Photographer Samm Blake – Annabel & Matthew’s Wedding

Even though this is indeed a wedding blog, I seldom highlight real weddings. However, from time to time I come across a wedding, other than ones I have designed, that I truly admire and feel the need to share. The weddings that I do feature are not only chosen because of the details, but because of the photography, as well. You can have the best details in the world but if you have a mediocre photographer, it really would not matter if your details were made of gold. In this case, the photography caught my attention and then the details of the wedding followed suit.

I contacted Samm Blake, a wedding and portrait photographer in Australia, and asked if she would allow me to share Annabel and Matthew’s wedding day with you. To my delight, she was more than happy to. I don’t know much about Samm Blake other than she is based in Melbourne and is one heck of a photographer. Intrigued by her work, I lingered on her site to see more and was not disappointed. I am officially a fan.

Although Samm shot some of the wedding in black and white, I chose to focus on the colored photos…although I might just slip a black and white beauty in! In my opinion, all of the images are beautiful. My favorite image is the one of the yellow flower printed skirt with the back of a bridesmaid’s shoe. It reminds me of  the female characters in Mad Men. So chic! Enjoy the images! Thank you Samm for sharing this beautiful wedding with us!

Photos courtesy of Samm Blake Photography

{real weddings} Shaunna & Jason

I do not know how to explain what I felt when I first saw Shaunna and Jason’s wedding but I will try. I felt as if I was taken back in time, yet I was still in the present. At first, I was not sure what element of their wedding made me feel like that way. Was it the groom’s perfectly coiffed moustache or the bride’s wonderfully rare chocolate diamond ring or was it the boots she wore under her dress? It could be a combination of those things but the first image is probably the true reason why I felt, for a brief moment, that this wedding happened in another time and place. When a photographer is able to transport me with their images, in such a manner, that is a true gift. I believe Ashley Camper has that gift.

Ashley is the wonderfully talented photographer behind this wedding, which was featured in the 2011 winter edition of Pacific Weddings. I contacted Ashley and she graciously allowed me to share more images of this beautiful wedding with you. I hope you enjoy this timeless and classic New England beach wedding as much as I did. Something tells me you will. Enjoy!

Photographer: Ashley Camper Officiant: Carlos Poppata Musician: Steve Lord
DJ: Evan Kenney Florist: Luiz Diniz of Four Seasons Greenery
Graphics: Jesse Vuona
Makeup/Hair: Amalie Nygren Catering: Season to Taste Catering

{real engagements} Alex & Joy, San Diego

Sometimes all that is needed to make an engagement shoot picture perfect are nature’s beautiful backdrop and a gorgeous {literally} couple. Joy and Alex are one of those couples that you cannot wait to see their wedding photos!

My good friend, Lisa of Elle G. Photography, shot these lovely engagement photos of Joy and Alex on the beautiful shores of San Diego. If anyone needs yet another reason to fall in love with the city I now call home, these images will certainly seal the deal!

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{real weddings} Astride & Jean-Thomas, Swiss Normandy

This real wedding is sure to put a smile on your face and brighten your Monday! Amy Punky Photography is owned by my friend, Emilie Gerard. Emilie and I met via a simple email I received from her last year. Ever since then we’ve kept in touch. Emilie has a love for life and it shows in her work. She was one of the first photographers I featured on EDWA. Needless to say, I am more than happy to feature Emilie’s work once again. 

Astride and Jean-Thomas’  wedding took place in the beautiful region of Swiss Normandy and was filled with whimsical and sweet touches. I can almost feel how much fun Emilie had taking these images on what looks like the perfect day for a wedding!

The décor and sweet table was done by the bride and family.

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{real weddings} Nikki and Bobby

Let me introduce you to my latest photographer find; friends meet Scott Andrew. Prepare to feast your eyes on some delicious wedding eye candy that includes fireworks, miniature fishing reels, coastal views, a vanishing pool, and a beautiful way to honor a parent that has passed away. Scott, along with second shooter Evan Baines, captured all these details perfectly.

The couple, Nikki and Bobby, was recently married in Cabo San Lucas with 130 of their close friends and family. Here is what Scott had to say about the wedding:

“Bobby owns a fishing reel manufacturing outfit, thus the place card holders were miniature reels. Nikki’s father passed away several years ago and in his remembrance, she stitched a photo of them together in the lining of her wedding dress (see first photo below). My amazing second photographer, Evan Baines, captured the wide-angle dance photo, from the pool. If you look at the overall reception area, you will see that this was the best point to photograph so he borrowed some trunks and a towel, hopped in, and captured an amazing image, bravo! Many of the photos below were his as well. Yes, they did have their own private pyrotechnics display. Fireworks at your wedding are amazing.”

