies! The latest holiday accessory is a professional photographer

Snap to it … isn't it time you hired a holiday photographer to cater to your social media needs? Photograph: El Camino Travel

It's difficult not to feel insecure scrolling through the Instagram feed of El Camino Travel. Svelte, well-dressed travellers dance in front of brightly painted doorways on Latin American streets, plunge into crystal clear waters, and generally look like they're having a better holiday than you ever will. They're certainly having a more beautiful one.

Still, it's easier to look good when you've got a personal photographer in tow – and El Camino includes a professional snapper as part of the package on its small group tours in Colombia and Nicaragua. The photographer will deliver dozens of images to you each morning that "you can immediately share on social media". Launched last year and with tours already sold out for 2015, it's one of a growing number of travel companies capitalising on the desire among travellers to capture their trip in stunning photographs and, perhaps more significantly, share them online.

Style files … More people than ever are documenting their holidays on sites such as Instagram and Facebook. Photograph: El Camino Travel

Companies such as Flytographer and Shoot My Travel have also honed in on the rose-tinted travel fantasies of the Instagram generation. These connect travellers with local photographers, who will show them around the city and share tips, while "discreetly" taking holiday shots.

"Nowadays, if we don't document it and put it online it's like it didn't happen," says Valerie Lopez, the Miami-based photographer who set up Shoot My Travel in 2012. "We created the service for people who like to travel light and don't want to worry about anything but being there. When you're worrying about taking a good photo you're not in the moment."

As Linda Fox, deputy editor at travel tech site Tnooz says, travel photography "remains among the most viewed content on social media". According to a Facebook survey released in January, 83% of us now use the net while on holiday and almost half of us post snaps to the site when they get home. And stats compiled by visual media consultancy getchute.com show that this June alone more than 3.8 million travel-related photos were posted to Instagram. Think #beach #landscape #sunset #hotdoglegs. For some it's evidently a commodity worth paying for: Shoot My Travel offers two-hour tours from £160, Flytographer will provide a two-location shoot for £225. At El Camino the cost of the photographer is part of the cost of the tours, which start at £1,320 for nine days.

Rosa Park, editor of design- and photography-led travel magazine Cereal, attributes the emergence of businesses like El Camino "largely to platforms like Instagram".

'Nowadays, if we don't document it and put it online it's like it didn't happen,' says Valerie Lopez, founder, Shoot My Travel. Photograph: El Camino Travel

"One of the most fun times to upload stuff is on your travels," says Park. "Obviously it's usual to have a photographer for a wedding, but societal norms have shifted."

An aesthetic has emerged in the travel shots found on Instagram, echoed in the photos used to promote El Camino in particular, but also Shoot My Travel. "There are definite trends within photography," says Park, "images that evoke certain moods and have certain styles: misty mountains, a tiny person on a rock, a cityscape from above, feet sticking out in front of scenery. And as we become more alert to that, people on their travels look to take a specific set of photos."

As for whether she would pay to have someone take her holiday snaps for here, Park feels it takes a certain kind of person. "You have to have the personality for it, you have to feel comfortable in front of the camera and like beautiful photos," she says. "But for our generation taking photos and sharing has become more normal than ever before. And why wouldn't you want a great photo of yourself?"

Source: Forget selfies! The latest holiday accessory is a professional photographer

Meet the Keatings: Storm shares first photo of wedding to Ronan

Published 26/08/2015 | 07:57

Talk about the picture of love.

The tv producer (34) and singer (38) wed in lavish style in Scotland last week and the pair have kept photos of their big day under lock and key due to a lucrative deal with Hello! magazine, secured for a reported €70,000.

But now that the magazine is on newsstands, the blushing bride couldn't resist sharing a loved-up photo of her with her husband walking up the aisle together.

In the black and white photo, the couple are grinning from ear to ear as guests throw rose petals, with Ronan's 16-year-old son and best man Jack not far behind.

Read more: Exclusive photos: Ed Sheeran surprises newly married Ronan and Storm

The couple, who have been together for three years, became engaged in April and wasted no time in making it official when they exchanged vows at the exclusive Archerfield House and Golf Resort in Scotland last Monday in a star-studded ceremony.

With Ed Sheeran on hand to perform for the newlyweds, celebrity attendees included Brian McFadden and Dannii Minogue.

