Destination Inspiration: Ligurian Coast of Italy

Giorgio was born in Genoa, the main city in the northwest Italian region of Liguria.  It is the costal area making up the Italian Riviera, stretching along the Mediterranean Ligurian Sea from the northwest French border down to Tuscany. Giorgio grew up surrounded by fruit trees, pesto pasta, 500 year-old narrow streets and rustic small villages that are legendary throughout Liguria.  Portofino and The Cinque Terre (the five villages of Monteroso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) are probably the best known areas of this region, as they have become popular vacation destinations. 

So, Giorgio was super excited to learn that his beloved Liguria was declaired to have Italy's cleanest beaches, according to The Blue Flag Programme, an environmental recognition by the non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education.  The organization works towards promoting sustainable development of beaches and marinas.

Giorgio loves to tell couples about Italy, especially about Liguria, when they visit us at the studio.  It is a great area to consider for your destination wedding or honeymoon.  Maybe one day you'll run into Giorgio when he is on a visit back home to see his family.  Or, if you take him there to photograph your destination wedding, he will make you some of his amazing pesto pasta and show you the best sights in Liguria!

Some of our favorite places in Liguria:

Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre villages

Riomaggiore, another Cinque Terre village

Portovenere, near the region of Tuscany, actually has the southern starting point for the Cinque Terre hiking trail, but many people are not aware of that fact.  Shhhhh! It is still kind of a secret place.

Getting Ready Robes for Brides

Here is an idea for brides to consider for when you are getting ready on your wedding day.  Essentially, you will need to wear something during preparations that you can easily slip off and not disturb your awesome hair and make-up in the process.  Some brides wear comfy button-down pajama shirts or cute "bride" tank tops, which are always fun.  However, we really love when brides wear beautiful robes made of silk or other fancy fabric.  They are a luxurious and romantic treat and add another element of style and beauty that you can have to set the tone for your wedding day. Not to mention, they look great in pictures.

We spotted some lovely robes on Etsy.com and other shops:

Robes by Natori
Robes by Agent Provocateur

Ankle-length silk kimono style robe by Plum Pretty Sugar

photo: plumprettysugar

Koto kimono style robe by Underwrapz

photo: Underwrapz

Vintage light blue and yellow silk brocade robe from Inheritance Vintage

photo: InheritanceVintage

Wedding Photo of the Week: A Rainy Day is OK

Giorgio and I find challenging weather interesting for photography.  Being based in Chicago, we really have no choice but to embrace the crazy weather changes we can have in just a matter of hours, especially this time of year.  Like they say, if you don't like the weather in Chicago, just wait five minutes.

It is a good idea to have a contingency plan for outdoor portraits in case of a relenteless downpour or severe storms, and we're always happy to help our couples with different suggestions for indoor alternatives.  However, in the case of this week's featured wedding photo, we like to show that a little rain isn't always a bad thing. And, as Giorgio says, "sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata," which is an old Italian saying for "wet bride, lucky bride."

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Make Your Own New Wedding Traditions

Just one dilemma facing modern couples today is their internal debate whether to embrace or reject traditional notions of weddings, and marriage for that matter.  While there really is no right or wrong answer in this decision, many couples ultimately approach planning their weddings as a way to share their styles, personalities and beliefs with their families and friends.  But, that can sometimes be easier said than done.

Couples can look at their wedding as an opportunity to give everyone a deeper insight into who they are now as adults starting married life together.  It is likely that there may be some relatives and possibly friends that have not been seen since childhood or school years, and perhaps don't know much about who you are now and what interests, goals and beliefs brought you together as a couple. When else are you going to have the undivided attention of so many people in one place? So put some personality into those wedding plans.

Wedding traditions have been around for decades that basically give couples a road map for planning. However, if you have issues with some traditional customs or are just looking for fresh ideas, the suggestions below might help.  These ideas are inspired by some of the most memorable weddings we have experienced as photographers over the past decade. 

