INSPIRED BY | WEDDING VEILS

Veils are a beautiful addition to your wedding day ensemble, dresses are gorgeous, but veils are effortlessly classic and we can’t get enough of the drama they create. Whether they’re long and flowy following you down the aisle or vintage birdcages accentuating your eclectic style, we’re here for them all.

Originally worn to symbolize modesty and reverence, today’s veils have evolved into an art and can be customized in nearly any way you can think of. Historically most brides wore long traditional veils that covered their faces and trailed behind them, but according to Martha Stewart the most popular veils types today are:

1. Birdcage: Chic, dainty, and out of the box

2. Blusher: Hits at the bust, typically worn over the face while walking down the aisle

3. Mantilla: Regal and trimmed in lace

4. Tiered: Layered and dramatic look

5. Fingertip: Present, but still lets the dress do the talking

6. Ballerina: The most common veil type

7. Cathedral: Watch your step because this baby is loooooong

8. Elbow: Enhances (or helps create) an hourglass figure

But, wedding veils aren’t just fashion statements, they’re also gorgeous props. When we get pictures back from photographers we can’t wait to see veils swept up in the wind or draped over the couple. They’re always fun and give photographers a creative alternative to traditional walking and kissing shots (of course those are lovely too!). We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite veil pictures for some inspiration, but even if you’re not planning on wearing a veil, stick around and feast your eyes on these beauties!

Photo | Shay & Olive

Veil Type | Ballerina

Photo | George Street

Veil Type | Mantilla

Photo | Morgan Chidsey

Veil Type | Elbow

Photo | Christina Childress

Veil Type | Ballerina

Photo | A Sea of Love

Veil Type | Ballerina

Photo | Jennefer Wilson

Veil Type | Blusher

MOST LOVED | CHELSEA Q. WHITE

Happy Wednesday lovely people!! Today we're so excited to introduce you to Chelsea Q. White Photography, the newest member of the Celebrate Dallas' MOST LOVED vendor list!  Our friendor-ship developed from a shared connection on Instagram (isn't that how we all meet these days?) and after countless happy hour dates and dinners we finally collaborated for the first time last fall. Our autumnal bohemian photo shoot will be featured later this month on The Perfect Palette!

Chelsea's eye for design and composition is necessary for any couple who wants the perfectly captured wedding day. Her sweet smile and genuine personality are just a bonus! Read along to get to know her a little better! 

1. What are five words (or a 5 word sentence) that would describe you and/or your company the best?
Personal | Joyful | Genuine | Timeless | Real

2. How’d you get into photography? Was it always weddings?
I definitely share a similar beginning to a lot of photographers! I was always the one with a camera in my hand growing up. I learned photography on a film SLR camera in high school and developed my own film and prints in the darkroom. In my professional life, I started doing documentary and photojournalistic photography before I branched into weddings almost three years ago.

3. You shoot film + digital, right? How do they compare in your opinion?
Yes! And they don’t compare - ha! Film has a timeless, romantic quality that is so difficult to achieve with digital. There is a reason so many digital photographers try to emulate the look of film -- it’s just magical! Digital does have it’s place and it helps me in tricky lighting situations like dark churches and receptions. There are ways to get your digital to look like film and I’m always up for a challenge.

4. What’s your advice for the couple whose number one priority is having a fun wedding?
Hire vendors you trust and communicate with them A LOT before your wedding. If you take the time to insure everyone is on board with your vision and your priorities, you can rest easy on your wedding day and know your team is going to pull it off for you. But if they don’t know what’s important to you or don’t know what you want, you’re more likely to be stressed on your big day. Don’t feel like you’re asking too much or being naggy -- I’d rather over communicate with a bride than under communicate! Also, schedule way more time than you need in the pre-ceremony portion of your timeline.

