Extreme and Weird Wedding Concept

Friday Faves

2012-03-02T02:40:00.000-08:00

TGIF lovely readers. This week has moved rather slow for me, I hope that wasn't the same for you. This weeks favorites I noticed indulge a bit on my love for bags and accessories--you've been warned :)

I don't really need one of these, but I want one.

{discovered here}

Speaking of things I want....

{discovered here}

loving the intricate details on these bowls

{discovered here}

truly smitten by these charlatans cards by darling clementine

I know it's a problem. You were warned,

who can resist stripes this lovely?
{discovered here}

That's it for this week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. It's going to be nice and sunny here so I'll be spending plenty of time outside. I'll see you Monday.

VINTAGE CARNIVAL

2012-03-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a truly whimsical set of images put together by Shana over at SMP's Style Circle. For me, the vintage 50s dress, yellow flowers and antique carousel evoke thoughts of youth and joy. Want some more inspiration? Chek out Shana's blog, Baubles and Bubbles, a place where you'll find everything to do with weddings and wedding planning . . .

WANTED: A Bathroom Bureau

2012-03-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

It's obvious from my recent post that I'm looking at some areas of my house and trying to figure out how to change it up a bit. Well, when I saw this.

I immediately thought all my storage prayers have been answered. Then I saw the price and thought... Could this one work in its place?

It would fit better in my recession friendly budget. I think I'm going to have to do some comparison shopping and start looking for one of these before my current mode of organization no longer works.

Aqua Blue Ring Bearer Pillow - with Double White Ribbon

2012-03-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

We love the look of this aqua blue ring bearer pillow -- it is simple, streamlined and lovely. It comes in aqua blue satin and is accented with a double bow of white organza ribbon on top of white satin ribbon. This aqua blue ring bearer pillow is sold by itself -- it does not come as part of a set of wedding accessories.

Much Aqua Blue Love,

Lynn

The Little Black Dress

2012-02-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

I'm sure all of you ladies have that perfect, go-to black dress ready for any impromptu occassion. This is a different spin on your closet staple since its in the form of dishware. These lovely little black dresses will make a stylish statement however you choose to use them.

PS. this is a Perfect shower or housewarming gift or special gift for you.

SPRING GLOVE GLAM

2012-02-29T05:29:00.000-08:00

Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography

Whether crocheted shorties or long, opera length lending that aspect of drama—gloves are glamorous and really tie a bridal look together. Luckily there are no rules anymore about what sort of gloves you have to wear with your gown. You can go with the classic white and ivory or jazz up your look with any length, color, texture, even pattern as you can see below. Just as some brides are showing some pizazz wearing different color shoes with their gown, glove color is an option you have as well. Go ahead, be adventuresome!

Stylehive Vintage kid gloves from Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal

Crocheted gloves by Shaneen Huham
Shorty cotton gloves Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography

Opera gloves by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/Photo by Henley Photography

Pink opera gloves by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/Photo by Henley Photography

Ivory opera gloves by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal/Photo by S1 Studio

Red Ball Masquerade Fundraiser for Miracle Providers NorthEast

2012-02-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Miracle Providers NorthEast have a mission to "improve the quality of life for local, less fortunate children and their families infected/affected by HIV and AIDS". Most of their funding is accomplished by throwing party-style fundraisers with fabulous performances in drag. Afterward, that money goes to local health agencies as well as providing items families may not be able to afford due to the costs associated with medical treatment.

Their most recent event was held just one floor below me in the Western Ave Studios Loading Dock. They did a great job of transforming a bare bones space into something fancy and fabulous! While I wasn't able to make it to the actual performance this time, I was able to capture some of the people who were enjoying themselves and contributing to the cause! Press play to begin the slideshow:

Internships Available 2009

2012-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

"Anne, why aren't you blogging?!" I cringe every time I hear that question right now because I would LOVE to be blogging, but the fact is that I have more work than time- and if I have to choose between preparing images for a client or a publisher or updating my blog for my blog stalkers, than I'm going to take care of getting images to the clients who have paid me and to the publishers who are graciously honoring my work in their publications. If you would like me to start blogging again, please help me find people who want to learn what it's like behind-the-scenes as a working photographer!! My business has been growing EXPONENTIALLY and this would be a very exciting time for someone who wants to learn what it's like to run a wedding photography business!

