So much of who we are is because of where we come from. Our past and all the people in it not only mold us into the people we are today but will continue to shape us into the people we hope to be in the future. Being a girl who comes from an extremely LARGE, extremely loving family, I can’t help but think of the old African proverb: It takes a village to raise a child. But perhaps this is because there are enough members in my family to be a village. Don’t believe me? Check out this beast from the Mister and me’s wedding last year…
And that’s strictly just my dad’s side!! Haha! Gotta love it :)
Anyhoot, if you’re a bride that’s anything like myself, you more than likely want to have a wedding day celebration that’s just as wonderful for you, as it is for all the important people in your life. Because without your village to support you, your life just wouldn’t be the same!! Haha!
One way to do this is by displaying flashback family wedding pictures for all to see! Heirloom wedding photos at the reception is not a new trend by any means, but all the ways brides are displaying them display is! Whether brides choose to just set up pics from the days their parents said “I do” or go all out and include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, you name it… is strictly up to you!
The Mister and I chose to use pics of our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding days, which were set up by the entrance to ensure that every one coming in could get their blast from the past early :) I’ve also seen where other brides will actually use the cake cutting photos from their family photos to decorate their cake table or toasting photos at the head table. Really it’s up to!
Just be sure to have fun with it…. because I can gosh darn guarantee you everyone else will have fun seeing them!
They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. It’s said to be a sign of cleansing, growth and prosperity for the bride and groom; so, I figure that SNOW – which is waaaay cooler and stays much longer - has to be doubly as good, right? I knew it :)
Well, even if it’s not, one thing is for sure… it makes for some in-cred-i-ble wedding pictures! And in lieu of the holiday spirit (and the fact that it was the first day for snow in Indiana – whoop whoop!), not only am I dreaming of a White Christmas, but I can’t help but to also dream of sugar plum weddings as well!
Wedding pictures in the snow – for the brides bold enough to bear the cold – really do capture a sense of magic. I mean, who remembers Phoebe Buffay’s wedding to good ‘ole Mike Hannigan on Friends??? Snooowww romantic!!! (Pun intended, haha!) Many pictures look like the pages of a fairy tale, and it’s no wonder… surrounded by crisp white and twinkling ice, any girl would look all kinds of ahhhhmazing!
While weddings take months to plan, it feels like the actual day itself can go by in an instant. Making the following analogy ideal… Planning a wedding is to the actual day as Michael Phelps’ training is to the Olympics.
Phelps trained day in and day out for years in order to jump in the pool, swim less than a minute and take home the gold… 8 times. It’s madness, I tell you! Complete madness!
And while your wedding day might not garner you the same fame as eight Olympic gold medals did Sir Phelps, it’s still one you’ll hopefully want to remember forever. But how do you remember something forever when it’s done in a flash?
In pictures, of course!
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a schmillion times… Your wedding photos are hands down some of the most important – if not the most important – keepsake you’ll have from your day. So, it’s important to make them count!
Recently, theknot.com put out a list of the 50 (New!) Must Have Wedding Photos for Your Album, and I’m dying to know what you think (or what you would add!)! While I consider several of the items to be a bit of “Pete and Repeat” and slightly unorganized, I do think it’s crucial to get as many ideas as possible; hence why i even put a few more of my personal suggestions at the end as well! Whoop, whoop! So, without further adieu, here they are (with a couple examples from our big day courtesy of the ahhhhmazing Jessika and Jimmy Feltz!!):
1. A Really Good Kissing Shot
2. The Guys Getting Ready (see also #21, #41, #43 and #50)
Ohhh to be a dude on the wedding day. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
3. Your Bouquet (see also #10, #14 and #49)
4. The Reception Tables
5. Your Shoes (see also #25)
Granted, this is merely the heel of my shoes... but I love this shot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
6. You — In Action
7. Your Favors
8. Your Wedding Party Kids – Junior Brides, Ring Bearers, Flower Girls, etc.
Haha! Yessss! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
9. The Wedding Cake
10. Bridesmaid’s Bouquets (see also #3, #14 and #49)
11. The Ceremony — Pulled Back
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
12. Your Dress
13. Your Hairstyle
14. His Boutonniere (see also #3, #10 and #49)
15. Candid Shots of Your Bridesmaids
Love love love these ladies! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
