Small Business Spotlight: The Happy Frog in East Bridgewater

We're starting a new series of posts that will appear through out the year, in between our event blogs. We'll be showcasing local small businesses that we love. It's not advertising, and no money changes hands,  just informative blogs posts to let others know about some really great small businesses. Our first showcased business is The Happy Frog Copy Center in East Bridgewater.

We happened upon the Happy Frog one day when we were looking for something a little different, slightly unique but not too expensive. We needed something to help us "stand out" at wedding and bridal shows. We stopped in at The Happy Frog, unannounced, and met the owner and "top frog", Rose-Marie Culp. We sat down in her side room and brainstormed. You need to understand that we did not yet know Rose-Marie is whiz kid with imagination. We told her what ideas were in our head, and she made them real. She helped us design a professional invitation to hand out to couples at shows that would "wow" anyone and everyone.

The idea of blogging about great local small businesses came to me when Rose-Marie told me about their newly done over Invitation Room. Realizing that wedding invitations were quickly becoming a paramount part of her business, she decided to completely re-do her consultation area. What came about was a warm and alluring space to let the creative juices flow and overflow.

Rose-Marie and her team have albums of standard invitations, but custom design is their speciality. Her design for our invitation is what is drew us in and kept us coming back. Have a look.

The Happy Frog isn’t just about weddings, nor are they just about invitations. They are a full service copy center, providing such services as high speed copying, full color and business printing, graphic design services, faxing, laminating, shipping and more. They are truly a small business success story, having opened their doors in 2001 with just two copy machines. They now boast 5 copy machines and employ three “tadpoles” to keep up with their ever-growing presence.

Everything on the shelves at The Happy Frog will catch your eye!

We hope this peek into The Happy Frog has piqued your curiosity enough to encourage you to stop in and say hello. Rose-Marie and her crew can help make your next event, party or business event stand out and be remembered.

Let Them Eat Cake! {Wedding Cake}

It may seem like a small detail to some, but a wedding without wedding cake would be noticed by all. History tells us that the idea of wedding cake comes from the Roman Empire, when the groom would break bread over the bride's head to bring good fortune. There are so many traditions, superstitions and symbolism attached to wedding cakes over the centuries and they have brought us to where we are today. Some cultures said the cake would bring luck, prosperity or even fertility. In some eras, depending on who cut it and who served it, it was said to show the groom's dominance over the bride. We've all seen the modern-day wedding cake where the bride and groom feed each other one bite of cake and then kiss. I think we also all dread any cake in face antics.

Having been to hundreds of weddings over the years, we have seen some beautiful wedding cakes. Some with such painstaking detail, you almost didn't want to see it eaten. We've also seen some of the most unique cake toppers you can imagine.

Imagine using a topper that has been passed down from generation to generation. What a great tradition!

Sometimes a wedding cake topper is there to showcase the couple's personalities.

And yet something as simple as a monogram can still be as elegant as any other wedding cake topper.

And finally, as far as wedding cake toppers go, classic never goes out of style.

The details on your wedding cake can be eye catching, exquisite, subtle or WOW! It all goes along with you, your theme and your personalities. I loved this autumn themed cake, and the edible details.

As many cakes as we have seen, we can still be "wowed" and amazed at the talent, time and craft that must go into achieving the detail like you see here.

Sometimes it's the cupcake buffet that makes an appearance and surprises everyone's taste buds.

It's no wonder black and white has always been thought of as elegant.

Black and white elegance, part deux...

While the traditions of centuries ago dictated a white wedding cake to indicate purity, today's modern couple gets to have fun with color as they please.

When a wedding cake can become the center of the entire room, it really makes a statement.

We've seen cakes by the larger and popular bakeries in the area like Montilio's, White's and Konditor Meister. When you start you wedding cake search, don't forget the smaller guys like The Cake Lady and Veronica's Sweet Cakes. So many delicious choices!

4th Annual Run for the Roses {September 23, 2012}

Photo & Video by Joe Goldsberry is quite honored to have been the official photographer for the third year in a row for one of the largest motorcycle runs in Massachusetts. Run for the Roses is an annual event that raises funds and awareness to help prevent domestic violence. Born out of the tragic murders of Rachel and Lillian Rose Entwistle, the annual Run for the Roses has grown to involve thousands of people coming out in support of ending domestic violence. This year saw over 600 motorcycles participate in the run, all makes and models, all shapes and sizes, all coming together for a one greater cause.