Five traditional wedding customs and suggested alternatives:

• Tradition 1: Matching formal attire with grand gowns and tuxedos
• Modern Idea: Having bridesmaids wear unique dresses has become more common over the last couple of years, but perhaps consider taking this a step further so more people (groomsmen specifically) can get in on the fun. We loved the period-fashion theme weddings we've seen including: a Great Gatsby 1920s style flapper wedding, a 1940s style wedding with groomsmen wearing white tuxedo jackets, and a 1950s sweet summer casual wedding where the bride and bridesmaids wore short party dresses and the groomsmen wore cool seersucker suits with Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneakers.

• Tradition 2: Formal reception dinner with typical wedding customs
• Modern Idea: If you rather create a different vibe for your reception than just the traditional dinner, cake cutting, and dancing, you may want to try a an entirely different approach, or incorporating a different "party style" along with the basic reception traditions.  Cocktail style receptions have been increasing in the last few years, with more of a mingling party atmosphere instead of a formal sit-down dinner.  You could also incorporate festive party themes or activities such as Hawaiian Luau, live karaoke or talent show, a 1920s/30s vice room for poker or other parlor games, or any favorite recreation that you enjoy and that expresses your interests.  One of our couples transformed their reception into a Venetian masquerade ball by hiding a variety of Venetian masks under guests' chairs and surprising them with an announcement by the groom when it was time to open the dance floor.

• Tradition 3: Bouquet and garter toss
• Modern Idea: Many couples don't feel comfortable including these traditions any more for various reasons.  However, you can modify this and still keep your guests engaged without the groom having to climb under the bride's dress.  You can still give away the bouquet, table centerpieces or other fun prizes with alternative fun activities.  Many couples enjoy doing the anniversary dance where the longest married couple remaining on the dance floor wins the bouquet. We've also seen live auctions with prizes going to the highest bidder (this can also be a fun alternative to the dollar dance), and especially cool if you have a relative or friend who is a professional livestock or art auctioneer that can wow your guests. Instead of all pulling the single people on the dance floor, gather all of the kids for a stuffed animal toss.  Finally, we think it would be fun to involve all of your guests in a big game of Bingo during dinner service.

Order your personalized version of this card on the Wedding Creativo Etsy Store!

• Tradition 4: Following traditions only of your culture
• Modern Idea: Many couples these days come from diverse backgrounds and faiths, so it is fairly common to see traditions from different cultures or religions being combined at weddings. However, some couples have liked what they have seen at a friend's wedding, and even if it is not part of their family background they have made other cultural ideas part of their own ceremony or reception. Eastern cultures including South Asian / Indian have unique three-day weddings and different rituals compared to Western weddings. Consider researching weddings from countries or cultures different from your own, and what meanings they have, and perhaps you can "borrow" an idea from another culture if it better expresses your personalities or beliefs.

• Tradition 5: Not seeing each other before the ceremony
• Modern Idea: Several of our couples have incorporated a special pre-ceremony "first-see" moment and outdoors tour for creative portraiture. By scheduling an hour or two with us before the ceremony, we have been able to capture some absolutely stunning moments with couples in settings from urban alleyways to floral parks, and everything in between. Couples that do this often feel more relaxed throughout the day and also realize they get to see each other "for the first time" twice: first a private moment together, and again at the ceremony with their guests.

Whether you decide to go traditional or not, your wedding will be best remembered by your unique personal expressions.

Article by Sarah Toulouse Wedding Creativo Photography.

Defining Album Types: Matted, Flush Mount, and Digital

Confused about the differences between matted, flush mount and digital albums?  We see a lot of questions out there about the different binding styles primarily used by wedding photographers, so we provided some discriptions on our albums and display site Creativo Couture.

