Sports: Maple Grove Crimson Hockey

17 May Filed Under: Featured, Features, Lifestyle, Natalia, Sport

This shoot is a true testament to what a great photographer can do even in unexpected circumstances! This sports shoot by Maris Ehlers Photography is of four Senior High School boys who all play hockey and attend Maple Grove Senior High in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Three of the clients are also captains of the varsity hockey team, who were in the Minnesota Hockey High School Championships last year! Maris Ehlers had agreed to photograph them at the rink as part of their senior sessions, but when they got there on the day they had chosen, the janitor was not there and there were no lights on in the rink! Maris was disappointed and wasn’t really sure how they could pull this off. They took photos in the locker room first, and then went out on the ice.

It was about 90 degrees outside on that summer day, and the heat and humidity created a layer of fog above the ice about 5 feet tall. Maris Ehlers decided to take some risks with her off camera flash, and boy did it pay off! She told us, “To this day, I still get emails from high school boys across the state asking me if I can “do those shots” at their high school rinks. These images were chosen for the front cover of the Maple Grove Hockey Books, and have been a great way to capture new clients in the area.” Even in unplanned circumstances, Maris Ehlers did a fantastic job with this shoot!Thanks to Maris Ehlers Photography for submitting this superb sports shoot via Two Bright Lights!

Location: Maple Grove Community Center

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Filed Under: Featured, Features, Lifestyle, Natalia, Sport

Fashion Shoot: Will you go to Prom with me?

17 May Filed Under: Fashion, Features, Inspiration, Shalyn

We all remember the time when Prom was the biggest and best event of the year. ”Will you go to Prom with me?” encouraged and plagued us all! Once we planned to go, we scoured the local stores and tried on countless dresses until we found the perfect one.

These days, prom has turned into a big business especially as teens look online for inspiration. Many photographers and vendors team up to create inspiration shoots to help inspire teens as they go on the hunt for their perfect look. Gil Strickland and two local dress and fashion stores, Bridals by Lori and Formal Elegance, did just this by creating a fun prom-themed shoot to inspire Prom dreams as well as day-to-day high school style. The sparkle tops on the short dresses add a fun twist to the traditional prom dress look! And it’s always nice to have inspiration for the everyday, not just those special dates. We really appreciate how this team incorporated those everyday looks into this styled shoot!

Thanks again to Gil Strickland for a great submission and stellar photography!

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Filed Under: Fashion, Features, Inspiration, Shalyn

Real Wedding: A Demure Yet Whimsical Mormon Wedding

16 May Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Sophia

Tucked in the mountains of Cache Valley, Utah, was the site of Jade and Luke’s classic yet original wedding. On a crisp autumn day, the happy couple celebrated their union against the magnificent architecture of the Logan LDS Temple, a temple of the Latter-Day Saints. Kristin Brown Photography was there to take note of the striking contrast between the classic facade of the temple versus the quaint, picnic-like ambiance of the reception. Check out the harmonious blend of DIY and traditional elements at this lovely Mormon wedding!

Kristin Brown Photography not only experimented with various backdrops, but also struck a very delicate balance between traditional, demure poses and fun, whimsical ones. From the sweet smiles to the belly-aching laughs, Kristin Brown Photography somehow managed to capture every shade of the couple’s colorful personality, while also capturing the couple at their best angles. After all, wouldn’t that silly food fight between the bride and groom (and wedding cake) look perfect in a picture frame?

Thanks again to Kristin Brown Photography for sharing this fresh modern twist on a classic wedding.

Event Venue: Mt. Sterling Rec. Property, Logan LDS Temple

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Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Sophia

Real Wedding: Wilmington Garden Wedding

15 May Filed Under: Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Susan

We love when weddings reflect the personality of the couple, and today’s wedding captured by Casey Fatchett Photography packs a punch! Leah and David strike the perfect balance between a simple, timeless affair and a fun, personality-packed party with their garden wedding in Wilmington, Delaware. Surrounded by lush gardens, Leah and David said their “I dos” in an outdoor ceremony held at the Carriage House at Rockwood Park. The best part of the outdoor ceremony? Everyone in the family was allowed to attend, including Leah and David’s rescue dog Scooby! Not only did Scooby get to attend the wedding, he even participated by standing alongside David during the ceremony. According to David’s father, Scooby won the “puppy lottery” when David rescued him, and we think he’s right! How many dogs get the special opportunity to be in a wedding?

