Engagement Pictures 101

 As most of you know, maybe you don't, I love weddings.  I love everything about them.  From picking out vendors, to picking out linens, to DIYing day of details, down to picking out outfits for engagement pictures.

Other than the obvious ring shot the night of the actual engagement, engagement pictures are one of your next steps.  Engagement sessions allow you and your fiance to show everyone who you are as individuals, as a couple and the love between you.  They are the first puzzle piece of your wedding that is sent to your guests since most of the time the photos are used for Save the Dates.  

Today I thought I would give some tips on how to get the best pictures from your engagement session so your Save the Dates can be perfect! 

1.   Pick the right photographer

I know easier said than done, right?  And since I was married in 2013, there are sooo many more to choose from.  When choosing someone to photograph such an important day, choose someone whose work you like most importantly but also meet with a few.  It's important to know that your photographer understands what you want from your pictures and how you want them to "feel."  It's also nice to find a photographer who you feel comfortable with.  After all, you spend a majority of your time with your photographer on your wedding day.

2.  Act Natural

Your photographer will give you hints and clues on how to pose but don't overdo it.  If you have to laugh, do it.  If you can't hold a pose, don't.  Sometimes some of those candid moments turn out to be the best pictures, intended or not.  You want your pictures most of all to be a true representation of yourselves.

my engagement picture photo cred: Mandy Mayberry Photography

3. Represent

This can be with the location you choose (first date spot?), a particular city (first vacation together?), with specific clothing (sports jerseys) or even with props (your adorable pet).  Again you want these pictures to reflect who you are and who you are together as a couple.  You want friends and family to look at the pictures and think yes, that's exactly who they are!  And having those special touches in the photos will make them that much more memorable.

my engagement picture photo cred: Mandy Mayberry Photography

4. Pick the right Save the Date

The hardest of all, right?!  I mean there are soooo many to choose from in all colors, styles and price points! Well I have narrowed down some of my favorite options for you from Paperless Post to hopefully make this part of the process a little less stressful! 

 

The best thing about Paperless Post is that all of their options are affordable.  Not only do they have an amazing selection of Save the Dates but they also carry a wide range of paperless and paper invitations.  I love the paperless option (hello convenience!) for those last minute parties, but love real paper for the special events aka your wedding.  Be sure to check them out for your Save the Dates, wedding invitations, other event or milestone (never miss a birthday again!).  

Have a great rest of your day!!

xo  ♥ Ash

Wedding Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!!  I  meant to get a post up yesterday and that didn't happen.  Sorry things have been a bit sporadic around here lately. :(

I've recently seen this blogged about a few times and really wanted to share it with you guys since 1.  I love weddings and 2. I love seeing beautiful, inexpensive wedding paperie options.  

I think wedding paperie, specifically invitations really set the tone for your wedding.  After all it is the usually first indication your guests receive of your upcoming nuptials and gives them a feel of how it will be. 

Shutterfly recently came out with their own wedding invitation line and they are beautiful!  They have a lot of options whether you're having a very casual wedding, a very formal wedding or something in between.  Check them out!

Forever Hearts

Love Never Fades

Love and Laughter Forever

Photo Styling || The TomKat Studio

Photography || Ten22 Studio 


Below are just a few other styles I really liked and wanted to share with you!

1//2//3//4//5//6

I hope you  have a great day!

xo  ♥ Ash

Going to the chapel...

Sorry for the short hiatus!  I was having an uninspired moment.  I also meant to get this post up yesterday and got busy.  

With all the weddings and wedding events coming up, I thought it would be nice to share some options for bridal showers based on themes.  I love a good theme and moreso when I can coordinate my attire with it.  I love all of these looks and I actually have and will be wearing the dress in the "Garden Party" look later this Summer.  You recently saw it here! 

 

Let me know in the comments below which look is your favorite or if you've already picked out your outfit for an upcoming shower!

 xo  ♥ Ash

Friday Five

Happy Friday friends!!  It's a little cooler here today but the sun's out and it's the weekend.  Here's this week's Friday five where I round up five things that caught my eye this week.

