We're moving...to the Local Level

Thanks so much for following us! We'll no longer be updating this blog. To find out what's happening in your neck of the woods, head to www.thetravelingphotobooth.com, click on "Contact" and then your city.

It's been a lot of fun. See you in a photo booth!

Can you do the "Long Man?" [Video]

Watch the Photo Booth Guys®, Matt and Jacob, as they demonstrate how to pull off the "Long Man" pose with class. Don't you guys have work to do?

Personlize Your Photo Strips

Looking for a way to make the experience a little more unique? Many of our clients go for our Custom Strip Center. You can design your own or we can whip something up for you. It's the perfect finishing touch on the party favors everyone takes home. And it's one more space to splash your wedding colors without breaking the bank.

You can see a few more Custom Strip Center designs here. Your guests are going to love the photo booth rental and their photo strip party favors. Make sure they remember where they got them!

Partnering Up with Brides Against Breast Cancer™

Brides Against Breast Cancer™ is hosting a charity wedding gown sale as part of their nationwide tour of gowns. The sale will take place at the Marriott Minneapolis West on Friday, May 14th and Saturday, May 15th. Admission is free for the general sale. Want first pick? For just $20 per person, you get access to the special pre-sale from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 14th.

If you're still looking for a gown that's gorgeous, meaningful and in the budget, this is your big chance to find it. Gowns start at $99 and some are valued at up to $8,000. Not only do you get the dress and at a great price, all proceeds benefit the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation™.

Learn more and pre-register online at www.BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org. Giving back feels soooo good!

The Traveling Photo Booth You Tube Channel

We've just launched our You Tube Channel and have uploaded a sweet video-voicemail testimonial from a previous Traveling Photo Booth rental client and uploaded a video of our favorite photos from last year's Halloween Bash. Be sure to check it out!

Nominated for Best Favors... Again!

Thank you so much to all of our fans who came through for us again this year! We love Minnesota Bride Magazine. Last year, we won their Top of the Tiara Award for best overall wedding vendor. It doesn't get any better than that.

This year, we've received our second nod for Best Favor. What are the odds we'll win Best Favor in Minnesota and Wisconsin (where we're also nominated)? We think they're really good, that's what. Keep keeping those fingers double-criss-crossed and we'll keep you posted.

(Photo of Jeff Hellenbrand and party favor from 2009 MN Bride's "Best Of" Awards party at Varsity Theater courtesy of Scott Haraldson Photography and MN Bride. Click on the image to see more great pics from that historic night.)

Photo Booth Cures Colicky Babies

See? Weddings aren't so bad. Not with photo booths. We are currently testing to see if our photo booth also cures irritable teenagers and grumpy old men. It's still too early to say for sure, but things are looking very promising...

We're Nominated for "Best Favors!"

Wisconsin Bride has just announced the nominees for their "Best of 2010" awards ceremony taking place on June 24, 2010. Though we weren't nominated in every category (we thought we had "best reception venue" and "best makeup artist" in the bag), we are one of three nominees for "Best Favors." What can we say? Wedding guests love taking home gorgeous photo strips proving exactly how much fun they had at the reception.

Keep your fingers crossed for us on June 24th and thanks again for your support!

This isn't the first time we've been nominated for (or won) a fancy schmancy award. Check out our ever-expanding trophy collection. The awards sure are shiny. Jacob has even been caught falling asleep with the ICON Award cradled gently in his arms...

In Mpls? Join our Wall of Shame...

We've moved to NE and want your mug on our photo strip wall of fame.

Checkout the digs, drop off collateral, down a complimentary shot* and take the photo strip of your life. Anytime Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm. Call before your visit to ensure a tidy office and hygienic tour guide.
Get directions here.


*Tequila, Glenlevit, Premium, Red Wine, Diet, Root Beer, Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi

Wish Upon a Wedding Launches in Chicago

We are super excited to announce the launch of the Chicago location of Wish Upon a Wedding, America's first wedding wish granting organization. The organization is made up of fabulous, local wedding vendors who are happy to donate their services to special couples facing terminal illness.

Chicago's chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding hosted it's launch party at  the Ravenswood Billboard Factory on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Chapter president and renowned event planner, Ali Phillips, told the evening's guests about the short history of Wish Upon a Wedding and presented a beautifully-done video (courtesy of I do Films) telling the love story of Chicago's first WUW couple. We think everyone cried.

