At PicFlips, we work with a lot of brides and grooms, so I thought it would be appropriate to share a couple of pieces of golden advice I have gathered along the way.

#1 – It’s okay if you both want to be King of the Mountain – just rule in your own domain.  Shawn is much better at tech support than I am, but I excel at design.  Instead of second guessing the details of the other person’s job, we focus on our own projects and let the other person deal with theirs.  However, when there is a big decision, we both have to be in agreement or we don’t do the deal.

#2 – Build each other up.  We’ve been through some crazy stuff together.  There are surprisingly a fair amount of people out in the business world who don’t have integrity or a moral compass.  If they crush others to get to the top, it doesn’t phase them at all.  I’m saying it way too nicely…there are evil people out in the world.  There. I said it.  In order to thrive in your marriage (and in business), you need to have a united front – a strong fortress to protect each other – a safe place to grow and be yourself.

#3 – Common Ground.  It has made such a difference in our marriage to be “equally yoked.”  Basically, this term comes from Biblical times where if you were plowing your field, you wanted 2 oxen that were equal in strength to work together.  If one is much stronger or larger than the other, you are not as productive and the rows of crops won’t be straight.  In current times, you could use the example of a bicycle-built-for-two.  Both going the same direction, for the same purpose.  Our faith in Christ has made all the difference in the world.  We are so thankful for the deeper connection we share through our beliefs.  Jesus has been our rock, and we give Him full credit for crossing our paths (Shawn is from Michigan, I’m from Texas and we met in Florida!), guiding us on our business decisions, and helping us to grow closer to each other.  There is no way we would be where we are today without His help.  When you are in the lovey-dovey dating phase, having common religious beliefs might not be a big deal, but let me tell you, if you are going to spend the rest of your life with someone, it’s very important!

So, I’m just going to leave you with a comment from Shawn on our way to dinner last night.  As we were reflecting on the past 5 years of marriage, he turned to me and said, “Babe, when you run a marathon, if you can get through the first 5 miles, you can do the whole thing.”  Here’s to 50 more years, Shawn!  I Love You!

The color scheme was “clearly color” – translucent pinks and oranges lit up the Martha Stewart Omnimedia Headquarters.  It was simply gorgeous!   Guests were treated to everything “mini” – tiny hamburgers (we’re talking quarter-size maybe?), itty bitty Coca-Colas and Guinesses and, of course, “mini-movies” with PicFlips flipbooks serving as entertainment plus the party favor.  More pictures coming tomorrow….here’s a sneak peak!

1.) Stay curious and nimble.

One of the advantages of small businesses is that we can move faster than large corporations.  If we sense a change in the marketplace, we can meet the needs of our customers quickly and efficiently.  Good entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for new ideas, new ways to serve the market and are flexible enough to change quickly, if needed.  “Sometimes you have to throw back a small fish in order to catch a larger one.”

2.) People are everything.

a.) Trust your gut when hiring. Don’t just hire because of an impressive resume.  Make sure the person fits your needs and is a good fit with the team.  b.) Recognize and reward your team members for a job well done. Doesn’t have to be much – a bottle of champagne or flowers goes a long way.  c.) Declare the soul of your company. Tell your team the vision of your company, what you stand for, what makes the company tick.  It helps create an atmosphere that everyone wants to be a part of.

3.)  Love your life.

Build a good support system around you.  Stay healthy – it keeps you on the top of your game.  Keep perspective to stay grateful.  And, finally, leave the right things undone.  We can’t do it all.  “When juggling balls, find out which ones are glass, which ones are rubber, which ones need attention right now, and which ones can wait.”

Matt Hendrickson, who used to write for Rolling Stone, still has the knack for picking a great playlist.  He covered all his bases – from Music to Play on a Long Flight to China to Music to Jam to at a Company Party.  The team at PicFlips has found some new favorites – I have a feeling you’ll find some too!

The couple put some unique twists to their celebration – Miranda wore her mother’s wedding dress, the menu included game that the couple shot on their ranch, and instead of a typical photobooth, guests made short video clips that were turned into custom flip books.  Red 55 – Miranda’s beloved truck – was the backdrop for the photos and guests had a blast making funny and sweet videos for their flip books using signs, an open picture frame, scarves, hats and various props.  The videos were printed out, cut and bound into pocket-sized PicFlips flip books and handed to guests within minutes.

To see a full listing of the carefully-selected vendors that Blake and Miranda chose for their wedding, check out US Weekly’s article here. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of US Weekly on newsstands to see pictures of the gorgeous day!

We have a professional graphic designer who tailors the custom covers to match each event, which are then beautifully printed on glossy paper by a local print shop.  Our event teams are thoroughly trained and held to a high standard.  Even our props are specifically chosen to go along with the theme and colors of the party!

We hope our passion comes through in our work.  We do more than take photos.  PicFlips captures memories and wraps it up in a sweet little pocket-sized book.  No batteries required, the flipbooks fit easily in a pocket or purse, and they can be flipped through anytime you need a good laugh or when you want to re-live that memory.

If you’ve got an  upcoming party, gala or soiree, send us an email or give us a ring!  We’d love to add that special touch to your event!  Our mobile flipbook studio will create a buzz at the event and give your guests a sweet reminder of the fun they had.

Check out ILoveFlipbooks.com to see if PicFlips Flipbooks is available for your date!

Spaces are filling up quickly for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, so if your school hasn’t booked PicFlips yet, email us ASAP at mandi@iloveflipbooks.com!

One place that has really made a mark at the 2011 SXSW festival is the Pepsi MAX Lot at 3rd Street & San Jacinto.  Last week, it was a plain old parking lot.  This week, it’s the place to be for happy hours, a wi-fi lounge, delicious food, foursquare & ping pong, lots of free Pepsi MAX and even CUSTOM FLIPBOOKS!

Guests were blown away when they received a free flipbook within minutes of making a short video clip inside the PicFlips studio.  Make a funny video with friends…get a flipbook…flip the pages and see you and your friends inside the pages!  The response was unbelievable!  The PicFlips mobile flipbook studio was set up on Saturday, March 12th, 2011 at the Pepsi MAX Lot for an after-party.

PicFlips Flipbooks will be back for Pepsi MAX’s Monday event featuring Big Boi at the Seaholm Power Plant and for next Saturday’s event at the Pepsi MAX Lot, Snoop Dogg’s Funk n Soul Extravaganz featuring Snoop Dogg, Mayer Hawthorne and the County, and DAM-FUNK.  See ya there!