Northern California Grass Valley Wedding Photography

San Francisco Engagement | Sharon & Kirn

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:05:00 +0000

He was calling one last time to prove to his mom that he had tried. She finally picked up at the urging of her friend. And over that one expensive phone call that night, strangers, from two different countries, connected. Hours of phone conversation and a bump on the head later, Kirn was traveling up to Canada to see his girl in person. The two hour plane ride became a constant in their relationship as Sharon would fly down to San Francisco where they would eat ice cream and walk around Pier 39. When he flew up to Vancouver, their first stop would be for donuts at Tim Hortons.

Everything was going well and their love was growing until one day, as Sharon was packing for another trip down, she was told that Kirn had been in a car accident. Weeks at the hospital turned into weeks of therapy as he went from a walker to a cane to finally being able to stand again on his own two feet. Life was precious and Kirn knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his with Sharon by his side. He had planned to take her out somewhere special over Christmas vacation to propose, but newly cracked ribs from a relative's hug landed him back in bed. So finally, asking for his jacket, he pulled out a box containing the ring and surprised a completely shocked Sharon! She of course said "yes," and their beautiful Indian wedding in July will make it officially official!

Crissy Field had an amazing view of not only the Golden Gate Bridge, but also the whole bay. Such a fun place to try out the water or even parasail!

Beautiful, Sharon!

Sharon and Kirn make the Palace of Fine Arts look even more fabulous!

They were so cute and natural together!

Pier 39 was the one place they would always visit together to get away from the busyness and just be alone. They didn't mind an interruption or two from these fun sea lions!

Just love them together!

The man running the carousel was so cool to let us on for free to take pictures!

Nice job, Kirn!

The sun had already set when we arrived at this lookout point, but I think Sharon and Kirn really brought it! This last set turned out to be some of my favorites!

Overlooking San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

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Bohemian Romance Day After | Rachel & Daniel

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winter storms and a power outage couldn't keep Rachel and Daniel from marrying. But as a result, they were only able to get one great picture of the two of them on their wedding day. Rachel always wanted to do a Day After session and redo that part of their day, so they both slipped back into their wedding gown and suit and stepped back in front of the camera. This Bohemian Romance session was a reflection of their free-spirited love that has just grown stronger over time. And the deep rich colors and vintage accents combined with the vegetables and flowers perfectly illustrate Rachel and Daniel's love of nature.

No lie when I say the fruits and vegetables made this table setting look delicious!

Best. Carrot. Cake. Ever.

Tranquility Lanes is gorgeous, and the perfect spot for a wedding!

Absolutely loved all the details that Brenda from Storybook Wedding Design put together!

Grooms, don't forget that your little details matter too!

This bathtub on the property just called out for some fun pictures!

One of my favorites!

Beautiful, Rachel!

Love!

What's a bohemian romance without a lounge area?

Location: Tranquility Lane Weddings
Styling: Storybook Wedding Design & Management
Photography: Lydia Photography
Makeup: Anna Larson
Hair: Kim Ummel
Rentals: {storehouse} rentals
Featured: Engaged & Inspired

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Fav Picks | Ruche Bridal

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 06:23:00 +0000

I absolutely love talking to my brides about the details of their wedding day! Finding pictures in my inbox when they just found their perfect shoes or discussing how to display the cupcakes just makes my day. By the time the wedding day arrives, it's like coming to see a friend get married and having the privilege of being the one to document each moment!

So brides, this fav pick is just for you! Ruche just launched their bridal line filled with beautiful gowns and all the unique accessories to make your day perfect! Feel free to shoot me an email so we can discuss all this amazingness together! ;-) Which dress would you wear down the aisle?

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Winter White Wedding | Styled Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Having a hard time choosing the colors for your wedding? Sometimes the most beautiful weddings are the simplest! Choosing just one color and using various shades and textures is fantastic way to create a unique theme! As you can guess, white just seemed to be the perfect color for this winter shoot!

Simple glass, a little sparkly snow, and layers of lace and pearls provided the backdrop and texture for the sweets tables.

