Intimate Wedding in the Mountains

Imagine this:  Imaging taking off, just you and your fiance, to a destination and simply signing a piece of paper. Then imagine donning your "wedding's best" hiking almost a 1/2 mile to the top of a mountain, then taking some of the most loving pictures simply to mark the day.  That's exactly what Tiffany and Jacob did.  There was no huge procession.  Tiffany's mother made the bouquet.  Jacob picked out her shoes.  And they simply stared at the setting sun and said, " I do."

Gabbi + Byrd Engagement Shoot @ UNCC Botanical Garden

Gabbi and Byrd met in college, became friends, fell and love, and now they are getting married.  One thing that was completely evident in shooting this friendly and loving couple is that they have an undeniable balance that radiates.  I had a great time shooting this couple and can't wait to shoot their wedding in 2016.

Styled Shoot: The Rebel Rebel Bride

• Styled by Tori Hardman
• Model: Nicole Swaim
• Photographer: Blue Arden Photography/Ollie Wills
• Flower Crown: Graham Jordan
• Cake:  Ollie Wills
• MUA and Hair: Tori Hardman
• Dress: Target Maxi Dress
• MUA: Ollie Wills
• Shoes: Coach
• Bouquet: Tori Hardman

Wedding Trend: Great America Carolina Malt

Rustic Wedding. Check. Burlap and Lace. Check. Mason jars filled with glorious alcohol. Check and Check. Yeah..you heard it right; alcohol filled mason jars to complete the whole look.  That's where Great America  Malt comes in.

Shopping in the wine section at Wal-Mart, I found these two babies stacked high right across from the refrigerated beer.  There were flavors such as Apple Pie and Clear (this one).  What attracted me to this? Well, the mason jars of course.  There's nothing like the feeling of sitting on my front porch and throwing back what feels to be moonshine but tastes more like a clean and clear mead.

This would be a great talking piece for any backwoods rustic wedding. There's nothing like "Great America's Apple Pie Malt Substitute Beer! Brewed and bottled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in North Carolina." Nothing more rustic than that!

Candace + Gary Wedding at St Mark's Lutheran Church and Trump National Golf Club

They met when they were 13. They married in their 60s with children and grandchildren between them.  This family was a force of love and acceptance. No butterflies. No tension. No crazy wedding trends.  They just wanted to be married and marriage is what they got.  Take a look through my beautiful lens.

Styled Shoot Sneak Peek

Brides, Bouquets, Flowers, Sunlight, STYLED SHOOT.  I'd write more about this, but I'm saving it for some upcoming blog love about the shoot and Behind the Scenes (BTS)  Stay tuned!

Popular Vintage Looks & Trends for the 2015 Bride

I remember waking up at 7:00am sharp to join my Mom (who I affectionately call Melinda Ann) on her ritualistic Saturday morning garage sale hunting expedition.  The mornings usually started out warm and hungry, but usually "metamorphosized" into this hot misty day filled with old dictionaries, timeless classics, clothes that smelled of mothballs & cobwebs, and of course the rumble of my stomach. My Mom placated these many sites and sounds with buying me cereal burgers (soy burgers with a mystery mixture of meat and lard) and crinkled dollars. 

I look back on many of these Saturdays with love and bliss because these very Saturdays are what has shaped my love for all things vintage and my very style in photography.

This year has brought something special with it: Vintage. Many brides are setting out to do a lot of DIY weddings to save on the cost and also put their personal touch on their special day.  I'm all for this.  This inspires creativity. 

Below are some pictures that inspire my photography and are definitely shaping up to be the most popular "Vintage Trends for the 2015 Bride."  Check out my inspiration.

sources:  Found on bestfriendsforfrosting.com Found on styledandwed.com , Found on mignonnehandmade.com, https://www.pinterest.com/source/mignonnehandmade.com/, www.greenweddingshoes.com , Found on greylikesweddings.com, Found on celia-grace.com , Found on celia-grace.com