Enchated Atelier: Couture Bridal Accessories Photoshoot

I recently had the immense pleasure of doing a photoshoot for Enchanted Atelier, a couture bridal accessories company.  Designer Liv Hart creates stunning pieces that are carried by well-renowned stores such as Klienfeld Bridal in New York.  Her work has also graced the pages of Brides Magazine, Elegant Bride, Grace Ormond Wedding Style (Hot Picks), Modern Bride, The Knot, and many more. 

It was incredible to work with her and see her accessories up close and in person - they are absolutely beautiful and are a testament to Liv's attention to detail. 

For now, here is a sneak peek of two images from the shoot.  The rest will be released in mid-October after the designs are introduced at market in New York!

Many, many thanks to the talented Aleksandra Ulanowicz of Ronnie Elias Salon for styling our model's many looks throughout the day.

Featuring an Enchated Atelier French veil and a beautiful beaded handbag by Laura Lee Designs.  Laura Lee Designs is the handbag sponsor for Miss District of Columbia's Stephanie Williams.

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Luxurious treats? Yes, please!

One of the perks of my recent photoshoot for Enchanted Atelier was that I went home with some oh-so-delicious macarons and melt-in-your mouth chocolates.  Macaron Cafe very kindly sent a variety of macarons for the shoot, and MarieBelle also provided their handmade chocolate ganache in beautiful party favor boxes.  Would anyone like to have another photoshoot?  I've eaten all my goodies already. 

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I'm In Love...

...with a new lens.  I rented the Canon 85mm 1.2L II for shooting tonight's rehearsal dinner.  I practiced with this beauty in the dimly lit kitchen last night, and it's incredible.  This is why I love prime lenses.  One day, I WILL buy one!  But for now, I'll be renting it for every wedding.  :)

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WPPI DC Road Show

I headed to Maryland on Sunday evening to meet up with friends for dinner before the WPPI Road Show yesterday.  I was so excited to see Kristy Dickerson again.  I missed her.  Like, band camp missed her.  I met Kristy at Jasmine Star's Workshop this past February.  We bonded over a disastrous non-meetup in Newport Beach and I introduced her to Thai food late that night when we finally found each other.  The next morning we drove all over creation looking for a Starbucks (I mean, who CAN'T find a Starbucks on every corner?!...us, apparently), and were thrilled to finally sit down outdoors with a cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful west coast weather.  Kristy confided in me about the new company she was starting which would connect photographers with workshops in a one-stop shop.  I thought it was a brilliant idea, and I have loved watching her grow FisheyeConnect throughout these past several months.  She has been touring and exhibiting with the WPPI road show, so when she came to the DC area, I was beyond thrilled to catch up with her.

It was also wonderful to hang out with Melissa Manzione outside of shooting an event.  Melissa has graciously let me shoot two weddings with her, and while I love working with her, unfortunately we never have the time to socialize.  I also met tons of other photographers that night and the next day - all so friendly and so nice!

Yesterday's speaking schedule was lined with amazing individuals:  Jared Bauman, Clay Blackmore, Lindsay Adler, and, of course, the ever-fab Jasmine Star.  No matter how many times I've seen and heard Jasmine speak - even when it's the same presentation - she is always an inspiration.  She's passionate, compassionate, sweet, caring, and a testament that anything is possible through hard work and determination.  I honestly can't tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of this amazing community of photographers. 

Kristy talking with Lindsay Adler...

And because he was such an integral part of Kristy, Melissa and me staying up WAY past our bed times, here's a tribute to Rob Ninja-Nicholson, founder of Photog Shootout:

(No, I have no idea what he's looking at.)

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NASCAR Weekend at Richmond International Raceway

When Chris first asked if I was interested in going to a NASCAR race - no, NASCAR weekend - with his friends, my immediate response was, "No.  No way."  Then he explained that it really was a lot of fun, and the best part of the whole thing is the tailgating, and he didn't even plan on actually going into the race.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have been anti-NASCAR since I knew it existed.  "This left turn, brought to you by Skoal," echoed in my head.  But after I found out some of the wives were going, I thought about it, then changed my mind.  It could be fun, just to hang out with friends.

What did I think?  It was So. Much. Fun!  Friday night we played cornhole at the hotel, boards provided courtesy of The Westin.  Later in the night some friends moved on to play Wii in the lounge area.  I loved this hotel!

Saturday morning, our 16-person, 4-vehicle convoy rolled into the Richmond International Raceway parking lot, and we set up our tailgate 2 tents deep, complete with a flat screen TV to watch football during the day.  Chris told me I needed to pick a driver to root for (because it makes the race much more fun), so we headed to Midway to find a t-shirt for me.  I had no idea who any of the drivers were, so I decided to pick the shirt I liked best and that would be my team.  (It's all very scientific.)  From then on, I was team Tony Stewart.