Cake pops decorated in the white on white theme were placed in glasses of rock salt around the tables and a cute jar of mini marshmallows added an unexpected delightful touch.

The sparkly invitation suite and signs personalized everything and thank you tags attached to handblown glass ornaments made for pretty take home gifts.

When she wasn’t carrying a simple bouquet of baby’s breath, the bride kept her fingers warm with a faux fur muff decorated with a simple flower swag.

Vintage pearl jewelry matches her vintage pearl engagement ring.

Birch branches wired to an old window screen created a unique backdrop in a corner of the yard.

The space was decorated with hanging yarn and tissue paper pompoms – easy DIY projects that give the space a party feel!

Photography: Lydia Photography
Styling: Storybook Wedding Design & Management
Invitation, Signs, Tags: Designs on Paper by Phyllis
Floral Design: Art in Bloom Flowers
Makeup: Jessica Palmer
Hair: Stephanie Murray
Gown: Fabric Boutique
Models: Jessica Lewis
Rentals: {storehouse} rentals
Featured: Heart Love Weddings

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Winter White Wedding | DIY Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:44:00 +0000

Sitting by the fire, watching the snow come down outside, it feels very appropriate to be writing about winter white! I don't know about the rest of the country, but California decided to switch winter and spring seasons this year. So after a couple of months of beautiful, warm days, we're now being greeted by rain and snow!

But even if you do live in sunny Florida or tropical Guam, here are a couple fun diy projects for your next event!

I knew I wanted to incorporate more crafty projects into this last inspiration shoot. Photo booths are such fun reception entertainment, why not personalize it a little more with a cool background? By hanging yarn pompom balls and paper cupcake liners on fishing line from a painted manzanita branch, all I needed was a little more string and a tree to create the perfect backdrop!

But there's more! One of my favorite decorations has always been tissue paper pompoms. They're so simple to make, and it's easy to find all sorts of shades of tissue paper to match your colors. I can just imagine them hanging from all the trees combined with white lights for summer backyard reception!

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Madrone Studios San Francisco | Jasmine Star theFIX

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Call me a fan girl, it really doesn't bother me. Jasmine Star was one of the first photographers I found back when I first started shooting professionally. As she has grown and risen in the industry, she has always taken the time to give back to others. From the first time I met Jasmine, I came away with so many ideas on how to actually do this business thing! So when I heard she was coming back to San Francisco, I signed up right away!

With a goal to "identify weaknesses within a business, maximize entrepreneurial strengths, and outline a course of action to employ for 2012," I arrived early to help with the setup. While I was sad to not be able to ask Jasmine my questions at the end due to helping clean up, just being a part of the night was such an honor! I know I'm not the only one impacted by Jasmine's presentation and willingness to be open and answer any question! Now on this side of everything, I have real, attainable goals for this year and am working on ways to use my strengths to provide the kind of experience I want for each and every one of my couples and seniors!

More than a magazine, to me Exposed is a first edition collector's edition chock full of education and encouragement!

I wouldn't mind having this setup in my living room!

I don't know how many people brag about their website company, but when it fosters creativity, a giving spirit, and freedom, I don't know how you can hold back!

Andrew was amazing! He gave up a month with his new bride to bring everyone together and help us all have the best experience!

Really, one of the best parts about the day was hanging out with the other Showiteers (the name given to Showit users) before the event. They truly embody the giving spirit of uniting this industry and helping others be unique and free, and I was sad to have to say goodbye at the end of the night!

Jasmine and JD before it all begins--favorite picture of the night!

Can't wait to see what Chach comes up with for theFIX video California style!

Oops, got distracted by a little bling for a moment!

JD is amazing, and I love talking to him as much as Jasmine! He's going to be a great dad to a little girl someday! ;-)

Jasmine and all the amazing FIXers!

Yes, I got a few kisses from the infamous Polo!

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Winter White Wedding | Cake Pops

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

You've seen them everywhere, even Starbucks. Cupcakes have moved over to include its even smaller sister at weddings--the cake pop! They're so simple to make and fun to customize for your theme!