We're proud to be part of this new and exciting organization. Wish Upon a Wedding started in January 2010 and chapters are quickly popping up all over the country. We believe that couples dealing with terminal illness should not have to give up their dream wedding because of mounting medical bills.

If you know of a couple facing terminal illness who might be interested, please send them to www.wishuponawedding.org.

Big Fun & Great Food at Joey's on Sunday (Milwaukee)

Spring is in the air and so is the smell of delicious Italian cuisine from Joey Buona's in Milwaukee! Joey Buona's Restuarant, in Milwaukee, WI, is hosting their annual Bridal Open House on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from noon to 4 pm. This is your chance to try out the photo booth, meet some of the Photo Booth Guys® and visit with some other great wedding vendors. If you're looking for a reception venue in Milwaukee, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Admission is FREE, so come say hello, get a free photo strip and some killer deals!

Admission is Free.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

12pm to 4pm

Annual Bridal Open House

Joey Buona's Restaurant

2nd floor banquet space

500 N Water St.

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Get the Most from your Rental

You can't go wrong renting from the greatest photo booth company in the galaxy. Now that you've got your photo booth lined up, how do you ensure every single one of your guests has the time of their lives at your reception? We've got some ideas to help you guarantee that every last guest uses the photo booth and has a great time.

Make an Announcement. It's always a great idea to have the DJ, band or even the groom let everyone know about the photo booth.

Create a Sign. If you're worried your guests won't see the photo booth, it never hurts to make a large, simple sign (placed near the entrance) that tells guests there is a photo booth.

Use Place Settings. As mentioned in a previous post,  place settings (like a little ticket) are a super cute way to let your guests know about the photo booth. They'll be right in front of your guests and almost impossible to miss.

Plan Ahead. If your photo booth isn't a surprise to your guests, consider mentioning that there will be a photo booth at the reception somewhere in your invitations or save-the-dates. Tell them to start planning their poses now and guests will be equally excited and prepared for the fun.

Know What to Say. Now that you've got everyone's attention, what do you say about the photo booth? Tell them that it's free for them to use (as much as they want), that everyone should use the photo booth AND write a message in the guest book, what times the photo booth is available and anything they should know about extras (like props or photo strip frames). And don't forget to tell your guests to have fun!

Have a better idea? We know there are brides out there with experience on this subject. What worked for you? Please share your wisdom in the comments.

Perfect Wedding Theme: Photo Booth

Everybody loves a well-executed wedding theme. Though it's certainly not required, having a theme is a great way to make your wedding more memorable (and it might even make the planning process easier). One theme we've been seeing more of lately (and we can't say we mind) is... the photo booth! If photo booths have played an important role in your life or your relationship, it may be the perfect theme for you. Below are some tips to pulling off a great photo booth theme. We'll even take care of most of the work!

Super Cute Save-the-Dates

 What better way to get people psyched up about your wedding than to send a ridiculously fun photo strip of the two of you? You can hop in any old photo booth and then scan your photo strip to use with your save-the-dates. If that sounds like a lot of work, let us create your save-the-dates. That way, they'll look just as good as the thank yous and the photo strips your guests enjoy at the reception. As an added bonus, you'll get all of your R.S.V.P.s right away, because guests will want to attend your wedding so desperately (our overpaid legal team would like to remind you that this has not been demonstrated). But it could happen.

The Main Event (and Meaningful Mementos)

No photo booth themed wedding is complete without a real photo booth at the reception. After all, this is where the magic happens. Guests will have had a chance to brainstorm the perfect pose to celebrate your marriage. Your friends and family will have the time of their lives and you'll have proof in a beautifully crafted photo strip guest book complete with gorgeous photo strips and personal messages from everyone. Your guests will leave the reception happy and thoroughly-entertained with their photo strip party favors in hand.

Please Enjoy the Photo Booth

One of the cutest ideas we've come across is a little ticket at every place setting encouraging the guests to use the photo booth and to sign the guest book. You can even take it a step further by giving away Photo Strip Frames as an added favor. Use the frames to hold place settings that also tell the guests about the photo booth. It's one of the best ways to guarantee every person signs the guest book. As an added bonus, the place settings are sure to spark some interesting pre-dinner conversations.

A Thank You to Treasure

After the party is over and all of those expensive gifts (and the used towel set - thanks for nothing, Aunt Betty) have been opened and maybe even enjoyed, it's time for the real work to begin. Writing your thank you notes doesn't have to be a chore. Write a quick note on our Personalized Thank You Cards, available as a postcard or folded card with envelope. With your pretty picture on the front and four designs to choose from, it's the most personal way to say "Thanks!"


