Real Wedding: New York Newlyweds’ Vintage Dream

19 Jun

This newlywed photo shoot seems like a romantic scene right out of Sex & the City! With the beautiful backdrops of Manhattan and Brooklyn, this couple showed their love in vintage, New York style. Complete with a dramatic wedding headpiece and vintage lace dress to match, this wedding style is Carrie Bradshaw’s dream. The couple first posed at the urban abandoned palace, 5 Beekman Street. The decayed palace perfectly matched the bride’s rustic and bohemian look, it even felt like we were being transported to a different era . When the photographer, Studio Uma, suggested moving the shoot to the Brooklyn Bridge, the bride was ecstatic. This quintessential downtown couple had been looking for a way to incorporate Brooklyn into their special day, and this was the perfect way to do so. We just love the romantic pictures featuring the gorgeous New York skyline; they could be shots right out of a black and white movie!

Vintage wedding headpiece by Studio Uma Vintage NYC wedding by Studio Uma Vintage lace wedding dress by Adriennes Bridal jewelry by Studio Uma NYC backdrop wedding by Studio Uma Thanks again to Studio Uma for a look at these city chic newlyweds!

Dress: Adrienne’s

Makeup Artist: Emily Rodriques

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Jewelry: Modern-Vintage Jewelry, Nona E. Rose

Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: Paul Smith, Giorgio Armani

Other: Leah C. Couture Millinery, Beekman Palace

-Emma

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Filed Under: Emma, Featured, Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Romantic Weddings, Vintage Weddings, Weddings

Lifestyle and Family: Lasting Footprints on the Beach

18 Jun

Making a lasting memory of a baby during its whirlwind of a childhood is like trying to preserve footprints in the sand as the tide comes in. Kids grow so fast, and forget with such ease. So this family decided to capture the joy their baby John felt at his young age before he grew too old to be dazzled by cresting waves and sand castles. Julia Wade Photography created the perfect mood for a carefree day on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, complete with sunshine, puddy-like sand, and even some downward facing dog poses with Rachel, a mom and yogi extraordinaire.

Julia Wade Photography didn’t just hone in on the baby; she also captured the bigger picture. Instead of making a timeline of just the baby’s life, the photographer tried to tell the story of the married couple’s relationship. That was when everything fell into place. They loved each other, and somehow managed to love their son the same, breathtaking amount. What a great sentiment to preserve, with the bonus of capturing it against the beautiful backdrop of a beach during sunrise!

Thanks to Julia Wade Photography for sharing such a heartwarming photo session! We hope it will last as a great memory for the whole family.

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Filed Under: Family Shoots, Featured, Kids & Family, Sophia

Meet Our Members on Mondays: Kayla Jones

18 Jun

This Member Monday, we are excited to meet Kayla Jones of Kayla Jones Photography. This lovely lady specializes in modern lifestyle photography for the Charleston, South Carolina area. Her graphic design background adds an artistic flare to the images and products that her clients receive, but her talent and passion for photography came even before any design class.

Kayla Jones

Like so many others, Kayla loved documenting her children’s every milestone as they grew up before her eyes. But her photography was much more than just photos to be stored in a family album. After the birth of her second son, she finally decided to go back to school to persue a degree in photography. She graduated from the Art Institute with a degree in digital design and photography. Combining these two passion allows Kayla to enhance each detail when capturing every special moment for her clients.

Charleston is the perfect backdrop for an on-location photographer like Kayla. The southern charm is present in all locations, adding elegance and romance to every portrait. Kayla loves to brainstorm with her clients about the different locations that Charleston offers. As every photographer knows, each client is unique and Kayla feels that the location venue should reflect the client’s personality and style. Charleston allows Kayla to offer her clients a variety of backdrops, keeping the images fresh and distinctive.

Kayla is a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers and has been featured in several publications, both online and print.

Kayla Jones Photography

You can see that even in very styled shoots like this family portrait session and denim fashion shoot, Kayla manages to create a natural atmosphere by picking the perfect Charleston location to complement her vision for her clients. Each image is casual, yet charming.

