There was good motivation for this colorful wedding photography workshop. Looking to shake things up from the pastel and neutral weddings we see so often in Colorado and beyond, we decided to go big and bold for this styled shoot. This colorful wedding inspired shoot was day one of our first-ever workshop for wedding photographers. It was our first real workshop and it was fun.

Firstly, we love teaching and interacting with other wedding photographers. Whether they are from Colorado or across the country. Secondly, Getting to create stunning shoots (like this one) for the workshops is a wonderful added bonus. Ultimately this was a blast and can’t wait for more workshops soon.

Linen Inspiration

Ultimately, by taking inspiration from the bold colors of La Tavola‘s new linen patterns we created a rehearsal dinner theme for the shoot. Using this as a starting point everyone on the amazing vendor team was able to run wild with their inspiration. And add their own interpretation of bold and colorful to the design. As a result the components worked out and blended together quite well.

The wedding designer, Julie of Vieira Events described the overall aesthetic of the shoot best: “For this styled shoot, we sought to create a sophisticated, colorful, and playful ambiance. Something that one would want for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party. Reflective of two families and potentially cultures coming together to break bread.”

Ultimately the most important to this design concept was trying something new. Using pattern and color in a fresh way. This is more possible to do at wedding events like the rehearsal dinner. Linens go a long way for major design impact. Similarly, minimalist and modern flowers complete the look because they have such a large impact.

See more of this colorful wedding styled shoot featured on Ruffled. In conclusion, publication on a blog is the cherry on top.

Colorful Wedding Styled Shoot Vendors:

Designer & Planner: Vieira Events
Stylist and Workshop Coordinator: Naomi Pak
Florist: Sophie Felts Floral Design
Paper Goods: Emily Baird Design
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
Rentals: White Glove Rentals
Venue: Fostr Collaborative
Models: The Artist Agency
Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Ana B
Staffing: Precision Event Consulting and Staffing
Film Lab Sponsor: Goodman Film Lab

Family Photo Shoot in New York: Did you all know I went to high school in New York? Upstate New York that is, but I’ve been going to New York City for as long as I can remember. On one of those many trips to the city, one of my sister’s mommy friends requested a family photoshoot to document their time in the city, as they were about to move to Europe.

We started the shoot on the rooftop of their Midtown apartment building, which had amazing views of the city skyline. With a rambunctious toddler and amazing spring weather, Central Park was an easy choice for the second location. Although little Ved was skeptical of me and my giant camera, with a few snuggles we were able to catch some smiles and tender moments between these three.

Scheduling Family Photo Shoot

Most of the time during the shoot the family thinks that none of the photos turned out. When actually we get a ton of great shots every time. It’s our job to make sure we do. And it’s easy to see how. The kids are so darn cute! Trust me, photographing kids is not nearly as bad as it seems.

Although a family photo shoot can be tricky to schedule, documenting milestones like this are such an investment in the future. With family photo shoots I suggest keeping them short and sweet, with few wardrobe and location changes. Keep them fun and low pressure and I can guarantee that we will get some amazing shots.

Ultimately I’ve seen these photos cherished for many years afterwards. These photos are often used to decorate the halls of homes. How special for a family to make memories with the background of more memories. I can guarantee that no one has regretted having a family photo shoot.

As a Colorado wedding photographer, I love a good outdoor wedding in the woods and unique, creative details. Sally and John’s ’70s inspired wedding at Woodend Sanctuary took creativity to a whole new level. As the wedding approached, I knew with Sally and John at the helm the day was going to be amazing (who could forget their adorable Christmas tree farm engagement shoot) but the couple far surpassed my expectations. It was a bonus that this wedding was published in Washingtonian Weddings!

The tone for the wedding was set by stunning and oh so groovy invitations, designed by the groom. On the wedding day, good vibes, the ’70s theme and thoughtful details were incorporated throughout. The couple skipped a traditional bridal party and found other ways to involve their loved ones in the celebration. Family members walked the couple down the aisle and performed readings, the groom’s college roommate officiated the ceremony and friends performed a Fleetwood Mac song for Sally’s entrance.

In addition to the personal touches, the decor and handmade elements set this wedding apart. From the ceremony’s floral macramé backdrop, which Sally helped the florist hand-tie, to the tassel escort card display, every detail was spot on. The couple truly wanted the evening to feel like casual and homemade so they served a family-style Italian menu complimented by a Negroni Sbagliato cocktail. Finally, the night ended with red-velvet cake, cider doughnuts, and gelato push pops.

I know, as a Colorado wedding photographer, I have many days of shooting weddings surrounded by nature ahead of me but this retro celebration will always hold a special place in my heart.

See more of Sally and John’s ’70s inspired wedding on Washingtonian Weddings.

’70s Inspired Wedding Vendor Team:

Venue: Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion

Event Coordinator: Kristin Andrews

Florist: Saivita Floral Design with Holley Simmons

Invitations: Designed by the groom

Caterer & Cake: Corcoran Caterers

Hair Stylist: Shannon Sheridan

Bride’s Attire: Amsale

Groom’s Attire: Indochino

Music: DJ Van Petty of MyDeeJay

Transportation: K & V Limousine Service

Videographer: By Marg and Msi

String Lights & Lanterns: Elegance & Simplicity

Oysters: Rappahannock Oyster Co.

Treats: Garden District (doughnuts); Dolcezza (push pops)

Getting-Ready Hotel: Mason & Rook

I’ve realized that I don’t often post my family and newborn photography as much as the other types. Which just isn’t right because I love these types of baby, maternity and family photo sessions! I’m hoping to shoot much more in the near future. Especially since we will have a great little natural light photo studio in the back of our new home – a true dream for a Colorado portrait photographer.

This newborn session is especially dear to me in so many ways. This session is the reason why the beautiful mom, Naomi, and I initially connected, and we have since become good friends. I can’t imagine the last few years without knowing her. Of all the people in DC, she is high on my list of people I am missing since we moved. I hope she reads this and know how much she means to me 🙂

As a film photographer I love natural light and as a Colorado portrait photographer I love shooting outdoors. Charlotte’s newborn photos, however, are proof that those two things are not mutually exclusive. We captured sweet little Charlotte in her parent’s bedroom with the most beautiful natural light steaming in. The family’s neutral outfits perfectly complimented each other and we have to Charlotte’s super sweet bow.

Meg and Zandy live in New York, but are getting married in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. To add another destination to their story, they decided to do their engagement session in Traverse City, Michigan! The couple has close personal ties to all these locations so they wanted to celebrate each of them in their wedding story. We were happy to hop on a plane and head up north to Michigan for their destination engagement session.

We started the shoot the same way we always like to start an engagement shoot, with a cocktail. With lots of industrial and beautiful buildings in downtown Traverse City, we had plenty of spots to choose from for a quick sip.

Following the drink and a walk down the local boardwalk, we headed to the main attraction – the beach of the great Lake Michigan. The shoot ended with a summer storm. But we were lucky enough to capture a variety of shots before the rain hit!

The bride wore a black and white dress with a classic silhouette for the photos downtown and we can’t forget her stunning strappy black heels. For the photos by the lake, Meg changed in to a beautiful long yellow dress and sandals. The contrast of the yellow against the gloomy skies before the rain hit are breathtaking.

As you know, destination engagement shoots always hold a special place in our hearts and we love that they allow us to explore new locations. Can’t wait to see where we go next!