The Charm of a Bridal Portrait

Perhaps nothing expresses a brides style more than the dress
she wears on her wedding day.
A wedding portrait to be shared at the wedding reception
gives a glimpse of the next chapter in her life.

No more cold studio shots, photographers are
taking a step back in time with the outdoors as their background.

Drew Cason photography

 Sophisticated and elegant,
Here is an outdoor album with just such ideas for a portrait....

So many choices bedazzle the bride but when her eyes fall
on the perfect dress, she feels confident in her choice.

Ashley Murphy images

A romantic lace dress and abundant bouquet
is all that is needed for a portrait in our vintage carriage.

Lance Shingleur Photography

This classic train of the dress is showcased against the stillness of the lake.




Of course the groom is not allowed to see the dress before the wedding,
but it is most helpful
to have the hands of mother or a treasured friend
 for a bit of assistance dressing for the portrait session.

Once the dress has been final fitted  a bit before the wedding day
is time to make the portrait appointment .

Edwardian inspired outdoor photography
 depends on the weather...not rainy, but not too sunny.
A good photographer knows the perfect lighting.

Ashley Diggs photography

A glimpse of a brides personality shines
 through the portrait with their love of horses. 

Gorgeous smile and a strand of pearls...
A portrait is a good time to try the perfect
 hairstyle and makeup for wedding day.

A sweet glimpse of things to come
on wedding day
with Blue,
our French Percheron horse.

A look of English nobility with this
small side chair portrait underneath draping trees.

A look that appeals to brides with the water and floral decor on the  boat. 

Any bride can tell you that they never felt more radiant
than in their wedding dress
surrounded by roses and draping greenery.

The sweet personality comes out of the bride
when animals are in the background of this swooping lace gown
with tiny covered buttons dressing the back.

Delilah, our English Suffolk horse closes her eyes
 when she gets a kiss from a bride who loves horses.

Magic in the garden when this bride lifts her bow
eyes her aim
 and showcases her archery skills.

Step into the garden with our ivy clad garden wall
for a memorable classic clean and elegant portrait.

Hollywood glam in this portrait looks
as if straight from a movie.

A simple walk through the woods on a richly shaded trail
with the textures of a lace gown
 is the 18th century blending of earth and nature.

This is a wonderful time in life, showcase all the smiles of the wedding to come.

"Every girl has a fantasy of elegance 
And there is a moment when it comes true."
                                                           - Jessica McClintock




Blessings on your day,

Summer Garden

Hello everyone, It is a beautiful sunny day here today 

 and I am enjoying a few fresh flowers in my garden walk this morning.  

Zinnias seem t be blooming like crazy in their bright summer colors.   Hummingbirds love the bright colors but I can't seem to catch one still long enough to snap a picture.  Zinnias are always a staple in my garden for it is the memory of my grandmother's garden full of zinnias against her white picket fence,  that I treasure.

Ever wonder what to do with all those slivers of soap leftover besides just 

throwing them away?  I slip thin slivers 
into an old worn sock , tie a knot and then 

tie it to my water spigot outside. It is a convenient

way of washing hands after gardening. 

It is always nice to have a place to sit and enjoy the sounds of the water fountain.  

"I like to think of nature as an unlimited radio station 

through which God speaks to us every hour,

 if we will only  tune in."  _George Washington Carver

Kind hearts are the gardens. 

Kind thoughts are the roots.

Kind words are the flowers.

Kind deeds are the fruit.

Take care of the gardens, 

and keep them from weeds.

Fill, fill them with flowers, 

kind words and kind deeds.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Hydrangeas bloom and are perfect for cut flowers ..

"more than anything, I must have flowers, always, always."

-Claude Monet

Just a few photos from my patio

and visiting  with a few friends.

Coming in the house I put a few roses by the kitchen sink. 

I hope you are enjoying these beautiful summer days too!  

blessings always, 

Don’t miss out on all that I share over on Instagram.. follow me HERE

Alda's Magnolia Hill - Best Southern Historic Wedding Venue - Arkansas 2019

Savor This Moment

Savor This Moment

 Embracing the special moments of Your Wedding Day

A sundown kiss  

 

“There are many wedding pictures that will catch your eye,

but only a few will tug on your heartstrings…look for those moments.”

A very special mother steps in for the "Father Daughter Dance" 

            Today I am sitting here waiting on a client to walk in my door and I will share my peach tea with her as we begin to plan her wedding.  The flowers, the cake, the dress, but there are a few things that will make this wedding different from any other. Ever.

             I love weddings and have my dream job as a planner for that special once in a lifetime day.  Weddings are such an affirmation and hope for the future …a lot goes into the planning of that day!  Social Media is full of wedding day visual decorating ideas, dress inspirations, hairstyles, color palettes, and tasty options for a reception.  As a wedding planner for over ten years, I have ten years worth of ideas as  a lot can be seen and noted, but not all treasured

memories can be pictured on Pinterest…some things are just felt with the heart.  

These are the things that only your wedding will possess.

The "we did it" moment walking back up the aisle is all smiles ...so sweet holding hands!

 What is missing from all these resplendent Instagram and Pinterest ideas, is the heartfelt tangible sentiment that is the most important part of a wedding…things to make a wedding like no other…your wedding, your family, and your new husband!    I have been a silent witness to these sweet personal moments…sometimes tearstained; ideas that make wedding day, a wedding of their very own that is sentimental, meaningful and heartfelt.  

Revel in the fact that there has never been a wedding like yours

 and embrace just what will make it memorable.   Savor those moments.

Handmade With Love Wooden Canoe

For several years Buddy, my husband has traveled to
Maine to Wooden Boat School.  Since we live and work on a private lake,
a handmade wooden canoe just seemed right.

Now we have several canoes and they are enjoyed by many of our wedding guests. .
particularly if the groom decides to come to the altar via canoe.  

Now our son, Samuel has joined
with our love of handmade canoes and offers classes in building your own.
 In 5 days go from a pile of wood to a beautiful handcrafted canoe. 

A great class for you and a family member or friend 
to build your own wooden canoe right here

 in the heart of downtown Little Rock.

                                                        Samuel, Greg, Grizzly & Buddy Ellis 

With a little help from Greg, of Little Rock Boat Builders Supply 
for materials needed to build a wooden canoe...
and thanks to 4 legged Grizzly the Boat Building supervisor / greeter 
classes got off to a great start. 

So many folks walked in the class to watch and Grizzly greeted each one hoping for a treat.

It starts out with just a few pieces of wood....

Amazing how a boat goes from a few boards to a beautiful finished masterpiece.

 

Wooden boards Initially stitched together with copper wire

Adding a layer of fiberglass once the hull is stitched.

Adding a clear coat of Epoxy that is waterproof.

Lots of sanding 

Adding a few details 

 

yes, LOTS of clamps to curve the wood 

More planning and sanding.

Detail work on the bow of the canoe




Grizz, the supervisor was on hand at all times at Samuel's classes in the Rivermarket.



After only a week, these are the owners of a FINE HANDBUILT CANOE !

 Adding a clear coat of finish

and another clear coat of finish.

 

more sanding!

 

To Buddy's boat, so much sanding and 3 coats of finish

Buddy's boat, finally ready for the water
and perfect for this wedding day as used by the groom!

This week was the last week of boat building classes
that Buddy and Samuel Ellis instructed & held downtown
 in the River Market.

Watch and check with Rock Town River Outfitters  for the next
Wooden Boat Building session to be announced!

This is not a sponsored post as all opinions are my own.
Handmade is heartfelt....