So many people think that taking wedding photos is such a glamorous job - as if we just show up and than the job is done, and that's sooooo not the case!! A LOT goes into making images gorgeous AFTER they've been captured and I'm happy to help someone learn that, as long as they are willing to commit to giving me 5-10 hours a week for 6 months, for free. I would essentially be training someone to produce high quality imagery both behind the scenes and in-camera- since it all starts with a deep understanding of light, composition, framing, and technical knowledge. If I get an intern who is so awesome that I can't imagine my life without them, than I may hire them to continue working for me after the internship is over. If you need an internship for college credits, I'm happy to work with your teacher to provide the necessary documentation to count this as your internship.

Here are the behind-the-scenes skills that you'lll be learning on the job, in real life situations:

Image editing: learning the how, what, and why of editing down to the best work possible
Color correction: learning how to see colors, evaluate light and shadow balance, and bring out the best in an image
Data management: protecting and managing data with multiple back-up storage systems as well as system management
Products & Albums: the ins and outs of choosing products, designing albums, and selling products
Promotion: preparing images for multiple social media sites, copyright, learning the dos and don'ts of social media
Camera Technique: why and when of lens choices, camera modes, as well as lighting on and off camera

Interested? Know of someone who can make a 6 month commitment for 5-10 hours per week? If they can make their way to Lowell, MA 1-2 days a week (5 hours per day) and don't mind working from my home office with my dangerously cute teacup poodle and my too-brilliant-for-his-own-good-husband, please share this post with them and have them contact me by phone to set up an in-person meeting: 888-678-ANNE. Note: I will NOT answer email requests for internships, you must have the physical ability to call my voicemail and leave a message!

I'll be conducting all interviews January 24-30th. I have 10 hours a week (2 days a week for 5 hours per day) to give to either 1 intern, or I can split the 10 hours between 2 interns. The most important thing to me is that you're a person who is genuinely interested in learning about photography and that you like being helpful wherever there's a need. There are extra perks to the job, which will be a lovely surprise for whoever ends up being a good fit, but first and foremost I need people who are willing to put in some good work in exchange for valuable knowledge and experience!

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

2012-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix imported Chantilly Lace and dupion silk? Amanda. She came off the work table some two months back and I still salivate every time I get a glimpse of the luscious lace on this opulent background.

The lace drapes at the hip and is secured with two hand-rolled silk organza roses; the skirt is slightly flared with a tulle under structure.

Dupion is one of my favorite fabrics and its experiencing a comeback lately. It is elegant with a sheen and has a natural raw silk look and feel up close.

Amanda would be perfect for the less formal garden or cocktail wedding. Imagine a wide brimmed picture hat or small cocktail hat. A drop veil would change the look entirely. If you choose to go more formal, Amanda could be ordered with a built-in or detachable train. Or, as is with a cathedral style veil extending many feet beyond the hemline creating formality.

