Photos courtesy of Cultural Intrigue

If you’ve been turning pages in bridal magazines lately or have gone to a friends wedding, you’ve probably seen candles, string lights or paper laterns! (Check out my image in The Knot) Lighting at your ceremony or reception adds a romantic, sensual and fun twist. Wedding photographers love having extra lighting during a dark reception to help give the room a glow without using the harsh overhead lights. These aren’t the easiest products to find and wedding coordinators usually have there sources and buy in bulk. Cultural Intrigue seems to have the best selection, however, it’s wholesale only (sold to licensed retailers only) – see if your wedding coordinator can buy from them. At least you’ll get an idea of what’s out there and what to look for! If you’re not using a wedding coordinator, consult with your venue coordinator about ways to incorporate these types of lights before you purchase.

Photos courtesy of Velocity Art & Design

With the wedding season upon us and invitations being sent (just got one in the mail!), I thought it would be good to chat about unique online gift registries (check out my Sprout Home post). It’s always best to register in a few different places so that you’re guests can access one easily, however, some of the more unique registries are online and the gifts are shipped right to you! Plus, it’s a matter of sitting down in front of the computer clicking away, super convenient (sorry, you might miss out on the registry guns!). Velocity Art & Design provides all areas of the home and pets for a descent price. I especially love their organic bedding and outdoor accessories. Don’t forget to include your gift registry info in your invitations! (more…)

Photos courtesy of TutuCuteBaby, Ribbonwands, PrettyMe on Etsy

I’m all about thinking out of the box when it comes to weddings! The kids involved in your wedding add a special, whimsical, and fairytale-like feeling to the day. Let your flower girls shine with vibrant colors, patterns, and designs. Find a great fabric and pattern then have a dress sewn. Not only will it save on budget but adds such charm to the overall day. Plus – they can wear it again! Check out TutuCuteBaby for more tutu ideas and PrettyMe for the cutest skirts and dresses. From a photo standpoint, adding ‘props’ to the event adds greater dimension and personality to your wedding. These RibbonWands do just that! Boys and girls would go crazy running around your outdoor space with these – what incredible colors!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Hope everyone had a great weekend! The highlight of mine was Liz and Mike’s engagement photography session! They were extremely friendly and such a pleasure to hang out with. It was a bit chilly out but they stuck it out and made the best of it without a doubt! I think at one point I asked Liz to make a serious face for a shot and the closest look I got was ‘blue steel’…they were both ear to ear smiles and so much fun with each other!! I loved it! I’m super excited to be shooting their wedding in October, it was an absolute blast spending time with them. Check out more of their images… (more…)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Spring weddings are under way and so is the heat and sun! Planning an outdoor wedding? A romantic way to beat the sun and help your guests stay cool is a parasol! Have a basket or container hold the parasols near the ceremony seats where guests can help themselves. Plus, if you want they make cute favors! I love how adding an accessory to your wedding day provides an extra touch of personality in the photographs. My favs can be found at The Asian Import, but they can be a little pricey. The cheapest I’ve seen are at Oriental Trading. For a personal touch, monogram your parasol.

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Originally, I was on the hunt for Mother’s Day (May 11th) craft ideas because nothing says ‘I love you’ like a thoughtful gift. I found these 4 outstanding, diy projects that you could incorporate pet photos, wedding photos, baby photos or any photo for that matter! I think it’s important to give life to the images on cd and show them off. With everything being digital these days, seems that people forget to print photos! A reason why I offer an album and many other print materials with every wedding I book! I love the bottle-cap idea for napkins or place settings for a guest table. The tin cans would make personal wedding favors. Click for instructions: Personalized Magnets & Tins, Bottle-cap Magnets & Thumbtacks, Accordion Gallery, Pet Photo.

Photos courtesy of Thayer Allyson Gowdy & Lena Corwin (bride)

Aren’t these wedding photos incredible?! I have wanted to try various fabric back drops in my own wedding photography and while doing some research, I came across Lena Corwin’s Flickr page – incredibly excited! This is a great way to incorporate your guests in your wedding and it allows them to have some fun and quirky photos of themselves from your special day. Thayer’s work is featured in Martha Stewart all the time, and if I’m remembering correctly it was this wedding or another similar concept featured in Martha a while back. The creative combination of Thayer and her client, Lena is one to strive for when giving your wedding a memorable flare. Lena is a textile designer and illustrator, check out her adorable men’s ties!

Photo courtesy of Food Network

Guilty pleasure = food network! I have to say my favorite shows are Barefoot Contessa and Everyday Italian…love the recipes, lighting, and the way the shows are captured. But even better, the Food Network is hosting a week of weddings starting April 28th. So plan to dine in with your notepad! In the meantime, check out the site for information!

Photo courtesy of Nettleton Hollow

I’m super excited that I just happen to be organizing my bookmarks tab and found this site! I was looking for decorative materials such as wheat grass and dried fruits to decorate my apartment with when I first moved to Chicago. Not only is this a great site for home decor but think of all the possibilities of floral design for your wedding! Many centerpieces and escort card tables incorporate these organic sculptures for added height and dimension. The site includes branches, fruits/pods, foliage, flowers and grasses – Nettleton Hollow.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I know you’ve been wondering what the kitties have been up to since spring arrived!? Ha! Our building hasn’t converted to air conditioning yet, and it’s been toasty these past few days. Boris has two coats of hair so we haven’t seen him around much because he cools in the shadows. He occasionally comes out of hiding to play with his favorite new toy, the gold bell! I accidentally stepped on one of the balls and broke the plastic around the bell. Best discovery ever! Desher lounges…she loves the heat! Such a cleaning diva. I love photographing animals when their most comfortable. So here are some more cat photos for your viewing pleasure.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography