Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

Fall in love at The Dallas Arboretum

Fall in love at The Arboretum, Chase & Rachel did and Thisbe Grace photographed every sweet moment. From cobble pathways to fountain courtyards full of fall foliage and flowers, The Dallas Arboretum never ceases to offer a setting worth capturing with love. Let the suns rays peer through the trees and warm you as you stroll hand in hand, kissing at every turn. 

Engaging Engagement Photos

What a fun group of photos to share with our readers on July 4. California photographer Kurt Boomer, who we’ve showcased before, is the genius behind this engagement shoot. We love how more couples are branching out for their engagement photos and being “over-the-top” with something fun and different or romantic in others.

Love the way that they thought to create a “Save the Date” image to send to all those invited to the wedding.

Photographers and couples alike find that the engagement session is a great way to learn to work together. Most photographers have learned the hard way that some couples are uncomfortable or freeze in front of the camera. Some couples are conditioned to smile every time a lens is turned their way, while others blink. This session helps photographers iron out those kinks—learning what the best way is to approach each couple, how best to direct or guide, and what kind of interaction works best.

And while learning how to “dance” with your photographer is an important reason to have an engagement session, today’s couples have many different ways to creatively use the images they make with their photographer.

• Engagement photo albums with room for guests to write good wishes at the wedding
• Save the Date invitations
• Fans at the wedding, wedding programs, place cards, even on the wedding invitation
• Finally a single framed photo at the wedding

Featured Chicago Engagement Photographer: Exposing the true personality of the bride & groom

With some people you just have an immediate bond. That’s how we felt when we first talked to Jai Girard about becoming one of our Chicago Wedding photography partners.

Jai, the person, is as beautiful as the art that she creates. And, to us, and to her brides, what Jai creates with her photography IS a work of art. She has the gift of making her brides, and even us non-brides, feel like you are the center of her focus. It’s all about you! And it shows in the exquisite wedding and engagement photos that she shares so generously with StrictlyWeddings.com.

So enjoy this sampling of just a few of Jai’s Engagement Photos. They’re fun, dramatic, unique and all show off the artistic touch of Jai Girard.

Colorful Engagement Session, with a little Texas Twist to boot!

This engagement session is full of so many things … personality, life, love, and the sunny Texas skies. Perfect moments captured by Jenny Martell Photography. All of it resonates true to a bride and groom who wanted to have a day that reflected their fun-loving personalities.

Jory and Jamie met 6 years ago at the software company where they worked. Over the years, they became close co-workers and friends. During the first 4 years as co-workers, they had significant others, but then all that changed and all the stars aligned with just one date.

Both of them told friends and family they were going out as friends/co-workers and nothing else.  Little did they know, that it took one date to know that Jamie’s soul mate was sharing the same office space with her for the past 5 years! All it took was getting out of the work space to find that they were more a like than they would have ever guessed.  After that date, they never left each others side. It’s almost uncanny how perfect they are for each other…they even complete each others sentences.

Cathy Waterman – Magical Engagement Rings

Cathy Waterman works in a sun-splashed studio within sight of the Pacific Ocean, a must she says, for the sight and sound and scent of the sea is a tonic for her inner peace. Ivy and bougainvillea cling to every outside wall and roses from her garden fill the air with their fragrance. Cathy was born in Hollywood, rode horses and danced ballet. She studied Byzantine and Early Church history in college and became a lawyer and developed film projects and designed clothing and had a family.

It was in 1990 that she began translating her love of exotic stories into 22k golden jeweled treasures inspired by ancient and medieval history.  She followed that first collection with her uniquely identifiable Color of Dreams collection of interlocking platinum and diamond leaves, multi-colored webs and vines like lace, colorful tassel earrings and richly hued beaded bracelets enrobed in platinum and diamonds.

She’s passionate about her work and a perfectionist, too, seeking to create jewelry with the attention to detail of the old world masters with a modern aesthetic. Below are just a few of the exquisite engagement rings in her collection. Visit her site for more.