A special thanks to Kayla for sharing her beautiful work and personal journey to photography with us! Be sure to visit her website or blog for more wonderful images and information!

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Filed Under: Community, Member Profiles, Stephanie

Engagement: A Perfect Proposal

15 Jun

This romantic engagement shoot by Jeremy and Kristin Photography reflects the proposal of the bride’s dreams. Alyssa and Blake are a Texas couple who got engaged when Blake planned the ultimate surprise. On a run together, Blake set up three posters advertising prizes redeemable at the end of the path. The first prize was for a female runner, “Spring Break Give Away! $25 gift card to Starbucks redeemable at the end of the path!” The second prize was for a male runner, “Spring Break Give Away! $25 gift card to Best Buy redeemable at the end of the path.” And the last prize was for a couple, “Spring Break Give Away! To win the GRAND PRIZE follow these instructions exactly, in order to win.” The last sign said the couple must tie necklace’s around each others’ ankles to win. When Blake went to tie his necklace, he instead got down on one knee and proposed. He even learned sign language, which Alyssa studied throughout high school and college, just to incorporate it into the proposal. We love how the pictures perfectly capture the couple’s young love within this gorgeous natural setting!

Texas outdoor engagement by Jeremy and Kristin Photography Round cut engagement ring by Jeremy and Kristin Photography Thanks again to Jeremy and Kristin Photography for a look at this adorable Texas engagement shoot!

Shoes: Steve Madden

Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: J.Crew

-Emma

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Filed Under: Emma, Engagements, Fall Engagements, Outdoor Engagements, Proposals

Engagement: Charming Central Park Engagement

14 Jun

Central Park, one of the most romantic locations in New York City, provides the backdrop to today’s charming submission from John-Paul Teutonico Photography. Add a stylish couple, mouth-watering cupcakes, and some wine to the scene and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect engagement session! We love how much fun Evan and Craig had on their engagement shoot, from dancing in the park to kicking back on an intimate picnic for two. Their energy is infectious and we can’t help but smile along with the beautiful couple as they explore one of the Big Apple’s most beloved landmarks.

Many thanks to John-Paul Teutonico Photography for sharing this fun submission with us via Two Bright Lights!

Photographer: John-Paul Teutonico Photography

Cake Designer: Magnolia Bakery

Event Venue: Central Park Cop Cot

-Susan

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Filed Under: Engagements, Inspiration, Real Wedding, Susan

Lifestyle and Family: Country Chic Maternity Session

14 Jun

As the weather warms up, photographers can’t help but be enamored with rustic, country chic themes filled with golden fields, meadows, and dilapidated barns. Deanne, the mom-to-be, also wanted this country vibe for her maternity session, but with a slight twist. After a talk with RobinsonPortraits, the couple headed out to Boa Vista Orchards of Apple Hill in Placerville, California, which surpassed the country theme requirement with dozens of apple orchards and a small vendor market! The quaint market seemed antithetical to the majestic backdrop of the great outdoors, but it was still a welcome break from the bustling urban malls. Plus the couple was a huge fan of Asian Pears, which the market sold by the bushels! The small details like the Asian Pears will surely serve as a great recollection, a “remember when” story, to help magnify the already happy memory of their first child.

And then the couple took to the orchard, where the earthy couple got a chance to get in touch with nature. The couple left their whimsical side in the market, and delved into a more intimate and cozy portion of the photo shoot.

Thanks to Robinson Portraits for revamping our definition of a country chic photo shoot, and congratulations to the couple on their little bundle of joy!

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Filed Under: Kids & Family, Maternity, Maternity, Portraits, Sophia

Engagement: 1950′s Inspiration and Carolina Sophistication

13 Jun

This bride is a planner! When she approached Megan from Gambol Photography about shooting her wedding, Jennifer had a very distinct, personal vision as to how she wanted her special day to turn out. So when it came to coming up with ideas for the happy couple’s engagement session, she attacked it with the same intense preparation and stunning creativity. Jen is, through and through, a DIY bride. Most of the “vendors” in their engagement shoot were simply online bidding sites and stores. From her vintage-styled polka-dot dress and her fiance Jesse’s awesome bowtie, to the adorable big, white letters and old picture frame, their session was a DIY masterpiece!