Cake Pops

-box of cake mix
-tub of icing
-lollipop sticks
-melted chocolate

Bake the cake and let cool. Use a fork to crumble the cake and mix in the tub of icing until you are able to form the mixture into balls (you may not need all the icing). Refrigerate balls until firm. Dip lollipop sticks into melted chocolate and insert into cake pop ball. Dip cake pop into chocolate and use spoon to coat the entire ball. If adding any decorations, sprinkle on quickly before chocolate harden then let dry completely. Take pictures of your hard work and enjoy!

I used different shades of white chocolate, coconut, sprinkles, and kosher salt to decorate my pops! The easiest way to let them dry was to punch holes with a screwdriver in a cardboard box.

So many ways to display them! I filled vases and jars with rock salt to continue the winter white theme.

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Winter Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Beautiful pictures often are created around the beautiful work of other amazing creatives. I'm so blessed to live and work in an area that has so many talented people! A large part of this particular shoot came down to finding the perfect location. I'm so grateful to my friends who let us take over their yard for the day! And to top it all off, I'm so honored to be able to share the outcome for the first time via Heart Love Weddings--Winter White Wedding! Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas for upcoming shoots!

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Hanging It Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:45:00 +0000

I love the look of an eclectic collection of pictures and memorabilia! Maybe it has to do with my pack rat tendencies rejoicing that there's a way to make random things look pretty together! I wanted to achieve this same kind of look with my senior galleries around town. Collecting frames from various old painting, mirrors, and thrift stores, I spray painted them all the same color. Tada! Instant gallery! If you want to incorporate other kinds of items into the look, check out this tutorial from Kate Spade!

The gallery has now moved and grown, but here's what it looked like at the Roots Reclaimed Studio!

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Showit United + WPPI 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 23:33:00 +0000

I'm not sure how to go about describing my WPPI experience this year. To start off, most of my time was spent at the Signature hotel as my website company, Showit, held their own 3 day conference there called Showit United. Each class was so helpful, and I came away ready to work! But the best part was definitely the people. There was always someone hanging out in the lobby or ready to sit down and chat. It was definitely an experience I don't want to miss again, so no more skipping years for me!

The sun rising over the clouds bright and early Monday morning!

One of my roommates has an aunt in the hotel industry, so we were upgraded to the spa suite!

Complete with chocolate covered strawberries and a handwritten note!

Monday night was spent with my fellow Showiteers praising God and listening to preaching. So contrary to our location and an amazing way to start everything off!

Yes, I always get a picture when I see Jasmine Star. She has been such an inspiration to me over the years, and I can't wait to see her and her husband, JD, again later this month!

Just love Zach and Jody for their evident love for each other, God, and their clients!

Yes, I'll freely admit to drinking the Showit water. In this case, it was many bottles of Pellegrino!

If the bathrooms looked this great, guess how swanky the rest of the hotel was!

Showiteers hanging out having a late night dinner at Diego's.

Showiteers sharing their sense of fun and joy with the rest of the WPPI crowd by staging a flash mob in between classes!

Because the only time I saw my roommates was right before bed each night, we grabbed a few minutes in between classes for a roomie picture. This was our "awkward" one!

Sarah and I met way back in 2007 at a photography course and sorta kept in touch over the years. It was so fun seeing her again in person! Thanks to Tori for the next two pictures!

My favorite graphic designer, Promise was so sweet to take a picture with me right before leaving to go home!

She talks and he listens. Attending Justin & Mary's platform talk was such a blessing! I took pages of notes and saw my business in a whole new light! And to top it all off, I had been wanting to order some equipment from Adorama at the tradeshow and had to forego it as I didn't want to be late for the talk. Providentially, J&M picked me to win an Adorama giftcard!