We are head over heels for this unique bridesmaid’s dress! Leah’s bridesmaid foregoes traditional solids in favor of a knee-length floral dress that is perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Lost-themed escort cards adorned with the Dharma Initiative symbol prove that Scooby wasn’t the only special guest at Leah and David’s wedding! Lost characters Jack, Desmond, Hurley, Kate and Locke were among the names printed on the cards. Something tells us that the table numbers listed for each character were no coincidence either! The themed escort cards are a fun and subtle way for the couple to display their personality and love of the show Lost.

Thanks again to Casey Fatchett Photography for this fun and beautiful submission!

Photographer: Casey Fatchett Photography

Hair Stylist: Megan McLaughlin

Floral Designer: flowersbymaryelizabeth.com

Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca

Cake Designer: Sweets To You by Ginger

DJ: No Macarena DJ

Makeup Artist: Amy Ruth Wasserman Makeup

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Hickey Freeman

Event Venue: Carriage House at Rockwood Park

-Susan

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

Senior Shoot: Trinity Park, Texas

15 May Filed Under: Featured, Features, Lifestyle, Natalia

This Senior shoot in Fort Worth, Texas was inspired by high school student Dani’s clothing choices. The session took place in Trinity Park, which Ashley Mauldin Photography said is a client favorite because it offers so many possibilities for different looks! Ashley told us “Dani was such a fun Senior to work with. She was extremely comfortable in front of the camera, which made my job very easy. Her friend Tomi helped get some laughs out of her and once she loosened up, we all started being silly. I felt like a kid again! I wanted to showcase her beauty, so I chose to go with less contemporary posing, and leaned more toward an editorial type shoot, but wanted to keep it fun so I brought out my goofy side. I loved the combination of expressions and felt that the session was a way for her to show everyone that she’s grown up now. I loved that she let loose, and let me capture her in action.” A great photographer knows how to make their client look great and feel comfortable while doing so, and we can tell Ashley Mauldin Photography does just that!

The girl in the pictures with Dani is her brother’s girlfriend, Tomi, and they have become really close friends. Ashley chose to incorporate the cameras and “picnic” to complement the vintage dress. She also went with a gold chair to go with the purple dress because she liked the jewel tones, and wanted bold colors to make her stand out against the earthy background. Plus you can’t go wrong with a chair; it provides so many opportunities, and people get really comfortable when they have a prop to interact with!

Thanks to Ashley Mauldin Photography for submitting this creative senior shoot!

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Filed Under: Featured, Features, Lifestyle, Natalia

Engagement: A Country Boy and Girl At Heart

14 May Filed Under: Animals, Featured, Features, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Sophia

Acting as the backdrop for this love story between a country boy and girl, this picturesque, quaint equestrian center strikes a great southern cord with the couple. Danielle Aquiline Photography and the happy, engaged couple headed to the fields of Illinois to meet up with their beloved horse and dog at the Frankfort Equestrian Center, a place that Dana called her “second home.” Through the outdoor engagement shoot, the couple got a unique chance to celebrate their communal interest in the country and farm life. Eric grew up in Northwest Indiana in an old farm house, while Dana was involved in equestrian competitions her whole life, so it was a perfect way to express how they were (and still are) a country boy and girl at heart.

A couple of extra details helped to complete the southern ranch feel of this engagement shoot, such as Dana’s cowboy boots, the beer the couple shared, the rusty tractor, and more. But the best detail in the photo shoot has to be the bright, engagement ring on Dana’s left hand!

Thanks to Danielle Aquiline Photography for showing us a way to celebrate an engaged couple’s shared love of the rustic outdoors and their animal companions, complete with a certain southern flair.

Location: Frankfort Equestrian Center

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Filed Under: Animals, Featured, Features, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Sophia

Engagement: A Golden Summer Picnic

14 May Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Sophia

In movies every flashback is filled with misty, glowing shots that somehow make even the most mediocre moment into the most cherished one. Lyndsay London Photography managed to create and capture such a golden memory of an engaged couple on film. At Garry Point in Richmond, the couple enjoyed an outdoor picnic, the perfect way to celebrate one of the last days of summer sun, with pink flowers, adorable stuffed animals, and an even more adorable pup! The sun-filled afternoon was a perfect way for Ben and Sherrie to remember that each moment they share contains great happiness. Especially the moment when Sherrie said “yes.”