Vintage Ring Boxes

Vintage ring boxes come in a variety of materials and shapes, like these dainty blue Bakelite boxes, or a more rustic looking in old vinyl or in antique sterling silver. The inside is just as beautiful covered with velvet fabric in complementary colors. Also, the gold filigree ring boxes reminds one of grander times. Truly unique. And nothing says “I love you” like one of a kind trinkets.

Source: Ruffled – fascinating wedding blog for those who adore all things vintage

Prashi Shah 2010 Collection – the perfect honeymoon or dress rehearsal wear

StrictlyWeddings.com was so fortunate to be one of Prashi Shah‘s sponsors when she launched her collection, Society Language, at Ghost Bar at The W Hotel. The photos shown here are from her casual line. (Soon to come, we hope, her wedding collection). We think her clothes are perfect for a honeymoon somewhere stylish and tropical or maybe for your rehearsal dinner or couples shower.

A little on celebrity designer Prashi Shah … she doesn’t exactly fit the Bedford stereotype. At 17, she left her hometown and moved to New York to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. From there, she worked in design and color development for the well-known designer Bill Blass, picking up enough confidence and experience to move back to Dallas and create her own label, Prashe. Shah’s big break came in 2002 when a high-end New York retailer, Henri Bendel, picked up her line of cosmetic bags. She now sells handbags, skirts, tanks, and knickknacks to big-name stores like Nordstrom, as well as to local hot spots such as Jean Connection, Charmed by Melissa, and Movida. Shah travels the world for inspiration but still calls Dallas her home. “There is so much opportunity here, and its a growing city.” she says. Thanks to her, it’s a stylish one, too.

Many thanks to Scott Hagar Photography for taking time out of his busy schedule to shoot these great pictures!

Engagement Pictures – Tips from a photographer

As a follow-up to our recent post on “New Trends in Wedding Photography,” Dallas Wedding Photographer, Celina Gomez of Captivating Simplicity Photography offers this advice on Engagement pictures.

What location is best for engagement pictures?
First you have to decide if there is specific “look” you want your engagement pictures to have. Are you a nature person or do you prefer architecture and city streets? Where did you first meet? Your first date? Your first kiss? Where did your fiancé propose? Think of a location that is special to you as a couple. Think of hobbies that you and your fiancé enjoy doing together.  Places that are significant to you as a couple will be the best place for your engagement photos.

What to wear?
I suggest bringing two outfits, a dressy outfit and a more relaxed outfit that reflect your own personal style. Wear something that you would normally wear so that you don’t feel uncomfortable or out of place. Colorful clothes always look best in photos, and it’s not necessary for the couple to “match” as long as the color schemes don’t clash. Avoid wearing all white or all black. Where we take your photos may require walking so bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear.

Posing
Your photographer should guide you into certain poses, but mostly this should reflect you as a couple. If the photographer asks you to cuddle up next to your honey there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this so cuddle up next to him/her just like you would if you were in the comfort of your own home. Try to slip into your own world and act as if you and your fiancé were just enjoying an afternoon by yourselves. Talk, walk, laugh, snuggle, lay down in the grass, whatever you feel like doing with your significant other all while your photographer snaps away and records the interaction between you and your fiancé. This makes for photographs that look more natural and reflect the personalities of each couple in a unique way. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to show how much you love each other.

Note: It’s best to book your photographer 8-12 months in advance to make sure that you get the photographer that you want for your special day.

Meet Bianca and Adam. They have been dating a little over 2 years. They spotted each other at a local Sushi Restaurant and began dating shortly after they met, and the rest as they say is history.  Their photo session was shot at the Shops Legacy where the couple resides.  Bianca and Adam are so in love and they weren’t afraid to show it. They slipped into their own world and just had fun with it, and because they were so comfortable we got amazing results.

Celina Gomez
www.simplicityblog.net

New Trends in Wedding Photography

The stiff group portraits that were the standard in wedding photography for generations have become the exception rather than the norm. Here’s a little inspiration for your wedding photographs.

Wedding photography taken in unusual places is one of the hottest rising trends in weddings. Many of these pictures are taken as engagement photos before the wedding, but they are nothing like the posed studio shots of old. Urban backgrounds are particularly popular, ranging from black and white photos set against a towering city skyline to gritty scenes in front of graffitied brick walls. For couples who do not live in a city, popular backgrounds include seasides, natural locations, and even places like carnivals and zoos. These settings are also gaining popularity for day-of-wedding photography; the contrast between the wild setting and the bride in her exquisite bridal gown, veil, and wedding jewelry makes for an interesting juxtaposition which gives the pictures an edgy quality.

