Black Star Canyon Engagment Shoot

I had the privilege of having the amazing Paul Von Rieter shoot our engagement pictures. He took us to one of the most beautiful secluded places ever!  Black star canyon is filled with a wide variety of backdrops from shaded creeks to fields of wild flowers.  Each setting was gorgeous and unique in its own way.  I'm not going to lie Paul definitely challenges his clients, from standing in cold water to climbing terrain in high heels, you are in for an adventure.  But there is no doubt that his creativity and final product makes it worth every second.  It really was such a pleasure having him shoot both our engagement and wedding, I would recommend him to anyone and everyone!  

A Magical Seven Degrees Wedding

This is by far one of the most unique and well-designed weddings I have come across! From the couple to the venue everything about this day sparkles.  The wedding was held at 7 degrees in Laguna Beach and it looks like something straight out of a fairytale.  I especially love the low light setting; it made for the perfect intimate atmosphere and not to mention amazing pictures.  As if weddings aren't stressful enough, Brittany not only pull off this amazing DIY wedding but also baked her own wedding cake. Her talent was evident in the beautiful three-tier cake and silver Manzanita tree centerpieces.  This bride truly out shinned it all in her amazing Mon Amie wedding dress.  Each bridesmaid looked stunning in the navy dress of their choice from Nordstroms.  The groomsmen are dressed in stylish grey and aqua, while Billy and one of his best men stood out in complementary black suits.  The ceremony was lined in lanterns, candles and white roses, making the aisle glow as they said their vows. But one of their most memorable parts of the whole day was the prayer the Billy led for them during their first communion as husband and wife. Their love for God and love for each other made this moment so special and touching. From there, they danced the night away at the ceremony with live music played by their friends from church. Such a beautiful wedding was only fitting for such a beautiful couple and their love is truly what made this night so magical. Photos by JNP Studios.

K is for Kimble

So this is by far one of my favorite ideas, this couple took their engagement pictures at their wedding venue.  With such a vast location, there are tons of spots to take amazing pictures and give your guests a little sneak peak at the beauty your wedding will encompass.  From their classic neutral outfits to the cowboy inspired western look, the couple has a wide variety of amazing shots.  Rancho Capistrano is a gold mine for perfect pictures, making each picture amazing and unique.  Separately both Kerry and Bud are such amazing people, but together their love makes them one of the most beautiful couples I have ever seen. Photos by Jeff Wallace Photography

A Modern Michigan Engagement

So in love with these engagement pictures from Holly Recreation State Park! This is the pier that the couple got engaged on, and they returned to take these amazing photos.  I absolutely love the vibrant colors that Rebecca chose to wear, they not only look beautiful on her, but they go perfectly against the beautiful lake back ground.  Andrew's black shirt is classic and fashionable giving the couple the perfect look.  I'm obsessed with the swing pictures, their playful energy really shows just how in love they are.  This intimate secluded setting was not only perfect for the actually proposal but it gave way to some of the most beautiful photos.  Their love shines through in every photo making them one of my favorite couples! Photos by Lovely Bee Photography

A Romantic Laguna Beach Engagement

This is one of the most romantic proposals I have ever seen, David perfectly encompassed everything special to Sara and made a magical evening that they will never forget.  The day started for Sara with a card on her car inviting her to a date that night.  Later that night David brought her to the Beach outside of The Montage Resort where they had their second date on Valentines Day of 2010.  He laid out a blanket where the couple enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries that he hand-made for her, a tradition that they have enjoyed since the beginning of their relationship.  One of the most touching parts was that David brought a Bible and read scripture to her before the proposal.  He truly knows her heart and love for God and made sure to make that apart of their special moment.  Just when this date couldn't get any more perfect he got on his knee and asked her to be his wife.   Love was radiating from this couple as she said yes!  David and Sara are such special people and their commitment to spend the rest of their lives together is such a testament to true love.  I am so honored to feature such an amazing couple on Wise.Wedding.Words! Photos by Joel Lewis Photography

A Little Black Dress Bridal Shower

I love themed bridal showers! What's more fun than dressing up with your favorite girls and celebrating your upcoming wedding?  This Black Dress attire is mixed perfectly with accents of pale pink and white to be both dressy and feminine. Filled with appetizers and bite size desserts these girls feasted in style. After gifts and party games the afternoon was finished off with the gorgeous cake and a toast. One of my favorite parts was the fact that the bride had no idea of the details.  Her family and bridesmaids planned the whole thing and she just showed up to be showered with love.  Photos by Joel Lewis Photography 

Little Sneak Preview

All I can say is these were the most amazing wedding favors ever! Be on the look out there will be much more from this gorgeous wedding! 

Wedding Overload!

Ladies we all know that Wedding = HUGE STRESS, but I want to urge you to take time to calm down and think about what this wedding is all about.  I love to look back on my wedding and think about all the little details I would change if I could and stress over whether I made the right choices.  But when it is all said and done a wedding is just one day, out of a lifetime that you will spend with your husband.  I cherish each day with my husband, just as much as I did the day I married him.  But trust me I know just how special and meaningful wedding days are, I am all about making them perfect, but I also know the importance in remembering this day is about you and your husband, don't let tiny things ruin that.  So next time you are under a mountain of wedding planning stress, take a break and spend some time with your wonderful fiance or if nothing else daydream about what your life will be like together and hopefully that will ease some of your tension on color schemes or food choices.  Your wedding is about you and your fiance, so enjoy it :)

Bridesmaids! Bridesmaids! Bridesmaids!

It's time to announce your bridal party! Try something different . . . Throw a party to ask your girls to be a part of your big day. What better way to make you your bridesmaids feel loved than hosting a party in their honor and inviting them to be part of your wedding! It doesn't have to be anything too extravagant (you are planning a wedding after all), just put together some lunch, maybe some mimosas and have a fun afternoon with your best friends.  Most girls also have friends from different areas or times of their lives so this also gives the perfect platform for all of your friends to meet if they haven't already.  If you already have some ideas of wedding design or bridesmaids dresses, this is the perfect time to show off your ideas, or if you haven't gotten that far maybe have a brainstorming session with the girls that know you best.  Whatever you choose to do at your Bridesmaid party it will be fun to just get the girls together.  Photo by Joel Lewis Photography