We have the lovely Laura of Laura Kelly Photography to thank for this sweet and unique engagement shoot, and here she is to share some insider info about the day:

Cori and Josh picked the location themselves, and it was somewhere I had never shot, and was SO excited for! We were lucky that the museum was relatively empty on this SUPER COLD winter morning. We may or may not have dodged security a few times when we stood behind the museum ropes to get some closeups with the planes!

I thought it was so sweet that Cori knew some of the names of the planes, just from being around Josh for so long. It was so clear to me that this was one of his favourite places.

Just how adorable are they??? The pretty Coriander is here to share her & Josh’s sweet love story:

Josh and I met when we both attended QLEAD, a leadership conference at Queen’s, when I was in grade 11 and he was in grade 12. They bussed a bunch of us down from Ottawa, and we all wanted to watch a movie on the coach bus. Since the bus didn’t have a DVD player and no one had any VHS tapes, Josh plugged his portable DVD player into the bus so we could watch a movie. I happened to be sitting in the front seat, so I was holding the DVD player throughout, and I spent most of the conference with him and his friends. We stayed in touch via MSN, and eventually went on a date (to see the movie “Cars”) just after I finished high school, and the rest is history.

The Aviation Museum seemed like a perfect place to do our engagement photos as Josh has his commercial pilot’s license and I love to fly with him. We’re also doing an aviation theme for the wedding — including model planes as centrepieces — and are planning to use one of the photos for our invitation. I was really glad we chose Laura as our photographer, because she was able to make Josh comfortable enough to be himself, and a lot of the photos really show the fun we have together.

I completely agree! The venue is perfect and Laura’s beautiful photos clearly show how in love this twosome is.

Thanks to Laura for sending this sweet e-session my way, and congratulations to Cori and Josh! Have fun with the wedding planning!

Photographer: Laura Kelly Photography
Location: Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Image submission via Two Bright Lights

Meet Photographer Jacob Poehls

Chicago-born Jake studied photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and has been in the wedding photo business for years. He started JPP Studios in the bay area, and two years ago he returned to Chicago where he now resides. I first got to know of his work through Beth & Scott’s Hip-Meets-Classic Wedding and was immediately taken with his artfully composed naturally-lit photos! Jake embraces photography for the art form that it is — he doesn’t hide behind Photoshop techniques and only uses the basic functions of the camera to create his wonderful, genuine images. I also love that his clean and modern photographic style fits the vibe and aesthetic of the city weddings he captures so beautifully!

His work has been featured on widely read publications like Style Me Pretty & The Knot magazine where he was voted “Best of The Knot” for two years in a row (2011 and 2012). He’s also a member of the prestigious Chicago Social “Luxe List.” Hope you enjoy getting to know Jake and looking at the striking photos that’s made him in demand in the wedding world!

* All photos on this page are copyright JPP Studios*

Hello Jake! Please tell us more about yourself and JPP Studios.

I am the owner/founder of JPP Studios, based in the city of Chicago, IL.

The company itself is only a few years old but I have been photographing weddings for close to 8 years. I began as an assistant carrying camera bags while still in art school and gradually worked my way up to owning my own business that shoots 20-30 weddings a year.

Although weddings are what I primarily shoot, I also do corporate events, Bar Mitzvah’s & the occasional family portrait session.

In terms of aesthetic, the company itself is very DIY. Outsourcing is at a minimum and every product has my personal touch.

What’s your photographic style?

To pin point my photographic style, I would say that I am predominantly a documentary photographer but I know how to direct people when need be.

Regardless of how I go about getting the shot, I try to make sure my photographs are graphically exciting (whether that results from the environment, use of light, composition or color) and as ‘natural’ as possible.

The quirkiest wedding you’ve ever photographed?

It was actually one of the first ones after I started my company. I was still living in San Francisco and it was my last wedding before moving to Chicago. The couple had their ceremony in a boat under the Golden Gate Bridge & when it was over, everybody (including the bride and groom) jumped into the bay to “take the plunge.” Everyone was in swim suits and costumes and the pictures that came from it were really unique. I have a sample album of it at my studio and it is continually a client favorite.

The most unusual or unexpected location you’ve shot a wedding at?

Salvage One. This may may seem like a standard choice since it is so popular, but when I first stepped inside, it completely blew my mind. I have a penchant for “interesting” & “unusual” locations and I had never seen anything quite like it.