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Blacking Out, Health Books, & Facebook Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:50:00 +0000

As I lay on the sidewalk with my feet up on the retaining wall, my muddled head tried to figure out why I had almost blacked out in church and in the middle of someone sharing their testimony at that! You hear stories about people passing out at concerts or events where it's dark, crowded, and the heat becomes so oppressive that the body can't handle it. But if you know anything about my church, it's nothing like that. So as the blood began to flow back into my head, I remembered that I had been too rushed to eat breakfast that morning and where I once could take hearing about people's injuries, age brought on feelings of squeamishness I never knew were possible.

In fact, my mom once thought I was going to be a nurse because I loved to help people when they got hurt and read health books like they were part of the American Girl series. Yep, I could recite RICE with the best of them! "Oh, you scraped your knee playing soccer? I just happen to have Neosporin right here in my back pocket!" No band-aids though, still don't like those things.

So even though I never became a nurse and can no longer discuss someone's latest ER visit, thank goodness for those elementary health books. Instead of falling over in my seat and having people come pray over me, I knew to put up my feet for a little, grab a snack to boost those blood sugar levels, and even make it back in time to hear the end of the testimony!

In other news, winter has finally come to California in the form of 6+ inches of snow, and I'm so excited about Facebook's new timeline features! Check out the new cover pictures for the Lydia Photogaphy page and Lydia Seniors page!

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Just a Note

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:53:00 +0000

I've resisted adding to the collection, but somehow I always find myself in the stationary aisle at Target or walking through the Papyrus store when I pass it in the mall. I just love paperie: tags, notecards, sticky notes, journals, and even office supplies! So I'm super excited to finally 1) have an excuse to add to my collection and 2) have a few personalized things just for Lydia Photography! Now I'm just looking for an excuse to write a few notes!

And just because I could, a personalized case for my iPhone! :-D

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Self-Employment, Straight Hair, and Self-Defense

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 +0000

A great thing about being self-employed is the ability to work anywhere, even from bed when I'm sick. A bad thing about being self-employed is often working anywhere, even from bed when I'm sick. After succumbing to the cold going around, I'm finally making progress on the road to recovery! Which really means less naps and working somewhere other than my bed. So here's a couple of fun random things to hopefully brighten your day!

Sometime back in college I finally embraced the curl. I was born with the typical stick-straight Asian hair, but along the way, it decided to conform more to my English/German roots and get a little crazy. For someone who grew up with neat, perfectly styled hair, it was hard to adjust. I've got to say though, I think the random, sometimes messy, look is a little more me. If you have a similar style, check out Promise Tangeman and The Girls With Glasses for more fun tips!

Have you ever walked out to your car in the dark and done the whole circle around the car and check the backseat routine? Add keys in grip and parking by the nearest light, and you've got my winter walk to the car after work. So I was excited, and a little nervous, to start a self-defense class. It ended up being one of the best things I've done! While mine was just a starter course, I highly recommend anyone signing up for the 8 week full on training. Contact the Hikari Ryuza Bujutsu school for more information. You won't regret it, and it might just save your life someday! Just buy a tube of arnica gel for bruises after practice, and you'll be good to go. ;-)

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Wedding Inspiration | Parisian Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:48:00 +0000

Black and white accented with a deep purple and light pink are the background for this elegant Parisian wedding. The sharp edges of crystal were tempered by the soft, colorful feathers. Black and white striped paperie, white milk glass filled with flowers, and even a candy bar, each featured on a different table, created stations that carried the theme across the space. Perfect for a winter wedding, this would even look beautiful at a summer evening wedding!

So chic!

The wedding favors looked like mini hat boxes, and the table linens were gorgeous!

Venue: Miners Foundry
Event Design: Joy of Life Events
Photography: Lydia Photography
Paperie: Illuminated Invitations
Floral Design: Grass Valley Florist
Cake: The Cake Artist
Rentals and Linens: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Lighthouse Installation

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A Wedding Affair for All Seasons 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:09:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! Gifts of diamonds for Christmas, New Year's, or Valentine's Day--all in the form of an engagement ring! So if you are one of those lucky girls who is still getting used to the feel of a ring on your finger or has been planning your wedding for months, this bridal show is for you!

Come meet Nevada County's best wedding vendors and be inspired for your special day!