The bride, Storm Uechritz, is believed to have been walked down the aisle by her father Gordon and was accompanied by Ronan's daughters Missy (14) and Ali (nine) who served as bridesmaids.

Read more: Pippa O'Connor and hubby Brian won't be attending pal Ronan and Storm's exclusive wedding

"It was a perfect day. We always wanted the wedding party to be just us and the kids," Ronan told HELLO! Magazine, out now.

"It's so special for me that Storm would want the girls to be by her side. I'm so proud and honoured. It means the world to me."

Online Editors

Source: Meet the Keatings: Storm shares first photo of wedding to Ronan

The Great Big Benefits Wedding: Couple who receive £10,000 in state handouts to marry live on TV in £950 budget ceremony

Andrew Prosser, 43, is marrying childhood sweetheart Joanna Griffiths, 38

Jobless pair, from Gwent, South Wales, receive £824 in benefits per month

Couple have used loans to cover cost of wedding, which will be aired on TV

Low-cost wedding includes a £16 cake, a £138 dress and Facebook invites

By Steph Cockroft for MailOnline

Published: 00:21 EST, 25 August 2015 | Updated: 04:02 EST, 25 August 2015

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A benefits couple who rake in £10,000 in state handouts are getting married live on TV in a £950 budget ceremony.

Andrew Prosser, 43, and his childhood sweetheart Joanna Griffiths, 38, became engaged last year after not seeing one another for nearly two decades.

Now the couple are preparing to tie the knot in a lavish but low-cost ceremony, which will include a £139 dress, a £16 cake and an amateur photographer who has never covered a wedding. 

Scroll down for videos 

Benefits couple Andrew Prosser, 43, and his childhood sweetheart Joanna Griffiths, 38, from Cwmbran, Gwent, South Wales, are getting married live on TV in a £950 budget ceremony

The couple are preparing to tie the knot in a lavish but low-cost ceremony, which will include a £139 dress, a £16 cake and an amateur phot ographer who has never covered a wedding.

Receiving £800 in state benefits, the pair have had to take out hundreds of pounds worth of loans - which includes 20 per cent worth of charges - so they can pay for their dream wedding.

But their limited budget hasn't stopped the pair splashing out on some luxury items - including their own sunbed so they can look their best on the day.

The couple, from Cwmbran, Gwent, believe the benefits they receive are not enough and that the government should increase handouts in line with the cost of living.

Ms Griffiths - who became one of Britain's youngest grandmothers five years ago - said: 'I'm marrying the man of my dreams and I want the wedding of my dreams but you can't if you can't work. I just want to get as close as possible on the budget we've got.'

In order to keep the costs down, Ms Griffiths - who first claimed benefits when she fell pregnant at 15 - is wearing a dress from China, which they managed to pay for after a win at bingo.

She also plans to wear a £3.50 necklace along with glittery canvas trainers - which she has decorated with diamantes and ribbons - which she bought on eBay.

Mr Prosser, who stopped working as a roofer eight years ago, receives 'low level' PIP and carer's allowance of £304 due to his rheumatoid arthritis. He is wearing a hired suit (pictured) for the big day 

The unemployed mother also sent the invites over Facebook and bought a cake for £16 from a local supermarket. She will also ice a batch of £1 supermarket cupcakes

The unemployed mother also sent the invites over Facebook and bought a cake for £16 from a local supermarket. She will also ice a batch of £1 supermarket cupcakes for guests on the day. 

Meanwhile, a photography student will takes their wedding pictures free of charge, despite having never covered a wedding.

They even extended their scrimping to their hen and stag dos, allowing themselves a £30 budget each.

Ms Griffiths said: 'It's all about getting everything as cheaply as possible but looking as expensive as possible. Hopefully the way we've done it, it will look like any other person's wedding really.' 

The couple, who live in a three-bed council house, had dated when the y were teenagers but did not see one another for 20 years after an acrimonious break-up. 

The couple, who live in a three-bed council house in Cwmbran, Gwent, South Wales, had dated when they were teenagers but then did not see another for two decades. Pictured: The stag do 

In order to keep the costs down, Ms Griffiths (pictured on her hen do) - who first claimed benefits after falling pregnant at 15 - is wearing a dress from China, which they managed to buy after a win at the Bingo

After meeting through a mutual friend in September 2014, the pair got engaged. 

In total, the couple now receive £824 in benefits per month.

Mr Prosser, who stopped working as a roofer eight years ago, receives 'low level' PIP and carer's allowance of £304 due to his rheumatoid arthritis.  