This run isn't supported by motorcycles alone. Classic cars line up to join in and become part of this yearly event.

Every car and every motorcycle have something in common... the people who make Run for the Roses the huge success that it has become. People come from all walks of life to this common ground, hoping to make a difference. Check out just a few of the faces who care enough to make this annual motorcycle run a priority in their lives.

The amount of time, food, raffle items, and service donated to make this all come together and happen every year is truly a sight to behold. As always, the event cumulates with a purple balloon release, sending those balloons up to the heavens where the Run for the Roses namesakes reside.

All photos from the Run for the Roses 2012 can be viewed here. Please visit The Run for the Roses website for information on how you can help fight to end domestic violence.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo... You can come too, too, too...

Full disclosure: Capron Park Zoo is the first zoo I ever visited as a kid. So of course I was giddy with delight when I found out that Joe and I would be the official photographers for their Passport to Rio fund-raiser. I can also tell you, with no shame, that Capron Park Zoo is by far my favorite zoo. You're sure to agree that I have visited some truly world-class zoos when I tell you that I have been to Roger Williams Park & Zoo, The Cincinnati Zoo, The National Zoo (Washington, DC), Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa), The Metro Richmond Zoo (Virginia), and even The London Zoo. The one thing all zoos have in common is they need money stay open. Capron Park Zoo hosted their annual fund-raising gala this past weekend with the theme of Passport to Rio. This event raised over $15,000 for the zoo, and having attended this incredibly fun and well run event, that amount comes as no surprise to me.

Genuine Brazilian music filled the air throughout the entire night, provided by Samba Viva! along with their authentic Samba dancers who engaged the crowd and had every person, old, young and in between, on their feet.

Patrons of the zoo had full access to viewing all the animals. The animals really do "come alive" at night. If you didn't get to see the rare albino alligator currently on loan, you may have missed out, as she is going home to Florida on September 25. Her name is Betty White, and she really is a looker!

The lionesses were enjoying the cool beat of the Brazilian music, not dancing to it, but obviously enjoying it.

The lionesses weren't dancing to the beat, but the zoo supporters sure were!

The many volunteers did such an amazing job transforming The Capron Park Zoo into a night in Rio.

Guests were treated to authentic Brazilian cuisine, served up by Papgallo as well as other foods and desserts provided by Scorpios and Uno.

If you missed out on all the fun last weekend, it's never to late to help this wonderful zoo stay in business. You might ask, what's the best way I can help? Visit the zoo! Even better, buy a Capron Park Zoo membership. This could very well be the most economical yet personally rewarding way to support The Capron Park Zoo. Membership includes reciprocity to over 125 other zoos and museums, including the Boston Museum of Science.

Visit The Capron Park Zoo's Facebook page for up to date information on events and happenings, and maybe we'll see YOU at next year's Passport fundraising Gala.

To view all the photos taken by Photo & Video by Joe Goldsberry at Passport to Rio, click here.

Triangle's Employability 31st Annual Employee Recognition Celebration

We were honored, enlightened and educated when we photographed the 31st annual employee recognition celebration for Triangle's Employability at the Putnum Club in Gillette Stadium last week. Before we share some photos with the event, take a moment to click on the links above, and read what Employability is all about. Located in Braintree, Mass., Employability empowers people with disabilities to enjoy rich, fulfilling lives. They are committed to helping the world recognize that we are all people with ability. Check them out at PeopleWithAbility.org.

The 31st annual employee recognition award went to Lenny Kaplan. Lenny has been working with Employability for over 9 years. One of the many things that was said about Lenny that night: "Lenny's committment to his job and compassion for his fellow employees is an inspiration to us all."

Employability is about 90% self sustaining by way of the products the manufacture and sell. They do not rely on a single dollar of government support. The other 10% is met by donations and events. There was a fabulous silent auction held at this event. Check out some of the action.

There were 3 live auction items bid on as well, including an autographed Tom Brady jersey. Bidding was fast and furious for all 3 items. Everything bid on was generously 100% donated.

