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Malibu Elopement: Liz + Jamison

Wednesday, October, 17, 2012 at 6:00 am

Oh how I love sweet + simple elopements! So romantic – and Liz + Jamison’s elopement totally fits that bill. While eloping might not be for everyone, I love their reasons behind why they choose to elope…

For us there were several reasons to elope. It was an extremely romantic and exciting experience. We planned on eloping for several months but only discussed it one night a week, on Tuesday nights, which we used as a set “date night.” On these nights we would get dressed up and go out for dinner, or maybe stay in and have a candle-lit dinner during which we would share each of our ideas and research for the week. Since we decided to not tell anyone, this became a very romantic and private experience. Jamison and I were both fully involved in each and every detail of our wedding and honeymoon. I’m smiling as I recall those evenings. Another reason is that we saw all the extra stress that goes into weddings and we didn’t want that for ourselves. We saw weddings becoming more about the party, the dresses, the venue and the guest list, and so many people become involved in something that should truly be about a life-long commitment between two people. Also, we are from two separate states and we would be asking so many people to travel if we had a formal wedding.

Finally, we remember hearing stories of our grandparents’ weddings. In each story it was only the two of them, sharing vows that lasted for 40-60+ years. Neither of us needed a big affair to show the world our love, we simply wanted to spend the day together, exchange vows, and start our lives together. It was perfect for us. You often hear brides and grooms say they “had no time to eat” or “never saw each other” or “were totally exhausted” after their wedding day, but we got to spend the entire day together. We definitely ate. And, I actually got to hang out with my new husband All Day Long! That is exactly what we wanted.

Thanks so much to The Why We Love for the gorgeous photos and Super 8 film!

After discussing this with Jamison, neither of us could come up with one moment, but rather a feeling of calm. We woke up, went for a run, had breakfast by the water, walked to a market to pick up food for our post-nuptial picnic, hung out on the beach until we went to lunch, and then we started getting ready together. We felt very calm and happy. I guess we had anticipated that we may be a little nervous or something, but we both felt overwhelmingly peaceful. The day had the most surreal feeling of perfection. It felt like it was a day written for a movie. It was the most perfect day of our lives.

We currently live in Arkansas and wanted to elope somewhere in wine country, but when we found The Why We Love photographers (from this magical elopement post on GWS!) we immediately scratched that idea and decided to marry in Malibu, site unseen. Danielle and Kevin (of The Why We Love) recommended Malibu and we trusted them. We planned our honeymoon and elopement together. We did a road trip up the West coast on Highway 1. We flew into LA, married in Malibu, and made our way up to Seattle over the course of two weeks. It was a blast.

And their Super 8 Film captured by The Why We Love also!

Eloping was the best decision we ever made. We had a reception a few weeks after we married, and though it was tons of fun, the weekend involved meeting a bunch of people, setting up tables etc, and hosting a big party. It was fun, but when Jamison and I would actually get a moment to see each other, we would say " Oh my, aren't you so happy this isn't our real wedding weekend?!? Eloping was the best decision we ever made!" We say that because we were constantly tired, constantly around people, and we never got a moment alone, which is how I hear a lot of weddings are. We showed a little film at our reception to show everyone our wedding and honeymoon photos. It all seemed to work out very well, and it was a great way to share our experience with our loved ones.

But, here is some advice for those planning to elope:

1. Think of others & document! Even though we wanted our wedding to be as intimate as possible we always kept our family and friends in mind because they are so important to us and we wanted to share everything with them. That is why we wanted to work with Kevin and Danielle Snelson of The Why We Love photography. It was very important for us to have not only great photography but to also have excellent cinema to capture the day so we could share our day with everyone upon our return. We also told our parents the day before we left for California so they felt included, and we luckily have awesome parents who were excited for us and supportive. My dad was so excited I wasn't asking him to pay for a big wedding! Otherwise, we sent announcements out after our elopement with invitations to an informal reception.

2. Plan Ahead. Unless you are eloping in Vegas, you need to check marriage license rules to be prepared for your big day.

