This is awesome – I just had to share!

Jennifer

Source: The Knot.

Having trouble picking your wedding colours? Head on over to wedding and event guru Preston Bailey’s site and check out the colour palette picker. This neat tool asks you a few questions about your event and generates a stunning palette based on your favourite hue!

Have fun!

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Preston Bailey.

Ladies, you might want to casually leave your computer open to this post…!

Wedding Bells and Tiffany & Co. recently teamed up for this online video, How To Select The Perfect Engagement Ring. Check it out to learn a few tidbits about those sparkling symbols of love that many of us can’t help but drool over.

Top (L-R): The Tiffany Setting, Etoile; Bottom (L-R): Tiffany Legacy, Tiffany Novo.

And for you grooms-to-be out there, if you’re having trouble coming up with the perfect way to pop the question – worry no more!  We’ll help you develop (and even execute) that special moment with our Proposal Design + Planning package. Contact us for more information or to setup a complimentary initial meeting.

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Tiffany & Co.

Your wedding stationary plays a huge role in conveying your wedding theme and style, and once you’ve established the design it can be carried throughout many elements at your ceremony and reception. The invitation (or save-the-date card) will be your guests’ first impression of your wedding, and it is a great way to indicate the formality of the event.

If you’re just joining us on the “Four Weddings” journey, have a read over Post 1 – Four Dresses and Post 2 – Four Bouquets, then comment below with the number of your favourite invitation set!

1 – Modern Wedding Invitation: Alee and Press
2 – Monogram Wedding Invitation: Dauphine Press
3 – Floral Wedding Invitation: Dauphine Press
4 – Vintage Wedding Invitation: Minted

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Alee and Press, Dauphine Press, Dauphine Press, Minted.

Stephanie of Stephanie Cragg Photography, is an Edmonton-based photographer (and self-proclaimed shoe junkie!) who has shot weddings all across the country. I spent some time getting to know Stephanie and it sounds like she has an exciting year ahead!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

When there is a lull in conversation, my husband jokingly will ask me, “So…do you like…stuff?” Yes. Yes I do.

Why did you become a photographer?

I think it was just a natural progression, as throughout my life I’ve participated in, and continue to enjoy many of the visual arts (and crafty pursuits!).

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

Biggest influences artistically include Picasso for his general ‘unusualness’, as well as The Group of Seven for their realistic and abstract visions of nature. Photographically, I’m inspired by the work of fashion and commercial photographers who achieve making beautiful and linger-worthy images by combining photography and digital-artistry.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

Here’s one from the funny-but-true files: Careful with the ‘glitter’ make-up…the wrong brand, applied too heavily and in the wrong spots, often results in it ending up on other peoples’ dark clothing (ie. men’s suits) and can look like dandruff in photos.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

Favourite wedding moments are the heart-felt ones. The unexpected onset of emotion. Like when the normally shy and reserved groomsman says something verrrrry funny in his speech, it makes the bride so suddenly laugh that she spits out a mouthful of wine. Or the child who spontaneously and tearfully rushes the altar, upon hearing that her parents are ‘now pronounced’. Or the bride who breaks down when she looks at her father before they depart for the ceremony, leaving the house that she has lived in her whole life. Real life is way better than the movies.

What’s in store this year for Stephanie Cragg Photography?

I’ll be photographing a terrific variety of wedding themes, locations and travelling! Off hand, I know that some coming up include a Scottish themed wedding, an East Indian celebration, a lakeside tented wedding in Ontario, a trip to California, couples from overseas getting married in Jasper and Banff, both city and country weddings, and even some celebrity nuptials!

You’ve been married almost 13 years – any marriage advice for the brides and grooms out there?

