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

{ideas & inspiration} Making An Entrance

…love this image and the fun it evokes! Last Monday, one of my brides asked ,“How do I make a grand entrance at my wedding that’s unique but with little fuss?” So I sent her this image..

How delightfully surprising would it be to arrive on a bike especially if you are getting married at a local park or venue blocks from your  home? If not, arrange for a bike to be used for your wedding pictures. What fun and beautiful memories you will have!

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{faux wedding shoot} A Vintage Irish Wedding

…how do I begin to tell you how much I love this photo-shoot? I am always on the search for new photographers {at least new to me} to feature. I was very lucky when I came across this lovely shoot from the talented Irish photographer, Pauline Dennigan. I contacted Pauline immediately to ask her if she would allow me to share this beautiful shoot with you and lucky for us she said, “No problem!” This gorgeous shoot took place at the Ballintaggart House in Dingle, Co. Kerry Ireland. Now that might not mean much to you but at the end of September, I will be precisely in that area of Ireland on holiday! I cannot wait!

Yes, I have Ireland on the brain but after you see this wonderful and fun shoot, you will, too! The setting, vintage dresses, the lush countryside, the beautiful Irish ladies, and all the whimsical details make this shoot perfect!

Photography: Pauline Dennigan
Flowers and Room styling: Carrie O’Connor
Hair: Tricia O’Sullivan Make-up: Kathryn O’Neill
Vintage Dresses and Accessories: Dirty Fabulous
Cupcakes: Cloud Berry Baker Venue: Ballintaggart House

{style & shoot} Inspired by Jane Austen & J. Crew

Last night I teased that I had something special to share with you today and boy do I ever! This Jane Austen inspired shoot comes from Melissa Oholendt. Melissa is an amazingly talented photographer based in Minnesota who teamed up with some spot-on vendors. Not only was Melissa the photographer for this beautiful shoot she came up with the concept.The minute I saw these images, I fell head over heels in love with ever little detail…and the couple? Simply stunning together! Their chemistry is breathtaking. Take a look…

Thank you so much, Melissa for sharing these gorgeous images with us!  Thank you to these lovely vendors, as well:

Photographer: Melissa Oholendt, Event Design: First Blush Bride, Fashion Styling: Faith Brue, Dress: Grace Bridal Boutique, Flowers: A Day in Provence, Cake: Sweets by Natalie Kay, Stationery: Kelley Burfiend, Hair & Make-up: Smart & Chic

SoCal Vendor Spotlight – Anika London Photography

San Diego is known for its laid-back attitude, amazing beaches, wine country (yes, wine country), and the best weather this side of ANYWHERE. Now with all that going for us and being a top destination-wedding locale in the USA you can bet your bottom dollar that we have some of the most talented wedding vendors from caterers to photographers and everything in between. I have decided that it is high time that these vendors be recognized and featured. My first vendor is Anika London.

So who is Anika London? Josh and Ariel makeup the team called Anika London. This gorgeous husband and wife team (seriously, they are smokin’!) are based in San Diego. Their work is amazing and their approach to shooting an engagement or wedding is like no other. These two are so cool that they were nice enough to answer a few of my questions so that I can share them with you…so without further ado I bring you, Anika London!

Q. What makes Anika London so unique?

Our two distinct styles; both of us have been shooting weddings for many years but the two of us have two distinctly different styles. I would consider myself more of a photojournalist. I love movement, energy, and the craziness of the wedding day and what it represents. I’m definitely more into capturing the laughter, the tears, the crazy uncle, the brawl between ladies vying for the bouquet, and all the fearless drunken dancers on the dance floor.

Ariel loves beauty, she wants you to look at the photos afterwards and think to yourself, “holy good graciousness! I look amazing!” She’s the master of angles and knows how to make anyone look their best. She also has a very sweet sincere personality that really helps you feel at ease so that you look natural and truly beautiful. Combining our two styles really capture what the wedding day is and give the couple the best of both worlds. Great candid shots mixed hand-in-hand with images that take your breath away.

Q. What are some of your favorite locations to shoot in SD?

Oh boy, we absolutely love shooting in odd unconventional places. We have shot in school buses, parking garages, bars, roller coasters, hotel basements, and even a political rally. Our absolute favorite place to shoot is in any given parking garage. You give us a parking garage of any type and we are in heaven.