Want some inspiration? Check out how far "Mrs. Cupcake" took the idea on Wedding Bee.

Where Should I Put It?

 
Choosing the placement of your photo booth at the wedding reception is an important part of the planning process. In general, we suggest putting our photo booth right in the middle of the room and then squeezing everything else in wherever it will fit (see diagram above). If you don't want to do that, here are some real tips to get the most of your photo booth rental:

1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

If the guests, the dance floor, the bar and the restrooms are all in the same room, the photo booth probably should be, too. If you're already at room capacity, it's okay to have the photo booth in an adjacent room. Just remember: if your guests can't see how much fun people are having with the photo booth, they're less likely to mosey on over for their own photo strip.

2. Breathing Room is Good

The photo booth is going to become one of the main attractions at your reception, so don't put it in the coat closet. The footprint of the photo booth is just under 3 ft. by 6 ft, and you'll want some extra room for the attendant and for guests to gather 'round. You'll want your guests to feel comfortable while they wait their turn and not be trying to squeeze in between tables eight and nine.

3. The Photo Booth is Not a Disco Ball

The photo booth loves good tunes, so it's natural to want to put it on the dance floor (or as close as possible). The best spot is probably across the room or on another wall from the DJ or live music. We find that most receptions will have three hot spots (after a quick stop at the bar): the photo booth, the dance floor and the tables in the back where people can hear each other talk. Our attendant will be assisting your guests and you'll want to make sure guests can hear them over the speakers.

4. Think About Flow

There is a flow and rhythm to every reception. You'll want to figure out how the photo booth fits into your concept for the whole evening. Do you want guests to use it right after dinner and then have them gradually move to the dance floor in the wee hours of the night? Is the photo booth your primary activity for the reception? People will walk miles to use our photo booth, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should have to.

The reality is that every reception is different and the tips above may not apply to your unique situation. We love talking about photo booths and we're happy to share our photo booth wisdom with you. Give us a call today and we'll help you choose the perfect spot for that photo booth.

Now Serving: Chicago, Des Moines, Detroit, Los Angeles, Madison, Minneapolis and Sacramento!

Check Us Out, Minneapolis!

Last year, the Minneapolis YWCA tried out our photo booth service for their Member Appreciation event. It was such a big hit, they've decided to have a "Photo Booth Day!" If you're a member of the YWCA Minneapolis, you can stop by any location today until 7 p.m. to get your glamorous photo strip in your workout gear (or all dolled up, if that's your thing) and to leave a quick message about why you come to the YWCA (besides your love of photo booths). We think this is a great idea. In fact, we think that Feb. 10 should become International Photo Booth Day. Who's with us?

Become a fan of the YWCA Minneapolis on Facebook.

 

(Photo Courtesy of Kneehigh Theater)

 

If you're more the theater type, come get your photo strip at one of two performances of the runaway success "Brief Encounter" at the Guthrie Theater. This will be the show's last stop on an exclusive three-city U.S. tour. We will be providing a photo booth for opening night on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010 and for a City Pages pre-show party on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. Get your tickets now and start thinking of good theater-related poses (bring props).

That's not all we're up to. You can see The Traveling Photo Booth® at six (Count 'em, six!) wedding shows in the Twin Cities area this February and March. To see a complete list, head on over to our facebook page. See you in a photo booth!

We Want You! (Not Matt.)

This picture of Matt is great, but we know you've got better ones. Do you have a cute, silly, funny, stupid or awesome photo strip you want to share with the world? Don't keep that show-stopping photo booth pose to yourself. We'd like to post that photo strip-goodness on this here blog to share the joy. Send it over to j e f f [at] t r a v e l i n g p b [dot] c o m, and if it's as good as you know it is, it'll be up here in no time. We can't wait to see your magic. Thank you!

Please send images to: j e f f [at] t r a v e l i n g p b [dot] com

We're Giving Back

We've been blessed to be very successful in these rough economic times. As a way of paying it forward, we've decided to donate 5% of our total merchandise sales to some wonderful non-profit organizations. Click on the banner above to see a list of some of the awesome organizations we're supporting. Who knew it could feel so good to add that Prop Kit to your rental?

And if you haven't yet, it's not too late to contribute to the efforts in Haiti. You can donate to the Red Cross by simply texting "Haiti" to 90999 to have a $10 charge added to your phone bill. If you don't normally do things like that, now would be a great time to start.

