I am excited about today’s post for a couple of reasons. I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Lindsay Ann Corrigan and I am featuring a few photos from my first clients who actually had a trash the dress or day-after wedding photo session, which were photographed by Lindsay. Why the excitement?

We are breaking ice in Eastern North Carolina (ENC). You see, although the popularity of “trash the dress” sessions are increasingly popular among brides across the country, in ENC it is still relatively new despite our numerous destination wedding locations. Translation, most of my clients have not been interested in trashing their wedding gowns. Seriously, you would think it was a taboo to suggest it.

Perhaps after viewing a few images of Kristi and Joe’s “day-after wedding” photo session, (actually it took place after their honeymoon) more of you Carolina brides will be interested in booking what Lindsay calls her “All Dressed Up” day-after wedding photo shoot, which is ideal for brides who do not mind having some fun and getting a wee bit dirty, but without fully tarnishing their wedding gowns. Say in natural setting with lush greenery, sand, and water?

The Interview

I first met Lindsay at a bridal show back in February. Let me say, she has such a warm and genuine spirit that just draws you in. Don’t you just love it when you get that feeling upon first meeting someone? I do.

Okay, here is my interview.

TD: What is the story behind Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry?

LC: I worked as a newspaper reporter and photojournalist for a short time during college and fell in love with capturing the amazing stories people have to tell, especially the ones filled with joy and emotion. The idea of a portrait career had just started to form in my mind when a friend of a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I was smitten! It was a dream come true to be able to capture and retell over and over with my camera all the symbolic details, emotions, expressions, and events that made up their wedding story. So I added weddings to my portrait idea and Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry was born.

TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?

LC: I sit down with the couple and get to know their story: the first date, the proposal, special memories, wedding dreams, anything they are willing to share with me. Then I envision how I will bring out who they are as a couple in their photographs. On the wedding day, I do my best to help the couple enjoy their wedding day, and I stay on task to ensure I accomplish their wishes.

TD: What about your style of photography?

LC: I enjoy using artistic elements, such as unique angles and contrast. I tend to lean toward non-traditional portrait journalism technique, which incorporates candid shooting and guided posing to create a natural look. My subjects are the focus and my goal is to capture their true beauty. I also like to incorporate locations, architecture and props that are unique or meaningful to bring out their personalities.

TD: How many people shoot for Once Upon a Time Photos?

LC: I am the only photographer at Once Upon a Time Photos, but there are three other photographers that I hire as second shooters on a regular basis.

TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?

LC: Look for a photographer with a style that you love! Make sure to see a handful of entire wedding collections by each photographer you consider, meet with the photographer before signing a contract and get references from former brides.

TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?

LC: Late afternoon weddings work the best because we can shoot portraits during the early evening, which offers the most romantic and appealing lighting.

TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?

LC: Prayer!

TD: Same here…love it!

Now a few photos from my clients’ “day after wedding” photo session. Their session took place in the historic town of New Bern in a secluded park located on the Neuse River, which is located in the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina.

Kristi also invited her sister, Kara, who was also her maid of honor along to join in on the fun. As you can see, Kristi did not get in the water with her actual wedding gown. She was willing to do the sand, but she changed into a bridesmaid dress and trash it with her maid of honor. Talk about fun! I love that she got her sister involved.

Actually, this got me thinking, “why not ask your bridesmaids to join in all the fun?” Think about it. Are they likely to wear their gown again? Probably not. If so, a little water may not necessarily cause any damage depending on the fabric. Kristi told met when they got home, they

…threw them into the washing machine–after all they were already trashed, so if the washing machine ruined them, who cares–they came out PERFECTLY clean! I steamed them with my fabric steamer and they’re good as new again!

I hope you enjoyed the interview with Lindsay, owner of Once Upon A Time Photographic Artistry and are encouraged to live it up a little and book a trash the dress or day-after wedding session. Trust me you will have a ton of fun and you will have the memories captured in time to share with your grandchildren some day.  Please leave us some comment love. To view more photos from this session, please visit and subscribe to Lindsay’s photography blog.

I am feeling these boutonniere designs from Peppermint Cloud made from fabric blooms. They are a fun and stylish way to spice up the groom’s and his guys’ tuxedos and definitely a detail that will catch the eyes of your most fashionable guests. Loving the details…very refreshing designs.

Photo Credit: Stephen Ludwig Wedding Photography

]]> http://elitebridalconcierge.com/blog/2010/08/couture-boutonnieres-for-groomsmen/feed/ 1 http://elitebridalconcierge.com/blog/2010/08/couture-boutonnieres-for-groomsmen/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EliteBridalConcierge/~3/Cmnrrk1GIVs/ http://elitebridalconcierge.com/blog/2010/07/pronovias-2011-city-bridal-gown-collection/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:06:18 +0000 Tabitha http://elitebridalconcierge.com/blog/?p=1197 These bridal gown designs are so alluring. Adorn with feathers and brooches with stones, a wedding gown from Pronovias’ 2011 City Collection are bound to make a fashion statement and captivate you sophisticated brides.