He  sa id: 'When I had to sign on, I did find it really hard. To swap bodies with someone so I could go back to work... I would do anything for that, I would sell my soul.

'I was doing everything with my hands and now I can't even use a screwdriver to undo a plug.'   

Between them, the couple have six children and two grandchildren, making Ms Griffiths one of the country's youngest grandmothers

They also have joint ESA of £264 per fortnight, while they also receive child benefits and child tax credits for Joanna's 16-year-old daughter, Georgia, and Georgia's nine-month-old daughter, Mya, who live with them. 

Between them, they have six children and two grandchildren, making Ms Griffiths one of the country's youngest grandmothers. 

She says she has tried to find a job but that there are no opportunities in their town.

'The industry in this town has completely gone,' she tells the programme. 'There was a job going at a pound shop and 300 people applied.

'I took my age off to see if that at least got me a foot in the door for an interview but there are so many people applying for the same jobs.'   

The Great Big Benefits Wedding: Live airs tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm  

 

Source: The Great Big Benefits Wedding: Couple who receive £10,000 in state handouts to marry live on TV in £950 budget ceremony

Stoke Heath couple's wedding dream wrecked after collapse of bridal company Bake A Cake

A Coventry couple have had their wedding plans shattered after the collapse of a bridal company.

Crystal Allwood and Peter Monger, from Stoke Heath, say they will have to start their wedding plans from scratch after being left more than £1,000 out of pocket.

Halesowen-based wedding cake firm 'Bake a Cake' announced through Facebook that it was no longer trading.

The pair, both 24, had spent over £1,000 with the company to provide a photo booth, table decorations, catering and a wedding cake.

Warehouse worker Peter, and his fiancée Crystal, who works at a builders' merchants, had even been to the home of Bake a Cake owners Lisa and Ryan Holt before they committed to spending money.

But now, they appear to be one of hundreds of couples whose plans have been left up in the air by the company during the run up to their big day.

Crystal said the disruption had left her in tears and fearing for the future of her wedding in August next year.

She said: "We placed our order in March, but a couple of weeks ago we started to see more and more bad reviews on Facebook and I got worried.

Crystal Allwood and her fianc Peter Monger have lost £1000 after a wedding firm stopped trading. Stoke Heath, Coventry.

"I rang her and she said everything was fine and that there had been a hate campaign against her on Facebook, she reassured me.

"But then on Monday we saw the message on Facebook that the business was no longer trading."

She added: "I was just crying all day. We're basically going to have to start from scratch.

"All that money has gone down the drain, and it's a lot of money for us. Our friends and family are shocked, they're being really sympathetic.

A lot have said they will help out, but it's not their problem, they shouldn't have to. We don't want to feel like a charity."

The Bake a Cake website claims the company "adds a personal touch to any special event". The number provided online rang out when the Telegraph tried to contact the company.

Crystal and Peter have now contacted Action Fraud – a government agency which deals with complaints from consumers who feel they have been ripped off.

Action Fraud said they could not yet say how many people had been affected, but the issue was being assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

An email from Lisa Holt to desperate customers this week said the firm had been forced to stop trading as a result of a burglary and a campaign of harassment. She also promised clients a refund once the insurance company had processed the firm's claim.

Reports of a break-in at the Holts' address has been confirmed by West Midlands Police, which says it was alerted to a burglary at their home on July 19, when business papers were stolen. Police were contacted again on August 12 following an arson attack.

Source: Stoke Heath couple's wedding dream wrecked after collapse of bridal company Bake A Cake

Getting hitched? These photos show the best wedding destination photos from around the world

WE ALL want the perfect wedding album to go with the perfect wedding day, so brides to be take note.

Wedding website Junebug has received over 3000 images in their search for the best of the best wedding destination photos.

From the deserts of Dubai to the rocky scenery of Iceland, the photos show the stunning efforts of wedding photographers the world over.

Source: Getting hitched? These photos show the best wedding destination photos from around the world

Jennifer Aniston shows off her new wedding ring “Photo”

Jennifer Aniston shows off her new wedding ring on the red carpet.

Just two weeks after tying the knot with husband Justin Theroux, newlywed Jennifer Aniston has been showing off her new wedding bling during a recent red carpet appearance.