Want to see more options? Visit my new web pageshttp://amyjotatum.googlepages.com/

ROYAL BRIDES AND THEIR GOWNS: LADY SARAH ARMSTRONG-JONES

2012-02-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

source

We remember her best as Lady Diana Spencer's eldest bridesmaid clad in tissue taffeta in the 1981 wedding extravaganza that brought both Diana and storybook bridal design into the spotlight. Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, was a teenager back then. Fast forward July 14, 1994, Princess Margaret's only daughter married actor Daniel Chatto. Not your typical royal event, a scant 200 guests graced the invite list to St. Stephen Walbrook, the relatively small 17th century church, a stone's throw from St. Paul's (where Charles and Diana wed). If you can believe it, there were no TV cameras and Sarah didn't show up in the family's gold coach.source
sourceSarah and Daniel met in India when she was working as a wardrobe assistant on the 1983 movie Heat and Dust. Sarah did a six-year program at the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1991, she had a show in Knightsbridge exhibiting her abstract landscapes. By this time she and Chatto whose six-year acting stint started with a role in Heat and Dust, were already a tight couple, often seen going to the theater art gallery openings. Both artists, Chatto gave up acting for art, and went on to do his own show in 1992 at the Cadogan gallery.

source

Dubbed the Boho Wedding of the year by the Daily Telegraph, it was a quiet and elegant ceremony. The Armstrong/Chatto wedding was written up as a showcase of fine taste by the London press. In 1994, the Windsors needed all the positive press they could get. In the midst of the Charles/ Diana feuds these royals kept their dignity despite all the family turmoil. Princess Diana arrived at St. Stephen's unescorted and Charles followed accompanying the Queen Mother, then 93. While during the ceremony Charles and Diana shared a pew, they had little to say to one another.

source
While there was no family heirloom tiara holding the bride's veil in place, Sarah did sport a circle of honeysuckle and looked timeless in her custom designed Jasper Conran. Conran's simple confection was a white draped georgette with ruched bodice reminiscent of 1940s, especially in the bodice. To date Conran's design for Sarah Armstrong and her maids remain some the the best and most inspiring work in bridal fashion.

In 1982 Vogue called Jasper Conran a ‘British superlative’. At only 26 he won the British Designer of the Year Award. Here's what Mary Quant had to say about Conran, 'He makes clothes women want to wear’.

Appreciate the Little Things in Life

2012-02-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

In the Details: the Guest Book

2012-02-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Guest Book is one detail that is sometimes left to the last minute or is completely forgotten. While all Brides and Grooms make the effort to talk to every guest, sometimes a few guest get missed. That's where the guest book comes in.

Of course you can go with a traditional book, engraved with a monogram...

or you can get creative and create a fun way to have guest share their thoughts for this special day.

A fun and unexpected idea is to include a typewriter and have guest type out their messages of congratulations.

Incorporate a book from your favorite artist like this wedding where the Bride and Groom used a book featuring work from Charley Harper as their guest book.

at the end of the wedding you'll have a special book for your coffee table that includes well wishes from guest.

You could also incorporate engagement photos and other pictures into a custom book created by Good Stock that can also serve as a lovely guest book and keepsake.

Why not help your guest out with some fun conversation starters or well wishes for your guest with fun interactive tables.

One detail that is always fun is having guest take photos of themselves and leave you a message.

Incorporate your guest book into your wedding decor by creating a guest book like this where guest can hang their messages from branches.

or include individual books on each reception table.

Hopefully these ideas will give you inspiration for your own guest book and creating a unique way for guest to share their congratulations.

For Your Umbrella

2012-02-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

You may be like me living in an area where Summer has no plans of transitioning into fall. You may also be living somewhere where water restrictions are being enforced if so, this post is for you. Consider it my fashionable "rain dance." I saw this Marianna Umbrella Stand and just loved ring-chain design and had a wishful thought that maybe by having a place for your umbrella...rain would come. I know wishful thinking. Just in case no rain comes your way, here's an alternative way to use this lovely umbrella stand.

Engaging: Hilda and Abel

2012-02-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

When our bride, Hilda came to us, we couldn't be more excited to work with her! Her enthusiasm for a do-it-yourself wedding has been great to witness, and her sweet attitude has been a blessing. She and Abel are getting married at the Marston House Garden in Balboa Park, with a lunch reception at The Prado in October.

I love these fun shots taken by Kay at www.onetwosnap.com. I'm loving all of the colors they got to work with at the Spanish Village in Balboa Park, around Little Italy and at Coronado Landing! Can't wait to work with them on their special day!

