A challenge for the guys!

Reason #53,428,374,567 to use Pinterest:

Everyone knows that as a bride, planning a wedding is a daunting task that will test your wits and turn you into the star of a semi-reality series, but....what if you are the groom who is tackling this on his own?

Seems a bit....CRAZY, right?

Meet Mr. Crazy, AKA Ryan Leak and the extremely fortunate and equally stunning object of his affection, Amanda Roman.

Thanks to Amanda's Pinterest board and Ryan's extraordinary love for the woman in question, this bride had an unforgettable whirlwind wedding!

WARNING: TISSUES ARE A NECESSITY WHEN WATCHING!

The bar has been set guys!

Too hot for you to handle?

This Wedding Wednesday is a HOT one! 

Despite the freezing temperatures and snowy white blanket outside my window, I feel toasty warm, thanks to Pantone's choice of 2014 shade, Cayenne:

Gorgeously rich and intensely deep, Cayenne is not for the timid or shy bride, this color will surely add all the warmth and passion you crave for your first day as husband and wife! 

Man...do I feel old!

No Fashion Friday today, folks. 

Today, I want to take the time to wish my baby boy a happy 18th birthday.

Between him and his brother, Matthew....my life has been interesting, to say the least!

He is a wonderfully loving, thoughtful, generous, smart and funny young man.

I am just the lucky mom who gets to claim him and love him.

Happy Birthday, Houston...

I love you.

Brighten your Special Day with Orange!

Who says Orange is a Fall color?

If you want bright pops of color, then incorporate these beautiful shades of Pantone's Celosia Orange.

From warm fiery hues to soft cool sherbert, this shade will surely put smiles on the faces of your guests.  

Add a bit more to your decor buy slipping in some unexpected citrus fruits or infuse your wedding cake

with flavors of tangerine. 

Time for Show and Tell!

Oh, how we were blessed when our little Makynzie came into our lives! Now, don't get me wrong, ALL 4 of our children are a true blessing, but they are all but grown and only need us for money and occasionally food, lol. We love them all.
Makynzie was an unexpected and welcomed surprise to round out our blended family. She is my ray of sunshine each and every day and I know she is headed for greatness! (Spoken like a true mom, huh?)
Yesterday was picture day for the basketball players and cheerleaders. I couldn't take my own pictures behind the photographer for two reasons: 1. I am a coach and had to be IN the photos, and 2. I respect the photographer hired to do the job, as I know that this is how he is making a living and believe me....it is NOT as profitable as most may think! So, after our photos were taken, I quietly took Makynzie into the hallway to snap a few with my gear. I wasn't happy with the majority of them, but I think these turned out quite well...

I love her eyes, they are so spirited and full of wonder. A perfect match for her personality!
Anyway, I had to share these. Be prepared for pictures of our other children!

Proud momma~ Becky

Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!

Something Blue...SHOES!

The next best thing to shopping for your dress are shoes! Every bride loves shoes and looks forward to flaunting her inner diva with a fabulous pair of shoes! 

Why not combine your fashion flair with a bit of tradition? Splash your kicks with a bit of blue to satisfy the "something blue".

The soles are a wonderfully unexpected place to flash color and designers are taking notice.

Can't find the shoe of your dreams with a blue sole? Get crafty and embellish them yourself with some glitzy initials or, like one of my brides, "I Do".

Another trend that is taking off is having all the single ladies sign your shoes.

Jason Voorhees vs. Happily Ever After?

Found this article, had to share! 

'Til death do they part: Couple announce their engagement with frighteningly hilarious Friday the 13th photo-shoot

By ASHLEY COLLMAN

PUBLISHED: 21:55 EST, 24 October 2013 | UPDATED: 00:29 EST, 25 October 2013

Josh Morden and fiance Van Lawson have a love story straight off the silver screen. At least that's what their engagement photo shoot shows. 

The Canadian couple decided to shake up the traditional set of romantic pictures by adding a bit of humor and gore. 

Photographer Brandon Gray shot the photos in an idyllic country setting, showing the couple walking around holding hands, hugging and kissing. Signs advertising Camp Crystal Lake  are the only sign of what comes next. 

But after a few establishing shots, things take a turn for the worse when Friday the 13th killer Jason Voorhees appears sneaking up on the couple's picnic.

The the couple finally notice Jason, they run for their lives.  But Josh falters and is stabbed by Jason through the heart. 

Van hides in the bushes, but can't resist running back to check on her fiance. 

As she tries hopelessly to revive him, Jason takes her by surprise and stabs her too. The last set of images show the couple's lifeless bodies lying next to each other on the ground, with Van's engagement ring covered in blood.

The couple that jokes together, stays together: Van Lawson, left, and her fiance Josh Morden, right, decided to include Friday the 13th killer Jason Vorhees in their engagement photo shoot

             

Storybook romance: Josh and Van are pictured holding hands, hugging and kissing in a romantic pastoral setting 
                  

Foreshadowing: A sign for Camp Crystal Lake is the only clue that all may not be well in this couple's paradise

In their own world: Josh and Van stare at each other while relaxing on a picnic blanket. But perhaps they should be paying attention to their surroundings

Run! Every horror movie has a moment right before the antagonists realize they are being stalked by the killer when the audience yells at the screen for them to get out while they can. This is that moment

Dream to nightmare: Josh and Van finally notice Jason and their happy photo shoot turns into a nightmare

Let's get out of here! The couple flee from a machete-wielding Jason. Will they make it out alive?

