What to Wear | Fall Engagement Session Inspiration

We've wrapped up our engagement sessions for 2012, but just in case there a some couples out there that are trying to squeeze in an engagement session before the year closes, here are some wardrobe ideas.

 



 

 

Pittsburgh, PA | Engagment Session - Desiree and Drew

Hi, Everyone!

I know. I know. I know.  We've fallen behind on our blogging, again.  We confess that we got sucked back into the convenience of posting on Facebook.  So, we're back with another noble attempt to catch up on our blogging.

I want to start by posting  some images from an engagement session we did back in May of Desiree and her fiance, Andrew.  These images were shot on a hot day in "The Strip"  in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.   Andrew had the brilliant idea of using one of his favorite cars in the shoot, because he was planning to sell it shortly after.  We thought this was a wonderful idea.  As photographers, we're always inspired by photographing things that have sentimental value to our clients.  This was a very, very cool E-session!

So, check out some of the images below.

Update: Since May, we've also had the pleasure of shooting Desiree and Andrew's wedding, but procrastination worked out to our favor in this case because we just found out today that their wedding was accepted to be featured on a popular on-line wedding magazine site later this month. So, we'll hold off on posting their wedding images to that we can post them when the wedding is featured! Congrats, Dez and Drew on the feature!!!!!

 



 

Paul and Kim Nicholson Intimate Wedding-Hyatt Regency Baltimore Harbor

Hi, All!

WE'RE BACK!!!!  It's been a long time since we posted, but that doesn't mean we haven't been hard at work!  On the contrary...we've been meeting and photographing more wonderful couples. However, we took a slight detour with respect to our web presence.  We initially decided to share our photos on Facebook in lieu of the blog.  We did this for a while, and while we love how it affords us the opportunity to communicate (comment, "Like", message) with our couples, our fans, in real-time, we realized that many of our biggest supporters might not be on Facebook (ugh um!!![coughing]...Mom). Also, many people will find us via the web site/blog before they will see us on Facebook.  So, anyway, we're back.  Yay!!!!!

Now, let's get down to the fun stuff...

I think we're beginning to sound like a broken record when we rave about how our couples have been so wonderful, but it simply is true.

On a blazing Saturday afternoon in a penthouse suite overlooking the Baltimore Harbor, Kim and Paul were just hours of away from saying "I do".  This Saturday was a little different, though.  There was Kim. There was Paul and there was perfect calm.  Calm? I mean... a wedding day isn't a wedding day if it's not replete with chaos, a bunch of giddy bridesmaids and hundreds of joyful guests, right?  WRONG...We learned that there is much to be said about the beauty of a simple, timeless, intimate wedding, and if you know Kim and Paul, you know they are the epitome of simple, beautiful/handsome and timeless. Kim...Well, Kim has an attitude...an attitude of "I'm too blessed to be stressed".  (We could take a queue from her). She is beautiful. She is elegant but fun. She is classy but down-to-earth. Oh and did we mention, she's an avid Red Skin's fan? Paul is a handsome, "man's man". He's straight and to the point, but yet, he's a true, true gentleman and class act.  He's a cowboy's fan.

Now how this Red Skins fan and Cowboy fan ended up meeting and hitting it off while watching the game at a mutual friend's home is beyond us :), but on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 7:00pm, we and about 40 or so of their closest friends were just grateful they did.

Kim and Paul, once again, we'd like to thank you for allowing us to document your wedding day.  Because we know that your wedding day was reserved for your most cherished friends and family, we consider it a privileged and an honor to have been a part. You are a beautiful couple, deserving of nothing less than the best of God's blessings and favor.

We love you,

Staci and Janna

Vendors:

DJ – Morgan Williams-MorganWilliamsDJ@hotmail.com
Photography – Elizabeth Lynn Photography – http://www.elizabethlynnphotography.com/blog

Newton White Mansion Wedding, Bowie, MD - Jay & Chelsea Jackson

They both attended Howard University. She was a cute, "no-nonsense" soccer player. He was a handsome football player and indulged in all the popularity that came with it.  They became good friends, and admittedly, he wasn't the "settling-down-with-one-girl" type. So, friends they remained for a long time. But all the signs were there...the daily phone calls (that you find yourself looking forward to more and more)...the constant questions from friends asking "what's up with you and Chelsea"? and all the comments about how the two of them would make a cute couple. And, when she loves Beyonce as much as he loves Jay-Z (No...Seriously...they LOVE Beyonce and Jay-Z), you just kinda know that these two have the potential to have a beautiful relationship.

Memorial Day weekend will forever mark the moment a road trip with friends suddenly turns into something more....something more romantic...something more endearing...something more like...well...LOVE.  Chelsea and her friends and Jay and his friends met at a club.  Chelsea, excited to see all her friends, was giving hugs and kisses all around.  As Chelsea went to kiss Jay on the cheek, he turned his head and their lips met. Now, call this luck...call this destiny...or call it the seizing of an opportunity by a guy who had finally come to the realization that maybe this woman was, in fact, worth settling down with.  But whatever you call it, this night out and a stolen kiss between "friends", set into motion the love story of Chelsea and Jay.

On a rainy, Friday evening, March 2, 2012 at the beautiful Newton White Mansion decorated in shades of purple, Chelsea and Jay shared yet another significant kiss.  This one was different, however. This wasn't a mere kiss between "friends", but instead a COVENANT sealing kiss, between husband and wife.

Jay and Chelsea, thank you so much for allowing us to document your beautiful wedding.  They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.  It's couples like you, wonderfully warm families like yours, and crazy, fun bridesmaids and groomsmen like yours, that make documenting weddings both an honor and a privilege, but most of all, a day where we simply get to do what we love.  Again, thank you so, so much!!!!  Congratulations!! Please know that you're forever our friends, and we're here if you need ANYTHING!

