I’m here today to help you avoid making the same mistake as me- Black River Imaging has a modern and creative way to display your photos and share them with your friends and family. Black River Imaging actually fuses your image into metal. The result is a single print large enough for wall mounting or even small enough to use as an ornament. They also come in many shapes so you are not limited to just square or round. Check them out:

If you just got engaged and are planning your engagement session, wedding, or need thank you cards, consider this creative way to display and share your photos- no excuses!

Happy Planning from your Tucson Wedding Blog!

Kelly

Heather and John’s engagement session is really cool for a few reasons: they are naturally playful, they hit a few locales for their shoot and they incorporated elements that are unique to them. Enjoy!

I would say that this is one of my favorite photos from the session but I would be lying…I really love all the photos and can’t pick a fav!

I asked the couple about the books and here’s what they said: The books in the photos represent a running joke of our relationship.  John is working on his doctoral dissertation and his books follow us everywhere.  There are piles of them in every room of the house and scattered throughout the car. I feel like we have started a miniature library in our apartment.

GORGEOUS!!! The grounds of DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun are absolutely beautiful! It was a perfect location to capture the beautiful Tucson desert, mountain backdrop and general Old Pueblo atmosphere in our photos.

How did Heather and John meet? I will let them tell you all about it!

Heather’s Side of the Story: John and I met on the 4th of July on Mill Ave in Tempe (yes some people can still meet in bars!). I was visiting a friend in the “big city” for the holiday and she and I were having a gal pal bonding moment when he unexpectedly interrupted. His big pick up line of the evening was an unintentional drink order in my direction while next to me at the bar. Boys, if you want to pick up the ladies just yell “Can I get a Guinness?” mere inches from a gal’s face and you are in! After a brief moment of confusion, it wasn’t too long before we bonded over our love for the study of history, outdoor adventuring and world travel.

A first date was immediately planned for breakfast the next morning and things pretty much took off from there.

John’s Side of the Story: Heather got most of the details right, but I want to add that the drink order WAS intentional. The extra volume might have been a bit much, but I wanted to make sure that I got her attention as I had been looking for any opening to talk to her for awhile. In my defense, it was a very noisy bar. I was a bit nervous that Heather wouldn’t show up to breakfast, but she did and everything went splendidly from there.

We did long distance for the first two years of our relationship between Tucson and Phoenix and although it did have its difficulties, it was definitely worth it! I think I knew pretty quickly that he was the one because with only 3 months in, I had traded in my SUV for a more economical sedan. John cringes thinking about how many times during those few years that he had to take the Greyhound bus back and fourth at 5:30 in the morning before his class that day.

Heather and Amanda (of Amanda Rockafellow Photography) chose The Shelter while hanging out with friends there one day. Heather smartly realized that having a drink or two during the e-session would help loosen things up too. It also was a good fit for the session because, as Heather explains, “The retro and historical elements of the bar combined with John and my love for history made it a perfect location for the shoot. “

John is from Portland, Heather is from Tucson and while both adore their hometowns, the ultimate goal is to settle on the Pacific Northwest. I like how they pay homage to their history while looking to the future with these cute photos

If you can hang onto your photographer until the evening (bribing them with dinner and a refreshment probably helps), do it. You will get the pretty late afternoon light but can mix in some night life shots as well!

(All images courtesy of: Amanda Rockafellow Photography)

H/J: I think we can both agree that our favorite thing about each other is just how much we motivate each other to try new things, explore new places and live our lives to the fullest.  Without John’s encouragement, I would have never had the confidence to apply for my current position at the UA.  Also, before I met him, I would have also never thought I would have been able to complete a graduate degree (July 2012!). (John adds:) Heather helped reawaken my love for the outdoors and helps to counter my overly cynical nature.

Heather and John, thank you so very much for sharing this fun engagement session with us and congrats on the upcoming wedding!

Many thanks to photographer Amanda Rockafellow who shared her work with us!

Happy Planning from your Tucson Wedding Blog,

Kelly

This next year, we hope you find yourself dreaming bigger than ever, laughing until your sides hurt, and feeling more love than you ever thought possible!