A wedding photography fad you will never follow?

I guess I would say the ‘Vintage Chic’ look that is so popular these days (Ex: the mason jars, the ranch, sun flare, suitcases, etc). I have seen a lot of talented photographers do it well, so no disrespect or anything, but it just isn’t me. I have never been one to follow the fads, though. A few years ago, it was all about weird Photoshop filters and now they are completely outdated. I find that the best pictures are the simplest ones: a clean black & white or color photograph of a couple in their element; There’s no need to make it complicated.

 Jake, I can’t tell from your site if you’re married but if you are, can you tell us what your wedding was like? If not, how do you foresee it being? 

Nope, not married yet. I’d like to say I see my wedding being a laid back party with close family and friends but that seems to be what everyone says & it ends up taking on a life of its own…so we’ll see!

Barring budget, logic or reality, what would your dream wedding (to shoot) be like?

I can’t say I have a ‘dream’ shoot, to be honest. Part of the fun of this profession is going to new places & meeting new people, so there hasn’t been a wedding I’ve been praying for. However, if I had to narrow it down, it would probably be in an architecturally vibrant building in Chicago. I tend to get inspired from my environment, so if it’s in an exciting venue, that is enough for me.

A book, movie or tv show you’d love to base a styled shoot on?

That’s a tough one…maybe “Lost in Translation.” I’m not sure how you could specifically style that but something that captures what it is like to be in a visually explosive environment, and exotic culture & just the ethereal, romantic atmosphere that the film conveys.

A celebrity couple’s wedding you’d like to photograph if you could?

Although I don’t have documented proof, but I’d like to think the marriage between Salvador Dali & his wife, Gala, was something to be seen. It would be worth it simply to get a portrait of them.

Quick, name 5 favorite songs off the top of your head!

“Victoria” – The Kinks, ”Sexy Sadie” – The Beatles, ”Elevate Me Later” – Pavement, ”Morning Dew” – Grateful Dead, ”Broken Face” – The Pixies

(That’s a very random selection. Not totally sure why those were the first random 5! Ha.)

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

Professional musician. I was a drummer for years and years. For the longest time, it’s what I thought I would be. Unfortunately, I don’t play much these days but there is still a part of me that holds on to the idea.

I hope you all enjoyed reading about Jacob Poehls. The stunning images on this page are just a taste of whathe can offer! If you want more info on this talented photographer, please visit the following pages:

Website: www.jppstudios.com
Twitter: @jppstudios
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JPP-Studios/148890405871
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jppstudios/

* See all our previously featured weddings by JPP Studios.
* While you’re at it, do check out the site map to browse our real wedding/engagement/styled shoot features by photographer and by location.

Love her use of different textures, colors and materials which makes these gowns perfect for casual, laid-back, and non-traditional celebrations! Here are more details from Kpoene:

The shoot was inspired by the colors of spring in Paris. Regarding the dresses, I wanted to work with the whole spectrum of beautiful colors, from the rainy day grey to the poppy pink, and include other elements, like the antique white and ivory from the textiles at the flea markets, and the soft blushes and nudes of ballet costumes. I love the idea that someone would put on one of Mignonette’s gowns and feel like they were wearing their favorite sundress – light, happy, and carefree.

(My own wedding gown had tiny little sky blue star beads on the straps and on the train in a constellation pattern so please allow me to say that I adore bridal dresses that have unexpected details and touches of color here and there — yup, just like the gowns in this collection!)

Featured dresses:

Emmy Gown – Revamped silk organza and guipure lace gown with asymmetrical hemline and full train, for the vintage bride. ($1,000)
Rhodes Gown – Nude silk gown with cream striped lace overlay and black sash, for romantic brides and vintage chic weddings ($995)
Van Cleef Gown – Layers of silk charmeuse over a matte satin gown, with a full train. This gown can be accessorized for formal or informal weddings, and the sheer sleeves and full back coverage make it great for modern church weddings.  ($2,000)
Audrey Silk Wrap Dress – Alencon lace wrap dress with nude stretch slip is perfect for an afternoon wedding or as a reception dress ($700)
Laura Gown – Nude silk Crossover halter dress, perfect for the minimalist modern bride ($1,200)
Heather Gown – White silk dupioni column gown with deep v-neck. Can be accessorized with a fur stole and dramatic jewelry for an Old Hollywood effect or kept simple for a modern look.  ($1,000)

What do you think of Mignonette Bridal’s chic and quirky dresses? Which one’s your favorite? (As for me it would be a toss up between the Emmy and Audrey dresses) ).