The team/driver enthusiasm was amazing.  Random strangers, passing by, throwing a fist up in the air and screaming, "Go 14!" when they agreed with the driver I was representing.  It was so infectious, I found myself doing the same thing.  Except, it was with one of our tailgate neighbors.  After I gave him the approving, "Yeah, nice visor!" comment, he went on for several minutes about why he roots for Stewart, and not other drivers.  And I nodded in agreement the whole time.  And I had no idea what he was talking about.  And I still had no idea who Tony Stewart was.  But I think I played it off (by not saying anything), and he didn't suspect a thing.  Either that or he thought I turned into a mute.

Chris and I hung back at the tailgate with a few others while those with tickets left to watch the race.  But just before the race started, two scalpers came by, and I convinced Chris to buy 2 tickets for $20.  We looked at the tickets on our way to the gate - we had an $80 ticket in Turn 1, and a $40 ticket in a section halfway across the stadium.  Um.  Yeah.  But we lucked out and there was an empty seat next to our ticketed seat in Turn 1.  The deafening roar of the engines and the speed of the cars is an experience unmatched by watching the race on TV.  Or so I'm told, since I've never watched a race on TV.  I honestly have to say that it was a great time, and I'm so glad I went! 

Go, Tony Stewart!

Chris in our hotel lobby this morning, sporting his new Tony Stewart cap...

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JVS Speedlites Workshop

Flash.  Off-camera lighting.  I love learning about these aspects of photography.  I feel like anyone can pick up a camera and learn the mechanics of ISO, shutter speed and aperture in relation to ambient light.  But introduce off camera flash and modifiers and I turn into a head-spinning cartoon character.  Zack Arias' OneLight workshop gave me the foundation of lighting knowledge (can you say "Inverse-square law?"), but the JVS Speedlites Workshop slowed the head-spinning and allowed me to work on fine-tuning my skills and knowledge.

Joseph showing us how to use the Bruce Dorn Strip Bank...

...the beauty dish...

It's incredibly liberating to create your own light, rather than having to find it. All of these images were SOOC.  Camera settings:  200iso, 200 shutter, 4.0 to 5.0 aperture.

Jen Lowe was my fabulous lighting partner and subject.  Practicing using an umbrella as a reflector...

Jill Myers, working it for the camera!  Beauty dish...

Shoot-through umbrella...

Holy.  Smokes.  The first time I've seen a parabolic umbrella in real life!  (As opposed to head-spinning cartoon life, naturally.)

Speedlite with grid (I love this dramatic lighting!)...

A huge thanks to Love Life Images for hosting the workshop in their amazing Savage, MD studio! Pin It

Ceresville Mansion Wedding: Pam & Justin

Pam had a stalker on her wedding day.  And this person was paid to do it.  It might have been creepy, except it's one of the perks of getting married at Ceresville Mansion.  I loved it, and thought it was a fantastic idea.  I mean, who doesn't want to be pampered on their big day?  The bride's stalker made sure Pam had an array of food (cheese platter, fruit platter, and hot appetizers!) to nibble on as she got ready, as well as water, drinks and ice to keep her refreshed before the ceremony.  I could have spent the entire evening upstairs in the mansion and been perfectly content!  Oh, but, it wasn't about me!

The wedding was intimate - filled with their closest family and friends.  Pam opted to walk down the aisle unaccompanied, and drank in the sight of all the guests who watched her radiant approach.  She then locked eyes with her future husband, and her gaze was inseparable from his for the rest of the evening.  And if the love and affection they displayed for each other throughout the evening is any indication, they will be joyously stalking one another for the rest of their lives together.

I loved all the purple hues in Pam's bouquet.

Carla Ligon-Miller did a beautiful job on Pam's hair and make-up.

Wooooork iiiiiit...

Pam and Justin opted for a first look.  I *love* when couples choose to do this!  Many think that a first look takes away from the moment of first seeing your future wife or husband during the ceremony, but those who do a first look are able to experience the same joy and excitement, and even enjoy the ceremony that much more.  It also gives a couple more time to get the photos they want on their special day.

The glowing bride.

I absolutely loved this lily pond...

Pam and Justin, thank you for allowing me to share in your special day with you. I wish you much love and laughter as you begin your lives together!

Also, a huge thanks to my west coast friend Ashleigh, of Ashleigh Taylor Photography, for allowing me to shoot along side you for the day. I loved seeing you and spending time with you again! Pin It