INSPIRED BY | OUR FAVORITE FIRST LOOK MOMENTS

Last week we talked about first looks, but now we want to brag a little on our absolutely GORGEOUS couple’s first look moments as well our photographer friends’ amazing work. Just in case you missed the other post, a first look is:

“...a newer wedding practice (think the last five years). It’s all about documenting the couple’s first wedding moments before the craziness of their wedding day set in. Typically, the groom is positioned with his back away from the bride while she walks toward him. She’ll tap him on the shoulder or undo his blindfold, and he’ll turn to see her. That’s when the happy tears begin (ours and the couples). They get to see each other for the first time and have an intimate moment to talk and focus on each other.”

Now that we’re all on the same page. Let’s dig in!

Photo | Twos Company Photography

Photo | Sarah Slover Photography

Photo | Christina Childress

Photo | Chelsea Kaye Photography

Photo | Christina Childress

Photo | Payge Stevens Photography

Photo | Outland Weddings

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

Photo | Jillian Zamora Photography

Photo | Outland Weddings

Photo | Amy Karp Photography

Photo | Mountaintop Films

Photo | Payge Stevens Photography

Did you do a First Look?

TIPS | FIRST LOOK

Questions about First Looks is one of the most frequent questions we get from new couples. Should we do a first look? Or would it ruin the magic? The answer is ultimately up to you. There are pluses and minuses on both sides and alternatives to consider if you're on the fence. Let's jump into First Looks!

What is a First Look?

A first look is a newer wedding practice (think the last five years). It's all about documenting the couple's first wedding moments before the craziness of their wedding day sets in. Typically, the groom is positioned with his back away from the bride while she walks toward him. She'll tap him on the shoulder or undo his blindfold, and he'll turn to see her. That's when the happy tears begin (ours and the couples). They get to see each other for the first time and have an intimate moment to talk and focus on each other.

Photo | Cara Elizabeth Photo

Pros + Cons

Photo | Lindsay Davenport Photography

Pros

Pictures before the ceremony will mean more time eating and schmoozing during your cocktail and reception time.

A quiet moment pre-wedding to be together.

Capturing a beautiful and intimate moment between just the couple.

Photo | Adria Lea

Cons

You may miss the sweet walking down the aisle shock and awe.

Chancing bad luck.

A first look may make your timeline wonky (you getting up earlier = no fun).

Alternatives

Waiting Until You Come Down The Aisle

Photo | Sarah Slover

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

First Touch

Photo | Ashley Rhian Photography

How do you feel about First Looks?

TIPS | BOUDOIR DOS AND DONTS

Weddings are filled with pre-event photo ops but boudoir photos are perhaps some of our favorites. They're not for everyone but if you are thinking of getting frisky, we highly recommend!

Boudoir photos are traditionally sexy pictures brides have taken as a gift for their new spouse. Even more than that it's an opportunity to feel your most confident. Boudoir pictures are what you make of them. They can be dark, moody, and nearly nude or bright and romantic while featuring lacy robes and lingerie.

After the planning and posing comes the best part, handing them over. There are a million different ways to gift your favorite shots. Some brides create a photo album of the pictures, while others pick a few of their favorites and have them framed for their home (definitely one hell of a conversation starter). Whatever your choice, your honey is sure to be thrilled.

Below are a few of our Boudoir Dos and Don'ts!

Don't experiment on the day of the shoot.

I understand being tempted to try something new but hit pause on that if you can help it. Boudoir pictures should be showing off your most confident self, but it's hard to feel that way if you're unsure of your new look. Our tip: Make any significant changes at least 3-4 weeks before the shoot day.

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Do find an experienced photographer you trust and vibe with.

For such an intimate shoot, it's important that you hire a photographer that you like and makes you feel comfortable. Consider meeting before you book to grab a coffee and get a feel for their personality. It's also essential that you choose a photographer you know has boudoir experience. A great lifestyle or wedding photographer doesn't always equal a great boudoir photographer.

