Pin-Up Girl Photoshoot

For my birthday, 25th that is, I wanted to take photos to commemorate my quarter century on this earth. Also, I wanted to do the shoot because I thought it would be fun. Through a great friend, I was referred to Jen Coleman for my shoot. I was blown away with her energy, fun spirit, and professionalism. All of the shots were tastefully done. They were amped up sexy shots of me, and she made me feel beautiful, and comfortable in my skin. I am really excited to see the finished product!


Jen Coleman does wedding photography as well as life event photography. She is also available for boudoir photos, and a la carte photography shoots for whatever you are feeling. Here are a few shots from her website to highlight her talent as one of the Twin Cities' best.

Best Foot Foward

Down the aisle that is....

Here are some gorgeous shoes that I scouted out in various heel heights and at a range of prices.

Stuart Weitzman

Top photos: Max $285, Bowden $325, Feline $335

Bottom photos: Sashay $315, Outskirt $320, Pipevixen $345

Steve Madden

Keepsake $69.95, Scorch $69.95, Kleo $110.95, Screamer $59.95

Payless Shoe Source

Top photo: $22.99, Infared $22.99
Bottom Photo: Love $39.99, Kardin $24.99

Word to your mother, friends, uncle, second cousins....

Invitation wording can be tricky. The question presents itself on how to word the invite to make it more personal. You have your formal invite phrases: Request the honour of your presence...half past three in the afternoon.... Where do you and your fiancé fit in? Design is one element to make your invite personable to the two of you; another is a play on words.

Here is an example of a fantastic invitation set from Lunalux. The bride generously provided photos to highlight the rock star attitude of the couple. Here you see fun vocab swapping your typical verses for a feel of what the couple represents. Lily is an awesome songstress, and I have been lucky enough to hear her live. I couldn't imagine a more fitting invite for their wedding. My favorite part is the madlib RSVP card. I can't imagine too many guests passing up the opportunity to reply!

A few more photos of her collection:

Lily and Lars' wedding bio

Tag this...

Graffiti is often seen as an urban outlet, of amazing artists, who are able to create masterpieces with a spray can. A spray can and often a good pair of running shoes. Well, like most aspects in life, it has been transformed into something even the most elegant of brides can appreciate.

Today in the mail, I received my very own sample from the Wonderful Graffiti Wedding work. I was inspired by the sample to post about their awesome site. (all photos taken from the website)

To Chuck or not to Chuck

Chuck Taylor that is.... Converse shoes are popping up everywhere on the wedding front. Grooms don't want to stand uncomfortably in standard dress shoes, and why should they if there is a fashionable alternate. This style typically works best in a more casual, or modern setting. If you are having a posh, high glam wedding, I might suggest sticking to the standard shoes and getting insoles. [wink]

(photos from Brooklyn Bride)

Anwar loves Chuck Taylors, so I won't be surprised if they find a way into our wedding day. A good friend of mine, Devan, does customized shoes. For Anwar's birthday last year, I had a pair made for his Japanese pop culture themed party. You can also customize your own shoes on the Converse.com website.

Brides can also get in the mix, with different styles that are feminine yet sporty. While I am not sure if I would wear these on my wedding day, I am going to snag a pair for our engagement photos for sure. I love the slip on style!

Stationery to envy

Louella Press caught my eye as I browsed through several wedding magazines one afternoon. I looked it up online a.s.a.p., and bookmarked the site that same day. Here are a few designs I was more than thrilled to blog about. Very nice.

(Caution, viewing may cause paper envy.)

Amazing.... Style: Bouquet

I love the ampersand especially. Style: Urban Florish

Style: Vintage Wrangler

Style: Custom

Style: Caribbean Lace

(All photos from Louella Press website)

Movie Inspiration: West Side Story

Growing up, my father kept my sister and me watching classic films during our summers in California. We grew up watching The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and one of my all time favorites, West Side Story. Natalie Wood had a face of near symmetrical perfection. Match that with the handsome Tony, and fiery Puerto Rican dances, and you can see how a little girl falls in love with a story.

The scene was urban New York. Bright colors adorned the Jets and the Sharks and their partners at the dance. And just as the room stops, Maria stands there in her virginal white dress...hello, could it get any more wedding inspirational. Passion, music, beauty all tie into what one may imagine for their special day.

(Photo credit: imdb.com)

(Photo credit: route79.com)

(Photo credit for inspiration board: Martha Stewart Weddings website)

Take a seat...

I wanted to put a spin on the classic numbered escort cards and table assignments. More and more we are seeing different elements that couples are incorporating into their receptions seating process. Pets, memorable travels, movies, and so on are now replacing your standard 123's.

For our wedding, we wanted to do a photo shoot that is modern take on retro couples: suburbia, baby boomers, housewives, etc. From there, the photos would progress forward in time with the table assignments. A mix of what your stereotypical man and wife is deemed to be. Some of these ideas include a flirty take on the shotgun wedding, some afro centric vintage looks, and if we dare, a horrid ode to the 80's with the huge hair and bouquet to match.

Here are some inspirational pictures I've come across.

Photo credits top to bottom: Dick Van Dyke photo from teamsugar.com, 1958 Universal Coffeematic print ad, 1960's Career Club Shirts USA ad, Vintage Richard Roundtree ad from fiveprime.org