16. The Ceremony — From a New Angle
17. Your Wedding Party –Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers, Miniature Attendents, etc.
18. Your Guests
Might I suggest doing a Photo Booth? The pics WILL be epic. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
19. The Scene (see also #32)
20. The Reception — Pulled Back
21. Getting Ready with Your Mom (see also #2, #41, #43 and #50)
22. A “New Angle” Photo (see also #46)
23. The Ceremony Details
Part of the Four String Quartet (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
24. Your Jewelry
25. His Shoes (see also #5)
26. A Sign of the Times Shot — Twitter, iPad, Facebook, etc.
27. Your First Dance
28. A Posed & Composed Couple’s Shot
From our editorial / aeroplane shoot :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
29. The Escort Cards
30. A First Look Photo
31. A Silhouette Shot
Feel free to include the groom too, hehe! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
32. A Scene Setter (see also #19)
33. A “Magic Hour” Photo — reference term of photographers for right before sunset or right after sunrise when the light is best
34. The Wedding Dog
35. The Little Odds & Ends
One of our reception decorations standing proud. (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
36. The Getaway Car
37. A Dramatic Couple’s Shot
Again, from our editorial / aeroplane shoot! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
38. A Funky Backdrop Couple’s Shot
39. A Movie-esque Old Hollywood Shot — Black & White
40. The Lighting
From inside one one of the trees :) (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
41. Your Bridesmaids Before the Ceremony (see also #2, #21, #43 and #50)
Grouped together outside the church! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
42. You and Your Dad
43. Getting Ready Photo of You (see also #2, #21, #41 and #50)
44. A Before the Ceremony Toast
45. Your Glamour Shot
46. An Artistic Angled Shot (see also #22)
47. A Stolen Moment Away
Just the two of us! (photos courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
48. Your Fashion Shot
Hiiiiiiiiit it! (photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com)
49. The Boutonnieres (see also #1, #10 and #14)
50. A Before the Ceremony Shot (see also any # that becomes before the ceremony, hehe!)
I would also like to offer few more shots you could benefit from… ’cause goodness KNOWS I did!
Cake Cutting
Other “Special” Dances (ie. father/daughter, mother/son etc.)
Speeches & Toasts
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
The FOOD! (Dead sere, these were some of my faves!)
Thanks, mom and dad, for all your continued, loyal support!... wait. what? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Like any good blog stalker, this pretty little lady has her FAVES saved for go-to good reads. It truly is one of my life’s truest joys to not only read what people are writing about but also, to see how and even why they’re writing about them. While I have a tendency to lean (almost too) generously towards wedding blogs the world over, I can’t help but stray from time to time when a true gem rears its fabulous face onto my screen.
While it’s generally one of my most golden rules not to bully (aka. put others down to bring myself up), I can’t help but point out the majority of treats being posted on this site (and now BLASTED on ours) have been and continue to be submitted by the “stars” themselves. So, they really only have themselves – and the photographic genius behind the lens – to blame.
So, without further adieu, may I present to you SEVERAL rules you should consider, and photographic evidence of why it’s so important :)
Rule #1. Firstly, make sure you pick a wedding photographer who’s got the goods – shout out to Jessika & Jimmy Feltz who have the BEST goods ever! – otherwise, you run the risk of what this bride calls her uncle’s (yes uncle!) lack of “professionalism.” Poor, potty mouth bride!
Just what every bride wants... a pic with a Port-O-John! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #2. Don’t give me no lies, and (tell them to!) keep their hands to themselves! Nothing ruins a good photo quite like uncomfortable groping from the peanut gallery. I mean, photo op #1 is awkward enough with the painful parent poking, but photo op #2?? Somebody needs to tell sister friend in the corner to ease off… he’s taken for sobbin’ out loud!
Mom, PLEASE! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Some bridesmaids simply have no boundaries (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #3. If you doubt it, don’t show it. And if you show it, perhaps it’s best to not do it. It appears that no one, and I truly mean NO ONE, is comfortable with these marriages becoming offish… brides, grooms, family members, even officiants. Mayhaps, things should’ve been thought through more thoroughly before the big plunge.
Can't you tell everyone agrees that it's a "nice day for a... white wedding!" (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Wow. You know it's a good ceremony when even the priest objects. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #4. BEWARE OF BEWILDERING BACKGROUNDS. Some of these I honestly have no other words for other than… whhhhyyyy?
