Based on the recommendation of an “expert”, I signed up for advertising on WeddingWire.com.  I’ve been one of their top-line “featured” advertisers for a full three months now.  In those twelve weeks, they’ve sent a grand total of four visitors with no inquiries.

That’s pathetic.

As part of the package, we also got a featured vendor ad on MarthaStewartWeddings.com.  They’ve sent zero visitors (and zero inquiries).

That’s disgusting.

This same expert told me that “Site X” was well-known, but not as popular as they said they were, that they were overpriced, and didn’t perform that well.  He recommended not advertising with them.

After being so wrong about WeddingWire, I wondered if he was as dead wrong about Site X.  I signed up with them.  They’ve sent 20 visitors and I’ve gotten two inquiries in the first three weeks!  That’s 15 times better than WeddingWire.

I’m still not totally sold.  During that same three weeks, Google organic searches sent 130 visitors.  But regardless, even if Site X doesn’t work out, WeddingWire still sucks.

My friend Donna passed away a few hours ago.  Taken by cancer at only 46 years old.  I’ll miss her glorious, powerful voice and her warm, generous wit.  So much more I feel, so much more I’d like to say.  I just can’t right now …

I’ve noticed a definite trend lately.  I’ve started shooting much more upscale weddings.  Places like Amelia Island Plantation, Epping Forest Yacht Club, and the Ritz Carlton.  While I still enjoy smaller weddings (the food can be phenomenal at a family-catered wedding) it’s kinda cool to visit these fancy-schmancy places, too.

OK, it’s not wedding related, but it is funny.  http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com