Presly’s best friend at school is sweet miss Brielle. This session was A LOT of fun for me —  having playtime at my studio and get some cute pics of the girls! Lori from 1crown3tiaras sent me over her new spring collection that she hand sews and sells on Etsy. The girls had a fun time mix n matching jewelry to create their look (: So here are 2 dresses we photographed yesterday, (more to come from other littler models wearing spring clothes)….lot’s of laughing and giggling and some serious cuteness….

little miss Presly Diva in the house…

I almost wanted to save this for Valentine’s day,  but I just couldn’t resist

XOXO

WOW!  Lydia and Luke’s wedding has been a huge  inspiration to many brides and vendors!!  Their wedding just got posted on a new and unconventional blog — the UnBride, that has fabulous tips on planning a non-traditional wedding. It’s so RAD with lot’s of ideas for the young, hip and confident bride!! I was also chosen as a featured photographer too, which is such a honor to be seen as a photographer who is a little bit  UnBride (;

Please check them out to be inspired to have fun with your look and wedding day! Some of their suggestions are…. “- wear a pink (or other color) dress, - wear a crazy veil or even a subtle birdcage veil instead of the same old veil that all of your friends wore, - get some cool chunky jewelry – everything doesn’t have to be delicate, - wear artistic shoes or boots in any color, - have fun with your makeup. If none of these suggestions fit your vision for your wedding day then perhaps hire your photographer for a “day after” session where you can go overboard with hair & makeup and go crazy with props and accessories and really have some fun!”   I am TRULY inspired and in LOVE with this blog!!!!!

XOXO

Liz Harrison Designs lives here in Sun Valley and has the best in mind when creating your dream gown!! She graduated Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design, then continued on to get her graduate degree in Fashion Design at the infamous Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Also Liz has attended the Paris American Academy in France, the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and completed an intense design internship with a couture bridal designer in London.

Besides her amazing education and talent — Liz is sweet and has a kind demeanor to be around! I know she is going to do amazing things in this industry.  I asked if she would like to be photographed with one of her bridal couture dresses to share with upcoming 2010 brides, who are looking to create a custom fit gown — whether it be simple and understated or wildly extravagant!

Liz I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do! Stay humble, work hard, and everything will fall into place. XOXO

I am so sorry moms, brides, and families! I know you are waiting patiently for me to get your orders out, albums pre-designed, brag books and DVD’s of images, and returning phone calls and emails – I am doing this all today, I hope! I have cancelled shoots this week and also have been looking for a new and larger studio in Ketchum to shoot in this winter, — I will catch up today! I feel bad I don’t have images to share untill next week so I thought I’d share some recent favs of mine.

My new and favorite shoe which feel the closest to sneakers that I have ever had in heels. I have tried and bought many many a shoes to look cute, stand or run at a wedding for 12 hours (a 2inch heel hurts after 1 hour) They are called Campers and I bought the Laura.

This is cool and a great way to film Presly for memories and my mom and dad who don’t get to see her only a couple times a year, the Flip Video Ultra Series II Camcorders have caught my eye! They’re pocket (or purse) sized, come in an array of colors and are incredibly user-friendly. After you have shot the video, just plug the camera into your computer through its built in USB and you’re done!

I have been using a mouse for way too long! So I thought it was finally worth checking out the Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet. I hear it’s gonna give my hand a break when editing mass amounts of portraits!!

This is just so NEAT!!!! Sony Party Shot — it’s a ingenious little device! It works with a Sony DSC-WX1 or DSC-TC1 camera and uses a built-in image processor to find faces and smiles in your crowd of partygoers, then snaps images of them. It rotates 360 degrees around, tilts up to 24 degrees and adjusts composition to get the perfect shot.  I have pre-ordered mine – I will share photos soon (:

My beautiful June bride Liz Laycock gave her girls the cutest clutches as a thank you to her bridal party. I came across a company who specializes in bridal handbags. They come in floral, paisleys, and damasks. Also many colors to choose from. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I had a client cancel this morning, so thought I would share things from online that I find fun for a wedding day (;

I love these little bird seed packets from Esty! they look like a neat way to exit your ceremony for you, your guest, and me to photograph (one of my favorite moments from a wedding) How cute are the “love birds” logo?!  also my new favorite wedding colors from a post a couple weeks ago (:

Sara Gabriel Veiling & Headpieces is couture line of bridal veils, that I think would be fabulous to photograph and look so chic wearing!

