With the New Year: Introducing... Super Tones!

We're not talking about that Christian ska band from the '90s (you were thinking of the O.C. Supertones). After months of sweat and tears in our photo booth laboratory, The Traveling Photo Booth® is pleased to introduce two brilliant new options to our tone lineup. Pop that champagne! In addition to vibrant Color and classic Black & White, we now offer vintage Sepia and Retro Colour. What's Retro Colour? It's our secret concoction, reminiscent of those cross-processed, color photographs from the early 1960s. Our little gift to photo booth hipsters (photo stripsters?) everywhere. You can choose any tone you want and even let your guests pick theirs in the photo booth. And the best part? It's included in your rental. Just our little of way of saying, "Happy New Year!"

Check out our handiwork below:

We're Open for Business in LA!

The Traveling Photo Booth^® has finally broken out of the Midwest! It's about time, too, because it's getting awfully cold (and snowy) in that general region. We're very happy to welcome Jess and Mindy, our first Photo Booth Girls™!

Mindy and Jess both grew up in Southern California and have known each other since high school. They knew they wanted to have their own business (turns out they don't like working for "The Man," either) and when they found The Traveling Photo Booth^®, it was love at first photo strip. Mindy has a strong sales background and is currently pursuing her MBA. Jess has worked extensively in the event industry, with the Hilton and a number of restaurants, bars and large corporations. Their passion for photo booths and their industry experience (not to mention their intimate knowledge of the LA area) have prepared Jess and Mindy to hit the ground running this holiday season.

If you've been waiting for The Traveling Photo Booth^® to be available on the west coast, your time has come! Email the original Photo Booth Girls^™ at la@travelingpb.com or give them a jingle at (562) 430-4145. Make sure to ask them about their favorite local wineries, too.

Free Muddy Paws Cheesecake

You read that right. It's time for the annual Muddy Paws Cheesecake tasting, holiday bazaar and toy drive. Oh, and don't forget to get your photo strip in the photo booth! This year the event will be from 4pm to 9pm in St. Louis Park, MN. You can find out more here: Cheesecake Tasting Event Details.

Bring a toy, bring a friend and come hungry. Just make sure to take at least one picture in the photo booth of you with your delicious cheesecake. Jeff is super mad he can't go this year, so be sure to send him pictures and tell him how awesome it was.

Diagonal P-H-O-T-O-B-O-O-T-H

Dan got some pretty sweet mail last week. Mother of the bride, Lou, sent us a photo booth crossword - how cool is that? I'm pretty sure that if you've got a crossword dedicated to you, that officially puts you in the "Awesome" hall-of-fame.

Fun fact: Lou is so cool that she actually surprised her daughter with the photo booth at her wedding reception last Friday. Best. Surprise. Ever. Much better than surprising your daughter on her wedding day with an Elvis-impersonating stripper or by wearing the same dress as her. Thanks, Lou!

Okay, now it's your turn. How many photo booth related words can you find? (Click image for full size.)

And the winner is... The Traveling Photo Booth!

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. November 18, 2009 - On Sunday, November 15, 2009, at a black tie gala, Twin City Bridal Association (TCBA), was proud to announce the winners of the ICON Award for excellence in the local wedding industry.

2009 ICON AWARD WINNERS The ICON Award was presented to the following local wedding experts for their outstanding performance in their respected fields of expertise. Excellence in Bridal Salon & Formal Wear Experience: Angelique's Bridal Salon, Blaine, MN Excellence in Use of Entertainment: The Traveling Photo Booth, St. Louis Park, MN Excellence in Graphic Design: A Milestone Paper Co., Burnsville, MN Excellence in Wedding Photography: Liz Banfield Photography, Minneapolis, MN Excellence in Cake Design: Gateaux Inc., St. Louis Park, MN Excellence in Floral Design: Richfield Flowers & Events Inc., Richfield, MN Excellence in Décor: Apres Party and Tent Rental, Edina, MN, Lasting Impressions Weddings, Minnetonka, MN, and Violets Flowers, Prior Lake, MN Excellence in Planning: Ambiente Wedding and Event Planning, Minneapolis, MN, Nature's Harvest, Wayzata, MN, and Watermark Stationery, Wayzata, MN Wedding of the Year: b. inspired weddings and events, St. Louis Park, MN, Kelly Brown Weddings LLC, Maple Grove, MN, and Richfield Flowers & Events, Inc., Richfield, MN