1.  The prettiest ceremony I've seen in awhile and I pin quite a bit of weddings.  Love it all!

 2.  Dying to add this suit and this one to my collection.  Who else is ready for Summer?!

 

3. Knockoff Sam Edelman booties that I'm considering picking up 

4. Denim and dainty necklaces are perfect for Spring

5. Great article for traveling across America.  Road trip anyone?

Lastly, a little humor for your Friday

Hope you have a great weekend!

xo  ♥ Ash

Spring Weddings Part I - Suits & Tuxes featuring Bonobos

Happy Wednesday loves!!  I've decided to do a new Wedding Wednesday series but this time it won't be about my wedding.  Instead it will be all about Spring Weddings!  It's that time of year again when most of the weddings start to take place due to warmer weather or some of you may be starting to plan a warm weather wedding, destination perhaps?

This week I'm kicking things off with suits & tuxes.  Now I don't know about you ladies (and gents) but this was something that was not easy for my husband and I and also something we put off as long as we could.  Personally, I think the suit & tux market for weddings is slim, especially if you go the rental route.  And even slimmer for warm weather weddings.

So when Bonobos contacted me about doing a feature on their new cotton & seersucker suits for Spring, I was thrilled!  Their goal is to make affordable clothing while maintaining a high quality of material and style.

The Foundation Suit in Cotton Navy is part of their new Spring collection.  It's 100% premium cotton twill and is perfect for those warm weather weddings, whether you are part of the wedding or going as a guest, you will be cool and comfortabe!  It also comes in Grey, Olive & Stone.  The stone color is also a great summer option, perfect for a beach wedding!  In addition to the cotton suit is the The Foundation Suit in Blue Micro-Stripe.  This suit is not cotton however it is crafted with Italian Super 110s wool at a lighter tropical weight making it breathable enough for the heat.

[caption id="attachment_1027" align="aligncenter" width="400"] images via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1028" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Credit: Amber Gress Photography[/caption]

If you love the look of The Foundation but are looking to stand out, try the seersucker, also part of Bonobos' new Spring collection.  It comes in classic navy and blue & white stripe.  This might be my favorite of their Spring line.  It screams summer to me!  I can see the groom in a blue & white seersucker and the groomsman in the navy seersucker!  The seersucker also has a vest option if you are looking to add a bit more formality.  Did I mention this suit starts at $400?  Such a great price!

[caption id="attachment_1021" align="aligncenter" width="560"] image via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1022" align="aligncenter" width="560"] I love how he paired his blue & white stripe seersucker with a bow tie! image via Bonobos Pinterest[/caption]

 If you need help choosing a suit or tux for your big day, Bonobos'  guideshops offer  "Groomservice" for all grooms and his groomsman.  Why not make things easy - and stylish - by coming by the Guideshop? From tuxedos to chinos, "I do"s to honeymoons, your own personal Bonobos Guide will make sure you have everything you need to make your wedding extra-special and absolutely spectacular.  Click here to find the closest location and schedule an appointment.

 

Maybe your are not planning a warm weather wedding or don't have to worry about the heat, Bonobos still has you covered!  Their Capstone Suit is the absolute pinnacle. Crafted from the finest woven wool, this is the top of the Bonobos tailored line and is offered in a legendary four-season fabric.  The Capstone is also offered in a double breasted style which I think would be perfect for a Gatsby themed wedding!

And of course Bonobos carries a classic black tuxedo.  Theirs is a bit more modern with the option of either a gingham lining or polkadot lining (my favorite)!  This tuxedo is perfect for the best black tie affair in town whether as a groom or guest.  Every man should own this tuxedo!

Bonobos also carries an amazing line of accessories including shoes, ties and pocket squares.

They also carry casual shirts, dress shirts (that pair perfectly with all of their suits), casual pants, shorts, blazers, their own line of golf attire and much, much more!

I hope you fall in love with their clothing as much as I have!!

Browse their site or check them out on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

xo, ash