Green Weddings-- part 2

So, last time I blogged about Green Weddings, it was specifically about how as photographers, we at Blue House Photography, strive to be green. I'd like to take a look at some other aspects of a typical (and pardon that adjective, because I know every wedding is unique!) wedding.

Today I'd like to take a look at the flowers.

Now there are definitely some great florists out there who are sensitive to this issue. But, you as the bride and groom can also be proactive. Why, you may ask? Well, many of the flowers imported to the US are treated with harmful pesticides. These can be harmful to you health as well as end up in waterways. Not to mention, the huge carbon footprint we take on from having flowers flown halfway around the world.

The solution is pretty simple. Local! Seasonal! Think outside of the box when it comes to your flowers and ask your florist for suggestions. Chances are, they'll be excited to do something a little different. Now, you don't have to go with completely native species here; there are plenty of greenhouses that grow non-native species. Another option (gasp!) is to use artificial. When done right, these can be beautiful, not tacky. I'll post a few photos... Bet you can't guess which one is the fake bouquet!

Check back for more suggestions on how to green your wedding!
--DP

Green Weddings-- part 1

So I've been thinking for a while now about what Blue House can do to be more "green" and also what have been wondering if there is any way we can influence others in our industry to do the same.... While I realize this is a trend right now, I think that the green movement goes deeper than that. I feel that no matter what your profession, we, as people have a responsibility to be as green as possible in our day-to-day life.
As photographers, Luke and I are already green in a few ways. We are 100% digital for shooting weddings, thus eliminating excess chemicals, waste, etc, that unfortunately film requires. By shooting digitally and offering our clients proofs in a digital form, we also cut back on wasted paper. Years ago when I shot film, I offered 4x6 proofs of all the images, which added up to a lot of wasted paper. (Who really wants 100s and 100s of prints...?) We also use all rechargeable batteries and car pool to all our weddings and mostly shoot locally. (While I wouldn't turn down a destination wedding, the footprint of airplane travel is huge!)
So, those are the basics, but I'm basically just scratching the surface. This is the first of a series of posts about Green Wedding Trends, etc.
More to come soon!
--DP