Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Fabulous Wedding Hairstyles

We might be a tad bit biased, but we happen to think that our brides are gorgeous from head to toe! So naturally we were delighted to share with you some of the most fabulous wedding hairstyles our brides have worn (with a new beautiful 'dos from bridesmaids and wedding guests thrown in for good measure). Which of these amazing hairstyles is your favorite?


Bride Hannah's hair was so special - loose, soft, curls tumbled down her shoulder in such an elegant style. It was a perfect complement to her romantic, flowing gown. The sideswept hairstyle showed off the lovely open back of the dress wonderfully. Images by Hannah Woodard Photography.



The bridesmaids at April and Jimmy's wedding had the most incredible hair of any bridal party. Don't you love the braids around the crown, pulled back into pinned up curls. Even the flower girl had lovely hair, complete with a sweet floral headband.


Of course, it takes some effort to get beautiful, but the results are clearly worth it! Image credit: Matthew Pautz Photography.



Erin's classic hairstyle was just right with her timeless strapless wedding gown and strand of pearls. The smooth sweep in the front is balanced beautifully by the mass of pinned curls pulled back into an updo. Image credit: FamZing Photography.


This updated chignon was worn by a chic wedding guest, and I have to admit that it is one of my favorite hairstyles of all.


Not only did Cara have the prettiest braided updo (with little twists along the hairline, no less), she wore very pretty roses and baby's breath in her hair. It was such a sweet and fresh look.


Last, but surely not least, bride Olivia swept her thick auburn curls up into a classic simple style adorned with fall flowers. Her long veil flowing down her back was the perfect finishing touch.




Thursday, June 9, 2016

Classic Bridal Portraits at Lenora's Legacy

Truly there is nothing lovelier than a bridal portrait. We love the beautiful photos showcasing the bride in her specially chosen wedding gown. Outdoor photos, such as many brides have opted for at Lenora's Legacy, offer a particularly romantic backdrop for bridal portraits. These are a few of our very favorites - we hope you enjoy the photos and find inspiration for your own bridal shots.


Beautiful bride Amber (above and below), was photographed by Camilla Calnan in multiple settings around the estate. This is a great way to capture different moods and showcase different aspects of the bride's personality, gown, and accessories. In the photo above, her blowing veil and the dramatic sky create a very striking scene, while the image below is fresh, sweet, and classic.



Bride April also chose several backdrops for her bridal portraits by Amber McDowell Photography. Couples often wonder how to honor and include loved ones who have passed in their weddings, and holding a portrait as April does in the right-hand image is a lovely idea. Another idea is for the bride to hold her mother's bridal portrait, which would be especially meaningful if the bride is wearing her mom's wedding gown.

In this soft, ethereal portrait of Hannah by Kendra Martin Photography, gentle black and white tones create a gentle, romantic image of the bride.


All of the photos of Nicholas and Cara's wedding by The Mondays Photography are full of personality, and Cara's portraits are no exception. The duo format is a terrific layout for showcasing both the bride's beauty and her personality.
Another terrific way to use a duo photo is shown in Heather's portraits by Amber McDowell Photography. The three-quarter view lets us see the bride's pretty face, while the close up image is perfect for capturing special details, in this case her beautiful bouquet.


JAC Photography (now called Ryan & Alyssa Photography) also took photos of bride Caroline (images above and below) in multiple locations. The crisp clean background of the farmhouse's front porch offers a classic setting, as well as plenty of reflected light that illuminates the bride's lovely face. In the images below, her white gown stands out against the lush green lawn and foliage, making it an ideal spot for the full length portrait with the gown's train extended.



The double portrait is a terrific way to show off multiple views of the bridal gown. We love how Hannah Woodard Photography highlighted both the classic elegance of Mallorie's lace wedding dress in the full length view and the dramatic open keyhole back.


Speaking of backs, this photo by Kelli C Photography is unbelievably gorgeous! Doesn't the bride look like a glamorous vintage movie star? And what a way to showcase a beautiful train. Definitely ask your photographer about shooting bridal portraits from a variety of angles.


Of course as much as we love outdoor bridals, this dramatic portrait of Jessica by Cureton Photography in the light of the window is truly spectacular. This is a wedding photo she will surely treasure for a lifetime.




Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Our Favorite Wedding Send Offs

As you are planning for a picture perfect wedding, don't forget to plan for an equally fantastic ending! It is great fun to gather all the guests at the end of the reception so they can send off the newlyweds in style with cheers of well wishes. From bubbles to vintage cars to light sticks (to more bubbles!), these are some of our favorite wedding send offs.


How cute is this vintage style "Just Married" sign from Erin and Dan's wedding? We don't see too many cars with cans and shoes tied to them these days, but streamers are still quite popular.

Actually, we spoke too soon - Kayla and Brad's friends actually did tie cans to their getaway truck - Coca Cola cans in the same shiny red as the truck, of course. The streamers and balloons were a festive touch. I love how many of their guests got in on the decorating fun!





Hannah and Robert left their reception in a cloud of bubbles. Photographed by Hannah Woodard.


April and Jimmy dashed through a tunnel of bubbles and well wishes. Amber McDowell Photography captured every delightful moment of their send off.


Three cheers for newlyweds Chelsea and Dan! Photography by Michelle Brooks.



The ramp out of the Peach Shed Pavilion makes a perfect place to gather for a grand send off. Images above by Kelli C Photography.


Just look at the groom's look of triumph and the bride's joyful expression in this send off photo by Millie Holloman - I love how it captured the young newlyweds' excitement in the moment.


Erin and Dan pause for a kiss among the bubbles. Image by FamZing.


Colorful light sticks make for great photos at the end of the night! Image by Cureton Photography.


Hannah and Joe heading off to their wedding night after their beautiful reception. See more of Kendra Martin's photos of their wedding here.



It's hard to beat a vintage car like the one Jessica and Taylor chose for their elegant wedding. Cureton Photography did a marvelous job capturing the newlyweds during their sunset send off.

In case you missed our last post, be sure to take a look back at the heartfelt expressions of faith we shared from Lenora's Legacy weddings. They are truly inspiring.