Fuchsia – Sweet Violet Bride

Sweet Summer Blossoms Styled Wedding Shoot

Naomi — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 14:30:45 +0000

This bright and fresh styled shoot from Tennessee will light up your day! It is filled with flourishing blooms in shades of blush, fuchsia, orange, and lavender, a sweet coffee bar, watercolor details, cute quotes, and a menu inspired by the fairy-tale tastes of summer. I love the calligraphy on stone, lacy dress so evocative of the Southern bride, botanical favors, soft pastel palette and mismatched vintage china. Handcrafted latte art in a vintage china cup is such a romantic treat for a wedding! Joel and Amber Wedding Photography is behind the lens. Enjoy!

From the Photographer:

Our chef put together a mouth-watering menu, inspired by summer flavors and pastel colors. Our cake artist created a light and airy cake, along with scrumptious macaroons and meringues inspired by summer watercolors. The coffee bar was designed to create a unique twist on the reception! We wanted to inspire brides to think outside the box when considering different concepts for their reception. Hand-lettered, watercolor signs announced the flavor options available.

Quotes are such an inspiring way to create an emotional touch to a wedding. We wanted to incorporate some sweet and fun quotes to help capture the love surrounding a wedding. One quote was attached to our unique wedding favors – a live begonia flower for guests to take home and plant, with words from Audrey Hepburn: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Love is a delicate flower that is alive and beautiful – we wanted these to be a reminder of that.

We finished off our session with sweet sunset portraits of our bride and groom. Their love for each other was just amazing to witness. At the end of the shoot, that’s what it’s all about. This beautiful thing called love.

Photographer: Joel and Amber Wedding Photography / Equipment Rentals: Decorous Dishes / Specialty Foods: Grounded Coffee / Bakery: Hamley Bake Shoppe / Design and Decor: Kris Clark Designs / Invitation Designer: Linen and Leaf / Apparel: Modern Brides / Event Venue: Sacred Stone / Caterer: The Chef Next Door / Makeup Artist: The Transformation / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Colorful + Earthy North Carolina Farm Wedding

Naomi — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 14:30:30 +0000

This colorful DIY farm wedding contains so much inspiration for summer weddings! Sarah and Caleb tied the knot at the Hodgin Valley Farm in Greensboro, NC. Their relaxed, rustic style made for a fun and memorable day filled with pretty details. Sarah wore an elegant lace gown with a wildflower bouquet and flower crown. Her bridesmaids all wore mismatched dresses in shades of aqua and turquoise. The couple had their first look on the bridge over the lake, and was married by the bride’s grandfather before dancing the night away in the barn. Guests enjoyed homemade pie, local food and beer, and bright DIY décor made by the bride’s mother. The newlyweds were sent off through a human tunnel as all their friends and family cheered. Hartman Outdoor Photography is behind the lens.

Photographer: Hartman Outdoor Photography / Caterer: Fresh. Local. Good. Catering / Event Venue: Hodgin Valley Farm / Hair Stylist: Instinct Hair / Floral Designer: Sedgefield Florist / Bridesmaid Dresses: Target / Dress Store: The Wedding Shop / Bakery: Weaver Street Bakery / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Fuchsia Floral Valentine Bridal Shoot

Naomi — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:15:37 +0000

Happy Friday! Thought we’d start off the weekend with some pretty pink Valentine’s Day inspiration! The vision behind this styled shoot was a twist on the traditional candy and flowers Valentine’s tradition. Shades of fuchsia, blush, and red flowers set the tone, while ombre cakes in similar shades accent the beautiful blooms with delicious looking layers. Romantic vintage props including a gorgeous blush settee add a bit of vintage inspiration and irresistible charm. Wishing you a weekend filled with love, romantic or otherwise! XO

Photographer: Joanna Moss Photography / Event Designer: Umbrella Events / Other: Davie & Chiyo / Design and Decor: Fort Langley Vintage Rentals / Bakery: Frosting Cupcakery & Bake Shop / Reception Venue: Hart House Restaurant / Dress Designer: Pure Magnolia Gowns / Hair Stylist: Radiant Beauties / Invitation Designer: Uniquity Invitations / Floral Designer: Vivio FLowers / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Vibrant Spring Garden Wedding Inspiration with Blush Gown

Naomi — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 14:15:44 +0000

A blush gown, pops of bright pink, a gorgeous garden…now that is a recipe for a beautiful spring soiree! This inspiration shoot was photographed at one of Richmond’s prettiest places – the Italian Garden in Maymont. The lively, passionate jewel-tone fuchsia is the color that sets the stage with a modern floral invitation suite by English Tea Paperie. This shoot also features a real couple who have been married almost 20 years! They were high school sweethearts and plan to renew their vows this year. A gorgeous bridal bouquet picks up the color palette with pink, blush and white roses, white hydrangeas, a few small white peonies and lots of greenery. Libby Selle Photography is behind the lens.