This precious pair are UNC Chapel Hill alumni, so it was only fitting that their sweet session take place in the heart of their alma mater. The Carolina Inn served as a gorgeous backdrop for their 50′s-inspired scene, and the campus landmarks filled in the gaps with their history and sophistication. Jen and Jesse’s shoot is a playful mix of vintage, romance, whimsy and most of all, FUN! Gambol Photography told us, “These two were such a blessing to work with; their genuine adoration for each other and their unique ebb-and-flow chemistry truly showcases how crazy they are about each other, and how perfect a pair they make.” When you find two individuals who aren’t afraid to show their love and quirks, that piece of their relationship absolutely shines in their images!

Thanks to Gambol Photography for submitting this inspired engagement via Two Bright Lights!

Venue: UNC Chapel Hill

Ceremony Location: Carolina Inn

Transportation: Classy Transportation

Other: eBay, Amazon

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Filed Under: Engagements, Featured, Inspiration, Natalia, Real Weddings, Summer Engagements

Real Wedding: Russian Tradition in Santorini, Greece

13 Jun

Sometimes the perfect wedding location just clicks. For Masha and Evgeny, that location was Santorini– after spotting the beautiful Greek island on a friend’s coffee table book, the couple decided that it would be the perfect location for their Russian Orthodox wedding! The pair flew in their family priest from Russia to perform the ceremony in both Russian and Greek, but beforehand the couple met with photographer Anna Roussos for some photographs along the coast. Masha’s custom-tailored Vera Wang gown and incredible cathedral-length veil– with the help of a well-timed breeze– made for stunning photos! Afterward, the couple walked down the aisle to traditional Greek musicians while family and friends looked on.

Greece destination wedding in Santorini After the wedding, the newlyweds joined guests for a sunset reception, with all of the simple and romantic details that we’ve come to expect from event planners Stella and Moscha (remember this candlelit masterpiece?). The reception was awash with glowing lanterns and square glass vases filled with mini olive tree branches. Escort cards tied to wreaths of olive branches were worn as bracelets or crowns. The bride’s mother brought a brioche all the way from Russia so that the couple could follow the tradition of each salting and eating a piece. Then the bride and groom– both huge fans of 40′s and 50′s rock– changed into dancing clothes and swing danced the night away!

Congratulations to the newlyweds, and many thanks to Stella and Moscha for submitting this beautiful wedding.

Photographer: Anna Roussos

Event Planner: Stella and Moscha

Reception Venue: Thermes Villas

Pre Ceremony Location: Chromata Hotel

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Filed Under: Destination Weddings, Featured, Lauren, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Traditional Weddings, Weddings

Real Engagement: A Hometown Proposal

12 Jun

Since they got together, Rob and Cassie have just loved attending family get-togethers as a couple, from vacations and getaways to weekly dinners. But one Sunday dinner last autumn didn’t go quite as Cassie had planned. When Mom sent Cassie out for a wine run with Rob, he took them on a detour by their local church where he asked her to be his wife. The newly engaged pair returned to their families with champagne and wonderful news. Rob and Cassie will be married at that very spot, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, later this year! They chose to commemorate their engagement with a green and gold photo session in Collingswood, New Jersey’s pretty Knight Park courtesy of Tami Melissa Photography. They posed with a sunny forest background and then headed to the Pop Shop downtown for some shakes and classic couple shots. Rob and Cassie plan to tie the knot with a Black Friday wedding, yet another occasion to celebrate with their families and friends!
A special thanks to Tami Melissa Photography for sharing Rob and Cassie’s sweet story with us via Two Bright Lights!