Wedding Fashion Inspiration: Reese Witherspoon

While we predicted seeing a lot of pinks in 2011 wedding trends, we were pleasantly surprised to see actress Reese Witherspoon choose a pink wedding dress by designer Monique Lhuiller for her wedding on March 26.  Known for elegant lacey gowns, Lhuillier has rivaled Vera Wang as a designer-of-choice among celebrity brides including Alicia Silverstone, Britney Spears, Pink, Jewel, Carrie Underwood and many others.  And, this isn't the first time Lhuillier has raised eyebrows with pink and pastel hues:

Here are some of Wedding Creativo's brides pink inspirations at Chicago weddings:

Wedding Fashion Inspiration: Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor passed away today, and in tribute to her as an iconic Hollywood legend, I thought it would be a fitting to remember her signature simmering style.  After all, there are few who can match her experience with wearing wedding dresses, and she always had a lot to offer when it came to diverse sensual styles.  Taylor's first husband was Conrad Hilton Jr., and I'm pretty convinced Liz defined what it meant to be "hot" way before Hilton's great-neice Paris started using it as her favorite adjective.

MGM - Cat on a Hot Tin RoofParamount Pictures - A Place in the Sun

Underwood + Underwood/CORBIS

Sweet Ways to Say Thank You

Guests often appreciate a special treat waiting for them on reception dinner tables. There are many kinds of favors that can be given to guests, but here are a few sweet ideas to also say "thank you" with your guest gifts. 

These chocolate chip cookies have golden thanks across the bottom side layer of chocolate.  If you prefer something a little more formal, the message can be in the form of a chocolate greeting card.

A personalized message is always a nice touch, and here are a couple ways to incorporate your thank you message, along with your names and wedding date with fortune cookies, personalized M&Ms or other chocolate candies.

Last Minute Winter Wedding Finds

If you're looking for some last-minute touches for your winter wedding (or planning for next year) here are a few favorites we recently spotted on Etsy.com.  Check out the handmade silver rose drops, which you could sprinkle on the tables for a little extra winter romance.  Be sure to keep warm with a beautiful faux fur, knit, or wool shrug, shawl, caplet, or wrap of some sort. 

Don't forget about your legs and feet under your dress, especially if you are going to brave the elements for some pictures outside. I think these leg warmers or spats would also be useful beyond the wedding day.

 

Wouldn't mistletoe make a great boutonniere for the groom?  

Finally, there is something about the 40s-50s retro top hat snowman cake toppers that is just adorable.  But then again, you really can't go wrong with Mrs. and Mr. Abominable Snowman-Bigfoot.

Royal Inspiration

With all of the buzz about the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, I'm reminded of my all time favorite royal wedding of Princess Grace Kelly.

I think many people are fascinated with royal weddings because of the unique combination of formality and fantasy, which in many ways (not to mention the luxurious fashions) exceeds even lavish celebrity weddings.  There is something magnetic about the marriage of a princess or prince that is capable of capturing the world's attention.

Princess Grace Kelly:

Princess Diana and Prince Charles, the parents of Prince William:

 

Princess Letiza of Spain attending the recent wedding of Princess Victoria of Sweeden:

Princess Marie of Denmark and Princess Mette Marit of Norway:

Wedding Fashion Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

Fashion icon Audrey Hepburn loved a clean style that emphasized her tall and slim figure.  She could wear anything and make it stylish and classy. 

While most women know the value of having at least one "little black dress" in their closet, the one made famous by Hepburn's Holly Golightly character in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” sold at Christie's London for a record-breaking $923,187.  It was the highest selling auction ever for a movie dress.

Don’t have that kind of cash lying around?  Etsy.com has dozens of Audrey Hepburn inspired items for any bride's budget including vintage style "little black" dress, pearl neclaces and wedding details styled after Hepburns famous movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and Sabrina.  Decades after her heyday, Hepburn still inspires fashion today, from independent and big name designers to Hollywood's current generation of starlets. Natalie Portman payed homage to Hepburn on the cover of the November 2006 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.  

We collected these Audrey Hepburn wedding finds on Etsy.com:

When it came to wedding dresses, Hepburn was equally inspirational in white as she was in black.  Whether in film or real life, Hepburn always looked smashing as a bride. The wedding dress below to the left was when Audrey Hepburn was only 23.  The next two images are from her marriage to Mel Ferrer, and the last one from her marriage to Andrea Dotti.