Katie & Rick Engagement

2012-02-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Katie & Rick wanted to do a shoot on Belle Isle where they were engaged so that they could get a variety of fun, edgy, and classic shots. We had a lot of fun exploring the island and finding lots of great picture locations (not to mention meeting a few interesting characters as well!) In a rare moment, the fence to the lighthouse was open, which allowed us to get some close up shots on the marble stairs of the lighthouse. We also stayed until sunset in order to get some great shots with the Detroit skyline in the background. And- to our surprise (since we had never been on the island at night) the fountain lit up after dark, creating some fun after-dark shots! Katie also mentioned that she's a big fan of sepia, so I took that into account when I was editing their photos later. I hope they had as much fun as I did! I can't wait for their late October wedding!

Tea and Lights

2012-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

wouldn't this be lovely decor for a tea party?

Also perfect as a party favor or housewarming gift. It reminds me of this fabulous post.

Free Photobook

2012-02-25T00:56:00.000-08:00

Edit: People said this didn't work for them. Sorry guys! Not sure why it didn't work!

This offer expires before my next Thrifty Thursday post, so I wanted to let you ladies know about it.

Shutterfly is offering a free 20 page 7x9 photobook. All you have to pay for is shipping! The code is BOOKPRINTS and the offer expires on October 7th.

I got my photo guest book from shutterfly and it came out really nice.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JACKIE AND JACK

2012-02-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

One of the most iconic women of all time, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy possessed grace and style, leaving her indelible stamp on fashion. Her wedding to Senator John F. Kennedy in 1953 was dubbed the Wedding of the Century. Oddly, the gown she wanted would have been simpler and of less fabric, most probably created in Paris. Joseph P. Kennedy's machinations in the way of wedding arrangements along with her mother Janet's, Jackie had neither the dress nor quiet celebration of her choice. Janet's dressmaker, Ann Lowe, was engaged to make Jackie's bridal gown as well as all in the bridal party. Lowe was a very talented African-American designer known for grand entrance gowns detailed with intricate tuck, pleat and trapunto treatments. Amongst her clients were Rockerfellers and Vanderbuilts. Did Lowe suspect Jackie's would be one of the most celebrated gowns in history? We know she probably did expect some publicity. But what would have resulted in $700.00 profit was gone a week before the wedding. Water pipes in Lowe's New York City shop broke and damaged ten out of the sixteen gowns. After buying new fabric, she and her staff burned the midnight oil to finish the gowns on time for the Bouvier/Kennedy Wedding. She lost $2,000.00 in the process

Studying Jackie's dress, for it's day it is not as typical 1950s as some experts have claimed. While off the shoulder gowns were a hot trend circa '53, you didn't find them in too many church ceremonies--especially Catholic ones officiated by an Archbishop. The dress does have some elements harking back to early Victoriana. There were 50 yards of silk taffeta, with a very full circular skirt tucked and pleated (Lowe's specialty). On Jackie's head was her grandmother's rose point lace veil hanging from a circular lace cap festooned with orange blossoms. She pulled her look together with short, white kid gloves (Oh so Jackie).

Jack and Jackie were about as different as two people could be. Yet, together they made a complimentary team as both possessed a high and cultivated intellect. The ommph JFK and Jackie brought to The White House has only been topped by our most recent pres and First Lady.

Friday Faves: Holiday

2012-02-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Today's Friday Favorites is all about holiday decor from a few favorite and inspiring images.

{photos from Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Living etc.}

Giveaway Time!

2012-02-24T05:23:00.000-08:00

The Giveaway Has Ended! Thank to everyone who entered!

Pink Lily Press makes stationary, notecards, and even wedding invitations. Everything is made to order and completely customizable. She also does custom requests.