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Filed Under: Engagements, Fall Engagements, Inspiration, Mohini, Proposals

Real Wedding: Festive Fiesta in Ohio

12 Jun

“Meredith and Alex were meant for each other,” Mallory Bair of Maui Creative Design and Photography proclaimed of the couple featured in today’s festive submission. Years before they went on their first date, Meredith and Alex flirted with destiny by vacationing at the same resort in Mexico at the same time without even knowing it! The two traveled with different groups, but word quickly spread that two groups from the same town were present at the resort. It wasn’t until their first date years later that the puzzle pieces came together. As they planned their wedding, Meredith and Alex paid tribute to Mexico and the beginning of their story with a vibrant fiesta wedding!

The wedding, held at a private residence on Zimmerman Island, began with an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake. The ceremony space was festooned with bright lanterns, adding a fun, bold element that absolutely pops in photographs! After the ceremony, Maui Creative Design and Photography captured some fun moments among the bridal party as they cruised around the lake. Cheers to the happy new couple!

The fiesta kicked into high gear at the reception where sangria and fish and shrimp tacos were served. We love the the use of bright blooms and citrus fruits in the centerpieces as well as the brilliant colors featured throughout the decor. The fiesta theme is meaningful, unique, and looks like a blast!

Many thanks to Maui Creative Design and Photography for sharing this vibrant wedding with us via Two Bright Lights!

Photographer: Maui Creative Design and Photography

Invitation Designer: Paper Allure

-Susan

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Filed Under: Featured, Features, Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Susan

Lifestyle & Babies: Scarlett’s Many Colors

11 Jun

Where baby photo shoots are concerned, the age-old saying “mothers knows best” serves as great advice. Kayla Jones Photography took this to heart in her session with Scarlett, a precocious 6-month-old full of personality! The baby’s mother requested a photo shoot that focused solely on her daughter– a chance to really preserve the memory of Scarlett at this playful age. Since Scarlett was full of energy and fun facial expressions, Kayla Jones found she could focus the camera–literally–on Scarlett’s face without busy backgrounds or props, and still capture some great moments! These intimate close-ups really bring out every shade of her emotion–from petulant to curious–to the forefront. Check out the parade of emotions cross baby Scarlett’s adorable features (our favorite was the one where Scarlett is gnawing on the pearls)!

Kayla Jones Photography gave the added service of compiling the beautiful close-ups of Scarlett’s pudgy hands, giggles, pouty lips, and her big doe eyes into a collage. This way the photos won’t be tucked away in a photo album and forgotten!

Although the photo shoot kept the props to a minimum, the photographer adorned baby Scarlett with a crimson bow and arranged some flowers to be strewn about the ground. After all, her name is Scarlett!

Thanks to Kayla Jones Photography for sharing her insight to capturing a colorful baby on camera!

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Filed Under: Kids & Family, Newborn, Newborn, Portraits, Sophia

Meet Our Members On Mondays: Revival Photography

11 Jun

This Member Monday, we are excited to meet a husband and wife team based out of Newton, North Carolina: Jason and Heather Barr of Revival Photography. We asked the duo what the word ”revival” means to them, to which they replied, “Life is full of constant renewal, new beginnings, God’s everlasting love and forgiveness. ‘Revival’ is also our love of things of old and vintage, and a passion for bringing them back in a new and fresh way.”

Jason and Heather Barr

For Jason, it’s about learning new and innovative things, researching equipment (both old and new!), playing with light, working with top musicians and making them look their very best. For Heather, it’s about capturing the priceless momennts: the imagination of a child, a tear of joy, a passion for things of old and making them new. It’s about the excitement of sharing a breathtaking image with a client, the study of “light”, and the thrill of a new adventure each and every day. Together, they are Revival Photography. Their style is often described as “photojournalistic”, “creative”, “timeless”, and “styled with a vintage-inspired flair.” For Jason and Heather, it’s about working together to bring their clients something amazing.

It all started about 5 years ago when Heather got her first DSLR camera for Christmas. A couple years later she met the love of her life (AKA: Jason, “the hubby”) and photography quickly became something they both shared and enjoyed. The rest is history in the making.

