Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

The groomsmen from the wedding I photographed in Nashville a couple weekends ago, wore fabric flowers in their boutonnieres, so adorable and sustainable!  Check out the post for a close-up of the bout.  They actually held up all day unlike real flowers.  I loved the idea and after purchasing the recent Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, I noticed that it’s an up and coming trend for weddings!  I thought I would share some of Martha’s tips on tissue and flowers as well as her tissue hanging pom-poms.  By the way – very eco-friendly!  More info:  Shaped Crepe Flowers, Pom-Poms and Luminarias, Dulken & Derrick (middle flower photo above, silk flowers).  Some are DIY!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Take a sneak peek at Traci and Marty’s wedding photography! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I can’t say that enough about Traci and Marty. Held at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Brentwood, TN – you couldn’t have asked for a better day of weather, incredible photography light and the ones they love. Can I just say that when I was prepping for this sneak peek, tears were rolling as I remembered how sweet Traci and Marty were with one another. It makes complete sense why they have such perfect family and friends. Check out some of the wedding photography… (more…)

Photo: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I was at my local Salvation Army thrift store in Chicago the other day looking for old frames to display some of my wedding photography. During my rummaging, I came across all these old dishes!! I thought how adorable would it be if you could use mismatched, vintage-like plates for your table settings! So the digging started! If you’re looking for a charming way to provide table decor for your guests – this is it! The plates ranged in price between 50 cents and $2. Perfect if you’re hosting a small, intimate reception or if you’re looking to be creative within a budget! Once you’re done – donate them back or give away as gifts. More table setting photos… (more…)

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: 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.

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 courtesy of Martha Stewart

April 22 is Earth Day! I thought it would be informative to share some eco-friendly ideas to help make your wedding day as green as can be! Many articles are saying that this is a trend, but I hope that these pointers can become a permanent choice in helping our environment – wedding or not. In my own digital photography workflow, I try to minimize as much paper as possible by communicating through email. My proofs are viewed only online, as well as the album proofs. All my ink cartridges are recycled, and I try to use reusable/recyclable papers and packing materials. Any bit helps! Check out ways you can help! (more…)

Photos courtesy of Sprout Home

I am VERY ready for spring to finally come around in Chicago! I was headed out to the grocery store a couple days back and passed a store called Sprout Home (located just off of Chicago & Damen intersection in Chicago). I’ve seen it a few times but never went in. It was a ‘fake’ spring day – the kind that is warm enough to not wear your winter coat and then it snows the next day. I decided to check it out! I love home accessory stores because I find lots of inspirations for art, photos and design. Greeted by the cutest dog in the world (a Vizsla – my fav!), I made my way around this very inviting store. Lots of home accessories such as plates, wrapping papers, ceramics and the cutest photo frames – which make great gifts for your wedding party!! Not to mention, plants galore! Sprout Home carries plant species of all types – indoor, outdoor, even little cacti. Check out their outdoor furniture! Can’t even begin to pick out a favorite product, but I have to say the photo frames and the modern bird feeders were top on my list! Brides and grooms – they even have gift registry!!

I highly recommend stopping in – especially if you have spring fever – or checking out their website link above because they have many more products then mentioned above.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I promised on my “town of toasted ravioli post” to display some wedding photos from my trip down to St. Louis for Stephanie and Jim’s wedding! I’ve been told by several people that I must of brought spring with me that weekend (mid 70s and sunny) since they had a huge snowstorm right after I left! But I think it was just the love in the air from Stephanie and Jim :) I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with or a more beautiful and relaxed day. You guys truly made my work day easy! Super fun, sweet, and totally in love are just some of the few ways to describe them. Check out more of their images and details…. (more…)