Arriving in a Convertible ... Dress

Cars are not the only convertibles arriving at weddings. Just today, Style Me Pretty featured former Miss USA Nia Sanchez' wedding, where she wore a gown by Pnina Tornai. While it is not uncommon for a bride to purchase more than one dress for her special day, we have not seen a bride pair the two into one dress. The outcome, as you can see above, was flawless. The second I saw the transformation, I joined the millions with my obsession. 

Traditionally, brides prefer the ball gown look for their ceremony. While flattering, the circumference of this style tends to interfere with festivities towards the end of the night - just imagine avoiding food stains in that skirt. It is at this time that brides change into a more fitted dress, one that is more mobile in order to interact with guests and dance more freely. 

So, what are the advantages to having these two styles combined into one dress? Well, for one, your wallet will be thanking you. Designer wedding dresses can breach into the thousands (at least), and, while I have not researched it, I cannot imagine the price of a tutu skirt extension coming close to the price of a full gown. Another advantage to this style is the simplicity of the dress change: it does not require taking time away from your guests to formally change wardrobes. Just simply untie the extension as if you were bustling a dress. This convenience becomes an advantage from a photographers standpoint, as the photographer is able to easily capture the bride in both dresses during a First Look session. Once the sun sets, it is difficult for a photographer to capture portrait photos without shadows. With a gown this gorgeous, you are going to want both styles photographed in natural light. Lastly, there is only so much time in one's wedding day. The time it takes to change into a completely different gown is more than any bride wants to spend away from sharing the night with their loved ones. 

So, what's next? Personally, I could see this trend expanding into convertible sleeves, especially for wedding ceremonies that take place in a holy setting, exposing the arms for the reception. And, who knows, we may be seeing this incorporated into bridesmaids dresses as well!

Photo credit: Natalie Schutt Photography 

No Rain on Your Parade!

you can stand under my umbrella

michelle-michael-floating-umbrella-cramer-photography

This new trend is opening up across the nation. An ironic prop, you may think, but brides and hosts are beginning to include this item at all celebrations.

Utilizing umbrellas as a decoration for your next event may seem strange, but as previous parties have proven, this is far from the case. Not only can umbrellas enhance color to anyone’s event, but they can also be used as props for bridal and/or wedding photos.

Guests will use them too, whether it is to protect them from the hot summer sun or, on the rare case, from the drizzling rain.

Afraid umbrellas may be too bulky? Don’t be! Consider hanging them from the lighting or placing them upside down in a pool! This will refrain them from disturbing guests while still adding an unique flare to your décor.

"Proper" Bridal Party Photos

dare to be creative

Don’t be scared to add a little fun to your wedding photos! Adding props, such as sunglasses and bubbles, give a bridal shoot give a youthful flare, while creating special memories between the bridesmaid and/or grooms involved.

Affording these items can be easy, for they are inexpensive to buy and can be easily purchased at the local dollar store, leaving one’s wallet dent-free!

Playful items give the bride and groom a chance to incorporate previous memories, such as inside jokes, into their wedding as well. Other products to consider can range from lollipops, frames, even feather boas! Be conscious to only utilize harmless, clean products that will not harm or damage your make-up, hair, or dress!

The props purchased may also be reused by guests to add fun to photos after the ceremony! So brides and grooms, do not hesitate to bring out the child in you: jump, blow bubbles, and laugh.

Engaging Photos

you will not want to miss

Engagement photos may seem unnecessary to most newly engaged couples, especially in comparison to the numerous details that creates the perfect day. Engagement photos, however, should not be ignored! Not only can these photos be used as creative décor at your wedding, but they can also be used for your save-the-date cards, wedding website, and ceremony program!

Along with building a relationship with your wedding photographer, engagement photos give couples the opportunity to practice being photographed, ensuring a smoother photo shoot on your wedding day! Be sure to inform your photographer of any angels and/or shots you do not care for, as well as any that you loved.