(Image by: Bird and Bloke via Etsy)

Happy Holidays and Welcome 2012!

Kelly

One of our photo shoots for the new issue was catering driven so we have a treat for you today! This is the Hacienda Corona de Guevavi where the shoot took place. It’s historic, picturesque and full of character.

I can’t give everything away but I can tempt you a bit. All of the food for this photo shoot was done by Annette Hartman Catering whose food is both delicious and beautiful!

Annette Hartman generously shared a few recipes with us!

Fiesta Chicken Salad

Ingredients: 4 cups cubed rotisserie chicken • 2 cups frozen corn, thawed or on can of corn • 1 cup chopped red or orange bell pepper • 1 cup chopped red onion • 1 small jalapeño chopped fine • 1 cup minced fresh cilantro • 1 tablespoons lime juice • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon mixed pepper blend • 1 cup of name brand mayo or enough to blend until creamy

• Tortilla chips or scoops

Blend well and scoop on you favorite tortilla chip. This is an awesome and easy appetizer. Enjoy!

BLT Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients:  2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 32) • 6 slices of cooked bacon • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup finely grated cheese • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Cut off the stem ends of the tomatoes. Using a small paring knife, remove the seeds and place in a bowl, place the tomatoes cut side down on paper towels

2. Finely chop your bacon.

3. Stir together the mayonnaise, bacon, cheese and green onions spoon into a resealable bag. Cut off the tip of one corner.

4. Place the tomatoes cut side up on a platter and pipe mixture insides tomato. Garnish with additional chopped green onions.

 You might want to double this recipe they go fast.

Here’s the crew for the day!

Many warm thanks to all who participated!

Catering and Styling: Annette Hartman Catering

Photography: Amanda Rockafellow Photography

Location: Hacienda Corona de Guevavi

Videography: Beyond Video

Floral Design: Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers

Linens: Tucson Party Rentals

Stationery: A Fine Line Stationery &  Gift Boutique

Cakes and Sweets: Village Bakehouse

See what I mean? It’s not often that we (desert dwellers) see leaves in so many colors and light that glows so softly…

How do you choose a photographer? I asked Chris Richards and he shared a few insights:

-When choosing a photographer to document this time in your life, it’s about a feeling. You’ll know you’ve found the right professional when you see photos that come alive, make your heart swell a bit, and make you feel like you want to feel on the day of your wedding.

-As a photojournalist, I had an editor who used to shout in the office “I hate photos that are just “nice” – take photos that make me feel something!” It’s sounds so simple, but it’s a rare and difficult skill. On your wedding day, “nice” won’t do. You want photos that will take you back to the feelings of the day.

Expert tips from photographer Chris Richards for getting the most out of your engagement session:

- Relax. That’s the whole point, really. People always say afterwards that they had a blast, but hadn’t expected to. Done right, an engagement session is a silly, playful, experimental good time. It’s no longer just a pair of head shots for the newspaper, it’s a chance to catch you together in a laid-back fashion and see how you best fit together, photographically speaking. Think of it as a test-run, so we know exactly how you’d like to see yourselves on your wedding day.

- Dress normal, but nice. Unless you’re going for a specific theme in your e-shoot I recommend dressy casual. I prefer dark colors, long sleeves, no big logos, comfortable but not flashy, and complementary colors for the two of you, but not matching. The idea is that the clothes won’t draw attention to themselves (now or in twenty years) because it’s about you. Comfy shoes aren’t a bad idea either, as I like to have people walking around, and clients have been known to climb a tree or give each other horsey-back rides from time to time.

- Bring a few props, or a pet. It’s not that we’ll use them for every shot, but who knows what fun we can have with a surfboard or pack of huskies? An old guitar, a bouquet of flowers, your favorite team jerseys or old tandem bike – they all make fun ways to add some cool variety and personality. If you’re bringing a dog, I usually recommend bringing a friend as well, who can keep fido company when it’s time for the shots of just the two of you.

- Take a good look at yourself. Think a bit about what you’ve liked about photos of yourself in the past (and photos you’ve hated), and don’t be afraid to tell your photographer. Then, trust them to direct the shoot and find your best angles, lighting and looks.