I will be running around photographing the event, so please stop me and say hi!

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Wedding Inspiration | Winter Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:25:00 +0000

Winter has its own type of beauty. From mountain tops and pine trees covered with snow to icicles hanging from the rooftops. As the snow came down Sunday, I couldn't help but get a little excited at the thought of cozying up by the fire and looking out the window at a winter wonderland. The rain came and melted away the white fluffiness, but I have a little inspiration for all the winter brides, no matter what weather you're facing today!

One amazing thing about the local wedding community is that we're not competitors, but truly friends! So when I arrived to help out my friend, Michele, at her wedding, I was excited to see a lot of familiar faces. I knew it was going to be a beautiful wedding and was not disappointed in the least!

The bride chose to get ready at the Deer Creek Inn, which was the perfect background for portraits with rustic, elegant bouquets by Art in Bloom Flowers.

Joy of Life Events did a fabulous job at creating a beautiful winter experience inside each room of the Stonehouse.

Crystal, glittery balls, snowflakes, and candlelight mixed with silver and purple!

Snowflakes, hanging from the Christmas tree, acted as a simple way to festive up the seating arrangements

The Cake Artist lived up to her name with this creation!

Cocktail hour was held in the courtyard of the Stonehouse...

...where guests could keep warm around the heaters as they sipped bowls of clam chowder and nibbled on french bread!

And to complete the wintery experience, why not take a ride in a horse drawn carriage!

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Empire Mine Engagement | Talea & Trevor

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:57:00 +0000

She loves little kids, scrapbooking, and teaching. He can be found working on his truck, hunting, and fishing. A girl from an island in Alaska, and a boy from the foothills of California. Both love the outdoors and most of all, each other.

So it was appropriate that we met up at Empire Mine for their engagement session. With the rustic, natural environment, it perfectly complimented their fun and sweet personalities. Talea & Trevor, I had so much fun hanging out with you! When I got back to my car, I couldn't believe how many hours had gone by--you're total troopers! So cannot wait for your wedding at Lake Tahoe!

I heard rumors of Toms making an appearance at the wedding...looooove!

The truck series are seriously some of my most favorite engagement pictures ever!

Trevor, I'm not sure why you were even concerned about pictures. Feel free to add these to your resume!

I had so many favorite that it was hard to choose which to share, but I just had to post these last two--love!

To view more of Talea & Trevor's Empire Mine engagement session, check out their personalized website!

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Welcome 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:16:00 +0000

I've composed so many blog posts in my head over this "Christmas/New Years break." But nothing was witty enough, real enough, good enough to post. There are blogs I visit just to read and reread anything written there. The subject can be totally mundane, but I'm captivated by how they put words together and structure a sentence. I so want to be that person, the type of writer who can inspire, encourage, and motivate. The one who captures emotions and memories with the stroke of a few keys. But by constantly comparing myself to others, I've kept myself from even making the simplest effort. So here I am admitting my weakness and doing something about it! Goodbye 2011 and welcome opportunities to grow in 2012!

A taste of my vacation...

A little diy for my winter shoot

Little something for my 2011 brides and grooms

Christmas caroling with friends

Oh the holiday treats you can find at Grocery Outlet

An Americano at my hair appointment

Christmas brunch

Jesus' birthday

Merry Christmas!

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Wedding Inspiration | Peacock Feathers

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 23:20:00 +0000

It was the summer of my 7th grade year, and here I was at thirteen years old about to teach my first 5-Day Club (like a backyard Bible club), with a guy I didn't know, to a bunch of wide-eyed kids who were expecting to be entertained for the next hour. I can still remember getting through my part of the club only to be told at the end that I had made what was supposed to be the longest story of the week into a 4 minute summary. Go me. Yet that week confirmed in my mind that I loved teaching, and a big part of it had to do with the amazing hostess and kids!

Charity was one of those amazing kids, and I was honored 13 years later to be able to attend her wedding! While it actually took place one rainy day this last summer, the colors she used would also make for a beautiful winter wedding! So enjoy these creative ideas thanks to her!