Aniston New Ring? Actress shows off wedding ring on first red carpet since secret nuptials

Jen's new cherished accessory features two bands of gold with a delicate band of diamonds in between. It was created by jewellery designer to the stars and her friend Jennifer Meyer, the wife of Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire.

To showcase the latest addition to her jewellery box, the actress donned a fitted off-the-shoulder black jumpsuit that she teamed with a black clutch, simple gold bangles and beautifully manicured nails to allow the main attraction to shine.

Aniston New Ring? Actress shows off wedding ring on first red carpet since secret nuptials

When asked about her and Justin Theroux's special day, she told Entertainment Tonight: "We had the beautiful luxury of having a beautiful private moment and I'm going to be selfish and keep it that way!"

Jennifer flew solo at the premiere for She's Funny That Way – new hubby Justin is currently in Austin, Texas shooting the second season of his HBO series The Leftovers with co-star Liv Tyler.

The Hollywood power couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony in their beautiful Bel Air mansion in Bel-Air, California in front of more than 70 of their closest friends and family members on 5 August.

The star-studded guest list included friends Chelsea Handler, Jimmy Kimmel, Tobey Maguire, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, and Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.

The former Friends star and her actor love had not informed all guests that they were getting married – so as not to leak their wedding date – meaning that some friends and family turned up in casual wear, even jeans.

After they tied the knot, the new Mr and Mrs jetted off in a private plane to paradise island Bora Bora, in French Polynesia. They reportedly stayed at the Four Seasons, located on Point Matira, where a night in one of the resort's hideaway over-water bungalows overlooking the breathtaking Bora Bora lagoon comes with a price tag of around $1,500.

Agencies/Canadajournal

Source: Jennifer Aniston shows off her new wedding ring "Photo"

These breathtaking photos will give you wedding envy

What's This?

By Kimberly Truong2015-08-21 05:12:36 UTC

Out of 4,000 submissions from photographers in more than 40 countries, Junebug Weddings has selected 50 destination wedding photos that they consider the best of the year — and they are stunning.

From the desert to the mountains, the photos released this week were chosen based on "how well each photograph captures the love of the couple and the beauty of the destination," according to a statement. The Junebug team and wedding photographers Gabe McClintock, Sigit Prasetio and Tito Rikardo did the curating.

To see all 50 photos, visit Junebug's website.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Topics: destination wedding, Lifestyle, photography, Travel, Travel & Leisure, Sex & Love
Source: These breathtaking photos will give you wedding envy

Wanderlust weddings: These stunning places to tie the knot will take your breath away

CATERS

NATURAL BEAUTY: Would you marry on a mountain top?

These are the breathtaking snaps from an annual wedding photography contest to highlight the best destinations to get married in the world.

Stunning images show newlyweds posing against some of the planet's most stunning backdrops.

From embracing on mountain tops to kissing in deserts under galaxies of stars, these pictures will have you begging to say 'I do'.

CATERS

LUXURY: Magical pool side wedding is captured in mystical photo

CATERS

THRILLING: Set against a stunning natural backdrop this certainly isn't your typical wedding snap

Organisers of the romantic contest, Junebug Weddings, have been running the competition for seven years.

In total, they received more than 4,000 submissions from 40 different countries.

The contest was judged by three world-renowned wedding photographers - Sigit Prasetio and Tito Rikardo of THEUPPERMOST, and Gabe McClintock.

CATERS

ROMANCE: A couple kiss under the misty Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco

There was no outright winner, with the contest looking to display the top 50 destinations to be submitted.

And here are just some of the mystical wedding snaps that made the cut.

I don't know about you, but after looking at these I'll certainly be slacking off the traditional church for pool-side nuptials or a Golden Gate wedding.

With the sun beaming on their backs, one thrill-seeking couples even posed on daring stone bridge towering above the sea.

CATERS

REFLECTION: This picture is calm and serene against the sharp shapes of the Sydney Opera House

While another loved-up pair were silhouetted against a beautiful sunset as camels passed them by.

From natural landmarks to famous structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House, these pictures will have engaged couples running for foreign lands.

CATERS

ICONIC: Paris is know as the city of love and this photo encapsulates it beautifully

CATERS

MOOD: A romantic scene of a couple kissing at sunset in the desert

Carrie Crooks, Editor in Chief of JunebugWeddings.com, said: "We were beyond amazed at the quality of images we received this year.

"Our judges had an extremely difficult time narrowing down the images to just 50 winning photos.