Jennifer at Pink Lily Press has generously offered up a set of 10 notecards to the winner of our giveaway. The winner gets to pick which set of notecards they win and personalization and color choice are included.

To enter, head on over to Pink Lilly Press and chose your favorite item and come back and let me know what it is.

To gain extra entries, you can do each of the following once. Please leave a comment for each different item you do.
1. Become a follower of Bride on a Budget
2. Tweet about the giveaway. Come back and leave me the link to your twitter profile. Make sure to tweet @brideonbudget
3. Blog about the giveaway and come back and leave me the link.

That is a total of 4 possible entries to this contest! Contest ends Friday, August 21st and 9am EST. Sorry, contest is open to US residents only. Make sure to leave a way for me to contact you.

Hope, Love and CHARITY

2012-02-24T03:45:00.000-08:00

Sarah from the Wedding Hub just sent over this SAVE THE DATE for the Brides Give Back event in Arizona. So any of you in Arizona mark your calendars!! This looks like an event not to miss. Created as an avenue for newly engaged couples to actually feel good about the money they spend on their big day, 100% of the proceeds are going to combat domestic violence. From Melissa Jill to Arthur Murray Dance Co, the top photographers, florists, dance instructors, caterers, makeup artists, etc. in Arizona have all donated their services to the event's silent auction for brides and grooms to bid on the services they need for their big day. They'll provide hor dourves, a photobooth for silly picture taking, and makeup artists for mini makeovers. Sounds like FUN and efficiency all rolled into one for a great cause and I'm always a fan of that! For more information go HERE.

Fantastic 4 Continued...

2012-02-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

With Finn's fascination of all things super hero...we knew it was time to gather all the super heros for one big day of action packed fun! Finn and his daddy delivered invitations in manilla envelopes marked "TOP SECRET" and addressed to each of the kids superhero name. Some of those in attendance were:

The unsinkable Carson Brown

The Incrdible Hulk "Hoggan" Boys

The Kent "Clark" kids

Wonder Boy "Boles"

The high flying daredevil (this was for Finn's uncle Blake, who is a pilot and may be his #1 hero)

Cat Girl and Wolverine (as to elude to Finn's cat loving aunt Tracy and very hairy uncle Micah)

oh...and my personal favorite...Fat Man and Robin (for Finn's Grandpa and Nanny) among many others. We had a good laugh putting these together.

To set the scene we took some of the many cardboard boxes from our garage and painted them gray. We then took black and yellow paint samples we had gathered from Home Depot and attached them to the boxes to create lights on our buildings. It was a simple and cheap way to create a cartoon city! Grandpa then ran his custom made slip n' slide under the tower of buildings.

Some Super Heroes came flying in with their capes, but for those that didn't we had a super solution....

Upon arrival each each of the kids grabbed a bag and decorated their own superhero mask made from felt. We also took standard kitchen trash bags and cinched them to create capes in which the kids could decorate (many thanks to Aunt Tracy for coming up with that one!). It was so fun to watch the kids running around the yard all dressed up.

Luckily Finn's Aunt Kindsday got a hold of him that day to play dress up. They gathered everything that they could from his room...and then Kindsay fashioned a SUPER "S" from our left over felt. I think he looked SUPER cute. Undies over the p.j.'s always a good look.

My little Milla had fun getting into costume too. She is always all about the accessories.

Each place setting held a water gun and that day each SUPER Hero got to be "Faster than a speeding bullet"....

and....

This led to knocking over buildings in sheer delight...

and a serious SUPER Hero stand off in a battle of tug-o-war on the slip in slide.

Their strength amazed us all! :)

They were also able to leap tall buildings in a single bound but decided it was more fun to knock them down.

Like every Super Hero they also had to conquer their weaknesses. We had a kryptonite hunt where the kids gathered all the sparkly green rocks we had spray painted days earlier and hid. They had to be carefully contained in the kryptonite case but the kids did it with the greatest of ease.