5. How would you describe your wedding photography style or portfolio?
I’d say I fall into the fine art category of wedding photography. Fine art photography is often misunderstood but basically it means your photography and/or planner are going to be involved in styling details of your day, making sure everything looks cohesive, and that you are in beautiful environments where natural moments can unfold. It means we’re checking to make sure your hair is perfect and the photos of your grandmother’s broach are styled like a magazine. That’s not to say we don’t capture candid moments or let the day unfold organically but we do make sure all your images are clean, without clutter in the background, and timeless. I highly recommend fine art photographers for brides who love fashion, art, design, and culture. 

6. What's your favorite local [Dallas] hangout?
Oh gosh, there are so many! I love tacos and Topo Chico from Velvet Taco; a healthy pour of red wine and a charcuterie board at Times Ten Cellars. For craft beers and burgers, Liberty Burger is my jam. And you can’t beat the skyline view at HG Sply Co.

MORE INFO + INQUIRES
Chelsea Q. White Photography
Email | chelseaqwhite@gmail.com
Instagram | @chelseaqwhite
All photos by Chelsea Q. White Photography

Tips | Choose a Wedding Photographer

Photography captures life's most unforgettable moments and allows us to relive all of the little snapshots in time that make up our entire lives! With that being said, choosing your wedding photographer is a big decision that requires ample time, thought and research. In compiling your wedding vendor list, it is imperative that you and your fiancée ask yourselves a few key questions to narrow down what is most important to you both when it comes to your photographer. Whether photography is an area in which you are willing to splurge a little or if it is an area of your spending that you really want to keep tight, find some time to delve deep into your research and keep these three super important factors in mind when choosing your wedding photographer: Style, Personality, and Pricing.

Photo | A Sea of Love behind-the-scenes at our Paul Bunyan inspired shoot

Style: Let's start with style, of course! The first question to ask yourself when compiling your list of possible photographers is: What kind of style do I want my wedding photos to reflect? Light and natural, romantic and moody, artsy and playful? Once you narrow down your preferred style, you can really begin to pinpoint photographers whose work embodies the style that you would like for your photos. Seasoned photographers will be able to capture many different moods and moments all in one wedding; however, you will notice that through their lens and editing, each photographer creates a style of their own that is very apparent and signature throughout the collection of their work. Choose one who you feel will capture the true essence of you and your fiancé and be able to tell your love story in a way that speaks to your beginning, present, and future as a couple.

Personality: And by this we mean, mesh with your photographer as well as you mesh with your best friend! We have seen so many of our clients become long time friends and supporters of their wedding photographer and it comes as no surprise seeing as the photographer is the vendor whom captures the essence of the couple. Once you have narrowed your possible photographer list down to serious candidates only, contact them to see if and when they can meet with you to discuss all of the details. Most photographers like to schedule in-person meetings and during that time you will be able to determine not only if their style and pricing/packaging are right for you, but if your personalities are a good fit for each other. After all, your photographer will be with you from beginning to end on your actual wedding day and you want to be sure that you enjoy their company. As a side note, one of the best tools to virtually meet your photographer is through their social media accounts! Browse through their websites and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see all of their ongoing work and be able to pick up on their personality and style. This may seem like a no-brainier tip in today's world; however, social media connection can oftentimes allow you to narrow down your list to maybe even just one or two possible candidates because the constant outflow of content will allow you to know everything about a photographer before ever meeting with them in person. Plus, who doesn't love to browse through gorgeous wedding photos!

Pricing: Now as we stated before, it is important to decide where you can splurge a little and where you want to save. Some couples are not as enthusiastic about photography as others and may want to focus their attention on another aspect of the wedding. Whereas some couples may be willing to forgo or condense one thing so that they can hire the photographer of their dreams! Researching photography pricing in your local area or niche photography style is your best starting point. Whereas the national average for wedding photography nowadays is $2,814, it is important to consider your location, wedding date and wish-list. That being said, do as much research as possible online or via email before requesting to meet with your photographer in person. Once you schedule an in-person meeting, you are really beyond the big picture and now focusing on the little details of their pricing/packaging and the actual contract. Pricing and packages will include the time spent photographing on the actual wedding day in addition to things such as: a certain number of edited images, hard copy prints, online album access such as a Dropbox link, and so forth. Be sure to discuss all of these details with your wedding photographer and ask any questions that you may have via email or during your in-person meeting.

