Denise Morter of Party Booths

Coffee Talk with Denise Morter of Party Booths

WC: Party Booths is a very interesting concept. Can you tell us more about it and how it developed?

DM: Party Booths was created by Troy Bakewell, founder and owner of Minneapolis' Camelot Weddings, The idea came to him one day while attending a wedding that had a photo booth there. He noticed this ugly vending machine style booth and its old vintage design. It printed out grainy black and white photo strips. He thought about it and how big of an eye sore it was for such a beautifully decorated room. Though once he saw it in action he was sold. He noticed hardly anyone out on the dance floor and almost all of the guests gathered around this booth. Everyone was laughing, showing off their pictures and talking about how much fun it was. That's when Troy thought, "This is the greatest idea ever but why does it have to be so ugly?"

After the wedding he set out to design his own photo booth. By the following wedding season (Spring 2006) he had patented a collapsible steel-tubed frame that was then completely covered with a black fabric curtain. Not only was it was larger than traditional booths, but it was also equipped with the latest digital technology.

Party Booths was born! Immediately they brought it to shows of all types. People loved it, so much so that out of town guests were requesting the booth come to their event. That's when Party Booths decided to advertise on a national level. With steadily growing out of state business, Territory Managers were eventually hired in various states across the U.S, each having their own "territory" to oversee operations of the company. I knew I had to be a part of this new and exciting company, so when I heard of the opportunity here in Missouri I applied. After interviews and countless follow up emails I was hired.

WC: Why would this be fun for a wedding?

DM: Photo Booths create very memorable party favors for guests while providing entertainment for all ages. There is no photographer in the booth making you pose or telling you to smile so you are free to be as creative as you'd like. The ability to view the resulting pictures nearly immediately adds dramatically to the experience. Guests love sharing their pictures with others and showcasing their creativity.

WC: If a bride already has a wedding photographer, what kind of photos can she expect from a Party Booth?

DM: When you walk into our Party Booth and curtain is pulled shut, you can sit on a bench or you can stand. You are greeted by instructions to push a button when ready to start. Pushing the button then activates the booth to shoot a series of photos, four to be exact. Guests then exit the booth and await their pictures, while the next guests go in to have their photos taken.

The pictures are immediately printed onto a 4x6 index print, along with a personalized message, by a digital photo printer on a table outside the booth. All images taken are saved in a laptop's hard drive and later archived to CD/DVD. Of course, a copy is mailed to the bride and groom. We also offer free private web posting where additional prints and/or enlargements can be ordered.

WC: What are some unique ways that a couple can use a Party Booth at their wedding?

DM: I love the idea of our photo booth scrapbook, also known as the modern day guest book. If double prints are requested we invite guests to leave a copy along with some "words of wisdom" to the bride and groom. The finished product is always amazing and my favorite part is that the bride and groom are able to take it home that night.

WC: Do Party Booths photograph in black and white or in color?

DM: All images are captured in color; however the bride and groom have the option to print portraits in color, black and white, or sepia.

WC: Do you offer Party Booths rental outside of the St.Louis area?

DM: Absolutely, we offer Nationwide Service.

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