Navy, Lime & Green Inspiration courtesy of Blu.Sky

April at Blu.Sky.Designs made this awesome inspiration board for me. I love inspiration boards, and like to put my own together, also, but April always has fantastic boards, so I thought it would be fun to request some for 2 of my brides! Here is some Navy, lime, and white inspiration for my bride Jenny M, who's tying the knot in 09! I love the crisp, fresh look of the green!

(For detailed info on where to get this great stuff, and more of April's inspiration, check out her blog! It's addictive, so consider yourself warned!)

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 3

Today is our 3rd and final installment of our Ryan Prins feature. He's been a really good sport, and a lot of fun to talk with, so today we'll look at the lighter side....

As I said yesterday, you'll be spending a lot of time with some of your vendors (especially those like your photographer and wedding coordinator) so make sure they're a good fit for you. They don't have to be your best friend (but wouldn't that be great!) but you do need to be able to work with them through out the day!

Part 3: Ryan Prins: Let's Talk Fun!


Jessica: I know there's lots of fun photography equipment out there, and every photog I talk to is oogling over atleast one new toy....you've got $1000 to spend...what are you buying?!

Ryan: If I had a grand in cash, free and clear, I would buy portable lighting equipment – flashes, soft boxes, umbrellas, and radio slaves. I have enough right now to get the picture, but would like enough to really get creative with it. Whatever little I might have left (stress “might”) I would blow on music. Ever seen the movie “High Fidelity”? That’s me.



Jessica: Okay, to wrap this up, share something fun about yourself, or something people may be surprised (or shocked?) to find out!

Ryan: I don't think there is anything that surprising about me, but I suppose that is because I know pretty much everything about myself! I suppose most people who meet me now would
peg me as an artsy-fartsy photo geek and would not guess that I was one of those guys always in jeans and a black band tee shirt, riding around on a skateboard, going to hardcore and metal shows. But it's true. I even played in a hard rock/metal band in college, was a snowboard instructor, the whole package. If you happen to catch me outside of a "professional" environment, I will probably be blasting music while still wearing one of those tee shirts. If you really want to make me happy, just ask me to go skateboarding, to a show or, best of all, to listen to my band's old album. I still love it all.


Alright, so that wraps up our very extensive, very fun interview with Ryan Prins. Big thanks to Ryan for making this a fantastic vendor feature, and having so much fun with it! If there is possibly anything left you'd like to know about him (did we not cover it all?) check out his website and blog. His work is amazing, and he's a great person, so take a look!

**All photographs copyright Ryan Prins Photography**

Spring Showers!

It's my favorite time of year (almost). The flowers are getting ready to sprout up (once they make it through those few inches of snow) and soon the sun will be shining, and wedding season will be upon us! Along with weddings, it's also the time of year to start up bridal showers! If you're a bridesmaid, friend, or relative planning a shower this summer, don't forget to be creative! Bring in the bride's personal style, and think about what she would like. Also, remember to keep things bright and cheery to accompany the beautiful summer weather (we will hopefully soon have)! I saw this beautiful "Charlotte-inspired" torte on the Confections of a Foodie Bride Blog, which is absolutely awesome. And this torte is one of the prettiest I've seen---perfect for a spring or summer bridal shower, baby shower, or summer picnic! Check out the blog for a full recipe on how to make this masterpiece:-)

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography-Pt 2

Your wedding days success is largely resting on the shoulders of the vendors you choose to make your day happen. You'll be spending a lot of time with them on your big day, so you should make sure you carefully select your vendors, ask lots of questions, and read the fine print. You also need to make sure you're going to enjoy spending that very important day with them. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and get to know your local vendors a little better. Enjoy Part 2 of our Ryan Prins 3 part special!

Part 2: Ryan Prins-Let's talk Weddings!

Jessica:Tell me about your most memorable wedding, or event "moment."

Ryan: My most memorable wedding was the first couple that I had that gave me total artistic freedom. I had asked them what pictures they would like to do and they told me “whatever you think is best. You’re the artist, we’ll trust you.” Ahh, those are the words I love to hear. So we did just that. They did everything I threw out there and we all had tons of fun doing it. Not to mention, in the end, their pictures turned out to be some of the best I have ever shot. That is why I love being a photographer!

Jessica: You've attended a lot of weddings as a photographer---what is one piece of advice you'd give to brides?

Ryan: The best advice I could give to a bride would be to surround yourself with the right people and rely on them. The fact that you may be hiring Jessica is a good first step – a good wedding planner is invaluable! You will be planning over months for a single day. When that day comes, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing.
Having people you are comfortable with and trustworthy can mean the difference of a great day and a very bad one! At one wedding I shot, this very thing happened. The unity candle was left at home and the bride didn’t just tell a bridesmaid “please go get it.” She had to get it herself, since she was the only one who knew where it was. She was late getting back to the church, late getting ready and began the ceremony almost a half-hour late! This affected her mood for the majority of the day. You shouldn’t have to worry about the candle, the rings, the clothing, the schedule, if the photographer is getting the right shots, or even what time it is! You need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. Let your planner, photographer, friends and family do the rest for you.

