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(photo by Scarlett Lillian)

Recently, I was contacted by a bride who wanted to honor her mother at her wedding. Her mother passed away when she was very young, and she was raised by her stepmother, so she wanted a way to honor her mother that would be meaningful but subtle. In the past, this has been done in a number of ways—a special note in the program, an altar arrangement dedicated to a loved relative, or using a special belonging of theirs, such as a handkerchief or piece of jewelry.

One of my favorite ways to honor a loved one at the wedding is pictured above. Lockets are filled with the pictures of loved ones and are tied into your bouquet handle.  It’s classy, subtle, and very personal. Have you seen any other creative ways to honor a loved one who has passed?

I can’t even count all of the beautiful photography blogs I peruse each day. So, I thought I’d post a favorite each week, and tell a little bit about how it inspires me. I couldn’t decide today, so it’s a two-photo day! I say, the more the merrier!

We have some really beautiful venues in Southwest Michigan, nestled in the countryside. I live just around the corner from the beautiful Blue Dress Barn, and while I’m driving home I’m always observing the most beautiful rustic locations that inspire me for amazing wedding photos. I hope a few of my 2009 brides snap a few lovelies like these two, taken by the talented Trista Lerit.

Also, stay tuned for an update on my trip to Mill Creek Barns—a lovely new venue opening in 2009!

(photo by LVL Photography)

I was reading through a blog over the weekend (yes, StillMotion–again!) and a shot of the brides’ dresses caught my eye. YES, I said dresses—not two, but THREE amazing gowns! I did a double take—and then thought, “the more, the merrier!”

Wedding after wedding I never fail to be amazed by the gorgeous, gorgeous dresses my brides have chosen! I’ve seen hand-beaded marvels, simple styles, stunning strapless gowns, and splashes of color—but I have yet to have a double-dress bride! Perhaps 2009 will be the year!

Are you a double-dress bride? A triple dress bride? Will you be sporting a formal gown for your ceremony and pictures, and then slipping into a sassy cocktail dress to dance the night away in?!

Do you see each other before the wedding or not? It’s completely up to each couple, but more and more brides and grooms are opting to see each other beforehand, so they can get some of those millions of pictures out of the way and give themselves more time. If you’re not seeing each other (which many people still do!) I think this is just the gosh darn cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time! The “almost” meeting before the wedding…

This gorgeous picture was captured at a recent wedding by the very talented Jen of JK Photography. The couple didn’t see each other before the ceremony, but stood on each side of the door and held hands to snap this fabulous shot! I love it. Check out Jen’s blog for more amazing pictures from this wedding—it’s absolutely amazing!

On a quick side note, I have to apologize for my absence from blogging (for over a week!) but we have 2 big weddings coming up and lots of 2009 consultations, so life has been crazy! Not to mention our full-service 2009 weddings are getting into full swing! I promise to (try to) be better!

A quick break from Photography Week for some fun details from an upcoming Stella wedding!I love details—it’s what really brings a wedding together and makes it feel personal!

First, let me say, I am no graphical wizard. Give me a piece of paper, flowers or candles and I’ll whip you up something beautiful—but if you put a mouse in my hand and ask me to design…well, we’re in trouble! So I turned to April from Blu Sky Designs for a monogram design for the September wedding of Kelly+Russ!

Here is a little of what I gave April to go on:

Kelly LOVES daisies, and we’re tying them in wherever we can! It’s a casual and intimate wedding on the beach, followed by a dinner reception at an upscale restaurant overlooking the lake! We’re tying in the colors of fall…red, yellow, orange and green, without having an overall fall theme!

Check out what April came up with! Which is your favorite?

Check out the Blu Sky blog for more fun monograms and amazing custom invites! (The secret’s out…We’re going with the first one!)

Stay tuned as Photography week continues tomorrow with our guest blogger Ben Pancoast, who will give you the tips on how to work with your photographer for the most fabulous pictures!

(Chameleon Photography via The Knot)

It’s mid July which means wedding season is in full swing, and it’s the summer brides’ time to shine! So, for all of you fall brides, here is a little fall inspiration while you wait for your big day– we haven’t forgotten about you!

LOVE these ribbons! What a beautiful accent for your bouquet! You could certainly use this fun idea in any season, but these colors just scream autumn!  I found this picture forever ago and don’t know the source–If you do, let me know and I’d love to post it!

I’ve got serious chapel envy over the amazing Leaf Chapel in Japan, designed by Klein Dytham. How people even dream up such amazing pieces of modern architecture astounds me!

The chapel is formed from 2 separate pieces, meant to look like leaves that have fallen from the sky and gently landed on the ground. Even the supports of the structure emulate the veins of a leaf, becoming thinner as they run away from the stem. The retractable cover of the chapel is perforated with over 4000 holes, to resemble the pattern of a brides veil! Each of these tiny holes has a lens attached, and light filters through to create a beautiful lace pattern. As the groom lifts the bride’s veil, the lacey top retracts, to reveal the beautiful pond and scenery outside! Just beautiful.

What a fabulous color combo! It reminds me of orange and raspberry sherbet (delicious)! We’re assisting Tracy+David with their Friday wedding as we create a beautiful pink+orange design concept…I absolutely can’t wait to see how it all pulls together! Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the design elements!

(Top Left:1940 Vintage Cameo Shell Brooch $476 ,Top Right:2000 VIntage diamond cultured pearl brooch $1.596.00 , Center:1920 Diamond Brooch $3,116.00 , Lower Left: 1950 Vintage retro period pearl diamond brooch $2970.00, Lower Right: 1910 Vintage Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Brooch $3,996.00)

If I had a thousand dollars (or three or four) to buy “Something old”….what about one of these beauties? Brooches look gorgeous pinned to a bouquet or on a gorgeous sash on your dress. I had a recent bride {the lovely Miss Claire} who pinned a family heirloom brooch on her bouquet, and later for the reception, we pinned it in her hair for a beautiful vintage touch! {Note to Self: Find some “budget friendly” brooch options this week}

(photo by Stella Event Design)

I don’t know about you, but when I saw these adorable cake toppers by Lily Tsai at Elegan Handcraft, I couldn’t believe I didn’t have one for myself! Each topper is made by hand, and you can’t believe the detail on them–it’s absolutely incredible–each individually crafted flower, jewel, and you can even see the stitching!

Better yet, you can have a custom topper crafted to look like you and your fiance! I love this idea! Check out some of the custom pieces…

I actually came to the site to check out some of the amazing jewelry, but the cake toppers are what kept me there to check it all out! Visit the site—there are so many more fantastic toppers to check out, and the jewelry and handbags are just icing on the cake topper!

(all photos via Elegana HandCraft!)