THE BRIDE'S CAFE

Mandy Lynne Photography

Check out the gorgeous work of Mandy Lynne Photography at the cafe today and enter to win one of her gorgeous prints....check it all out here!

Bridal Portrait Session with Joy Thigpen

I thought it would be fun to do a feature on "Bridal Portrait Sessions" and after checking out the gorgeous images of Joy Thigpen and bride Kathleen...well, I just had to share it with you...Kathleen is GORGEOUS  and you can tell that she had so much fun at the shoot....Joy told me that the photo shoot took place eight months after Kathleen & Stephen's wedding...and on the day of the shoot, Stephen came home from a job interview and since he was looking so handsome, they talked him into getting in a few shots....let's check it out....Enjoy!

Joy shares a few tips with us......"If you are lucky enough to get to do a bridal portrait session before or after the wedding day, it can be a lot of fun.  Without the pressure or time constraints of the wedding day, you can have a really nice, relaxed shoot.  My very best tip is to start with a  glass of wine if the bride is up for it.  Most people aren't used to having their picture taken and this can go along way to help a bride relax and be herself.  Although, you'll probably want to make it a white wine if she's wearing her dress! 

I tend to relate to most brides as a photographer, yes, but also as a good friend.  In this  case, Kathleen is a close friend already so it was easy, but usually, I find brides are happy and open to relating to me in this way.  It wasn't that long ago that I was in their shoes and I find it helpful to tap into how their feeling.  I am also sensitive to the bride's personality and how she seems to be presenting herself to the camera....I try to work with that and as a photographer capture that in the most attractive way I see.  For me it's all about seeing the beauty that is before me."

Isn't Kathleen GORGEOUS....such pretty eyes!

Our handsome groom....Stephen!

Joy, thanks SO much for stopping by the cafe today and sharing all of the beautiful images with us and your "tips".....as always, your work is "picture perfect".......and thanks to Kathleen & Stephen.....we wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Must Have Shots!

It' s no secret how much I LOVE great photography....and I'm fortunate to have so many incredibly talented and wonderful photographers share their work with us at TBC.....so today I thought I would share with you some of the "Must Have Shots" that you may want to make sure your photographer "snaps" for you on your special day...AND... leave a comment letting me know who was or will be the photographer for your special day...there maybe a little surprise for one lucky TBC reader......Thanks Guys!

Deciding to have your portraits taken before the ceremony is a great idea...it gives the photographer the opportunity to really capture the reaction of the first time you are seeing each other....image courtesy of  Alisha Hurt!

Having your photographer take photos of the pre-reception table decor...as seen in these three images is a must!...Unless you have the opportunity to see the reception untouched, this will be your only chance to see all of the hard work that went into the planning of your reception....image courtesy of  Laura Novak!

Image courtesy of Jose Villa!

Image courtesy of Elizabeth Messina!

Flowers truly make your day so very special...I couldn't imagine a wedding without them....so having a photo of your bouquet and an image of the groom's bout is truly a must....so very beautiful...images courtesy of Mi Belle Inc Wedding Photography!

A great shot of your wedding dress is so very special...just imagine that you will be sharing this image with your grandchildren one day and showing them what you wore on your special day...so make sure that you find a special place to hang your gown for this shot...this bride hung her gown on the door in the bedroom and I love how Fred captured it with the black and white shot....image courtesy of  Fred Eagan!

Another way to capture the "dress shot" is by hanging it where there will be lots of light...I'm sure there is a special place where you can hang your dress for this shot,  so give it some thought before the big day....image courtesy of Laura Novak!

And while we are on the "dress shot"....make sure you ask your photographer to take a photo showing the back of your gown...so many times we miss out on what the back of the dress looks like...image courtesy of  Elizabeth Messina!

Now another way to get the back view of your dress is to have your photographer take a shot of you two from behind...Tec captured a great shot of this couple walking away and the scenery is great...image courtesy of  Tec Petaja!

Now that we have covered the dress...you have to have a shot of the shoes...gorgeous shoe images courtesy of Marie Labbancz!

Now how fun is the group shot....such a special way to get everyone together....image courtesy of Leigh Taylor of SugarLove Weddings!

And a group shot of the bridal party and see how fun they made it by adding the bicycle..image courtesy of  Jenna Walker!

The shot of the two of you entering your reception is also a must have...images courtesy of Meg Smith and......

continuing on to the first dance!

I had to include this image of the guest partying at the reception...this will surely let everyone know how much fun your celebration was and how much your guest enjoyed themselves...image courtesy of Fred Eagan!

I love the fun shot with the guys' socks..so much fun to see.......image courtesy of  Jonathan Canlas and....

with the sneakers...truly must have shots...image courtesy of Beth Beljon!

This shot was taken from above to capture the total view of the ceremony...image courtesy of Florence McCall!

And you have to have the "oh how cute is that shot"...a shot where you are just "in the moment" and having fun...image courtesy of Gertrude and Mabel Photography!

I "Heart" Eleise Theuer

Eleise Theuer is one of my favorite photographers to work with...we'll be working on two weddings together in a few weeks and we will be doing a photo shoot soon of some of my new floral designs...I am so excited and I can't wait to see the "magic" that Eleise makes, she's AWESOME....we always have such a great time and she keeps me laughing....so today I wanted to feature a few of "my favorite" images taken by Eleise.....make sure you check out her site...lots of GORGEOUS eye candy for you to see...I'll see you soon Eleise!

   

And now for the winners...yes winners of the J.Crew gift certificate....I just couldn't pick one winner ...the response was awesome and thanks to all of you for leaving such fun comments...so I decided to pick two winners...and they are:

PeachBerry...who said...."The first outfit is definitely me! My sis and besties call me the "Cardi Queen". I'm always freezing cold so I have been known to pull a cardi out of my purse at the drop of a hat. And I love, love, love loose fitting tops with the floral embellishments! I bought a similar dress just this summer!"