Jessica: Most of my brides are in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. I know you are more than happy to travel down here for weddings, so tell me a few spots you've shot in the area. Any favorites?

Ryan: I have done some weddings in the Kalamazoo and Portage area as well as southern and mid Wisconsin. I can’t say I have a favorite place, as each location has different it’s own unique charm. I am partial to urban locations. The contrast between the gritty streets and buildings to that of a beautiful bride and groom in full dress and tux makes for great shots. But the best places are always the ones the couple and I find together spontaneously and just have fun at.

**All photographs copyright Ryan Prins Photography**

Vendor Feature: Ryan Prins Photography

First, I have to say that I have had so much fun getting to know new vendors lately, and also getting to know some of the "regulars" a little better. Plus all the fun planners and fellow bloggers out there have been a lot of fun to connect with! I've been trying to make a real "push" these last couple of weeks to get my name out to vendors (some for the first time), and atleast say 'hi' to all the great people out there, before wedding season rolls around. I love the wedding industry---people are great, and so much fun! Speaking of fun...I would like to present the first in a new series (yes, here it comes Ryan)...

Stella Event Design presents....

Ryan Prins: A 3 Part Series. History Channel style, we'll take a 3 day look at Ryan Prins Photography. Ryan was a ton of fun to chat with, and being the Chatty Cathy that I am, I got a good dose of it right back at me, and I love it! Here is a little Q&A with this Grand Rapids-based Photographer!

Part 1: Ryan Prins-Let's talk Photography!

Jessica: There are a lot of different photographers out there with different styles. What 3 words would you use to descibe your personal photographic style?

Ryan: Fun, artistic storytelling.

Jessica: Ryan Prins Photography is your new personal venture, but you're certainly not "new" to photography. How did you get started, and where have you worked?

Ryan: I have always been into art. I took art classes here and there as a kid, but come Jr. High and High School, I began to get really involved in the arts. I was always in classes and entered into some local exhibits/competitions. It was in High School that I really got into photography. My dad had a Canon SLR and I would go out and experiment with it whenever I could afford film. After High School I took about a year off and worked as a graphic artist for a local company. I decided that graphic design wasn’t exactly my cup o’ tea, so went off to college (not for art, regrettably). While I wasn’t taking art classes, I kept drawing, painting and (of course) taking pictures. I was fortunate enough to meet local photographer and videographer John Pottenger of Coastline Studios while at school. After graduation, I began working with him and another photographer, Jen Kroll, extensively. I also began assisting Jim Powell, an advertising photographer in Kalamazoo. These photographers are quickly rising to or are at the top of their game. When you run with the big dogs, it’s either get good or get out! Needless to say, they have made a big impact on me and my work and really helped me grow. Now, after years of learning, helping, and shooting along side of them, I’ve developed my own perspective and style and decided it’s time to throw my hat in the ring. With photography, it is always a fun and wild ride!

Jessica: What are some of your favorite trends or techniques?

Ryan: I try not to be a “trendy” wedding photographer; look at a wedding album from the 70’s and you’ll get an idea as to why. But I am always trying to develop my art by learning from the past while trying to be cutting edge. My “something old” technique that I am picking up is medium format film photography shot with a Holga camera. It offers stunning picture quality with tons of character and can be just the right touch for certain moments. The “something new” technique is HDR photography (High Dynamic Range), which is a series of pictures merged together to pick up all the detail in high contrast shots (eg. sunsets).

**All photos copyright Ryan Prins Photography (of course!)**

Show them the Way!

If you're having a destination wedding (or you have lots of guests coming in from out of town) remember to help your guests find their way around! Often, out of town guests will come into town early. Be sure to give them information on not only hotel accommodations, but also great dining locations, as well as local attractions! One of my favorite things is to make up a list of the couple's "Top 10" to include. Provide guests with your favorite upscale restaurant, burger joint, beach, and more! To make it even more personal, add your own stories, like the restaurant where you had your first date or the beach where you saw your first sunset together. Very cute, very personal, and it will help your guests to feel at home! It's also great to include maps to the ceremony and reception, information on salons, and places to entertain the little ones! Your guests came a long way to see you on your big day---show them how much you care!

Upcoming Vendor Features

Aside from the wedding prep, I also chatted with several lovely vendors this week. Both photographers, actually. When it comes to web and blog stalking, photogs seem to be the easiest to find (and also the most chatty, which I love)!

First off, is Ryan Prins. Aletha posted some shots he took at her wedding (he was her second shooter, check out the great pics on her blog!) and I followed to his website--which is quite wonderful--to see if he travelled for my SW Michigan gals. He does! Look soon for some shots from his weddings in SW Michigan, including some additions to our barn feature I posted a few weeks ago! We got to email chatting, and I'm very excited to sit with him soon (perhaps from our respective computers)to do a little Q&A! I love chatting with people who are just starting up (though he's not new to the biz, just out doing his own thing now!). He sent me over some pictures to use for my website and blog, and I'm very excited to get them up, along with some others I've got in the works! Keep posted for some lovely photos gracing my website (which is badly in need of an overhaul---it was put up in November with the intention of more work, and got quite neglected after I took on this large wedding). So, stay tuned for more info on Ryan Prins Photography, and his experience in Southwest Michigan!