LOVE these ties for any little boy at a wedding,  Beau’s Ties from Esty! — ADORABLE!!! 

A neat bridesmaid gift idea instead of jewelry! An engraved USB keychain from Things Remembered. I give custom USB’s to each of my brides with all their wedding images  – a new product I offer and LOVE !

Came across this website from Erica Obrien and thought how fun these cakes would be to photograph and be visually eye-catching at any reception – yummy (:

just are a few finds I thought you might enjoy and LOVE like I do!  XOXO

I LOVE LOVE Esty.com! They have the handmade & vintage goods that I completely adore and shop at (especially on raining days like today)!  I came across these CUTE bags that I think would be perfect for welcoming guests or carrying around all your wedding inspirations. You can choose the wedding colors too! Shop here….

also greet your reception guests with a custom wedding name sign. Perfect to add that little touch to your special day….

The artistic wedding floral designs of  Tara Bella Flowers are a beautiful sight to see. Yesterday I put together a  collage of some of our weddings we have done in the past years for her Studio. Her creativity and eye for creating beauty is wonderful and also a very FUN person to hangout with…
- I also wanted to share Kathy and Joe’s wedding slideshow that I just finished this morning…..click here to watch…

I will have the Father’s Day contest winner tomorrow!!  Have a HAPPY Wednesday - XOXO

- from the oodles of weddings I have photographed, I have seen A LOT of beautiful and dazzling celebrations! Here are just a few small ideas I would love to share from my experience and observing….

The best advice I can give is, “it’s all about attitude!” The quicker you take on an easy- going outlook when it comes to your big day, the more perfect, fun and memorable it will be. If you start stressing out about every detail, big or small, YOU will make your day miserable. So I strongly suggest you hire a wedding planner or at least a day-of coordinator! You’re Done Planning On Your Day! Your wedding coordinator will solve all the little things that go wrong that day (inevitably something will go wrong).  Other than that, sit back, relax and enjoy the day- it should be one of the best days of your life, not a day full of stress (:

People who are going to be part of your big day, wedding party, photographer, florist, and wedding planner, etc… they should all fit well with your personality. It’s a long day and you want to make sure you are surrounded by people that you enjoy and are fabulous! (call me if you need any recommendations).

Have your hair and makeup professionally done. Play music you love while getting ready and just enjoy it all!  Also light snacks, champagne and water for your girls.

I would suggest and have heard from pervious brides to leave for your honeymoon two days after your wedding. If you get married on a Saturday, leave on a Monday. This will give you a day to say good-bye to our family and friends who drove or flew in for our wedding and then have the rest of the day to relax, pack for the honeymoon, or stay in bed all day together.

My biggest complaint for me is my tired feet! So I would suggest on having a pair of comfy shoes for your reception. If you never wear them, so what. Your wedding shoes may be “so comfy” but after standing non-stop for 12 hours, your feet will kill for some cushion and thank you.

My photography recommendations…Take engagement photos!  It will really helped you to relax for the wedding photos and you will have wonderful pictures of the two of you doing things that you love to do together. Take the time to write out a list of “must have” photos – people and poses you like. We photographers are not mind readers! This sounds obvious but dance together! I have been to many weddings where the bride and groom aren’t dancing together. Also choose a photographer that offers a website or a slideshow of your wedding day. You will have several people that will not be able to attend your wedding, therefore you will be able to give them the log on information to the pictures. I always get replies back from people that they felt as if they had been at the wedding. And always have a smile on your face (:

If you see something you love, go with it. Take in every second of your special day. It all happens so fast. Get the big things accomplished and book as early as possible so you can concentrate on the details. Above all, remember that this is a celebration! Keep perspective, relax and have fun. As long as it took for your wedding day to arrive, the day will go by too quickly, so have fun and be proud of all your hard work – Much Love XOXO

I can’t post without a photo (;   so I took Presly this evening to this beautiful field of wild poppies right outside my office - I love this time of year!