3. One tiny regret I have, in retrospect, is not planning to have my flowers dried. I had the most beautiful little bouquet, and I never even thought about preserving it. If you are eloping you can locate a business near your destination that will dry your bouquet and ship it back to you. Oh well.

vendors: photography: The Why We Love // venue: We married in a canyon in Malibu, CA. Solstice Canyon // floral design: Julianne deSilva // wedding dress: Rebecca Schoneveld Cheek // shoes: RAS, purchased from Trashy Diva New Orleans Boutique // hair + makeup: done by bride with MAC products and Cover Girl Long Last Lipcolor // groom suit: Vest, Tie, Shirt from JCrew; Shoes from Hudson; Pants from Calvin Klein

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Love Conquers All: A Romeo & Juliet Inspired Shoot

Tuesday, October, 16, 2012 at 11:15 am

As one of the greatest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet has been the inspiration for many songs, movies, and other art pieces throughout the years. However, the 1996 version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes often stands out as one of the most beautiful renditions for its blend of modern and classic, with an amazing graphic quality and the juxtaposition of bold modern scenery with this classic story of true love. It was these qualities that inspired Miranda of Sugar(ed) Occasions to dream up a wedding based on the innocence and passion of young love in a strikingly contemporary setting.

A bit behind the shoot from Miranda: I began to imagine a wedding inspired by the qualities and the innocence and passion that accompany first love. I immediately thought of the Wynwood arts district in Miami as the perfect setting. The bold red and black mural by the artist Shephard Fairey created a modern counterpoint to the softer romantic elements I envisioned and helped inspire the color palette. I loved the idea of using a long, reclaimed wood table and I thought that an interesting idea for the tablescape would be to create a living installation to symbolize the growth of fresh, new love. I built a series of containers that I planted with an assortment of ferns, orchids and greenery to create a live centerpiece (a great eco-friendly idea as well, since you can keep them long after your wedding.) It was never the intention to be overt with Romeo and Juliet references, but I believe we were able to capture the passion, innocence and ferocity that make the story a classic.

I love the bride’s stunning dresses, the custom ribbon with the phrase “A Legendary Love” carried throughout, and the amazing graphic backdrop by one of my favorites artists – Shephard Fairey! Thanks so much to Becca Borge for the gorgeous photos + inspiration today…

The invitation suite was an original piece by Makewells, who used watercolor and ink to create beautiful modern calligraphy in a style that felt both classic and contemporary.

Romantic candlelight (with wine bottles as candle holders) softened the mood and flickered in the twilight.

The place settings were a mix of antique gold flatware, modern organic plates and bold black and white printed napkins. Each place setting was personalized with a brightly colored tropical leaf and a frayed red ribbon printed with the words, “A Legendary Love,” a subtle hint at the Romeo and Juliet theme. We also incorporated the word “Legendary” as a ceremony backdrop in bold red letters. The typography theme was continued with the ring bowl from Paloma’s Nest, which included the words “Amor Vincit Omnia” or “Love Conquers All”, in Latin.

The cake was an easy DIY piece, meant to look both bold and delicate. The petite, simply frosted cake was topped with a cluster of golden spikes, giving a bit of edge to the sweetness. The toppers were constructed of bamboo skewers, painted gold and topped with gold jewelry notions (the type you find in the jewelry making section of the craft store.)

Thanks so much to all these creative artists for sharing their talents with us today! Perfect Romeo & Juliet inspiration…

photography: Becca Borge // event styling + floral design: Sugar(ed) Event Design and Planning // paper goods: Makewells // custom ribbon: The Lonely Heart // ring bowl: Paloma’s Nest // hair, makeup + fashion styling: HotPink Style // rentals: Unearthed Vintage // venue: Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Kitchen, background mural by Shephard Fairey // nude dress: Dessy Collection at Unique Bridal and Boutique // sequined shawl: K.Hendrix at Hello I’m Fabulous // vintage lace dress from The Hot Pink Showroom // models: Eric Gzimalowski and Natalie Jemini