Jason and Heather are both self-taught photographers. They have learned from experience and from amazing mentors who have taken the time to teach them from their own experience in the world of photography. They strive to step it up a notch each and every time they pick up the camera. Jason and Heather are always learning and always growing.

Revival Photography

Below are some examples of Jason and Heather’s various specialties, including a maternity shoot, a one year anniversary shoot, and two fashion shoots featuring the styles of Etsy designer Tuck & Bonte. Even with the wide range of photography sessions, it is evident that they have a consistent and refreshing style.

A special thanks to Jason and Heather for sharing their story and their work with the Two Bright Lights community! Be sure to visit their website for more fun photography and information!

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Filed Under: Community, Member Profiles, Stephanie

Engagements: From California to Vancouver

8 Jun

Today we are delighted to showcase two engagement sessions that will take you from the beaches of California to the streets of Vancouver. Check out these fun sessions filled with life, love, and adventure!

Joanna and Jonathan may be natives of the San Francisco Bay area, but they are no strangers to Monterey. Over the years, the beautiful city on the central coast of California has been the destination for many of the couple’s trips, so when they became engaged, Joanna knew it was the perfect location for their engagement portraits. We love how photographer Josh Rodriguez captured the natural chemistry and playfulness of this gorgeous couple as they toured the city and coastline!

The adventurous couple in our next session took their love to the streets with a daring engagement session on wheels. Here is what photographer Amy Williams of Daydream Weddings had to say about the shoot: “When I first met with Natasha and Keith, Natasha told me that Keith wanted to ride his new motorcycle down the aisle at their wedding! He just smiled. I said, ‘Well that may not be possible, but we can do an engagement shoot with your bike.” Enlisting the help of a friend to drive her car, Williams snapped the couple cruising through Stanley Park in Vancouver. Her creative technique paid off in some of the most unique engagement photos we’ve ever seen!

Many thanks to Josh Rodriguez and Daydream Weddings for their submissions via Two Bright Lights!

Submission #1

Photographer: Josh Rodriguez

Other: Monterey

Submission #2:

Photographer: Daydream Weddings

Other: Stanley Park

-Susan

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Filed Under: Engagements, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Susan

Engagement: Love on an Alabama Farm

7 Jun

This couple’s love story starts in high school, where Katey and Blake first met and started dating. They went their separate ways after Blake’s graduation, but found each other four years later and reconnected. They now have been together for a blissful six years and just purchased a house for themselves and their pets! They chose to incorporate this love of animals into a farm engagement photo shoot by Ellie Marks Photography. They also share a love of music, which they wanted to come across in their rustic and vintage photos. The happy couple wanted these pictures to reflect their love for each other, and to be the perfect pieces to hang on the wall of their new home.

Vintage farm engagement by Ellie Marks Photography DIY photo booth props by Ellie Marks Photography Vintage style engagement pictures by Ellie Marks Photography Thanks again to Ellie Marks Photography for a look at this rustic farm engagement shoot!

-Emma

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Filed Under: Emma, Engagements, Featured, Inspiration, Outdoor Engagements, Real Weddings

Real Wedding: Purple Country Club Wedding with DIY Flair

6 Jun

Country club elegance and rustic DIY details come together to form one classy and fun wedding in today’s submission from Erin Johnson Photography! We love when brides tackle DIY projects, and bride Lisa is a DIY jack-of-all trades. Lisa incorporated personal handmade touches throughout her wedding held at Mendakota Country Club, starting with the invitations and placecards which she printed and addressed herself. The invitations are not the end of the DIY details – they’re just the start! The aisle decor for the ceremony, medicine bottle centerpieces, and adorable purple flower girl dresses can also be counted among Lisa’s creations. We are in awe of Lisa’s talent and are inspired by this beautiful DIY affair! Thanks to Erin Johnson Photography for capturing all the charm and character of this wedding!

Thanks to Erin Johnson Photography for the submission via Two Bright Lights!