- after setting the date, finding the perfect dress, and of course hiring your photographer, the next thought on your mind might be your wedding colors  (nothing can be done until you choose the colors)! I have never photographed this blend of colors and thought I’d share a new combo favorite. This wedding theme is vibrant, fun and perfect for the bride who wants a blast of bold color. Now I must admit when I came across this color combination I was a little unsure, but after finding some great examples I just fell in love with it!

palette of red, blues and cream was one of the most fun to put together and find! Here is a color theme that I hope will inspire you….

Summer wedding season is finally here! Kristin and I have our first wedding this weekend out of town and will post early next week to share the very adorable, wonderful, and beautiful bride and groom — I’m praying to my ‘wedding gods’ for sunny skies (:

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaid’s dresses are here! She is known for bridal dresses that are soft and airy, lightweight and ethereal, and ever so sweet and romantic. Just classic! Here’s a favorite dress of mine from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2010 bridal collection…

Yes, Vera Wang is a legend; her dresses are so unbelievably wonderful and I have had the honor to photograph her amazing dresses! But, many of my previous brides have worn a Monique Lhuillier’s and I have come to be passionate about her dresses!. She is a hot name on everyone’s lips right now! Who wouldn’t l-o-v-e to be a bridesmaid in a wedding that requires wearing a Monique Lhuillier dress? At only $250 to $340, the sweet pieces are perfect for the fashion-savvy woman. The collection is said to be officially launching later this spring on the newly redesigned  www.MoniqueLhuillier.com. Here is a sneak peak with a few of the gorgeous dresses…

What gorgeous colors, hues of green, yellow, navy, silver, pink and coral. The best part is they don’t look like typical bridesmaid dresses and can be worn again after the wedding - sophisticated details, chic shapes, feminine, luxurious fabrics, with stylish feel. Oh how much I love the Monique Lhuillier, I am a true fan! - XO

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of working with my friends from Allsop Home & Garden. The entire team is nothing short of fabulous, inventive, and beautiful team!  I want to share with my clients, brides and other vendors how gorgeous Soji Laterns are for any occasion! So first here are some photos of the team from left to right - Christine Gelb, Jamey Allsop Greene, Maya Lovlien, and Siobhan Sutton….

the ladies with Jim Allsop…..

father/daughter Allsop’s….

Here is some information about thier “solar garden art,”….Soji  Solar lanterns  from Allsop Home & Garden are the most beautiful way to illuminate an evening all without the hassle of stringing unsightly wiring or electrical cords. Powered by the sun, Soji Solar lanterns will turn themselves on at dusk to cast an enchanting and elegant glow by night fall. Charge them up and hang them under the awning of a tent or trellis. At the end of the night, sustainable Soji solar lanterns make fantastic guests or attendant favors.

Deemed a “Hot item” by Sunset magazine – Soji lanterns  are a great “green wedding” idea.  They will continue to glow late into the evening casting an enchanting glow for everybody to enjoy. Hang them from trees, light up a pathway or set them on a table around floral center pieces, the ideas are limitless!

Soji contain a small photo-voltaic solar panel, a rechargeable AAA battery which stores the solar energy collected and two high powered LED lights. As soon as darkness falls, a built-in photo light sensor turns the lanterns on to glow for up to 6 hours.  Lanterns collapse for storage and come equipped with a stainless steel hanging handle. Available in varying styles, patterns and shapes.

here is a photo from Jamey’s wedding - BEAUTIFUL!

more wonderful product photos…

how festive and colorful are these? - makes me feel happy….

Soji Solar lanterns are elegant, sustainable and entirely hassle free!  Check them out here!! and a recent article in Sun Valley Magazine CONGRATULATIONS ladies!!!  XOXO