New York Flair Styled Shoot

P h o t o s b y M y l y n W o o d

Hi friends. So this is definitely a unique shoot being shared today. First let me preface with the fact that this may be one of the most adorable couples to grace the blog. It was shot in the tropics of Saipan but doesn’t take on the typical beach or seaside styled shoot you might imagine when you think of this warm locale, but instead, was inspired by New York City’s fashion and fun.

From the photographer…Danielle LaRauf, a professional dancer from New York and Jordan Bjostad, an experienced pilot from Texas, both took jobs on a tiny, remote island just south of Guam on a whim. The odds of them finding love on such a small island, quite literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean were about as remote as their location but luck was in their favor and that’s exactly what they found! The couple are both far from traditional and though they’re not officially engaged (yet!) we wanted to celebrate their love before the two embark on a new life off-island where miles will separate them,

The classic New York style gave us the inspiration for the gown (a handmade gem inspired by Oscar de la Renta) and his sleek, black tie look. The couple thrives on adventure, often spending their time exploring the island through hikes and scuba diving and traveling the world (they have a trip to Japan in the works!) The tandem bikes were a no-brainer for this fun-loving pair and proved to provide a spectacular view of the local park, cafes and Galleria mall.

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Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration

P h o t o s b y K a t i e G r a n t

I’m thrilled to have this stunning styled shoot from Katie Grant on the blog today. It’s one of those that I can’t wait to share because its beautiful details are so emotive. I also love Katie’s work so it’s an honor to showcase this feature as her first on Belles & Bubbles. I’ll let her speak for the feature as her words capture it all perfectly.

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

From the photographer…The sharp edges of the windblown dunes call for attention, for action. They call for bare feet tracing their spines and ache for romance atop their peaks. Here, in the stillness of the dunes, is where our perfect elopement transpires. Amethyst geodes set the luscious palette of this intimate affair. They can be seen dancing on the ribbon of the bouquet, skirting the edges of the richly painted cake, and alongside the divine, hand-lettered elopement announcement suite. A table for four was loosely set to accommodate our bride, groom, and their two witnesses. Florals spill out of the antique brass centerpiece as lovely hand written menus announce the feast.Let us not forget our couple; silhouetted by the sinking sun and bathed in golden light as they commit themselves to each other. Our bride’s Houghton NYC gown perfectly catches the night breeze and the sun sings it’s praises as it shines through the gauzy fabric. It is truly a sight for the groom to behold and to forever cherish. This is indeed a night to remember in the Great Sand Dunes.

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com
Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com
Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com
Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com
Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Inspiration: http://bellesandbubbles.com/great-sand-dunes-elopement-inspiration | Photography: http://www.katiegrantphoto.com

These images just stun me - the lighting is incredible and it’s work like this that is the reason I love film photography so much. And how about those details? I’m such a fan of all the styling, from the gorgeous gown to the color palette and the uber pin-worthy tablescape. Thanks so much to Katie for the images and stay tuned for some more of her gorgeous work on the blog soon!


Photography: Katie Grant Photography | Film Lab: Photovision | Styling & Design: Katie Grant & Connie Whitlock | Florals: Nora Case | Paper and Calligraphy: Jenny Sanders | Cake: Megan Joy | Dress Store: The Dress Theory | Dress Designer: Houghton NYC | Hair & Make-up: Sara Bears | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Location: Great Sand Dunes, CO, USA

Historic Bok Tower Gardens Engagement

P h o t o s b y E m i l y K a t h a r i n e

Today I’m sharing an engagement session that took place in Bok Tower Gardens, consisting of an ornate neo-Gothic art deco singing tower surrounded by lush, romantic gardens. It’s a beautiful setting for an engagement shoot that’s gorgeously captured on film by Emily Katharine. The light quality in this shoot is fantastic, and so is this bride-to-be’s ring!

From the photographer…For their engagement session, we visited Bok Tower Gardens. We watched the sun rise as we drove to the garden and we all enjoyed watching the fog roll out of the hills in the morning. It was a gorgeous day – the weather had just turned and it was actually a little cool. Once we arrived, we explored every nook of the beautiful garden. Of course, Kimberly and Andres were fantastic models and they look great on film, if I do say so myself.

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Fine Art Wedding Inspiration #4: Vibrant Pops of Color

Here is an inspiration board for all you color lovers out there! I have much admiration for those people who really commit to vibrant color palettes. They make such a statement and they’re also super fun and perfect for summer, which is just around the corner. This particular inspiration board doesn’t focus on one particular bright and bold color, but mixes brights together as not to be too exhausting.

Of course, florals certainly come to mind when you think of how to use a bright and vibrant color palette, and I adore these particular floral arrangements. However, you can find other fun and unique ways to add that color pop to a wedding. There’s definitely been a trend in colorful shoes, and you can also use color in bridesmaids’ dresses, other attire (how cute are those hats!), or even a bold pink lip. Food and paper goods are also fun ways incorporate your bright color scheme. Continue Reading

Houston Villa Elopement

P h o t o s b y J e n n a M c E l r o y

Happy Monday, everyone. I’ve got a unique villa elopement to share with you taking place in Houston, captured by Jenna McElory. Originally, the couple was going to have a larger wedding, but during their planning process, they decided to mix them altogether and elope in a beautiful chapel with only their intimate families. Details to adore: the bride’s gorgeous diamond ring (actually, her dress…and veil too!), the groom’s dapper and classy suit, and the lovely interior of the Lanier Theological Chapel.

Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com

From the photographer…Katie and Anti remind me of everything I love about marriage - family, love, and excitement. When Katie first contacted me, she spun visions of an intimate dinner party in December with her dearest friends and family. I could hear the joy in her voice, instantly knowing a magical day was in store. But God had different plans, and it wasn’t more than a few weeks before Katie and Anti were walking down the aisle on a day they couldn’t have dreamed.

Katie’s classic plans soon became an even more exclusive affair - an elopement - to be shared only with their immediate family. The bride and groom surrounded themselves with everything dear to them on a beautiful Sunday evening in the majestic Lanier Theological Chapel in Houston. I found these two giddy with excitement and love. They read personal letters before the ceremony and spoke tearful vows under beautiful hand painted art. It was a day filled with the most beautiful things in this life - family, love, and excitement.

Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com

Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com
Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com

Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com

Houston Villa Elopement: http://bellesandbubbles.com/houston-villa-elopement | Photography: http://www.jennamcelroy.com Continue Reading