Second, is Monika Caban of MONIKA PHOTO in St. Joseph. I've been keeping up with Monika's blog for a few months(I love it because she posts lots of local pics from SJ), but since she doesn't have a comment option, I've remained a silent on-looker. Well, silent no more! I shot her an email this week, because she had a fabulous post about the history of St. Joseph as a destination wedding capital back in the day (think Vegas status) for couples from Chicago. She also had a great post about Trash the Dress, which I think is a fabulous new twist to wedding photography! I told her I wished I had done one after I got married. Her reply: "Not too late!" So, (providing my dress still fits me---married life has been very "healthy," lol) I am planning to do a complimentary shoot with her in early summer. I am oh so excited. Thank goodness I haven't cleaned my dress yet! She's looking for some interested gals, so if you are a recent bride (or will be in June!) check out her blog and shoot her an email! To learn more about Trash the Dress, check out Monika's blog!

What a week!

Okay, so first off, this week is absolutely flying by! I've been neck deep in the finishing touches on my April 19th wedding (as a recap, this is my 500 guest wedding which we've been planning in less than 4 months!) This couple grabbed me the second I had my website posted (no complaints there!). I'm very excited the wedding is getting closer, but it is most definitely taking over my life in a more-than-normal way due to some strange circumstances. My normal work day usually consists of a substantial amount of "free time," but my partner in crime(aka my account partner who does 1/2 of the work!) has been out of the office the last 3 weeks with a leg injury, so I've also been covering her portion of the account, which has put me into extra hours I normally spend on my lovely wedding addiction. What a crazy mess. It has made for quite the month, and I'm very excited for her retun in a little over a week (feel better, Michelle, I miss you!). So I can go back to my cool, calm, and collected self. So I apologize to everyone who has suffered the rambling emails, hurried phone calls, or other mis-tended-to portions of my life. It's not you, it's me:-)Oh, and I had dental work done yesterday, which made my Tuesday a toal downer(I'm a total dental-phobic, you wouldn't even believe it!)

Green with Envy

Happy St. Patty's Day!

(All photos courtesy of The Knot)

I found this beautiful chandelier pic (upper left) and decided to put together some more green inspiration in honor of the holiday! Stay tuned for green board verson 2.0 later this week, because there were so many great ideas for this board I really had to cut it down. I love how fresh and earthy everything looks! It makes for a bright, cheery motif that I just can't get enough of. I normally am not a big fan of green when it comes to clothes, etc (I don't own a single piece of green clothing!) but after digging up this picture, I just may change my mind!

Shoe Fetish

Fancy Feet...

(all photos courtesy of The Knot)

From my daily picture-stalking on the knot. I love how people are expressing themselves in their weddings, even through the smallest things like their shoes! So why not go out and get a funky, fab pair of shoes for your big day!

My personal favorites are the low right hand gold encrusted heels!

Pretty in Pink inspiration

Pretty in Pink...a few pretty pics from The Knot today...

(Photos courtesy of The Knot)

Blue Dress Barn Correction

In my previous post on Barns, I had incorrectly posted that "no decorating" is allowed at the Blue Dress Barn, in Millburg, Michigan. I was given this information in error. You are actually welcome to decorate, you simply cannot nail into the walls at the barn! Thanks to Amy at the Blue Dress Barn for updating me on that information! Keep posted for a more in-depth posting on the Blue Dress Barn, and interviews with the barn's artist/designer owners!

Vendor Visit: BorterWagner Photography

A week or so ago I sent out a quick "teaser card" to some area vendors I've been wanting to meet and learn more about, inviting them to contact me if they're interested in sharing their business with me, or learning more about my business. I'm looking forward to posting the good (and bad) as I come across it.

This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with Tina Wagner & Johnny Borter of Borter Wagner Photography. I had a chance to visit their New Buffalo studio (they also have one in Chicago) and not only look through their pictures (which are absolutely amazing) but also get to know them, and understand what they stand for as professionals. After an hour with them, it was evident that they are nothing short of some of the most passionate artists I have ever met.

They take their job as photographers very seriously, and are very dedicated to serving brides on their wedding day. Here is how they describe their style: "A mix of old school and new school, to create the school." Meaning, they embrace the finer points of traditional photography, along with digital photography, to create a unique "cinematic" style that captures the moment, and also captures and enhances light to make images truly amazing. I admit, I feel like I had a short tutorial on some of the finer points of photography today, and also got more insider advice on working in the wedding industry, which I very much appreciated! I am very excited to meet more area vendors in person to better serve my brides and meet their particular styles, and will keep everyone posted! If you have any particular favorites, leave a comment and we'll check them out!

If you're looking for a photographer (or just love art and beautiful imagery), check out their website, and if you're in the area, visit their studio in downtown New Buffalo.

Also, I discovered in my meeting with them, that the very beautiful photo I had posted of the Blue Dress Barn in my previous post was taken by BorterWagner (I didn't know--very embarassing!) on behalf of the Blue Dress Barn. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out---it's a beautiful photo, and a beautiful building.