Not only were the stuffed animals whimsical and cute, but they also went along with another great memory the couple shared. On Sherrie’s birthday, the couple took a trip to Disneyland, where Sherrie was shopping for a Mickey Mouse “ear hat.” She wanted one that wasn’t too childish and maybe had a matching hat for the guy, and she found the “bridal ears.” As a joke, she bought them. But then the Disneyland staff kept asking the couple if they were married or engaged. The host in the Star Wars ride even asked everyone to applaud the newlyweds! Then the next day, Ben proposed. It was a brief moment, but a perfect one.

Thanks to Lyndsay London Photography for sharing this sunny photo shoot and an even brighter love story.

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Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Sophia

Real Wedding: The Oaks at Salem

11 May Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Natalia, Real Wedding, Real Weddings

Briana Macon of Macon Photography is a Virginia Beach photographer, so when she was contacted by Amanda about photographing her North Carolina Wedding at the gorgeous plantation venue, The Oaks at Salem, she was absolutely giddy! The wedding was gorgeous down to every last detail– a beautiful bride and smiling bridal party, bright spring flowers, and amazing table decor. The sun was shining and there was a sweet, spring crispness in the air. Briana told us, “most importantly, there was an adorable couple in love. They were tying the knot and I was lucky enough to be chosen to capture it. Perfection. This is my dream job and I’m so honored to be able to work with such amazing people that become friends!” We think Macon Photography does a fantastic job capturing all the emotions and details of this special day!

Just before sunset, The Oaks at Salem (Apex, NC) transformed from a beautiful southern home into a whimsical setting for a vintage, lace wedding. The cool blues of the tablecloths, bridal party and backdrop contrasted perfectly with the vibrant hues of the sunset-inspired floral arrangements. Tea light candles hung from centerpieces while delicate crystal chandeliers swung gently from the trees surrounding the altar. Southern charm, attention to detail, and wonderful planning made this picture-perfect wedding a romantic evening that every guest will always remember.

Thanks to Macon Photography for submitting this gorgeous North Carolina wedding!

Event Planner: Viva L’Event

Reception Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Equipment Rentals: Party Reflections

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Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Natalia, Real Wedding, Real Weddings

Real Wedding: A True Community Wedding

10 May Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Shalyn

This lovely bride and groom met in college and were friends for years. When the bride described how their relationship progressed from friends to more, she noted, “Neither of us can recall when we started dating, it just happened. One night, out to dinner, I looked up at him and told him ‘you just wait – girls our age aren’t ready to get married, but you’re the marrying type. You’re gonna get snatched up when they realize you’re a man to keep.’ It was that night we realized we were more than friends. A year later, he proposed.”

The bride and groom worked hard to make sure their special day was a reflection of them as a couple. They loved the rustic feel and simple beauty of being in the country, so when they found Flying Cloud Farm, they knew it was the perfect venue for them. Many of their friends and family contributed to make their day one of a kind. Their pastor’s wife made some of the delectable cupcakes at the dessert bar, the groomsmen built the arbor they were married under together, and the mason jars they used for vases were collected from family. Even the flowers were arranged and the invitations and paper goods were all designed by good friends. Larsen’s Photography was there to capture every intimate detail. The day was truly a reflection of their community!

Thanks again to Larsen’s Photography for the beautiful submission!

Caterer: Lombardi’s Catering

Floral Designer: Sequoia Flower Supply

Dress Store: Bill Levkoff

Dress Designer: Essence of Australia

Cake Designer: Olivers Market

DJ: AMS Entertainment

Makeup Artist: Mockingbird Heights Salon

Shoes: Steve Madden,Vans Shoes

Jewelry: Halem & Co

Event Venue: Flying Cloud Farms

Hair Stylist: Maru Hair Salon

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Filed Under: Featured, Inspiration, Real Weddings, Shalyn

Real Wedding: From Hong Kong with Love

9 May Filed Under: Inspiration, Real Wedding, Real Weddings, Shalyn

This wedding blended together elements of a traditional wedding with a contemporary one at the Intercontinental Hotel in Hong Kong. We particularly were enraptured by the details on the bride’s two dresses; both had such a unique flair! We also loved how butterflies were incorporated all through the event, from the cake to the table top. Such a fun detail! A big thanks to Eadwine Lay of Plush Photography for sharing this wedding with us. We love the way he captured authentic moments of expression on everyone’s faces.