Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Because every couple is different from the last, JHenderson Studios doesn’t limit you to specific sessions, but instead allows you to customize your own packages based on what you want! One of those session that JHenderson offers is a bridal portrait session. Bridal portraits are a southern tradition and these sessions add to those special memories. Not familar with bridal portraits? We asked Jenna to tell us all about bridal portraits and how they can complement your wedding package.
What is a bridal portrait photogrphy session?
JHenderson Studios: A bridal portrait is a photograph of a bride wearing her wedding gown that was taken prior to the wedding in a separate photo session. Traditionally, the photograph is enlarged and framed and put on display at the wedding reception.
From your experience, how common is it for a bride to have a portrait done?
JHenderson Studios: It's a tradition that is becoming less and less popular. Sometimes, when clients plan a bridal portrait, it is at the request of their mothers!
What purpose does a bridal portrait serve?
JHenderson Studios: Traditionally, bridal portraits were used as wedding announcements in the local newspapers (announcing the newly married couple), but engagement photos and/or a photo of the bride and groom are more common photography sessions today. Bridal sessions give brides an opportunity to have a formal portrait of themselves in their wedding gown, without the rush and hustle of a wedding day.
When should a bride have her bridal portrait taken in regards to her wedding timeline?
JHenderson Studios: Several factors can determine when bridal sessions are scheduled. If you've ordered your dress, you need to make sure you allow plenty of time for it to come in and alterations to be made. If you're planning on having a photo on display at the wedding reception, you need to communicate with your photographer and make sure you have plenty of time to choose and order a print or canvas and have it framed prior to the wedding. Usually, my clients will schedule their session 1 to 2 months before their wedding.
What are some ways a bride can prepare for her bridal portrait? Do you recommend this being a trial run for her hair and make-up?
JHenderson Studios: The first step for a bridal portrait is the location. I suggest my clients think of somewhere other than their wedding venue that might be significant to them...perhaps the campus of the college they attended, or the church in which their parents were married. It's also important to make a plan for hair and make-up; a bridal session provides an excellent opportunity for a trial run. Brides often overlook getting a bouquet for their session, but having flowers can really pull it all together.
What about the wedding dress? How is it kept clean and new when the bridal portrait is being taken?
JHenderson Studios: Of course, we want to keep them as clean as possible, but it doesn't always require that the dress never touch the ground. I've had clients bring sheets to keep underneath their dress, and if you're going out in the middle of a field on a farm, this might be helpful, but if you're staying indoors, it's unnecessary and can slow your session down. Sometimes, dresses do get a little dirty, but typically it's only the underneath edges, which will never really show up in pictures or on the wedding day, and it can always be cleaned prior to your wedding. The best thing to do to keep your dress clean is to pick it up when you walk, and be sure your hands are clean.
What are some fun things you’re seeing brides do in their bridal portraits?
JHenderson Studios: I've had a handful of clients who elected to have their bridal session after the wedding. This gives us so much more freedom, because we don't have the worry of keeping the dress clean!
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography
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Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Collection has put together a few photo tips for use when creating your wedding day timeline! That's right, when considering the start time for your wedding day, there's more than just when your venue is available or what time you think your bridesmaids and groomsmen will drag out of bed to get the day started. But that's why we have the experts help us with the details!
From Erin of The Collection...
So you’ve got the ideal location, the perfect dress, the most beautiful flowers and you’ve spent way too much time on Pinterest designing your fairytale wedding that now you also have your dream kitchen designed too. When I was asked to write an educational article for Ashley’s Bride Guide, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about - The Photography Timeline.
This very important piece of the puzzle is often taken for granted. Let me reword that. It’s not taken for granted so much as brides are not given a good, feasible base to build on.
You’ve looked at tons and tons of photographers and you’ve decided on one that you love. Their style, their personality, and their product fit your needs, and most importantly you trust them. Your photographer has an idea of how long they will need on your special day to shoot the type of photographs you fell in love with. As a bride though, you will set the framework for what they build your timeline off of and if they will be able to get those shots you have your heart set on.
Here are four things you should consider when it comes to your wedding photographs and before you send out your invitations!
1) Sunset + Your Ceremony Time
Whether you’re getting married inside or outside this will affect your photographs the most. A lot of couples like to have their outdoor ceremonies at sunset during the summer, it’s cooler for their guests and it is also more romantic! When you check the time for sunset, realize that the time shown means it will be dark, not becoming dark. If you are not doing any photographs after your ceremony, and you want to have your ceremony at sunset, I would recommend starting your ceremony no later than one hour before. A typical ceremony is usually around 30 minutes and there will still plenty of light for your photographer.
