I am so excited to shine the vendor spotlight on ZoomWorks Photography this week! You won’t find a classier Southern twosome than Shannah and Marisu! Their zest for life is so refreshing and their talent for capturing life’s most memorable moments immeasurable. I have so enjoyed working with these two and can’t wait for some truly fantastic features from them coming up real soon. It is my absolute pleasure to share more about them and their talent today! Be sure to check out their vendor inspiration board in our Vendor Boutique!

{ZoomWorks Photography} is the vision of two women who, while different in many ways, are alike in all the ways that matter most. They have a passion for creating great photographic art and capturing life’s most memorable moments from families to pets to weddings. They have been lucky to be doing exactly what they love for the last 12 years. They just recently received the 2011 “Best of Wedding” award from The Knot!

{Shannah & Marisu} were introduced more than ten years ago at a party. With decades separating them in age, one with professional photography experience, the other having learned on her own, they were each other’s polar opposite. And yet, the yin and yang of their backgrounds has made for an interesting and perfect fit as business partners and friends. Together, Shannah and Marisu are stronger as artists than either would be alone. They thrive on their differences and similarities that make them the perfect team for capturing your special moments.

“We are innovative women with a healthy sense of humor who love life, living and what we do. We embrace humor inherent in life while honoring the quiet moments and emotional connections between people. We love what we do!”

{Most Frequently Asked Question} The most frequently asked question that Shannah and Marisu receive is really more of a concern. While most everyone loves photographs, many are often anxious about getting in front of the camera (myself included). Couples always ask these two how they handle such situations. They assure their couples that they would never ask them to do anything they are not comfortable with. Any time you are in front of the camera should be fun. And they will help make you as comfortable as possible through any and all stages of the photography session.

{Best Wedding Ever Attended} They’ve had so many over the years, but the one common element in all of them was being in the presence of true love. The day, the details, the money spent simply pales in comparison to it.

{Advice for Couples} Weddings are not dress rehearsals. Choose your vendors carefully with an eye towards their experience level. Knowing that you’ve picked not only talented but experienced vendors to hold down the details of your day allows you to remain in the moment, concentrating solely on being madly, wildly in love.

{Favorite Love Quote} “The heart that loves is always young.” – Greek Proverb

Thank you so much Shannah and Marisu for being a part of Heart Love Weddings! And for sharing your talent with us (Country Boy Meets City Girl Engagement Shoot) and (Rustic Fall Wedding) with more coming soon! You have captured our hearts as well as the hearts of many others with your talent for capturing love and life and the special moments of both combined! xoxo

Love ZoomWorks Photography as much as we do? Leave them some love on this post here or over on their inspiration board! And because there’s so much more to see, be sure to check out their blog! You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook! They provide fashion tips and so much more! **All images property of ZoomWorks Photography**

Inevitably, when one mentions the word wedding, it seems our thoughts go straight to white, satin, ruffles and .. lace! Yes, lace, which comes in white, ecru, ivory, and many other colors including pink, navy and even (oh-so-sexy) black. It’s frilly and flowery and just plain pretty. Lace always seems to be the go-to accessory or detail that can add just the right touch to the wedding dress or every aspect of your special day really. Which is why we’ve created this truly romantic inspiration board today featuring loads of lace and a flare for vintage!

I love all the lace in the handmade wedding dress, completely gorgeous! Notice the cute little lace umbrella? Love. The touches of lace on the invites as well as the napkins for the table setting can be used for any style of wedding. Many think that lace invokes more of a vintage feel (which is what we’ve ultimately gone for here) but you also get a sense of contemporary, rustic and even modern (love the cake!) style from some of the other items in this inspiration board. As you can see, lace can be added just about anywhere and everywhere, and is sure to always be a favorite.

Will you be adding a touch of lace to your wedding day? Tell us how in the comments below!