"A good wedding location totally depends on the couple - the sentimental value is always a win in my book.

"A lot of the destinations in this collection are important to these couples for various reasons, and you can see that captured in the images."

Related articles
Source: Wanderlust weddings: These stunning places to tie the knot will take your breath away

Demi Lovato Hints At Possible Engagement? Guess Which Star She Wants To Have Sing At Her Wedding

The Eye

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(Photo : Getty Images: Charley Gallay) Demi Lovato revealed she would like to have Ed Sheeran perform at her wedding.

If Demi Lovato could have one person sing at her wedding it would be Ed Sheeran. The pop star admitted that when she ties the knot with boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama, she hopes Sheeran would serenade the two on their special day.

Talking to Scott Mills on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, the "Cool for the Summer" singer said, "Well I already told Christina Perri that she's playing at my wedding so probably her and I really want Ed Sheeran and the list could go on and on."

The radio host also suggested to Lovato that instead of waiting for her boyfriend to pop the question, she could get on one knee and ask him to be her husband. However, the singer admitted she would rather go the traditional route.

"It is fine (for women to propose), I'm just a little old-fashioned when it comes to that. You know I let him call the shots, I make a lot of decisions in my life so it's nice to kind of hand over the control to someone else," she added.

Lovato also told the radio show that she is excited to be a bridesmaid at Iggy Azalea's wedding. The rapper is set to marry Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Nick Young, but a wedding date is still unclear.

"I'm really excited about it," Lovato said about the future wedding.

According to Us Weekly, the star and her boyfriend of five years, are very comfortable in sharing their most memorable moments with their fans.

"We don't share everything with the world. But we do feel comfortable to share a lot," Lovato said. "With Wilmer and I and our relationship, he's extremely supportive in everything that I do. He makes me feel confident and beautiful. And I'm really, really grateful for him."

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Aug 19, 2015 12:10 AM EDT By Marika Kazimierska ,Fashion & Style

Source: Demi Lovato Hints At Possible Engagement? Guess Which Star She Wants To Have Sing At Her Wedding

Groom posts perfect when-you-see-it wedding photo

What's This?

By Laura Vitto2015-08-17 21:49:47 UTC

At first glance, this is a photo of a happy couple at the moment they say "I do."

On second glance, it is a photo of a bridesmaid so oppressed by the summer heat that she's fainted flat on her face. Ouch.

The Daily Mail reports that Kevin Kennedy Ryan II, who goes by DanAykroydFanClub on Imgur, posted the photo on Sunday. The photo shows he and his new wife in the midst of their wedding kiss, unaware that their bridesmaid is face-down behind them.

"My sister passed out at the exact moment the judge said 'you may kiss the bride,'" Ryan captioned the photo.

"Warmest day of the year, she barely ate or drank anything," he elaborated. "Plus those windows made the ceremony room like a greenhouse. Recipe for fainting."

Not to worry, though. After a bit of food and a glass of water, she was back on her feet. But thanks to more than 1.7 million views on Imgur, Ryan's sister now has viral fame to contend with.

"I just spoke to her on the phone, she's been at school all day, so was very oblivious," Ryan tells Mashable. "I could metaphorically hear her jaw drop when she realized I wasn't lying to her though. She's got a good sense of humour [sic] about it all and seemed pretty keen when I said that Good Morning America and Inside Edition wanted to talk to her about it!"

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Topics: Imgur, photography, Watercooler, Sex & Love, YouTube
Source: Groom posts perfect when-you-see-it wedding photo

Can you spot what's wrong with this wedding picture? Photographer captures the moment bridesmaid FAINTS... just as the groom prepares to kiss his new wife

Kevin Kennedy Ryan uploaded comical image to his Imgur account 

Said his sister passed out at service as she 'barely ate or drank anything' 

The picture has been viewed more than a million times  

By Sarah Barns For Mailonline

Published: 03:55 EST, 17 August 2015 | Updated: 03:59 EST, 17 August 2015

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A bridesmaid passed out during her brother's wedding just as he was about to kiss his new wife - and the photographer managed to capture the comical moment on film. 

Chicago-based Kevin Kennedy Ryan posted the funny snap, which sees him tenderly embracing his partner while his sibling lies face down on the floor, online on Sunday. It has been viewed 1,162,413 times and counting.  