With the peacock feather as inspiration, Charity chose teal and black as her main colors and did a great job showcasing that with her invitations!

Mini candy envelopes personalized with their last initial decorated each place setting and gave guests a great way to take home a sweet treat!

The candy buffet was a hit with the peacock colored candy, keeping with the theme, and each table centerpiece was created with manzanita branches they cut themselves and covered with hanging crystals and tea lights!

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Styling It Up for Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:58:00 +0000

I absolutely love fall clothing with its cardigans, scarves, coats, and boots! But as a bride, it can be hard to rock the dress when you feel a chill or even just figure out how to personalize your look when it comes to the season. Here are a few ideas to help you out!

While the pashmina has become a staple at many weddings, don't forget its lightweight cousin, the silk scarf. For the days when the sun is still shining, a pop of color or even a leopard print can look great in pictures or just change up the look for your reception!

One of my favorite trends is wearing a cardigan over your dress. Solids, prints, lace--they all look fabulous! Combined with tights, this can work for both the bride and her bridesmaids!

Yes, you may ending up needing to wear a coat over your dress at some point during the day, but even a simple white peacoat can look special when you replace its button with these vintage inspired ones from a craft store!

Sparkly, suede, or patent leather heels--all fabulous choices to change up your look!

"While classic is always nice, there's nothing wrong with your wedding or your bridal style reflecting who you are at the time you get married! Don't pass up on something you like because you're afraid it'll look "dated" later in pics...guess what, it still will no matter what! So don't be a fashion victim but enjoy the time you live in and capture it!" -Jessica Palmer Makeup

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Fav Picks: Wedding Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:01:00 +0000

Many times choosing a theme for your wedding isn't hard because of a lack of ideas but because of an abundance of them. You only get married once, and you want it to be a reflection of you and your fiance. If you've never done something like this before, planning a wedding can be overwhelming!

So not to throw gasoline on the fire but hopefully direct you to some helpful resources, here are a few wedding design blogs that I love! Browse, write down ideas, be inspired! Remember, these aren't to pressure you to follow a trend or feel the need to keep up with the Joneses. I share them to inspire you to think outside the box, see what resonates deep inside, and create a day that truly reflects who you are!

Green Wedding Shoes
"head over heels in <3 with all things weddings" While I proudly live in northern California, I can spend hours just soaking in all the creative goodness on this site!

Ruffled
"A wedding blog for vintage, indie and DIY brides"

Featuring some of my favorite kind of brides, Ruffled blog is also a great resource for unique details as brides are able to resell leftovers from their wedding!

Every Last Detail
"insight for brides encompassing every last detail of planning a wedding"

Ever wonder really what are "details"? Every Last Detail has a great post detailing it out! ;-)

Details…

… are what make a wedding unique. They set your wedding apart from your best friend’s wedding- that is at the same exact venue because you both loved it so much.

… allow you and your fiance to tell your story and infuse your relationship and personalities into your wedding- the wedding that is the celebration of your love.

… are what decorate and accent a wedding. Flowers, candles, chargers, linens, etc- the pretty things. :)

… are a theme and a style of a wedding. Vintage, peacock, modern, beach- I don’t care what the theme or style is, but details always help to define it.

… are things that enable your to remember your wedding day. Guest books, fun prints to sign, a card catalog of guests, etc.

… keep guests informed. Yep, informed. Invitations, menus, table numbers, signs… because let’s face it, there is A LOT of information you have to share with guests for a wedding!

… are ways for guests (and you, duh) to have fun, enjoy themselves, and celebrate your marriage. Specialty drinks, games, photo booths, candy- they’re all details!

Southern Weddings
"the best in real Southern weddings and event details from around the country"

Southern Weddings--a wedding magazine that spills over onto blog goodness all year long. I don't live in the south and don't like grits at all, but there's just something about these beautiful weddings that inspire me to create!

