ELEVATE PHOTOGRAPHY: SPRING NEWSLETTER
TRENDS FOR 2013 WEDDINGS
The most important thing when it comes to planning your wedding and also keeping up with the trends, is to stay true to the things that YOU love – no matter what the magazines are saying. That said, if you are looking for inspiration to stay on the cutting edge and to spice up your wedding style, here are some trends to keep in mind. Imagine a wedding with all of these elements combined – EPIC!
Color, color, COLOR! We are so excited that bright – and even neon – colors are taking the stage this upcoming season. For photographers, colorful pops make pictures fun and interesting, and especially for us here at Elevate Photography, bright and colorful images are what we are famous for. We are seeing a lot of couples forgetting the traditional “you-pick-only-two-favorite-colors” for your wedding, and going with varying colors for bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s shirt and bow-ties. So don’t be scared if your favorite color is neon orange – run with it!
Succulents: From bridal bouquets, to boutonnières, centerpieces, wedding favors, and aisle decor, succulents are showing up everywhere. One great thing about these plants are that they are so adaptable to any wedding style. They pair well with the pretty, vintage, pastel pallets as well as the urban, modern themes. They are also incredibly practical on those hot summer days, and won’t wilt like some of the more delicate florals can. And, your guests with green thumbs can often give them new life by repotting them!
Bold Patterns: Just like with bright colors, have no fear of bold designs! Chevrons, stripes, and geometric fabrics are seen on tables, in wedding party attire, and are being stenciled on wedding cakes. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about matching them! In fact, the latest fashion allows for once thought of as “clashing” patterns to be layered and paired. Whoa. The new rule is that there are no rules. Do what you love. Be free. Go for the bold patterns!
Elegant Timeless Vintage: We are seeing a shift from the rustic-barn-vintage to the high-class elegant vintage style inspired by the roaring 20’s. Brides are trading in their mason jars and burlap tablecloths for crystal goblets and lace. We expect to see some exquisite feathered fascinators (head pieces), beaded and drop-waisted gowns, art-deco and embellished cakes, pastel florals, men’s “newsboy” caps, vests & suspenders, classy bourbon cocktails, and pearls. Modern brides and grooms are becoming more nostalgic than ever. The new “modern” is “vintage”, but one of the greatest things about wedding fashion is that can be timeless if it is done right.
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
We know that you are putting countless hours into your decorations and details, so why not make sure that your day is planned in a way that will allow your photographer to capture every last detail just as you want it to be remembered? So often, time is not allowed in the schedule for the photographer to take photos of your tables and favors before the guests have claimed their seats, and uncle Bob didn’t get the memo about where to meet for family portraits. Best advice: follow these tips and keep open communication with your photographer!
Tip 1 – Light is your new best friend!
When deciding on where to get ready, the ceremony location, where to place the head table at the reception… and you know what, honestly when making every decision you should be asking yourself: “What will the light be like in this spot at the time we’ll be photographing here?” If possible, work with your planner/venue/special helpers to set up the reception space as early as possible so the photographer can get all the details ahead of time. Of course, when you hire a professional photographer, they come prepared to work in diverse lighting conditions, but still, getting ready in a room with natural window light and considering not having your outdoor ceremony with direct overhead sun will make your photos that much better. We want to make you and everyone at your wedding look their best, and planning with light in mind will make your photographer very happy! And more importantly, it will make you love your photos that much more!
Tip 2 – Time is on your side…if you let it be!
Make a detailed timeline with realistic time allotments for each segment of the day. This is the easy part (and your photographer should be more than happy to help you with this!) The harder part is to maintain that timeline on your wedding day. That is why, if your photos are important to you, make sure schedule enough time with your photographer for portraits. Also, communicate with anyone who is expected to be in the family/formal portraits prior to the wedding day when and where they are expected to be. Of course, unexpected things come up, but the more you are able to stay organized and plan ample shooting time, you are sure to not only get the photos of your dreams, but you might actually have FUN getting them taken too!