2012 Miss Wheelchair Massachusetts was a guest, and even sang a couple of songs during the evening.

It was a night about accomplishment, infinite possibilities and self confidence. 2009 award recipient Trevor MacLeod spoke about the company he loves, and CEO Michael Rodrigues spoke to the crowd about all the wonderful employees at Triangle.

Employees and guests were treated to a tour of Gillette Stadium, going down through the tunnels, in the locker room, and out onto the field.

One of the amazing things about our job is that we never know where it will take us, and what we will learn. This night we learned about a local company that affords people of all abilities the chance to shine.

Small business can be BIG!

Being a small business can be tough these days. We've all seen local shops in business one day, and then see the dreaded "for rent" sign in their window the next. It's tough out there for the little guy! (or girl...) One of the things Photo & Video by Joe Goldsberry prides itself on is the work we do for other small businesses. We've done really cool videos for companies that sell unique products, like a nail polish remover that keeps the acetone off of your skin, and a company that markets underwater dog physical therapy (aquatherapy for pups!).

We've also done some great still photography for companies like Mitetees. Mitetees is a small local business that makes and sells custom onsies and shirts for babies, children and even the pregnant mom.

We do some of the modeling photography for Mitetees, but some of the photos are just babies who happen to be lucky enough to have received a Mitetees shirt as a gift!

It's not all t-shirts and babies. We've done photo shoots for among other things, a local golf supply company, and a local marinade/sauce company (Georja's Gourmet Sauces). Not every small business is local, either. The company that makes the personalized lip balms we photographed, Kustom Kissers, is located in Arizona.

Professional photos and videos really can be the difference between making or breaking your small business. Give Photo & Video by Joe Goldsberry a call today and find out how we can help your business. It's probably more affordable than you think, and when it helps your business thrive, it becomes priceless.

Babies, and children and families... Oh my!!!

When you think of getting your family photos done, whether it's just the new baby all by herself, or the whole family, where are going? For so many people, the first thing that comes to mind is the department store photographer. Let's look into this and start a discussion. The history of department store "photographers" was simply to get families into the store to spend some money, and not so much on the photos, but in the store itself. (Surely you have noticed the department store photographer is usually located at the back of the store? That's not just a coincidence.)

Often it's assumed that the department store photographer is the "cheap" way out, with the $9.95 come on price. When is the last time you or someone you know left with photos for $9.95? One of our recent clients who made the switch from department store to professional photographer told us they ended up spending over $400, and they were less than thrilled with the photos. All too common, they were hit with the hard sell pitch of "Ohhhhh, how could you say "no" to THIS one? Or THIS one?" And $400 later, they left with an envelope of photos that they didn't really care for, but were made to feel guilty for not caring for them. Sound familiar?

This would be a good time to show how Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry does it... This photo was taken at their home with a simple portable white background.

Another common complaint we have been hearing from moms and dads of very young children is the frustration the child feels being cooped up in the back of the department store, expected to smile on command. That frustration shows through in the photos. Here, little Kyla has run of the Whitman Town Park, which brings out her natural smile in a relaxed way.

I think every family has some of those "department store photographer" photos, and it may do you good to pull them out and compare the lighting, the poses, the background, the color and the composition to some of our photos.

Consider a professional photo shoot with Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry at our studio in downtown Whitman, at a nearby park or even at your home. You'll be pleasantly surprised with our pricing, and you'll be thrilled with the quality and personal service you get from a professional photographer like Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry.

If you don't believe us, just ask Maddie...

The life of a VHS tape (or "The end of your memories")

There is a big trend on the horizon, and we have already seen it starting. It's about converting your VHS tapes onto a DVD format. VHS tapes simply don't last forever. Most experts estimate they will remain playable for somewhere between 15-25 years, depending on how they are stored. Imagine your wedding, your parent's wedding, your kids from baby to grade school and then graduating high school. Now imagine the only audio and video record you have of those memories, gone forever. It happens all too often, and yet it's so easily avoided. All you need to do is gather all your VHS tapes and bring them in to Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry for conversion to DVD. We do all our work in-house, so you can feel confident knowing your tapes will never have to take the chance of getting lost in the mail. Most of the larger companies, like CVS and Walgreens, do send them out to yet a larger company. Imagine, they charge twice as much, take twice as long, and on top of that, your tapes could potentially be lost.