Q. Why are you such huge fans of the first look photo. 

Here’s why; you’re makeup and hair are fresh, generally you haven’t been crying yet so your eyes still look pretty, you can actually speak to one another when you see each other for the first time, there’s no stress because no one is waiting on you and there’s no reception we have to run off to, you’re generally not starving so you tend to not be as cranky (this one’s more for the guys), and ultimately you’ve spent a large amount of cash on your photographer(s) so why not have a scheduled time to shoot the most worthwhile photos of the day?

Q. What can a bride do to ensure that her photos will be great?

·The most important thing a bride can do (and a groom, we tend to leave them out of the mix but they are people too) is hire a coordinator. I am not just saying this because I want Naomi to like me I am saying it because it is absolutely true and necessary.

On your wedding day, you and your spouse need to enjoy every single second of it and having a good coordinator (not a friend that has been married before) run the show helps tremendously. They allow you and your spouse to focus on each other, your friends, and like I mentioned in the second question, the craziness of the day! There is no question about it, weddings are stressful, but no one needs to be stressed. Let the small things go, if by chance something goes wrong blow it off, let it be just another memory of the day. It is not what goes wrong that will ruin your day it is how you react to it.

A good coordinator will make sure things run smoothly so you will be stress free and HAPPY. Happiness is easy to photograph; anger and stress are not. I am just being honest here. Honestly, we can shoot anywhere it does not matter where it is, but if you are not happy and in love on your wedding day, your photos will most definitely show it. So the lesson is, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Or it could be “get drunk early,” whichever motto best suits your life.

 I knew you would love them! Please visit  the website of Anika London here  and  be the first to see their latest shoots on their on Anika London’s blog  here.

Stay tuned for more vendors in the series Vendor Spotlight!

Through the Lens of Kim Kyung Soo

Gorgeous images from Photogrpaher Kim Kyung Soo for Korean Vogue 2009. Korean traditional dresses with a modern glamorized spin. An amazing editorial.

source {Korean Vogue}

Chanel & Lagerfeld

Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection as seen through the eyes and lens of Karl Lagerfeld. Visit Chanel to see the beautiful photo collage of images taken by the designer himself.

A Southern Wedding by Elizabeth Messina

I love these images posted on Kiss The Groom of this beautiful southern wedding. I lived in the south for quite sometime so southern weddings always tug at my heart. There are so many beautiful details that I wanted to share with you.

Gorgeous photography and such attention to detail is what to expect from any photo shoot done by Elizabeth. I hope you enjoy the images below as much as I did.

Please visit Kiss The Groom for more images of this beautiful wedding shot by Elizabeth Messina.

source { Kiss The Groom }

Fun Wedding Photo Idea

Sometimes I visit a blog for one thing and it leads me to another blog that has something so great that is worthy of sharing with you!

I love this idea! Rent a trampoline to take some really fun wedding photos with your wedding part! The photos, taken by photographers Nate and Jaclyn of This Image Found, are amazing! I am sure these photos will incite smiles and laughter every time this couple shares their wedding album with friends. Take a look…

source {The Image Is Found}

Amy Punky Photography – Bonjour!

I have said it before and I will say it again…blogging is the best way to meet people from all over the world that share the same interest. Allow me to introduce you to my newest friend who also happens to be a most amazing photographer, Emilie Gerard of Amy Punky Photography. Emilie is a lawyer by trade but her heart belongs to photography and shows…oh and I think she has a love of shoes just as bad as I do!

Based in France, Emilie has one of the most romantic countries as her backdrop for the gorgeous photos she takes of engaged and newlywed couples. However, her talent is not limited to portraits; Emilie also takes breathtaking photos of children and nature capturing them in the most beautiful light.

If you find yourself in France and wish to have memorable photos taken of your trip by a photographer who not only knows where to take the best photos but also can create lasting memories for you, contact Emilie Gerard here. What better way to capture and celebrate love in one of the most romantic places in the world than thru the lens of a photographer like Emilie!

Here are a few of my favorite shots by Emilie.