BRIDES: 3 important details to have with you at your wedding

Over the years of capturing countless weddings, I’ve noticed 3 things that come up time and time again that are small on their own but can make a big difference in your photos, your physical comfort and even your mindset that day.

Brides, here are 3 important things to have with you on your wedding day that you may not have thought of… (ps - a blog post specifically for grooms is coming soon!)

1. A second pair of shoes to wear
   
   This allows you to have your fancy (high heeled!) shoes captured in detail photos and worn during the ceremony but then change into a more comfortable flat or wedge for portrait time and dancing…
   
   Speaking of shoes, if your ceremony is outside and you’ll be walking down a grassy aisle with you or your ‘maids wearing heels, make sure to get heel protectors so you don’t sink in the grass!

Sparkly Badgley Mischkas or any of Kate Spade’s wedding shoes are always a classic way to go!

2. A nice hanger or a thoughtful way to display your dress if it’s more than 1 piece

I always bring a solid white wood hanger with me for your dress in case you don't have one, but use this as a fun excuse for something your friends or family can gift you that will definitely be captured in detail photos!

I’m LOVING these simple, solid gold (or rose gold) hangers and in gun metal for the guys!

3. Knowledge of how the bustle of your dress works

Pro tip: Take a video of it while at your last dress fitting so you have a reference when it comes time to bustle it after the ceremony; you won't want to be away from your guests for 20 minutes trying to figure it out and remember how it works - who wants to miss that precious time at cocktail hour?!

The best bustle I've ever seen was done so intuitively: the seamstress color coded the loops and buttons that were supposed to be matched and connected together so it only took 3 seconds to do. Why aren’t they all done like that?!

And what NOT to have with you…

• a hair band / FitBit / AppleWatch on you or your bridesmaids wrists. This dark black line/square distracts from the beauty of your photos and time/steps are not what you should be worrying about on that day! (…this also applies during your engagement photos and maybe even more so, then)

• Your phone. It goes without saying (I hope), but this is the one day EVERYONE else will document for you... and instead of a device, you should be present and either hold your spouse's hand, a drink or your bouquet. ;)

Hope this helps ensure your best day ever is that much more comfortable, beautiful and easy to manage in the final weeks leading up to the big day!

unique and fun ways to personalize your wedding day

If there’s one thing I constantly hear from couples it’s that they want their wedding to be fun, memorable and a great experience for their guests who are traveling far and wide to celebrate their relationship…

But you know what I hear just as often that makes me even more excited for what’s to come in this industry? NON-TRADITIONAL details, elements, approaches and experiences making their way into wedding days like never before. HECK to the YES, PLEASE!!

Notice the custom hanging metal sculpture behind Megan + Chris below!? A super talented metalworker friend designed and fabricated it for them! *note to self: brainstorm how to incorporate friends talents…*

There are so many great ways to personalize your wedding and ensure stunning and sophisticated photos. Here are just a few of the favorites we’ve seen in 2018 paired together as opposites to show you all the creative ideas out there… if there’s one thing I’m all about, it’s visual inspiration! Some bright, bold and vibrant, others moody, monochromatic and minimalist… ALL beautiful and part of the story of your best day ever!!

Let’s begin with where it officially starts for you, the RING! So many choices to hold your precious diamond… are you a Kate Spade lover? Or a Mrs. Box collector (so many colors to choose from!)? Or something with more of a handmade, textured feel?

Which pup has the best style?! ;) 1000% YES to having your dog at your wedding! Furever & Fur Always is a great resource for all of your wedding day doggie care needs!

Are you envisioning blush floral print dresses for your girls (BHLDN/Jenny Yoo style) or more moody jewel-tones with some sparkle and beading? Maybe cool blue/green tone variations or preppy striped navy bridesmaid dresses?! Either way, mix and match looks have my heart!

The grooms and their guys have definitely been stepping up their style game too! Most popular continues to be gray and navy suits…

I can’t help but love slate blue suits as well, especially against an industrial backdrop like this metal wall at the Accelerator Space! This combo of light blue ties for the guys with a floral tie for the groom is making me swoon… or are you team black tie with classic black tuxes and bowties like Miles and his men?

What about fun custom shirts for your squad? Loving the preppy look of personalized pajamas and monogrammed floral robes!

Florals… aka I never met a bouquet I didn’t love. What’s your favorite when it comes to flowers? Do you love a certain style or shape of bouquet?

Speaking of flowers and greenery… what kind of portrait backdrops do you love? Ivy walls are always so classic and lush but mosaics add a fun artistic twist! Hint, hint: the American Visionary Art Museum has both and is one of the most unique venues I’ve ever seen that just happens to be steps away from downtown Baltimore and the waterfront… ;)

Have you considered custom invitations for your wedding? MLC Designs created this elegant and comprehensive suite for our December couple (below) and it was the perfect way to set the tone for their festive winter wedding at the Baltimore Country Club! Programs, napkins, escort cards, drink menus and other reception signage are all additional ways to make a statement with your day of details!

An October wedding at Holly Hedge Estate incorporated a subdued rustic theme while the whimsical vintage invitation by Hello Tenfold (with the fox save the date below) carried a botanical aesthetic throughout the suite for our Richmond, VA couple.

Loving this splash of color in a bright, garden inspired floral invitation suite paired with the floral lace on the bride’s veil! Another floral look focused on a soft romantic feel with Lauren’s lavender and gold invitation suite.

PRO TIP: Want an easy way to bring variety to your bridal look without breaking the bank? Some brides have 2 dresses but even more frequently I’m seeing 2 totally different pairs of shoes and I LOVE IT! Shoes can easily be worn again after your wedding and they’ll make your feet smile when you change into flats to dance the night away! ;)

The hardest part is going to be narrowing down your choices…

First looks! Inside or outside, I LOVE when couples take advantage of them… more time together means more photos before the day gets away from you, more intimate emotions and quiet moments to make memories of just the two of you…

Chuppahs and ceremony backdrops designed with lush flowers and natural elements or more minimally designed with copper tubing to accent a venue full of unique architectural features… which do you prefer?

There are so many creative ways to feed your guests! Oyster bars, mashed potato bars, brunch bars… you dream it, it can be fed to you.

Eleven Courses Catering (below) is one of the most talented caterers I’ve worked with and not only presents their food in artistic and beautiful ways but also ensures it tastes better than you’d ever imagine a catered dinner could taste!

Donut towers, custom cotton candy flavors, cookie tables, smith island cakes, cinnamon rolls… who wants just cake anymore?

Ombre tablescape, anyone? Crimson + Clover Floral Design CRUSHED this one!!

Lighting can make such a difference in a space! When it poured at the end of Lauren + Matt’s wedding, we still were able to go outside for some epic shots on the patio at the Accelerator Space since it was tented and they had hung string lights to enhance the twinkle effect!

At Lauren + Jeff’s Holly Hedge Estate wedding, mother nature played a role in their portraits at the end of the night and I loved the opportunity we had to take advantage of creative lighting in the rain!

Exiting at the end of the night is another way to have fun and create a lasting memory for your guests with sparklers, confetti, bubbles, lanterns or simply a fun getaway car!

Here’s to making your wedding the best celebration it can be, full of as much personality as the two of you!! I’d love to hear from you… leave a comment with some of the unique details and elements you’re thinking of including on your day!