Writing on his Imgur page, newly-wed Kevin, who posts under the username 'DanAykroydFanClub', wrote: 'My sister passed out at the exact moment the judge said "you may kiss the bride". [sic]'

Chicago-based Kevin Kennedy Ryan prepares to kiss his new wife at the exact moment his sister passed out

The photograph sees handsome Kevin looking dapper in a tailored dark-grey suit with his arms around his bride's waist. The bride looks elegant in a floo r-length, fishtail gown as she puckers up to kiss her man. 

Meanwhile, unbeknown to the loved-up couple, Kevin's sister has fainted and is lying face down on the wooden floor next to the bride. Only her legs and feet, which have come out her high-heeled shoes, are visible. 

Kevin said that his sister had barely eaten or drink anything and that it was the 'warmest day of the year'

A fellow bridesmaid, who is dressed in a pale blue knee-length dress and is holding a bouquet of flowers, looks shocked as she glances down at the floor.

Explaining the incident, Kevin told his online followers: 'Ceremony was less than 20 minutes! She just hadn't consumed enough.'

He also added, 'Warmest day of the year, she barely ate or drank anything. Plus those windows made the ceremony room like a greenhouse. Recipe for fainting.'

Over 585 people have commented on the wedding image that was taken at Ravenwood Event Center in Chicago.  

One wrote, 'You may now kiss the floor' while another added, 'Maid of dishonour.'

Some sympathised with the bridesmaid, with one user writing, 'I got woozy as a bridesmaid, but managed to stay upright. It's a big deal when you're young.'

Another said, 'Well no wonder, it looks like the wedding is in a greenhouse.'

To put everyone's mind at rest, Kevin explained that his sister quickly recovered from the incident -with only her ego bruised. 

'She was fine minutes later, just a little embarrassed,' he wrote. 'Let her sit down and have some food and water and then she was grand.'

  

Source: Can you spot what's wrong with this wedding picture? Photographer captures the moment bridesmaid FAINTS... just as the groom prepares to kiss his new wife

Extravagant wedding shuts down Sydney, then came the video

This "high stakes romantic thriller" of a pre-wedding video was the perfect accompaniment to a lavish wedding for Salim Mehajer, a deputy mayor in Australia.

First he shut down Sydney and now he's shutting down the internet with a "must-see" pre-wedding video.

Because if one's wedding is to include fireworks, a convoy of 50 luxury cars, a plane towing a message of congratulations, a posse of police and four helicopters, one cannot skimp on the pre-wedding video.

The groom, Salim Mehajer, understood this. So the young deputy mayor of Auburn, a suburb in Sydney - whose  "out of control" nuptials brought parts of the city to a standstill on Saturday - turned to professionals.

A month before the big day, Mehajer employed a cinematographer, an assistant, a sound engineer and a narrator. The team spent at least 15 hours filming at locations such as Sydney University and the Opera House. The editor laboured for a week.

The result? A two minute movie-trailer describing what happens when "a man who has it all" has his life "turned upside down".

In one dramatic scene, Salim Mehajer is depicted holding and firing a gun. Photo: Screenshot: YouTube

Manuel Abdo, whose True Dreams Media company made the short film, said it played as an introduction to "the best wedding I've ever been to".

"It's a personal joke," Abdo said of the pre-wedding video genre. Whereas some couples choose music videos to parody, the Mehajers went with high stakes romantic thriller.

Mehajer angered parts of his constituency with a wedding one police officer described as "out of control".

But Abdo described his client as "very kind", the type of man who can put everyone at ease. "I don't really know him that well but when you deal with him in professional life, he's a true gentleman."

And what about Mehajer's acting? "Seven out of 10," Mr Abdo said. "A high seven," he added after a pause. 

OUT OF CONTROL WEDDING

A fleet of limousines was not enough for Salim Mehajer a deputy mayor in Australia, who married in a lavish ceremony which included the arrival of four helicopters.

The proud groom called it "AUSTRALIAS BEST WEDDING" on social media, but his neighbours were less impressed.

The opulent celebration began when Mehajer​ arrived in a local park by helicopter with his wedding entourage, stepping onto a freshly-rolled red carpet where he was greeted by cameras. He then travelled with a fleet of cars worth A$50 (NZ$56.39) million to a home in Lidcombe in Sydney, where his fiancee was waiting. 

Residents were warned in a letterbox drop on Friday night to park on their own properties and to leave the street clear of vehicles. In the letter, titled "Important Notice Attention Frances Street Residence", they were warned that any cars left parked illegally on the road would be "towed and removed by police".