I am loving the feathers against the organza fabric on this wedding gown as well as the short lengths of each of these bridal gowns.

It seems that fashion designers are getting more creative with the short wedding gowns each season. While I have yet to work with a bride who has sported a short wedding gown, I am glad that some brides are embracing them.

To view more of Pronovias’ 2011 wedding gown collection, please click here.

The only difference between the two is that a maid of honor is an unmarried attendant. Whereas, a matron of honor is a married attendant and both can be thought of as your lead bridesmaid.

Do you have to have both?

No, it is completely up to you. However, if you want both a maid and matron of honor, you can have both. In this situation, the maid of honor’s role takes precedence during wedding ceremony (i.e. arranging your veil, holding your bouquet, and signing your marriage license). However, it is perfectly find for them both to share responsibilities like planning your bachelorette party or bridal shower together; and they can each share duties on your wedding day.

FYI: Did you know that an “honor attendant” is when a bride has a male as her lead attendant instead of a maid or matron of honor; or when a groom has a female in lieu of a best man?

*Originally published in May 2009 (content has been modified).

I am loving these custom moss monogram letters for weddings designed by Spotted Leopard. These would be a very nice touch to add to a french country or vintage inspired wedding. The designer can also make them large enough to adorn the entrance doors for a church wedding. Have a look at the ones featured below!

Of course, after your wedding, you can reuse them by incorporating them into your home decor. Perhaps, above your fireplace on the mantel or as wall décor.

So not only are these moss monogram letters a great way to personalize your wedding, but they can serve as nice keepsake from your wedding. To view more custom moss creations by Spotted Leopard, please visit their Etsy shop.

For engagement parties and bridal showers, you should send a “thank you” note out within two to three weeks of receiving the gifts. As for wedding gifts, there are three different times that you may receive gifts from people–before your wedding, the wedding day, and after your wedding.

If you receive any wedding gifts before the wedding date, you should immediately send a “thank you” note upon receipt. For wedding gifts that are received on the actual wedding date, ideally you want to have all “thank you” notes mailed within three months of the wedding. If you receive any wedding gifts after the wedding date, you should send a “thank you” note within two to three weeks of receiving the gift.

Please remember that each “thank you” note must be personalized. The best way to do this is to mention the gift by name in the note, tell the giver how you will use the gift, and sincerely express your appreciation for the gift and their attendance at your wedding (if they attended). Lastly, your “thank you” note must be handwritten. Never send out a generic “thank you” note.

*Originally published in October 2008

Photo from After College

I must admit that I was over the tradition of sporting wedding veils a few years ago. They just seem so antiquated to me. Then back in 2008, I became fond of vintage-styled birdcage veils, but with a modern twist and many other couture wedding hair accessories.

However a couple of days ago, I learned about Rosa Clara‘s 2010 bridal veil collection from Junebug Weddings’ blog. Rosa Clara’s wedding veils are exquisitely designed with hand-made laces and silk netting. They are stunningly beautiful! Just look at one featured above. I love the design of the lace…so elegant.

To view more, please visit their website.

Photo from Rose Clara

It has been a long while since I have featured a signature drink on this wedding blog.

I came across a recipe for a Strawberry Watermelon Mojito on Brides.com that I thought was worth sharing with you and would make for a great signature drink for an outdoor wedding this summer.

The drink was created by the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, FL and the recipe is as follows:

• 1½ oz. Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka
• ½ oz. fresh lime juice
• ½ oz. mint-infused simple syrup
• 1 cup fresh seedless watermelon, cubed and chilled
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
• Club soda

Directions:

To make mint syrup, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and add 8 to 10 mint leaves. Let cool for 30 minutes. Strain. Combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, ½ cup of watermelon and about 10 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a glass with ice and remaining watermelon. Top with club soda. Garnish with additional mint leaf.

Voilá!

Photo: Joe Deleo

Following are a few selections from Priscilla of Boston’s Spring 2011 bridal gown collection. I especially like the second wedding gown in the top row, specifically the details of the lace. It’s very feminine, elegant, and timeless.

Photos via Martha Stewart Weddings photographed by firstView

It really caught my eye. So I looked up the name of the jewelry designer because I wanted see more from their collection. WOW is all I have to say, the designs are impressive and the necklaces are pieces of art.

Even more, many of the materials used to make them are made from recycled materials, including some from heirlooms and because of the intricate design of each piece of jewelry, it is near impossible to replicate. Therefore, you will truly have an exclusive piece of jewelry.

The designer states on her website that:

Seeing my finished product is always a surprise to me on some level. Though expecting nothing specific, I’m still astonished (and usually pleased) at getting the unexpected.

In case you are wondering, Lindsey Bucklew is the designer of these one-of-kind fashion accessories and the name of her company is Klewism.You can see more of her jewelry designs in her Etsy shop.