From the Photographer…
The star of this shoot is the blush wedding gown. We wanted to show everyday brides that they too could wear blush/pink gowns and not just celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Kaley Cuoco. Brides-to-be, you too can look fabulous in a pink or blush gown with bold embellishments like this blush flowered ball gown skirt with a v-neck lace top designed and made by miLA Bridal right here in Richmond! You can actually mix and match your tops and skirts – so many options!

Photographer: Libby Selle Photography / Bakery: Carytown Cupcakes / Cake Table: Paisley and Jade / Invitation Designer: English Tea Paperie / Venue: Maymont Park / Dress Designer: miLA Bridal / Watch: The groom wore his Aviator watch which was engraved with their real wedding date / Equipment Rentals: Paisley and Jade / Floral Designer: The Green Flamingo / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Beautiful Outdoor Oregon Wedding Reception at Ron’s Pond

Naomi — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:42:53 +0000

John and Michelle actually eloped a year prior to their wedding reception, but that didn’t stop them from celebrating their nuptials at a beautiful outdoor venue in Monmouth, Oregon. Ron’s Pond was the perfect backdrop for this casual, yet elegant event. In addition to the large pond, the property also features 17 acres of wooded walking trails. Michelle’s bright bouquet featuring pink, fuchsia, purple, red, and orange dahlias was a true stunner! After dinner the bride and groom took a little trip around the lake in a row boat and then danced the night away with their guests. Kel Ward Photography is behind the lens.

From the bride:

We did things a little backwards. We found our dream home when we were still just dating. It felt like fate and we knew that we wanted to marry one day. So, we decided to elope on the beach and buy the house as a married couple. Our elopement was just the two of us, our officiant, and witnesses. It was a very short, sweet, and windy ceremony. We planned on having a more customary reception celebration at a later date. Still, John and I did not want to miss out on the traditional proposal and we had not gotten our rings yet. So, he did surprise me a couple of months later. We went to our favorite little Oregon town where we had our first vacation. While out at dinner, he surprised me with a bottle of wine from a local winery we stumbled upon on our first trip. The winery was special because it had the same name as John’s last name. Later on in the meal, the waiter came to the table with a ring on a silver platter. That was when John got down on one knee! It was very touching and special. And I was very excited to say “yes” again!

Photography: Kel Ward Photography / Venue: Ron’s Pond / Flowers: Salem Farmer’s Market / Bride’s gown: Maggie Sottero, purchased and altered by Simply Grand Bridal in Salem, Oregon / Groom’s suit: purchased and tailored at Nordstrom / Makeup artist: Amie LaPray of Beautiful Skin by Mimi / Hairstylist: groom’s mother, Judy Chapman (Hillside Beauty Shop) / Wedding rings: Hood River Jewelers / Engagement ring: Fred Meyer Jeweler / Catering: Capricorn Catering / Dessert bar & Brownies: Tandra’s Truffles (Turner, OR) / Cake: Gerry Frank’s Konditorei

Misty Purple + Green Yosemite Valley Wedding {Duende Photo}

Naomi — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 15:14:41 +0000

Serious medical students, Lauren and Mike had limited time to carve out of their tough residency schedules in Boston for a wedding of their dreams in Yosemite National Park. It rained on their May wedding day but it was a gentle misty rain, making the mountains seem even more majestic and the Lauren’s ethereal blush chiffon gown glow in the soft light. With such a gorgeous natural environment, excessive décor wasn’t necessary but they brought pops of color with the deep violet bridesmaids dresses, white and green bouquets, and Lauren’s vibrant fuchsia orchid bouquet. They finished an amazing day at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Duende Photo is behind the lens.

More about Lauren + Mike!

Although they grew up within 20 minutes of each other in Northern California, Lauren and Mike first met in medical school when they were roommates in Newport Beach for Lauren’s first (and Mike’s third) year of medical school. They moved to separate houses after that first year, but when Mike decided to propose he took Lauren to the beach right by the place where they first met at sunset. Because Mike is three years ahead of Lauren in his medical training, he started residency in Boston while Lauren was still in medical school. Lauren decided to take a research position for the year and moved to Boston to be with him. Mike is now an Orthopedic Surgery resident at Harvard, and Lauren is a Plastic Surgery resident at the University of Massachusetts. They are planning on moving back to their beloved California when they finish training.

