weddings // BHLDN show

It has been a LONG time since I've done a "life via Instagram" recap around here!  And since I've taken way too many photos since my last post to share all of them with you here (trust me, you'd hate it), I'm able to pick a theme for my Instagram images to share.

Since it's technically Wedding Wednesday, I wanted to share some highlights of the BHLDN fashion show with you guys!  Last week, Joelle and I were invited to check out the new space where BHLDN's "shop in shop" (it's going to be on the mezzanine of the current Anthropologie store in Beverly Hills) will be located.  The grand opening is July 10 and I cannot wait!

I think there were at least four or five different dresses coming down the runway for which I leaned over to Joelle and whispered ferociously, "that one is totally my favorite!"

My ACTUAL favorite has to be this lovely gem right here (very Kate Middleton, no?).  There was also a close relative of this dress that was sleeveless -- also amazing.

Last week, BHLDN invited a bunch of bloggers and wedding folks to the new space to enjoy some light snacks, champagne, the Anthro store all to ourselves, and, of course, the newest release of gorgeous wedding gowns.  I was pleasantly surprised by how many new designs there are going to be. 

Anyway, on to the Instagrams.  Some of these are actually Joelle's or taken by other ladies attending the event -- all are linked to the original Instagram accounts from which they came.  :)

images from joelle duff, bhldn, and annadelores on Instagram

many more if you search #bhldnla on Instagram!

mani monday // Julep weddings.

For this week's Mani Monday, I wanted to share Julep's tips for getting a "ring-finger ready" manicure (i.e., tips for a flawless wedding day manicure)!

Julep's Beauty Buzz blog features an easy, step-by-step, 30-day timeline for making sure bridal (and bridesmaid, mother of the bride, flower girl...) manicures are in optimal condition for ceremony, cocktails, and reception.  Check out the post for the details on what Julep recommends for wedding-day prep (and even though this post says it was written by Emily R., it's not me!).  :)

Julep also has a Wedding Suite on their site for easy shopping suggestions for nail colors on your big day (with cute wedding-themed names for these mini-collections, like "Tie the Knot" and "A Little Something Blue").

{ natural wedding chic collection }

Julep's suggestions range from classic, barely-there neutrals (the "Natural Wedding Chic" trio is a perfect combo!) to bolder big-day choices like "Reception Red" and "Special Occasion" (I REALLY want Billie Jean for myself for ANY occasion, thankyouverymuch).

Remember to link up below to share your mani-related blog posts with me and Heather!

mani monday // wedding nails

Happy Mani Monday, everyone!  Now that wedding season is getting underway, I thought I'd re-share some of my favorite wedding-perfect manicures (via Pinterest, of course!). 

Generally-speaking, I love off-the-wall nails with bold colors and experimentation -- but NOT on your wedding day.  I found a lot of over-the-top ideas on Pinterest (just search "wedding nails" and you'll see what I mean) and some of them are borderline acceptable, but for the most part, sticking with soft pink, blush, or peach tones is a good idea, or go with the good old-fashioned French tips.  My only exception to this (aside from a little bit of glitter) is going red.  It's a classic shade and if it fits your wedding and your personality, go for it.


I have mixed feelings about matching nail polish with your wedding colors... what do you think?



Link up with Heather and I below!

weddings // la tavola linens

Before getting into the wedding industry, I don't think it would have ever occurred to me to rent linens for a wedding.  I mean, what's wrong with the plain ivory tablecloths and napkins provided by the venue?  I have since learned the error of my ways.

Linens can make an incredible impact on the overall look of your wedding.  The ability to rent (or buy) linens is certainly subject to budget considerations, but since becoming a wedding photographer (and following Joelle Duff, coordinator extraordinaire, to La Tavola Linens), I've learned just how important linen choice can be.

Case in point: Joelle rented linens from La Tavola for our Kate Spade-inspired shoot back in February.  Having this striped linen for the table scape and the emerald sequined prettiness below for our cake table (and bouquet backdrop!) made an impact much more impressive than if we'd used a plain white tablecloth (or skipped linens altogether).

Early this month, La Tavola hosted a celebration for the launch of its spring 2013 collection.  Joelle, Emily, and I made the trek to La Tavola's Santa Barbara location for cupcakes, cocktails, and all the linen loveliness we could handle.

Take a peek at some of the images I snapped!  And Emily and Joelle are just the cutest, as usual.  :)

 

 

Moral of the story?  I'll be renting linens when it comes time for me to get married (someday, someday...), and I love to encourage any betrothed couple I encounter to do the same!

Would you invest in decor-enhancing linens for your wedding day, or would you rather allocate your budget elsewhere?

weddings // Carly + Robbie

I don't think it's a big secret that I'm mad about weddings.  I love looking at anything WEDDING: inspiration, real weddings, lovely details, bridal fashion... the list goes on and on.  This adoration goes to an entirely new level when I can sneak a peek at the wedding celebration of someone I know!  So as soon as I got to meet Carly, a favorite blogger of mine and seriously one of the coolest people ever, it didn't take me long to ask if I could share her wedding on my blog.

And when I saw that it was at Marvimon House?!  Um, yes please!

Here's Carly, the lovely bride, with some of her entourage pre-ceremony.

And walking down the aisle to marry Robbie.

It looks like Carly and Robbie had so much fun at their wedding: portraits full of laughter (my favorite!), tons of dancing, and such a gorgeous venue to boot.

Thank you so much, Carly, for sharing your wedding day with us!

Photographer: Playful Soul Photography // Dress: Lili Bridals // Florist: Chelsea Leah Flowers // Rentals: Huntington Catering Company // Venue: Marvimon // Catering: Lucille's BBQ

small business // studio space in progress.

I mentioned it very briefly last month: Anna Delores Photography is getting a studio space!  I'm sharing the space with three other wedding vendors: Stella Bloom Designs, Leo Evidente Photographers, and A Charming Occasion.

We've been painting, investing in furniture, considering renovations, changing locks and lighting -- the works!

{ left: painting walls so we can start fresh!    //    right: snippets of our new studio furniture pieces }

I am simultaneously shocked that it's happening so fast, and impatient for the day that everything is finished and we can really start working in there (and inviting all of you lovely people to help us celebrate its unveiling!).

Here's a little peek at what we've been up to in our studio...

The Anthropologie mugs in that last photo are gifts from Joelle!  She surprised us with monogrammed coffee mugs for each of us.  So fun.  We're also equipped with a new Keurig coffee maker, a bar cart (and some beer in the mini fridge -- an office-warming gift from Joelle's husband, Robert!), and a gorgeous, geometric-detail community table built from scratch by the incredible, multi-talented Leo (yes, he's also a photographer).  We're trying to convince him that he needs to start a side business selling his handmade dining tables.  They're breathtaking, and he came up with the design itself too.  Amazing!

We'll keep you posted as we continue progress on the studio space.  I feel so proud and fortunate to be a part of this Ventura County wedding vendor collective!  It's a wonderful community of lovely, talented individuals who share my passion for weddings (and are pretty much ALWAYS game to share a bottle of wine) -- does it get better than that?