I know I say this pretty much every time I post a bridal session, but I really truly mean it this time… this one is one of my all-time favorites. There were so many things that went right with this session. The weather was perfect – sunny with a nice breeze, blue skies filled with pretty, fluffy clouds. Leah looked beautiful as always, her asymmetrical gown gave her the perfect curves no matter what angle she stood at, and the halter neckline meant that I wasn’t limited on body movement (as I am with many strapless dresses). Leah and I were completely on the same wavelength when it came to locations: my favorite place to shoot is in a forest or garden surrounded by blooming natural trees, tall grass, and flowers, and Leah wanted to wander around The Woodlands (which got its name for a good reason) and just pull over at some random pretty spots for photos. It was also one of my longer bridal sessions, because we were having so much fun and finding so many interesting locations that I completely lost track of time! Normally after about an hour most brides are so tired of being in their dress already that they just want to call it a day, but Leah was such a trooper and was so into trying new things that we kept going for a good 3-4 hours!
This one is going to be a two-parter, but you’ll find out why soon.. For now, here are some of my faves from the “normal” part of the session:
This image is so quintessentially Leah.. She’s always laughing, always having a great time. You can’t really be around Leah for more than five seconds and not smile!
I have this thing about “signature images”… I’m always looking for images that encompass everything that I want my brand and my style to be about. For me, these two images are the embodiment of my brand. Southern, romantic, vintage, timeless, soft, elegant, fashion-inspired, relaxed, fun.. These two images represent all of it!
Stay tuned later this week for part two of this session, with a fun twist (that will also function as a T4B – Tips for Brides post!).
Now that Carrie Alexander is officially Carrie Short, I am very happy to be able to publish her bridals. Carrie’s session will always be one of my favorite bridals ever for a few reasons.. It was definitely one of the coolest locations I’ve ever had access to. Due to an unexpected bankruptcy at her original reception venue, Carrie was left without a location for her reception a few short months before the wedding. Although this might have ruined the wedding experience for some brides, Carrie made the most of it by finding a new reception hall that her baseball-loving fiance Preston was very very excited about – Union Station at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston, home to the Houston Astros baseball team. She even threw in some Astros-themed surprises for Preston, but you’ll have to wait to see their wedding pics for those!
Another thing I loved about this session was Carrie’s long veil. I’m such a sucker for long veils, they’re such an amazing prop for the photo session. Something about the long, cascading blanket of tulle blowing in the wind is so graceful and lovely. I actually have several long veils that I own, so if you are one of my clients and you plan on using a short veil (or no veil) on your wedding day but you would like to borrow a long one for your Bridal or Day After session, let me know!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this session was Carrie’s attitude. Carrie is such a naturally friendly, upbeat girl, but it really shined through on her bridal session. The weather was freezing and gloomy and the rain made it difficult to maneuver around in a bright white satin dress without ruining it, but she was up for anything and kept a smile on her face the whole time. I always tell people that I am *SO* lucky to have never had a Bridezilla (knock on wood!) but it goes further than that.. I truly have had the nicest, sweetest, most positive brides I could have ever hoped for, without exception.. I am incredibly lucky!
I just finished Carrie and Preston’s wedding photos, so I can’t wait to get them back on the blog soon.
Tomorrow I have a big surprise – the long overdue return of Tips for Brides, Tips for Photographers, and Humpdates!!
7 Comments
- I LURVE the tones and highlights and softness of these - soooooooooo cool!
- OOOOO the Q's love these - so nice!
- Gorgeous work! I love when people are able to incorporate places that reflect their personalities and interests :)
- Minute Maid Park.... so awesome! You knocked these ones out of the park! :p (You knew it was coming...)
- Wow Stacy...these are GORGEOUS! Every one of them is simply stunning. What a great location, too cool.
- Carrie looks so stunning!!! You did a fabulous job yet again Stace!
- do you use a special lens or setting to do the veil pictures i always look forward to your veil pictures!!! you are SO amazing
No real humpdates this week because a) I have already shared my exciting news with you this week, and b) I am furiously trying to finish everything before I leave for Nebraska this weekend for Darbi and Neil’s wedding in Omaha!
Right now I am working on Julie & Jeff’s amazingly beautiful wedding from last weekend.. Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel “ON,” like everything you do is awesome? I feel like that with Julie and Jeff’s wedding.. Everything just worked out so perfectly that day, and the photos we got are incredible, I cannot wait to share them with you guys soon! In the meantime, here is a small sneak peek at a few of Julie’s bridals!
We shot these on a very very hot day at the Dallas Arboretum, and although it could not have been fun wandering around in the sun in a big, heavy dress, Julie was a total pro! Luckily we were able to shoot on a weekday (weekends at the Arboretum are insane, brides EVERYWHERE!), so for the most part, we had the place to ourselves. Here are a couple of my favorites:
5 Comments
- hi stacey i think your new blog is darling. i love your images, they are *so* classy and quality. hugs lacy
- Thanks Lacey :)
- Aw! That's my baby sister! We enjoyed you so much at the wedding, Stacy and these sneak peek photos are amazing. I can't wait to see the rest. And what do you know...I know Courtney, too! Hi Courtney! You look gorgeous.
- These photos are award winning...seriously...and not just because the model in the photo is my youngest sister! =) Well, now I'm hooked to this website and have added it to my favorites. I'll be checking back for pics of the totally awesome wedding of the century! You and your crew members were so much fun to hang around. I can't wait to see the faces we made in the bridal party line-up shot.
- hah...okay, so I read your "things I hate" thread at SWPB, and of course, stumbled upon the name thing...and immediately thought to myself "DAMN! I totally spelled her name wrong." People do it to me daily, so I feel your pain! and get the irony. I'll call you stacy if you call me lacy. deal? *wink.
amy - These are all gorgeous. Love the location, the processing and what a beautiful bride.
Abby - She has beautiful forever-long eyelashes! I love the one with the veil of her laughing. Great job!
Jordan - I definitely have to say this is some of my favorite bridal work from you. The images are so wistful and romantic. I love the soft, cross-processed look. Superbly done.
Melanie - Truly inspiring and beautiful images! I love your work!
Allison - Beautiful session! I love the mix of elegance and playfulness. Great work! :)
olga - This is my all-time favorite as well. Gorgeous.
Eugene - Awesome work, as usual, Stacy! I really like adjectives you chose in describing your signature images :). My favourite image from this set is the one just before your two signature images, for it's magnificently framed and the light there is spectacular (especially in the background)!
toni - this is such a beautiful session. The brise looks amazing, and your processing is awsome. GREAT JOB!
Christy Lynn - Gorgeous photos! You really capture the Bride stunningly. Can't wait to see part two.
trishia - she is so beautiful! and you took fabulous, spectacular, and stunning photos, as usual. can't wait to see the next post.
amy karp PHOTOGRAPHY - I love your processing on these...adds such a great deal to the already wonderful images! Great work!
Lauren - These are breathtaking! Really beautiful :)
rachel - absolutely stunning - as usual. you are incredible with these brides!
Patryk Wolański - Beautiful photos.
Martin Doshé - Just want to say that you are my favorite wedding photographer. No other take pictures like this!!! Keep it up:) Photo-hug Martin Doshé
Eliza - What gorgeous pictures and the scenery and bride are elegant!
Lara - GORGEOUS! Oh these are just dreamy Stacy!