Vendor Spotlight: Gray Photography

Wow- this post has been a long time coming. I've written and re-written it over and over, trying to find the right words to use. Essentially, Mr. SE and I had a falling out with our initial photographers, one that has carried on for over 9 months now. It's something that no bride should have to deal with, and I hope none of you incur this same type of situation during what should be the happiest months of your life together. But being the optomist that he is, Mr. SE has encouraged me to take our lemons and make some great lemonade.

We decided to take a deeper look at the people who would be involved in our wedding, especially our photographers. They play a big part in capturing the emotions and actions on the day we commit to spend the rest of our lives together. I received some great advice from my planner, and took it to heart. And who else should do that besides the best photographers in Nashville (and maybe even the country)?

So now, Mr. SE and I are very honored to introduce you to our fabulous photographers, Zach and Jody Gray. After lots of praying and hard thinking, we feel like they were placed in our lives by something bigger than ourselves. And we couldn't be happier! If you've interacted with the Gray's before, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. They have such a warm and calming spirit, and it's really a blessing to have them in our lives and involved in our wedding.

ps. Head over to their blog to see the rest of our engagement shoot. We'll get a special gift if we reach 50 comments, so help me out and leave one too.

Something Blue

My lovely friend Cat sent these photos my way. It completely articulates the vision I have for our wedding day . Le sigh.

Images from Clary Photo. Check out the blog post for this wedding; I guarantee you'll swoon.

Engagement Shoot

Today we'll be having our engagement shoot with the wonderful Jonathon Campbell. We're going to start in Franklin and take some rural pictures, then we'll move to downtown for sunset. If you follow me on twitter, you know I've been wigging out about my outfit. So here's what I've decided to wear (this is going to be a picture heavy post).

This sweater with jeans & cowboy boots....Because it is November, even if it's 70 degrees.
And this dress.....love the empire waist and sassy little hemline with these shoes (I'm in the yellow, making an huge effort to catch the bouquet)....
I can't wait to see how our shoot works out. I'm sure Jonathon and Sharon will rock it!

Engagement Pictures: Getting Ideas

{i forgot where i found this. if you know, tell me. i'd like to give credit where it's due}

Mr. SE and I are excited to do our engagement shoot! We have about a jillion pictures of us on my laptop, but their mostly extremely skilled one-armed self portraits. You know the ones- someone's face is half cut off (normally his). When given the opportunity, we jumped at the chance to get engagement pictures. What a great time to do it- we're recently engaged, still basking in the glow of love (barf), and the leaves are about to get really pretty! I'm not sure where I originally found this picture- but I love it! We'll definitely have to try something like this. Did you use any inspiration when preparing for your engagement or bridal shoots? I'd love to hear from past/current brides on this one!

Meet My Princess: Part II

{our contest entry}

This is my Westie, Duffie, and she's my princess. I've been her proud Mama since April 2007. When's her birthday, you ask? Valentine's Day of course! She's such a looker, and I'm pretty sure she knows it.

I swear there's a point to this...I entered her in a Twitter contest! There's an amazing dog artist, aptly named Dog Arteest that's hosting a monthly contest to win a free portrait of your pup. Aimee is so talented- her paintings are out of control. I WANT ONE SO BAD. What's better? She does them in 140. The winner is picked by Aimee, so please wish us luck!

Along with monthly contests, Aimee does commission work too. These paintings are more labor intensive, taking up to 30 hours! Here's some images from her recent commissions. Check out Aimee's site for more of her work.

Are you kidding me? How awesome is that Schnauzer?!?

Look at that face!

portraits are from www.aimeehoover.com

Max Wagner Engagement Shoot

I love this grouping of pictures from an engagement shoot by the talented Max Wagner. He really captured their candid emotions.

Getting Pretty for the Mr

I'm not sure whether or not I'll do boudoir pics. What about doing boudoir-esque shots while getting dressed for the big day? These are classy and romantic. I love it! Did you do a boudoir shot? If not, are you planning on doing one for an anniversary?

Email me if you know where this picture is from, I'd like to give credit.

Obsessed

{Picture from here}

This cold is really getting to me, and I should be heading to bed- BUT there's a photographer I just found on SMP that has literally floored me. Her name is Kelty and the company's called Steep Street (San Fran). Seriously- these pictures are a.maz.ing. I maybe just looked through 25 different post and fell in love with every image. Maybe if I beg her she'll come to TN and shoot Mr. SE and I....

There's no website yet, but check out the blog. I promise you won't be dissapointed! For now it's me, Duffie, and some Nyquil. See you tomorrow lovelies!

Brides and Their Furry Friends

{Picture by Feather Love Photography}

That's a big dog! One of my favorite ways couples incorporate themselves into photographs is to have their furry friends present at the engagement shoot! Mr. SE and I are already planning on having our little bundle of fur make her way into our e-shoot.

The idea of dogs participating in the wedding is still catching on, but what do you think about bringing Fido to your engagement shoot?

Real Weddings

Don't forget to VOTE for Mr. SE and I in The Photographix photo contest! Follow the link (in VOTE) and leave a comment voting for #4! Thanks to all of you that have voted already. Please tell your friends to vote too!



Picture 1: Joe Mikos Photographers
Picture 2: Claire Barrett
Picture 3:I can't remember. Comment if you know this one
Picture 4: Mary Jane Photography
Here's some couple shots that I've been meaning to post. I love how they're all in a world of their own. Enjoy!

Nashville Photographers

Photo from Dove Photography
Being from the Washington, DC area I'd always figured that's where I would be married. However, once I came down to college in North Carolina I was hooked on southern culture. Before the Nashville news, I figured that Mr. SE and I would be wed in his hometown of Atlanta. The cost of weddings in metro DC is exorbitant- we're talking $8,000 for a venue rental on Saturday. By the way, that's not including any rentals, food, flowers, etc. Just the walls and floor. Holy smokes!

When Mr. SE moved to Nashville, and I started beginning my job search for the area, it became apparent that Tennessee will be *our* new state for at least the next 3-5 years. I like the idea of having our friends and family come experience our nuptials in a place that is completely ours- not particularly belonging to either part of the couple but equally between the two. Not to mention the financial incentive of having a wedding in Nashville is incredibly appealing.

Don't get too excited- I probably still won't be able to afford letterpress. There are some things in Nashville that I didn't expect: the abundance of photographers, and price of makeup/hair. Looking back, I suppose these should have being apparent seeing as the city is such a mecca of artsy folks (which I love to have around!) and HQ of country music (hence expensive hair/makeup services). The photographers in Nashville are amazing!Photo from Dove Photography

I started with the dream team of Arlund, Dove, and Gray. They're Nashville wedding photography royalty- you all know (and love their work). I thought that being a small city, there wouldn't be much to offer in terms of variety with the wedding industry. I've begun to collect all sorts of vendor information over the past year, and now I have over 40 (yes 40!) wedding photographers in the area!