Olivia Leigh Photographie Blog :: Photos and Experiences from a Chicago Wedding Photographer » ideas

Wedding parasols :: Wedding photography ideas

Olivia — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:22:58 +0000

Does anyone else feel like 2009 when stylized wedding photographs really exploded? I feel like last year was the year when brides all across the country really became concerned with styling their wedding photos, really considering props and accessories and how the end photo would look.

One of the big trends that I’ve seen over the past few years has been wedding parasols. But unlike some trends feel completely dated five years from now, parasols have that perpetually classic look, evoking romance and style regardless of the decade. Megan had parasols for her guests at her outdoor Morton Arboretum wedding, and we also took a few photographs with it after the ceremony.

Below are some great resources for beautiful parasols of all different types!

Bella Umbrella has the most amazing selection of vintage umbrellas. They are very pricey to buy, the site actually allows you to rent them. Sounds a little crazy, but a great option if you know you aren’t going to be carrying a ruffled pink parasol around downtown again anytime soon.

For traditional paper parasols, Pearl River and Asian Imports have great deals. You can pick up a range of lovely parasols for your bridesmaids for less than $50 in many cases

eBay is also a great resource for vintage-inspired parasols. I have always loved battenburg-style parasols for their romantic and mysterious potential in photos. eBay has great deals in a selection of colours, including soft pastels for a sweet vintage look, or even black for a crisp, modern style.

And if you want something completely unique, I have always loved these handpainted parasols from I Do Originals. They are just so lovely and make for beautiful photographs; particularly great for a thank you or post-wedding card.

(Photos by Elizabeth Messina and Gwyne Mark Photography)

If you know of any other great umbrella/parasols outlets, leave a note in the comments. I always like to keep my list current!

Ideas // Digital save the date alternatives

Olivia — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:16:13 +0000

A gorgeous save the date is always a delight to see in the mail. Setting the tone of the wedding, it can create a sense of anticipation of what is to come. I am particularly reminded of Brett + Julie’s fabulous keys; just stunning and completely tied in many of the themes of their day. (And, of course, a save the date can also be a fabulous way to showcase an engagement connection session photo!)

For many couples I meet, however, the save the date is a weird little requisite that they don’t quite know how to handle. I’ve seen a growing trend of couples seeking digital options, for both cost reasons and, particularly, environmental reasons. As we speak, I am working on some delightful little digital options for one of my clients, that will be emailed out to their friends and also placed on their wedding site.

Today I happened upon this fabulous site, Paperless Post, that offers a fantastic option for couples wanting to go the digital, paper-free route, but still keep it elegant and sophisticated.

The site allows you to send incredibly stylish, totally customized digital cards for the cost of one stamp.

You also choose an envelope lining, with so many chic options available.

When the guest receives it in their inbox, it looks like an addressed envelope, and the invite swoops out, revealing the lining. So neat!

via

Ideas // Wedding dresses by Carol Hannah

Olivia — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:17:24 +0000

After a good go at it earlier this summer, I completely fell behind on blogging fabulous inspiration and great wedding ideas that I have run across this year. I have a new project coming this winter that will help to better organize all of these little tidbits of inspiration and can’t wait to share that soon. That said, I ran across these dresses from Carol Hannah of Project Runway fame, and thought they were just lovely. The ice blue would be a gorgeous non-traditional dress, and also so pretty and classic in ivory, or for a glamourous bridesmaid option in a richer colour. The pink ruffle dress would be so chic in so many contexts — I can see it easily fitting in at a cute, girly garden wedding, or a stylish loft wedding downtown.

You can buy these from Carol Hannah’s wedding collection site on etsy