You've heard of "Four Weddings & a Funeral" but what about having YOUR wedding and a funeral? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
The sentiment is there - sure - but we can't get passed the poor guy gettin' butt grabbed from a distance. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
I blame the bride mostly for her bridesmaids blending into the decor. For the record, there is such a thing as TOO matchy / matchy. (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
Rule #5. Finally, don’t fall victim to vicious photo editing! As stanted in Rule #1, choose your photographers wisely or you may end up with these tripped out treats. Granted, the photos are dated several years, but the rule remains as modern day as ever…
Why's the groom snarling at me? Better yet, why are they both floating above the entire ceremony? Wizard wedding? (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
'Cause you were always on my miiiiiiiiiind! This trippy photo is CREEPED to the max! (photo courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com)
photo courtesy of cheap-wedding-planning.blogspot.com
The wedding send-off is becoming an increasingly personalized trend with epic photographic appeal. No longer are couples settling for the typical getaway anymore – oh no! With trendy weddings flying all over the 2010 Doppler radar, it’s paramount for the send-off to stand out; so, for all you Maids of Honor and Best Men out there, this decor and more post is for you!
Here are a few of the hottest getaway trends heating up nuptial exits everywhere. Feel free to be inspired:
Riding Flirty (and yes, I took it there, hehe!) – The actual send-off vehicle itself has really taken off as a wedding statement. The typical limousine just isn’t unique enough anymore. Newlyweds these days are opting for all kinds of getaway cars, from classy to quirky. Here are a few of the faves:
Volkswagon Vanagon. This retro rewind is fun, whimsical and charmingly nostalgic. Max up the charm with the brightest paint job you can find and send them back to the future or simply to their honeymoon suite in one of these peace sign pleasers.
Vintage Rolls Royce. A wedding car that is quickly becoming a classic, these vehicles scream of an era full of opulence and glamour… which is totally why the Mister and I did it…. Thanks, Papa!
photo courtesy of Geoff White Photographers
Party Limo or Bus. Extravagant? Yes. Fun for the entire bridal party? Of course! These party vans are a little more playful than your standard limousine, as they invite quite a crowd to their showy interiors…and more room to decorate and let’s be real, get down!
photo courtesy of miamilimousine.us
1960’s Mustang. Meant for a couple who likes to let their hair down, these little speedsters are vintage sports car perfection. The redder, the better.
Trendy Transportation – After you’ve chosen the perfect getaway car, it’s time to decide how to make it even more magical. Traditional embellishments include “Just Married” written in soap or lipstick and attached tin can strings hanging from the back bumper. Trendier adornments, however, suggest more personality and flair… and who couldn’t get behind these?:
Window Clings. The ultimate touch of personalization, custom clings display the couple’s newly minted name together, their special date, and any other details you would want to include. And beyond being a unique and thoughtful gift to the newlyweds, these decals will also serve as a memorable keepsake for years to come.
photos courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com
Streamers. The beauty of the wedding theme shouldn’t stop at the reception. Garnish the getaway with streamers, rich in the wedding palette colors. This creates some more wedding eye candy, and a feeling of continuity.
Pom Pom Strands. Another great way to incorporate color, these DIY pomanders pay homage to the romance of real flowers without the added fuss or cost.
Flag Garland. Due to their effortless assembly and charming aesthetic, “Just Married” pendant garlands and banners are one of the more popular farewell flourishes.
Balloons. A classic and quieter alternative to the tin cans, these bright blow-ups will float off the back of any bumper flawlessly. Customize with the bride and groom’s names for a personal touch.
photos courtesy of ruffledblog.com
Ultimately, the couple’s aisle style is what will determine the exit embellishments. Just keep in mind that many car rental companies have strict decoration policies, so you make sure to call ahead to see how much creative freedom is allowed. Everyone is sure to appreciate the trimmings, but aid the brand new twosome in enjoying the interior – with a bottle of bubbly on ice.
UP! inspired movie themed engagement pic courtesy of 100layercake.com
Gather ’round, my little chickadees… it’s time to <sigh> in unison over these super cute, movie-inspired engagement sessions. Because the engagement photo shoot itself is a relatively new concept, it’s easy for couples to hit the road running with their over-the-top ideas. And for couples looking to “theme up” their sessions with movie madness, it’s simply not enough anymore to just throw a few props into the mix…we’re talking full-on hair and makeup shazaam! complete with costume and scene changes! Check out the top three movie themed engagement sessions ever!
Alice in Wonderland – By far the quirkiest, this theme is definitely for the daring divas in all of us! (Reverie Break) “Cats and rabbits would reside in fancy little houses, and be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers… in a world of my own.” Okay, enough of that… “because my world would be a won…der…land.”… Alrite, for real!