And... Nelle...who said...."I am going to have to go with photo #1! The lime colored cardigan. I am such a fan of funky blazers and coats, but the plush sweater over the flowing blouse with jeans is perfect for a dressed up/down weekend casual look!"

Congrats to you both...please email me at janie @ jmflora dot com and leave me your mailing information...and no worries guys...we will have more great giveaways coming up soon!

Elizabeth Messina: 2008 Trendsetter

Today is "Elizabeth Messina Day" at TBC....Elizabeth's work is simply amazing and flawless!  Whenever she calls me to let me know she's going to send me the images from one of her weddings...I have to do "my happy dance"...it's always a joy to feature her at TBC....not only is she fabulous behind the camera....Elizabeth is a beautiful lady...inside and out!  Well, today I want to acknowledge Elizabeth being selected as one of the Top 25 Trendsetters of 2008 by Brides Magazine.  Congrats to you Elizabeth...you truly deserve this honor and I know all my fellow "bloggers" join me in saying congratulations....I'm pretty sure your work has been featured on all of the wonderful wedding blogs and we all thank you!  I asked Elizabeth to send me a "mix" of her beautiful images to share with you...and they are all "picture perfect".....Enjoy!

I had to include the "famous red shoes"....one of my favorite images!....Congrats Elizabeth...YOU ARE FABULOUS...xoxo!

Elizabeth Messina: Part II

As promised, Part II of Elizabeth Messina's Celebration Day!  If you are just joining us, please check out Part I of Elizabeth's feature....TBC is celebrating Elizabeth being selected as one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World, by America Photo Magazine.  This is Part II of Elizabeth's beautiful Santa Barbara wedding....Enjoy!

I love Elizabeth's black and white images....they have the "vintage" look and feel!

The House of Blues Gospel Choir sung during and after the ceremony...how awesome is that!

Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by and the images are oh-so-beautiful.....as usual....you told the couple's story in each photograph....congrats to you...you truly deserve the recognition!

 

Elizabeth Messina - "Top Ten"

Happy Monday Guys...Today's post is a celebration feature for the oh-so-fabulous Elizabeth Messina.  Elizabeth was just named one of The Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World by American Photo Magazine.....Also on the list is the amazing Jose Villa!  Jose has stopped by TBC to visit and will be returning soon...and congrats to the other eight wonderful photographers...you all are outstanding!!!

Elizabeth...we all are so happy for you and so excited.  Your work is amazing and such an inspiration to us....every images tells a story and today we celebrate YOU!!  Guys, Elizabeth sent me a beautiful wedding that she shot in Santa Barbara to share with you today...let's begin with Part I.......Enjoy!!

Our beautiful couple!

I love the detail work on the dress..so beautiful!

 

An up-close view of the veil....love it!

The gardenia...such an elegant flower...a gorgeous bouquet!

A little something blue!

I love the gardenia in her hair....very pretty detail!

Such yummy and vibrant colors!

And off they go to the venue....check back later for Part II!

Thanks Elizabeth....we always love to see you at TBC!

 

Ulrica Wihlborg Photography

Hi Guys...last week I featured the beautiful wedding of Ulrica and Craig, remember the gorgeous bride from Sweden....well to my surprise, Ulrica is an amazing photographer.  Check out her beautiful site, Axel & Moa Photography, named after her son Axel and Moa, her favorite Swedish author.  Ulrica tells me that her passion is capturing the images of babies and children and guys....you are going to fall in love with her "lifestyle" images.  Well, I wanted to share Ulrica's "passion" with you today....her images will truly put a smile on your face and warm your heart....Enjoy!

Say hello to Axel....Ulrica & Craig's little boy...isn't he the cutest.....I adore this photo...priceless!

The cutest little feet!

Check out the hat.....little "GQ"!

Ulrica your images are wonderful....you truly capture the meaning of "life" in your beautiful images.  Thanks for stopping by the cafe today....have a great weekend everyone and TBC is having a new giveaway next week....get ready!

Chenin Boutwell Photography

Happy Friday Guys!!  I thought I would end the week with a beautiful wedding sent to me by my wonderful and amazingly talented friend Chenin of  Boutwell Studio.  I am happy to say that Chenin has visited the cafe before and I absolutely love it when she comes by.  Her work is truly beautiful and she always tells  the couple's wedding story in her images.  Please check out her awesome site to see more of her gorgeous work....Enjoy!

Guys, I love this wedding, you can truly see the love between the couple in the images.

Fabulous shoes!

Classic bouquet of beautiful roses...very elegant!

The girl's dresses are beautiful...love the chocolate!

Check out the handsome gents!

Great shot Chenin!

Guys check out all the details....favors, signature drink, flowers.....all so perfect!

Thanks for stopping by Chenin and sharing your beautiful images with us today....have a great weekend everyone!!

Elizabeth Messina Photography

Welcome back to Part II of our wedding feature today!  I could not have wedding week without featuring my friend, Elizabeth Messina.  Elizabeth is no stranger to TBC and her work is just so beautiful....every image has its own story to tell and of course I love sharing these stories with all of you!  The wedding you are about to see is oh-so-charming, very intimate,  and totally romantic.  The wedding took place at the gorgeous Hotel Bel-Air.......Enjoy!

Our happy and beautiful couple!

What a gorgeous dress!

Love the shoes and great shot Elizabeth!

She is so BEAUTIFUL...I love Elizabeth's black and white images!

Beautiful floral designed by Mark's Garden!

Thanks Elizabeth for sharing all the beautiful images with us today.....your work is AMAZING!