Truly the pinnacle of success, the ICON Awards is regarded as the highest honor for merit of excellence in the Twin Cities wedding industry. The winners are recognized for their contribution to the industry and selected based on anonymous entries judged by a prestigious panel of national experts. It's the "Who's Who" of the industry recognized for their cutting-edge creative vision and their endless pursuit of perfection. Produced by Twin City Bridal Association, the ICON Awards were designed by The Wedding Guys®, Matthew Trettel and Bruce Vassar, with the highest priority to ensure the anonymity and fairness of the ICON Awards judging process. The field of national judges included: Sylvia Weinstock, President, Sylvia Weinstock Cakes; Art Scangas, Art Director and Co-Owner of Inside Weddings; Mara Urshela, Co-Owner, Kleinfelds; Richard Foulkes, Director of Special Events, Imagination Group, London; Ellen Weldon, President, Ellen Weldon Design; and Staci Francombe, Founder and President, Get Married Media.

Near Waukesha, WI?

Come check us out at the Best of the Best Bridal Show at the Waukesha County Expo Center this weekend! You've got two chances to meet Casey and to try out the photo booth: we'll be there from 10am to 4pm this Saturday and Sunday, November 14 & 15. The show is put on by Exciting Events. If you'd like more information, feel free to contact us here.

Don't worry if you can't catch us this time. Here are some other upcoming shows where you can see The Traveling Photo Booth for yourself:

Wedding Planner & Guide Bridal Show: January 16 & 17 2010 11AM – 4PM @ Alliant Energy Center (Madison, WI).

The Wonderful World of Weddings & Occasions: January 9 &10 11:00AM – 5:00PM @ the Wisconsin Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park

www.TheTravelingPhotoBooth.com

The Great Halloween Bash 2009!

Whew! That was exhausting. I think we outdid ourselves last week at our second annual Halloween Party. The booze was flowing and it may have gotten a little rowdy. The dance floor was packed this year and the costumes were (gasp) even better! This year's giant movie? Hitchcock's The Birds. Very scary. As usual, there was a line all night for the photo booth.

Party guests had the opportunity to see (and use!) firsthand the yet-to-be-released, next generation of photo booth. Everyone had a great time watching the ginormous photo strip slideshow projected on the wall above the photo booth. We ate, we laughed, we danced, we drank and we generally partied our tailfeathers off.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Aarcee Party Rental hooked us up with everything from the bar to the ridiculously-cool checkered dance floor. Chowgirls came through for us yet again with their killer catering. The food was almost as scary as it was delicious. You'll just have to check out the photo gallery to see what I mean. Our lovely neighbors from Muddy Paws Cheesecake provided the unbelievably scrumptious, late-night dessert. Magician Sean Phillips wowed the crowd again this year. I tried to tell Matt that his tricks are just illusions, but Matt is convinced Sean is a real wizard. And a special thanks to Steve and Bobby's Funeral Parlor (Website coming soon!) for supplying the liquor and other party essentials and for sponsoring the company softball team.

So you missed out. No big deal. You learned your lesson and you'll make up for it next year. Here's your chance to see the fun we captured in the photo booth:
Halloween Party Photo Strip Gallery


It should probably be illegal to have this much fun. Until we meet again, my favorite goblins, vampires, witches and pirates. I'm off to start working on next year's costume.

Hello, Chicago!

After long last, we have finally opened our doors in Chicago! Jeff's schedule is packed, between answering phones, polishing photo booths and trying to sample all of the amazing restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Stay tuned to find out who will be having The Traveling Photo Booth at their event for FREE!

You can reach Jeff at (312) 423-6687 or jeff@travelingpb.com.

We won the MN Bride Best of for Best Overall Wedding Provider!