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Ukrainian Magazines & Fall Features

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 05:57:00 +0000

It has always been a dream of mine to be featured, to share my amazing clients with the world and inspire brides to create a day that truly reflects them! My first publication was actually a couple of years ago as a magazine cover for, get this, teachers in Ukraine. My cousins were missionaries there and worked with the people who created the magazine. They needed a picture for the winter edition, liked what I submitted, and printed it!

Now in the iPad age, print isn't the only way to be published. I'm so blessed to work with the best clients and grateful to some amazing online blogs for featuring a few of my sessions!

On the Go Bride, a Northern California blog for the busy bride, featured Hannah & Johnny's Sacramento Capital Park engagement session:

Sheri & Nick's Road Trip maternity session was a part of Baby Lifestyles Oct/Nov online magazine:

For amazing inspiration for your wedding, check out Every Last Detail who published my styled Western Couture Wedding shoot:

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Styled Senior Portraits | Kristen

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:09:00 +0000

Graduating from Forest Lake Christian School last year, Kristen knows what it feels like to be finishing high school. She's also a fan of photography and wanting to look great in pictures while still being yourself, so she was the perfect model when I needed a senior for a styled portrait shoot!

Naturally Glowing

Props always add the perfect touch!

Um, Kristen, you were amazing!

Nails: Mint Sorbet by Sally Hansen
Lace top: Target
Jeans: JCPenney
Shoes: Aldo
Necklace: Nordstrom

Fresh & Fun

Go ahead and bring your favorite chips or the chocolate you're always known for having on hand!

Blouse: Target
Jeans: JCPenney
Sandals: Target
Earrings: Betsey Johnson from Nordstrom
Bracelets: Thrifted and Forever 21

Glam It Up

Not sure if Kristen could play or not as I borrowed this from a friend, but she sure knew how to rock the case! ;-)

Dress: Target
Cardigan: Ross
Earrings: Betsey Johnson from Nordstrom
Necklaces: Macy's and Forever 21
Boots: Target

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Styled Inspiration | Western Couture Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:17:00 +0000

I come across so many brides who are so overwhelmed with planning their wedding that they don't know where to begin. Don't stress and don't just give up and do what everyone does! Start by sitting down with your fiance and thinking through what you want your guests to experience when they come to your wedding. What style or feel would best express who you are as a couple? City chic? Bohemian romance? Western couture? Whatever you name it, this theme will be your guide as you pick your location, dress, details--everything! No matter how simple or elaborate, the most beautiful wedding are those that reflect the personalities and love of the bride and the groom!

I hope this shoot inspires you to create a day that truly reflects you and your fiance! Throw off the typical, take a few chances, and you may be surprised at how wonderful it turns out!

Thanks so much to all the wonderful wedding vendors who helped to make this shoot so amazing! What started off as simply ideas in my head was transformed into reality through their help!

Love the elegant and yet rustic feel of all the paper details! They went perfectly with the wildflower feel of our florals!

Try mixing your elegant china with old pieces of lace and use vintage handkerchiefs as napkins!

These mason jars make a great seating chart as well as cups for your guests!

Mint leaves grown in the garden add that special touch when plating food, and don't forget the handmade wooden platters!

The table was created from an old antique door!

Mismatched chair make the setting unique and personal!

A crystal chandelier is always in style!

Photography & Styling: Lydia
Invitation, Signs, Tags: Designs on Paper by Phyllis
Floral Design: Art in Bloom Flowers
Makeup: Jessica Palmer
Hair: Ashley Bryditzki
Models: Ashley, Bryditzki, Hannah Ramey, Brittney Coomler

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Western Couture Wedding | Wooden Cake Stand & Platters

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:10:00 +0000

Now that you've got the food figured out, it's all about the presentation. For this, I wanted a diy that was simple to pull off and didn't require too many elements. These wooden platters look great as a cake plate, serving platters, and even as a foundation for a table centerpiece!

Tips:
Ask a friend who is handy with a chainsaw to cut rounds 2-3'' thick.
Allow plenty of time for the wood to dry out and season.
Use a belt sander with a large grit to smooth out most of the top side and finish with a fine grit on a circular sander.
Finish with a food grade oil like the ones made for butcher blocks.

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