They also had to survive the rope swing and the custom made slide into the pool that grandpa built.

as well as THE VOLCANO! Finn is currently AS equally obsessed with Volcanoes as Super Heros... so we knew that if we could find a way to incorporate one into the party we would make his day. Finn and his daddy spent time constructing the project and painting the volcano in the garage and by party time it was ready to explode.

The kids all gathered around and waited for the diet coke and mento erruption. It was big smiles, squeels and excitement from them! ...followed by a "let's do that again" daddy!

The day finished up with presents and Finn's very own capes! He actually got two which he puts to very good use. He is always wearing one of them wherever he goes.

Lastly, what is a birthday without a cake? The Sweet Cheeks girls delivered big time for me on this one. I was so excited to see what they would come up with and they took the inspiration and ran with it! They made all of finn's cake dreams come true!! ...He could not stop talking about his cake or nibbling on it prior to candle time. :) Many thanks to everyone over there for being so awesome!!

Many more wishes to come until next year!

One Pretty Thing

2012-02-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard of the blog One Pretty Thing, they feature crafty round-ups from all over the blog-o-sphere. Their round-ups range from whatever holiday is coming up soon, to printable round-ups, and even wedding round-ups.

Well, today I was featured 4 times on their Wedding Round-up. I am so honored to be part of such a fantastic blog.

So, if you haven't checked out One Pretty Thing, I suggest you do. If you want to check out all their past wedding round-ups, go to the top and click on categories and then click on wedding round-ups and it will give you a list of all of them. Great resource for DIY brides!

Kodak Digital Camera Giveaway

2012-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

Get Married magazine is hosting a giveaway to win a Kodak Professional Collections Album as well as a Kodak digital camera!

To enter, you need to make a collage about items that define you and your fiance as a couple before Valentine's Day. Then, Get Married editors will pick a winner!

This price package is valued at $1700!

Enter the giveaway

Where in the World is Anne Ruthmann?

2012-02-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who showed interest in doing an internship with me!! I'm so grateful to have received so many calls!! I will be conducting phone interviews over the next week to narrow it down to a few I'd like to meet in person- I can't wait!! If you were wishing you could intern with me but live in another state- believe me, there are PLENTY of photographers who would LOVE to have you!! Just contact the ones you admire and tell them you'd like to be an intern!! Everyone could use a little extra help- and if you run into a photographer curmudgeon along the way- just brush them off and try someone else! (Why waste your time on a Scrooge anyway?!)

Since I'm really in need of a helping hand to manage all of the very wonderful and amazing things going on - I'm going to dedicate the rest of this post to Thing T. Thing from the Addams Family. Thing was always there when you needed a hand, and in true celebrity fashion, has even made a few cameo appearances at some of my weddings!! I'm so glad that Thing is always to the rescue so that I can focus on taking photos!

Here's a list of semi-public events where you'll be able to find me in the coming months- and remember, I always keep my Dopplr Travel Schedule on the side of my blog in case you'd like to schedule a meet-up in advance while I'm already in another city! (Note that these are not ALL of my engagements or events, just ones that are more public than private.)

January 18-20: Mystic, CT - Invited Presentation for Mystic 4

January 27-28th: Lowell, MA - Food Bank Documentation Project, Presentation for the Center City Stakeholders, and Arts League of Lowell Meeting.

January 30 - February 2: Lowell, MA - Lowell Photography Weekend, and Intern Interviews

February 5-8th: Lowell, MA - Event Photography for Lowell Winterfest

February 10th: Waltham, MA - Leading Pictage User Group Meeting

February 12-19th, Las Vegas, NV - WPPI Tradeshow & Convention. Launching the Vegas Wedding Project. Hosting the 2nd Annual Giveaway Gala. Speaking at the Pictage Booth. Mentoring for Thirst Relief.

So, yeah... just a few things coming up in the next 30 days!! HA! What would be better than a helping hand? Two!!