- Build in a bit of time to hang out afterwards. An e-session is a great chance for me to get to know my clients, and we often end up chatting over a beverage afterwards, laughing at the shoot and looking at shots on the back of the camera. It’s a great time to catch up on any updates in the timeline for the big day.

- Friend me (and my business) on Facebook, and bookmark my blog. Blogs and Facebook are a common way to get a few of the coolest teasers out. Alternately, let your photographer know early if you don’t want your photos shared for any reason.

-Think of all the cool things you can do with your photos. Shot early enough, great engagement photos are perfect for save-the-dates, guest signing books, table decorations, wall art, thank you cards and more.

This is my personal favorite of the bunch- they just seem naturally happy and I love that!

Here’s a little more about Aimee and Myles:

KG: How did you and Myles meet?

A: Myles and I met through mutual friends at U of A college of Public Health. We were both attending grad school and a mutual friend was trying to hook us up with other people. At the time, Myles was renovating a house and was hosting a work party to get all his friends to help plaster walls, wire electrical outlets, paint, etc, etc, etc… He and I essentially “met” while he explained to me how to wire eight electrical outlets in is home. Mind you, I have no experience or skill in electrical wiring, but this was were he and I had our first conversation. I definitely failed (miserably) at wiring all of the outlets, but I guess you could say the sparks flew!

KG: What is your favorite thing about each other?

A: We both enjoy traveling and try to include this in our lives as much as possible. On a day-to-day level, we are both laid back and love the anti-drama ethic we bring to our lives.

KG: What drew you to your photographer?

A: The same exact reason you are asking us to be in your blog. Chris Richards is amazing. His comfortable, non-cheesy style make you instantly warm up to the whole idea of being photographed. He makes the whole experience just feel like a fun moment, and while it’s happening, you think “gosh, I’m glad he is photographing this!” Also, his ability to combine his photo journal background with staged photography gives his photography that “wow!” factor that you see in every shot.

KG: How did you decide on the location for your engagement session?

A: This was Chris’ suggestion. The weather was just turning in the Tucson valley, but the weather on Mount Lemmon was already into Fall. Chris saw the opportunity for a beautiful backdrop and asked us if we would be game to meet him up there. We jumped at the chance.

KG: When and where are you getting married?

A: We were married on November 5th at Borderlands Brewing Company. We really wanted to have a wedding that was truly us, but we didn’t want to have to adhere to too many of the traditional expectations of a wedding. With Myles being the co-founder of the brewery, we instantly knew that we had to have the wedding there.

Congrats Aimee and Myles and thank you for sharing your engagement session with us!

Chris Richards, you rock! Kelly

Participants designed tablescapes for attendees to browse and gather design ideas; Bella Janssen of Bella Bride Weddings and Events designed a fresh and fun table that you just have to see:

Here’s what Bella has to say about her “Let Them Eat Cake” table (her enthusiasm is infectious!): The colors are white with lime green and dark green accents. The linen is white and I used dark green and lime green ribbons across the table. This gives a creative touch and eliminates runners and chargers;  Jaynie (of Ambrosia of Tucson and Mini’s Cupcakes) made a cake that serves 8 to 10 guest and this replaces the flowers for a typical centerpiece. If using this idea at an event, each table would have their own cake.  I will also use apples around the table and place a chalkboard marker inside that can be used as seating cards.”

Vendor Credits for “Let Them Eat Cake” Table

Concept and Styling:  Bella Bride

Cake: Ambrosia of Tucson

Rentals: ProEm Party Concepts

Photography: Jill Photo

(Above images courtesy of: Jill Photo)

A Fine Line Stationery and Gift Boutique also set up a table that embraced metallics in a very elegant way

The placemats are cut wood- aren’t they beautiful?

Annette Hartman Catering also designed a table that was on the more traditional side-it’s set for tea!