If you are getting married inside, depending on your location, your photographer may not be allowed to use flash during the ceremony. While cameras have come a long way, your photographs are going to look a lot prettier if there is some sort of light source. If the location you're using has stage lighting or overhead lighting, that might be enough. If you’re concerned, discuss the lighting setup with your photographer before you set your ceremony time.
2) Not Seeing Each Other Before
I will never tell my clients that they need to see each other before the ceremony, but this is an important timeline discussion. I know how much time I need for each portion of the day to shoot what my clients expect and how to achieve it in the least stressful way possible. If a bride and groom decide to wait to see each other until the ceremony, to get the photographs that my clients expect from me after the ceremony I typically need an hour and a half. Here is how that time breaks down.
Every photographer is different, but I like to have at least 30 minutes for full family photographs, 30 minutes for full bridal party photographs, and at least 30 minutes for bride and groom photographs. My clients tend to hire me because for the most part, I photograph in natural light; therefore, I prefer to start shooting 2 hours before sunset. I want to be done shooting 30 minutes before it’s dark. Having this amount of time, takes a lot of stress out of the photographs and gives us more time to make the most of your images. If you're rushed your body will show it - either you won't look at the camera or your body will appear tense. I try hard to make even those rushed moments fun, but it always helps to have a few extra minutes!
While we are on the topic of stress, you may also want to schedule a cocktail hour for your guests while you’re getting your photographs done, it’s a great distraction for them and you're not worried about people becoming impatient for your presence and for food.
3) Bride's Hair + Makeup
Hair and makeup takes a long time! Especially if you have one person to make you look beautiful and do all of the bridesmaids hair and makeup. The majority of the time I have had photographs run behind is because hair and makeup ran behind. Talk to your hair and makeup artist and ask how much time she or he will need. I would add some buffer time on top of that for reworks, a late bridesmaid, etc.
I personally only need to get 10-15 minutes to get photographs of a bride having her hair and makeup done. If your hair and makeup artist is telling you that it’s going to take two hours and I am supposed to start shooting at 2 p.m., I would recommend you see if you can start getting your hair and makeup done no later than 12:30-12:45. That is if they are coming to you. If you’re going to them, make sure to always schedule travel time.
4) Family Photographs
Oh family photographs. The part of the wedding where you hear “Where is Uncle Bob?” And then when you find Uncle Bob and get him in the group for the photograph. “Uncle Bob, stop talking and just smile.” As simple as these photographs can be, they can also be the most challenging, because many times you are dealing with the large group of people. This takes time!
Gathering everyone together (5 minutes looking for Uncle Bob), getting them in position, getting them all to look at you, getting the 3-year-old to stop picking his nose, getting everyone to stop telling the 3-year-old to stop picking his nose and look at you again, takes time. Some family photographs go super quickly, but you just never know. Discuss with your photographer how long they like to have for photographs and also discuss with them how many people (approximately) you’re going to want in those photographs. You may need to add more time than what is normal. No one wants the church lady getting angry at you because you need to be out of the building and no bride wants the guests to see her before the wedding. If this discussion happens beforehand it can make this area a lot smoother.
Take the time to discuss these four areas with your photographer and planner. My personal goal is to give my clients beautiful images and a stress free day. My timeline is built to do just that. You are hiring your photographer because you love their work and because you trust them. Utilize that resource and I guarantee you will not regret it.
All photos by Erin Lee of The Collection
We hope that all of this info from Erin is helpful and will set your timeline into a day that is clear, well executed. We hope everything about your day is perfect! And if you are now convinced that Erin is the photographer for you, make sure to mention that you saw her post on AshleysBrideGuide.com!
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Posted by The Collection |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography
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Monday, March 19, 2012
Introducing...Our new vendor, Joon Powell Photography! Joon is a professional, experienced photojournalist that began to document weddings five years ago. She prides herself in capturing the moments that everyone will want to remember, the highlights of the day, and the real emotions as they break through. She has a fun personality that is sure to set a bride at ease and be a joy to work with.
Read on to find out more about her experience and why she loves shooting weddings as much as she love capturing front page news.
About Joon Powell Photography
Main Contact: Joon Powell
Website: http://www.joonpowell.com/weddings
Phone Number: 252-333-8982
Email Address: joon.powell{at}gmail{dot}com
Become a Facebook fan: Wedding Photography By Joon Powell
How many years have you been in business?
5 years
How did you get started in weddings?
