I have a terrible habit of collecting lots of bridal accessories.. Over the years I have had tons of veils, wraps, boleros, fake bouquets, even cake toppers.. But the one thing I absolutely cannot stop collecting is headpieces. There’s just something about an outrageous hair accessories that I adore! I have a massive box filled with all sorts of head goodies, and for Leah’s bridal session, I busted out a few of my favorites.
Not quite a headpiece but I still love the feel that this gives the images!
All of the above pieces were purchased from Dragon Wings (which I actually found at a booth at Scarborough Faire).
These two headbands were purchased from Lady Vintique, run by fabulous fellow wedding photographer Lyndzee Ellsworth.
One reason I love headpieces is because I really adore when my brides wear their hair down, or half-up-half-down. To me, a bride should look romantic and feminine, and nothing is more lovely and girly than long, flowing hair. However, I know most brides want something unique for their wedding day hairstyle, so purchasing a cute hairpiece is a great way to keep your locks flowing but still have a bit of pizazz to your hairdo. Some of my favorite headpiece providers (besides the two already mentioned) are: Twigs and Honey, Leah C, Ellen Christine, Unveiled Bridal Designs, Fascinators by Design, Breeziway, and Fascinators NYC. However the best resource for finding inexpensive headpices is definitely Etsy. Spend some time searching (use the word “wedding” or “bridal” with terms like “veil” or “fascinator” or “headpiece” or “bandeau” or “millinery”) and you’ll find literally hundreds of options.
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!).
17 Comments
- These are all gorgeous. Love the location, the processing and what a beautiful bride.
- She has beautiful forever-long eyelashes! I love the one with the veil of her laughing. Great job!
- 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.
- Truly inspiring and beautiful images! I love your work!
- Beautiful session! I love the mix of elegance and playfulness. Great work! :)
- This is my all-time favorite as well. Gorgeous.
- 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)!
- this is such a beautiful session. The brise looks amazing, and your processing is awsome. GREAT JOB!
- Gorgeous photos! You really capture the Bride stunningly. Can't wait to see part two.
- she is so beautiful! and you took fabulous, spectacular, and stunning photos, as usual. can't wait to see the next post.
- I love your processing on these...adds such a great deal to the already wonderful images! Great work!
- These are breathtaking! Really beautiful :)
- absolutely stunning - as usual. you are incredible with these brides!
- Beautiful photos.
- Just want to say that you are my favorite wedding photographer. No other take pictures like this!!! Keep it up:) Photo-hug Martin Doshé
- What gorgeous pictures and the scenery and bride are elegant!
- GORGEOUS! Oh these are just dreamy Stacy!
Sarah e. - Stunning! Love the mask!
erica Velasco - Love the head pieces.
Gail Kelly - Stacy - these are super, especially love the last two - very vintage!!!
Beth Armsheimer - These are so gorgeous!! I want them all :) beautiful portraits Stacey!
Morgan Trinker - OHMYGOODNESS I love headpieces. I nearly died over that first one. I love that you collect all this kind of stuff expressly for gorgeous image-making. THAT is dedication. Oh, and the mask.... so creative and so mysterious. Thank you for the continuous amount of inspiration, and for being living proof that "young" and "successful businesswoman" don't have to be oxymorons.
Claudia - Beautiful! Leah is just such a beautiful girl and the camera truly does love her! Can't wait to see the wedding pictures!
Nicole Paulk - Lovin the feathers and that mask rocks!
myra :: twigs & honey - Aw! So belated a comment, but thank you so much for the lovely mention about twigs & honey! Your work is stunning!!!!