inspiration: stop motion

Photographers and videographers have one of the hardest jobs. It's up to them to capture every special moment that happens throughout the event.

Here's a super creative way to capture every special moment of your wedding day in 4-7 minutes. I'm so in love with this idea!

Check out these Stop Motion Wedding Videos by Bayly & Moore. They're based in New Zealand (unfortunately) and have taken event documentation to another level. Here's one of my favorites! Thanks to Emily Benfield and Devon Feldmeth for sharing!

sweet, sweet reunion.

You know one of the things I love most about weddings?

The way it brings people together.  Old friends.  New Friends. Family.  And it's not just a huge reunion for the couple to see everyone again, it's a sweet sweet reunion for the guests as well.

In the past couple of years I've been to a few "reunion" weddings.  The first was for my friends Tim and Laura Garmey.  I went on a summer project with them to Yellowstone along with 30 other students from all over the U.S.  Tim and Laura met on the trip, so naturally, we were all invited to their wedding.  Although not all of us made it, it was so much fun coming together for Tim and Laura's big day, and to catch up on our lives.

A few weeks ago I attended another "reunion" wedding of sorts for my friends from home, Joe and Deb.  Being in Los Angeles, with a majority of my friends from home off at college, it's rare that we get the chance to all be in the same place in...October.  Thanksgiving, and definitely Christmas, are the times where we spend day after day hanging out, watching Elf, and eating at Denny's -- but October -- this was truly an exciting weekend for everyone involved.

It's just another reason why I love what I do!

june mountain isn't just for snowboarding

So in light of the upcoming (not quite soon enough) snowboarding season, I thought I'd share a sweet location for all you snowboard lovers.

Last year I finally learned how to snowboard.  The whole carving thing didn't come quite naturally -- let's just say that one of my friends was patient enough to spend the whole day going down the same slope.  And it didn't come without massive bruises, well, everywhere.  Even laying down in an extremely soft bed hurt a ton.  But it was all worth it, and I'm excited to go back (and hopefully land a jump)!

June Mountain was our choice for many reasons --

1. It's cheap -- $125 for a college season pass (I'm definitely wishing I was still in college...)
2. It's never crowded. Yeah, we all hate those long lift lines. And it's super awesome when you're just starting out -- you don't have to worry about running into people.
3. It's got a great half pipe (I'm not that advanced yet, but those that are appreciate it).
4. It's beautiful.  Really beautiful.

The last part is the most relevant part to this post because...during the summer season June Mountain becomes a venue for, yeah, you guessed it, weddings!  And it's just as beautiful.  Check out these awesome photos.

In short, June Mountain is awesome.  Snowboard in the winter.  Get married in the summer.

Or if you're not getting married you could also host an event, or just go to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

For more information, click here.

Together we D.R.E.A.M.

I had the privilege of helping out Central City Community Outreach with their 1st Annual Fundraising Event.  First events are always a little scary -- there are so many uncertainties. Who's going to show up, how much money are we going to raise, will people like the event?

One thing I loved about this event was how much every aspect of the night reflected the heart and mission of the organization.  So much planning went into helping guests experience first hand what goes on at Central City instead of simply putting together a nice sit down dinner. 

The event took place at the French Garden Restaurant, a small restaurant located just east of Skid Row.  The meal was served family style with salads, sandwiches, and cookies.  No fancy glasses or linens.  The centerpieces were interactive games and toys that the kids play with after school.

Right from the start, the event introduced guests to just a snapshot of the environment that Central City creates.  The guests entered through an alley decorated with canvas paintings and small lights.  Kids from Central City were present -- some participating in a drum circle, others playing jump rope.  The guests had a chance to interact with the children before even reaching the check-in table.  Check out some pictures below!

I'll admit -- planning this event made me realize how limited my ideas can be sometimes.  When I think of "fundraising dinner" my mind automatically jumps to a nice venue with 66" rounds, satin linens, and a prix fixe dinner.  But what this event accomplished was so much more than just a nice evening in exchange for a donation.  The event was a experience -- it got the guests involved and more importantly, invested in the organization because it clearly portrayed the heart of Central City and what it truly stands for.  For a non-profit organization, it's crucial to form long-lasting relationships and partnerships with your donors.  And I know that the success of this event can be seen not only by the amount of money we raised, but the impact that the event had on the guests who attended.

sisterly love

I got really excited when I found out that my sister, Karissa, was recently a model in a bridal photoshoot!  The dresses she helped model were designed by Rosalind's Bridal & Alterations.  Check out some photos below and see more pictures on Simply Two Photography and A Lil' Wedding Planner!

Image Credit: A Lil' Wedding Planner

Image Credit: Simply Two Photography

Image Credit: Simply Two Photography

Image Credit: Simply Two Photography

versatility at its finest

It's tough choosing bridesmaid dresses for many reasons.

Chances are your friends aren't all exact clones of each other (probably a good thing) so certain styles look good on some, but not on all.

Same thing with color.  I'm a big fan of bright orange, but let's be honest -- not everyone loves bright orange.

Not everyone is rolling deep -- price is a huge factor.  You don't want money to be an issue.

Then you have to factor in what you want the "look" of your wedding to be...

Do you want them all to be the same style? Do you want them all the same color? Or different shades of the same color? Or different colors all today?

If you've seen the movie 27 Dresses, it's clear that bridesmaids dresses have a reputation of being ugly/ridiculous.  This is NOT true...and I'm here to show you one amazing option!  

I have a friend who's getting married soon, and she showed me these super versatile dresses, and I just had to share them!  Made of a jersey material these dresses are the epitome of versatile.  They can be worn many different ways, there are different lengths, colors, and best of all they're super comfy!

Image Credit: Erin Leigh on Etsy

Image Credit: Erin Leigh on Etsy

Image Credit: Erin Leigh on Etsy

Image Credit: Meg Perotti Photography

Image Credit: Steve Depino

Erin Leigh sells these dresses on Etsy for about $98! These dresses are also sold by Butter by Nadia and Dessy Group.  They retail for about $240.

a little something for the gentlemen...

I think it's safe to say that the majority of my readers are female, but for all you male readers who are looking for some inspiration -- this one's for you!

There's always so much focus on finding the perfect dress, what color the bridesmaids dresses are, their style, the shoes, the veil...the list goes on and on.  It may seem like your apparel options are limited to a tux, and...well, a tux.  Granted, you can go jacketless, add a vest, change the color of your vest.  But don't worry you've got lots of options too!  Here are some fun alternatives & additions to the traditional suit and tie.

1.  Opt for a colorful bow-tie instead of a tie...

Not only the bowties...but suspenders anyone?
Image Credit: Aaron Shintaku Photography

...or stay classy with a black one.  James Bond style (you know you've always wanted to rock that look).

2.  Change up the shoes. 

Rocking the Converses.
Image Credit: Aaron Shintaku Photography

I'm sure these are way more comfortable than your dress shoes!
Image Credit: Ashley Rose Photography

3.  Let your boutonneire reflect who you are.  No, you don't have to wear fresh flowers if you don't want to. I fell in love with these on Green Wedding Shoes by Lauryl Lane!

For all you music lovers.
Image Credit: Alec Vanderboom

 Also, check out these fabric ones by JL Designs!

Image Credit: Ashley Rose Photography

So there's a few ideas that I hope inspire you today!