Archive for February, 2011

First, an announcement…

Nate and I are thrilled to announce that we will be speaking at the Images for a Cure Workshop on March 1-2, 2011. If you are unfamiliar with the work that Images for a Cure does, please take a second to read up on the organization, as they are doing great things. We will be speaking the first day and leading an engagement shoot the second day. During our shoot we’ll be showing you exactly how we work with our couples to relieve any anxiety and get them to feel comfortable enough with us to show us their true selves. We’ll also be showing you how to work with your surroundings and narrow your focus on the couple so that the location matters less than the emotions you are capturing. We’ll even be working with a real couple instead of staged models to keep it real for you! It’s going to be a lot of fun and there is a really fantastic lineup of speakers including Brooke Thomas, the creative director of Weddings Unveiled magazine! It’s coming up quick so if you’d like to come hear us share about building organic and genuine connections that result in compelling images, sign up today.

Next… Between a few weddings and a bunch of engagement sessions our January and February have been pretty packed. We’re so excited to share these glimpses at what’s coming up on the blog for our crazy cool couples…

Kaley & John | THE PROMISE

Liz & Jason | THE UNION

Wendy & Greg | THE PROMISE

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Bella Collina Wedding | Montverde, Florida

Catherine and Cory are perfectly suited for each other. Both a bit quiet, both a bit reserved, they both can communicate 1000 words with just a glance at each other. We got to witness that firsthand on their wedding day. Above all else though, Cory puts Catherine completely at ease. As soon as she got to see him her entire body relaxed. Catherine and Cory, along with the fantastic teams at Bella Collina and Blush by Brandee Gaar celebrated their marriage under the golden sun in the great yard facing the setting sun. Catherine and Cory wanted a “Venetian meets Marie Antoinette” styled affair and they celebrated until late in the night with their closest family and friends. Tommy Murphy from Greenery Productions masterfully created a ceremony site dripping with jewels and gorgeous flora. Ben Lawles from Kaleidoscope was on hand to transform the entire space by bathing it in perfectly positioned pink and fushia lights. Catherine and Cory gifted each guest a gorgeous, ornate mask at each place setting for them to don while dancing. Catherine and Cory, thanks for allowing us to capture your most special day, here’s to many more years of unmasked happiness. ♥

See more weddings from Bella Collina.

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Today Anthropologie officially launched their new wedding line, BHLDN (pronounced: beholden) and, as I expected, I really love it. To be completely honest, I expected more of the dresses to be a bit more dramatic, but I know they are trying to appeal to a wide array of brides. These three below are my favorites with the Ribbon Silk Dress winning hands down. Their site is having trouble today due to the overwhelming traffic they are receiving but I was able to take a glimpse around and pick a few favorites for you to see…

There are bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, lingerie, hair pieces, jewelry, and shoes available on the site and I adore pretty much all of it. In fact, I’m thinking of picking up a few pieces for myself just because they are so achingly lovely.  The Ribbon Silk Dress is my standout favorite from the new line and is perhaps the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen (except for my own Sarah Seven wedding dress, obviously). It is elegant but unique with lots of visual interest and a soft vintage feel. I think it would look beautiful at a wide range of events from a vintage style outdoor ceremony to an elegant soirée at an art museum. The tiered tulip gown is a bit more traditional with simple lines and a whiter shade of fabric. The swooping detailing across the top and bottom are lovely and the big black ribbon adds a bit of drama. I envision this dress on the side of a mountain in Iceland or at a blacktie outdoor garden party. My third favorite, and the most unique of all the dresses is the Zinnia gown. Completely untraditional, I love the fabric pattern, the bit of orangey-red, and the unique billowing. Can’t you just envision this gown among a garden of roses at a breezy, garden wedding at a historic estate? I love it.

The hair accessories are all beautiful but these are my favorites. From simple vine to a bohemian wrap I love them all and I want them all in my closet. I love that headpieces are becoming a way for brides to show off their individuality. The rein of the plain veil is coming to an end and I couldn’t be more excited. I could stare at these photos all day.

And since the website is being finicky I couldn’t show you all my favorite shoes, gems, and bridesmaid dresses but be sure to take a look around all of it. I know you’ll find something you adore. Happy Valentine’s Day friends! ♥ ♥ ♥

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