I have been a photojournalist for well over a decade, so shooting weddings in the documentary style was a natural choice for me. I started out assisting wedding photographers.
What do you like most about weddings?
I love learning about traditions that are woven into the ceremony which make it unique to that couple. I love being close to families during such a special time.
What’s your favorite wedding photo and why?
Of course my favorite photo changes all the time but this one has some permanence for me. The bride (Anice) was surrounded by her friends and family in the hours before the ceremony. They formed a circle and prayed together. I thought it was very sweet how that moment not only celebrated her big day but all the people who helped her get there.
Joon's favorite photo.
What is your service philosophy?
Let moments unfold organically. Nothing is more beautiful than life’s real events. Look. Listen. Pay attention.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
As a documentary photographer, I can seamlessly fit into most any situation. I have an eye for those special moments which might otherwise be lost.
What attracts brides to your service/company?
I am easy to work with and I make beautiful photographs which can be enjoyed for generations.
What would previous couples say was the main reason they selected your company?
They wanted someone unobtrusive who would capture candid moments.
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
DIY, multi-cultural, sentimental
Who are your favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Make-up Artist | Jenelle Adams
Planner | DandyLion Events - dandylionevents.com
Invites | Hatch Show Print - countrymusichalloffame.org/our-work
Traditional Invites | Buchanan Ink - buchananink.com
Cake | Sweet 16th Bakery - sweet16th.com
Cake | Whole Foods - wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/nashville
Hair Stylist | Carmen Allison at Platinum Salon East - platinumsaloneast.com
Custom-made Clothing or Alterations | Jessica Maros - wearsleeveless.com
All photos by Joon Powell Photography.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Photography
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Last summer, Ace Photography hosted a Trash the Dress Contest where entrants were asked to submit creative ideas as to how they would "trash their dress", and the winner received a free Trash the Dress Session. (Not familiar with the Trash the Dress concept? Click here.)
Well, as luck would have it, our previously featured bride Kate won. But how could she not? She rocked that frock at the zoo!! Kate is a giraffe keeper - hence her photo shoot choice. She loves animals and as luck would have it, she loves ABG! We were rather pleased when she sent us her wedding to feature; not only was it a beautiful day, but a great venue. And now we get to follow up with her Trash the Dress!
Here are some of our favorite shots from her trash the dress session. For more, head on over to see Kate's dress feature on Ace Photography blog's.
Just as Kate did, if you opt for a Trash the Dress - choose a place or activity that is special for you. While this is essentially the new twist on a bridal shoot, it's also an opportunity to take your time, be relaxed, and let your personality show through. You may never wear the dress again, so make the most of it!
Many thanks to Ace Photography for sharing this post with us! Contact them for your Trash the Dress and make sure to mention that you heard of them from ABG.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Brides
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Friday, March 9, 2012
As I write this post, it's pouring rain outside, so thankfully this real wedding is bright and full of warmth! Photographer Donald Yeager captured this pretty, yellow themed wedding at the Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club and we hope that, even though the temps are starting to drop again for the weekend, the pictures from this real Nashville wedding keep you warm and cozy. Enjoy!
Cati + Patrick
Wedding Date ~ October 8, 2011
Donald Yeager: "Cati was working at Baskin Robin's and Patrick strolled in one day to unknowingly meet the girl he was going to marry. That makes their story so sweet. Not only did they meet in her hometown, but they were also wed there. Cati was enthusiastic from the beginning of her wedding planning to the moment she walked down the aisle. Her laid back attitude and specific style made planning a breeze.
Patrick and Cati have this very special chemistry-- it was incredible just being around them. Their love radiates and it is easy to see why they belong together. This love is easily evident in the images from their big day. I was happy to be able to document the day with such a gorgeous bride and handsome groom."
ABG Notes: Love the playful nature of these pictures. The guys' dark grey suits are a pretty contrast to the light grey dresses and bright florals.
ABG Notes: Always fun to see varying styles of bridesmaids dresses in matching fabric. A good alternative if your girls are shaped differently!
Venue | Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club's Ballroom
Photographer | Donald Yeager Photography
Lighting and DJ | Spangler Entertainment
Wedding Cake | Cakes Galore
Groom's Cake | Baskin Robbins
Wedding Coordination | Nashville Event Planning
If there's one thing you can count on from Donald Yeager Photography it's pictures that exude happiness and fun. He's such a personable, friendly and sincere photographer who puts his couples at ease to get the best pictures. For more of his work visit his website at DonaldYeager.com. For more pictures from Cati and Patrick's wedding, visit the Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club's blog here.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Weddings
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