Love

Staci and Janna

Vendors:

Wedding Director - Mrs. Nell Hooper-Williams
Cater - MK Catering, Hyattsville, MD - http://www.mkcatering.com
DJ - Miss DJ Gemz, Washington, DC - http://www.misdjgemz.com
Photography - Elizabeth Lynn Photography - http://www.elizabethlynnphotography.com/blog

 

Tearney and Stanley Wedding Baltimore, MD

On a brisk snowy October day in Baltimore, MD we had the opportunity to "capture" the love of Tearney and Stanley Holmes, along with Gary Gibson of Gallery Photo and Imaging, as they exchanged vows at Set the Captives Free Outreach Center.

As we watched Tearney and Stanley spin playfully on the dance floor one thing occurred to me...  As we search for a mate, it is better to wait on God to choose for us.  It has become abundantly clear that God will always choose a better mate for you than you could  possibly choose for yourself.  This can be seen in the love shared between Tearney and Stanley. They put God first in their lives and waited on Him to bring them together. With God, you cannot fail.

Tearney and Stanley, it was a great pleasure documenting your day.  Thank you for granting us this special privilege.  May God bless you and your marriage for all of your days.

You can see the rest Of Gary Gibson's amazing images here! Enjoy

Janna and Staci

 

 

Event Planner - Stephanie Grayson of Graceful Elegance

Make-up- Qiana Bannister

Venues - Set the Captives Free Outreach Center and The Forum Caterers

Photography Principal Shooters -  Gary Gibson of Gallery Photo and Imaging

Photography Second Shooter - Elizabeth Lynn Photography

Floral Design - Judy Overman of Flowers by Judy

Videographer - Jay Mcleod and Lee Mcleod of Videoscapes

Silver Spring, Maryland Anniversary Party - Newlywed Inspiration

As wedding photographers, so much of our focus is on the very first day of the marriage. We're completely enamored by wedding day details (rings, flowers, cakes, dresses, shoes).  If we had an infinite amount of time, there's no limit to how creative we could get in capturing our brides primping and prepping and capturing every magical moment of them stepping into their wedding dress.  The exchanging of the vows so poignant, that it transports us back to that very day we exchanged vows with our own beaus.  And even as we're nearing exhaustion, there's nothing quite as fun as the celebratory vibe of a great wedding reception.

BUT...every now and then...every so often... (even for the brides-to-be who are still in the planning phase) it helps to remember the goal...to remember there's life (i.e. a roller coaster ride) after the wedding day...to remember THE COVENANT- "for better or for worse...til death do us part...in sickness and health" (we don't want to call anybody out, Kim Kardashian, but we're just sayin'...).

We had the pleasure and the honor of shooting the surprise anniversary party of a beautiful (and I do mean beautiful...check out the purple dress below) couple that epitomizes "the goal" and the covenant of marriage, and they've got the 50 years experience to prove it.  That's right...50 years of marriage.  50 years may seem unobtainable, but then you meet James and Eudelle Bolden and you're all of a sudden inspired.

You'll see below that this party was complete! Guests of honor who were completely surprised, lots of friends and family who came from far and wide including groomsmen and bridesmaids from their wedding party, and beautiful liturgical dance tribute to Eudelle  who LOVES to dance and directs in her church's dance ministry.

The love of James and Eudelle permeated the place and it reminds us that although marriage is a difficult journey, it is obtainable and it can be ours.  Who wouldn't want that? After all, there is nothing sweeter than lasting love.

Enjoy!

Janna and Staci

 

 

Wedding Trends for the Fall 2011

Personally for me... there is nothing better than a fall wedding.  I LOVE the fall! Call me biased because I was born in the fall but fall is sooo beautiful! The rich colors are absolutely incredible.  The reds, the oranges, the yellows and even the browns look good!! Can you say GORGEOUS!!?? I can...GORGEOUS!!  You can NEVER go wrong with a fall wedding!!  Here are some of the latest fall wedding trends that I absolutely love!



L to R:  Wedding Paper Divas Artistic Maple Wedding Invitation, Dessy Bridesmaid dress, Maple syrup bottle, Tablesetting, Centerpiece, Fall Wedding Bouquet, Personalized Fall Cookies, Wedding Cake

This season weddings have moved towards more traditional romantic styles incorporating heirlooms in their styling.  Many brides choose to go the DIY route allowing for a more personalized feel that allows the bride and groom's personality to really shine through.  Some brides use mason jars on tables to hold arrangements instead of vases.  I've also seen clothes pins used to hold seating cards. These concepts help the bride and groom make the wedding their own and very unique to them.  Think of ideas that represent you!



Brides are opting to have their weddings outside using nature as a beautiful backdrop for their day as opposed to choosing an indoor venue.  This can be a photographer's dream because their is nothing more beautiful than the perfect natural light on a perfect day!  Imagine exchanging vows with your significant other as leaves cascade from the rustling trees.  OMG, how romantic is THAT!! If I could go back in time and get married again I would definitely choose an outdoor location (what was I thinking?).

Rich colors and jewel tones are in this season. Plum dresses are hot , as well as emerald green, and cobalt blue.  As a photographer all I can say is that I LOVE this!!  I live for colors that POP!  Give me some color to work with and I am super happy and as a client you certainly will be too  :) This goes for shoes as well! Drop that tired ole white shoe! Get a shoe with the some color and flare! Your shoes will be the talk of the town trust me on this... I know.

Well ladies and gents, these are a few of the latest trends that I love the most this season.  Find out what works for you and your groom and ROCK your wedding!!! Fall 2011!