Alice in Wonderland sessions can be an ahhhmazing mix of colorful pastels, eclectic tea sets, mad hatter haute couture and more playing cards than you’ll know what to do with. But the fun doesn’t end with the props; everyone knows that no “very important date!” shoot would be complete without a trippy, forest-like transformation or outrageous teapot party. Not to mention, it’s the perfect excuse to whip out that adorable, Alice-imitation dress and sweetly tied, black bow headband!
**Famous couples that have utilized this theme: Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz at their wedding.
photos courtesy of weddingchicks.com
The Notebook – This vintage romance theme is a bit more traditional but is nothing short of awe-inspiring. These engagement sessions are all about 1940’s garb, retro coifs, and – of course - scenes inspired by the holy grail of romance movies themselves, The Notebook. “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”
Essential props include a huge Southern house, a vintage pickup, a canoe - complete with sparkling lake, some ice cream cones and most importantly, perfectly pouting red lips and vintage, vixen clothing and accessories… maybe even a little fake rain for some added ooh la la?? I mean who could ever resist that??! Well, at least in waterproof mascara :)
In need of inspiration? Check this out for ideas… SUPER SWOON!
UP! – If you think I didn’t la-la-louvre the fact that this Disney Pixar great hit the top three, you’d be sadly mistaken! The bittersweet tale of love lost and regained has become the ultimate inspiration for engaged couples everywhere. (For serious, just watch the montage of Carl and Ellie, and you’ll see what I mean!)
These all kinds of adorable, engagement sessions go way beyond the fairytale itself and give soon to be Mr. and Mrs.’s the perfect excuse to play around with a massive bundle of brightly colored balloons and kitschy scenery… and don’t forget the retro details: thick-framed glasses, a bowtie, and cozy little cottage… all must-haves for a sweet story like this to unfold!
These are just a few of my faves that have been heating up the blogosphere lately. I have a feeling that movie-inspired e-seshes will be a hot new trend that we’re going to be seeing a lot more of, and thank goodness for that! **Air Five!**
Traditionally speaking, it’s considered “bad luck” for a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This type of old-fashioned thinking stems from an even more ancient tradition when the groom was not allowed to see his bride AT ALL before the big day. Not ever. Not once. Not even a glimpse. Nada.
While I’m happy to report that prearranged marriages and hide ‘n’ go seek brides - for the most part – have been eradicated in most cultures, there are still several people who like to hold the base of this tradition true. Often times, couples will choose to not see each other beforehand because they feel it adds to the excitement and anticipation of their wedding day. (Agree.)
Others, however, have poo-poo’ed conventional thinking for a more modern day train of thought and choose to have a moment before the ceremony all to themselves. This is a time just for them to really take each other in, and better yet, a time for a photographer to capture some beautifully candid shots. (I mean, just get a load of this groom!) Couples can have a moment of privacy to talk, hug, give a little smooch or simply calm each other’s nerves. (Also, agree.)
For brides and grooms who see each other pre-ceremony, it can also help take care of some of the formal wedding photography of the bridal party, in order to allot more time after for everything else. Woot, woot! But regardless of what you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong choice… merely Choice 1 and Choice 2, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits you and yours best! Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness :)
While this can create some seriously ahhhh to the mazing photographs, it’s not always a girl’s first choice to destroy the greatest dress she’s ever worn in the name of fashion… nor is it something her parents or other financial contributing parties necessarily look forward to having documented. I mean hello?!?! After alterations, a wedding dress can be QUITE an investment, and these days, sooooo many of us can’t afford to lose those :)
So, what are the options for the more conservative or sentimental brides still looking for a fun, captivating way to immortalize their dress? Well, lots, actually. Instead of trashing your dress with fluorescent paints, murky mud or less than sanitary pond water, why not treasure it forever in a high end, editorial fashion shoot??
You heard me right. It’s time to let that inner-model shine! Woot, woot!
Often times still labeled as “Trash the Dress” sessions, brides will set up post nuptial dates with their photographers to have alternative photographs taken. They generally take on the same feel and fall under two categories: style or location.
The “Style” shots will more than likely contain more of a sense of who the bride is. By allowing the bride more creative freedom, they can generate even more personal shots than before. With their less traditional look and more editorial appeal, this type of “Trash the Dress” session doesn’t have to trash the dress at all. In fact, it can simply showcase it in another way that could be more fitting to another side of the bride’s personality.
The “Location” shots will focus more on putting the bride (and her gaaarrrrgeous gown) in areas that will juxtapose with her pristine look. Think industrial, urban or grunge. Think farm, rural or po-dunk. Think Goth, dark or rustic. Really, think anywhere you’d want. From old, closed down factories and dairy farms to dimly lit castles or even creepy cemeteries, location bridal shoots provide the atmosphere, while you (and possibly yours) provide the rest.