We are proud to say we have the lowest prices around. The prices go even lower as your quantity of tapes goes up.

We are delivering a wedding video VHS to DVD conversion today that was shot 15 years ago (shot by Joe Goldsberry!) The bride's mom and dad have both since passed away, and today she will get to see them come alive once again, reliving her dad walking her down the aisle and seeing her mom dance the night away.

Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry (formerly known as Videography by Media Concepts) also has a very special offer that can't be beat. If you (or anyone you know) had their wedding filmed by Joe Goldsberry and delivered on VHS, bring it in to our studio at 29 Church St., Whitman, and we will made a DVD copy for you at no charge. There are literally hundreds of weddings, dating back to 1981, filmed by Joe Goldsberry and sitting on shelves in VHS format, just waiting to come to life again on DVD.

We are happy to take orders as small as one VHS tape, to as many as you have. We did an order this past December that included just over 100 VHS tapes. Give us a call at 774-240-1152 if you have any questions about VHS to DVD transfers, and then gather up your tapes.

Cell Phones for Soldiers

The studio for Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry is an official drop off location for Cell Phones for Soldiers. If you have no idea what Cell Phones for Soldiers is all about, I am here to fill you in with the facts! Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded by two teenagers from Norwell, Mass. Siblings Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, at the ages of 12 and 13, decided they wanted to show their family's appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed the day-to-day contact with their own families to serve in the U.S. armed forces. Started in 2004, they have raised over 7 million dollars in donations, having collected over 8.3 million cellular devices.

You can drop off your old, discarded, and even broken cell phones at any official drop off (including Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry's studio at 29 Church Ave., Whitman). Cell Phones for Soldiers sends the old phones for recycling and uses the money from that to purchase calling cards, which are then sent to soldiers overseas, so they can call home to their loved ones without adding a financial burden to an already stressful time. Every $5 raised provides 2.5 hours of talk time.

You can also request talk time to be sent to a soldier you know overseas.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a program that Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry is happy to support, and we hope that you will consider supporting them, too. Give us a call at 774-240-1152 if you want to drop off some old cell phones. We have already collected and sent off approximately 200 cell phones since we became an official drop off location.

Visit Cell Phones for Soldiers blog, and read about how such a small act on your part can make such a big difference in the life of a soldier.

If we're in “good hands”, then you're in good hands. (Or: Why your wedding vendor should have liablity insurance)

We recently had a meeting with a prospective couple, and they had some questions for us. Most were “run of the mill” type questions that we are used to. The bride then asked, directly from her notes “Do you carry liability insurance?”Easy to answer. “Yes, we do”. Then she made a nervous giggle and said “I really don't even know why I'm asking you that, I just read it from a list of questions I printed out.”

She had no idea just how important that question is, and you, the reader, have no idea how often a prospective client asks us that. Almost never.

Liability insurance is, in our opinion, a cost of doing business. It is not required. But carrying it says how serious we are about Photo and Video by Joe Goldsberry. This is our full-time business, full-time job, and our bread and butter. We can not imagine skimping on something as important as liability insurance. Sure, we hope we never need it. But come the day that we do need it, our client will be oh so elated that they choose to hire a company for their wedding that cared enough to treat their business like a, well, like a real business.

The company we happen to use, R.F. D'Agostino Insurance, helped us come up with a policy that covers what insurance was meant to cover - the unexpected. We are taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment from our studio to various churches, venues and reception halls. Depending on the job, we could have cords, electrical components, cameras unattended on tripods and many other situations which could lead to liability on our part. As careful as we are, (knock on wood), we don't own a crystal ball, and we can't predict the future.

We welcome questions during client meetings about our liability insurance, our coverage, and the company we use. We can produce a certificate for any venue that requires vendors to carry their own insurance. We wish more people would ask about it, and we want to get the word out about just how important this aspect of choosing your vendors is. This is truly something that sets apart the serious, full-time photographers and videographers who care about their company from the weekend warriors who charge a cut-rate price for a mediocre product. It even sets us apart from other full-time companies who just don't care enough to protect themselves and their clients.

Oh, and we can even keep this post more “wedding friendly” than you think. After Mark D'Agostino became our insurance agent, he and his fiance, Meredith, became our clients!

And the wedding...