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Capturing the Bride

Memorable shots of the bride can run from the more traditional photo of the bride looking directly into the camera, to one of her looking off in contemplation, to those expressing the emotions of joy, laughter, love. How the photographer creates that moment depends as much on the photographer’s style as that of their subject – the bride. Here are just a few of our fav StrictlyWeddings.com “just the bride” photos.

Carasco Photography – Chicago

Fred Marcus Photography – New York

Thisbe Grace Photography – Dallas

Fred Marcus Photography – New York

Gruber Photographers – New York

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings – Dallas and Austin

Courtesy of The Adolphus Hotel – Dallas

Jai Girard Photography – Chicago

Stunning Wedding Centerpieces

Eye candy for your table’s decor with these stunning floral centerpieces. We’re never short of bringing you ideas when it’s time to plan your luxury wedding. We can just imagine the fragrance from some of the rose centerpieces – we’re loving the inclusion of the pale and pink antique roses below with pale peonies.

Source: www.bellethemagazine.com

Happy Holidays from StrictlyWeddings.com

Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas and may all your wishes come true.

From all of us at StrictlyWeddings.com

Monique Lhuillier – Timeless and Romantic Bridal Gowns

No introduction is needed for the greatness of designer Monique Lhuillier. Every where you go for anything bridal, they are either talking about or wearing her gorgeous couture wedding gowns. Here are a few more of her beautiful bridal creations for you to enjoy! Just stunning.

Winter White Bouquets Year Round Elegance

There is nothing bland about choosing white for your wedding bouquet. White comes in various textures and shades – brilliant white to subtle creams; dramatic calla lilies to dainty lily of the valley. Until you see a bouquet that’s all white it’s hard to imagine its simple elegance. When you add touches of green – special grasses, succulents, berries and buds – it creates an entirely different statement. For a natural, yet elegant effect, ask your florist to allow the leaves and stems to remain visible.

Photo Source: InsideWeddings.com

Central Park Boathouse New York

We’ve showcased New York wedding photographer Ryan Brenizer before. Here’s a fun wedding by Ryan where Murphy’s Law did not get in the way, instead it was embraced with fun and laughter.

“It started to rain right before Cathy and Glen were to take a leisurely walk in Central Park.
They had planned it to take place before their reception at the Central Park Boathouse.

“You may not have heard how it also started to rain right before Cathy was going to get into the limo for the ceremony at the stunning Church of St. Ignatius Loyola  … or how that limo then immediately broke down, needing a jump start from a friendly NYC taxi driver.”

“But what you really didn’t hear is how none of that mattered. How much fun they had anyway at every part of the day. How close their family was. How rain and electronic problems and all the challenges of a wedding day just became great stories to talk about later when a couple knows how to have fun together, which Cathy and Glen are great at. And, you know, the whole “looking fabulous” thing.”

Wedding Photographers | Jai Girard | Artistic Treasures

If you follow our blog, you know that Chicago’s Jai Girard is one of our favorite wedding photographers to showcase. Actually all the photographers at StrictlyWeddings.com have incredible talent and create amazing memories for their bride and groom.

Yet, today we celebrate the magic of Jai’s work, photographed at the enchanting  Chicago Botanic Garden. Every wedding she shares with our readers include hidden treasures. We’d really love to spend a little time in her brain as she looks through that lens – how does she see that particular moment or detail that 10, 20, 30 years from now, is a forgotten memory brought back to life to treasure?

December Weddings | Holiday Magic

There’s something a bit magical about a wedding held during Christmastime. The red and white of Christmas comes to light in such a different way then the red and white of a Valentine’s Day wedding. Velvet…we think velvet when it comes to Christmas or rich brocades.

How would you make your wedding magical if it was held during December?

Source: Inside Weddings

New York Weddings – Lindsey & Tyler

Sometimes, the most important decisions are the easiest to make. “I realized very early on that this was the girl I was going to marry, probably a month or two after we started dating,” confides Tyler Rhoten of his bride, Lindsey Magness.

“We wanted to have an iconic New York wedding, which showed our out-of-town friends and family the best of the city we love and call home. Our locations were a big part of achieving that,” says the couple. StrictlyWeddings.com NYC partner, Gruber Photographers, shared this iconic wedding with us and it’s sure to become one of your favorites!

The sizeable bridal party – eight maids in all – wore floor-grazing charcoal gowns and held vibrant bouquets in brilliant hues of purple and blue. A vision in a tumble of ruffled fabric that fell in origami-like layers, Lindsey floated down the candle-lit aisle, her mother and stepfather by her side. One magical moment: Just as Tyler and Lindsey kissed after being pronounced man and wife, a gospel choir burst into song, setting the mood for the remainder of the night with their rendition of “Oh, Happy Day,” which set the mood for the remainder of the night.

For the reception, guests made their way to the New York Public Library for a night to remember. Tyler and Lindsey shared a ride in a classic car, which was fitting for their timeless, New York theme. “My advice to any bride and groom is to set aside some alone time, even just five minutes, between the ceremony and reception,” advises Lindsey. “It was so nice to take a moment to appreciate that we were officially married before starting the celebration.”

The bride’s favorite color palette of black and white, accented with shades of purple, set the backdrop for the elegant affair. Table cards cleverly fashioned to resemble catalog cards guided guests to their sage-toned seats. Long rectangular tables filled the immense room, each topped with gleaming silver candelabras and flowering branches of purple blossoms that reached toward the vaulted ceiling. Contrasting short, clean arrangements of white orchids, tea roses, lavender, purple iris, and calla lilies added texture. Candles of all shapes and sizes played up the romance, illuminating the hallowed halls. No two tables were identical, a visual feast for the eyes. Violet lighting cast a romantic glow during the dinner and dancing.

For guests that were less footloose and fancy-free, small lounge areas were provided to sit and enjoy so they wouldn’t feel left out of the action. Combining influences from the couple’s favorite Mexican and Italian cuisines, guests feasted on a first course of penne with tomato and hot peppers, lasagna Bolognese, and spinach tagliotini with ham and peas. A light salad followed. The main course included a choice of Dover sole or rolled chicken, both accompanied with sides of tomato and roasted-pepper flan, asparagus, and potato duchesses. A towering five-tiered buttercream cake was adorned with beautiful bouquets of sugar flowers, ranging from the palest lavender to the deepest plum. The ice cream-loving couple surprised their loved ones with a gelato cart serving hand-dipped cones. “It was definitely a hit with our guests!” says Lindsey. In lieu of traditional favors, a donation was made in honor of attendees to two local organizations. However, another tantalizing delicacy served as a sweet reminder of the night. Guests were encouraged to fill a to-go bag with fresh bomboloni (Italian filled donuts).

Bride & Groom: Lyndsey Magness & Tyler Rhoten
Photographers: Gruber Photographers
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Veil: Mark Ingram Bridal
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Reception: New York Public Library
Ceremony: Saint Bartholomew’s Church
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes

Copy: Inside Weddings

New Featured Wedding features an Iconic New York

Our newest StrictlyWeddings.com featured wedding will definitely have you studying for ideas. The black and white with purple are beautifully incorporated into the details. Who doesn’t love a wedding with such a regal dog as part of the wedding party (below)! Add don’t miss the cake creation by Sylvia Weinstock. Many thanks to Gruber Photographers for sharing. Cheers!