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Do make a playlist!

Making an “I’m Feelin’ Myself“ playlist should be the first step on your pre-shoot prep list. It’ll help you get into the groove and feel more comfortable and confident. Who can feel self-conscious jamming to Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa? Here are a few pre-made playlist suggestions: Feelin' Myself, Pumped Pop, Hot Country

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Do ask questions and communicate your needs.

Your photographer is great what they do, but they aren’t mind readers. Only you know your vision and boundaries, so speak up!

Photo | Adria Lea

Don’t feel like you have to be someone you’re not.

Boudoir photos are an opportunity to show off your sexiest self. Emphasis on SELF. You don’t need to start some new crash diet or tweeze, pull, and suck your self into oblivion. The camera will catch all the discomfort. So as hard as it may feel, be your own hottie thottie self!

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Do make a special shopping trip.

Treat yourself! This shoot is as good of a time as any to go out find something that makes you feel hot. You don’t have to spend lavishly, but take some time and think about what looks make you feel and look your best.

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Do have an idea of what you want.

Create a Pinterest or mood board for some boudoir inspiration! There are tons of different boudoir styles and it’s essential to find the perfect one for you. Are you going ultra sexy and nearly nude, or is your vibe more sweet and playful?

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Do have fun!

Let loose and have fun. Boudoir pictures are something your partner will never forget, and your shoot should be the same. Let yourself live in the moment and soak up all that fun and fierce energy. You deserve it!

What do you think? Are Boudoir pictures on your wedding to do list?

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 | SHAY & OLIVE

Happy Wednesday babes!! We're so frickin' excited to introduce you to one of our MOST LOVED photography teams and long time friends, Shay & Olive!! Today we're talking to Hilary, one of the three creative minds behind this Dallas based company!

We met Hillary over 2 years ago at Common Desk back when Celebrate Dallas was just starting out in the wedding world.  She was one of our very first friendors, even photographing our first ever styled shoot in Bishop Arts. Both of our companies have come along way since we first met, adding team members, changing names, and even opening our own studios. We've got a serious love affair with the Shay & Olive team and we know you will too soon :D 

What are five words (or a 5 word sentence) that would describe yourselves and/or your company the best?
Joyful, Collaborative, Philanthropic, Creative, Spontaneous.

How did Shay and Olive start? Who are Shay and Olive?
I studied Fine Art at SMU and during my senior year I started doing wedding and portrait photography. I continued building the business after I graduated and by 2015 I was starting to get overwhelmed-- Working alone was exhausting and lonely! Erica was living in Madrid and Xavier and I took a trip to visit her shortly before she moved back to Dallas. During our visit Erica and I decided that when she moved back to Dallas we would team up!  Xavier had been doing a lot of behind the scenes work from the beginning but in 2016 he joined S&O full time and we became a trio!

When I started the company it was called Hilary Grace Photography-- I was the sole photographer and never imagined growing a team! Once Erica joined we decided to name the company after our dogs. Shay (short for Seamus) is Xavier's and my mutt. Olive is Erica's Old English Sheepdog. 

How would you describe your wedding photography styles?
Our style is photojournalistic. We gravitate towards vibrant color and we look to capture authentic emotion.

What are your favorite local hangouts?
Anywhere on Lower Greenville! 

Besides wedding photography, tell us about a few of your other creative endeavors.
Xavier loves to host! He runs our community natural light studio called The Lumen Room. The Lumen Room is a bright, white, naturally lit loft that serves as a blank slate for the visions of other photographers, videographers, stylists, etc. We are constantly inspired by what others create in the space!

Erica travels and takes gorgeous photographs of architecture and landscapes. She sells her prints at local markets and on her Etsy shop.

I have a soft spot for animals! I photograph dogs and all of their goofy quirks at Grace and Goose Dog Photography Studio.

CONTACT | SHAY & OLIVE 
INSTAGRAM | @shayandolive

PHOTOS | SHAY & OLIVE