a midsummer night's dream inspired garden wedding

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing a styled bridal shoot with a team of amazing women, shot in my own garden. Sarah Worden (of Sarah Worden Natural Design) and I conceived of the idea of an ethereal garden wedding, with the bridesmaids dressed in white. We loved Pipa Middleton's epic white dress at the royal wedding and thought how beautiful it would be to have the "maids" all dressed in white. Cool fact: In Britain, it is traditional for the bridesmaids to don white dresses to match the bride (the superstition dates way back to Queen Victoria). They believe that if the maids dress like the bride it will ward off evil spirits! We knew the garden setting was the perfect backdrop for the fairytale aesthetic we were after.

A little about the details:

Most of the florals were locally sourced (some plucked right out of my garden). The cake was made by me (first try). I love the "naked" wedding cakes I have been seeing on Pinterest lately, and thought it went perfectly with the rustic/chic look we were after.  My dog, Bode, was such a ham, and kept jumping in the shots, so we decided, "why not"? He was having so much fun, and matched the ladies all in white! I am absolutely swooning over the bridesmaid's hair. Isabella Vazquez did a fantastic job of getting the look we were after with just a few key words. It has that 70's boho vibe, but with an updated and fresh look. And what about those floral crowns Sarah Worden made? The girls were all barefoot and painted their toes a light blue (even our little flower girl wanted in).

We had so much fun doing this. We hope it inspires you! See below for the full vendor list. Or click on link if you are interested in booking any of these other vendors for your own wedding or party.

Floral & table styling: Sarah Worden Natural Design //Hair: Isabella Vazquez (you can find her at Joes Hair Salon ) and follow her on twitter. // Make Up: Ashley Cruz. // Jewelry: Steinen. // Invitations: Minted // Brides dress: Sans Souci // Bridesmaid Dress's: BCBG

*A huge thank you  to the beautiful models who we couldn't have done this without, Lindsey, Ava, Phoebe, Eliza, and Madelyn (and our groom, Ray).

brides in black and white

{a few favorites from over the years}

How do you know when you get it right? You just do. Most of the time. Even before digital arrived, (when you can check and see if you got the shot). It is instinctual, it is part of being in the moment. Having taken pictures of brides now for almost fifteen years, I have to say that they don't just blend into on another (as one may think). Each, with their own personality, each that have left an impression on me. I have connected on a personal level with every one. I feel especially nostalgic about black and white. I spent years in the darkroom carefully unloading film in the dark room, watching it develop, handling each piece of paper gingerly with the tongs as I set it in the developer. Watching it emerge. I shot only in black and white film up until about five years ago. I only used color when asked by a bride. I guess with progress comes change. But I must say I miss the smell of stop bath. Thank you to all my unique and beautiful brides, for sharing their most important and memorable day with me. I feel honored.


Too see more of my portfolio visit me  on my website. To book a shoot or for a free consult call 203.266.5168