Great work everybody! Chatting Soon~Kelly

(Photo courtesy of: Marriott Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: Chris Richards Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: Something Blue Photography)

Purple is here to stay for a while- pair it with warm golden tones for a distinct Fall palette

(Photo courtesy of: Chris Richards Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: Amanda Rockafellow Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: Britta Van Vranken Photography)

Embrace the season with a themed cake!

(Photo courtesy of: Priddy Photo)

(Photo courtesy of: Priddy Photo)

(Photo courtesy of Hagerty Photography)

Multi-colored Fall linens create drama(Photo courtesy of: Chris Richards Photography)

(Photo courtesy of: Keith Pitts Photography)

One of my favorite Fall wedding details- a monogram jack-o-lantern!

(Photo courtesy of: Patrick Grimes Photography)

Happy Fall~Kelly

Kathleen explains their Congress Street tour: Joe and I knew that we’d be moving to New York for his medical school, so we wanted to really capture the soul of Tucson. So what better place to do that then downtown on Congress Street? We wanted the traditional pictures of close ups and somewhat matching outfits for the family to admire, but also wanted to infuse our own personality as well. We’re young – 22. It felt unnatural and pretentious to not act like the blissfully happy college students that we were. So yes, that meant ice cream, hugs next to murals, and picture frames to play around with. When it comes to the more retro pictures with the formal attire, we wanted to tell a story with our pictures. I wore a 1950′s vintage dress and Joe dressed to match. I think we’re really old souls at heart, despite our age. Also, we’re only completely in love with the style and grace of that age (think Mad Men). The suitcase represents us leaving and moving on in our lives together, and Hotel Congress was a brief respite. Yes, it’s dramatic and but I think there’s something innately narrative about those pictures – still shots of a great change in our lives.

The simplicity of these picture frame shots makes them quite memorable

Here’s where I fell completely in love with this engagement session…

I saved the best for last- knowing Kathleen and Joe’s story makes me just LOVE this picture!

Photographer Sarah Trainor shares some tips with us for your engagement shoot:

1. When choosing a photographer, focus on personality first. Being comfortable with the person behind the camera is the first step to getting the images you’ve always dreamed of. If you don’t click with your photographer, it won’t be fun for you. You’ll see the awkwardness in the images.

2. Photographers want your input! If you have an idea, bring it up. If you see something that inspires you, tell us! Its the fusion of your inspiration and the photographer’s that creates the most memorable images.

3. Breathe! Even if you feel nervous in front of the camera, just breathe! Smile, laugh, enjoy yourself. When you do, the photographer will be able to create images where your real personality shines through

Fantastic advice, thanks Sarah!

I got nosy, like usual, and asked a few questions of the lovely couple:

KG: How did you two meet?

K/J:  Joe and I met in at the very end of our junior year at the University of Arizona, around April 2010. We were at a meeting for Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, which really kicked in our senior year. At the time, I was in charge of scheduling and staffing all the flower booths you see at the University of Arizona’s graduation ceremonies. Fortunately (though I’m sure he didn’t think so at the time, haha) I scheduled Joe in a 5 hour shift with me that started at 7 in the morning. Though we were tired and rather uninterested in the bouquets we were selling for the May 2010 graduates, we had a great time talking about all sorts of random things – from Star Wars to steampunk. Soon afterwards he asked me on a few dates. But three weeks later, I flew all the way across the country to New York as I interned at a literary agency while he stayed in Tucson working for In-N-Out to pay for medical school interviews. But every single day without fail we sent each other long emails, falling in love via gmail and Skype. In a way, I think writing to each other is a very intimate and beautiful way to get to really know a person. When I came back in August 2010, he promptly asked me to be his girlfriend. Come Homecoming 2011, we skipped the game and decided to get married (I don’t even know if UA won!) I guess you could say it was quite the whirlwind of a romance : ) We never, ever thought we’d be married so young and having dated only a few months, but there isn’t much to life but timing. Fate’s like the wind – it has a way of sweeping away preconceived notions and revealing things you could scarcely have imagined possible.

KG: What are your favorite things about each other? 

