Photography with Local Flavor

Wedding photos that incorporate local culture in a beautiful way, by Jessica Claire

Inspirational Engagement Photos

I prefer this style for engagement photography, by Stephanie Williams.

I'd rather...

I'd rather have the tiniest wedding with the most elegant details than a big wedding with compromised details.

Beach Day After Session

I love day after sessions. It's essentially all I want from my wedding photos, but on the day of.

Photos by Stephanie Williams







More Day After Sessions by Stephanie Williams

short beach dresses

The trick to finding a short dress is finding a short dress that still looks like a wedding gown. These are from Alfred Angelo.

This first one is more what I'm looking for.





These are other options





I like the floral side strap, the fit, and the length. It just feels a bit too simple at the hemline.





I like the top, the sweetheart neckline and empire waist. It looks gorgeous from behind, but I'm not so sure about the hemline from the front...

the dress

the dream dress from marchesa. found in wedding dresses that travel well



since I plan on the beach, I want a short dress that still has a bit of dramatic flair. I like the way this dress flows.

cable ring

I've always loved this cable design. It's unique, making it incredibly hard to find.

This one is by David Yurman

I like the one on the top.



These two are a variation with a crossover with diamonds. A little too fancy for my taste, but same general idea.

to photograph

Keeping budget in perspective, this is a shot list of what I want photographed. If it's not here, it doesn't matter...

before
- getting ready; makeup on, put on dress, put on shoes
- detail: rings, shoes, bouquet, jewelry
- the dress
- the bouquet

beach ceremony
- wide angle area
- party waiting
- groom waiting
- groom's expression
- officiant
- bible
- the kiss
- presenting...
- walking away

formals
- b&g dip kiss
- b&g casual
- b&g close together
- b&g with family
- family jump
- dog, if we have one :)

reception
- bride, groom place settings
- wide-angle area
- reception centerpiece
- place setting
- food
- cake
- cut cake

get away

things to keep, things to cut

keep
the dress
grooms formal wear
hair and makeup
bouquet
photography
reception at restaurant
cake

maybes
ceremony musician
reception centerpiece
getaway car

cut
ceremony decor
invitations
programs
videography
favors
reception site
reception music

inspired photography

Tom Vo of Accolade Photography for Jessica

an intimate affair

I want my wedding to be, not necessarily small, but intimate. Something akin to a destination wedding, where the guest list will consist of only the most important people in our lives.

Extravagant, elaborate weddings seem to take away the meaning of marriage. All you really need to be married is a bride, a groom, and an honest "I do".

But still, I do want it to be a beautiful wedding day to remember. Basically the only things of aesthetic importance are the things that will show in the photographs.

I'm reading through The Knot and real wedding budgets. It's a shame that even the smallest wedding still sits over $20,000. I'm determined to have a beautiful day for half that, or even less.

We will say our vows on the beach, with a party of immediate family only. No aisle, no seats. Perhaps a violinist to set the mood. The ceremony will be short and sweet. It will be on a quiet Tuesday morning.

Reception will be lunch at a local, upscale restaurant, with an outdoor view of the ocean.

It may sound like there is nothing to plan. That something so simple can be planned within a month.. and it very well can. But the key is getting the same beautiful photographs from elaborate weddings by carefully planning out even the smallest detail.

Canary Yellow

My favorite color is soft canary yellow. I'm unsure of accent colors, but I've always liked this color. It is a happy color.

it may come to pass...

It may come to be that I will never get married.It is a fantasy that not all get to experience, and I've come to terms that I may be one of the unlucky ones. But to live and never get the chance to plan for a dream is something I wish not to do. So, I've started this blog, anonymously, to plan for my dream wedding. A wedding that may never come to be, but one can always hope...