International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers Competition

The ISPWP is a new organization for wedding photographers that recently announced the winners of their Winter 2008 Wedding Photography Contest. I had fun reviewing the results, as I think you might. The organization solicits entries internationally and domestically, and I was introduced to many new names from all over. Always great to see new talent! Here are some of my favorites; credits are on their posting.

GOWN FRIDAY!

So, it's Gown Friday once more. My last. Thanks to Dani who invited me into this marvelous space to share my favorite designer images these four Gown Fridays. It was truly an experience. Look for more of my fashion-related posts here at Weddings Fresh as I look forward to some more guest blogging.

Just look at these gems by Elisabetta Polignano. It's all in getting the silhouette right that's her specialty. Her site has even more chic . . .

Funny Flower Girl Gift

We love finding a good wedding-related gift for a flower girl; they are few and far between. This new book is perfect for the flower girl who can't wait to wear her dress. For more information, please visit the publisher, Tundra Books. The author, Georgia Graham, loosely based the story on her experience as a flower girl. Some things never change!

dreamy blue...

melissa sweet bridesmaid dress
reception hall--instyle weddings
blue dream invitation--ceci new york
vera wang gown
bridal bouquet--martha stewart weddings
table setting--martha stewart weddings
candy cake--rebecca thuss

Chanteuse of the Lettered Word

Jane Labanz of the Delicate Pen brings lettering to an art form. Her work is instantly recognizable for its delicate lines and signature floral embellishments. Often emulated, Jane has made her mark with her distinctive style. She'll be at the Wedding Library this Sunday, March 1, from 12-3pm. She'll be available for consultations and will discuss invitation etiquette from 2-2:30pm. Answers to pressing etiquette questions and advice on topics such as how to submit a proper address list to your calligrapher, how to choose a calligrapher and why use hand lettering will be "addressed".

Please RSVP to Linda@theweddinglibrary.com or call us for a personal appointment with Jane. 212.327.0100

Jack & Emily: TreasureTrove part 2

Couldn't resist sharing more gorgeous images by Natalie Norton of Jack & Emily's catholic ceremony held at St. Timothy.

lime and some pink...

jennifer behr hair accessory
place setting card--instyle weddings
pink flowers & vases--instyle weddings
green limeade--instyle weddings
key lime pie--martha stewart
vineyard collection spring 2009

Tagged again!

Kathy at Divine Occasions has nominated us for a Blog Award.

Here is the lovely text we have to post!

"Thank you for showing us wonderful blog love. I heart you too! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”!

So I too, nominate her back and some more of my favs that I stumble on every day!

Divine Occasions

Ritzy Bee

The Brides Cafe

Brendas Wedding Blog

La Partie Events

Michelle Rago

The Bridal Party

Marley & Lockyer

Photo Shoot from Bride and Bloom Magazine

On one of my daily reads this morning, Brenda's wedding blog, I saw these fabulous images of this beautiful table setting which was inspired by one of Kathryn at Snippet and Ink inspiration boards. This was a photo shoot for the Spring 2009 Bride and Bloom so perhaps a preview! Created by a team of extraordinarily talented people headed up by Maria of Ritzy Bee and Janie of Brides Cafe. To see more visit either of their blogs, wonderful :) Again I notice the lovebird theme is incorporated on top of the cake. Whilst I love this one of my pet hates is the smell of gypsophilia so I would have to replace this with something else or leave it out!

Fabulous New Wedding Style Book

I had to post this, as my sister bought me out this fabulous new wedding inspiration book her company have just launched. It is brimming with style ideas for brides, whether you are planning a traditional wedding or a more contemporary event this book is perfect for inspiration. I was supposed to be in the Stylists section but sadly, and not sure yet why, I was left out :(

Still onwards and upwards and definitely worth a read!

Museum of the City of New York

The Wedding Library is pleased to announce that we have formed a partnership with the Museum of the City of New York as their exclusive booking agent and event planner for weddings. We are delighted to help make one of the most elegant landmark buildings on Fifth Avenue more accessible to brides. Give us a call for a private tour and more information on the available party spaces. Claudia Hanlin: 212.327.0100

As guests enter the Museum from Fifth Avenue, they step into the newly restored marble rotunda, the highlight of the grand Georgian-style building. The front terrace can be tented for ceremonies, cocktails or dinner.View of the partially covered back terrace.The front terrace without a tent -- overlooking Fifth Avenue and across from Central Park's Conservatory Gardens.

A magical interior space. For weddings with seated dinner and dancing, up to 250 guests.The Marble Rotunda, available for dinner, cocktails or an intimate ceremony.

Dining in the Rotunda.

Dining in the galleries.
Photos courtesy of Julie Skarratt and Michael DiVito.

Wedding Photography Unveiled

I just received a copy of this new book by Photo District News Editor Jacqueline Tobin. It features 20 top wedding photographers and is equally insightful for brides and photographers. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon and will be released March 17. Photographers Liz Banfield, Philippe Cheng, Elizabeth Messina and Meg Smith number amongst my favorites and are all included.

creamsicle inspiration part II

raspberry ice cubes--maria mcbride events
purple table setting--brides.com
creamy orange roses--brides.com
wedding invitation--ceci new york
purple tulips--brides.com
orange dress--jcrew
oranges and parasols--instyle weddings
green topiary name card holder--project wedding
purple boutonniere--brides.com

Jack & Emily: Treasure Trove

When Jack and Emily came to me...I immediately fell in love with them and their love for life and among other things, amusement parks! I quickly learned that one of their favorite places to spend time together was Disneyland and that Jack had actually proposed to Emily while at Disneyworld. I also soon learned that Jack's aunt owned a Jamaican restaurant that they had hoped would be able to cater their wedding. So with those two things in mind, a love for Disneyland and Jamaican food...what else could we use as our concept...but a pirates of the Caribbean theme? I knew that it would have to be done just right or it could easily go awry, so we carefully chose elements that would subtly depict the feel while pairing it with a fresh palette of aquas, pinks, red and yellow.

Sea glass in various shades of aquas hinted toward the ocean.





The girls looked lovely in their Watters & Watters gowns
The bride's beautiful bouquet was made up of orchids, calla lillies, roses and snowberries and tuberose by Twigg Botanicals and was pinned with Emily's grandmother's blue jewelry, as her "something blue".



The centerpieces made up of tropicals, dahlias and hydrangea and adorned with Ostrich feathers alluded to a Pirates cap while personalized wine bottles added a touch to the tables.










There was plenty of Jamaican soda and Red Stripe.


The head table was one of my favorite details. I love how there is something so ethereal about this picture.




A customized pink flocked damask backdrop served as a decor element as well as a photo opp. for guests. We of course gave them fun masks to play with and wear.


of course, what would be the Caribbean be without a little buried treasure?
Emily and her mom put together Emily's favorite homemade brownie mix that we personalized and packaged in an old chest with jewels and chocolate gold coins for guests to take on their way home.





Emily sharing a dance with her Dad. This was such an emotional moment for both of them.

This may be one of the funniest sequences I have seen in quite a while..
I love how serious they are really taking this.



Jack and Emily, you are perfect for each other! You have a way of taking care of one another that I just love. It is sweet and genuine and sometimes really funny to see how well you know each other. I know you will hold on to each other forever.

all of the absolutely gorgeous and stunning photography was done by Natalie Norton. I have been dying to get these up...and it was worth the wait Nat! BEAUTIFUL!