Taken by surprise: Josh looks almost too scared
to move in this shot taken from over Jason's shoulder

                     

Not fast enough: Somehow Josh falters and loses pace with Van, quickly becoming prey for a blood-thirsty Jason who stabs him through the chest 

Hide! Van manages to momentarily evade Jason and runs for her life

Shh! Van hides in the brush and tries to silence her breathing while Jason searches for his next victim

                                        

                  

 Bad decision: But like many a horror-film heroine before her, Van can't resist returning to the side of her love, hoping he'll be alive and she can save him. Unfortunately Jason finds her and kills her too

Endless love: Josh and Van 'die' side by side in one last embrace, their bodies covered in blood - including Van's engagement ring

                  

Sequel? With such an action-packed engagement photo shoot, who knows what the couple will do for their actual wedding photos

Read more:

Brandon Gray

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2476264/Til-death-Couple-announce-engagement-frighteningly-hilarious-Friday-13th-photo-shoot.html#ixzz2qZIMXZs4 
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Keep Calm...Placid (Blue) On

This week, we are featuring the softer side of Pantone with their 2014 pick, Placid Blue.

It is, exactly what it's name implies, serene and tranquil. This blue hue would be fabulous for a beachy wedding, paired with the Pantone shade Sand,  or with it's corresponding green, Hemlock.

Cool elegance and easy on the eyes, your reception will feel like you are dancing in the clouds with some fabulous uplighting and billowy sheers. 

Fashion Friday: Great Gatsby!

Wedding Season 2014 is just around the corner, and if you are a bride-to-be, what is the first thing you look for? THE DRESS!

According to theknot.com, the trend this spring are Gatsby inspired frocks.

Fresh beading, sparkle, sophisticated lines, and yes, SMEXY! Look smoldering and sexy for your groom/soon to be spouse with a cowl back showing a lot or just enough skin. All are on call for a fun and exciting evening wedding!

Get your glam on!

Images from The Knot/ Trend Report! Hot New Wedding Trends For Fall 2013 and Spring 2014
Read more: New Wedding Dress Trends by TheKnot.com - Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 Collections http://wedding.theknot.com/bridal-fashion/wedding-dress-shopping/articles/new-wedding-dress-trends-spring-2014-and-fall-2013.aspx#ixzz2pzsk84ol

 Going for the sweet and innocent look? You can still look like the diva-bride you are in glitter tulle! 

Ines Di Santo, Pronovias and Reem Acra 

are just some of the famed designers who have taken the traditional gown up 10 notches by splashing them with glitz.

Images from The Knot/ Trend Report! Hot New Wedding Trends For Fall 2013 and Spring 2014
Read more: New Wedding Dress Trends by TheKnot.com - Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 Collections http://wedding.theknot.com/bridal-fashion/wedding-dress-shopping/articles/new-wedding-dress-trends-spring-2014-and-fall-2013.aspx#ixzz2pzsk84ol

New Brides! Check this out!

Awesome site chock full of inspiration!

Thank you to my friend and fellow photographer, Taylor (HOLLA!) for sending me the link!

 Wedding Gawker http://weddinggawker.com

Be Radiant, in Orchid!

Pantone announced the Color of the Year for 2014 as Radiant Orchid...and oh, what a delectable decision it was! "Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health," says Pantone. "It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with it's beguiling charm."
Gone are the days of pastel, puffy, princessy weddings. Rich and vibrant jewel tones are sleek, sophisticated, statement makers and offer a plethora of design ideas! 
Besides the amazing flower combinations, think of your accessories. Chunky jewelry in shades of purple and fuschia, delicious strappy heels, or just a pop of color in your hair. Adding a touch of pink would bring out the color's undertones.
Be daring and bold with your wedding plans...make it a day that not only you and your spouse will never forget, but your guests as well!

~Becky

Frozen in Time

Erie, gorgeous, and mysterious.

With the below freezing weather most of us have been facing this week, we forget about the beauty it can create.

Every year, photographer Thomas Zakowski, makes a trip to Michigan to capture these frozen monsters in all their battered beauty.

For the full story and more breathtaking images, got to mailonline.com or click this link: Michigan Lighthouse

Fashion Friday: Engagement Sessions

Got a ring for Christmas? Congratulations!

The next thing on your to-do list before saying "I do" should be some stylish engagement pictures! This is the beginning of a wonderful journey for the both of you and you should document the occasion. These are the kind of photos that you will show your children and grandchildren years later, essentially....
your first family photos.

Bring along 2 outfits for your session. You may also take into consideration the location of your shoot. What feeling do you want it to evoke? The photos above are a good example. They chose casual and sweet for the first location, edgy and a bit sexy for the second. This made for a great session that flowed seamlessly. 

Complimentary colors with earth or neutral tones are always a hit, but never....never matchy froo froo! Wearing the same colored shirt will date your photos circa 1980ish and does not make for an appealing photo. Trendy clothes may look cool now, but those can also make your photos look dated. Please, be YOURSELF! This is not the time to try out new styles, you will not be comfortable and it will show.

You may want to splurge a bit on a nice pair of shoes (they will be in the photo) or professional make-up. It will be worth it when you see your finished images.

Hope this helps!

~Becky

Does your guy hate shopping? Let someone else do it for him!

Trunk Club for Men

Weigh in time! Share your thoughts!

SHOOT + BURN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY? from the blog of Jasmine Star

What are your thoughts? What is meaningful to you as a bride?

I offer a digital only package, but I also offer several more packages/options to choose from...what is most appealing to you?

Violet Tulip

Happy New Year! Thanks to Pantone and their amazing spring color palette, it looks to be bright and beautiful one! 

This Wedding Wednesday's color blog is focused on Violet Tulip. This cool, romantic tone reminds me of a vintage garden draped in wisteria, gently blowing in the warm spring breeze. Simply gorgeous!

Pair your wisteria with some hydrangea, delphinium, or fragrant lavender.  Imagine the possibilities of your bouquet as well!