Sondra and Jason’s wedding — with its neutral palette, to-die-for location, and cutest kids ever — is one for the books. The two were introduced three years ago by Jason’s sister and the rest, as they say, is history.
Photographer: Chris Cornwell Photographer
Add a check mark to another box — I’ve booked my hair and makeup for the big day!
To be honest, this was another one of those things I went back and forth on. Should I do my own? Should I have a professional come to me? What kind of etiquette applies to bridal party hair and makeup?
I was pretty lost on every one of these questions. All I knew was that on my day, I want to look like me… and I’ve seen too many brides who just… don’t. So quality became a big concern if I went professional… and I considered doing my own more than once (which I’ve seen lots of brides do successfully — it’s is so easy with all of the amazing tips out there).
In the process, I learned that the etiquette for this particular question is all over the place.
I don’t say it enough — I know I don’t — but I am a super lucky girl. This week was less hectic than the last, but still no cake walk. Working on getting over a nasty cold and easing back in to the day to day of work can weigh on a lady, but coming home to the guy I do makes it ever so much easier… from picking me up when I realize I have to stay so late I miss the last train, to consistently cooking the most amazing meals (and putting me to some serious domestic shame), to sending me a sweet little song in my inbox…
I’m a super lucky girl.
Here are a few (other) things I’m loving this week…
Amazing recaps and advice from the Alt Summit.
DIY crepe paper flower favors just in time for Valentine’s Day.
iPhone cases from Society6.
This makes my mouth water.
Photo: Elizabeth Messina
I have to admit, I have a huge soft spot for engagement shots. There’s just nothing better than a couple in love and in their element… no fancy dress, no tux, just two people in love. It makes me melt every time. Sometimes even more (dare I say) than the wedding shots themselves.
From the photographer…
When we asked Mandy and Dominic how they met, the two of them looked at each other and giggled. Apparently Dominic had a plan from the beginning to win Mandy’s heart, but Mandy only saw him as a friend. After a while of Dominic taking Mandy to dinner and a movie as a friend and as he described it, “slowly working his way into her heart”, Mandy said she realized she was head over heels in love with him. Since then they’ve been inseparable and are currently planning their November 2012 wedding at the Ron W. Shane Center in Miami Beach. Mandy and Dominic wanted their engagement session to reflect their laid-back personalities and pay homage to their backgrounds. They chose the beautiful backdrop of the Deering Estate at Cutler in the heart of Miami. Photographing Mandy and Dominic was like following the couple on a romantic date, complete with champagne and a blanket to watch the ocean on. To represent their hometowns, each of them brought their favorite beer to toast with. Dominic chose Red Stripe to represent his family’s Jamaican heritage and Mandy chose Oberon beer to represent her home state of Michigan. We’re looking forward to their wedding day in November!
Photographer: Rubber Boots Photography / Event Venue: Deering Estate
Okay. You know those times when you’re really busy… and then you stop?
All of the sick you’ve been saving suddenly decides to pay you a visit.
The good news is that I think I’m starting to feel a little better… and I’ve had a little downtime to peruse all of the gorgeous submissions I’ve received lately… including this particularly stunning Scottish beauty!
Shona and Nathan met right here in Washington, DC. After quickly falling in love, Nathan visited Shona in her hometown outside Edinburgh and proposed. They returned to Scotland for their wedding at Alvie Estates — and it’s not at all hard to see why, thanks to these beautiful images by Rebekah J Murray.
Photography: Rebekah J Murray / Location: Alvie Estates / Bridal portrait location: Dirleton Castle / Gown: Lusan Mandongus, purchased at Teokath of London / Veil: David Fielden / Jewelry: Rosie Brown / Groom’s suit: Lingfield by Moss / Headpiece: designed by the bride and created by Bridget Webster / Shoes: custom by Freya Rose / Floral: Country Harvest / Lighting and tent: Highland Marquees / Band: Kilter / Stationery: White Blossom
I’m feeling a little under the weather today, but I’m happy to report that no major disasters occurred during my conference… so we’ll call it a raging success! I’m excited to get back to normal life (and a whole lot of wedding planning) as soon as I kick this cold.
Here are a few things I’m loving this week…
… and protea too.
This amazing receipt paper altar (not to mention the rest of the venue).
Photo: Darling Clementine
We still have lots of time to decide, but right now we’re flip-flopping between Hawaii and Bali.
Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Hawaii is sentimental, Bali is new. Hawaii is cheaper to get to, Bali might be cheaper once we’re there. Hawaii is closer, Bali is farther away…
Honestly, we will feel unbelievably lucky to go to either, but it’s so hard to choose.
Tell me, how did you choose your honeymoon destination? Did you check something off of your bucket list in the process, or did you choose a place that already meant the world to you both? Did you fly far away, or pack up the car and drive?
I would love to hear your stories.
Photo: Pinterest
This entire proposal was caught by the fabulous Keith Dunlop, who tells the story here…
I can’t imagine a better way to draw a close to my 2011 wedding season than with a preamble to the coming year. I’ve known Chris casually over the last couple of years through an online photography forum, and he owns some of my used camera gear. Last month I received a random call from Chris telling me that he was proposing to his girlfriend in LA and could I photograph it! Needless-to-say I was thrilled at the unique opportunity.
The setup involved Brittany and a group of friends visiting the Griffith Observatory for a surprise birthday party. Brittany was not aware that the surprise birthday party was actually a ruse to disguise the surprise proposal. It was a perfect plan, perfectly executed by Chris and their friends. All I had to do was blend in with the tourists, act natural, and capture it all on film. It was great fun for me as a photographer, and best of all — she said YES! Well done Chris.
Photographer: Frame 37 | photography by keith dunlop / Venue: Griffith Observatory
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Photo: Time
A Thousand Threads 