Kathleen: What I love about Joe is his complete and utter passion and enthusiasm for the things he cares about. He’s is one of the most talented and dedicated individuals I’ve ever met in my life. Aside from excelling in college and landing himself in one of the best medical schools in the country, NYU, he loves to learn about painting and old film noir movies. I’m so proud of his choice to become a doctor, for I know that thousands of people will benefit from his help. And of course, the passion translates to our relationship. I really couldn’t ask for a more supportive husband.

Joe: What immediately drew me to Kathleen and has kept me feeling incredibly lucky since we’ve been together is her combination of humbleness and wit. I know she is an incredibly talented individual and has so much to give to the world (See: Graduated Top of her class in Finance, excelled as a Creative Writing major, skilled vocalist and brilliant writer etc.). Along with all of this, however, she has an unfailingly sweet and relatable quality about her. When we first met I noticed she was uncommonly interested and engaged during conversations on any topic. This is in contrast to that look of anticipation someone has during a talk when they’re really just… waiting for their turn to talk. We learned so much about each other so quickly because of this and I’ve fallen in love more deeply than I thought I could.

KG: What drew you to Hello Photo?

K/J: Sarah is a friend of mine, though Joe also knew her when he lived in the dorms his freshman year of college. We were both majoring in Finance and had quite a few classes together. But it was over a horribly boring real estate project that we really became friends. When I was deciding on who to pick for our engagement pictures or wedding photographer, I spent a great deal of time trying to find a photographer who could capture our spirits while creating beautiful moments. There’s a certain youthfulness about Sarah’s photography, a certain vibrancy that cuts to the heart of a relationship. She’s not afraid to take pictures of honest happiness, which looks very different from the stiff and stilted smiles of posed pictures. With Sarah, you know she’s talented and knows what she’s doing, but balances out her experience with the client’s desires. She’s is a uniquely kind person who makes anyone feel right at home, which meant Joe and I could laugh and have an amazing time during our engagement photo session.

Kathleen, Joe and Sarah, THANK YOU for sharing this stylish and sweet engagement session with us!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Our model was forced to take a bite…tough life, right?

The absolutely stunning cakes featured in the new issue of our magazine:

Trend Alert: oval cakes are super hot right now in the wedding world!

Although it is Jaynie’s favorite technique, making these flowers is labor intensive- each one takes about 1 hour!

Something else that really stands out to me in these photos are the gorgeous cake stands and candlestick holders (which are cleverly transformed into cake stands by using glass plates). They are so beautiful! Brides, you can easily incorporate family treasures and new aquisitons into your wedding decor this way.

The Sweet Covershoot Team:

Location: Gigi Bridal

Photography: Chris Richards Photography

Cakes and Cupcakes: Ambrosia of Tucson and Mini’s Cupcakes

Makeup and Hair Artist: Martina Neal, Artisan Salon

Cupcake Wraps: A Fine Line Stationery and Gift Boutque

Silver Cake Stands and Candlestick Holders: Askren and Sons

Rose Petals: Posh Petals

Chair: Ethan Allen

Model: Carin Pomares

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this photoshoot, which took place at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, was a team effort; Villa Feliz Flowers worked closely with Tucson Party Rentals, A Fine Line Stationery and Gift Boutique, Gigi Bridal, Something Blue Photography and Beyond Video to bring these pretties to you today. Now, Let’s explore some fresh floral designs!

Mixing succulents with roses will give you a modern and classic feel

You can also mix more natural or botanical types of foliage with classic wedding flowers to showcase your personal style

The grounds at the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort have so many opportunities for decorating- this mix of chile pods and succulents is unexpected and adds interest to your wedding design

Tequila has made it’s case for the spotlight at weddings (read more about tequila and weddings here)

Although the florals in this creamy bouquet have the same tone, it is far from boring due to the variety of textures

Don’t overlook an opportunity like a mantle to decorate- your wedding design will feel more complete if you address all the different spaces at your venue

And of course, for more insights from the team, watch this video from Beyond Video:

Behind the scenes at Tucson Bride & Groom Magazine~ “Organic Chemistry” from Beyond Video on Vimeo.

Thank you to everyone who came together to create such beautiful floral inspiration!

Chatting Soon~Kelly