Visit Us at "Everything but the Wedding" Bridal Showcase Hosted By the Affinia Hotel

We are providing a photo booth for this exclusive bridal event at the Affinia Hotel in downtown Chicago from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Brides-to-be can attend the "In the Know" seminar by Beauty on Call, enjoy free cocktails and tasty apps, take advantage of special room rates (if you'd rather spend the night) and get access to some great local vendors (ahem).

This is going to be one spectacular event. If you're near Chicago, you like free drinks, you're planning your wedding and you haven't stepped foot inside our photo booth, this is your big chance. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

Get all of the details on the Affina Chicago hotel's website HERE.

See Our TV Bit

It's short, it's sweet, and it's online now! Check out The Traveling Photo Booth on ABC 7 Chicago's "190 North" wedding episode. Here's how to watch:

1. Go to www.190north.com
2. Click "Watch 190 N." at the top
3. Press play for the Jan. 17 show

If you just want to see 50 seconds of Jeff and the photo booth, skip to the 9 minute 19 seconds mark. Episodes are only available online for a short time, so make sure to check it out today.

Pictured below in lovely Sepia: Janet Davies (190 North Host and Executive Producer) and Jeff Hellenbrand (The Traveling Photo Booth® Chicago) get goofy in the photo booth.

Holy Wedding Fairs, Batman!

Is this your first time attending a wedding fair? No worries, we're here to help you survive. Read on for some helpful pointers for thriving in the frenzy of wedding vendors and the occasional bridezilla.

Find an upcoming show near you on our Facebook page.

How to Attend a Wedding Fair and Make it Out Alive

1.  Bring a friend.

Not the one who "helps" you buy things you don't need. The one who knows when you need a break to avoid a panic attack.

2. Find the bar.

Remember, this is supposed to be fun. We're not recommending that fourth trip to the bar. That's a recipe for six limos you don't need and a mess on the carpet. Save it for your wedding, honey. Just kidding!

3. Have a plan.

This doesn't have to be elaborate, just know why you're going. Is it to get unique ideas? Maybe to find and sign the perfect florist and photographer? Make sure you get the materials (brochures, etc.) you want and that you sign up to be contacted by your favorite vendors. Knowing what you want out of this adventure will ensure that it's both fun and productive.

4. Stick to the plan.

Make sure you get done what you want to get done right away. Great services book up fast, so if your top priority is locking in that videographer, do that first. Then pat yourself on the back and go watch the fashion show.

5. If you need to, it's okay to hide out inside our photo booth.

There are a lot of people at a bridal expo. It can be overwhelming. Feel free to wait a minute before you start taking pictures in the photo booth. Take a deep breath. And then take the best gosh-darn photos of your life. Until your big day, that is.

6. Lastly, know when to leave.

If you planned out your important to-dos and crossed them off early on, you'll have no problem leaving when Mom tells you her feet are killing her. Be nice to her. She may just surprise you and buy your dream wedding dress, no strings attached.

Wedding fairs are absolutely crazy, but they're a lot of fun. We often have a special offer for clients who book us at the show. It's a great way to get the best price on the best photo booth service in the galaxy.


The Traveling Photo Booth® is going to be at so many wedding fairs in the next few weeks it's insane. If you haven't see the photo booth in person yet, you're insane. Don't worry, we've got the cure (insert cowbell/Christopher Walken joke here) coming to a city near you all month long.


Find an upcoming show on our Facebook page.

Our Television Debut in Chicago

If you're in Chicago, tune in to "190 North" on ABC 7 this Sunday night, January 17th, at 10:35 p.m. The show airs every Sunday night and features tons of great local content: the best local restaurants, where to see women's wrestling and weird Chicago laws. This week, however, it's all about weddings. You'll get to see Jeff talk about our service, then watch a local couple try out our photo booth for themselves and tell you why they're so excited to have one at their reception.

Not in Chicago? Plan to be grocery shopping at 10:35 p.m. on Sunday? No problem! All of the episodes are hosted online afterward. We'll be sure to post a link once it's available. In the meantime, you can watch past (non-wedding) episodes on their website:

http://www.190north.com/

Vendor Shout Out: Mod Photography Blog

The Photo Booth Girls™ had the chance to meet the nice folks over at Mod Photography (in Southern California) last weekend. The pictures that Beka & Craig shoot are super cute, but who knew they could look so good on the other side of the camera in our photo booth?

Check out their fun photo strips and kind words on the Mod Photography Blog:
http://modphotography.com/blog/?p=177