Tip 3 – Think again about doing a “First Look”
We truly do understand and respect your decision to not want to see each other before the ceremony, but just make sure that you are aware of the benefits that a first look can create before you finalize that choice. Elevate has photographed hundreds of weddings, and every couple that decided to do the first look has not regretted it. Doing this allows you a sweet and private moment to relish in the point for the whole day – the two of you (and how HOT you both look!) You get all of those pent up jitters out, and have time to do your portraits together and with your whole wedding party before the ceremony! That way, you may just have a few family shots after the ceremony, but other than that, you can enjoy your party! We have heard countless testimonies of the couple enjoying the ceremony so much more after doing a first look as well because the nerves were gone and they were able to really absorb the awesomeness of the moment.
FEATURED VENUE: DONOVAN PAVILION
Nestled deep in the mountainside of Vail Valley, is a stunning timber and stone mountain lodge that is an ideal location for your wedding! With beautiful locations to host your indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception, Donovan Pavilion has everything you will need for the perfect day. Approximately 250 guests can be accommodated on the Pavilion, and another 100 guests can be easily seated on the 3,000 square foot terrace overlooking Gore Creek. Smaller groups will also find themselves at home as there are plenty of intimate and cozy spots.
The villa has the mountain lodge feel, but is also very modern and completely versatile to match the style of your wedding. We love this venue because it has so many locations for portraits – both on site and in the surrounding mountainside as well as in Vail Village. We recommend taking the time with your couple and wedding party portraits to go up the mountain and in town. It is totally worth it for the views and unique portrait opportunities!
Click here to view some of Elevate Photography’s photos from Donovan Pavilion or click here to visit Donovan Pavilion’s web site.
THAI WITH MCCORY
You probably know that McCory James is the founder and owner of Elevate and that his photographic style of “Capturing Life” is what has made our studio what it is today, but did you know that he is a dedicated family man, an experienced traveler/missions volunteer/philanthropist, a soccer dad, and Coke Zero fanatic? Well, sit down, have lunch with McCory, and get to know what makes him tick.
Describe yourself in five words:
Passionate
Entrepreneur
Laid back
Disciplined
& Happy!
Why did you choose to have Thai for lunch? What does it say about you?
First of all I love Thai food. I like unique flavors, and I love to travel. I love world cuisine, so it captures a lot of the things I enjoy. I actually haven’t been to Thailand… Yet! It’s currently my number one place on my list to visit. Dd you know you can get Thai in almost every country in the world? I even saw it in Iceland!
If you could shoot any celebrity or famous person’s wedding, who would it be and why?
Magic Johnson’s wedding because he is such a happy person. I can just imagine the portraits that you could get of him on his wedding day. Also George Clooney. He feels real to people.
How would you describe your style of photography?
For me, it’s all about personality. It’s capturing who people are – their essence. I don’t have a specific style like a lot of people do. I think people react to my photography because they respond to really getting to see that person for who they are…my style really is about the relationships with people. That shows a lot in my wedding work, but also in my travel work. I feel that my greatest skill is making people comfortable. That’s how I choose my team, I feel that elevate is good at making people comfortable.
Your subject is a reflection of you, so if you are comfortable with yourself – if you are happy, then they will be happy. There might not be a huge smile, but there will be peace in their eyes. Is your subject really being true to who they are if they are uncomfortable? No.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
First is my family. I want to raise my boys to be the good men who will add to the world instead of subtract from it and to have a wife who knows that she is loved and cared for.
The second is changing…it used to be my images…but now it is using my photography and the position that God has put me in to positively give to the community and the world . It’s through my photography that is used in missions to help those in need. I’m trying to do more than leave a photo, but do things that really affect people’s lives in a real way.
Three is the studio. Creating an environment where I can support other photographers to live out their passion of being photographers who feel satisfied knowing that they are doing what they love…and also making a living. I get to support photography as an art form as well as a profession!
What brings you the most joy in life?
My boy’s laughter. Both of them.