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{real weddings} Sam & Richie

My dear friend, Kismet, sent me over these gorgeous images of a wedding she was hired to photograph in Chandigarh, India. Not only are the images beautiful so is the bride! Her sari, her makeup, and jewelry are just perfect! To see more  images from this amazing shoot, head on over to  Kismet’s blog, the Unreal Bride, here. Enjoy!

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{real wedding} Kim & Jay

Now that I live in San Diego have a new found love for anything that has to do with celebrations by the sea, especially weddings.This gorgeous Real Wedding comes from the amazingly talented ladies of joielala photographie.

The gorgeous backdrop for Kim & Jay’s special day was Tulum, Mexico at the Dreams Tulum Resort. What I love about this wedding…besides the fact that the location is absolutely dreamy…is the neutral décor and how it  comes alive with pops of lilac, fuchsia, purples, and red. All the décor was done by the crafty bride.

I love the entire laid back vibe of this wedding which is relaxed and elegant. Add an amazing ocean view to the mix and you have all the ingredients needed for a perfect beachside wedding. How enchanting!

{joielala photographie}

Real Weddings – Leslie & James at Auburn University

All brides are special, no doubt about that. However, some brides are more than just a bride. They may be a friend, a confidante, a sister, or someone so special that when they ask if you could lend a helping hand, without hesitation you answer with an “Of course!” That is the relationship I have with Leslie Williams. In Leslie, I have a friend, a confidante, a sister, and one of my very best friends all rolled up in one package.

On the outside, yes, we are quite different. Leslie grew up in a small town in Alabama, I grew up in New York. Leslie rode horses, I rode the train. Leslie is a southern belle with a southern drawl and I am a city slicker with a very noticeable NYC accent. Even with our differences, a beautiful friendship began. We realized we were very much alike on the inside. We both believe in family, God, finding the right one, and we wholeheartedly believe and understand that life’s mistakes are lessons in disguise that prepares you for the beautiful road ahead. Oh and most importantly, we both adore Patsy Cline!

Leslie and James were married on March 26, in a chapel on the campus of Auburn University with their closest friends and family as witnesses. All of us knew that their union was meant to be.

The Engagement

James proposed to Leslie in the presence of their families over a long holiday weekend. They were all in on it! The first picture says it all. I told her he would!

 Part of the Prep

The night before the wedding, we gathered at the home of Leslie’s father and stepmother to create the reception centerpieces. Leslie wanted the flowers to appear as they were freshly picked wild-flowers. Orange slices were used to line the inside of the vase for some color (orange is one of Auburn’s colors). A champagne colored wire-ribbon was wrapped around the vases to coordinate with the receptions decor and the sash Leslie wore with her wedding dress.

The Wedding

The ceremony took place in a small chapel on the campus of Auburn. Leslie being an alum of Auburn would not have it any other way! It was perfect! It was nice to attend a wedding as a guest and not as a coordinator!

sources {Friends of the couple & Holly Jo Flora Photography}

Love you, Leslie!

Here is to many more years of friendship and happiness! XO

Cowboy Boots & Pearls – Austin, Texas Engagement Shoot

In the past, I have featured a photo shoot from the ladies of Simply Bloom. If you remember how gorgeous that shoot was (in case you don’t click here), you will not be surprised that I am doing it again. When I saw this shoot of Monica and John, it was love at first sight. Obviously, the couple is beautiful. However, there was something else about the shoot that drew me in…it is the sincerity captured in these images that I felt instantly.

Besides a great locale, I love the mix of feminine yet cowgirl-chic worn by the bride. Pearls and cowboy boots? Who would of thought? It was perfect for this Austin, Texas engagement shoot. I hope you enjoy this shoot and feel the love as much as I did. To the ladies of Simply Bloom, you have a fan for life.

{ I love this photo. It makes me want to sing “Stand By Your Man”! }

Real Wedding – On Style Me Pretty

I am proudly from NYC and I love everything about the city. If there is one thing we know how to do right it’s weddings.They must have three components to be the perfect NYC wedding; romance, opulence, and high fashion. That combination works every time…

source { style me pretty }