Thank you Kpoene for sharing your beautiful handiwork with us!

Couturier: Kpoene Kofi-Bruce of Mignonette Bridal
Photographer: Alison Williams
Headbands: My Lavaliere
Fascinators and hats: Sarah Azzouzi
Swarovski jewelry: Due Sorelle
Silver jewelry: Moira K. Lime
Flowers: Fleur
Makeup: Diem Angie Nguyen

No, this photo isn’t from a Hollywood film though it may look it. That’s because more and more couples are now able to experience this cinematic, once-in-a-lifetime experience through Maverick Helicopters and their special helicopter wedding packages. Whether you want to get married on a private landing site deep within the Grand Canyon or atop a plateau overlooking the Valley of Fire, or on a flight over the world famous Las Vegas Strip, Maverick Helicopters can (and will!) provide the ultimate experience for you and your sweetheart.

So if just the idea of planning a party that involves 200+ guests already sounds overwhelming, don’t fret! Any of the Maverick wedding packages is certainly an option to still have a meaningful yet zero-stress celebration between the two of you and maybe even a select few of your loved ones. Just sit back and let their wedding planners handle everything for you. Here are the experiences you can choose from:

* Desert Dreams Canyon Wedding –  includes the flight to and from the Grand Canyon + a ceremony on a private landing site. (Duration: 4-5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Desert Dreams Sunset Wedding – includes a sunset flight to and from the Grand Canyon + a ceremony on a private landing site. (Duration: 4-5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Sunset Brilliance Wedding – includes an aerial view of the world-famous Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire and Hidden Valley + a ceremony on a private bluff overlooking the Valley of Fire. The journey finishes with a sunset flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip.  (Duration: 4.5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Painted Dreams Wedding – includes a flight over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire landing + a ceremony an an exclusive plateau. The journey finishes with a flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip. (Duration: 3.5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Painted Dreams Sunset Wedding – includes a flight over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire landing + a ceremony an an exclusive plateau. The journey finishes with a sunset flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip.  (Duration: 3.5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Twilight Dreams Wedding — includes a twilight hour flight over the desert valley to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam + a ceremony above a nighttime view of the Las Vegas Strip.  (Duration: 2 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Vegas Twilight Wedding — includes a twilight hour flight + a ceremony over the glittering lights of Las Vegas. After the ceremony you will make another journey above the city’s iconic landmarks. (Duration: 1.5 hours from hotel to hotel)

* Las Vegas Neon Lights Wedding — includes a ceremony above Las Vegas’ iconic landmarks and the neon lights of the Vegas Strip.  (Duration: 1.5 hours from hotel to hotel)

**  Options include the minister, photographer, limousine, bouquet/boutonniere and wedding cake.  All landing packages include complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Want to see more photos of Maverick weddings, please see this video.

Weddings aren’t the only events you can celebrate on Maverick Helicopters — you can also hold renewals, any type of commitment ceremonies or even bachelor/ette parties on them. Interested? You may visit Maverick’s website for more information or call their wedding coordinator at 702-948-1325 to start planning your one-of-a-kind celebration.

* Sponsored post





Today we have a gorgeous wedding that took place at the historic Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston. The surroundings lent the celebration a charming rusticity while April & Jared’s effortless rocker-chic style gave it a modern touch. The couple also incorporated a lot of purple and green DIY details at the reception so make sure to check out the photos below because there are tons of inspiration in this event!

This lovely feature is brought to us by Chi Photography of Charleston whose dreamy, nostalgic photos captured the essence of this celebration beautifully.

Love this fun shot of the couple and bridal party!

I love April & Jared’s retro rock and roll style! These couple portraits are totally hot

Thank you Chi for sending this lovely wedding my way and congratulations, April and Jared!

Photographer: Chi Photography of Charleston
Event Planner: Bella Dia
Floral Designer: WildFlowers Inc., Branch Design Studio
Reception Venue: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Dress Store: David’s Bridal
Dress Designer: Pronovias
Shoes:  Zappos.com

Image submission via Two Bright Lights