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: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

It finally feels like spring here in Chicago!! And what could be better then sipping on a fresh cocktail in the mid afternoon…oh wait, I know cocktail hour! Your wedding’s cocktail hour sets the stage for a night of celebration. You want to impress while still keeping it simple and elegant. Tips, ideas, and you guessed it….drink recipes! (more…)

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 Magnificent Milestones

I had the pleasure of meeting Kara Underwood, owner of Magnificent Milestones a few days ago! Super sweet, friendly and outgoing – Kara has put together an amazing event studio to help organize and plan almost any event. Located in Chicago – Kara supplies coordination and design for weddings, social/corporate & etiquette events. You can’t beat that convenience! “A detailed, innovative and customer-focused event & design firm.” (more…)

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…)

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

I thought it would be a good idea to continue chatting about wedding trends for my current brides and all other brides! All you fall brides – time to get your cake picked out! For most couples, the wedding cake ties all the decor together and who can resist dessert? I think the wedding cake remains one of the few items that provides tradition and for that, you want to keep your cake memorable. One of the up and coming cake trends (not to mention very classic and timeless) is fabric designs and patterns.

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Fabrics and their patterns have been around for ages – most of them never out of style (well ok maybe plaid), which is why I loved this idea so much! You can take a classic pattern and give it a modern twist. Plus, you can play with colors and different shaped cakes while still keeping it simple. Check out more cake inspirations… (more…)

It seems that this subject is very unclear to brides and grooms, including wedding vendors. I recently came across a discussion board where brides were giving their tip suggestions-there was even exact percentages given for each vendor used. While this subject can be a little sensitive due to money worries, but let me make a suggestion. (more…)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Fall is my absolute favorite season! Sure, my birthday kick starts it off but the colors of the leaves and the crisp temperatures outside make it cozy. Brieanne and Brandon’s autumn wedding in St. Helena (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco) was a perfect event to photograph in so many ways. Their friends and family had a great sense of humor and care for one another. The weather was to die for and what could be more romantic than a wedding in wine country?! Check out more of their wedding photography… (more…)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Us – wedding vendors know that when the new year begins the newly engaged brides begin to plan! After reading several discussion and message boards, I’ve come to realize that what seems like the most simple task (hiring a wedding photographer), many couples don’t know what it takes to create their picture perfect wedding. I realize there is a lot of reading material out there, which makes things overwhelming for most but the next few suggestions that I offer might be of great help for the bride and groom to be. (more…)