Last night, MN Bride held their 7th Annual Best of Awards at the BeAuTiful Varsity Theater in Dinkytown.

It was incredible. We caught up with old friends, drank & ate our hearts out. The Traveling Photo Booth even went home with the Best Of Award for Best Overall Wedding Provider!

Being nominated is no small feet as MN Bride received over 4,000 online ballots from brides & grooms planning the biggest day of their lives.

Lots of our good friends were nominated and a lot of them won.

Below are the nominees and winners. Congrats to all!

2009 MN Bride Best of Nominees

Bold = Winner

Best Reception Site (Under 100 guests)
The finalists are: The Carlson Towers Rotunda, James J. Hill Library, Semple Mansion

---

Best Outdoor Reception Site
The finalists are: The Carlson Towers Rotunda, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Nicollet Island Pavilion

---

Best Rehearsal Dinner Venue
The finalists are: Al & Alma’s Charter Boat Cruises, Buca di Beppo, Loring Pasta Bar

---

Best Boutique Registry
The finalists are: Ampersand, Cooks of Crocus Hill, Five Swans

---

Best Florist
The finalists are: Floral Logic, Flora Bella Studio, Wisteria Design Studio

---

Best Caterer (Over 100 guests)
The finalists are: Bon Appétit, Chowgirls Killer Catering, D'Amico Catering

---

Best Valet
The finalists are: Class A Valet, Renee's Royal Valet, Traditions

---

Best Custom Dressmaker
The finalists are: Carmelle Elizabeth, Joynoelle, The Dressmaker

---

Best Attendant Dresses
The finalists are: David’s Bridal, Flutter Boutique, The Wedding Shoppe

---

Best Accessories
The finalists are: Brides of France, Che Bella, Grace Bridal Boutique

---

Best Minnesota Honeymoon
The finalists are: Bluefin Bay, Lutsen Resort, Superior Shores

---

Best Travel Agency
The finalists are: Hobbit Travel, Macy’s Travel, Travel Leaders

---

Best Rental & Décor
The finalists are: Après Party & Tent Rental, Linen Effects, Midway Party Rental

---

Best Mother-of-the-Bride Apparel
The finalists are: Dugo, Macy's, Nordstrom

---

Best Videographer
The finalists are: Capture Studios, Princess Bride Cinematic Videography, United Video

---

Best Alterations
The finalists are: The Dressmaker, Louise Kegley, Mary Kay Bridal

---

Best Caterer (Under 100 guests)
The finalists are: D’Amico Catering, Chowgirls Killer Catering, We Cater to You

---

Best Cake
The finalists are: Buttercream, Gateaux, Inc., Queen of Cakes

---

Best Photography
The finalists are: Sewell Photography, Studio 306, Vick Photography

---

Best Planner
The finalists are: Ambiente Weddings & Event Planning, Mi Mi Design, Mother of the Bride Wedding Design & Coordinating Services

---

Best Formalwear
The finalists are: Heimie's Haberdashery, Savvi, Men’s Wearhouse

---

Best Talent Agency
The finalists are: Bellagala, Macken Music, Musicians Unlimited

---

Best Ceremony Music
The finalists are: Birchwood String Quartet, Four Voices String Quartet, The Baroque Trio

---

Best Invitations
The finalists are: Epitome Papers, Give My Regards To..., Watermark Stationery

---

Best Bridal Gowns
The finalists are: l'atelier couture, Monique Lhuillier, The Wedding Shoppe

---

Best Hotel for Guests
The finalists are: Graves 601 Hotel, Saint Paul Hotel, Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis

---

Best Officiant
The finalists are: Judge Thomas G. Armstrong, Pastor Kurt Kalland, Rev. Tomkin Coleman

---

Best Reception site (Over 100 guests)
The finalists are: The Carlson Towers Rotunda, Nicollet Island Pavilion, Semple Mansion,

---

Best Band
The finalists are: Bellagala Big Band, The Sevilles, Synergy

---

Best Ceremony Site
The finalists are: Basilica of Saint Mary, The Carlson Towers Rotunda, Semple Mansion

---

Best Jeweler
The finalists are: Continental Diamond, Shane Co., Tiffany & Co.