Salim Mehajer posted a photo of him and his bride on his Facebook page.

But police said they weren't officially involved in the wedding and were only at the street to control traffic and the large crowd.

"We were never told, and as you can see it was out of control," Inspector Chris Laird told media at the scene. "We'll be asking regional command to send the family the bill."

A police spokeswoman added: "He [the groom] didn't call us. We weren't there to make things easier for him." 

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Salim Mehajer arrived in a park by helicopter. Photo: Channel 9 News

At its height, the celebration included performers banging on large drums, a jet flyover, and a plane towing a sign announcing the nuptials with a love heart. Security was provided by former NRL footballer John Hopoate.

"He must have a bit of money. I wish I had some of that," said Hopoate, who was filming the spectacle on his phone.

The bride and groom and their family and friends celebrated by dancing in the street.

"This is how you do a wedding," the groom told TV cameras.

"Floyd Mayweather, you've got no chance on me motherf-----," he added, referring to the boxing world champion.

The letter distributed before the celebration was sent by "management" and had a mobile phone number to call as an emergency contact. When called on Saturday a man answered and said he was a friend of the groom and didn't have time to talk about the wedding because it was still going on.

A resident said he ignored the letter because it wasn't on headed notepaper. "I saw a policeman in the street in the morning and he told me they couldn't block the street without council approval," he said.

A fleet of stretch limousines, luxury cars including a Ferrari and and several Lamborghinis. Photo: Channel 9 News

Asking not to be named, he added: "They put cones down the road last night. The police said they would send a patrol car up and down to make sure nothing happened.

"I called the council and asked them why they couldn't send out a ranger but they wouldn't answer that. I checked the council website and there is no approval to block the road. The council haven't stepped in to do anything about it."

A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said to land an aircraft the permission of the landowner was required. It also needed to be safe to land away from power lines, trees and with no risk of people wandering through the landing area, he said. 

Auburn councillor Irene Simms said she had been contacted by numerous residents complaining and she said she was preparing an urgent motion for council asking questions about the arrangements for the wedding. Simms said Mehajer​ had been given approval to land a helicopter in the local park.

"I wish him every happiness in his marriage but this not the way to make friends with your neighbours," said Simms.

Bikies at the Mehajer wedding. Photo: Channel 9 News

Mehajer​ is no stranger to media after hitting the headlines in  2012 after being charged with negligent driving after running down two pedestrians – a mother and a daughter – with his Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in Lidcombe. Mehajer was acquitted on appeal in 2013.

The happy groom did not seem too put off by any of the complaints. 

"To all the haters," he said on social media on Saturday. "Keep hating. I work hard. 100% legit."

 - Sydney Morning Herald

Source: Extravagant wedding shuts down Sydney, then came the video

Dear Abby: Wedding photos were free, and bride hates them

Dear Abby

DEAR ABBY: Recently, my husband was asked to be the best man at his friend's wedding. The happy couple did not have the financial means to hire a photographer, so I was asked to take pictures of the ceremony and reception. I'm not a professional photographer, and the bride knows that. I gladly photographed the nuptials on the couple's big day. Of course, I charged them nothing for doing it.

I am now on the receiving end of insulting comments regarding the photos I took. When the bride rudely voiced her displeasure, I was taken aback. I did nothing less than my very best to accommodate her, and I have received nothing but ingratitude and disrespect for my efforts.

I believe in keeping commitments I have made. I intend to complete the edits of the original photos and create a wedding album as I promised. However, how do I tactfully address the situation with the bride if she "reminds" me again of my lack of professional photography skills? — SAD NEWBIE PHOTOGRAPHER

DEAR PHOTOGRAPHER: Alas, it seems that no good deed goes unpunished. The next time the bride "reminds" you, all you have to do is "suggest" that for the next happy occasion she spend some money and hire a professional instead of hitting up a friend for a freebie and then complaining about the result.

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, "Riley," who is the sweetest woman I know. She's in her mid-20s and has a stable job, but I'm afraid she is setting herself up.

She rescues animals that are terminal or nearly so. She's great with them and should become a veterinarian. A few she has brought back to health, but others just can't be saved. My concern is that when Riley loses one, she breaks down. She cries for hours on end, but the minute she gets a call, she willingly takes in another one.