Think of these shoots as an extension of your wedding photos, but the more relaxed and carefree version. It’s also super fun to include the hubs in the shots for more authenticity and even more captured memories! <siiiiighhhh> I love weddings :)
If you’re still having a hard time totally getting the picture, check out some of these artistic, (un)Trash the Dress Sessions:
photo courtesy of litratophoto.com
photo courtesy of rawphotodesign.com
photo courtesy of dlweddings.com
photo courtesy of retrospectstudios.com
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
photo courtesy of victoriasouzablog.com
photo courtesy of rawphotodesign.com
photo courtesy of chelseanicoleblog.com
photo courtesy of chelseanicoleblog.com
photo courtesy of giseleholloway.net
photo courtesy of trashthedressaustralia.wordpress.com
You heard me right, ladies. It’s 2010, and one of the fastest growing trends in wedding photography is “Trash the Dress” sessions. “What’s a Trash the Dress session?” one might ask…
Well, as the title clearly states, it’s an event in which you (the now Mrs. Prince Charming) trash the wedding dress you wore one the day you said “I do,” while a photographer captures it on film. (Please pick your grandmother off the floor, as I’m sure she fainted at the mere hint of a wedding dress being garbage-ified.)
Assuming Grandmama is better, let’s continue :)
Basically, Trash the Dress sessions create an avante garde solution to the more traditional deep cleaning, boxing and storing option most brides choose. Plus, they give you one more reason to put that puppy on and work it, touch it, bring it… turn it, leave it, stop, format it… Busta Rhymes, anyone? Yes? No? Maybe?
Anyyyyhoooot…
Trash the Dress photo shoots are also a dynamic way to get one more day out of your most favorite dress ever and create a spectacular outlet for some seriously sassy editorial shots. But don’t let Grandmama have a heart attack just yet, because this can also be something for the more faint at heart – who aren’t quiiiiiite ready to trash their dress completely.
For you ladies out there not quite ready to give up the dress dream just yet, you can merely wear it to a park and play around for a bit or climb a tree or build a sandcastle or go fly a kite in the rain… or simply choose a more urban, off beat or industrial area to shoot in. Really, the options are limitless, and the decision for what your Trash the Dress session becomes is entirely based upon how far you’re willing to go… just make sure to check with mom or dad or whoever else might’ve helped paid for it before you do anything drastic… I’m not trying to encourage any excess, unneeded Family Feuds. While the game show was money, the real life version is always less cheer worthy :)
Here are some of my favorite shots from my favorite Trash the Dress sessions:
I believe Right Said Fred put it best when he grunted, “I’m too sexy for my shirt. Too sexy for my shirt. So sexy it hurts.” And if something hurts from too much sexy, brides everywhere are learning to simply take it off.
With the vast of amounts of wedding trends overtaking traditions, there have been several bridal developments that have seemingly risen above the rest. One of the biggest wedding trends to raise eyebrows and heartbeats is the little bit naughty / lot bit nice nature of Boudoir Photography Sessions.
“Boudoir” – deriving from the French word bouder, meaning to pout – is defined as a woman’s dressing or private sitting room. By definition alone, “boudoir” is rather a straightforward term, but it’s not the definition that gets most men hot under the collar. It’s the connotation surrounding the word that has a much more attractive, revealing appeal.
While boudoir photography wasn’t always viewed in the most positive light (especially by the more prudish), it has now become a big selling point between wedding photographers and their potential clients. By presenting these scantily clad sessions in with their packages, wedding photographers offer future brides the ability to give their soon-to-be husbands a gift that is inclusively sexy, suggestive, fun and flirtatious.
They can be everything from provocative and over-the-top to simply sweet and sassy. The designs, layouts and clothing (or lack thereof) are really up to the comfort level of the bride and her photographer, and while the end results may look different from person to person, they are all surrounded with the same notion of legendary sex appeal.
The romantically sensual sessions are then packaged up neatly and given to the future husbands as gifts before the wedding day, and no man under the sun could deny that level of hotness. It’s an art form that brings the inner pin up girl, saloon bar maid or Moulin Rouge rebel out of even the most demure of girls and the biggest man to his knees. Ooh la la!
Of course I would love to give you examples of some of my favorite shots, but this is a family site, people! Haha! For the braver cohorts reading this who are interested, simply Google “boudoir photography,” and you’ll see what I mean :)