Photographer: DuendePhoto /Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Dress Designer: Catherine Deane / Hair Stylist: Chantilly Lace Salon / Floral Designer: sweet dreams wedding cakes and flowers / Bakery: sweet dreams wedding cakes and flowers / Event Venue: The Ahwahnee Hotel / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Rustic Rock N Roll Bridal Inspiration {Alexandra Wallace}

Naomi — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:13:50 +0000

She’s a little bit Rock N Roll, and maybe a little bit boho. She’s glamorous, but not afraid to get dirty. She’s the light in the room, the free spirit, the one who walks her own path. She’s beautiful but not traditional. She is a striking reminder to be YOU. These inspirational photos are the result of photographer Alexandra Wallace’s imagination and her vision of a non-traditional bridal shoot. We love the juxtaposition of the hard and soft in this fun look – she has tattoos, but also butterflies and flowers in her hair, she has two nose piercings and a short white dress, but also beautifully done makeup and a bouquet that seems to radiate sunshine.

Photographer: Alexandra Wallace / Makeup Artist: Ariel hairstylist/makeup / Floral Designer: Eden floral / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Bright Star Butterfly Inspired Shoot {Marta Locklear Photography}

Naomi — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:49:19 +0000

This shoot is delightfully inspired by the film Bright Star which chronicles the last three years of the famous poet John Keats and his romance with Fanny Brawne. Marta Locklear Photography and Fete Studio joined forces with many talented vendors to create this shoot with details of butterflies, lush pink and coral garden florals, morning tea, a stone manor, a table set with gorgeous floral arrangements and even a few butterfly terrariums. I’m in love with the flowy Tara LaTour gown which radiates the spirit of the butterfly, light and airy, like a poem itself.

Also check out the beautiful video from this shoot by Shaking Hands Productions.

Photography: Marta Locklear Photography / Film Lab: Pro Photo Irvine / Planner & Stylist: Fete Studio / Videographer: Shaking Hands Productions / Venue: Poplar Springs / Florist: Sugar Magnolias / Hair: Welsy Mourino / Makeup: Mint Collective – Summer McCarley / Cake: Maggie Austin / Men’s Shirt: Ledbury / Gowns: Hitched Salon / Bridal Gown: Tara LaTour / Bridesmaid Gown: Jenny Yoo / Flower Girl Dress: Buttons & Bows / Jewelry: Delightful Diva Estates / Models: Modelogic Wilhelmina / Calligraphy: Ginny Rogan / Stationery: Rifle Paper Co.

Backyard Shenandoah Valley Wedding {Gayle Driver Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:38:27 +0000

Elizabeth and John tied the knot at the same church that Elizabeth grew up attending and later, just in time for the rain to let up and a rainbow to appear, they held their reception in Elizabeth’s parents’ backyard. Broadway, Virginia is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and was the perfect setting for friends and family to celebrate. By nightfall, the September sky cleared and presented the perfect atmosphere for a fire pit and s’mores. This event is a true infusion of meaningful details and elegant rusticity. The gorgeous florals for example, were made by the bride’s cousin, and the rustic planter boxes that held the centerpieces were made by the groom from old fence boards found in a family barn. Thank you Gayle Driver Photography for sharing this lovely event!

From the Bride…

Before the Ring:
John and I met in 2009 while working in a hotel in DC. We were colleagues first (he was actually my boss!), and then friends, and that friendship eventually blossomed into a strong relationship. Three years later, we returned to DC and he proposed along the Georgetown waterfront in the city where it all started.

The Planning Process:
John grew up in Cincinnati and I am from a small town in Virginia, and always knew I would be married in that same small town. More specifically, I wanted to walk down the aisle in the church where I was raised and I always wanted my Reception to be in my parent’s backyard on our family farm. Luckily, John was on board with all of it!

We have both transferred cities and hotels since we first met so we planned this wedding from Cincinnati. I currently work as an Event Manager at my hotel and he is the Banquet Manager in the same hotel. To say that we had some experience when it came to events is an understatement! I have seen so many unique and creative weddings throughout the years, as has John, so trying to narrow down the possibilities and make it our own was the toughest part of the planning process.

During our year engagement, we made several trips to Virginia to plan our wedding. It’s a beautiful town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. We wanted our wedding to be a celebration for all of our friends and family. Most had to travel and had never been to this part of the country so it was important to us that everyone had the best time! Even though the reception was at a farm, we didn’t want it to feel overly rustic. Instead, we used subtle hints throughout the decor.