She's like a sister to me, and I respect and admire her determination to care for these creatures and give them love when no one else will. How can I nicely say to her that I think she shouldn't accept any more rescues because she will only continue to get more depressed? — CONCERNED FRIEND IN GEORGIA

DEAR CONCERNED: There is no nice way to say that to your friend. What you CAN say is that you are concerned about her because of the depression she experiences when she can't save one of her animals. For an animal lover, the loss of a pet is painful and personal, and her reaction isn't unusual.

DEAR ABBY: I am hoping you can clear this up. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I had some of his family members over for a visit. It was very casual, as usual, more like a Sunday afternoon drop-in. I came out of our room barefoot, because I usually walk around that way in the house. I was scolded by his grandmother and told I was rude to walk around barefoot when there is company. Was she right? — BAREFOOT CONTESSA

DEAR BAREFOOT: No. She was out of line to criticize you. If people choose to go shoeless in their own home, it's really nobody else's business.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby's most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

Dear Abby

Lifestyles

Dear Abby Sun-Times @CSTsizzle
Source: Dear Abby: Wedding photos were free, and bride hates them

Court Rules Baker Can’t Refuse to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple

Aug. 13, 2015 6:51 p.m. ET

A Colorado appeals court on Thursday ruled that a Denver-area baker cannot refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple based on his religious belief.

The decision comes as religious conservatives opposed to gay marriage fight to carve out exemptions to same-sex marriage and antidiscrimination laws—especially in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

The Colorado Court of Appeals rejected the argument by lawyers for the cake-shop owner who argued that forcing him to create and sell a cake to a gay couple planning a wedding celebration violated his First Amendment rights.

The ruling is the latest to limit the rights of religious business owners involved in wedding services to turn away same-sex couples.

"There's a growing body of court decisions saying that while religion is central to what makes America America, religion can't be used as an excuse to discriminate," said James Esseks, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union LGBT project. The ACLU represented the couple in the case.

Religious conservatives said the ruling was a mistake. Lawyers for the bakery said they would consider appealing.

"Government has a duty to protect people's freedom to follow their beliefs personally and professionally rather than force them to adopt the government's views," said Jeremy Tedesco, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, who argued the Colorado case.

The dispute started in 2012, when Charlie Craig and David Mullins visited Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood and requested a cake to celebrate their planned wedding. The couple had plans to marry in Massachusetts but wanted to celebrate with their friends in Colorado, which at the time didn't permit same-sex marriages.

Masterpiece owner Jack Phillips declined the couple's request, telling them he didn't create wedding cakes for same-sex weddings because of his religious beliefs, according to the opinion, which said he advised the two men that he would be happy to sell them other baked goods.

"Phillips believes that decorating cakes is a form of art, that he can honor God through his artistic talents, and that he would displease God by creating cakes for same-sex marriages," the opinion said.

The couple then filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. After a commission judge ruled for the couple—a decision affirmed by the commission itself—Mr. Phillips took his case to the appellate court.

"Masterpiece does not convey a message supporting same-sex marriages merely by abiding by the law and serving its customers equally," the court said in its ruling Thursday.

Religious conservatives opposed to gay marriage have tried to soften their rhetoric about homosexuality and their approach to the LGBT community, while maintaining their opposition to same-sex marriage.

Some church leaders fear the Supreme Court ruling could result in discrimination against religious people, and have said they would continue to fight for exemptions for business owners and religiously affiliated organizations.

"What happens next is that states should respond with appropriate legislation that would prevent the government from penalizing or coercing anyone because they act on the belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman," said Roger Severino, the director of the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

But civil-liberties groups say continuing legal fights aren't indicative of a larger cultural battle.

"There's a small number of conflicts and the courts are resolving them the same way every time," the ACLU's Mr. Esseks said.

Gay couples have won similar cases in other states. In 2013, the highest court in New Mexico ruled that the owners of an Albuquerque wedding-photography company can't deny services to same-sex couples.

Earlier this summer, the Oregon labor commissioner ordered the owners of "Sweetcakes by Melissa" bakery to pay a lesbian couple $135,000 in damages "for emotional and mental suffering resulting from" its refusal to bake them a wedding cake.

Write to Jacob Gershman at jacob.gershman@wsj.com and Tamara Audi at tammy.audi@wsj.com

Source: Court Rules Baker Can't Refuse to Make Wedding Cake for Gay Couple