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo

While I have never actually driven a truck or owned one myself, I definitely have a love for and fascination with trucks – especially old trucks. One could almost say I am a little ADD when it comes to spotting such trucks on photographers sites. I can be scrolling down looking at all the beautiful eye candy and then suddenly – BAM! – there’s a truck and you’ve got my full attention!

Susan Stripling Photography

So what is this fasciation I have with old trucks? Why do I love them so? Let’s make a list…

• The variety – all different shapes and sizes (Haven’t you noticed that so many trucks and cars these days look the same?)
• The different colors from bright, candy apple red to brilliant teals
• The texture – from the rust covered outer shell of a beat up rig to the shiny new paint job of a completely refurbished model
• The style – whether you’re planning a wedding (or styled engagement shoot) that is decidedly retro, vintage, modern, contemporary, rustic or glam, the truck works ‘em all.
• It makes for a great prop! If you’re looking for a fun prop for your engagement, wedding or any other kind of photo shoot, look for an old truck. Hop in and start clicking! Don’t forget to kick up your heels and smooch! ;)

Here are some of my favorite truck shots that do just that!

Simply Savannah Events

Fiore Fresco

Fiore Fresco | Where the Sidewalk Begins

One of my favorites! Because I just love candy apple red. :)

Ben Field Photography

Shannon Kelley Photography via Heart Love Weddings

Curious Sofa | Pinterest

Ben Field Photography

KT Merry‘s Wedding photographed by Jose Villa

Katelyn James Photography

In the Moment Photography by Valerie Koop

I so need an old truck in my front yard just so I can do this and then take a picture of it – wouldn’t it make an awesome Christmas card? And I know Alexandra wants an old truck at her wedding for obvious photographic reasons listed above! ;)

Have I inspired you to have a love of trucks yet?

xoxo

There’s something about a winter wedding that is .. simply magical .. so warm and cozy .. that I love. I have many reasons for why I think so, but that’s another post for another day. One of my favorite things about a winter wedding is the fashion. There are so many options for the winter bride. Today, I’ve rounded up some of my most favorite winter fashion inspirations, plus ideas on what and where to buy them!

Faux fur wraps, capes and boleros … how I love your coziness!

via Shannon Nicole Smith Photography

Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty | via Ashley Maxwell Photography

Cozy ideas from BHLDN!

from BHLDN black fur collar {$240} white fur bolero {$300}

Boots, scarves, mittens and coats … how I love your practical loveliness!

Sloan Photographers via Style Me Pretty | Style Me Pretty

via Emily Steffen

The best winter fashion is both practical and lovely!

from Aerie {$29.50} in rose pink and white

from ModCloth in Black {$179.99} Red {$149.99} Vanilla {$139.99}

Feathers, sparkles and boleros … oh my!

via Shannon Nicole Smith Photography

Bolero options from BHLDN!

from BHLDN ruffles {$150} silk {$180}

For the love of plaid .. when paired with wedding dresses!

via Ciara Richardson Photography

Plaid ideas!

from Hollister red and black {$49.50} red {$49.50}

Last, but not least .. just because they’re cozy and I love them! :)

from BHLDN round toe pumps {$390} knit clutch {$670}

Are you a winter bride? What will you be wearing? Do any of these inspirations or ideas speak to you? Share them and any other ideas you have in the comment section below!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

Got a case of the Monday-after-the-holiday blues? We have just the cure for you with this awesome engagement shoot from Jared Rey Photography! If the super sweet photos in the restaurant or the happy photos in the park don’t do it for you, the shots of these two working out together definitely will!

It was March of 2009. Brian had just started a new job when his manager came into his office one day to chat. The conversation led to his manager pulling out a photo of a girl on a roller coaster in Vegas. The girl had a crazy reddish-orange tint to her hair and was screaming her head off. The girl was the manager’s daughter. (You know where this is going…) She was single and had been asking about the new guy at work. When his manager offered Brian his daughter’s phone number, Brian took it, thinking he would entertain the boss-man by giving his seemingly off-the-wall daughter a call. That night, Brian nervously dialed Leah’s number. They wound up talking for several hours and made plans to meet at his work the following day.

