Fantasy Friday ~ Twelve Down, Thirty-Eight to Go!

Meet Renee and Robin. Renee and Robin met at church, have been together for six years, have three kids, and are getting married in Kauai (where these images were taken) in August! Pretty fucking awesome, right? Totally! 

But, you're probably wondering why this extraordinary engagement shoot falls under Fantasy Friday. I mean, yes these are amazing photographs. And yes, they ARE in Hawaii, but that's not why this post is here today. It's here today because as of this past Tuesday, Minnesota became the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage. And my fantasy? Well, my fantasy is that the rest of the states, the slow pokes, will do the same... and fast! 

So, please enjoy and savor these beautiful photographs of two people who love each other... Two people who love their kids, and of two people who deserve the same rights that I have by default... all because I sleep next to a man. 

C'mon, they're in Hawaii... How could we not show you some of the local fabulousness?

I love how Renee is looking at Robin being a goof!

SO in love!

Click to read more ...

Real Wedding Wednesday ~ Donuts and Doggies

I mean... How could I not open with this picture? Right? And honestly, please don't judge me, brideys, but I am a cat person, not a dog person, however I totally melted over this one. So cute, right??! And looks like he even got a little hair cut for the wedding too. Shut up!

Anyway, I should probably tell you about the bride and groom! So the handsome guy in the tux is a Navy jet pilot. First of all, how fucking cool is that? What's even cooler? Apparently, they met in high school and he chased her for years before she finally gave in. And now... I'm sharing their stunning wedding with you. Just WAIT until you see their "cake" or "cakes" rather. I seriously fell over... and then I wanted to dive through the screen and dig in.

This is such a great photograph! I love how cas the girls are. Right? Just putting their hands in their pockets while chillin' with the bride, also with her hands in her pockets. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of pockets in wedding dresses because you brideys, try to hide things in them, but this time? I'm LOVIN' them!

Fire pit! How fantastic is that? Also makes for a lovely photo opportunity!

I really love her bouquet. And, not for nothing, she looks utterly happy and stunning too!

Click to read more ...

The Truth Hurts Tuesday ~ Effective Negotiation or Ineffective Mediation?

Today I'm struggling with an email I received from a bride who I KNEW I shouldn't have taken on, but I did because I just haven't learned my lesson! Actually, I can honestly say that I took it for the money. She's got a lot of it, and not only is that enticing for me personally, but oftentimes it makes for a super fun planning experience too. Well... USUALLY it does.

Anyway, recently, we visited several venues and received several proposals with the hopes of solidifying a space quickly so that we could move on to the fun stuff; decor! However, enclosed in her email was a wish list of sorts based on the spaces we saw. And it was shocking. Actually, it was undeniably, borderline horrifying. Because this wasn't just any wish list. This was a genie in a fucking bottle wish list. This was an "I'm smoking the fuck out of this crack pipe" list. As a matter of fact, it was more like an "I want everything for free, and I'm totally entitled to it because, I know you want my business, so fuck off" kind of wish list.  

Seriously, I stood at my computer completely shocked. Because although I knew this bridey was going to be a bit of a challenge (code for what we industry peeps call a total pain in the ass), cheap wasn't really what I had expected. I mean, it's one thing to negotiate, but it's a whole other ball game to expect that you are exempt from paying for shit because you're getting married.

So, bridey, based on this ridiculous email, I thought I'd share with you a few secrets about negotiation:

Click to read more ...

Super Stylish Sunday ~ Dreams Really Do Come True...

Look at this picture. I mean, REALLY look. Would you believe me if I told you that this is a rainbow themed, styled shoot at Morningside Manor in Arvada, Colorado? The reason I'm asking is because doesn't this couple look like a real soon-to-be or married couple? Seriously... I just can't believe that they are part of the shoot! Perhaps they are together in real life, or maybe after the shoot they got down and dirty... rainbow style. But, no matter what, the chemistry of the "models" mixed with the awesomeness of this styled shoot almost leaves me at a loss for words! ALMOST. 

Okay, moving past the obvious sexual tension, I really applaud all of the hard work that went into this photo session. Brideys, if you scroll down, you will see some profoundly creative tablescapes, a fabulously cool cake and a pretty dramatic altar. If you're looking for a creative theme with tons of DIY elements, then check this shit out! 

I have to admit, I'm not usually a fan of the bow on the chair thing, but because of the multicolor effect, I really love it! 

I am obsessed with the alternating napkins and beverages! What a good idea! I mean... just throw a little vodka in the glass, and it may even be perfect!

YUM. YUM. YUM. And you know what the best part is? It's a cake that can easily be made by a friend or relative, that will look cool and cost you nothing.

Click to read more ...

Fantasy Friday ~ Great Gatsby Inspired Styled Shoot

I am freaking out over this shoot. Like completely freaking the fuck out! Seriously, these photographs are absolutely stunning. The amazingly bright green tables, the perfect red rose, the gold... All mixed with this cool ass couple? Rockin'... I mean... Can you imagine if there was sound to go with this shoot? I can hear it, can you? 

Brideys, if you are looking for a themed, beautiful and amazingly colorful wedding, then scroll down and breath in these GORGEOUS photographs. Please notice the attention to detail, the perfectly coordinated pallet and the kick ass cake (of course)!

I always love seeing the gold flatware, but honestly, I'm totally distracted by how magnetic this couple is! It's just not fair to be that perfect, right? I mean, c'mon! Not too mention that fantastically exquisite headpiece she's wearing so magnificently.

Look at this table! It's dazzling! Isn't that menu lovely? 

I just died and went to heaven. Totally breathtaking.

Click to read more ...