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.

A couple of weeks ago I spent some time at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge coordinating the annual Fountain Tire Store Managers’ Convention. This is the third year that I’ve been involved with this event, and though it takes months to plan, it’s always such a fantastic experience! Anthony + Rina from Infused Studios documented the 3-day convention from start to finish, and they did a phenomenal job! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…

Opening night welcome reception

Delicious five-star food was served all weekend!

Table cards shared inspirational quotes

Fun casino games kept delegates entertained in the hospitality suite for hours!

Beautiful floral centrepieces by Jasper Park Lodge on-site florists

Invert 720 created this awesome gobo light of the convention logo!

Saturday night awards presentation

DJ Tommy K of Jasper's Alpine Music kept guests on their feet!

The amazing lighting and stage design you see is courtesy of Invert 720 Productions. This Edmonton-based team does first-rate work for large events and conferences. And as always, thanks to the Jasper Park Lodge for being so fabulous to work with!

Jennifer

If you’re like me and you’re a nut for all wedding-related T.V. shows, you’ve probably seen TLC’s newest creation – Four Weddings. The premise of the show is that four brides attend each others’ weddings and rate them on a variety of components, including the dress, food, venue and overall experience. At the end of the show, the winner and her husband receive a free honeymoon to a beautiful destination!

Inspired by this concept, I’ve decided to devote a blog series to letting you vote on the best of four wedding components. At the end of the series, I’ll put together an inspiration board with the top picks! So now it’s your turn…leave a comment with the number of your favourite dress!

1 – Melissa Sweet DEANNA
2 – Monique Lhuillier – SUNDAY ROSE
3 – Vera Wang – DYLAN
4 – Kenneth Pool – EUROPA

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Melissa Sweet; Monique Lhuillier; Vera Wang; Kenneth Pool.

I’ve been away for a couple weeks running an event in Jasper and taking a mini-vacation in Las Vegas with a few girlfriends, but I have some great things to share this April…so stay tuned!

I absolutely love themed engagement photos and just came across this fabulous session on Green Wedding Shoes blog by Arizona-based photographer Galaxie Andrews. Whether your themed e-session is based around a holiday, a shared hobby, a movie or television series, being creative with engagement photos is a great chance to show off your personalities and create truly unique memories!

Happy Easter!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Galaxie Andrews courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes blog.

Spring is here! Well, at least the calendar says it is…as Canadians, we know not to get too excited just yet. But who’s saying we can’t still dream about spring weddings!? There’s something about the colour green that makes me feel happy and energized…

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Stationary: Sweet Graphics; Dessert Table: Amy Atlas; Bouquet: The Knot; Tablescape: Preston Bailey; Shoes: The Knot.

Over the last couple of years brides have flaunted all-white bouquets. Now in 2010, white-on-white cakes are one of the hottest trends! I love the elegance and simplicity of a white cake, and it’s just amazing what cake artists are doing with texture! Check out these stunning white designs:

….dessert, anyone?

Jennifer

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings, Cakegirls, Cake Creations, Carlo’s Bakery.

Always inspiring, Martha Stewart is the source of today’s post. Get creative with coasters and use them at your cocktail reception, or give them away as favours to your guests. You can use any photo or patterned paper to coordinate with your wedding theme and colours. These map coasters are perfect for a destination wedding or for the couple who love to travel:

Glass gift-wrap coasters tied together with a pretty ribbon make such a cute (and functional) favour for your guests:

Get detailed instructions on how to make these creative coasters here: map how-to, glass how-to.

If you try out this project, drop me a line and let me know how it went!

Jennifer