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Posted In: Inspiration // Movie Inspiration // Styled Photoshoots // Miami Comments: 7

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A Surprise Vow Renewal

Tuesday, October, 16, 2012 at 6:00 am

I’ve always thought a vow renewal was so incredibly romantic and this story from Athena just confirms my belief! :) A little backstory from Athena on why she planned a surprise vow renewal:

My husband and I were married eight years ago, in a nondescript location completely devoid of any personal touches or style, not to mention charm. The photos from the event are equally as lackluster and could easily be confused for prom photos, and I was sick of having those as the only visual photographic proof of my husband and I together. As a couple.

As a photographer myself, I’ve come to understand the importance of documenting life – of capturing it and preserving it as often and as beautifully as possible. I’ve been asking my husband Darrell for a vow renewal for awhile. Always the practical one, he didn’t see the need for such an event, or costly expenditure, just so we could have amazing “wedding” photos. “Vow renewals are for people who have been married 25 years,” he’d say. “Not for people like us. I love you, but you’ll have to wait.” I called shenanigans on that.

I didn’t want to wait. I didn’t want to sit around and wait for life to happen before we could celebrate it. So I planned a suprise re-wedding. Just the two of us – some woods, a few amazing + beautiful + creative details – and our two daughters. It took a few months, a lot of secrets, and if I’m being honest, some outright LYING to pull it off, but every last bit of it was worth it. To have my husband standing in front of me – on the eleventh anniversary of the day we officially became a couple – as I told him how I’d marry him all over again, every single day – was one of the most moving and magnificent and perfect moments of my life. To finally be able to tell him – in actions and in words – how much he means to me, and how much better my life is because he is in it, was truly a gift. To both of us.

Big thanks to Clayton Austin for the gorgeous photos + Derrek Sullivan with Sullivan Films for the film!

On why I chose Clayton Austin: The second I saw Clayton’s work I fell in love – but not just because of his beautifully imagery. I fell in love because his work made me feel something. I knew that the soul of the man creating these images was remarkable. That the artist behind the art was more than just a man with a camera and a dream. Clayton has a remarkable ability to allow love to flow openly and freely around him. As a photographer myself, I understand the importance of making your clients feel at ease, but Clayton goes beyond simply making people comfortable. Shooting with him was relaxed and real. Natural. Warm. At times I forgot he was even there and simply closed my eyes and reveled in the moments I was sharing with my husband. With our friends and family. When it came time to choose a photographer, Clayton was at the top of my list, and I’m forever grateful that he was with us to document such a special day the way only a hopeless romantic (and extraordinary artist) could.

I’m so glad I didn’t overlook cinematography. I met Derrek Sullivan with Sullivan Films at a photography workshop and we became instant friends. When I found out he was a videographer, or as he quickly and kindly informed me, a cinematographer, I assumed he shot video of a wedding day and put it on a disc. Boring. Traditional. Standard. That was all I knew about what wedding video was at the time. But then I saw his work. He makes magic with film. Moving images that capture exact emotion and elicit and visceral response in those who watch his footage.

As a parent, I wanted to be sure my daughters were included in the vow renewal, and as a photographer I knew that still photos wouldn’t capture them wholly. That frozen images wouldn’t be able to completely encompass their vibrant personalities. Their smiles. The light in their eyes as they chase laughter and run with wild abandon. I knew I wanted to capture them, and this day on video, and I thought instantly of Derrek. There was never another choice.

photography: Clayton Austin // styling: Athena Pelton (bride) // floral: Jen Frisbie-Link, Inspire Inc. // cake: Rachel Wille of Queen of Cakes // carved antler pieces (hair comb and boutonierre): JC McCairn // herkimer diamond ring: Theresa Cowan of Mineralogy Design // vintage rentals: Antique Door Vintage Rentals // groom’s attire: J.Crew // bride’s dress: Free People // bride’s shoes: Steve Madden // hair: Jennifer: Guys and Dolls Salon // makeup: Brynn Andre