Saturday, October 31, 2009

Kmart Flower Girls!

I didn't even know Kmart still existed until a sales associate at Children's Place suggested I look there for tights for my 4-month-old's Halloween costume! And wow was I surprised by the super cute selection of clothing there for little girls! Now, maybe this isn't every Kmart, but the one in my neighborhood is amazing! It led me to further investigate online, and my first thought was confirmed: this is an AWESOME place to look for flower girl dresses with big style on a dime. ESPECIALLY now, around the holidays. Here are some of my favorites! They are all less than $25.

Sleeveless Quilted Brocade Taffeta Dress


WonderKids Faux Fur Bolero


Satin Dress, Black Dot Overlay

Somerset Lane Sleeveless Ballerina Dress


Short Sleeve Brocade Top Crystal Pleated Dress


Tiered Satin Short Sleeve Dress

Thursday, October 15, 2009

engaged: kristin + jacob

Speaking of e-pics, (see my prior post on tips for these)...check out the photos below of one of my 2010 couples!
Kristin and Jake actually live in Florida but travelled up for a weekend to get these images with Corey of Corey Ann Photography. I arranged for the shoot to be done downtown Cleveland at Burke Lakefront Airport (Jake is a pilot) and then at a few other locations of the couple's choice:) Enjoy!












Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Giving Props Where Props are Due: thinking creatively about e-pics

Now, I am no professional photographer. But I do look at wayyy more than my fair share of wedding and wedding-related photography to have made a few observations worthy of sharing. My first observation concerns the increasingly popular engagement photo sessions.
Nearly all wedding photographers offer these pre-wedding sessions as part of or add-ons to wedding packages. They're a great chance to spend an hour or two getting to know who will be your wedding photographer and of course, to get some nice images of you and fiance before the wedding.
But way too many of the engagement photos I see are...well...so boring!
Before doing engagement photos, think about you and your significant other and what represents you as a couple? What are some of favorite things, places? What are your hobbies or other interests you share?
Once you have a list, think creatively about how you can convey those things through your photos.
Try to go beyond simply thinking about what you're going to wear and resist the urge to have your photos taken in the common, typical and frequented so-called "picturesque" locations in your city. Think beyond the park and have photos taken somewhere off the beaten path or somewhere that reflects you.
An urban, city girl? Take your photos downtown and play off of the endless possibilities that cities present. A country girl? Try a local farm. Kids at heart? Hit up a local carnival or amusement park. A locavore or foodie? Why not the Saturday morning Farmer's Market? An artist or creative type? Do something hands on and have your photographer capture you as a "fly-on-the-wall."
Another idea is to think about props. Yes, this sounds corny, but really, a few fun props can take your photo session from nice to amazing! Check out some recent examples from engagement sessions that I LOVE. Hopefully it inspires you!




















The pop of red in those balloons totally saved a dreary and overcast day!!




Thursday, October 8, 2009

shamika + carl: married

So I did a brief preview of this wedding a month or so ago. Now, check out some professional pics by Terry Goodman of Northeast Ohio's Platinum Photography. Highlights of this wedding:
1. the time of day: beautiful, brunch-time outdoor ceremony. know me and know I live for brunch! and weddings at this time of day are super savvy when it comes to saving $$
2. the 'sparklie' backdrop for the ceremony
3. the bride's super stylish cake by michael angelo's bakery and chocolatier (yes yes yes a cake can be stylish!)
note: i love how this bakery does not charge by the slice and has flat fees for their cakes based on how many a given style will feed. and prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality. plus, they do strawberry cassatta and a host of other desserts, so.....yeah! see their 2009 catalog here.
4. the entertainment: guests had three different experiences: a harpist that was perfectly-suited for the ceremony; a pianist for the mimosa-hour; and a dj for brunch and dancing:)

:vendors:
venue: hilton garden inn, twinsburg
photography: platinum photography, terry goodman
pianist: judy ann kamen
harpist: debbie beck
officiant: elegant events by antoinette
cake: michael angelos bakery
dj: al wynn
decor consultation + day of coordination: savvy