 

On the silver screen, she wore dresses made by fashion royalty such as French designer Givenchy, in films including Roman Holiday (1953), Sabrina (1954), Funny Face (1957), and My Fair Lady (1964).

 

 Audrey Hepburn defines classic style and beauty that is forever timeless.  In life she was a beautiful person on the inside too, known for her generous work as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, a job she did for the salary of $1 a year.  She will always be a favorite inspiration for style and humanity.

Audrey Hepburn Inspired Finds:

  

 

The Dixie Cups - Chapel of Love

As mentioned in the previous post, the Dixie Cups song "Chapel of Love" is a classic golden oldie about weddings by one of the all-time great girl groups.  Check out this video of them performing "Chapel of Love" in 1964.  The dancers in the background are wild, man!

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 07.16.2010

Some couples have personalized labels made for the wine bottles placed on the tables.  In this case, the bride was lucky enough to find wine with her family name already on the label.  I suppose that might be easier to do if your heritage is Italian or French, but having your names on the wine bottle can be a nice touch, whether you have personalized labels or happen to have a distant relative somewhere who owns a vineyard.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 07.14.2010

The bride and groom, Jenny and Graham, take a stroll through the columns after their ceremony at the South Shore Cultural Center. 

© Wedding Creativo Photography

The South Shore Cultural Center is a grand Chicago Park District venue with an important role in Chicago history.  My own father used to be a caddy at the golf course in the 1950s, and Michelle and President Obama held their wedding reception here in 1992. 

from celebswedding.com

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 07.12.2010

When Italian-American bride Catherine wed her groom Nick, she borrowed a tradition from his English family and carried a lucky horseshoe down the isle.  Take note that the horseshoe is carried with the ends facing up to be sure the luck never runs out of their marriage! 

While Americans share many wedding traditions with the British, there are some things, like the horseshoe, that have yet to generally catch on in the states, and there are plenty more great ideas to borrow from wedding customs in Great Britain.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 07.07.2010

As we continue to feature the "language of light" this week, we for sure want to bring up Chiaroscuro.  It is an Italian word originating in Renaissance art.  It literally means "light-dark," and in art and photography technical terms it refers to contrasts between light and shadow to achieve a great depth or three-dimensional look in an image.  We used to have a cat named Chiaroscuro, and one of our favorite painters is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, so you can get an idea of how fascinated we are with looking for interesting balance and contrast of light and shadow.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 07.03.2010

You know what our favorite thing to see all of our brides put on when they are getting ready?

Confidence.

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Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 06.30.2010

It seems like for about the last 10 years finding a non-strapless wedding dress has been nearly as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.  Sure, they're out there, but the selection is not as wide as strapless gowns.  As a solution to the lack of sleeved options coming from dress designers, we've been seeing brides with stunning wraps and dress jackets.  Bride Elizabeth's jacket had lovely delicate flowers that well complimented her spring wedding dress.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 06.17.2010

If you're not exactly a big fan of cake, you may want to consider having a wedding pie!  Down the street from our studio is the wonderful Hoosier Mama Pie Company, and we recently had the pleasure of seeing them serve up delicious dishes of apple, banana cream, French silk, strawberry rhubarb and other wonderful pies at Steve and Elaine's wedding.  The bride and groom even had an elaborate double-decker banana cream wedding pie instead of cake. The creative couple made the cake toppers themselves out of clothes pins.  So cute.

© Wedding Creativo Photography

Wedding Creativo Daily Photo: 06.11.2010

Cigars, Cigarettes, Chicklets....the sister of the bride handles cigarette girl duties at Kerrie and Bill's 1940s inspired reception.  The box was mostly filled with fun classic candies like Blow Pops and Bullseyes.  It was a great idea for after-dinner cocktails and dancing.

© Wedding Creativo Photography