Details of the Day:
John made all of the planter boxes that we used as centerpieces from old fence board in my Grandpa’s barn. We found tubs, crates, an old wooden wheelbarrow, and a butcher block in my other Grandparent’s home place that dates back to the Civil War! It was fun mixing in parts of my heritage into our wedding decor. We made it a little more formal with a black and white dance floor, floor-length linens, and we mixed in some tall floral arrangements with hanging votives to add some height to the space. Our cakes (all five of them) were made by a good friend of ours and they were delicious! I made the wedding programs, thank you cards (with some design help from Etsy), and placecards. My brother-in-law made all of the chalkboard signs and my sister-in-law drew them all. We used quilt squares for our guest book that I will piece together and turn into a quilt. My grandmother taught me how to sew at a very young age (and since I have made over a hundred quilts) and my parents own a quilt shop, so it was only natural that I wanted to save our memories in this way.

We kept the ceremony very traditional. Sticking with the rhyme, my something new was my dress, borrowed was my veil that my Grandmother made for my cousin’s wedding, old was the bible that I carried down the aisle, carried by my grandmother, aunts and cousin at their weddings and blue was a handkerchief that was embroidered by John’s great grandmother. The music for the ceremony was all done by close family friends, which was really special, and the ceremony was officiated by the same pastor that I grew up with in that church.

In between the ceremony and reception, we were going to take pictures at my house near the reception, but Mother Nature had other plans. Rain was falling pretty hard, but luckily our photographer has a beautiful horse barn that she so graciously let us use. The best part, it was right on the way to the Reception!

After photos, we arrived at the Reception to a beautiful double rainbow right over the tent. The rain stopped right before we entered the reception and never started again. God has amazing timing sometimes and it was certainly evident on our wedding night. It also allowed us to fulfill my plan of a late night fire pit and s’mores station for our guests!

Photography: Gayle Driver Photography / Venue: Bride’s Parents’ Backyard / Floral: Evergreen Florist (bride’s cousin) / Dress: Allure Bridals from Bridal Impressions / Hair: Edith with Hair Transformations / Makeup: Laura Petrik Holsinger (friend of bride) / Earrings: Fine & Fleurie / Bracelet: Jam Jewels / Men’s Suits: Mens Wearhouse / Bowties: The Tie Bar / Invitations: Poeme /Catering: Hanks Barbeque / Tent Rental: Central Virginia Rental / Transportation: Custom Transportation

Rustic Thompson Island Surprise Wedding {Dreamlove Photography}

Naomi — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 16:16:15 +0000

I’ll admit, few weddings make me cry these days (unless I’m actually at them), but this one got me. Anna and Pat decided to avoid the stress of a traditional wedding and throw a “Surprise Wedding” and tell all of the guests they were coming for a family reunion! The look on their family’s faces is sheer joy, surprise, and excitement. Not to mention their rustic Thompson Island wedding (near Boston), is filled with gorgeous, heartfelt details. Pat is actually the host of a National Geographic Show called Beast Hunter, and so it was fitting for this outdoorsy couple to get married on an Island that serves as an Outward Bound educational center. These two made home-brewed hard cider as the guest favors, had a crafty-yarn theme for the ceremony, and Anna’s colorful bouquet is absolutely breathtaking. Thank you Dreamlove Photography for sharing these special images with us!

From the Photographer: Pat and Anna had been together for twelve years, and as their officiant stated, “Never needed to get married.” But a few years ago, Pat became very sick, and in the hospital they realized that as unmarried folk, they didn’t have the same rights that married couples did. They started thinking about tying the knot, but wanted to do things a bit differently… and decided to throw a SURPRISE wedding. They only told members of their wedding party the secret, and sent all other guests invitations for a big family reunion. Once the guests were on the boat over to Thompson Island, there were suspicions about the day, but no one knew for sure. Pat greeted the boat at the dock, and shared the news by whispering it to his nephew who then yelled out, “THEY’RE GETTING MARRIED!” There were hoots and hollers, and a lot of looks of pure shock, mixed with pure joy. You’ll see the parents’ reactions below, which really are priceless.

Photographer: Dreamlove Photography / Dress Designer: Allure Vintage / Invitation Designer: Amy Heitman / Jewelry: Bedrosian Jewelry / Shoes: Cole Hann / Dress Store: J. Crew / Hair Stylist: Lindsay Griffin Boston Hairstylist / Bakery: Maya Bounar / Shoes: Moda / Equipment Rentals: New England Country Rentals, Inc. / Floral Designer: Poppy Floral / Band: Redline Band – Murray Hill