1950s Engagement Photos for Jessica and Keith

A few months ago our clients Jessica & Keith had a fantastically fun and over the top engagement photo shoot.  During our very busy day, we covered everything from the 1920s to the 1960's while we took over the streets of historic downtown Ft Myers.  These photos inspired by the 1950s are my favorite of them all.

 Because really, does it get any more classic than Tiffanys?

And did you know that Tiffanys now has an engagement ring app?

 

 Jessica officially becomes a "G" later this spring with an Art-Deco wedding!

 You can see more of their photos, including the Mad Men and Great Gatsby looks on Photographer Tonya Malays new website.

The creative team:

Photography: Tonya Malay Photography

Wardrobe: Wende' Gilmore, owner of the authentic vintage boutique Vamped Up Vintage

Location: Historic Downtown Fort Myers

Hair: Lindsay Johnson

Makeup: Hope Henderson with Hope Artistry

1 perfect reason to have a 1st glance photo

This picture sums it all up.  Thank you Ashly Olivier for sharing this photo of her clients at their 1st glance.

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashly on Pinterest

This truly is how fantastic the 1st glance idea is. It doesn't look like they're missing out on anything does it? There are so many advantages to having your first look prior to the wedding ceremony, but I think this picture explains the most wonderful one.
Amazing image is by Tina Sargeant

Chevron spoons make ice cream bars cuter

Tell me that these cuter than cute spoons don't make you want ice cream just a little more?

 

I found these at Arabesque Naples yesterday when I was looking for some baby shower invitations and a few gifts. I can just see a perfectly scrumptious Florida Gulf shrimp on the end of the spear!

The spoons, forks and picks are made from birch and are disposable of course.  They come in an assortment of colors and they can even be customized with messages. It's little details like these that are fun to add to your wedding cocktail hour or late night menus when you have a little wiggle room for a spot of fun!

Kelly Chase Couture in Naples!

Today after meeting with clients at The Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach I stopped by Mercato to check out the newest restaurant, Masa.  The atmosphere is great for a causal fun night out with friends and the menu - I wanted to eat everything.  They also have some great spaces that would be good for a rehearsal dinner or gathering space for a pre-wedding party.

 Anyway, I know- what's this got to do with Kelly Chase Couture?  As I was walking back to my car, I walked by The Kelly Chase Flagship salon.  It just opened a few weeks ago, so I decided to have a quick look.

 I am so glad that I popped in!  Kelly (the designer) and Chase (the president), happened to be in the salon and greeted me at the door.  Both were absolutely wonderful and welcoming.  Kelly was gracious enough to give me a personal tour and show me the newest collection.

  The salon is beautiful with white floors, and voluminus paper flowers on the walls.  The flowers reminded me of the Paper Posey Designs I saw at the Martha Stewart Market Party.  There were dozens of wedding dresses. The gowns are from her current line and she also has dresses that are discontinued and available to purchase right off the rack.

 The price ranges for most of the Kelly Chase line is $2000-$6000, but there are a few that were less or more.  Besides the wedding dresses she also carries mother of the bride dresses, jewelery, veils, boleros, belts & sashes and purses.

 If you're looking for a dress and are in the Naples area, I highly recommend that you stop by!

Bridal Portrait art and tips for your bridal session

A bridal portrait is the perfected image of you in your wedding gown.  Traditionally,  the photo session is scheduled a few weeks prior to your wedding, so that a print can be framed and prepared for the wedding day and/or wedding announcements.  Last week I was introduced to another phenomenal idea for using your bridal portrait.  Enter artist Diane Bronstein.  Diane takes the bridal portrait image of you in your wedding dress and paints a watercolor or pencil "gown painting".

From the frame-able gown painting she can then also create thank you cards. Aren't they stunning?
To have your gown portrait made, her fee is currently $185.  She does offer options for oil paintings, digital scans and reproduction rights.
I wanted to include a few bridal portraits in this post so that you could have an idea of what portraits can possibly look like.  So I reached out to some of our photographers and had them send a few favorites over.  Between the images below, I will also give you a few tips, how-to and why to have a bridal portrait. Imagine these images as a watercolor or sketch!

Above Photo Credit: Impressions Photography.
Tip: One of the best things about having your bridal portrait taken in advance is that it will cut out a big portion on your "photo" time on your wedding day.  Its a good 30-45 minutes that you can free up on your already packed wedding timeline.
P.S. This is our bride Lindsay from this past fall- couldn't you just die over her dress? The train was detachable.

 Above Photo Credit: Ashley Brockinton Photography
Tip: You can have your portrait taken with or without a bouquet.  You can also choose to have your portrait taken in a studio like this one, or outside.
P.S. This is Christy, the winner of the 2011 Grand Wedding!

 Above and Below Photo Credit: Nancy Cohn Photography
Advice: Don't be afraid to be yourself.  Yes, I think you should absolutely get a classic image.  But how about something fun too (below)?

 Above Photo Credit: Audrey Snow Photography
Side note: Notice that in this image she's holding her bouquet.  Personally, I do think it adds to the bridal look.

 Above Photo Credit: Mike Moreland Photography
Side Note: This is Brittany, one of our brides from this past spring.  Be sure to pick up the Occasions Magazine (Winter 2013 Florida or Georgia issues) to see her stunning white wedding wedding feature!

Above Photo Credit: Maria Glassford Photography
Tip: Bring your mom or a friend with you to help you maneuver in and out of your dress.  One person is enough though- your session should not be turned into a party!

 Above Photo Credit: Tonya Malay Photography
Advice: Your bridal portrait day is also a another great opportunity to fine tune your wedding day look.  Be sure to have your hair & makeup done for this!