The next day, Brian met his manager and his daughter in the lobby. She looked completely different than the photo he’d seen and was suddenly very intrigued. They decided to go ice skating at the Galleria of Dallas with a quick stop at a Wal-Mart to get Leah some socks to wear. As they were leaving the store, Leah received a call from work asking her to come in and teach an exercise class. She reluctantly agreed which left them only an hour to skate and get to know each other.

By the end of the hour though, neither was ready to see the date end. Leah asked if he wouldn’t mind coming with her to her class. She offered him a free work out pass while he waited. He readily agreed and was happy when the hour passed quickly and they could spend more time together. They had dinner at a local pizzeria and then, because the night was so young, decided to see a movie. After the movie, they walked for a while and even shared their first kiss by a pond at the end of the strip. And because they still weren’t ready to see the night end, rounded out the evening with a game of pool. (Only the best dates never end.)

When it came time to propose, Brian planned for Leah to join him in Seattle, WA (a place she’d always wanted to go) after a business conference. In the weeks leading up to the trip, Brian schemed and planned his perfect proposal.

The day Leah arrived in Seattle, Brian met her at the airport with two cups of Seattle’s Best coffee. After dropping her luggage off at the hotel (and successfully keeping her from seeing the romantic setup inside), he took her on a tour of downtown Seattle. They were so caught up in sight-seeing that they almost missed their dinner reservation at the Space Needle. A very special dinner reservation where the staff was prepared to help Brian execute his proposal.

During dinner, Brian pointed out the restaurant’s signature dessert called the Lunar Orbiter. Leah immediately put in an order for one, unknowingly putting the next phase of Brian’s proposal into motion. He knew, of course.

When the dessert arrived and the dry ice fog had cleared, there sat her engagement ring. It took a moment, but it all finally clicked into place when a bouquet of flowers was laid on the table beside her and Brian asked her to be his wife. Later, on their way up to the balcony level of the Space Needle, a man commented on how beautiful her flowers were. Leah could only raise her left hand and say, “Yes, but not as beautiful as this!” (Aww!)

{Behind the Lens with Jared Rey Photography} Engagement sessions are probably my favorite type of portraits to capture. During these sessions, I make it less about me and my camera and all about the couple and the love they share between them. I got into photography because I enjoy getting to know people and building relationships. Figuring out how to capture that personality through a camera is my art.

Before any engagement session begins, I like to spend time talking to my couple and getting to know all about their relationship. How they met, what they enjoy doing together, when they knew “they were the one”, etc. These conversations help to inspire me to create a session that reflects who they are as a couple and as individuals. The session then becomes less about just picking out some park or downtown square, but figuring out what we can do to tell a story of their love. Locations and outfits just come naturally after our initial conversation.

Brian and Leah had a ton of ideas for their session and shared lots of activities that they enjoyed doing together. The three that stood out to me the most (that I knew we could have fun with) were working out, eating desserts, and enjoying a bottle of wine together. We were blessed to find an amazing restaurant named La Duni who opened up their space for us and allowed us to sample some of their desserts for our session. We then proceeded to a park to have a picnic where they could enjoy a bottle of wine. We then ended our time together with a work out session filled with pushups, pull ups, and some yoga. The session was a blast! What really made it great was that Brian and Leah really concentrated on each other, which made being themselves in front of the camera very easy. I was just along for the ride.

I love the photos of them in the restaurant. They’re the only two in the room. It reminds me of scenes from the movies. But what really makes me smile is the workout portion of their engagement session. Who knew working out together could be so fun?! And cute! Kisses as pushup or crunch incentives anyone? Sign me up! ;) What I love most is that they incorporated all of the things they love to do together (all of the things that had them falling in love) into their engagement session. Beyond brilliant.

Leah and Brian, we wish you so much love, luck and happiness in the years to come. Thank you for sharing your love story with us! And a very special thank you to Jared Rey Photography for sharing their love and his talent for capturing it!

Happy Monday!

xoxo