We hope this post provided some insight into choosing your wedding photographer! Keeping style, personality, and pricing in mind is imperative and can be helpful when choosing any and all of your wedding vendors, not just your photographer. You will undoubtedly spend lots of time researching, planning and preparing everything for your wedding and that is why Celebrate Colorfully is here to assist you in all of your wedding planning needs! Browse through our services and contact us today to begin planning the wedding of your lifetime! We wish you all a wonderful week filled with lots and lots of love and laughter...and until next time, CELEBRATE!

MOST LOVED | A SEA OF LOVE

Capturing beautifully curated images of your wedding that tell a story of love and laughter is always the goal of Morgan Chidsey at A Sea of Love. With her undeniable passion for photography and her exquisite attention to detail, Morgan couples her love of fashion with her adoration of love itself to bring you a collection of images that prove to be breathtaking time and time again. Celebrate Colorfully has worked with A Sea of Love on both styled shoots and weddings and we continue to obsess over their work! We recently had the chance to sneak a moment with Morgan to bring you behind-the-scenes scoop on the lovely lady behind the camera!

What are five words to describe your business and/or style?

Truthful, Romantic, Moody, Emotional, Bliss

How did you get into the industry?

I decided in 2010 to leave business school and on a whim chose to go to Books Institute for advertising photography, the best decision I have ever made! After graduating, I still wanted a full-time job in the industry, but after 1 year as a photographer for an e-commerce website, I quickly realized being freelance was the path I needed to be on in order to be more fulfilled. I have now owned my own company for a little over 2 years, and I am so fortunate that I am able to capture my two favorite things, fashion + love!  
 

What would be your dream destination assignment? 

Shooting a look-book or editorial for a major brand whose aesthetic is naturally my own as well. We would be shooting at a sick on-location spot, one with amazing textures and vantage points; along-side a dream team that flows beautifully with the most incredible muse, probably pale, freckled, and fearless..in Ireland. 

What gives you ideas and inspiration to create such beautiful images and stories? 

With the love stories, it is the lovers themselves.  I really try and feed off the couple's vibe and try to capture their love.  I think it is so so special for a couple to be able to see just how truly beautiful and inspiring their love is... the looks, the smiles, and hugs, and all of the kisses! All the feels!

What is one of your proudest moments thus far for yourself and/or A Sea of Love as a whole?

My proudest moment for A Sea of Love is not just a single achievement. I honestly feel the most proud in this very moment.  I am so lucky to now work and capture along side my love, Blake, and with this dynamic things are falling into place in a way I never even imagined.  We are connecting with more and more couples whose style and aesthetic effortlessly fit our own and we are able to travel around the country to celebrate and capture love.  I feel like I need to be pinched all the time and I just hope this continues on.  

What is a goal that you have yet to achieve? Along the same lines, where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

I have yet to document an elopement! As I am a girl who does not want a wedding herself and just wants to be married to the love of my life. I would love love to be apart of another couple's intimate day.. just the two of them, surrounded by naturing, sharing their vows, their love.. ah! <3  In five years I envision us back in California where my photography dreams all began, just continuing on with all we have now and being joyous!

Favorite guilty pleasure? 

I watch some pretty silly shows...Keeping up with the Kardashians, Dance Moms, WAGS... I know..The Bachelor and The Bachelorette...mindless stuff at the bottom of the screen while I am editing is just needed! 

From moody look-books to organically romantic engagement sessions, Morgan has the talent, knowledge and eye to capture it all. Take a moment to browse through just some of our recent collaborations with A Sea of Love; Taylor + Collin, Paul Bunyon Inspired Shoot, and Bethany + Matt. Follow their stunning Instagram page to keep up with their new work! We know that you will absolutely fall in love one of our most loved photographers!

P.S. This lovely #girlboss has just opened her own Dallas studio in partnership with Alli K Design and we could not be more proud of them! Check out @thecuratedcoop for more info!

All photos from A Sea of Love