---

Best Spa
The finalists are: Ivy Spa Club, Juut Salonspa, Spalon Montage

---

Best DJ
The finalists are: Adagio Entertainment, Bill Herman Entertainment, Instant Request Disc Jockey Entertainment

---

Best Transportation
The finalists are: Eclipse Transportation, Renee’s Royal Valet, Twin City Trolleys

---

Best Favors
The finalists are: Che Bella, Gateaux Inc., The Traveling Photo Booth

---

Best Hair/Makeup
The finalists are: Emily J. Hair + Makeup, Juut Salonspa, Smart and Chic Bride

---

Best Attendant Gifts
The finalists are: Che Bella, Patina, Tiffany & Co.

---

Best Wedding-Night Hotel
The finalists are: Graves 601 Hotel, Saint Paul Hotel, W Minneapolis–The Foshay

---

Best Calligrapher
The finalists are: Crystal Kluge, Kathy Moon at Epitome Papers, Rosann Konieczny

---

Best Dance Instructor
The finalists are: Arthur Murray, Jeff Halverson, Sondra Chan at My Wedding Dance

---

Top of the Tiara
The finalists are: Epitome Papers, Gateaux Inc., The Traveling Photo Booth

The Traveling Photo Booth Expands to Des Moines, IA

It's time to uncork the champagne and cue the confetti throwers as The Traveling Photo Booth has has officially opened shop in Des Moines, IA!!!!!

The Des Moines, IA franchise is owned & operated by Ernie & Travis Landwehr. To contact them click here.

We're up for 2 MN Bride Best of Awards!!!

We've been nominated for 2 Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2009 Awards in the following categories:

Best Favors
Top of the Tiara

Read the juicy details by clicking the image below

Happily Ever After Photography

Ruth of Happily Ever After Photography just sent us some incredible photos of our booth in action. Ruth is an incredible photographer, a friend of The Traveling Photo Booth and the photographer I trusted to shoot my own wedding. We love Happily Ever After Photography!

Asking the Important Questions (Or... If booths could talk)

I'm the first to admit that I can be a bit of a sap. One of my favorite things about this job is that I get to be a part of life's important events. I love seeing the look on a new bride's face when she first sees her guest book, overflowing with silly photo strips and heartfelt messages from her dearest family and friends. Looking through my own photo strip guest book, I get to relive some of the special moments I shared with my wife on our happiest day (so far).

When I came across StoryCorps and their StoryBooths I was completely enthralled. StoryCorps is a non-profit project and their goal is simply to "celebrate one another's lives through listening." People schedule appointments to visit the StoryBooth with someone they know, like a grandparent or a neighbor. Inside the booth, they record a 40-minute interview. It's an incredible opportunity for children to ask their parents the really important questions that just haven't yet come up. Questions like, "What are you most proud of?" or "What is your favorite memory of me?" and "Is there anything you've never told me that you want to tell me?" The answers are as diverse as the people who enter the booth. At the end of the session, two CDs are made. One goes home with the pair and the other is archived in the Library of Congress as a way to permanently document the stories.

You can listen to some of the stories here. One of my favorites is the description of a surprising exchange between a young man and the mother of his fiance. I still don't know whether to laugh or cry.

If you're planning one of life's important events, it's easy to get swept up in the details. Don't forget to enjoy your time together. Take a break from the planning, find a coffee shop somewhere or a quiet place to sit and ask someone you love the important questions.

Laurie's done it AGAIN!!!

Laurie Schneider of Laurie Schneider Photography just emailed us some MORE great photos of our photo booth in action! We are obviously proud parents.

See the booth in action and checkout Laurie's blog here

The Holy Grail of Local Party Ideas

Metro Magazine has put together a killer list of must-have vendors/ideas for your next big get-together. We found more than a handful of our favorite vendors and venues and (Surprise!) we made the cut, too. Well, I suppose it's not a party without The Traveling Photo Booth. At least that's what our moms say. Stay warm out there - it's nasty! (Our moms tell us that, too.) Ciao!