• Pick your battles;
• Do and find things to make each other laugh as often as you can; and,
• As long as you can sincerely say it, promise your spouse that if times get tough you’d still live with them no matter what – even if it’s in a cardboard box.

~~~

Check out some of Stephanie’s gorgeous work below and on her website:

Thanks Stephanie!

Jennifer

Next step in our four weddings journey…bouquets! Historically, brides carried flowers and herbs down the aisle to ward off evil spirits. Today, the bride’s bouquet is a crucial element to any wedding, as it conveys the wedding theme through its flower types, shapes, colours and textures.

Which one of these four very beautiful – yet very different – bouquets is your fave? Leave a comment with your vote!

1 – Mixed pink, peach and plum roses, orchids and succulents
2 – White dendrobium orchids
3 – Purple calla lilies and peacock feathers
4 – Pink and peach cabbage roses

Jennifer

Photo Credits: The Knot, The Knot, Bridella, Martha Stewart.

There is so much talent in Edmonton, and the wedding industry is no exception. Couture wedding gown designer, Lani van Rooyen, is the owner of R O O Y Couture & Consulting, and I sat down with her to chat about one of the most important components of every bride’s Big Day – the wedding gown!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I’m a wedding gown designer by heart – oh so passionate about love, family, all things beautiful and making brides glow on their big day. I’m a confessed hopeless romantic!

What does R O O Y Couture & Consulting do?

R O O Y Couture designs and creates one-of-a-kind couture bridal gowns. Working with each bride individually, we design the gown of her dreams based on her personality, style and figure, suggesting the most suited silks and laces to stay within her budget.

The manufacture process begins with custom patterns hand-drawn based on the bride’s measurements, after which several fittings lead up to the big day, making the bride part of every step of the creation of her wedding gown. We offer the added service of dressing our brides on their wedding day, ensuring every last detail is looked after. We also offer Consulting services for those brides who need advice on style of gown, wedding party wardrobe or tying it all in with the wedding décor or theme.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (designers or otherwise)?

As a teenager I followed the broadcasts of European fashion shows and absolutely admired the work of Giorgio Armani. His work inspired me and made me acutely aware of key design basics: quality fabrics combined with beautiful workmanship, cut and simple elegance, style and grace. To this day I’m a big fan. In the years to come I studied Fashion Design in South Africa, under the watchful eye of two established designers. They reinforced the importance of quality, fit and workmanship, which are so important in the creation of a couture gown. I was also blessed to grow up in a family where ‘reaching for your dreams’ was always encouraged – as a designer it gave me wings to pursue my passion.

You’re originally from South Africa. How do you think that inspires you in design?

South Africa is a colourful nation, full of diversity and amazing beauty. I would say having grown up in such a country inspires my designs in the use (and sometimes boldness) of color as well as fabric prints and especially texture. I’m also very fond of beading and the accompanying geometric designs, something native to South Africa.

What are some of the reasons brides come to you to design their wedding gown?

Brides often have an idea of their dream gown – whether they have favorites marked out in a magazine or have had an image in their minds for years. Very often they are unable to find it hanging on the rack. Collaborating with a gown designer, the gown will come to life, with the added advantage of professional advice and guidance on the final product to make it their own unique gown.

Others have learned of the advantages of having your gown designed and custom made compared to buying it off the rack. It is a much more personalized experience that results in a showstopper gown reflecting who they are. I also see brides who have trouble finding their size for some reason or another, or those who seek guidance as they have fitted many gowns and still don’t know which style would suit them best. Some brides just want something different from what is generally available.

Did you design your own wedding gown?

I did, and sewed every last bit of it. I had the design of my future gown in my head since I studied fashion design, and when the time finally came, it looked totally different!  It was perfect and very special.

What are some of the hot trends for wedding gowns in 2010 and 2011?

Soft, romantic details first and foremost. Whether it be soft ruffles all over the skirt (either full size or less), or beautiful soft fabric flower or bow accent pieces, placed carefully on the bodice, detailing is big and so fun!

Short gowns are an exciting new trend, as is the new fashionable color: black. Combined with white or a light shade, whether it is an accent piece or a beautiful black lace used as part of the gown design, it is an upcoming stylish choice. Shoulder-less gowns remain popular, as does the mermaid style. And locally, I find lace-up is making a delightful and always beautiful comeback.

What’s in store this year for R O O Y Couture & Consulting?

Having just celebrated the first R O O Y birthday, we will be continuing our quest to make more brides glow as they walk down the aisle!  We are so privileged to be working along with wonderfully talented vendors and the most amazing brides. I am also currently working on an exclusive event in the early fall to showcase our Spring/Summer 2011 bridal collection.

Here’s a look at some of Lani’s stunning designs:

Thanks Lani!

Jennifer

Meet Kelly Redinger. Kelly is the fun-natured photographer behind Kelly Redinger Studios, based out of Sherwood Park, AB.

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

Hello. I’m Kelly. I photograph people in love. And I wake up every morning super excited to create inspiring photos. I am a happy guy.

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always been a visual person. And I love meeting people. It was a natural fit to combine these two into an awesome career. Photography allows me the opportunity to freeze in time the amazing things I see around me. And I love how looking at an image, at this single frozen moment in time, can evoke such strong emotional responses. After finishing my bachelor of commerce degree and working at a job I absolutely hated, I made the decision to wake up every day and enjoy what I do for a living. Choosing photography was a really easy decision, and I’ve never looked back!

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

My biggest photography influence comes from master photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Julia Margaret Cameron because of their ability to capture amazingly touching moments in a time when technology made photography extremely difficult. They were photographers in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, and they could capture these brilliant moments with these antiquated tools, and their images have stood the test of time as some of the best. Especially in our tech-savvy world, it is inspiring to be reminded that a photographer is not defined by his photo equipment, but by his talent and creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

By far the biggest thing I try to encourage couples to keep in mind is to enjoy the day! This seems simple, but there is so much time and energy spent planning out the day, that often the bride and groom get caught up stressing over the tiniest details and lose sight that this is supposed to be one of the happiest day of their lives! Relax, enjoy yourselves, enjoy your guests, and be present. If you are distracted and worried about the small stuff, then your wedding photos will capture that. But if you can forget about your stress and all the little details, and just focus on savouring every moment of your wedding day, you can be sure that when you view your photographs, you will see your joy and happiness and love written all over them.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

This is a tough call as I find there is something special in every wedding. One of my favourite moments from this past year was working with Danielle and Christopher. They had a really small wedding, and only wanted a small and intimate creative photo session as a compliment to their day. Their energy, and love, and eagerness to have great images meant we created a TON of fantastic photos in a really short period of time. The highlight of the day (for me…I’m sure getting married was their highlight!) was having Danielle pose in the window display of Career Girl Bridal on Jasper Ave.  I love how the photos turned out. They were SO much fun to work with.

What’s in store this year for Kelly Redinger Studios?

I am looking forward to introducing some new elements into my wedding photography, continuing to evolve my style, and expanding my brand to an even larger audience. I am also developing a couples portrait session called’ 1+1 Sessions’ geared specifically towards couples (think engagement photos for people who are already married!)  Another exciting project I am developing right now is a photography workshop called I Photograph People, which will help guide photographers in working with people and getting the best results. This is shaping up to be a busy year!

You’ve been married for 10 years now – any tips for the future newlyweds out there?

Hold hands. Hug in public. Laugh. Have date nights. Surprise your husband/wife with little notes in his/her wallet, or car, or lunch bag, telling them how awesome they are. And flowers now and then don’t hurt either.

A few of Kelly’s amazing images:

Drop by Kelly’s blog to say ‘hi’ and see what’s he’s been up to recently!

Thanks Kelly!

Jennifer