Another trend in wedding photography is to make pictures a part of the event itself, rather than just something to look over weeks later. The rise in digital photography has made this possible. For instance, you might have the photographer use the photos he took during the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour to project as a slideshow onto a wall during the reception. Digital photo booths are finding popularity instead of traditional wedding favors. The guests can go into the booth and have their pictures taken as an instant keepsake of the day. Some of the photo booths will even have a monitor on the outside which will show all of the pictures taken during the reception as a slideshow for everyone to enjoy. An added bonus is that the newlyweds can get a copy of all of their guests’s pictures burned on a disc for them to have as a souvenir.

Pictured here: Gina Cristine Photography out of Chicago shared these photos of friends of hers. Carolyn and Pat knew each other in high school and re-met at the Chicago South Side Irish Parade. Their first date was bike riding at the spot were these engagement photos were taken. Pat asked Carolyn to marry him in front of Chicago’s Buckingham fountain and they celebrate with drinks and chocolate covered strawberries at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.

The Wedding Proposal

Every woman dreams of that special moment where her man gets down on one knee.  But as we grow up, we tend to wish for something a bit more creative, something unique to share with friends and family and remember for a lifetime. We’ve found a few ideas for that big moment. So we encourage you to leave it open on your laptop or email him this link to read (hint, hint)!

Idea 1: Tie your proposal into a holiday

Valentine’s Day may be too expected or too easy, but oozes romance? Easter proposals could include a special Easter egg hunt that she’ll never forget – all leading up to the last “big egg” – her ring. Did you meet in a bar? Are you Irish?  Drop the ring into the bottom of a stein of green beer for St Patrick’s Day. Do you get dressed up at Halloween? Give her a treat she’ll never forget!  An unexpected holiday gift (on a date that doesn’t traditionally involve a gift exchange) can be a sweet surprise! If you go to about.com and search for “Special Holidays” it will give you more than you want, but you can easily find all the “special days” for each month of the year. (Daffy Duck’s birthday is April 17 … there are numerous cartoon and Disney characters that she might have attachment too!)

Idea 2: Make your own holiday
Any woman would LOVE to be swept off her feet and taken to a romantic destination.  Relax and enjoy for a few days, then a day or so before you leave plan an excursion and pop the question on location – and you still have time to celebrate!

Idea 3: Creative note
Spell out the big question somewhere she would never expect it: on the bathroom mirror when she gets ready for a night out together; glow in the dark stars on the bedroom ceiling; take one of her favorite weekly magazines and slip in a fake page for your proposal.  Even plan ahead with an art gallery to place a special work of art into a room for her to see – the question becomes a keepsake. If you’re good with prose, write it in poetry and wrap it with her favorite bouquet of flowers. (Kite Day is May 12. Go fly a kite together and pack a romantic picnic)

Idea 4: Take a trip down memory lane
Take your significant other to the place where you met, had your first date, kiss, or another location that has special meaning to you as a couple and recreate that first moment. Express your feelings from start to finish and take your courtship full circle.

Idea 5: Surprise her
Though it may seem spur-of-the-moment, pick a spot where you can completely catch her off guard. Maybe in a photo booth so you have pictures of her response, as an announcement in a public place (billboards, sporting events), or slip it in the advertisements before a movie you are seeing (tricky, but not impossible).

Spy Cameras
No matter where you ask, think about asking someone to capture it on film (would she love that? then do it!) Videography companies now offer proposal packages that allow you to capture the moment, her reaction and answer on camera. They will hide out, blend in and not be seen by your bride-to-be until the moment has past and you’ve got a keepsake to keep for a lifetime.

No matter what you do, be creative and make sure it’s right for her!  If she’s shy, don’t make a big scene at a ballpark; if she’s the outdoors type, consider an adventure; if she’s a Disney fan, take her to where her fairytale can unfold. Think of your soon-to-be fiancé when planning and the answer will surely be “yes!”